A glacial excursion in The Cascades
Humanity, crafted in nature.
A glacial excursion in The Cascades
Humanity, crafted in nature.
Important Vehicle Information.2
There is unique inspiration to be found in nature, often unlocked when we’re able to immerse ourselves more fully. The Mazda CX-50 was designed to do just that, at home on nearly any terrain.
In this episode, Celebrity Chef Melissa King and Photographer Kiliii Yuyan travel to Glacier Lake, where Kiliii draws inspiration from the alpine landscape and his Nanai heritage to demonstrate a craft he has been honing since childhood—handmade traditional kayaks.
Later, they fish from the kayaks for their dinner. And Melissa has the opportunity to further develop her own craft, creating a meal inspired by the majestic mountain setting.
For both Melissa and Kiliii, there is joy in the pursuit of purpose-driven craftsmanship. And Mazda shares this passion, deeply rooted in our heritage. The CX-50 is a result of this commitment to craft that elevates the human experience.
“I LOVE BEING OUTDOORS. I THINK THAT FOR ME, THAT'S A WAY THAT I FIND INSPIRATION AND A WAY THAT I CONNECT DEEPLY WITH WHAT'S AROUND ME.”
Melissa King
“I LOVE BEING OUTDOORS. I THINK THAT FOR ME, THAT'S A WAY THAT I FIND INSPIRATION AND A WAY THAT I CONNECT DEEPLY WITH WHAT'S AROUND ME.”
Melissa King
WATCH BEYOND THE EPISODE
See more of the story, with unaired footage of Melissa and Kiliii’s journey. See how the Mazda CX-50 inspired them both to further their craft on the snow-covered mountain.
A CRAFTED CONNECTION
Throughout their journey, from the towering mountains to the clear-blue waters, Melissa and Kiliii were witness to nature’s own master craftsmanship—an unforgettable landscape forged by years of glacial aggression and retreat. The interior of the Mazda CX-50 echoes this experience, with finely crafted materials born from the warmth and precision of human hands. Hands steeped in the rich history and tradition of Japanese mastery.
ONENESS, WITH THE ROAD AND WITH NATURE.
The handcrafted kayaks that Kiliii creates are tied in a way that allows them to flex with the rider, so you feel a greater connection to each movement, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the water. This philosophy is shared by Mazda’s engineers, whose sole focus is to create a sense of oneness between car and driver. The CX-50 with i-Activ AWD® effortlessly traverses a variety of terrains, in tune with your instincts and inputs, always.
The handcrafted kayaks that Kiliii creates are tied in a way that allows them to flex with the rider, so you feel a greater connection to each movement, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the water. This philosophy is shared by Mazda’s engineers, whose sole focus is to create a sense of oneness between car and driver. The CX-50 with i-Activ AWD® effortlessly traverses a variety of terrains, in tune with your instincts and inputs, always.
Craft, in the service of humanity.
Purpose-driven craftsmanship goes beyond creating something beautiful. The result of Kiliii’s efforts are kayaks that are elegantly useful in harsh climates. Likewise, Mazda crafted every detail of the CX-50 to be in service of those who drive it into nature. Like the wide doorsills, seamlessly integrated into the vehicle design to provide sure footing as you step up to load gear on the available roof rack.
Gallery
Important Vehicle Information.2
KILIII YUYAN
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER AND EXPLORER
Respectfully embedding himself among the people he photographs, Kiliii illuminates stories of indigenous communities with deep cultural connection to the natural world. An award-winning Nat Geo Photographer and Explorer, he is also a craftsman—building traditional kayaks by hand.
OTHER FEATURED STORIES
5Point Adventure Film Festival
Mazda is proud to be the sole automotive sponsor of the 5Point Adventure Film Festival. 3Discover the incredible creativity inspired by nature.
Touring our favorite mountains in the CX-50
For snow-sport enthusiasts, having a vehicle that’s capable in snow is everything. 4That’s why we’ve unveiled the first-ever Mazda CX-50 at some of our favorite winter resorts.
LIFE TIME GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY MAZDA
For the first time ever, Mazda is sponsoring one of professional cycling’s biggest and most exciting endurance race series.
The CX-50 360° Experience
Explore the CX-50 cabin, learn about key features and even go on kayak and gravel biking ride alongs with our 360° videos.