Trail Daddy

10/20/2025

Ursus americanus looking for food on the Noth Olympic Coast at Cape Alava, Olympic National Park

Fun Facts:
They aren’t always black. Some are brown, cinnamon, blonde, even blue-gray or white (the Kermode or “spirit” bear).

They can smell from miles away. A black bear’s nose is about seven times better than a bloodhound’s, it can catch a scent from over 2 miles out.

They run faster than a racehorse for short bursts. Around 30 mph, despite looking lumbering.

08/12/2025

Every step into the unknown teaches me something new.

When’s the last time you did something that scared you—in a good way?

Would you drop yourself in a country where you can’t speak the language? Would you go solo?

If you’ve done it, what obsession or wild hair took you there?
If you haven’t… what’s really stopping you?

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.

07/10/2025

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

05/25/2025

We are all visitors here.

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!

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

02/06/2025

https://www.traildaddy.guide/p/layering-101-the-secret-to-weatherproofing-yourself

Stay toasty, fierce, and ready for whatever wild adventure comes your way! 🌲🔥💅

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.

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

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

09/02/2024

Who's ready for a hike?!