Wilderness Whisperer

As a Pacific Northwest native with a deep-rooted love for both mountain life and ocean life, the allure of the great outdoors has always been a constant pull in my life. However, living in the Midlands of South Carolina, opportunities to immerse myself in the rugged beauty of mountains are few and far between. But as John Muir eloquently put it, "The mountains are calling and I must go." And so, fueled by a longing for fresh mountain air, I embarked on a spontaneous journey to explore Chimney Rock State Park nestled in the Cherokee Foothills of North Carolina. The decision to visit Chimney Rock was spurred by a chance encounter with a post in a hiking group on Facebook. With its promise of breathtaking views and scenic trails, it seemed like the perfect destination for a day trip. As I navigated the winding roads towards the park, the quaint town of Lake Lure, NC, with its picturesque lake and rolling foothills, stirred memories of North Bend, WA near my childhood home. Arr...

As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I find myself constantly seeking new thrills and challenges to satisfy my adventurous spirit. Whether it's scaling towering boulders or navigating rushing rivers, I'm always on the lookout for my next adrenaline fix. This afternoon, I had the opportunity to indulge in my new favorite pastime: whitewater rafting. Little did I know, this experience would turn into an unforgettable adventure that would push me to my limits and leave me craving more. My love for whitewater rafting rivals that of rock climbing, and I knew from the moment I embarked on my first rafting trip this past weekend that it would quickly become an obsession. So, when the opportunity arose to visit the  US National Whitewater Center  once again for another rafting excursion, I jumped at the chance. This time, I decided to register for  Adventure Rafting , eager to test my skills on the rapids once again. Arriving at  the center  on a calm Thursday afternoon, I wa...

Today was a day I'll never forget. It was one of those rare occasions when reality exceeds even the most vivid of dreams. As a woman in her thirties with a passion for adventure, I've been eagerly anticipating this moment for quite some time. Today, I finally crossed whitewater rafting off my bucket list, and it was nothing short of incredible. The Anticipation: Ever since I first learned about the US National Whitewater Center , I've been captivated by the idea of navigating rapids under the warm sun. This morning, the excitement bubbled within me, waking me up far before my alarm clock was set to go off. Today wasn't just any day at the center ; it was a special St. Patrick's Day event, Green River Revival, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. Embracing Solo Adventure: While I had hoped to share this adventure with friends, I made the bold decision to embark on this journey solo. Life is too short to wait for others to join in on our dream...

As the sun gleamed in the clear blue sky, I found myself once again regretting leaving my kayak at home. With temperatures reaching the pleasant lower 70s (°F), it was undeniably a perfect day for boating. However, my disappointment soon turned to excitement as I embarked on a different adventure at Sesquicentennial State Park , nestled in the heart of Columbia, SC . Upon arriving at the park, I was delighted to discover that their rental boats had already been made available for the season. Sesqui , as it's affectionately known, offers a variety of non-motorized watercraft for rent, including fishing boats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. The lake, spanning 30 acres, was alive with families enjoying leisurely pedal boat rides, creating a vibrant atmosphere that immediately put me in high spirits. Opting for a land-based adventure, I set out to explore the Sandhills Hiking Trail, a personal favorite of mine at Sesquicentennial State P...