All photos courtesy of @WhereYouSmoke

@WhereYouSmoke sprouted in a moment shared between a spliff and the great outdoors. Run by an anonymous artist who grew up in LA, the Instagram account and online platform celebrates cannabis lovers who like to light up alongside Mother Nature.

In our new-ish column, we’ve asked @WhereYouSmoke to share a few of his favorite Instagram uploads with MERRY JANE each week. On top of shouting out the photographers, he’ll be chatting with his fellow outdoor smokers about the backstory behind each snapshot, as well as what exactly makes cannabis and nature such a damn inspiring combo.

Before we get into this week's installment — which features some picturesque outdoor smoke sessions in California, Hawaii, and even Slovakia (!) — @WhereYouSmoke sent MERRY JANE the following meditation on a past smoking experience that's forever branded in his brain:

Once, me and a buddy rolled up about 110 joints for our three-day trek through Yellowstone. We hiked countless miles and whenever we took a break, we chugged some water and fired one off. Sauntering through geysers and smoking where the buffalo roam (literally) had to be one of our best moments of the trip. Laying on a grass field with nothing but a few buffalo nearby, some birds chirping, and open air as far as the eye can see — not much in the world like it. Finding that special moment of solace is rare, but when you’re in nature it seems to come much more frequently.

During that Yellowstone trip, we explored all across the lands and pitched a tent wherever the day took us, even though it was illegal. It is important to be environmentally aware anywhere you are, flaneur-in-the-wild style, and we ask all smokers to make sure you always "LEAVE NO TRACE…”

Now enjoy the air, the trees, the water, and smoke one up!

The following interviews have been edited for length and clarity.

@moneyfettish
23-Years-Old
Photo Taken in Honolulu, Hawaii

@WhereYouSmoke: Where was this photo taken?
@moneyfettish: The photo was taken last month in Honolulu's north shore at a beach called "mokes," believe it or not. 

I see you’ve got a blunt there. Do you prefer them to joints?
I prefer blunts to joints because blunts smoke better, they run less, and smoke longer.

Do you pre wrap your blunts before smoking outdoors, or do you set up a lil camp and twist it up once you’re at the smoking spot?
It depends where we are at. I usually pre-roll because of wind and other weather conditions. But if the weather is nice then I’m def down to roll up on the beach!

What inspired you to share your photo with @WhereYouSmoke?
I support #whereyousmoke because I feel like stoners shouldn't have to hide our lifestyle and this way it can be shown without the negative social stipulations.

Where’s the worst place you have ever smoked?
Ummm that’s a tough one hahaha. I would have to say this place called the Tantalus Tree House. Me and a friend smoked a fat backwood up there, and on the way out I walked right off the edge. Luckily, I caught myself with a rope, but I damn near fell 80 feet!

@javii_alvarez
22-Years-Old
Photo Montecito, California

@WhereYouSmoke: Where was this photo of you and the hammock taken?
@javii_alvarez: Butterfly Beach, Montecito — super cool spot.

What else did you do outside that day?
We biked from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara. Montecito lies in between so it's a super chill resting spot.

Do you have any favorite memories from smoking while outdoors?
My favorite time smoking outdoors was probably when I went to Big Sur and waited for sunrise to [consume] our camp site in light before lighting up. I love nature haha. My girlfriend and I usually try and go camping once a month, depending on work.

@bigknipps16
22-Years-Old
Photo taken in La Jolla, California

@WhereYouSmoke: Was this photo taken at your local smoking spot? How did you find the location?
@bigknipps16: It’s a special spot. I found it on a hike with my ex-girlfriend where we had to travel through a canyon and climb its walls to get up there.

Why do you choose to smoke outside? What about it do you like best?
I smoke outside because I love being surrounded by nature. Smoking brings me even closer. My favorite part is relaxing, enjoying the present, and just having a good time. 

@bartalosgergely
23-Years-Old
Photo Taken at the High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

@WhereYouSmoke: Where was this photo taken?
@bartolosgergely: The photo was taken at High Tatra Mountains in northern Slovakia.

What is the bud like in Slovakia in terms of quality and availability? Is there a big weed culture out there?
The community is growing up slowly, but the people are afraid of sharing their opinions [or openly talking about marijuana use] because in Slovakia almost everyone thinks that weed culture is the same as drug addict culture… So it’s hard to find good people.

Do you have any favorite places where you regularly smoke in Slovakia? 
My favorite place is right next to the river Danube, about 10 kilometers from my village.

I see you have a dog. Does he/she usually join you for your outdoor seshes?
I love my dog. I call her Rayne, and yes, she’s almost always with me when I’m going to connect with "nature” ;)

If you like to photograph your outdoor smoking adventures, check out the submission page at www.whereyousmoke.com. And follow @WhereYouSmoke on Instagram.