HIKE DIARY

Backpacking & thru-hiking

is not always blissful

It takes hard work, dedication and determination to stay the course when walking, tramping, sauntering or trekking. But like life, the rewards are sweet for those willing to put one foot in front of the other.

Check the hike diary dropdown menu for trails from six continents.

Second Spring

Spring reminds us that change is inevitable, and no matter how uncomfortable that might feel, change is also full of promise.

Let the Day Unfold

The lowly New Zealand sandfly teaches us about impermanence, to keep moving forward and to stay open to possibility.

Life is Wide

“Life may be short, but it’s also wide” suggests we accept life’s limits while also being astonished by its abundance.

Never Quit on a Bad Day

When everything goes sideways and you’re having a bad day, repeat the mantra to not quit today but instead give yourself the self-love, the break, the reset to get back on track.

NM: Gila River to Gail Tank, 13 miles

I almost leave the trail with a couple of cowboys, but a miscommunication leaves me waiting, then moving on just as the sky lights up orange and yellow.

NM: Middle Fork, Gila River, 18 miles

The walk through the river surrounded by quirky towers continues before I climb above for an 11-mile hike to again return and camp on the Gila’s banks.

Follow in blissful footsteps

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Follow in blissful footsteps

Sign up for the newsletter,
and don’t miss a single step!