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Women’s Hi-Loft Down Jacket $299 $137 ($162 OFF!)
The Way Home: Returning to the National Parks
Only 1% of National Park visitors are African American.
“It is a necessity that we embrace wilderness and mountains, because our ancestors knew them intimately.”
So this is what I sound like. First afternoon of the trip.
I was going to do a video every day of the trip, but my camera was low on batteries and honestly how many times do you want to see me say, “So here is the tent and here are some more trees.”
So weird being back.
I only went out into the woods for 5 days and it feels like I have been gone for an eternity. I keep thinking about what it would be like to go on a one month long NOLS excursion. Hopefully one day if timing and finances allow, I can go. If I feel this different after five days imagine how different I would feel after 30.
Okay, like no really. I need to go to bed.
Too excited to sleep! This backpacking trip will be great.
I’m equal parts excited and nervous.
Nervous about how hard the hiking will be. Long days. Steep mountains. Exhausting assents. Strenuous descents. Nervous about downpours. Hail. Nervous about bears. Nervous about feeling weak.
Excited to spend time taking in the beauty of the outdoors. Excited to test out my new backpack. Excited to leave the clutter and chaos of everyday life and embrace a lifestyle that revolves around eating, sleeping, and walking through the forest. Excited that every second, minute, hour, day, and week I spend in the outdoors makes me a more humble, friendlier, and hardworking person. Excited to learn new things about myself. Excited to feel strong.
Oh hey guys.
Going into the woods for a week, brb.
Is this on a NOLS course?
So funny.
Siamese Ponds Wilderness.
Amazing. Beautiful.
While I was hiking I was thinking about mountains, and forests, and I came to the conclusion that there are two different types of backpacking (at least for me). One where you are overpowered with scenery. Usually in wide open areas and on tall peaks above treeline. The second type is deep in the woods, where your whole universe is a 50 yard radius of dense forest.
This was definitely the second type of hiking. A very localized, intimate experience. I think this type of travel offers a quiet space of reflection, thinking, and mediation. I definitely took advantage of the long miles to ponder and reflect; by the time I left the woods I felt very whole and at peace.
getting ready for the wilderness.
my faithful friend.
MILE…MILE AND A HALF
The first trailer for the documentary, MILE…MILE & A HALF: A Journey Across The John Muir Trail.
Beautiful! Beautiful! Get inspired.
AWW YISS.
MSR Hubba Hubba tent came in the mail yesterday. I set it up in the backyard this morning with my Dad and I must say I was very pleased and impressed. Easy, fast, and intuitive setup. Good construction. Seems like this tent and I are going to have a lot of adventures.
Can’t wait to give it a test drive in the Adirondacks!
MSR Hubba Hubba Tent: ORDERED.
BAM! So ready for some backpackin’.
Backpacking! Picture from REI’s Facebook page.
Boiling water with a vintage Optimus Camp stove out on the back deck. A little rusty, but the thing works like a charm after almost 25 years of not being used. THIS is quality at it’s finest. Built to last.
Optimus still makes this stove, look! Optimus Hiker+
I need to get this book. Planning on some longer excursions in the Adirondack and White Mountains this summer. One of my friends that I have known since middle school recently went on a NOLS trip in the Rocky Mountains. She said all the NOLS instructors know how to COOK! Backcountry cooking is an art form…
