Arkansas’ nickname is “The Natural State” because it offers so much to the nature lover. And I have to say that Hot Springs is the best outdoor town in Arkansas. Hot Springs really does have it all. I might be a little partial because it… Read More »Why I think Hot Springs is the best outdoor town in Arkansas
It’s 5:30 on a Thursday and I’m chomping at the bit to get out of town. Only one more hour until I’m off work. I’ve got an 18-hour drive ahead of me to get to Colorado. It’s a little too long to drive in one… Read More »Almost a dirtbag
Have you ever had one of those trips where nothing seems to go according to plan? My recent trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire was one of those trips. We were supposed to hike the north part of the Presidential Traverse, but didn’t… Read More »My failed Presidential Traverse trip
I’ve always believed you should walk (or hike, ha!) to the end of your comfort zone, assess the situation, and then cross over to outside your comfort zone. This cannot happen if you don’t try new things in life. If you are afraid of new… Read More »Why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone in
One thing I love about hiking is the community that surrounds the activity. Hikers are some of the nicest people I know. I love hiking in other parts of the country and visiting with people from different areas. There are some people I have met… Read More »Cheers to the people I’ve met on the trail
I have always heard Shenandoah National Park is more beautiful than words can describe. And it really is, but I’m going to try my hardest to tell you how beautiful it is in this blog post. I have also included many pictures to help show… Read More »Shenandoah National Park
If you are dating an outdoorsy guy you know the struggle he can put a girl through – even if you’re an outdoorsy girl yourself. My ex-boyfriend lived and breathed the outdoors. It was one of the main attractions I had for him. However I… Read More »A Survival Guide for Dating an Outdoorsy Guy
There are many trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park; most are relatively short and easy. However even though the summit trails are short they are not “easy.” Pinnacle Mountain State Park is located a little west of Little Rock along the Arkansas River. It rises… Read More »Climbing to the top of Pinnacle Mountain
I have been told to be safe so many times I can’t count. When reader Shawn Michaels of The Smart Lad blog reach out to me with a suggested post on hiking safety tips, I was thrilled. Read below for some valuable lessons to keep… Read More »Top 7 Survival Tips for Hikers
We go into nature to find peace, solitude, and happiness. Nature provides so much for us and improves our mental health. It can also provide for our bodies physically. When we go into nature we are usually exercising, which helps us live longer, fuller lives.… Read More »Foraging – Using nature to nourish
There are few items you don’t want to go cheap on when choosing backpacking gear. A good pack is one of those items. First thing I will say is that a pack is something you need to be fitted for. You need to try it… Read More »Gregory Deva 70 gear review
We all have things that we indulge in while hiking. Things that we probably should not be packing or eating. One thing I love about hiking is you burn a ton of calories, and for that I justify my trail vices. I savor Peanut M&Ms… Read More »Trail Vices – what’s your indulgence?
If you try to do anything, you are going to be met with negativity. Whether your loved one are only trying look out for you and warn you of potential dangers or someone is jealous and wants you to fail so they feel better about… Read More »Embrace the haters to make success taste sweeter
As a single woman, I have had many dates in the wilderness. And recently while picking blackberries with a good friend, he asked me if it would make a good date. I answered probably not a first date. “I’m sweaty, dirty, and bloody from the… Read More »Tips for a Great Hiking Date
I live in Arkansas and we have a good amount of public lands. If we Arkansans want to go backpacking in Arkansas, we simply hike out into the woods until we find a place that looks like a good spot and pitch our tent. However,… Read More »Tips for securing backcountry permits
The definition of a force of nature is something that occurs in nature and affects the structure of the universe. When REI announced its campaign to put women in the forefront and titled it “Force of Nature,” I thought that was the perfect name. Women… Read More »Force of Nature and Our Responsibility
When I was growing up I was fortunate to have a strong father and mother who loved the outdoors. They instilled in me many aspects of what it means to be an outdoor woman. My parents took my brother, sister, and me hiking and camping… Read More »Hike Like A Woman’s Outdoor School
I always thought of the Grand Canyon as a place I can get to “some day.” It was never high on my list of places to see. But after making an impromptu trip last March to Grand Canyon National Park, it is now one of… Read More »Grand Canyon National Park Trip Report
I drove to the Ozarks in northern Arkansas this weekend in hopes of hiking to a waterfall. This was my second attempt to get to this waterfall. Check out my first attempt’s blog post about it here. I have been to Twin Falls once before,… Read More »When is it OK to bail on a hike?
There is a bookshelf at my work that I walk past everyday. On the shelf there is a book titled, “Strong is the New Pretty.” A girl about 10 years old is on the cover. She’s wearing a racing swim suite, her arms are crossed,… Read More »What’s your strong
Everyone who is familiar with Lake Catherine State Park is familiar with the Falls Branch Trail and the waterfall. I never knew the waterfall had a name until I started blogging, but it does. It’s called Falls Creek Falls. Anyways, there are many other features… Read More »Horseshoe Mountain Trail – Lake Catherine State Park
We are all one-of-a-kind, and with that uniqueness we can all add something to our relationships to grow. But what if sometimes those differences in our relationships don’t work out for the better. I have had many fights when it comes to hiking at different… Read More »Setting a hiking pace with your hiking partner
In March Lagena and I took an impromptu trip to Grand Canyon National Park. Our original plan was to explore Arizona. And we thought since we were there, “Hey might as well go see the Grand Canyon.” When I began researching the trip, I read… Read More »Bright Angel Trail – hiking rim to river Grand Canyon National Park
Recently while hiking in the Grand Canyon, I passed a sign that warned hikers to tread carefully and stay on the path. The sign said that the desert “grows by the inch, but dies by the foot.” It’s a pretty powerful sign and struck a… Read More »Leave No Trace principles to live by
Everyone has a unique relationship with the outdoors. I literally don’t remember the first time I went camping because I was too young to form memories. I am pretty sure I was an infant. And if you want to get really specific, I was an… Read More »Finding your love with the outdoors
Solo hiking is no longer a taboo topic. You can find dozens, probably thousands, of blog posts and literature on the topic. We still find ourselves telling our loved ones to “be careful.” What this statement really says is, “I hope nothing bad happens to… Read More »Solo hiking tips for your safety
