My knowledge of wilderness first aid is limited. Small batches of elderly ladies from the Red Cross have taught me the basics again and again. There are two things I have found useful to remember. First is the ever-useful R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation). The second, which only applies if R.I.C.E. doesn’t work and C.P.R. […]
One of the most amazing things about backpacking is the appreciation one gets for the simple creature comforts in life. There are many things about modern civilization that I don’t ever miss. But hot showers, fresh food, clean clothing, and running water never get old. When one has these things taken away, they become even […]
** Editors Note: We are currently running a series on Suzanne Hessler’s journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Her mother reached out to us and asked if we’d share her thoughts. After reading what she had to say, we were quite moved by the emotion behind her words. As enlightening and inspiring as it may […]
As I sit in my sweet mountain-lodge room, I am reflecting on the last seven weeks of my life. The grandeur and solitude of Washington are a distant memory and Oregon has been full of surprises. I started hiking through Oregon as fast as I could only to learn to slow down. This state has […]
Pitter patter go my weary feet upon the Pacific Crest Trail — a path that thousands of others have walked before me. All of us searching for something left unfulfilled by the unharmonious beat of modern civilization. A certain solitude — quiet, calm — feeling to null the disconnect of a cellphone-centered life. Hiking is […]
Miles of snow and solitude have left me grateful for breaks in the hardship and perfect moments in between. The first section of the Pacific Crest Trail was a crawl through the trail-less miles of steep terrain and snow. Twelve to sixteen hours of hiking only to note 11 miles of trail. Self doubt led […]
One of the many reasons I decided to quit my job and head into the woods alone for five months is my constant struggle with social interactions. I am bad with people. I like them and I think most people are innately good. But I always say the wrong things, and I talk too little […]
I’m only 110 miles into my journey and I’ve already experienced highs, lows, dangers, and magic. Of those 110 miles, only 80 count towards the 2,680 or so that I’m trying to finish by some time in November. I had to delay my trip by two weeks due to snow melting unseasonably late. My delayed […]