thru-hiking

Sometimes, Go Alone

By |August 8th, 2016|2016 posts, Adventure school, solo adventure|Comments Off on Sometimes, Go Alone

“It’s good to walk with people
but sometimes
go alone.
That way you can always stop and listen at the right time.”
-Byrd Baylor, The Other Way To Listen

Alone.
What does this mean to you? When were you last alone? Why does being alone conjure fear for most of us humans?

I have somehow climbed over that hurdle of fear of being alone, and I’d like to share some thoughts on how I did that. I am not immune from being lonely or a little fearful when I’m flying solo, but I’ve grown to need time by myself in wild spaces. Being alone is one of the most important things I do in my life. A little fear & loneliness is good for the soul! Beyond fear and loneliness there is curiosity, happiness, and the magic of knowing I get along with myself.

Face & embrace your fear
So how did I get to a place where I actually WANT to be alone? I went outside on my own a lot. I was scared at first. I just felt the worry. My world did not crumble. My early solo backpacking trips were full of fear, anxiety, and hardly eating anything (my appetite vanishes when I’m feeling lonely and sad). I did not die of a broken heart or sadness. It hurts to feel lonely. It’s uncomfortable to be scared. Breath deeply, reason with yourself, and let yourself feel uncomfortable. It sucks, but there is no easy sneak around to the other side. For me, every solo trip starts with a bit of emotional pain, but it fades after a few days, and being lonely helps me re-focus on what I care about. If I’m missing something or someone, I can see what […]

Brew-hike of the Bend Ale Trail

By |March 13th, 2016|2016 posts, Current, malt meanderings|Comments Off on Brew-hike of the Bend Ale Trail

On a cold wintery February day Sage & Treehugger set out to hike the Bend Ale Trail in a day. 15 breweries later, they had a fully stamped Ale Trail Atlas & bellies full of some of the best beer in the world.

Last minute gifts for hikers

By |December 22nd, 2015|12 Gifts, 2015 posts, Current|Comments Off on Last minute gifts for hikers

Sage shares 4 more ideas for cheap & functional hiker gifts. Most of these 4 gift ideas are things you can put together in the last minute, & will make your hiker smile. Try drying some fruit or veggies, make up a batch of trail cookies, or dig out a handful of freezer bags to stuff your hiker's stocking with.

More Hiker Holiday Treats

By |December 18th, 2015|12 Gifts, 2015 posts, Current|Comments Off on More Hiker Holiday Treats

Sage suggests some great hiker gifts and gear for under $50. Did you know you can buy rain gear that works for under $40? You can give your hiker the gift of cleanliness in the backcountry with a few of the tips on Day 8. Want to put trail worthy treats in the stocking? Find Sage's snack attack favorites on Day 6.