Tag: Solo Hike

• Thunderbird Park

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on January 22, 2018

  A trip to Arizona for me is not complete without a visit to Thunderbird Park. Mostly this is because my family lives near one of the trail entrances, so I walk half a mile and my hike begins. Not quite like the 1-2 hour drives I take to get to a trail in Washington.

  Not that I’m complaining, nothing compares to the hikes in Washington…yet.

  In my previous visits to Thunderbird Park, I stuck to a basic walk following the Coach Whip trail, taking me along three different mountains, but never to the summits. The park is split into three mountains, each with their own summit. One at Arrowhead Point, one on the Cholla Loop, and one on Sunrise Mountain.

  The other trails in the image below lead into one of these summits.

  

  I decided to jump on board with the #52hikechallenge this year, where I hike at least 52 times throughout 2018. To make it easy, I started on Jan 2. Ideally I will hike once a week, but there will certainly be weeks I hike more than this (like when I’m hiking 8 days straight in Scotland, or when I’m hiking this summer at an exciting location – for another blog post), as well as weeks I don’t hike at all.

  I plan to listen to my body this year more than every before, like yesterday when I chose to go to a spin class instead of hike. 

  Overall I have no strict rules for this goal, just to make an effort to hike as often as possible. I completed four hikes while in Arizona, three of them at Thunderbird Park in order to hit all three summits. I find it easy to start a commitment like this when I’m in Arizona because the sunshine is motivational.

  Plus I have a shitton of extra time, and Thunderbird is so close. 

  

  Far left is Sunrise Mountain, middle is Cholla Loop, and far right is Arrowhead Point. All connected by the Coach Whip trail.

  

  Another angle view of the same three in the same order.

  You would never know from the above panoramic photos, but each summit is market by an American flag. This made it more fun for me, because I can’t say the view from the tops are anything to loose your pants over. Instead I used the flag as my victory reward. I did all of these hikes solo, and this park is well populated so I always felt safe.

  Each hike gave me a bit over 5 miles by starting where I did on the Coach Whip, but you could easily do more than one mountain at a time. 

  First up for me was Cholla Loop – a 3.6 mile loop with an elevation of 1350′. The overall gain is a mere 561′ making this trail suitable for most everyone. I started at the same location each time, giving me a few extra miles. This was when I realized there were multiple summits, and this was when I decided to hit all three before I left.

  

  Next hike was somewhat unplanned. I set out with the intention of just walking the Coach Whip (which I did a few other times that I’m not counting) but ended up turning the wrong way. I was heading towards the summit of Sunrise Mountain, and ironically as I hit the summit the sun was starting to set.

  Sunset on Sunrise.

  I wasn’t planning a full hike, but one thing led to another. I still got 5 miles in on this hike, but had to call for backup because it was getting dark. Instead of walking back another mile and a half or so on the Coach Whip, I got picked up at the Sunrise Mountain trail head. Shout out to my dad and stepmom for coming to save me from coyotes and creeps. This trail is a 4.3 mile loop (I loved the loops!) with a gain of 626′.

  

  Lastly I ventured to Arrowhead Point Trail, which was the shortest of them all with a smaller elevation gain, but the shorter the mileage/gain ratio the more it burns. It’s short, but it gets the lungs burning. This loop is 2.4 miles with a gain of 439′. I was fortunate enough to have the summits mostly to myself.

  I sat at this summit for a good 10 minutes appreciating my life.

  

  I’ve officially conquered all of Thunderbird Park, and feel I’m a partial subject matter expert now. I’m excited to continue hiking in various places around the US, and in Scotland. And of course anywhere else I decide to travel to, because the world is my playground.

  Q: Did you set any goals for the new year? I think goals should be sent all year long, not just at the beginning.

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged Arizona, Hike, Mountain, Solo Hike, Thunderbird Park

• Arizona Ascents

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on January 11, 2018

  I’m currently on an extended vacation visiting my family in Arizona, and although I miss the greenery of my home state, I’ve taken advantage of the sunshine and dry hiking weather. Every time I visit Arizona I make it a point to hike a popular trail near Phoenix called Piestewa Peak, formerly known as Squaw Peak.

