I grew up in Arkansas with my mom and dad. While this might not seem like the perfect place to begin a lifetime of loving the outdoors, it was perfect for me. My dad instilled this love from an early age. We were always going outside on the trails near our home – Pinnacle Mountain, Petit Jean, Devil’s Den – with my favorite stuffed animal by my side. As I grew up, our trips got longer. We traveled across the US, stopping at national parks and visiting historic sites, all while he taught me about the history of the land and our place in time. Even though he is gone now, I still carry that same spirit with me in my own travels. Now as a solo parent of one, I am going out to explore those places that I once did as a kid along with so much more.

My goal here is to encourage folks to get outside and get comfortable taking up space when historically you may have not felt comfortable in those places. Or maybe you are trying this whole outdoorsy life for the first time. We all start out unknowing and overwhelmed. Believe me! You can find travel advice, gear recommendations, and hopefully relatable life stories to find connection and community.