Changing my search term to North Alabama Hikes, I’m met with a dizzying array of options. Once referred to as The State of Surpises, Alabama is one of the most biodiverse in the nation. For millions of years, present-day Alabama was covered by a shallow ocean. As the waters receded, limestone bedrock was formed, which […]
52 Weeks 52 Hikes
McKittrick Canyon – Fall Foliage In West Texas
When you think of fabulous fall foliage displays, West Texas is probably the last place that comes to mind. Well, it’s time to think again and add McKittrick Canyon to your fall bucket list. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the least visited parks in the national park system. Its remote location, 100 miles […]
Reconnect On the Trail In 2020
The holidays have come and gone, and the new year is upon us. The transition from December’s freshly baked cookies and feelings of warmth to January’s cold offerings of kale and guilt can be shocking. This is a time spent reflecting on goals and making resolutions. What’s on tap this year? Improve fitness? Reduce stress? […]
Prologue – 52 Weeks 52 Hikes: Finding Myself on the Trail – COMING SOON!
What kind of idiot thinks this is a good idea? Hands pressed firmly against the cold railing; I stare into the abyss. I feel as alone as I ever have, although I’m surrounded by people. Happy and animated, they are taking pictures and conversing, many in languages I do not recognize. The sky is cloudless […]
Five Life Lessons Learned Hiking the Grand Canyon
The benefits of hiking are many. Physically, it’s excellent exercise, offering both cardiovascular benefits and muscle strengthening. Mentally, venturing outside and immersing oneself in nature is a proven stress buster. And no one can take in a panoramic view, listen to churning water as it tumbles over rocks, or gaze upon a field full of […]
Mind, Body & Nature: Reconnecting On the Trail
It’s February. The shock of transitioning from December’s freshly baked cookies and feelings of warmth to January’s cold offerings of kale and guilt is fading. Resolve for resolutions and goals set on January 1 may be fading too. So, what were those resolutions? Improve fitness? Reduce stress? Spend more time meditating or in prayer? What if I told […]
Enchanted Rock – Hiking In Texas Hill Country
Today I was scared. After spending an incredible weekend with 600 like-minded women at the inaugural Women Who Wander Outdoor Retreat, I can’t resist an overnight stay in Fredericksburg, Texas, on the way home to see the spectacular wildflower display. They say it’s the best in ten years. They’re not lying. The Willow City Loop offers jaw-dropping displays […]
Noccalula Falls – Hiking the Gorge
Curious about seeing the backside of water? Ready to make the trek to the new suspension bridge? Do both! Hundreds of thousands of people have viewed the majestic Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama from atop; why not take them in from a new perspective? There are a couple of ways to descend into the gorge. The […]
7 Reasons to Hit the Trail
Interested in reconnecting with nature, getting in a little exercise, and becoming stronger, both physically and mentally? Hiking just may be the perfect solution! There are many reasons to add hiking to your life; here are seven of them. Hiking is a great workout. We all know hiking is a great cardio workout, but it […]
Declutter Your Mind on the Trail
It’s February! The warm fuzzy feelings of December have been traded for winter’s bitter cold, kale, and guilt. Decluttering has become all the rage, and #konmari is trending. I’m all for cleaning out those closets, but why not take some time to declutter your mind? A cleanse for your soul. The trail is the perfect place for […]
