When the Peak Isn’t the Point
After a fabulous trip to North Carolina with my daughter to visit my parents (the last time she got to go with me was September 2023), I returned to Seattle…
Lessons from Teaching 3 Different Outdoor Groups
Over the past week, I’ve presented to three different groups—experienced hikers, cyclists, and a mixed audience of outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Despite their differences, one theme emerged: movement is…
How to Take Action in the Issaquah Alps
Over the past two weeks, I've hiked three trails on Tiger Mountain and Squak's East Side trail. What sent me to the mountains four times in two weeks? Nature is…
How to Overcome Obstacles: Three Recent Examples
This week, I've continued to explore ways to overcome obstacles and see them as wins. A hike to Whittaker Wilderness Peak involved navigating physical obstacles and helping participants appreciate the…
Create a Better Bedtime Routine: Break the Screen Habit
Several clients are trying to increase energy and enhance productivity by building better sleep habits. Two things they share are 1) daytime exhaustion and 2) excessive evening screen time. I…
How to Find Your Confidence, One Step at a Time
I knew this would be a challenging week, but after a year of setting myself up for success, everything happened as planned. I completed two successful hikes to Mt. Washington…
Create New Meaning: Connection, Solitude, and Mindset
Hiking has renewed my energy in 2025. Each hike I have led for the Mountaineers in the last two weeks has taught me about connection, solitude, and mindset shifts. Following…
How to Find Balance on the Trail and In Life
Last Thursday, Ajax and I started up the Old Si trail around 6:30 a.m. via the Little Si trailhead. I'd received some uplifting health news the day before, and I…
Surrender Control: How to Focus on Skills and Habits Instead
Sometimes life feels like it is spinning out of control. Pet care disappears before a trip. A health diagnosis or injury catches you off guard. Money issues leave you feeling…
How to Celebrate Milestones in Unconventional Ways
In November, I shared ten non-food, non-cost celebrations anyone can do to mark important achievements. This week I thought again about how people celebrate and how personal such time markers…
