Tag: hiking

April 14, 2019 – San Francisco, California

“On belay.” I confirm with Tara to ensure that she has set up the belay. “Belay on,” she responds. She works at a climbing gym in the city and offered to treat my cousin Kelsey and I to …

January 8, 2019 – Kirkwood Mountain, California

Click. Click, click. I adjust the frame and take a deep breath. Exhale. Click. A smile finds its way to my face as I enjoy a rare “me day” on the mountain. I’m at the top of “The …

October 18, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

“Here we go Down that same old road again” (Deep in thought, I sit in the living room, staring blankly at my computer. Before a hiking trip a few days ago, I stopped in town for coffee and …

July 10, 2018 – Petaluma, California

Thus begins the depressive slide into normality. Living with family, working a cush job, spoiling myself with television and increased alcohol consumption. Not for a lack of trying: I’ve sent messages to hosts listed in the Petaluma area …

April 22, 2018 – Sierra Foothills, California

And like that, I’m starting year four. [After an epic road trip from Iowa to California.] This place is beautiful. My host (Meibao) lives in paradise – surrounded by a pond, various mountains and forests, numerous pastures, and …

September 17, 2016 – Wise River, Montana

Well, this was unexpected. Last winter, I worked at Lutsen Resort in Minnesota for a guy named Jim. Quite the adventurous type, he talked a lot about his time in Alaska and Montana. When I told him I …

August 25, 2016 – Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

“And that… is a brief history of my colon.” My cousin Molly always had a way with words. She’s driving my other cousins (Kelsey, Reese) and I from Yellowstone National Park to the Grand Tetons whilst entertaining us …

August 18, 2016 – Bozeman, Montana

…And here I am, left starving. Fighting the intrusive thoughts, trying to focus on the task at hand. It’s my first time pouring concrete, but my mind keeps wandering toward a recent night that ended with much more …

October 10, 2015 – Finland, Minnesota

The cowboys must have had it pretty good in those old bath houses… …I think to myself as I heat up some water for an old-fashioned spit bath. I gather my shaving materials, body wash, and rag (a …

April 29, 2015 – St. Paul, Minnesota

Superior Hiking Trail? Yes. Mississippi River headwaters? Definitely. Split Rock Lighthouse? Please. Since the weather is warming, I’ve begun making a list of places to go during my time in Minnesota. This state has much to offer, including …