Yellowstone National Park I lay in my cold tent at 5 in the morning willing myself to get outside of the sleeping bag. I think ‘What kind of person makes themselves get up so early on vacation?’ On vacation! At least maybe we would see some animals on the long, early morning drive through Yellowstone. … More Tight Lines in Yellowstone
Spiller Canyon, Yosemite National Park, California There’s something cathartic about crying in the rain. The rain washing away the tears. Releasing unrealistic expectations of yourself. Accepting reality. Somewhere around Virginia Canyon in Yosemite National Park, I had my moment. It was not pretty. Up until a couple of days before, I wasn’t sure that I was … More Meltdown in Yosemite
Northeast Yosemite National Park, California Gratitude and sense of accomplishment can best sum up my recent Yosemite trip. I spent eight days living in the wilderness with my co-workers. At no company other than Clif Bar can I imagine agreeing to do that. What an amazing experience and amazing company… both my fellow hiking companions … More Yosemite: Picture Blog
San Francisco, California With my sabbatical wrapping up, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the last eight months, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for all the amazing experiences I’ve had. Gratitude for all the incredible sights I’ve seen. Gratitude for all the delicious food I’ve sampled. Gratitude for fulfilling a dream of volunteering with … More Gratitude
Lost Coast, California While exploring California’s North Coast, I learned that there’s definitely a line where the “sexy, rugged mountain man” look turns into a “scary, recluse, I’m going to kidnap you” look. And that line is crossed somewhere between Mendocino and the Lost Coast. Mendocino is an adorable town with a slow, relaxed pace … More Road Trip up the PCH: Part 3 (The North Coast)
Big Sur, California Big Sur is incredible. The drive. The views. The ocean. The redwoods. There’s something about being in nature that just settles you, and Big Sur provided numerous opportunities for reflection. But loneliness wasn’t going to be a problem either. The campgrounds were full, and the easier trails were packed with people. Slow people. In … More Road Trip up the PCH: Part 2 (Big Sur)
Southern California I decided to use the last weeks of my sabbatical doing a classic road trip up the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in California. Guidebooks promised impressive views and exhilaratingly twisting drives filled with hairpin turns. The PCH did not disappoint, with me literally saying ‘wow’ countless times to myself. I started in San … More Road Trip up the PCH: Part 1 (San Diego to Santa Barbara)
The Airport Reality has finally sunk in. I am on my way to Africa! All my worldly possessions for 4+ months crammed into a suitcase and backpack. Not bad considering that includes a sleeping bag & pad, yoga mat, hiking & running shoes, and about 6 pounds of Clif bars. I’m still not sure … More What Will I Miss the Most?
Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised … More Quote of the Week
Zion National Park, Utah As I set off early morning to meet my guide at Zion Adventure Company, I was excited and slightly exhausted. Nervousness hadn’t yet crossed my mind. This was the last day of a 2 ½ week adventure full of physical and mental challenges. Girl vs nature. Girl 4 and Nature 1 … More Adventures in Canyoneering
One Girl's Wanderlust Adventures 