I discovered my love for hiking in 2016. I remember it clearly. I was working at Apple, single, in my late 20s, graduated with a Master degree, and had NO CLUE what I was doing with my life. I was on auto pilot with no destination – just floating around and doing the things I was doing because that’s just what I had been doing.
It started small. On my days off I would go to Castlewood of Creve Couer Lake (both in the STL area), and wander. Then I got a pair of hiking boots. Then I got a book about the trails in the area. Then I just got started! I hadn’t been much into fitness before this so it took a while to feel confident, and when I started I didn’t know how to use a compass or read a map beyond the basics so I made sure I went places that would have service.
After a while friends started coming along, we’d go to trails a couple hours away, and I even started to build a little community around it. In 2018 I even completed the 52 Hike Challenge – hiking 52 hikes in one year. It was an amazing challenge and one I’m going to take on again in 2025!
In 2017 I (with some help from a friend who knew how to use power tools) built a platform out of 2x4s and plywood that fit into the back of my Honda CR-V so I could go car camping! I piled pads, my sleeping bag, and blankets into the back, and all my gear and supplies fit underneath. I loved this because it meant no one could see all the things I was storing if they were to look in the windows.
With this setup I’ve been to 7 National Parks (I’ve been to 11 all together, but those were other adventures), and it has been the absolute BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! I’m really looking forward to getting to travel more as this business grows 🙂
I’ve known all this time that being out in nature and on the trails is when I’m the most centered, at peace, and am best able to clear my mind. Even if I don’t intentionally think about what’s going on in my life – just being out there helps. I haven’t yet taken Woods out, because he likes to get sick in the car if we’re in the car for longer than 10 minutes (we’re working on it!).
Its always been hard to articulate, and perhaps that’s why this post is needed. The short answer is that after every hike I return with a clear mind and am ready to take on the world. Its just magic!
The long answer is that its a physical activity, which immediately focuses me on what my body is doing and not on letting my mind wander. I also have to focus on my surroundings – following the trail, the daylight, and the safety things for a solo female out there like the people around me, where my car is, and if I have all my protective things.
All of this is forcing me to stay in the present. My mind doesn’t wander much. It doesn’t end up amidst my to-do lists, inbox, or Instagram dm’s. Its just right where it needs to be – with me.
When I get back I find everything exactly how it was when I left, except me. I’ve accomplished something, got outside, probably took some cool photos, and have a clear mind. I pulled myself away, and came back renewed. I’m ready and eager to take things on with a fresh mindset!
I suppose its still hard to explain. Some people have yoga, some have spending time in the kitchen, some crafting. Everyone has that thing that brings them back to earth with a fresh perspective. For me that’s hiking ❤
Virtually Maggie 
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