I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 3, Lesson 3
Ok, so here’s the part you’ve probably been waiting for if not since the first post of the book, then at least since the end of chapter 2.Lesson 3 is critical.It’s possible that when you were dreaming big you got a little overwhelmed.You are probably an over achiever, have an extremely high level of self-confidence or are just a heck of a dreamer.Either way, good for you!I mean it.I think it’s great that you have such a big dream.Not enough people have that big dream and even worse, not enough people recognize that dream and make strides to reach it.
Now here is where things get a little tricky.If you have a big dream it’s possible that you are now in a state of paralysis.You have no idea where to begin.This state of paralysis happens to many of us.It’s happened to me in the past and luckily I’ve learned something about it.Something I want to share with you, hold on…here is the secret.
Walking from Georgia to Maine or from Mexico to Canada is a pretty overwhelming prospect.Sure it sounds totally doable sitting in the comfort of your living room, freshly showered, eating something recently taken out of the refrigerator.But if you haven’t prepared yourself, that first night when you are laying out under the stars you are totally overwhelmed by the thought that you still have over 2000 miles left to hike.
If you are lucky, you’ve already realized that this is going to happen to you.That thought will enter your mind.It can make you quit if you haven’t made a plan.It can drive you mad.It will toy with your resolve; it will suck the fun right out of your journey.When I think about my journey, I don’t think about hiking from Georgia to Maine, or Mexico to Canada.I only have to hike to the next town that has food.So I only have to walk 4 or so days.That’s it.
I make these mini goals of just getting to the next town.I don’t have to worry about getting all the way through the trip.I only have to get to the next town with food.If I connect these town stops and I make it to each one, eventually I’ll come to realize that, in the case of the Pacific Crest Trail, the next town stop is…Canada.Before I know it I have reached my big goal.I’ve made it to the end.I have been successful.I did it.It’s a great feeling to achieve your big goal but it also feels good to reach the little ones knowing that they add up to the big goal.
Lesson three simply says:make little goals, that when added together, reach the big goal.
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.I was enthralled by the wildflowers.I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.Happy Trails!
The Harebell, also known as Common Harebell, Scotch Harebell, Bluebell, Bell Flower or Witches Thimble is a member of the Bellflower Family.
The flowers are bell-shaped, nodding, to 1” long, with 5 lavender to purple, fused petals that flare at the tips and 5 short, spreading sepals.
Finding a Harebell can be done at a much lower elevation than most of the other flowers I’ve discussed.Harebell’s can be found anywhere from foothills to alpine regions, anywhere from 6,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation.Be sure to check on grassy slopes, in meadows and forest clearings, at the edges of woods and even on grassy tundra.
Plan to hike anytime from June to October, weather permitting.Happy Trails!
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 2, Lesson 2
I only vaguely remember telling people that I wanted to hike the AT, just over 2,100 miles.I do remember hearing that I was crazy.The same phenomena happened when I started talking about the PCT.Granted this time I had a little more credibility but still, people thought I was crazy.
The funny part about it is that I never found a rational argument for me being crazy.I looked.I thought, maybe these people are right.Let me take a step back for a minute and analyze the situation.Am I crazy?Now at this point I realize you are probably saying yes, “this chick is crazy, look at her, she is talking to herself.”But don’t hold that against me.It’s my way of working things out in my head.Just keep on reading and see how this one turns out.
As it turns out, I wasn’t crazy or at least I didn’t think I was crazy.Why was hiking 2,100 miles and then turning around the next year and hiking 2,600 miles so crazy?Seriously, is living in a tarptent for 12 out of 18 months really so off the wall?It’s much safer and more prudent then it was walking to my car late at night in Philadelphia.It’s much safer and healthier then driving down I-15 in Southern California.But people didn’t believe that those were valid arguments to prove that I wasn’t crazy.
From this entire experience I learned another important lesson.“It’s ok if other people don’t understand your dream; it is, after all, yours.”
