Meet The Fam...

Hal Rydberg

I’m Hal—a Wilderness Advanced EMT, K9 Medic, and adventurer with a knack for saying “yes” to the unknown. From Air Force training to EMS in Las Vegas and now the backcountry of Washington, I split my time between saving lives, overlanding trails, and training our pack of dogs—all with a dash of humor and a love for the wild.

Violet Lehew

Violet is a seasoned emergency medicine professional with a passion for both patient care and outdoor adventure. From long shifts in the ER to exploring backcountry trails, she brings compassion, grit, and a love for working dogs to everything she does—always with a calm head and a heart for the wild.

Ghost Lord of Winterfel.

Ghost is our four-legged trail scout and professional mischief-maker—46% North American Coyote, or at least that’s what his DNA (and attitude) says. Equal parts working dog and family clown, he’s just as happy charging through snow on training days as he is stealing socks at home. Smart, loyal, and wildly independent, Ghost keeps our adventures lively and our hearts full.

Doobie (The Sub Commander)

Doobie is the old soul of the pack—steady, wise, and convinced he’s management, not staff. Whether he’s supervising camp setup from the shade or trotting along on the trail, Doobie brings calm to the chaos. Loyal to the core and with a knack for finding the best napping spots, he’s proof that adventure doesn’t always mean running full speed.

Tako (Major Asshole)

Tako is the pack’s comic relief—equal parts athlete and goofball. He tackles trails with the enthusiasm of a rookie and the heart of a pro, always ready for the next adventure or an ill-timed belly rub request. Smart, eager, and occasionally too brave for his own good, Tako keeps us laughing while keeping pace every step of the way.

I.V. NaCL (Ivy Nacole)

Ivy is the wild heart of the pack—fearless on the trail, stubborn at home, and always the first to find trouble worth chasing. She’s sharp, spirited, and endlessly curious, turning every hike into her own personal expedition. Whether leading the charge or stealing the last snack, Ivy keeps life unpredictable in the best way.

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"“I come for the adventures, but honestly? The pack steals the show every time. Reading about their trail antics and home-life chaos is the highlight of my week.”"

Kason Espinosa

“Conversational Vagary feels like swapping stories around a campfire with medics, adventurers, and a pack of dogs who keep stealing the spotlight. I never know if I’m going to laugh, learn, or plan my next trip—and that’s why I love it.”

Axel Farrow

“As a veteran and former first responder, finding a place that talks honestly about mental health hits home. Their stories remind me I’m not alone—and that healing can happen on the trail, around a fire, or with a good dog at your side.”

Angela Charlton

At Outdoor Vagary, Conversational Vagary, and Medicinal Vagary, our mission is simple: to share the real stories of adventure, medicine, and mental health with honesty, grit, and a touch of humor. We aim to inspire exploration, support the wellbeing of veterans and first responders, and celebrate the bond between people, dogs, and the wild places that keep us grounded.