Back in March of 2024 my cousin asked if I wanted to take a trip to the Galápagos Islands two months later in May. I hadn’t heard of the Galápagos since I learned about Darwinism in sixth grade and, frankly, I didn’t know it was a place people traveled to. The proposed trip was aContinue reading “EXPLORING THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S ENDEAVOUR II”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
2025 VISION BOARDING & WILD DREAMING
Happy 2025! Everyone plans for a new year a little differently so I’m sharing my unofficial planning process that’s been a fun exercise over the past few years. December is usually my time to reflect on the previous year (see here) and create a vision board for the year to come. For me, a visionContinue reading “2025 VISION BOARDING & WILD DREAMING”
2024 REFLECTIONS & AN EXPERIMENT ON JOY
First off, I must say, I have loved 2024. It was filled with a pleasant mix of adventure, growth, new experiences, challenges, connection, laughter and a generous sprinkle of anxiety. As I reflect on this year, I see it’s been a year of stabilizing (balance), slowness (presence) and flexibility (releasing control). I’ve been able toContinue reading “2024 REFLECTIONS & AN EXPERIMENT ON JOY”
TRAIL FOOD: MY CURRENT FAVORITES FOR DAY HIKES
I think most people agree, food tastes better on the trail! The math goes something like: Fresh air + feeling your heartbeat + jaw dropping views = best tasting food. Packing food for a day on the trail is one of my favorite parts of hiking and something I haven’t discussed much. Throughout the hikingContinue reading “TRAIL FOOD: MY CURRENT FAVORITES FOR DAY HIKES”
OUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: REFLECTIONS FROM MY FIRST SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT
A couple months ago I attended a two day silent meditation retreat. From what I’ve read about silent meditation retreats, I gathered you sat in silence for the duration of the retreat and moved between meditation sessions (which was mostly accurate). I’ve been interested in attending a silent retreat for the past five years butContinue reading “OUR SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: REFLECTIONS FROM MY FIRST SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT”
YEAR 27 REFLECTIONS & 28 MILES FOR YEAR 28
By the time I get this post out, I am going to be 30 (just kidding)! Back in September 2023, I turned 28. It is now January 2024. I’ve tried to write this post so many times but each time I sit down to write I have different thoughts and feelings that have been hardContinue reading “YEAR 27 REFLECTIONS & 28 MILES FOR YEAR 28”
SAFELY DAY HIKING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND CANYON AND BACK (SOUTH RIM TO SOUTH RIM)
Since arriving back in Colorado a couple months ago from my month long stay in Arizona, it feels like life has been busy! Luke has been doing his summer farmers markets which go from Friday to Sunday each weekend and the hustle of those definitely squeeze our time to hike. I’ve still been able toContinue reading “SAFELY DAY HIKING TO THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND CANYON AND BACK (SOUTH RIM TO SOUTH RIM)”
PHOENIX, AZ HIKES: SUNRISE ON PIESTEWA PEAK
In my previous post about trails I’ve enjoyed hiking in and around Phoenix I mentioned Piestewa Peak. Piestewa Peak (previously named Squaw Peak) is named after Army Specialist Lori Ann Piestewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe in Arizona, who’s the first known Native American woman to die in combat in the US military andContinue reading “PHOENIX, AZ HIKES: SUNRISE ON PIESTEWA PEAK”
ALL THINGS HIKING IN SCOTTSDALE, PHOENIX & TEMPE, ARIZONA
I’m in Tempe, Arizona from mid-April to mid-May and it is already close to 100 degrees in the afternoons here. I’ve learned very quickly that when hiking you must go very early. Most recommend being off the trails by 11am as it gets too hot but I would say even earlier- the sun is soContinue reading “ALL THINGS HIKING IN SCOTTSDALE, PHOENIX & TEMPE, ARIZONA”
PROS & CONS OF BOOKING LONG TERM RENTALS THROUGH AIRBNB
I made it to Arizona! It was a journey to get here. Not all my travel goes smoothly and my first week in Arizona was a prime example of that. I experienced: consistent 30-80mph winds during my drive from Sante Fe to Scottsdale, a flat tire, and an Airbnb with fruit flies, a backed upContinue reading “PROS & CONS OF BOOKING LONG TERM RENTALS THROUGH AIRBNB”
Tales of My Trails 