So yeah, lesson two is pretty simple as well.Tell yourself that it’s ok if other people don’t get your dream.Prepare yourself; someone won’t “get it.”It doesn’t matter how simple your brilliant dream is.Your dream could be something that happens every day for other people.No matter how sane your dream is, someone still won’t get it.That’s ok, don’t worry about it.
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.I was enthralled by the wildflowers.I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.Happy Trails!
Elephant Heads, also known as Little Red Elephant or Elephant Flower, is a member of the Figwort Family.
The Elephant Heads’ flowers are pink, reddish, or purplish, in dense, long spikes.Flowers are 2-lipped; the upper lip is long and curing (the “elephant trunk”), and the lower lip had 3 lobes.
When hiking in Colorado, look for Elephant Heads any where in the Montane to Alpine regions, from 8,000 feet to 14, 400 feet.Be sure to look in areas of shallow water, wet meadows, bogs, swamps and near streams, ponds and springs.
The best time to catch these flowers is between June and August.So check the weather, find a friend, plan a hike and get there and see this unique flower!
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 1, Lesson 1
Throughout life, I’ve always had this secret fear of letting people down.Sometimes that’s not a bad thing.It makes me accountable to those people.Sometimes it’s a really bad thing and I put my dreams and goals on hold to make sure that I don’t let someone else down.
I had one of those “a-ha moments”.An epiphany if you will.I realized that I had to set some goals, dream some dreams.They needed to be realistic but grandiose at the same time.It can be a difficult line to walk but I needed to be toeing the line.
The goal had to be lofty, worthwhile, something that I really felt passionate about doing.My goal was hiking.I wanted to be out there having an experience and by the time I finished the AT (and my now ex-boyfriend had finished breaking my heart), I knew my goal was to hike the PCT from Mexico to Canada.Now, walking even a few hundred miles is a pretty large undertaking but hiking a few thousand.That’s a pretty massive task.However, it was reasonable; I mean other people had done it so why not me?
So here is lesson number one:“Don’t be afraid to dream big.”In fact, you have my blessing, permission and my plea.DREAM BIG!Do it, give it a try.See how it feels.Do you feel empowered?Do you feel relieved to have finally allowed yourself the opportunity to let your mind wander?Go on, let your mind wander.Let it unlock your secret desires, goals and dreams.It can be a moment of clarity for some.For others, allowing their mind to dream big is a moment of catharsis.Whatever it ends up being for you, you must do it.How else are you going to know what “the thing you want most” is?
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.I was enthralled by the wildflowers.I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.Happy Trails!
Rose Crown, also known as Queen’s Crown or Red Orpine is a member of the Stonecrop family.
The flowers of Rose Crown are in elongate, terminal cluster, with pink and white, pointed petals.
When hiking in the Subalpine and Alpine regions, elevations from 10,000 to 14,400 feet, one has a good chance to encounter Rose Crown.They like to grow in bogs, seeps, along streams and along pond shores so keep your eyes open in those areas.
Weather and conditions permitting, plan on heading to the high country from June through August to catch a glimpse of Rose Crown.
Here are my favorite trail recipes and a few bonus recipes.Bon Appetite!
1. Chicken Rice:Cook 1 package of Knorr (formerly Lipton) Chicken or Chicken Broccoli Rice Sides according to package directions.Add chicken packet.It will be hot, let it cool before you eat it.
2. Ramen Casserole:Cook 1 packet of Creamy Chicken Ramen according to package directions.Add packet of chicken.When done cooking, remove from heat and add some powdered mashed potatoes of any variety you like (for this I usually just use plain) by sprinkling a bit into the ramen and mixing it in good, check the consistency and add a bit more as needed.The idea is to soak up the juice but not be so dry that it’s hard to eat.You’ll taste it and know if you did a good job.If it’s a bit too dry as a bit of water (cold is ok, it will help cool it before you eat it!)
