About
Who Am I?
Adventurer. I moved to Seattle in 2006 with my husband and since then I’ve hiked all over the Cascades and beyond. I feel a deep connection with the outdoors that goes back to my childhood in rural Pennsylvania, spending weekends in the Appalachian Mountains with my dad and two older sisters. I strive to bring this inspiration into my life by getting more involved with the outdoor community, volunteering, bringing nature into my home and sharing my favorite places with friends and family.
Mama. In December 2016, we welcomed our little Evelyn Jane (Evie) into the world. I want her to see all the beauty this planet has to offer so I take her with me everywhere. This new journey has allowed me to slow down, observe more, and revisit some old favorite trails. Evie enjoys soft animals, books, touching plants, looking at colorful flowers, and eating wild blueberries.
Book Lover. I am always reading a book. I especially love connecting books with my travels and adventures. I will devour any women’s outdoor memoir and I have a soft spot for fiction with a little bit of spook and magic. I haven’t met a book set in the woods that I don’t like and I am a total sucker for any book with a map in the front cover. I lead the Alpine Trails Book Club, an outdoor themed book club with meetings on the trails around Seattle.
Writer. By starting this blog, I have discovered my passion for writing. I find that it pushes me to keep up my adventures so that I have more to write about. I hope that my writing helps others find what they love and are passionate about and gives them the courage to go after it. Here are some examples of my published work:
Take Your Book Club Outside on Washington Trails Association
The Case For Female Solo Hiking on Outdoor Women’s Alliance
Landmarks: Columbia River Gorge on She-Explores
Nature on Trail: Yellow Warbler & Salmonberry on Washington Trails Association
Photographer. I have been taking photographs for as long as I can remember. I focused on landscapes for a long time, but recently I’ve taken more portraits. I really love the reactions I get when showing friends their photos and I always aim to let their personalities shine through. I am now available for booking photo sessions in the Seattle area, and love to do shoots in the mountains, of course.
Engineer. When I’m not exploring, I’m engineering. This brings me to my other passion, STEM outreach. I volunteer with several organizations to bring more STEM activities into the schools to get kids, especially girls, excited about science, math, and engineering.
Features:
11 Solo Hiking Tips For Women on Atlas & Boots
What Should I Read Next? Podcast Episode 200
What Should I Read Next? Podcast Episode 163
30 Peaks by Age 30 on The Art of Non-Conformity
18 Tips From Female Solo Hikers on Backpacker
Podcast Interview on Climb Out of the Cubicle
Women Who Howl: Wild Wisdom With Alpine lily on Howl Often
The Best Backpacks for Long Trips on The Strategist
Regular Contributor:
5 COMMENTS
I enjoyed meeting you last night, and hope you continue to find beauty and inspiration in the wild places in the North Cascades.
That moment when you meet someone who stared a hiking/book club and you just need to ask “can I hug you right now?” It was amazing to spend trial time with you this weekend. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts, about me section, and look very forward to joining you on the next possible Alpine Trails Book Club adventure I possibly can. Blessings, Brenda
Aww I love this so much! Can’t wait to spend more trail time with you to! Hugs!
I thoroughly enjoy this website, thank you for all your hard work. I’ve been reading recommended books all summer and I’ve loved every single one! May I suggest you consider ‘The Wild Folk’ by Sylvia Lindsteadt? It’s an ecologial ‘fairytale’ set in a mythical SF Bay Area and I totally loved it. I wondered if you might too.
Thank you, Cathryn! I’m so glad you are enjoying the recommendations. I have not heard of The Wild Folk, but I will definitely check it out. Thanks so much for getting in touch!