College adventures in the woods near my school. (April 2016)
Little Adventures is a series where I talk about the wonder that can be found in the small moments and the everyday, no expedition gear required.
While I was attending college, I would walk/run on the weekends and during my downtime as a way to decompress. My school owned part of an open recreation area with ample hiking trails and it was nice to have a place where I could wander for a few hours every week. I enjoyed spending time in nature, and literally running away from my problems for at least a little while.
When I finished school in 2016, I was at a loss for “what I should do next.” I think every person who finishes a long project whether it be continuing your education or otherwise goes through a minor existential crisis when it’s finally over.
Hiking was familiar, and it is something I can always return to regardless of physical geographic location.
My first time hiking up the west bluffs at devils lake on a solo day trip. (October 2016)
I began hiking on the weekends, most often by myself. I would take my camera with me to capture moments and landscapes that I found moving. Hiking is an escape and it forces me out of my comfort zone. I have learned to rely on myself, and trust my abilities and decisions. If the weather turns, or if I forget a vital item, like gloves in the winter, I have to reassess the situation and move forward. Sometimes moving forward is a defeated drive home.
I took this picture sitting uncomfortably on rock at Pike Lake after falling on my butt for what was probably the fifth time in about a 15 minute span. I still had fun. (February 2017)
When I do get it right, and the stars, and weather, and hiking gods align, the woods become magic. I like to call these weekend trips Little Adventures. I have seen so many different, beautiful, and unique places and many of them are (relatively) close to home.
Stephens’ Falls. One of my favorite places in the world. (April 2017)
Who knows, maybe I’m still running away from my problems and the demands of my life. Maybe I still have a lot of growing up to do. Maybe that is okay for now. I’m still not entirely sure what I want do next, but I do know that I want to move forward. Preferably with a loaded backpack on my shoulders and hiking boots laced on my feet.
Ice Age Trail backpacking trip. (September 2018)
Field Day 