Let me take this opportunity to officially introduce myself to you. My name is Joseph Classen, and I am originally from St. Charles, Missouri. Located along the Missouri river, and nearby the mighty Mississippi, this historic town was founded in 1769 by Louis Blanchette, and was known as a launching pad for early explorers, traders, and immigrants who were heading west. St. Charles was a thriving trading community back in the day, it was the site of the famous Lewis and Clark Rendezvous, and it was also the familiar stomping grounds of individuals such as Daniel Boone. It was along those muddy rivers, immersed in that adventurous, pioneer spirit that my undying love of the outdoors was born. Throughout my entire life, from my earliest memories as a child, up until this very day, a passionate love of the natural world has possessed my soul. There has never been a time that my heart didn't begin to beat faster at the very thought of heading outdoors for an adventure of one kind or another, no matter how big or small. My infatuation with Mother Nature has produced an unquenchable thirst which has taken me to some of the wildest, most unforgiving, and remote locations in the United States and Canada. In fact, that "call of the wild” certainly played a part in bringing me to the place I currently call home: Kodiak Island, Alaska, one of the most beautiful and rugged places in the world. Over the last decade or so, I've shared my experiences and love of nature through various forms of media. I've written numerous books and articles on a variety of nature related topics, I was the host of an outdoors themed radio show for several years, I've been a member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, and I also work as an Alaskan photography, fishing, and wilderness guide. Please visit my website Wild Revelation for more information. (www.wildrevelation.com) My photography work has won awards, been published in numerous magazines, featured by conservation organizations and travel bureaus, and it continues to gain worldwide exposure.