  

  Compared to the trails in Washington where I live, this trail would be considered small. The elevation is small, and the distance is short, but the gain happens quickly. The climb kicked my butt this time around, but I did make it to the summit quicker than I had in the past. I normally hike this with family, but this time I went solo.

  It took me 45 minutes to get to the top, rested for a few, and back down for a RT total of an hour and 40 minutes. Ish…

  

  One thing that sets this hike aside from what I’m used to is the uneven terrain. My preference for a trail is one that has a steady and smooth incline. The rocks, and stones make Piestewa Peak more difficult because it requires more energy to step up onto. This hike also requires more mental attention, I find myself thinking of my next step before I even take it.

  Sometimes, when the path has a rock-less option I take that path.

  

  To the right.

  I find it difficult to make the brown and dusty landscape look pretty, but that’s because my preference is always green. I was able to capture a few good shots before the dust completely engulfed the valley below, it was incredibly windy this day.

  The wind was so bad I had to stop a few times to blink the dust out of my eyes. 

  

  This windy afternoon was the precursor to a “storm” that was coming. Hours later rain was falling from the sky like a flock of seagulls towards a loaf of bread. When I come to Arizona the weather is mostly consistent, and rarely deviates from sunshine. This day was completely unpredictable starting with sun, moving to wind, and ending with rain and thunder.

  The perfect metaphor for life, nothing is predictable. 

  

  Learning to expect the unexpected has helped me cope when things don’t go as planned. How boring would life be if everything followed a schedule, or if we never let go of control to simply trust the process? This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t plan for things, but rather evaluate how we react when things don’t go as planned.

  I wasn’t expecting overcast on this hike, but I welcomed it with open arms. I wasn’t expecting to feel like I was going to die on this hike, but I accepted the challenge to whip myself back into shape. I wasn’t expecting rain in Arizona, but I sucked in the smell of it like a brand new vacuum.

  There is something magical about the smell of warm rain. 

  

  Rain is invigorating. Cleaning the air and washing away dirt, it feels like a fresh start.

  It would be remiss of me not to update those of you that haven’t heard the latest on my cat. He is recovering amazingly well after his surgery, and will get his final evaluation on Saturday. He will also get to take off his cone of shame, and get his stitches removed.

  He has been given a fresh start.

  The little Houdini escaped the cone multiple times, is eating like a full grown grizzly, and is successfully urinating. I’d say he’s well on his way. Thank you again to those that helped this process. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as he undergoes one more procedure when I get back home.

  

  Q: How do you react when things don’t go as planned? Meditation has helped me to react less aggressively. 

  

  | 23 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cat, Desert, Hiking, Solo Hike, Squaw Peak, Vacation

• Poo Poo Point – A Place to Purge your Thoughts

  Posted at 6:45 AM by Brittany, on March 3, 2017

  Last week I found myself on another solo hike. Over the last couple years my confidence in hiking alone has gone down, something my parents will surely appreciate. I’ve noticed that while I still very much enjoy going alone (as in without any personal friends), I enjoy having other people around.

  It makes me feel safer, it makes me feel less isolated, and it makes me feel connected.

  

  What I love most about hiking alone is that I don’t have to engage in conversations. In my day to day life I talk to people a lot, and this can be quite draining. I relish in the moments of silence. I’ve always been the one that friends come to when they need to vent, and I enjoy being that support for people, but sometimes it can be too much.

  

  I’m burned out on being the ear for people to blab at, and aside from my mom and hired professionals I don’t really know how to be the one venting to others. I have empathy for most situations I get myself into, but my meter of open mental space has been pushed past the full line.

  

  I’ve started to put in the work it takes to expand my circle of people. I want people in my life that ask me how I am doing, how I am feeling, and genuinely want to understand what I am experiencing. Relationships are so important to our existence, but only if they are of good quality. Think about the last time you had a conversation with a good friend that left you feeling warm inside.

  Those are what we need in life.

