Hi there! I am Deirdre- or as some of you know me, Nikon. I am a conservation photographer and writer specializing in alpine wildlife and mountain biomes. I live in an extremely rural part of the San Juan Mountains on a tiny homestead with my husband and our dog Bivy. I have extensive experience (roughly three decades) in the outdoors and have spent ridiculous amounts of time hiking the CDT and CT which are both right out the door! I have also hiked the SHT and NCT and most of the AZT. In 2024 I hiked the Sky Island Traverse. I have been a professional outdoor gear tester/reviewer for almost a decade and I must say, I love gear. My favorite items to test and play with and try out are backpacks, jackets and anything photography related as I do backpack with my full wildlife setup. You can learn more about me and my work here: hhtp://deirdredenaliphotography.com or if you're so inclined, can check out my gear review site here: http://southwesthikes.com