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).
Archive for the ‘gallivanting the globe’ Category
bear peak v2.0
Sunday, May 19th, 2013bear peak
Thursday, 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!


roadtrippin’ to moab
Friday, 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.
Whirlwind San Fran
Tuesday, February 12th, 2013While visiting the Henn family in California, we took a day trip San Francisco for the World Veg Fest. After the Vegetarian festivities, we set out to explore a bit of San Fran. We spent most of the time in Chinatown, as the pictures will attest. I absolutely loved this city (who doesn’t?) and I can’t wait to return for a longer visit someday.

blue skies followed by brunch
Thursday, January 31st, 2013hot springs
Thursday, January 31st, 2013Shelf Road Climbing
Sunday, January 27th, 2013Nature IS the best therapy.
One of my goals is to Summit for Someone.
Cactus Cliff
Me and the Stiffler
Taking in the beautiful view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Mmmmm.
Basking in the sun high above the canyon, one of my favorite art pieces crossed my mind: “let us lay in the sun and count every beautiful thing we can see”.

An absolutely perfect day.
(minus shredding my big toe apart)
Arestua Mountain Hut
Sunday, January 27th, 2013Last year was my first year dressing in black sparkles and going to a club to bring in the new year. This year, I decided to try another first- but one more up my alley. With my friend, Kevin, I hiked (and post-holed) 5.5 miles one way to an elevation of 11,080 feet and brought in the new year in a remote mountain hut.
It was probably THE hardest outdoor adventure I’ve completed yet. Harder, even, than the 14,000 ft peak I climbed this summer- but in a completely different way. For a good portion of the way, I was cussing to myself- struggling with every step I took. The snow was hip deep in some places, and knee deep in most. I was carrying 30 pounds or so on my back and my winter clothes and boots were heavy. All that being said, I pressed on without too much outward negativity- because on my first adventure out with my new adventure buddy I couldn’t exactly complain the whole way and expect him to want to keep adventurin’ with me in the future. It was definitely a lesson in self-restraint and focusing my mind on more positive things. That being said, I truly did enjoy the experience and arriving at the hut was the most spectacular feeling.
Eating nearly frozen bell peppers and almond cheese for a trail-side snack. We’re matching twinkies.
One of our hut mates brought this fancy little savory vegetarian “pie”. He was quite the backcountry cook!
After some spiked hot cocoa and story telling, we all hit the sack (literally!) at 10pm. So much for staying up until midnight!
My eyes opened to this on New Year’s day.










































































