  

  I have no problem ditching people that suck more than they give, and I’ve gotten quite good at it over the years. My tolerance for this negativity is nearly nonexistent. There are a handful of people that have slipped through the cracks though, and it’s taken a myriad of health problems for me to realize who needs to stay and who needs to go.

  I simply do not have the extra energy it takes for these kinds of people.

  

  He can stay. I don’t know him, but if he can carry that parachute up a mountain he’s good people.

  

  When I opened my computer to write this hike recap I did not intend for it to go this way. I don’t often think about what I am going to write, I just go with whatever my fingers start typing. I think the bottom line for what I’m trying to say is that it’s easy to get sucked into black hole friendships. It’s not always clear, but I challenge you to become more aligned with your gut feelings.

  As for me, I won’t be feeling bad when I decline hiking with a friend and want to go alone. Not that I ever really do…

  

  I’ve hiked this trail a handful of times – it’s close (in relation to other places I go, but this one is still an hour and a half drive away) it’s short (4 miles RT and takes me about 2 hrs), and it’s a butt burner (just under 2k eleveation for just under 2 miles up.) Despite having been here multiple times I hadn’t seen the paragliders take off, until this trip.

  

  

  I don’t know if this is something I could do, but it was sure fun watching other people. The weather was great, bouncing between sun and clouds, with the perfect amount of wind for these brave souls. Some guys were going up multiple times carrying their packs on their back. Talk about motivation to get into shape.

  Although it would be terrifying to take that jump off the edge, I can only imagine the solitary feelings that comes with floating alone in the sky. 

  

  Being alone in the woods gives me time to process my thoughts, and hot damn there can be a lot at times. I’ve recently discovered I have ADD, which makes a whole heap of sense for some of my tendencies and traits. I’m always working hard to quiet my mind, and solo hiking is one of my outlets for this. And meditation – a constant work in progress.

  In sum, it’s not necessarily personal if you want to be alone. Don’t feel bad about turning down invites, telling someone you’d rather be alone, or anything of this nature. When a roaring fire starts to die we casually add more fuel. This allows a steady balanced burn with minimal work. If the fire is complete burned out it takes a lot more energy to get it started again. People are the same. Don’t burn yourself out.

  Also, yes – the trail is seriously called Poo Poo Point. Imagine the irony if this were the trail I was on when this happened.

  Q: Would you paraglide?

  

  | 59 Comments Tagged Hike, Poo Poo Point, Solo Hike

• Seattle Life

  Posted at 5:00 AM by Brittany, on September 23, 2016

  Of all the house sitting gig’s I’ve had, the one I’m doing right now is hands down the best of the best. The bee’s knees. Crème de la crème. Typically my pet-ventures are in my neck of the woods, but this one is in Seattle.

  And I’ve been here for thirteen days, with three more to go.

  

  My excited face.

  First and foremost being in Seattle puts me literally 15 minutes from work. Opposed to two hours. Granted I still don’t mind my commute, but hot damn is it nice not having one right now. I’m in for a rude awakening when I go home.

  No commute means more time for running.

  

  My current running spot.

  

  Will run for V/GF cupcakes

  Secondly, being in Seattle puts me only an hour away from some of my favorite hikes. Typically I travel two hours to get here, which I also don’t mind, (clearly my perception of time is much different than most) but again SO NICE to chop off an hour.

  

  

  

  Thirdly, I am so close to ALL THE VEGAN FOOD. Again, I happily travel to Seattle in my spare time JUST TO EAT sometimes, but here I am SMACK in the middle of it all. So many options, so little time. My mind is like a tornado, and my mouth is like a suck hole.

  

  Cafe Flora – Italian burger GF/V

  

  How cute is this restaurant setup?

  

  Portage Bay Cafe – V/GF pancakes with UNLIMITED BERRY BAR

  

  Sugar Plum – V S’mores Brownie

  

  Chaco Canyon Cafe – Quinoa, kelp noodles, tempeh bacon with ginger sesame sauce.

  Disclaimer: I make sure to also eat a vegetable based meal of greens to balance out the above goodness. 

