Geo-Meraki
Global Travel Stories
Experiences & Expressions
geo-
a combining form meaning “the earth” (geography); “earth, ground.”
meraki-
(pronunciation: merak-kee) is a greek adjective that describes doing something with soul, creativity, love and passion.
Guided by boundless curiosity as his compass and a documentary-style lens, Dakota delves into the heart of places and projects with a traveler’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s creative soul. Weaving together interviews, soundscapes, and reflective cinematic moments, Dakota’s work transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Whether capturing the radical beauty of the mundane or blending the edges of fiction and reality, these playful yet contemplative journeys invite audiences to explore the depths of wonder and imagination, revealing the awe inherent in every moment.
Hike for Hope began as a spark of inspiration over coffee in a Cambridge, Massachusetts, café, co-founded by Mike Smith. The project drew inspiration from Nimble Will Nomad, who at 83 years old became the oldest known person to hike the Appalachian Trail—a testament to resilience and adventure.
From its inception, Hike for Hope garnered support from notable figures such as international best-selling authors Jon Krakauer (Into the Wild) and Bill Bryson (A Walk in the Woods), as well as The Tom and Rita Hanks Foundation. The initiative also saw contributions from numerous corporate sponsors, volunteers, and supporters united by a shared vision.
Hike for Hope
In 2001, six intrepid hikers—Kim Jackson, Ray Ford, Jeff Smith (now Jess Smith), John Gillette, and others—embarked on an extraordinary 10-month journey spanning from Florida to Canada. Their mission: to raise funds and awareness for the global nonprofit Oxfam America.
The journey received widespread national attention, earning features in Backpacker Magazine, National Geographic Online, The Boston Globe, and more.
Along the way, Dakota documented the trek, capturing stories that have since become the cornerstone of a forthcoming book. These narratives will also shape future workshops and media projects exploring themes of spirit of place, creativity, nature, culture, and human connection.
Hike for Hope embodies the spirit of Margaret Mead's timeless words: "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." and reflects the transformative power of nature, the richness of culture, and the enduring strength of community, all driven by a shared commitment to creating a better world.
“CINDY HILL”-Mini-Doc Sample
One man’s short story of losing two people tragically in the same place that shared identical names .
Latitude:44.808147
Longitude:-68.795013.
Maine, USA
Geo-Meraki
Global Travel Stories
Experiences & Expressions
These travel creations intend to be more than journeys; they’re invitations beyond the ordinary. They wish to transform the mundane into the magical, and the radical into the mundane by igniting wonder and calling forth the innate desire to explore, create, and connect.
Through curiosity and creativity, they reveal the radical beauty of the everyday, hopefully inspiring us all to see the world in new and profound ways.
geo-
a combining form meaning “the earth” (geography); “earth, ground.”
meraki-
(pronunciation: merak-kee) is a greek adjective that describes doing something with soul, creativity, love and passion.
Curious Lightning
Place and creativity possess a quiet alchemy, transforming beyond their origins into something profound.
From the vibrant pulse of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile during the Fringe Festival—where a single kiss crystallizes the fleeting magic of human connection—to Sandy Island, where over 5,500 photographs weave a tapestry of everyday beauty, holding a summer timelessly in the present, these stories invite us to rediscover the art of wonder.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Latitude: 55.950558
Longitude: -3.185556
Tuftonboro, NH, USA
Latitude: 43.62056
Longitude: -71.33194
Reimagine the enduring spirit of Nantucket and honor the stories of native peoples and iconic figures who shaped its legacy.
Nantucket, MA
Latitude: 41.287621
Longitude: -70.122490
Journey to places like Nelson, BC and Twisp, WA exploring a deep realtionship to the land and their craft from expert coffee roasters, or go beyond the headlines in historic wildfires in The Methow ValleyTwisp with insights from world-renowned firefighters, for the podcast Curious Lightning, travel and geography transform into a passionate alchemy of imagination and rediscovery.
Nelson, BC, Canada
Latitude: 49.500000
Longitude: -117.283333
Methow Valley, WA, USA
Latitude: 48.2065323
Longitude: -120.1267462
Uncover hidden narratives on the streets of Florence and Rome. Discover stories whispered through ancient stones and brought to life by those who breathe energy into the cityscapes.
Florence, Italy
Latitude: 43.769562
Longitude: 11.255814
Follow the romance of mopeds and the playful charm of selfies in Rome, or lose yourself in the vibrant street art of Florence. Each corner invites us to explore a world where the past and present dance together in a timeless embrace.
Rome, Italy
Latitude: 41.902782
Longitude: 12.496366
Each corner invites us to explore a world where the past and present dance together in a timeless embrace.