Adjusting back to van life feels strange yet satisfying. You go from being in a home to having the ability to move around and stretch to being in a box on wheels where you are limited if the weather isn't any good. The first few weeks have been tough but slowly I've been readjusting back to the feeling of living in my home on wheels. It's like being free once while also being limited in some context and yet I have never felt more alive than I do when I am on the road. For a few weeks now I have been in southern Illinois rock climbing, working, and sitting by a fire once my work is done. It's been a joy to cook with fire instead of having to use propane and it has been wonderful to be able to just go out on a hike in the woods with Lylah without having to go very far at all. 

This week I will be driving over to Salt Lake City and getting ready for my stay in the city. I do enjoy the options I have there and look forward to exploring more of that city and get to hike more of the trails. Once I am done in salt Lake I will be heading into southern Utah to go explore and probably make my way to Moab and then to Colorado where I will more than likely be meeting Dad for a snowboarding/skiing trip/time. I'm excited to see him and ready to get back on a board and try out more options for what I want to purchase for future times out in the snow. 

Im wondering if any of you have any suggestions for Utah? I have been to many locations already but I am always ready to expand my horizons and take recommendations. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on places to visit in the state. 

Short break from posting about Glaicer as I fill you in on real time events. We are back in the van and we are slowly making our way west. I will admit right off the bat that adjusting back into van life is harder than I thought it was going to be. We started Last Friday and we have made it through our first week of climbing, working, and resting in cracker barrel parking lots. Right now we are in Southern Illinois and will be for about a week to soak in the views, climb some fun routes, and just be with nature and in a site we can call home for a bit. 

The reality of this venture is that I am a little unsteady on this one. I have a new box for my internet and I am testing the waters with it and making sure that it does what is advertised and as we make our way west I wanna make sure my connection works properly. It seems silly but, this is a newer job (just hot my one year with them) and I'm a little on edge about the connection and them not approving entirely. Not saying that I'm NOT allowed to travel in the van but you never know with companies and what they mean when they say "remote". I am following the guidelines as said in my contract and making sure to stay out of certain states but in reality, those states wont be apart of this go-around so I'm not too worried about that possibility. 

The other change I made this time was purchasing the black card for planet fitness. The black card allows me to shower and workout at any planet fitness around the U.S without hassle and I think that in itself will make a huge difference in how I feel while on the move. I love being outside and running but when it gets cold and rainy then I rather have the option to go indoors to workout. But in honesty, the ability to get clean and not have a restriction on hot water is a blessing. In one week I already have been to planet fitness three times and I never realized how much a hot shower can really change your mood on the road and make you feel complete before you settle for the night. 

I am excited for the travels, I'm happy to be back outside and have the outdoors BE my office. It makes me feel more alive and relaxed. While I miss my Dad and my boyfriend back home they both are super supportive of this decision and know that me getting out in the van helps to make me better and keep me happy. Plus it gives them both an excuse to come out west, visit me and play (and have a few brews of course) and I couldn't be more excited to make those kinds of memories with them. 

So we are one week in, we are slowly going west and so far things are going as planned. I will give you guys updates, stories and photos. Per usual I expect to have something happen. It always does. Stay tuned. 

Our next hike was a delightful surprise in many ways. Logan Pass is one of the most popular trails in Glacier National Park. While the steep steps leading to the overlook might make you reconsider your feelings about the stair climber, this hike offers ample opportunities to spot and photograph wildlife. Despite being the busiest trail we tackled, the chance to see everything from marmots to mountain goats made this short hike truly rewarding.

The trail begins at the same parking area as the Highline Trail, so I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Keep in mind that parking passes are required from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. during peak season. If you arrive late and haven’t managed to snag a pass, you’ll need to either wait at the bottom west side or head to the east side where no pass is necessary. Planning ahead is essential for a smooth experience on this hike.

Starting right next to the visitor center, the trail features steps winding through vibrant fields of wildflowers. You'll spend just under a mile enjoying the flora and spotting wildlife before reaching the lookout over Hidden Lake. From here, you have two options: head back to your car or continue down to Hidden Lake, which adds another mile and a half to your trek. We opted to descend to the lake, savoring our coffee and snacks by the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a dip, but be warned—the water is quite cold, hovering around 40 degrees, so proceed at your own risk!