  My housemate is a cat, so my job is not only easy, but enjoyable. I love cats. We just get each other. She is black just like my little, and she roams the land in the daytime like a gypsy warrior. She eats well and runs around to burn it off.

  

  Basically we’re twins. Although she has better self control than I do, I offered her some bread I made and she denied.

  Good, more for me. 

  

  Grain free chocolate zucchini bread. Yusss.

  I’m never bored over here, there is always something to do. So many cafes, so many restaurants, so many people. If anyone wants to move to Seattle and split the $48496438967 rent with me that’d be great.

  Or I’ll just house sit forever. Or I’ll sleep in abandoned churches and lighthouses.

  

  

  That’s all for now. I run. I work. I hike. I eat. I study. I explore. & Repeat.

  Q: City or suburb dwelling?

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Hike, Mason Lake, North Bend, Running, Seattle, Solo Hike, Vegan

• Ira Springs Trail – Mason Lake

  Posted at 6:56 AM by Brittany, on June 6, 2016

  It’s here, it’s here! Summer is *almost* here! 

  

  I used to be neutral about summer, and then one year I discovered my love for hiking. The longer and warmer days made these hikes more doable and more enjoyable.

  

  

  Last Tuesday I kicked off the season with a solo hike to Mason Lake. I had never been to the lake before, but I had been to Bandera Mountain which shares the same beginning of the trail. I’ll never forget the hike to Bandera because the bug swarms were out of control, and Tuesday was even worse.

  I was like one of those barn animals with fly’s swarming their faces. 

  

  The beginning of the hike was familiar, with steep hills and rock fields. I was breathing like a labored donkey thinking to myself how out of shape I am, but after passing 6 people I realized perhaps I was trying to bulldoze up the mountain too fast.

  I’m still somewhat out of shape though. 

  

  

  This hike was a much needed soul revival. Summer months bring out my desires to explore, and when I explore I feel balanced and centered. Insert “ommmmm” chants here.

  

  

  The trail climbs 4300 ft into the sky providing amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the ever so gorgeous Mount Rainier as shown above. Conditions this time of year were fine, just a few trees down towards the lake that allowed me to practice my show horse leaps.

  

  

  I did feel a bit nostalgic missing my hiking partner from the last adventure to this area, but I very much enjoyed being on my own clock. Solo hikes mean bathrooms are everywhere, and sweaty hot mess appearances are no big deal.

  Actually let’s be real, sweaty hot messes are never a big deal in the mountains.

  

  Fun fact: my nostrils are shaped differently.

  

  

  The lake was so still and quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Plenty of giardia looking water too.

  

  

  

  I sat. I savored. 

  

  

  Great view of Bandera mountain.

  

  One of the things I love about hiking, aside from the immediate sense of accomplishment and relaxation, is that it inspires me to be creative. For me this is something as simple as taking photos, and sharing them in this space.

  

  

  

  It’s imperative for our well being to find things we are passionate about and to DO THEM. Make the time, because nothing is more important than self care.

  Q: What inspires you to be creative?

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Bandera Mountain, Hiking, Mason Lake, Solo Hike

• Balanced Isolation Leads to Peaceful Understanding

  Posted at 11:00 AM by Brittany, on March 15, 2016

  I want to hug each and every one of you that commented on my last post. It’s sometimes scary opening your heart and soul to a sea of people, but I am thankful that I have never once received a negative comment on my blog. The community we have built here is one I am happy to be apart of, even when I don’t blog as often.

  I adore having this space to share bits of my life.

  

  I want to say thank you for all the kind words shared the last handful of years, and while my blog is just a small speck in a sea of whales I appreciate anyone that stops by. I read and reply to EACH comment, so if you ever ask a question please be sure to check back in for my reply!

  I don’t have the fancy capabilities to have my reply sent to your email, so we just have to put in a little work to engage in conversation in my neck of the woods.

  

  SPEAKING OF woods, I took myself on a solo hike last Tuesday and it was one for the books. A complete spirit, mind, and body renewal.

  I finished my set of classes about a week and a half ago and I tried to get a small bit of exploring in before starting back up again today. My first round went smashingly well, and it was nice to take a non school related book with me into the mountains.

