Rick Langrehr is an Explorer, Author, and Photographer. His global expeditions focus on lost treasures and historical mysteries. Follow "The Explorer's Journal" to join along on his adventures.
Field Notes on Life
Article 4: Using Adventure to Heal and Reset Purpose Introduction There are moments in life that crack us wide open, sudden losses, heartbreak, job collapse, or betrayal. These aren’t the moments we ask for. But they often become the turning points where everything changes, because they force us to
Field Notes on Life
Article 3: The Unmistakable Signs of Flow Introduction We often talk about “finding our path” as if purpose is something we stumble across one day. But what if the real clues are already woven into our lives, quiet moments where we feel completely in sync with who we are? This
Field Notes on Life
Article 2: False Starts and Goal-Adjacent Detours Introduction In the journey toward Ikigai, your reason for being, not every path is a straight shot toward purpose. Sometimes, you think you’ve found it, only to realize you’re orbiting the real thing without ever reaching it. This article explores the
Field Notes on Life
Article 1: Clues from Childhood Introduction This is the first in an eight-part series adapted from pages in my personal journals, travel memoirs, and reflections. It chronicles my own search for Ikigai, Japan’s concept for "a reason for being." These aren’t just stories from my life,
Compendium of Curious Destinations
There are certain memories that stick with you, not just for what they were, but for what they meant. Back in high school, many years ago, a classmate of mine, knowing how much I loved history (especially anything related to ancient Egypt), returned from a family trip to Las Vegas
Compendium of Curious Destinations
From time to time, I like to look back through my old travel journals, handwritten pages inked in the moment, before hindsight could clean things up. This entry comes from 2008: a journey to Cuba, written exactly as I experienced it. If you're looking for polished postcard perfection,
Compendium of Curious Destinations
Sometimes the best place to find perspective is in the past. I was recently flipping through one of my old travel journals and came across my account of a journey I took to Peru. It was a spontaneous trip planned with a good friend after a particularly difficult season in
Gear Guides
Every explorer eventually asks the same question: What do I need to take me further? When it comes to the machines we use to reach the unknown, few things represent the spirit of the adventurer better than the classic off-road vehicle. There are endless ways to outfit a 4x4, and
Field Notes on Life
During my teens and twenties, I worked as an on-screen performer. For a while, I got recognized for my role as an overzealous personal trainer in a Chupa Chups lollipop ad with an international run. My favourite project from that time was participating as the onscreen subject for a travel
Field Notes on Life
Every explorer is drawn to travel and the search for discoveries to satiate their own curiosity; this is certainly true. However, there is another side to that same coin. They have the desire to document and share their findings and experiences with others. Be it to educate, entertain, or inspire.
Field Notes on Life
There are certain life lessons I want to pass on to my daughter. Through my stories, both the literal ones and the ones written between the lines, I hope she gains some insight. And if you're reading this, these thoughts might offer a moment of reflection for you
Field Notes on Life
I have a few key supporters who really value what I have set out to accomplish. You know who you are, and I very much appreciate you. They tell me how they are impressed with my determination, self-understanding, and willingness to pursue my passions against the norm and established forces