Alexa here, better known on trail as Bonsai. I'm a Minnesota transplant living in the beautiful driftless region of Winona. It was there that I first fell in love with backpacking after attempting a thru hike of Missouri's Ozark Trail. Since then, I've completed the Pacific Crest Trail (17') and have plans to attempt a solo hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in the fall of 2018. When not backpacking, I'm trying my best to overcome my fear of heights by rock climbing, practicing yoga, and searching for the best burrito in the Midwest.. so far with no luck. You can follow my adventures here on The Trek or on Instagram @alexamshapiro. And... seriously... if you know of a good burrito place... hit me up.
Posts
Small Trail Connections
The trail is full of small world connections.
Week one with Team Foot Stuff
Week one full of good scenes, incredible trail angels, and hilarious company.
A Thank You to Our Support System
Behind every great hiker trash is a community of excited friends and family vicariously living through them. Cheers to them, the real MVPs of unconditional love and support.
Popular Questions You’ll be Asked When You Say You’re Hiking the PCT
Prepare yourself to hear a whole list of strange and funny questions when you commit to doing a thru hike. Here are some of are favorites from the past two years.
Using Yoga to Sustain the Body During a Thru-hike
Can yoga solve all of a thru-hikers problems? Okay, probably not... but I bet it will help a little.
And Thus Begins the Journey
Starting off on the wrong foot could be a sign for the beginning of the end, but not for these two Minnesota goons.