  

  I’m currently reading Amy Poehler’s book “Yes Please” and it’s both entertaining and inspirational all wrapped into one. I was fortunate enough to have this spot of the trail to myself for a while, until a fellow reader came and sat down. It was like our own unannounced book club. Reading different books. Not speaking.

  Just go with it. 

  To balance out this solo adventure I made plans to hangout with a friend a few days later. Like a real life human friend, but first I had to give some love to my main man.

  

  Since I’m trying to push myself out of the isolated bubble human interaction is necessary, but the allure of the silence while walking with animals is one I will never outgrow. There is something special about not being alone, but also not speaking.

  Does that make sense? I’m sounding crazier by the minute.

  

  

  I had quite the adventure once reunited with my friend. At lunch I was served beef after ordering a vegan burger, and then I was blindfolded by a towel while laying on a stingy recliner at a $25 foot massage/full body abuse chamber. The beauty of being balanced is that moments like this are easy to laugh at. I thank my solo hike.

  I also thank my running, even when inconsistent.

  

  Mistakes happen, and why people get worked up when they do is beyond me. I will never be the person to demand a free meal from a mistake, or not leave a tip because my “masseuse” was training for his next cage fight on my arm.

  So what’s today’s takeaway?

  Before letting your own mental distress hurt someone else, put yourself in their shoes. Have you never messed something up before? Have you never upset another person? Have you done something to be given the right to treat people rudely because you feel you’re entitled to? We are all in this world together and should all be treated the same.

  

  In all honesty though I won’t be adventuring to a cheap sketchy massage place again anytime soon, but the memory is one I will laugh at for years.

  Q: Allergy concerns aside, take a moment to think about how you would react if your food order was messed up. Is it really worth it to cause a big scene? My waiter was extremely embarrassed and apologetic, had he been rude perhaps it would have been a different story, but we each treated each other with respect and called it a day. 

  

  | 79 Comments Tagged Adventure, Hiking, Life, Running, Solo Hike, Vegan

• Solo Hiking – Why and How I Do it

  Posted at 8:40 AM by Brittany, on August 10, 2015

  Escaping to the mountains is by far one of my favorite things to do. I have a lifestyle that allows me to up and go practically anytime I want, but for others that’s not always conducive. Sometimes I make decisions last minute.

  

  Brittany, party of one.

  

  Fortunately for me, I sometimes prefer embarking on my hiking adventures alone.

  

  

  

  Melakwa lake was my recent destination of choice for a solo hike, an alpine lake nestled comfortably at the end of a 4.25 mi climb, and at 4600ft. On the way up my mind was being used to tell my lungs to inflate and deflate, but on the way down my mind filled with thoughts of why I enjoy solo hiking.

  

  

  There are many reasons why I hike solo, and there are also a handful of ways “how” I hike solo. While I know it may not be for everyone, it’s something I’d encourage if the thought has every crossed your mind. My only advice is to be prepared.

  Here are a few of my how and why’s.

  
  How(H) and Why(W) I Solo Hike

  • H: I always eat a large balanced breakfast. Always.
  • W: I love being on my own schedule, moving at my own pace, and venturing off on any (well marked) path I want.

  

  • H: I always read up on whatever trail I’m interested in before I go. Things like trail reports/conditions, distance, path information, things to expect and so on. This helps reduce any unknown surprises.
  • W: I work a job that requires a lot of talking, sometimes it’s nice to not talk. Aside from the greetings I provide fellow hikers. I crave alone time.

  

  The common stop spot for families. Thankfully the rest of the hike I was to myself a lot.

  • H: I tend to go on Sunday’s, a day I know there will be other hikers. I also go to hikes I presume will be populated enough that I’m not completely alone, but alone enough to have long stretches without seeing others.
  • W: Being alone means I don’t have to shower before I go, despite all the onions I ate the day before seeping out of my pores. I can also let any air trapped in my stomach escape. Beans, beans, the magical fruit.

  

  Fungus umungus.