3.Chicken Pasta:Cook 1 package of Knorr (formerly Lipton) Chicken or Chicken Broccoli Pasta Sides according to package directions.Add chicken packet.It will be hot…please let it cool a bit, you want some taste buds to enjoy this with.
4. Spaghetti and Sausage:Carefully slice some summer sausage and brown it in your pan, remove and set aside.Cook spaghetti according to package (angel hair seems to cook quickly).Drain off and dispose of properly some of the starchy water.Leave a little bit in there and add tube of tomato paste.Mix it and it will become the consistency of pasta sauce (there are a few pasta sauces you can get in a packet and that would be a fine substitute but drain off all of the water).Then mix in browned sausage and enjoy…it might be hot!This is my most challenging culinary master piece to date…I remember eating it at RaeLakes in the Sierra…it was awesome.
5. Chicken and Couscous:Cook 1 box of Near East Couscous (I prefer either Toasted Pine Nut or Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil) according to package directions. Add packet of chicken and enjoy…it will be hot.For this recipe, some people might prefer substituting another type of meat like tuna or salmon.I haven’t tried it but it could be good.If you try it, let me know!
Here are 3 bonus recipes…I’ve tried them all but never on the trail but those who made them for me eat them on the trail regularly and sure have gotten a lot of miles out of them…literally.
6. Erin and Hig’sButtery Goodness:Do this at home, not in the field (although you could but I would recommend doing it at home).4 pounds butter (salted), 1 canister regular oats (2lbs, 10oz), 1 ½ pounds brown sugar, and half a spice jar of cinnamon (less if fresh grated, more if the jar’s really old).Feel free to half or quarter this recipe if you are not hiking for many days.
Mash up butter, then mash in oats, then mash in sugar and cinnamon.Fingers work best, utensils can be used.Don’t let the butter melt.If you like, add extras like dried fruit or nuts.Divide mixture into 2 zip top plastic bags (gallon size probably works best).Keep cool.It makes about 4 person-days of food, if the person’s days involve many hours of physical labor.
Makes 2-3 servings.¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion flakes, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ½ tablespoon dried dill, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional), 12 ounces spinach linguine (or your choice of pasta), one 6-ounce foil-packed salmon, 2 tablespoons shelf stable grated parmesan cheese.
At home:combine the garlic powder, onion flakes, lemon zest, dill, black pepper and sun-dried tomatoes in a zip-locking plastic bag.Carry the linguine in a second bag.Combine the lemon juice and olive oil in a plastic screw top container.
In camp:bring 2 cups of water to a boil.Add the pasta and cook until al dente.Drain if necessary, leaving the past fairly wet.Add the spices and sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.Add the salmon and toss well.Serve topped with the Parmesan cheese.
8. Yogi’s meal: Cut up a lot of onion and put it in your pan.Add enough water to reach the 2 cup level on your pot.Add some olive oil.Bring the water/onion/oil mix to a boil.Remove your pot from the stove and add some Butter Buds.Add one package of Idahoan brand Loaded Baked Instant Potatoes (This is the key!!! This brand is superior to all other brands for this recipe).Mix really well.Add real bacon — from the salad dressing aisle, it’s next to the Bacos, but this stuff is real bacon. It’s in a little, 4-ounce package.Sometimes I add salt and pepper.The amount of Butter Buds, onion, oil, and bacon is up to you.Remember, it could be hot!
Other notes, in a few of these recipes I mention adding a packet of chicken.These can be found in grocery stores usually in the canned meat section, near the tuna and salmon in foil pouches.Some stores just don’t carry chicken in a foil pouch.In that case you have 3 options:1) make it without the chicken, 2) dehydrate your own chicken and rehydrate it on the trail and add it, or 3) get a small can of chicken instead.
All of these recipes are good.I am in no way providing nutritional consultation with these recipes.I just like to eat them so I thought I would pass that along to you.Cooking involves fire (well except for bonus recipe 1) so be careful so you don’t burn yourself or someone else.I take no responsibility for your actions.
