Stories about me as a person.
I overhead a conversation the other day where a couple were discussing their heyday. That was their term, not mine. I don’t believe in a heyday. The definition of heyday according to Merriam-Webster is, “the period of one’s greatest popularity, vigor, and prosperity.” I have… Read More »Is there really such a thing as a “heyday”?
My friend and I had been planning a weekend backpacking trip for a few weeks. A few days before, she texted me and asked if I had seen the weather forecast. I had – it was going to rain. “It’s OK if you don’t want… Read More »It’s going to rain? That’s fine
On a recent hike I passed a spur trail to some cool cascades. I had a goal to get some artistic pictures of the stream, but I pushed on instead. I wanted to get to the top of that mountain, to my awaiting car, and… Read More »Giving up comforts to appreciate myself more
If you are following outdoor media you’ve probably heard the argument about how Instagram is ruining the outdoors. Because I have an outdoor blog, I’ve seen a great deal of outdoor bloggers weigh in on this. To me it presents a conundrum. On one hand… Read More »Instagram and the outdoor lovers responsibility
I have been watching the Olympics all week and it’s great to see people accomplishing such seemingly impossible tasks. When I went skiing, I fell just standing there. And ice skatin … lets just say I made my way around the rink holding the rail.… Read More »Why I strive for mediocrity
The first time I camped alone, it was not planned to be a solo trip. The trip actually even began with another person – my then very recent ex-boyfreind. But then he left me. He was called into work. He didn’t have to go, but… Read More »Camping alone and learning independence
I used to have a hiking buddy who liked the life of less resistance, and I never understood his approach. I am a go, go, go, kind of person. When I get off work on a Friday, I plan to be out of town that… Read More »Favorite places versus exploring new places
The past year has been an adventure. I wouldn’t say it has all been good, but I definitely learned some things from it. I had several great accomplishments and firsts that included hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and seeing a total solar… Read More »Year in Review – bidding 2017 farewell
One reason I love tackling epic hikes is that I love accomplishing a goal. When I was running, I loved training for races. In fact, 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons were the only real way to get me motivated to get out of bed in… Read More »365 Mile Challenge year in review
Blog posts about solo travel, especially solo hiking, camping, and backpacking, pull me in like a magnet. I love reading about adventures people have on their own. One reason for this is I am a single person. And I also have an odd weekend. Meaning… Read More »The downside of solo backpacking
In this constantly-wanting-more-society we fail to see what we already have is pretty awesome. Don’t fail to give thanks for what you have. The past few months I have been dealing with a injury that has pretty much sidelined me. In order to help this… Read More »Give thanks for what you have
I’ve been feeling kind of blue lately. And one of the best ways I tackle those feelings that get me down – self doubt, sadness, being overwhelmed at work, being overwhelmed in my personal life – is to go into nature and spend time to… Read More »Reflecting in nature
On my best friend’s birthday I went digging through my old photographs to find a good one to post to social media. And I found a good one. The picture is of her at age 16, arms splayed out Vanna White style over a mid–’90s… Read More »Wanderlust DNA – the drive to explore is in my blood
Traveling with someone is a great way to test out a relationship. You and your travel companion are in close proximity for a long time. And most of the time, you are around each other every minute of every day. This is true especially if… Read More »PMS, Politics, and Personal Space
I have a confession to make – I haven’t exercised in quite some time. I used to be a runner, but have been way lazy and sleep in. For a little while this summer, while I was training to hike a 14er, I got in… Read More »Running to stay in shape for epic hikes
This year was supposed to be my year to cross a major item off of my bucket list. Unfortunately things didn’t go as planned. At the top of my bucket list is bagging a 14er. I have wanted to hike to 14,000 feet in elevation… Read More »When your bucket list item doesn’t happen
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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