Tales From the Road: Ashley Nixon & Shearwater

For our client Ashley Nixon, curiosity isn't just a trait - it's the fuel driving his exploration, learning, and sharing of the world's stories.

It all began with childhood walks through the English countryside with his uncle, where Ashley first discovered a love for nature. That spark eventually grew into a degree in biology, a PhD in ecology, and a globe-spanning career, tackling sustainability challenges in some of the world's most striking and complex environments.

From the lush Amazon rainforest of Peru to the bustling Niger Delta in Nigeria, and even the icy expanse of the Canadian Arctic, Ashley's work in environmental consulting has taken him to over 30 countries. His camera has always been a trusted companion, capturing the intricate relationships between culture and nature. "I've always had a passion for the natural world, but also for the people in that world," he shares, describing how his work celebrates the delicate balance between the two.

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A Career Highlight

With a life so deeply rooted in storytelling, it's no surprise that Ashley has taken on some remarkable projects. But one in particular stands out - a film and photography venture about the Huaconada, a Peruvian dance performed annually for over 500 years in a small Andean town. This mesmerizing tradition sees performers donning hand-carved masks and elaborate cloaks as they parade around the town plaza for three days.

In 2018, Ashley and his small film crew, including his daughter, immersed themselves in the community, capturing the true spirit of the event. The project culminated in a book and long-form documentary, which was later broadcast on Peruvian television. "It's that sense of being in a place, being with people, and interfacing with them - trying to conceive a story that represents their culture," Ashley explains. He shares his own reflections in his blog post, The Mask and More: the Huaconada of Mito.

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Shearwater Takes the Stage

Ashley has traveled far and wide, capturing stories from every corner of the world. But sometimes, the best stories are the ones waiting right in your backyard. Ready to adventure closer to home, Ashley first reached out to us in 2023, though his adventure van dream had been simmering for years. He even tried his hand at converting an old Volkswagen bus once - but that project never made it past the driveway (we've all been there). When the time came to make the dream a reality, Ashley did his homework and landed on Yama Vans for his Sprinter van conversion.

For Ashley, Shearwater is more than a way to get from point A to point B - it's a gateway to traveling on his own terms.

"With the van, it means that you can stay overnight in a place without the bother and expense of a hotel. With a hotel, you're in a set place, and you've got to plan ahead and fix it into your agenda... Being in a van, you can say 'Okay, I'm going to do this today, I'm going to go there next week. I'm going to try this place out.' And if I don't like it, I'll go somewhere else."

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Shearwater has become an integral part of Ashley's creative process. Its compact yet functional design includes everything he needs to live and work on the road, including an accessible rooftop platform that gives him a chance to capture his subjects from a whole new perspective.

"What I found is it's got me to places at other times of the day. As a photographer, the best time you want to be in a place is either early morning or later in the afternoon because of the light. Being able to wake up right there, go out early, walk around a lake, or head up a mountain and take pictures has been fantastic."

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Traveling With a Lighter Footprint

While Shearwater has opened up a world of possibilities, Ashley is the first to admit that the environmental trade-offs weigh on him. "It troubles my mind a little bit," he reflects, grappling with the reality of relying on a diesel-powered vehicle. He's got his eye on electrified options but knows the industry isn't there yet: "The reality is that they're just not getting going at the pace they should be... Electric Sprinters are few and far between." We're following the E-Sprinter's development closely and once the technology catches up - with better range, a stronger charging network, and the ability to handle the demands of adventure van travel - we'll be ready to build electric vans that keep our clients - and the planet - rolling forward.

To align with his commitment to sustainable travel, Ashley put careful thought into his adventure van conversion. Since he'd be swapping flights for road trips, he wanted Shearwater to be as efficient and sustainable as possible. He prioritized a lightweight built, avoided unnecessary gear and appliances, and appreciated that solar panels come standard on every Yama Van. "I try to minimize the load and be conscious about everything the vehicle carries," he explains. On the road, he maximizes his fuel efficiency with careful route planning and a light foot on the pedal.

Beyond the van, Ashley's lifestyle speaks to his eco-conscious values. He drives a hybrid for daily use, lives close to work, and rarely flies anymore. For Ashley, Shearwater serves as a tool for telling stories that matter. From documenting glaciers and moraines in the Rockies to photographing ospreys along the Elbow River, his work often underscores the urgent need to protect the natural world. "It's not just about beautiful birds or landscapes - it's about telling the bigger story."

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Adventures Taken, Lessons Learned

Ashley wasted no time putting Shearwater to work after taking delivery in September 2023. Determined to put his new van to the test, he and his Airdale Terrier, Aspen committed to one camping trip a month - even through Alberta's notoriously frosty winters. "I learned a lot about the electrical and heating systems during those cold months," he recalls, sharing a memorable -20°C trip to Kananaskis Country. The MVP? Shearwater's Rixen diesel heater, which kept both him and Aspen warm and toasty through the night.

As for his favourite adventure so far? A family campout at Kananaskis Lakes, where his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson - visiting all the way from Scotland - joined the adventure. “Shearwater fit into the equation so well, especially with how the van’s water system helps serve the vital cleaning and feeding needs of a young baby,” Ashley notes. The adventure van didn’t just add convenience - it helped make the trip seamless for the whole family.

True to his scientific roots, Ashley meticulously documents each of these trips in a logbook, capturing data like fuel efficiency and battery performance, alongside personal reflections and photographs. "It's part travel journal, part operational guide," says Ashley. "I like the idea that someone might look back on it one day and see the stories it holds."

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The Road Ahead

Ashley and Shearwater are just getting started. With Banff, Waterton, and a slew of other National Parks practically in his backyard, there's no shortage of local trips on the horizon. "It doesn't have to be huge distances," he explains. "That's what I found. It's not about these massive adventures. Now I've got plenty ideas - there's a whole bucket list of those to do... but there's so much in our backyard." 

Still, his bucket list beckons. After a family road trip to Vancouver this summer, Ashley is eager to head back to the Pacific Coast, and eventually make his way up to Alaska. And the adventure doesn't stop there. He's got ambitious plans to explore the remote beauty of the Northwest Territories and the desert landscapes of New Mexico, soaking in the vibrant culture and dramatic scenery along the way. "I think timing that road trip during the long Canadian winter would be a good idea!" Ashley quips, clearly ready to take on whatever the road has in store.

Ashley Nixon is a photographer, filmmaker, writer, and university teacher living in Calgary, AB. To follow his journey and see Shearwater in action, check out his blog or find him on Instagram @JAshleyNixon.

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