I have been writing a short book about life lessons I’ve learned from backpacking.I have also given slideshow presentations on my lessons to middle school students.I thought I would take excerpts from my “book” (I use that term very loosely) and post them here since, this is a blog about the outdoors.So with out further ado here is the excerpt from…
Chapter 0 (that’s right, Chapter 0)
During my formative years I felt a strong need to conform.I felt like I had to live up to other people’s perception of what I should do and how I should act.I felt incredible pressure to act like a perfect role model since I worked with kids.I wasn’t having fun.I didn’t like my life.But I lived it, because that’s what you are supposed to do.That’s how I was supposed to act.
Then I saw the light.I remembered this idea I had for the first time my senior year of college.I remembered about the Appalachian Trail.The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a National Scenic Trail as established by an act of Congress.It runs about 2,174 miles from Georgia to Maine.I had heard about people hiking it.They hike it end to end and I wanted to do give it a try.I read everything I could about it; I read memoirs and planned out schedules.It was my escape from an existence that was missing something, an existence that had begun to make me fairly miserable.I had to go do this, I had to go hike.The urgency was building; the only comparison I can possibly use to describe the feeling is the pounding, the hauntingly vivid, constant reminder of the tell-tale heart.In my case, the need for change, the need for adventure was pounding in my heart.I could hear it and feel it with every inch of my body.I had to get out there.
The AT was an interesting experience.I learned a lot.I learned a lot about me.It was 6 months with a steep learning curve.I found a boyfriend, I found a new hobby, and I discovered who I really am.After the trail, I learned more about me.I had my heart broken by said boyfriend and focused on my new hobby; at least I still had that right!This time I focused on the Pacific Crest Trail.The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a 2,655 mile National Scenic Trail, also designated by an act of Congress, which runs from the California-Mexico border to the Washington-Canada border.It is a well maintained trail that highlights much of America’s western beauty.
So that brings us up to now, saving again for the next adventure. Once again here I am, shirking my American obligations to keep up with the Jones’ and to consume as much as I can and work long hours to do so.I work hard, so I can play hard.I like to play hard for 5 or 6 months.But when I do work, I want it to be enjoyable and rewarding.Is that so criminal?I know, I know, I can hear you saying it even as I type this “this girl wants her cake and she wants to eat it too”.But really, think about it…is that too much for a girl to ask?
This leads me into my premise, the underlying idea that governs what I do and why I work hard and why I play hard and why I hike for days, weeks and months at a time.My dad told me this once.He stole it from someone else but he didn’t know who.We’ll now I’m borrowing it (if you know who said it, please let me know so I can give them credit, it’s been life changing).“The reason most people fail, instead of succeed, is that they sacrifice what they want most for what they want at the moment.”
During the summer of 2008, I had the opportunity to do high elevation trail maintenance in Colorado.I was enthralled by the wildflowers.I thought I would highlight some of my favorites, one at a time, so that you could learn a bit about each one.The information comes from both my experiences and the book “Guide to Colorado Wildflowers” by G.K. Guennel.I really found this book helpful in unmasking the identities of these beautiful flowers.I took the pictures; they don’t do the flowers justice.If you think my picture is good, go out and see them in person, it’s a hundred times better.Happy Trails!
King’s Crown, also known as Roseroot or Western Roseroot, is part of the Stonecrop family.
On King’s Crown, flowers are in a terminal cluster and are small (about 1/8”) with 4 purple or reddish petals and a 4-lobed, purple or reddish calyx.
To find King’s Crown, look in the Subalpine and Alpine regions of Colorado, so anywhere from 10,000 to 14,400 feet in elevation.Check on lake shores and stream banks as well as in swales and rills on tundra since those are the best places to find them.
Conditions permitting, schedule a hike between June to August to see them in bloom.
