Summer 2008 – I so don’t remember the name of this lake or even the town it was in. But I rode on the back of my friend’s dirtbike with a backpack full of PBR and a bathing suit. That’s all you need for a last minute adventure, right? It was so awesome watching the sun set over the lake and feeling the Northwest evening air turn chilly. I wore a yellow hoody that turned brown from exposure and bugs. There was no room for disappointment over material things.
Check out this article! You’ve heard me say a lot of this if you kept up with my Appalachian Trail journal, and you’ve most likely picked up on it just by reading how I work through stuff on the trail. It’s lovely to have some scientific validation for my experiences.
That’s Weaver’s Needle in the background. It doesn’t look like a needle to me…but I didn’t name it. Whatever people have decided to call it, the formation is stunning. This day I hiked with my friends Trent and Jason from herb school on a spring afternoon. I remember seeing a diamond back rattler for the first time…We got all sweaty and sunburned and still went to class that evening. This is one of my favorite pictures.
Looking closely you can see how mountainous the desert really is. The trail head for Peralta Canyon was about 40 minutes drive from Phoenix. I sometimes miss the close proximity to wild space and the vibe of cowboy freedom I experienced in the American Southwest.
One of many waterfalls in the Rogue River Valley. This day I hit up 3 or 4 on the way to and from Crater Lake National Park. This part of Southern Oregon is GORGEOUS!
January 2013. Just passing through….I really miss those Dickies. I wore them everywhere, even though they were too big. You’ll probably see em in at least 50% of my adventure pictures…they came from a clothing swap in Eugene…one day I’ll find a replacement!
Had to share this one because I’m going to be in Malibu a week from today! Stoked!
Aaahhh…sigh. Let me count the ways I love to look at pictures from the Appalachian Trail section hike I did in 2014. Actually, nevermind. That would take forever. Here I am beginning a 4 day trek with Woodstock (also known as my mom!), from Rockfish Gap to Montebello. See the journal entries here: Days 14-16
Undoubtedly one of the best road trips of all time was across Southern Utah. Do it if you have not! This was taken in March 2011. It was too rainy to hit the bike trail that day, which made for an incredibly lucky and unusual view at Arches. The whole place was covered in dense fog that never lifted. As the sun began to set toward the end of the hike there were actually a few moments of concern over the possibility of missing the trail. Fortunately I lived to tell the story =)
August, 2008 – Indian Paintbrush in the foreground, South Sister in the background. My first 20 mile overnight backpacking trip. Thank the gods I was with a geologer/experienced navigator. In addition to keeping us on course when no trail existed, she introduced me to the importance of triscuits and string cheese AND whiskey when backpacking in the Cascades. Shout out to you Kathryn Watts! xo!
Over the weekend I got this really deep feeling of accomplishment while looking at some old photos. Not like I’d achieved a huge goal or finally made a million bucks as an herbalist…it was a feeling in my soul, of my soul being fulfilled and alive and on the right course. Continue reading Proof of a Life Well Lived
If yesterday was the last day of your old life, and today is the first day of your new life, what are you going to do TODAY to celebrate this new beginning?
What do you want for yourself? Do something now that symbolizes the meaning of your life. Put your wishes and hopes and desires into action by CREATING that symbol. If you have no idea what it is, just sit and wait to receive some ideas. They will come. Drink chamomile tea if that thought makes you restless.
I’m going to make a journal. From scratch. The one of I’ve had since before my AT trip has just a couple of pages left, and I want the symbol of my new era to be something that I’ve made, reminding me of my powers to create, nurture, express, share, love, enjoy.
It’s a rainy day, perfect for cozying up to the kitchen table in sweat pants with a mug of hot tea and a bunch of craft supplies. Get inspired, have fun, and celebrate YO’Self!
RoamandWrite 