As I wrote in my previous post, during my hike at pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, there was a non-zero chance of seeing the aurora. The upper peninsula of Michigan is very far north and one of the consistently best places to see the northern lights in the United States. Unfortunately, the solar conditions were not […]
When the Northern Lights Danced in the Southern Sky Read More »
A lot of you may not know that I am originally from the Midwest. Born in Illinois, and raised in northwest Indiana (shouts to the 219), the flyover states are in my blood. Chicago deep dish > New York Style (that’s right, I said it). Despite the lack of mountains and epic views, there are
Pictured Rocks National lakeshore Read More »
Six years ago was my first backpacking trip attempt of the Pemigewasset Loop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. After one day, and 6 gruelling miles, I was not adequately prepared for the challenge. With my tail between my legs, I bailed after one night and drove all the back to Virginia, a defeated
The Presidential Traverse Read More »
I have had my eye on hiking to Havasu Falls for quite a while. Surrounded by the Grand Canyon with its distinct blue-green waters, travertine formations, and passing five iconic waterfalls, its environment is like nowhere else in the world. When my Phantom Ranch reservations were rescheduled from 2023 to 2024, I applied for a
Havasu Falls: Hualapai Hilltop to the Confluence & Back Read More »
Hello dear reader. Welcome to my first Trip report of 2024. As you may know from the previous Grand Canyon hike, water pipeline repairs caused my Phantom Ranch reservations in September 2023 were rescheduled to May 2024. Since then, Nick Ethan, and Ryan dropped out of the return trip. With it being too late for
Grand Canyon: South Rim-to-Phantom Ranch Read More »
On March 31st, 2024, Purdue’s basketball team made the Final Four, a first since 1980, after years of dedication and near-misses, it is time to celebrate.
Happy February!!! I hope you are all staying warm this time of year. This winter in Virginia has vacillated between extreme cold and 70 degree days, sometimes within a matter of hours. I’m used to weird midwestern weather growing up in Illiana, but I swear it followed me when I moved. Soon will come the
Hiking Calendar for 2024 Read More »
Hi everyone. With winter quickly approaching, my hiking season is just about done. I’m kind of weenie when it come to winter hiking. With so much free time on my hands. I’ve decided to honor one of my absolute favorite pieces of gear. I have extolled their virtues on a few of my previous trip
An ode to Darn tough Socks Read More »
Okay everyone, the time is finally here. A year of planning finally led me to one of the crown jewel hikes of the United States. I’m speaking of course about the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike. On Labor Day Weekend 2023, a few friends and I trekked through the heart of one of the seven natural
Grand Canyon: Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Hike Read More »
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to Backcountry Foodie. I receive a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). My thoughts and opinions are honest and entirely my own. In August of 2020 when this blog was but a twinkle in my eye, a few of my college friends