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Brainstorm

Hi, my name is Paige (she/her/hers). I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2023, and now I'm hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 2025. In the 'real' world, I am a researcher with a background in social work, sociology, and public health. In my creative world, I am a poet, dog lover, personal trainer, and writer.

Posts

Carried into Colorado: Storms, Missing Cyclist & San Juans

Carried into Colorado: Storms, Missing Cyclist & San Juans

There’s something about the mountains, they don’t just call, they pull. Over the past week, I didn’t so much hike as I was carried by the land

Jun 19, 2025 : Brainstorm
From the POD to the Peaks: Why I’m Still Walking

From the POD to the Peaks: Why I’m Still Walking

Something is off in this world we’ve built. Everything is a rush: faster, faster, and faster. We’re chasing destinations we never stop to question.

Jun 12, 2025 : Brainstorm
Desert Storms and Arizona Side Quest

Desert Storms and Arizona Side Quest

Our trek through the wilderness of New Mexico has been a mosaic of extremes—raw, humbling, and at times utterly magical. Image Source: Paige

Jun 5, 2025 : Brainstorm
The Grants-to-Ghost Ranch Saga

The Grants-to-Ghost Ranch Saga

Leaving Grants wasn’t easy. I came down with what I can only describe as a stomach flu, which made hiking feel nearly impossible. On top of that, my

May 22, 2025 : Brainstorm
Trail Safe Storage in the Backcountry

Trail Safe Storage in the Backcountry

When you’re deep in the backcountry, it is essential that you carry some sort of bear canister or protection for your food. I have learned to carry a

May 21, 2025 : Brainstorm
Ice Caves, Craters, and Snow—Oh My!

Ice Caves, Craters, and Snow—Oh My!

Leaving Pie Town was harder than expected. After days on the trail, we found ourselves in a little haven: warm beds, a kitchen to cook real meals

May 11, 2025 : Brainstorm
The Gila Fades Behind

The Gila Fades Behind

It’s hard to put into words the best parts of a thru-hike section. The most meaningful moments don’t always announce themselves, they just slip into

May 4, 2025 : Brainstorm
Zero Miles, Infinite Snacks

Zero Miles, Infinite Snacks

What do hikers actually do on a zero day? You’d think “zero” means zero walking, but nope. It usually means racking up 10,000–12,000 steps between

Apr 28, 2025 : Brainstorm
The Hiking Prescription: A Natural Remedy for Connection

The Hiking Prescription: A Natural Remedy for Connection

What’s the secret to living a long life? We live in an era obsessed with longevity. We seek out advice from doctors, nutritionists, personal

Apr 24, 2025 : Brainstorm
My CDT Thru-Hike Begins

My CDT Thru-Hike Begins

As a thru-hiker, a lot of effort goes into planning (i.e., gear lists, resupply strategies, training hikes), but no amount of preparation can fully

Apr 16, 2025 : Brainstorm