I was raised in the Osage Cuestas of Kansas with my parents and my younger brother. Living in Tornado Alley, I would often find myself pulled outdoors into the torrents of wind and rain, and I loved it. I learned to dance in the rain and crave the outdoors far before I even knew what there was to explore outside of my “flatter than a pancake” home.
My parents took me on a few mind-blowing adventures to national parks as a child. Seeing the bison in Yellowstone walk right by my car window is a memory I will never forget. Although we went on a few road trips during my childhood, I was drawn to travel for another reason. My love of travel originated from a love of people, and of wanting to learn about other cultures around the world. I studied world religion in university and couldn’t learn enough. I dreamt of traveling the world, learning dozens of languages and gaining a deeper understanding of how mankind views the world – each from their own beautiful and unique lens.
For many frustrating reasons, my plans to go abroad fell apart until I resigned to stay in Texas, where I graduated from university. At the time, I was upset. I felt that I didn’t belong in the United States, and that I needed to fulfill my goals of immersing myself somewhere new. I have spent several years picking up the pieces of my plans and working to rebuild something new.
The moment I signed up to join a hiking group in Texas, I knew I needed to be outdoors as much as possible. I had always loved challenging myself, both mentally and physically. The joy I found in hiking and rock climbing led me to find an endless stream of opportunities to live life outside. I love the technical side of these outdoor challenges – I want to do it right. I write about my adventures and the technical tips I use to make outdoor adventure a lifestyle. I share about mental health because it’s something that I constantly battle with in my everyday life. Everything that I learn – as I continue to learn – ends up here, in hopes that it will help you meet your goals as well.
get to know me more:
- MY FAVORITE HIKE: the narrows in zion national park.
- MY PET: my beautiful cat – named panda!
- MY GO-TO HIKING BOOT: as of 2023, the la sportiva ultra raptor II
- WHAT I DO WHEN I’M NOT OUTSIDE: currently, play d&d or read about the forgotten realms
- HOW I STARTED HIKING: joined a women’s hiking group after a terrible breakup.
- MY FAVORITE COLORS: green and purple.
- MY FAVORITE BOOK: The Graceling by Kristin Cashore, or the Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.
- WHAT’S #1 ON MY BUCKET LIST? as of 2023, I’m dying to go on a multi-day kayaking trip at apostle islands national seashore.
