JOURNAL
Thoughts on life, the outdoors
and everything else…
How Do I Return to Life As Usual?
I know it has been awhile since I last posted an update… after things went sideways, I spent some time recovering and I tried to focus more on enjoying the remaining time on my trip instead of updating my site - and I’m happy with that decision. I was truly living in the moment and incredibly grateful for my health.
The Countdown
On the eve of my journey to Nepal, I find myself balancing excitement with a quiet sense of reflection. After months of preparation, both physically and mentally, I’m proud of the work it took to get here. This path hasn’t been without its challenges, but through every high and low, I kept moving forward. As I step into this next chapter, I carry with me the support of those around me and a commitment to keep growing, learning, and doing better.
Learning to Stay Present When Life Doesn’t Go to Plan
Lately, life hasn’t gone exactly to plan, and that’s where the real growth has happened. From trip uncertainty to travel disruptions, I’ve been learning how to stay present instead of letting my mind run ahead. As I get ready for Everest Base Camp, this shift in mindset has changed everything, and it’s still a work in progress.
Staying the Course When Everything Says Stop
From an ER visit for kidney stones to a torn rotator cuff diagnosis, this past month tested me in ways I did not expect, but it also reinforced something deeper. My ability to keep going, no matter what.
Documenting the Journey
As I get ready to head out on my trek to Everest Base Camp, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I want to document this experience.
There’s a balance here that’s easy to miss. You want high-quality footage. You want to tell a compelling story. But you also don’t want to spend the entire trek buried in gear, missing the very moments you came all this way to experience.
The Best Apps for the Outdoors
These are the apps I keep coming back to. Each one does something different, and together they cover just about everything I need when I’m out exploring.
The Best Parks for Beginners to Explore in Florida
If you’re willing to step off the beaten path, there are some incredibly beautiful and unique places to explore. From shaded forest trails to wetlands full of wildlife, Florida has a style of hiking that feels completely different from anywhere else in the country.
If you’re just getting started, here are five parks that are perfect for beginners and a great introduction to what hiking in Florida is all about.
10 Uniquely Florida Animals
One of the great things about living in Florida is the biodiversity that this state has to offer. No place is this more evident than in the fauna that resides in the Sunshine State.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most unique animals that call Florida home.
Slow Down: Appreciating Nature at Your Own Pace
There’s nothing wrong with covering miles or pushing yourself physically. That’s part of the experience too. But when that’s the only focus, it’s easy to miss a lot of what makes being outdoors so rewarding in the first place.
Some of the best moments I’ve had on the trail didn’t come from reaching a destination. They came from slowing down enough to actually notice where I was.