  • H: I ALWAYS let someone know where I am going, and when to expect me home. By someone I mean my mom.
  • W: There is something immensely freeing about being alone on a mountain. Not like being alone in sketchy woods, that’s different. Being alone with nature (and enough fellow hikers that I feel safe from boogie men) gives me so much peace and I feel more alive in these moments than any other.

  

  • H: I always carry the essentials. Food, water, a knife, mace, a whistle/light, a poncho, nun-chucks, matches, sunscreen, my phone, beef jerky for Sasquatch. The knife I carry could use an upgrade though, if anyone wants to send one my way I’ll happily accept.
  • W: Independence, mental clarity, accomplishments, learning new things about myself, inner strength, inner peace, inner love–I’m a crunchy granola.
    

    Always in my hand, just in case.

  • H: My head is constantly swiveling, and I don’t get too lost in my thoughts. It’s easy to get distracted by all the beauty, but being aware of my surroundings keeps me safe. Falling branches are my nemesis.
  • W: I am my best when I feel strong and confident. I’m also my best when no one hears how heavy I’m breathing while climbing hills in 90+ degrees.

  
  

  • H: I always go early, ensuring that I have plenty of daylight should I somehow get off track. I also try to never get off track.
  • W: Solo hiking allows me to practice my terrible selfie skillz.

  

  I was going for 1980’s solo prom pose.

  

  

  • H: I listen to the cricket in my head. Pinocchio taught me not to listen to talking foxes, but also to let my conscious be my guide. The voice in your head and the feeling in your gut–listen to it. 
    
  • W: I can use the wilderness bathroom anytime. I can actually do this when I’m not solo too, but it’s a tad bit easier when I’m alone.

  

  

  

  

  I think that’ll do for now, but if you’re still not convinced solo hiking is for you I’ll leave you with this: No one will see you take the shoes you find mid trail.

  

  Just kidding, those weren’t my size.

  Q: Do you/have you/would you solo hike? If yes, what are your tips and tricks?

  

  | 63 Comments Tagged Adventure, Alpine Lake, Hiking, Melakwa Lake, Solo Hike, Washington

• Annette Lake

  Posted at 6:58 AM by Brittany, on July 2, 2015

  To beat the heat this past weekend I broke out of my comfort zone and embarked on a new solo hike. I hadn’t been to an alpine lake in nearly a year, and with temps in the 90’s I figured there would be a few other hikers there.

  No other hikers makes me nervous for animal encounters.

  

  I headed to Annette Lake, and the trail was more popular than I anticipated. Thankfully I arrived early enough to snag a parking spot and beat the latecomers.

  
  

  I only had to pass people a few times, leaving me alone with my thoughts the majority of the 7.5 mile round trip adventure. I adore solo hikes.

  

  Once I reached the lake I noticed a handful of campers. As I sat and ate my food I daydreamt about overnight hiking and waking up with the sun.

  Sipping my coffee with a view like this needs to happen soon.

  

  

  

  This trail has a great canopy cover making for a comfortable hike despite the heat. The elevation gain was a mere 1400 ft, but I definitely got sweaty. One of these times I will jump into a lake, I’ll be doing plenty more lake hikes this summer.

  

  

  My fuel of choice during the hike was a scone and some berries, and post hike I wolfed down some potatoes and veggies courtesy of Whole Foods. I haven’t been craving sweets much lately, and I think it’s because I’ve upped my protein intake (naturopath’s orders), but then I stumbled across something I couldn’t pass by.

  This old school VW travels around Seattle selling vegan ice cream sandwiches with unique flavor combinations. I’d heard about it, I’d seen photos of it, but just like a mystical unicorn I had never actually seen it myself.

  Then I drove by it and knew I had to stop.

  

  My heart was set on the snicker doodle cookie with coffee ice cream sandwich, but I was too late and there was only one option left. This would never have been my first choice, but trying something new was fun and it was delicious.

  It was a successful Saturday indeed.

  

  Q: What’s your favorite solo adventure?

  

  | 62 Comments Tagged Annette Lake, Hike, Ice Cream, PNW, Solo Hike, Vegan

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