Please remember to pack out whatever you bring in, as there are no trash cans down by the lake, and it’s home to fish as well.

The return journey can be a bit challenging due to some switchbacks leading out of Hidden Lake, but once you clear those, it’s a gradual incline back to the lookout, followed by a descent down the steps to the parking lot.

Lastly, please do not feed the animals. While they’re stunning to see up close, like the mountain goats, they are wild creatures. They may tolerate your presence, but they can be dangerous if provoked, so always respect their space.

Nearly four years ago, a friend and I hiked part of the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. This trail is renowned for its stunning scenery. The full hike spans about twelve to fourteen miles, but most hikers opt for an out-and-back route instead of completing the entire trail. We discovered that this preference largely stems from the final four miles, which feature a steep decline that can be tough on the knees and offers little in the way of views.

If you're planning to hike the full trail, here are some tips to keep in mind. First, be prepared for the length of the hike. We woke up at 3:30 a.m. to drive from our campsite to the parking lot. Arriving early is crucial, as this lot is one of the smallest for such a popular hike. We noticed people had even slept in their cars overnight to secure a spot. Thankfully, we arrived early enough to find parking without any issues. We started our hike at sunrise, and the overcast sky worked to our advantage, providing some relief from the sun. The trail has no shade, and although there isn’t much elevation gain, the sun can really wear you out, so pack plenty of water and snacks.

Around mile 7  there’s a junction with the Garden Wall Trail. I highly recommend taking this detour to Grinnell Glacier, where you’ll gain 900 to 1,500 feet in elevation over less than a mile. The views from up there were my absolute favorite in Glacier. Don’t forget to bring a lightweight jacket, as it can get quite windy and chilly.

After descending from Garden Wall, you’ll return to the main trail and reach the chalet in about a mile. The chalet offers lodging, snacks, restrooms, and drinks, making it a popular stop for many hikers. Some people spend the night there before heading back the next day, while others pause to rest before continuing. We stopped briefly but needed to keep moving, as we were concerned about our dog, Lylah, waiting in the car.

The descent was challenging. I found myself practically sprinting the last four miles, which was far from straightforward. The trail features steep steps and undulating terrain, with little tree cover along the way. Once you finally reach the bottom, you'll need to wait for the shuttle back to the parking lot. A word of caution about the shuttle system: it can be chaotic and overcrowded. If you're in a large group, I recommend sending someone ahead to secure a ride back. We saw groups waiting for over half an hour, and when the second shuttle arrived, I managed to grab one of the last two spots. Lylah was fine in the car, and after picking up our friend J, we headed back to the campsite.

Overall, we had a fantastic trip, and the hike was definitely worth it. If we do it again, we might leave Lylah with other campers overnight or stay at the chalet ourselves. It's definitely on our list for a return visit—maybe next time!

About a month ago, we returned from Glacier National Park. For those who haven’t ventured that far northwest, it’s located in the upper part of Montana, right on the Canadian border. The park is considered a peace park since it extends across the border into Canada, which is a fascinating concept. It really makes me reflect on the possibilities of being neighbors with Canada. I’m inspired to cross over and explore more incredible places that I can check off my map.

For now, I’m grateful for the hikes we completed during our trip. Our time in Glacier was amazing, with perfect weather throughout. The hikes we accomplished could have been challenging if we hadn’t chosen the right time to visit and if we hadn’t had many overcast days. Here are the hikes we tackled:

• Avalanche Lake
• Highline Trail
• Logan Pass
• Siyeh Pass

We initially planned to do the first three, but we added Siyeh Pass after hearing rave reviews from rangers and fellow hikers. Over the course of the week, we hiked more than 30 miles! We were treated to breathtaking views, spotted numerous marmots, and enjoyed an abundance of beautiful wildflowers. I have so much to share about this experience, and I can’t wait to tell you more. It truly became one of my favorite parks, and I want to share everything we discovered.

Next up: Avalanche Lake!