I'm a journalist, a master naturalist, a certified interpretive guide, and a lover of trails and travel. I'm a New Jersey native who moved to Houston in 2004. I cherish the feeling of carrying just what I need on my back and tenting solo listening to coyotes howl. I'm easily mesmerized by the sound of the wind through the tops of tall pine trees. I had my sights on a 2021 thru-hike, starting shortly after my 60th birthday, but given the never-ending COVID-19 epidemic, I'm eyeing 2023. In addition to all the above, I co-founded with my husband a COVID-19-related website which you can find at www.covid19wallofmemories.org .
Posts
Remembering Eric Heber, a Louisiana Trailblazer
He was a hiker and a backpacker, a Louisiana Master Naturalist, a YouTuber, and a devotee of Louisiana trails. He was a doting dad who brought his
Rosalie Edge: Socialite, Suffragist, and Conservationist
August 26 is Women’s Equality Day. That is the date on which, in 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, giving women the right
Buffalo Soldiers: From Slavery to Stewardship
“We are all the beneficiaries now of the preservation and conservation work these people did back in the late 19th century.” Those are the words
Punchbowl Mountain Dreamin’
I have been trying to get back to the Appalachian Trail for years. The last time I camped overnight on the trail was in August 2000, when I did a
5 Things You Should Know About the Lone Star Hiking Trail
Vic Hay contributed to this story. When I moved to Houston 17 years ago I had to do some research to find a trail of any decent length. There is
Becoming a Master Naturalist Changed How I See the Trail
I had been stressing for about an hour already. The mid-afternoon sun was beginning to turn the dark yellowish color that signals sunset is an hour
Meet Ambreen Tariq, The Activist Behind Brown People Camping
Ambreen Tariq is a Muslim, an immigrant, an activist, and an outdoor enthusiast. She describes herself as a proud feminist and an advocate for
Eric Heber Invites You to Hike Louisiana’s Trails
Eric Heber is an Alabama native who has lived in Louisiana for 18 years. He began hiking just seven years ago in the Kisatchie National Forest, a
Own the Hot Flashes: Tips for Menopausal Hikers
You may see them infrequently. You may wonder at their skill or endurance. If you’re the average AT thru-hiker—young and male—you may worry about
Moving up to the Class of 2019
This will be my last post until the fall, when I start blogging about my 2019 thru-hike. Yes, 2019. I have decided to defer my thru-hike until