Trail Daddy

Trail Daddy Trail Daddy is your adventure guide, celebrating the wild and wonderful moments that happen outside your comfort zone.

The dust rose softly beneath his horse’s hooves,a quiet rhythm echoing through the still morning.I didn’t just see him—I...
07/22/2025

The dust rose softly beneath his horse’s hooves,
a quiet rhythm echoing through the still morning.
I didn’t just see him—I felt him.
Rooted in place, yet carrying centuries in his gaze.

“I travel not to move through the world,
but so that the world can move through me.”

And in this moment, it did.

Turn my swag on, tongue out, paws in the sand — desert vibes and main character energy all day. 🐾💁‍♂️
07/10/2025

Turn my swag on, tongue out, paws in the sand — desert vibes and main character energy all day. 🐾💁‍♂️

We are all visitors here.
05/25/2025

We are all visitors here.

Trip Report: Lyle Cherry Orchard HikeDate: Saturday, March 29, 2025I just got back from the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail, a...
03/30/2025

Trip Report: Lyle Cherry Orchard Hike

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

I just got back from the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail, and let me tell you, it was fantastic! The trail was in great shape, and I enjoyed the smooth hike. There were no pesky obstacles to trip over, and it looked like they had done some recent upkeep on the trail.

The weather was perfect for hiking—mostly sunny with temperatures around 58°F (14°C). Can't complain about that!

One of the coolest moments was spotting a red fox sitting peacefully in the open meadow. It's not every day you get to see one of those! Plus, I saw some bald eagles soaring over the Columbia River. Definitely added some wow factor to the day.

The scenery was spectacular. The trail was almost bursting with wildflowers in full bloom. You should have seen the vibrant yellow balsamroot! It lit up the landscape, and plenty of other colorful wildflowers were around to make everything pop. It will still be a couple of weeks until the flowers peak.

Overall, hiking the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail was such a delightful experience. The nice weather, well-maintained trails, incredible wildlife, and all those blooming flowers combined for a truly memorable adventure in the Columbia River Gorge!

Wonderland Trail Early Access Lottery Application Now Open!Get the details here -
02/10/2025

Wonderland Trail Early Access Lottery Application Now Open!

Get the details here -

A 93-mile journey around Tahoma in Mt Rainier National Park

Caught in bad weather on the trail? Learn how to use the National Weather Service Area Forecast Discussion to plan safer...
01/28/2025

Caught in bad weather on the trail? Learn how to use the National Weather Service Area Forecast Discussion to plan safer and smarter backpacking trips! Check out my latest guide.

The top five reasons to geek out over the National Weather Service.

I just returned from an incredible 5-day backpacking adventure in the Wallowa Mountains, including a sunrise summit of M...
09/24/2024

I just returned from an incredible 5-day backpacking adventure in the Wallowa Mountains, including a sunrise summit of Matterhorn Peak (9,835'). The views were simply breathtaking, but what hit me was how my body allowed me to fully embrace the experience. To enjoy the challenge and not just survive it. Staying fit is about being ready for these spontaneous opportunities—like chasing a sunrise at 9,000 feet. Strength makes life’s adventures more accessible and WAY more rewarding. 💪

Are you ready for your next adventure?

My winter coaching program, The Winter Passage, kicks off in January! It’s a transformative six-month journey to help you maintain your strength, energy, and mindset through the colder months. Think of it as training for your next big adventure while staying energized and motivated all winter. Join the waitlist and be the first to hear when the journey begins!

ithrive.fitness/winterpassage

Golden light ascends,Footsteps blend with morning breeze,Hearts rise with the sun.Sunrise at the summit of Matterhorn Pe...
09/24/2024

Golden light ascends,
Footsteps blend with morning breeze,
Hearts rise with the sun.

Sunrise at the summit of Matterhorn Peak, Wallowa Mountains

Who's ready for a hike?!
09/02/2024

Who's ready for a hike?!

🌲 Enchantments Trip Report 🌲This past weekend, we scored an unexpected overnight permit for the Enchantments area in the...
08/28/2024

🌲 Enchantments Trip Report 🌲

This past weekend, we scored an unexpected overnight permit for the Enchantments area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness—thanks to a last-minute cancellation by someone who must’ve hit the lottery (literally).

The adventure began with a 5.5-hour drive after work on Friday to a dispersed camping spot near the trailhead. We arrived under chilly skies, with a touch of rain and wind that hinted at the weather to come.

Saturday, we set off on the trail, making our way to the stunning Colchuck Lake. The ascent up Aasgard Pass was challenging (2000' in 1.8 miles), but the views were worth every step. We made it to our campsite at Snow Creek, where the wind tested our tent’s resolve—but luckily, it stayed put.

Sunday was a real treat as we hiked through the Core Zone, surrounded by the surreal beauty of the area. We ended the hike at Snow Lakes Trailhead and shuttled back to our car at Stuart Lake Trailhead.

Wildlife sightings were primarily chipmunks, including one bold enough to make a move on Nick John’s goldfish crackers. No mountain goats this time, but fewer people on the trail after Colchuck Lake made the experience feel even more remote.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather, we had an unforgettable time. Thanks to Michael, Tyler, Shane, and Nick for making this adventure one for the books!

🌦️🐿️🏕️

Some say that we create our our luck. Luck is the result of choices. Every step I take is one toward the life I'm shapin...
08/26/2024

Some say that we create our our luck. Luck is the result of choices. Every step I take is one toward the life I'm shaping—unstoppable isn’t fate, it’s the choice to keep moving. Prepared and ready for whatever’s next. 🌄

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