The mountains bring me back to myself. Every time. Coming back into myself. It’s a strange idea but when I hike, I am in nature, when I backpack–my body resets. There is an ease, a simplicity here where space increases and fills with the silence and peace that brings a sense of alert clarity, calm. My body and my heart align again.

The past year I have been out hiking and backpacking mostly by myself. Except for Patagonia, of course.

This past trip I went with a group of people I didn’t know very well or at all. We all connected in a Facebook group because we had a free weekend, and wanted to get outside during wildflower season. I think I planned the trip a few days in advance

Turns out this was one of my favorite trips. God surprised me with people this time. The beauty of the glorious wildflowers and perfect snowy bowls were the backdrop that held what was more precious–moments of adventure, connection and laughter with the people I walked with. I felt seen and held.