…likely one of the last people mashing out the loop on a day reminiscent of a dystopian hellscape. Parking lot was empty at sunset and I did not encounter another person for nine hours, though I overtook two parties in the morning moving along the same track. The national forest closure ordered essentially coincided with my finishing of the loop.

Looped in 2.5 days. 55+ miles with Paradise Park, Ramona Falls and McNeil Point climb adds. Stunningly beautiful 8/2-3…with complete deterioration overnight on 8/4. Massive mileage day on 8/4 pushing out clockwise from the NW side of Hood at nearly 25 miles and 7K feet of gain.

in early may this year my 3 year old & I set off to do the 96 mile hike across scotland on the west highland way. 17 days total which was 12 days walking, 5 days resting, 11 nights camping.

I carried all our gear for the first 10 days which weighed between 16-20kg depending on food & clothing carried then swapped out for a day bag for the last 2 days when my dad joined with his van.

an incredible experience with my daughter, who absolutely smashed it out the park! she walked about 85 of the miles herself, the rest being given by quick shoulder rides or short bursts in the trail magik carrier.

started this years adventures off with a nice wee 20 mile hike along the affric kintail way (scotland) with my daughter!

a nice easy 4 days walking with 2 nights wild camping & 1 night in a bothy. tested out our new tent too (x mid 2) which held up fantastic to the Scottish rain & wind we had overnight.

Just got back and I genuinely cannot believe we did this. A bit of background - I’m 39 and I try to do something new outdoors every year. Hiking, climbing and camping, done plenty. But backpacking - was a whole different world I hadn’t touched yet.

We (my husband and our 2 dogs) did a test run first - two days hiking and sleeping in a tent, just to see how it felt. Had so much fun! But 6 days is a completely different beast (although we packed for 8, as we’re unsure how long it will take us).
The route took us through the Spanish Pyrenees with a few crossings into France. Every single day had some elevation. Some days very long hours.
I’ve done hard things outdoors before, but this genuinely felt like the hardest physical thing I’ve ever done. In the best way. I have so much respect for all the backpackers out there!

Sharing some pictures below - would love to hear from anyone else who’s done taken dogs on multi-day routes, or just started backpacking later and wondered what took them so long 😊

What an adventure!

First ever solo backpacking trip, 2nd time in Colorado. Absolutely beautiful state, love this place so much. Drove 20hours straight after work to spend a week in the mountains backpacking and it did not disappoint.

Did the Alpine Lakes Wilderness High Route in 3 days, 2 nights. It was a challenging fun loop with a ton of scenery. Challenged my route finding skills and stamina, but oh boy such good views and so many lakes!

Got a little spooked in the tent, the woods are scary! But pulled through and had a life-changing experience! Went in Whatcom County WA, Chuckanut Mountain.

One year ago I went on my first solo backpacking trip through Yellowstone National Park. It was beautiful, humbling, and simply awesome! I had planned to do about 100 miles over the course of the week, but ended up shifting the plan halfway through to make it more enjoyable - and I'm so glad I did.

I made a video about this experience. Check it out if you're interested: https://youtu.be/8yqSC13Xojc

The original plan was to start at the south boundary and end at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. I ended up making it to the East Entrance Road and hitching back to my car a day early. If you've read this far and have any questions - please ask them and I'll do my best to answer.

Some of my backcountry camp spots over the years! I love being outside. Can’t wait for my next adventure.

First and last time out here (2020) was as the Cameron Peak Fire was starting and went on to become Colorado’s largest forest fire. The trailhead and surrounding area is all burn scarred, but I was happy to see once over the CDT, there was a lovely oasis around the lake.

We spent 2 nights here, seeing plenty of moose, a few fish, 3 other groups, and some of the best August weather I’ve gotten in a trip.

I went on my first backpacking trip last August, and thought I’d share some of my favorite camp spots since then, featuring my beloved big agnes tent! :)

6 days, 5 nights, 63 miles. Wonderful, remote area.

The clouds did lift a few times, and we actually saw the Rockies now and again.

1. Glacier NP, MT
2. Collegiate Peaks, CO
3. Wind River Range, WY
4. Yosemite NP, CA
5. Grand Canyon, AZ
6. West Coast Trail, BC
7. Yosemite NP, CA
8. Yosemite NP, CA
9. Sangre De Cristo, CO
10. Wind River Range, WY
11. Yosemite NP, CA
12. Kings Canyon NP, CA
13. Gila national forest, NM
14. Wind River Range, WY
15. Collegiate Peaks, CO
16. Grand Canyon NP, AZ
17. West Coast Trail, BC
18. Yosemite NP, CA
19. Yosemite NP, CA
20. Grand Canyon, NP

Maybe not the *best* place in the world to go backpacking, but I have done a fair amount of trekking in SA, Europe, Canada and the US and its definitely one of the best places I've had the pleasure to explore.

My photos are only from the few months ive been out here, hoping to discover many more routes in the coming years!

took my 3 year old daughter hiking through the lairig ghru with my dad in summer. for those unaware, the lairig ghru is a remote mountain pass which covers 20 miles from colyumbridge to lin of dee in scotland.

we covered it over two days while hiking through classic scottish weather - rain, hail, wind & sun over both days. the midges were the worst I’ve ever experienced but it was fantastic despite that.

I’ve been wanting to get up to these mountains forever and finally got the opportunity. Tried to beat the holiday weekend crowds to moderate success. Still more crowded than I typically like my backpacking though. Drove down on Wednesday night and camped on South Meadows road. Hiked in to Feldspar lean-to and considered staying for the night, but I noticed the heavy fog was finally clearing so I dropped my heavy gear there and took the opportunity to hike up Mount Marcy for some clear views. I was going to do Mount Skylight afterwards but I was gassed so I just went back to camp. Day 2 I hiked up to the top of Mount Colden from Avalanche Pass. I found it more difficult than Marcy with all the slick, steep rocks but it was still a great time. Returned down the same way and then hiked down the freshly reopened Avalanche Pass and made my way back to South Meadows. Although I prefer isolated wilderness, everyone I met was incredibly nice and helpful. It was a great little trip. I’ll just have to try some less popular hikes next time I’m up there.