Northern Washington has some of the most beautiful and diverse trails in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is a trail for everyone in this area. With its rugged mountains, lush forests, and stunning coastline, this region is a hiker’s paradise. To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, here are some of the best hikes in northern Washington, featuring Mount Baker, North Cascades National…
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God Answers Prayers
Read moreI’ve come to learn when God answers prayers, they tend to look different than what I was picturing. As I rattle off my prayers to God like I’m going over a shopping list (do not recommend this method btw), I project my hopes and dreams in a glitter-tinted glow, imagining the desired outcome down to the minute details that have nothing to do with anything at all, like my hair,…
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The Ultimate Guide to Ambergris Caye, Belize
Read moreIt’s another hot summer for the books in Colorado, sweltering days that have us shaking our heads and wondering if we’ve somehow been transplanted to Arizona. That’s how I feel anyway, and in June I got to escape to the tropical paradise of Ambergris Caye (pronounced ‘key”.) I didn’t expect to completely fall in love with Belize’s largest island located 35 miles off the mainland, but I did. We spent…
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Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel Solo
Read moreI’ll admit, I’m kind of addicted to going on solo adventures. The more I travel solo, the more empowered and confident I become – it’s like a game, where I level-up within myself. Overcoming loneliness, experiencing self-discovery, and making new friends are just a few reasons why I love to travel on my own. As I discussed in my blog post on safety, most people are afraid to travel by…
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7 Adventurous Hikes in the Greater Phoenix Area
Read moreWinter/Spring in Arizona is the best. From January – early April, most days are sunny, mild, and not nearly as dry as you would think it’d be for a desert. Growing up in Colorado, the idea of hiking in 60-degree weather in February was foreign to me until I lived in Phoenix for a winter. It’s safe to say I was hooked. The Valley of the Sun is flat,…
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36 Hours in Crater Lake National Park
Read moreCrater Lake is one of the most unique parks I’ve visited. The result of the eruption of the volcano, Mount Mazama, this lake is 1949 feet deep, making it the deepest lake in the country. Crater Lake is the only National Park is Oregon, and it is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. This Park offers a variety of hikes, activities, and stunning views of the vibrant blue water. …
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Yurok Loop & Hidden Beach Trail
Read moreOne of the hidden gems I discovered during my time on the coast of Northern California, was the Yurok Loop and Hidden Beach trails. After two weeks of enduring 100-degree heat and running away from fires that were ravaging the state, the cool and cloudy coast was a nice reprieve. 15 miles south Crescent city, this trail is just off the 101 and features endless greenery through the forest with…
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Mount Shasta – It’s the People Who Make It Magical
Read moreMount Shasta was one of the first stops on my trip and it was here where I really started to connect with other people. My first day in the small but spiritually imbued town led me to Shastice Park, in an attempt to beat the ridiculous 101-degree weather. I was camped out under a tree marveling at the sheer size and beauty of the mountain when another nomad started…
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Desert Vibes: 6 Ways to Thrive When Camping in the Desert
Read moreLast week I volunteered for the first time ever at a music festival in the Nevada desert. Originally stationed in a pretty valley covered with trees in Northern California, the event had to be moved due to forest fires. My dreams of frolicking in the forest, getting down to some deep n dirty house beats was dashed. Instead, I would be on the playa, participating in a mini–Burning Man. Not…
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Reflections at Lake Tahoe
Read moreI’m right here. I’m here now. These words kept playing over and over in my head as I looked out over the sunlit turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe. A mantra. A reminder. Anchoring me to the present, as memories from van life swirled around me. An indescribable feeling, almost bittersweet formed in my chest as I recalled the adventures of hiking in Washington and meeting certain people at music festivals.…
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3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Van
Read moreAnyone who has lived in their vehicle knows how overwhelming finding the right van can be. There’s a lot more to it than just throwing a mattress in the back of their mom’s beat up minivan and hitting the road. This isn’t just a means of transportation, this metal box on wheels will be where you eat, sleep and even poop if you have the space for it. This van…
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Faith Like Paddle Boarding
Read moreLast summer, I was on vacation with my family in Branson, Missouri, and I went paddle boarding for the first time. As a person with a natural aversion to humidity, I was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was there. The dense woods were crowded with foreign-looking foliage, the views of the gently rolling hills surrounding the lake were dramatic but serene. I was surprised at the physical challenge paddle…
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Olympic National Park – The Ultimate Four Day Itinerary
Read moreOlympic National Park is a magical place. Taking up the northwest corner of Washington state, the park’s 1442 square miles include vibrant rainforests, high alpine glaciers, dramatic rocky beaches, serene waterfalls, and languid lakes. ONP is one of my most favorite places in the entire country because of its ecological diversity and its general remoteness. Surrounded on nearly three sides by water the Olympic Peninsula is not as easily accessible…