Max and I were supposed to attempt Mt Audobon (13,233 ft) today, but with storms brewing in the high mountains, we decided to start early and hike Bear Peak again. This time, I wore the pack that I’ll be wearing for my week long backpacking trip this summer. I’m really glad I did (even though my legs are screaming). Having a loaded pack on my back, even on easier hikes, is helping me work up the strength in my muscles and reminding me of how having a pack affects movement. It is also further reinforcing my quest to have a very light pack for this summer’s trip (and all trips, really).
morning hikes
May 16th, 2013In April we had a record-breaking 47 inches of snow. The first week of May brought another 12 inches of snow with a low of 17 degrees somewhere in there. Now, less than 2 weeks later our 7:30 am morning hike around the neighborhood is HOT. Still, what an utterly magnificant way to start the day.

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bear peak
May 16th, 2013Last week, I attempted my very first solo, summit hike. Taking a little adventure by one’e self may not seem like a big deal, but for this girl who spent most of life (until recently) afraid to be alone with herself, this was a big deal. Including the walk to the trailhead from the house, this hike was almost 8 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation gain. I’m doing 1 big-ish hike per week, in addition to being active everyday, to get ready for my first solo backpacking trip in the mountains this summer. I’m sure there will be more and more hiking adventures posts to come!


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the things i don’t have
May 7th, 2013I saw this list Leo’s list on his blog mnmlist and thought I’d take a moment to categorize the things that I, too, choose to do without. To quote Leo, “I’m not sharing this list to brag or imply that I’m superior in any way to people who have these things. However, I think such a list might serve as inspiration, to show that it’s possible to give up things we consider normal or necessary.”
Things I don’t have that many do:
- microwave
- paper towels (the home where I currently live, utilizes these- but I don’t use them personally)
- car
- car loan
- car insurance
- house loan/rent
- home insurance
- credit cards
- cable TV subscription
- TV set
- brush or comb
- hair products
- paper files
- photo albums
- meat or dairy in my diet
- magazines or newspapers (nor do I read/watch news online)
- a suitcase
- smart phone
“Again, I’m not better than anyone who has these things. I’ve just found them to be unnecessary in my life, and I’ve removed them to make room for things I love more.”
Also worth reading is his response on the things he DOES have.
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roadtrippin’ to moab
April 19th, 2013It was the perfect weekend getaway. Filled with thought-provoking conversations, intently listening and learning, truly good company, deep belly laughs, nowhere to be but right where we were- together, and countless flow moments.
What is flow?
Moments of happiness, living in the present time, being truly present in today, not tomorrow or next month; today only. You are elated. Excited. You feel it through your entire body, you are glowing. These moments, these so very important and wonderful moments can be referred to as “Flow” moments.
Moments of flow are necessary to a joyful life. Weekends of gallivanting and adventure give an abundance of flow. Mmmmm.
Fresh water right from the source. Best h20 I’ve ever had.
Headed down into Kane Creek Canyon- lots of steep drop-offs!
The desert has life- Indian Paintbrush.
The view from our yoga spot. The girls practiced while the guys shot guns. Talk about contradictory activities.
What every climbing outing looks like- trekking up and trying to identify rock features for finding routes.
Chelsea’s first climb!
I met dirtbag Kyler on Sunday. I’m grateful for his advice on van-living, not giving a shit (about other’s opinions) and finding-yourself-in-the-wildnerness adventures.
And Amanda for her female perspective on van life and her rad new lead climbing skills. Her blog is one of the most well-written and inspiring bits I’ve come across in a long time.
Because crow pose is the coolest pose I can do and so I do it in all my pictures.
The patterns on the rocks are a work of natural art.
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