The dirtbag's guide to TV stardom

Kitt Turner & Jenna Balsai are amazing.

We already knew that, but Weather Channel just made it official. Since my last #vanlife post about them, they have gone on to become TV stars.

Ok, ok, maybe they're not hosting their own show. Yet. But the Weather Channel will be featuring a segment devoted to the climbing couple and their canyoneering adventures on the premiere of their "That's Amazing" TV show this Sunday, Dec 4th, 9pm ET. We happened to be in Canada while they were filming, so we got to join in the adventure:

Kitt is the king of selfies in Oahu. If you don't believe me, you'll have to watch the episode to see for yourself. 

But because I did promise in the title that this would be a guide to stardom, I give you:

The dirtbag's steps to stardom:

Note: For the concerned or offended, as defined by Patagonia, "dirtbag" is an affectionate term used to describe devoted adventurers. Or in their exact words, the kind of person who might organize a game of hacky sack in the middle of an El Capitan ascent. 

Step One: Do awesome stuff
Like put up a lot of first canyon descents on your island. Or is it down? Put down?

Step two: Take the plunge
Move into a van on the mainland with your adventure-level-approved girlfriend and spend a year climbing, driving, and taking the inevitable breaks to fix your van.

Step three: Get discovered
Storytelling production crew discovers an article about you canyoneering in Hawaii.

Step three (b): Producers also find a #vanlife blog post and read about your adventure quest. *Cough cough* That's right, folks, if you let me write a story about you....... you might not get famous. But somebody might read it and make you famous. You just never know...

This guy carried that microphone over about 65 slippery-stone river crossings.

Step Four: Get filmed
Producers send a production crew out to follow you while you explore a canyon in Canada. Bonus points if several of your Hawaii friends happen to all be in Canada at the same time and can join for the adventure.

The Hawaii canyoneering crew in Canada

Step Five: Get famous?
While it has yet to be determined how far Kitt & Jenna's TV stardom will propel them, I'm happy to report my peppy bright red rain jacket has already been receiving casting calls since its epic three-second appearance in the feature.

Disclaimer: Guide not intended to guarantee actual TV representation. Results may vary. Please consult your local selfie coach before beginning a new TV stardom quest. 

Beauty in the storm

Of all the islands I have visited, Kauai has some of the most unpredictable fluctuations in weather. She also happens to hold a record for the most rainfall in one hour.

When Kauai is in a good mood, she's bright, colorful, and cheerful.

Waimea Canyon on a sunny day

On Kauai, 100% can mean half a day of rain, and 60% can mean rain all day. But if there's one thing I've learned from living in Hawaii, it's that the show doesn't end when it starts raining. There is a special, unique kind of beauty in the storm. 

Waimea canyon last Saturday in the storm.

Sure, there's something to be said for those bright, sunny moments. But if you pack your bags and head home the minute it starts raining, you might miss out on some of the most beautiful, tempestuous moments Hawaii has to offer.

The moonlit waves and cool saltwater breeze just before the storm begins.

The delicate strands of the spider's web shaking in the wind.

The gurgling streams picking up momentum as the rain brings more water.

The intricate features of trees uprooted by the storms.

And the ethereal, pastel colors of a sunset enshrouded in fog.

Sure, everyone thinks of sunshine and blue skies when they think of Hawaii. But I think there's a unique beauty in the storms, don't you?