
Dramatic and unexpected life changes after my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike freed me to become who I was always meant to be. So I built out a camper van to explore the country, hiking along the way. In 2023, I thru-hiked the epic Colorado Trail. I’m living proof you can walk through fire and find joy on the other side. Follow along here and on YouTube @JoyfulRambler.
Posts
I Fell Down a Mountain! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 6
Dusk was gathering as I wedged my tent between willow bushes next to a creek. It wasn’t the ideal spot to camp, right next to the trail, but it would
What a Crazy Day! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 5
Crystal-clear bluebird skies heralded the start of another beautiful day on the Colorado Trail, perfect for crossing Cottonwood Pass. Monsoon
Is Hiking Alone a Mistake? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 4
As I approach the 200-mile mark, my Colorado Trail thru-hike has become a more solitary adventure than I expected. While I always planned on hiking
This Trail Could Kill Me – Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 3
Feeling invincible is a luxury for the young. I rarely feared for my life as a crazy teenager doing stupid things. When I married at 21 and settled
What’s Wrong with Me? Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 2
Oh no, not again! I just started the Colorado Trail (for the second time). How is it possible to have health issues so soon? Starting Strong My
I’ve Been Here Before! Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, Part 1
Last year, I tried to thru-hike the Colorado Trail and had to end my hike early due to illness. As I prepared for my second CT thru-hike attempt, I
Hey Mountains, I’m Coming for You! (Colorado Trail: Take 2)
It's time to get back on the trail! Last year was not my year for backpacking long trails. I started the PCT in March, only to bail after a week
Plans Change: Life in a Boulder Field
I was finally navigating the rocks of Pennsylvania with courage and confidence. After hiking in Maine and New Hampshire, I knew much better where to
Ready for Rugged: Thru-Hiking the Long Trail
“What a wonderful, once in a lifetime adventure!” That’s what I thought when I began planning my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. I had no clue
Beautifully Ruined: A Life Transformed by Time on the Trail
How do you go through a life-changing experience, then slip right back into the life you had before? That’s a confounding question for me. It’s