A love and curiosity for the natural world, an affinity for hiking, and a sense of purpose.
I’ve loved hiking since I was very little. As I’ve grown into my teenage years, that love has grown into a true passion to connect with the natural world. Below are a few pictures and some notes from the three trips I used to further explore this passion and develop my skills in backcountry camping, hiking, and survival skills.
However, the impetus of this project was born years ago on my first backcountry trip in 8th grade. That experience inspired me to take, at the time, the biggest risk of my life. A 3-week backcountry trip to California without my parents, or anyone I knew, and very little experience.
Brown County State Park
This trip was all about laying the foundation with a basic, early Spring tent-camping and hiking trip.
Morgan - Monroe State Forest
The second trip was my first time backcountry camping in a long time. It meant a lot more planning and a longer, more challenging hike to get to and from the various backcountry campsites. The entire 2-day trip involved 16 total miles of hiking with all of my gear on my back and tools to filter water. But at least I had a tent to sleep in each night.
Zelaski State Forest
The finale was taking everything I learned and making one last backcountry trip, but with one more skill - making a shelter instead of using a tent. This was also the most difficult hiking of the three trips. A total of 18 miles in the heat of early August with some very tough terrain and a fair amount of elevation.