I have neglected my blog for the past year. I can sit here and make excuses; I was busy living, training for marathons, climbing big mountains, traveling the world, and healing and growing after leaving a very toxic relationship with an abusive partner. Although I have been doing all these things, I haven't felt inspired to write or tap into my creative side. I have plenty of outdoor topics and trip reports I want to write about, but I began to question whether anyone actually reads this, and then I thought to myself, “Who gives two fucks?

I started this blog as my creative outlet to document my deep passion for the outdoors. If just one person reads it and is inspired, it’s worth pouring out my heart on a computer screen to the rest of the world. But, I always wanted to dive deeper, to write about the things people are scared to talk about.

After writing my piece on depression and suicide in mountain towns, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue to write more “superficial” trip reports. I mean, I LOVE documenting my journeys in the mountains with my dogs. Still, I have always had a more profound desire to tell the truth about mountain living, mountain town privilege, mountain relationships, and navigating the outdoor world as a solo female.

I want to write about assholes in the outdoors who mansplain. I want to tell the story of the most egotistical jackass mountain guide I have ever met during my Orizaba trip. I want to write about depression in the winter. I want to write about my love for strong men in the outdoors who are vulnerable, calm, and kind and can put their egos aside to encourage me and hug me as I cry on mountaintops. I want to talk about the negative aspects of competitive women in the outdoors. I want to talk about being a “fast hiker” or a “slow hiker” and the fucked intricacies these labels entail when in a hiking community. I want to write about my adventures and trip reports but with a more meaningful and deeper approach in hopes of interweaving the dark and fucked up experiences I come across but also sharing the most beautiful connections I make with men and women in the outdoors.

So, after a hiatus and lots of time reflecting and growing, it’s time to write about all things adventure and outdoors but with a more meaningful and honest twist.

Upcoming blog post topics:

• Pine Creek to Italy Pass with Taquito: Some of the most stunning backcountry miles in the Eastern Sierra

• Half Moon Pass Day Hike to Solo Backpacking Mono Pass to McGee Pass: The start of a tumultuous relationship with an ex who snorts drugs by the ounce.

• Orizaba and Mexico Volcano Trilogy: Lessons I learned from a jackass, self-righteous, mansplaining white male mountain guide.

• The beauty of Mongolia: The intricacies of developing lasting friendships with women in the outdoors.

• My Photo Journey in Japan

• Volcano Trilogy in Ecuador: Female mountain guides rule, competitive women do not.

• Marathon Training: My deep love for every mile and how long-distance running taught me to cut the cord to every toxic person in my life.

• Filling the void: Navigating my way through depression-filled winters

I hope you are ready for a journey of dark, funny, honest and insightful life lessons. Cheers to ending 2023 on a high note! I hope you enjoy these posts!

xx

Kristen