Religious Ramblings on Pain Meds
I once had a pastor who was diagnosed with cancer say, “I don’t believe God caused the cancer, but I believe He’s too good not to use it.” And that has felt and seemed true of late. It is often the challenges in life that bring us into a deeper knowledge and understanding of God, and the struggle that reveals divine gifts of peace and gratitude. This has been one of the hardest weeks of my life… and undoubtedly holy.
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If it can happen to me...
Breast cancer is not funny. But you can still laugh, and cry, and live your life—even when you are bruised and bloodied. You can stare down the unknowing, the waiting, and the loss of control, and not let it control you. Losing my friend is a daily reminder that you can’t always beat it, but she showed me time and time again that you can decide you’re not going to let it win.
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Crystals and Trail Kicks
The concept of recharging crystals is outlandish… and yet, I’m honestly 50/50 on whether it could work as a business.
That said, there is another well-loved personal item at home that I recently “recharged”—with results that will genuinely change the way I adventure. This one isn’t a gimmick or based on subjective vibes. It’s a recharge you can actually feel—and feel good about.
Let me introduce you to the Nosobo by Astral: a zero-drop, wide toe box thru-hiking shoe that I’ve completely fallen in love with—and one that might just change how we think about trail footwear.
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Risk Management for Solo Expeditions
Adventure always carries some level of risk, but thoughtful preparation dramatically improves your safety in the backcountry. A Personal Risk Management Document helps you think through potential hazards before they become real problems—and ensures someone else knows your plan if things don’t go as expected.
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"Just Get Me to a Trail Where I Can Cry"
I was only a half-mile away from my car but it felt forever away. All I could do is make it to a nearby bench and sit. That's when I started to think that grief is a little like a backpack. Not the ultralight variety of silnylon and trimmed straps. But the extended, solo, expedition through extreme environments type of pack. The kind that rubs your shoulders and hips raw and makes your whole body feel leaden. The “I’m not gonna make it unless I can lighten my load” kind of pack.
And then I thought… if grief truly is like a pack then maybe there is a way to make it lighter?!
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My (Cold, Rainy, Miserable) Winter Hike in Shenandoah - And Why I Can’t Wait to Go Back By Brew Davis
DISCLAIMER: If you’re an experienced winter hiker, this hike report is probably not for you. You’ll end up saying “duh” a lot and I’ll just be showing my ignorance. But… if you’re like me, if you grew up in the South, are an ultralight hiker who prefers to go light and fast, and would consider yourself a "beginner" winter hiker even though you have hiked a lot in other seasons, I hope these takeaways and lessons learned can benefit you. So here goes…
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Can you taste a place?
Every place has a taste, personality, and spirit—organic qualities that make a community unique. Terroir is the story of soil and climate, yes—but also of people, parks, bakeries, sidewalks, and conversations. It’s the feeling you get when you slow down long enough to notice where you are.
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Rome Travel Tips
If you’re considering Rome, I hope these tips help you optimize your experience—whether you’re hoping to save money, avoid crowds, pack light, or find the best gelato.
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The Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes of Winter Hiking
Cold-weather hiking success comes down to thinking in systems. Every item you wear or carry should support the others. Manage moisture, protect extremities, fuel your body, and be ready for changing conditions. It also has a lot to do with trial and error - and personal preferences. By sharing some of my favorites I hope I can reduce the trials and prevent some errors.
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That's Not Professional!
“That’s not professional!” That’s what I think (and sometimes hear) when, each January, I chop off my hair with one fell swoop. And it always causes me to pause and think about beauty, and beauty standards, and professionalism, and professional dress - where and how it matters and my relationship with it all. And because I process best when I write, it becomes a blog. So here you go…
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