Hike It Off Magazine Issue Eleven

HIKE IT OFF

KBONG INTERVIEW: MUSIC & HIKING PAGE 5

YOUR SUMMER READING LIST PAGE 60

THIS IS INDIAN LAND: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK PAGE 16

WILD WOMEN IN HIKING: ASHLEY LANCE PAGE 50

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hike It Off was conceived a few years ago deep in the heart of the Sierra over a campfire and strong mountain cocktails. My husband, and Co-Founder Tony Purinton, and his best bud Rick Beach, always came home with much more than memories and bruises while on their many hiking trips.They are notorious for mantras and catchy sayings inspired by their biggest muse, the mountains.They would discuss putting some of their favorites on tshirts.They always wanted clothing that represented the way they felt about hiking, but could never find what they were looking for in stores. Hike It Off was always the first mantra they talked about putting on a t-shirt, but once they were back to the daily distractions of life, the t-shirts never became a reality.

Then something happened that would change everything for us On June 4th, 2014 while celebrating my birthday, the universe decided to change our lives forever. While stepping over some rocks on a trail I have hiked a hundred times before, I lost my balance and in a split second shattered all three bones and dislocated my right ankle. We had no idea how much our lives were about to change, lying in the dirt waiting for help to

arrive When you are unable to do what you love and are forced to be still and really think about your life and what is most important, your perspective changes. After two surgeries, a prognosis of a year of recovery, and an uncertain outcome, the thought of not being able to hike again was a real fear that crossed both of our minds daily We both realized then how much hiking meant to us and even though this was the most difficult obstacle we had ever needed to overcome, we knew that the universe in its tricky little way had created an opportunity for us through this misadventure.

While I was in recovery, Hike It Off was born. I was determined to bring this dream to life- both in the t-shirts Tony had always envisioned and in writing, my true gift Now we live, breathe, eat, and sleep Hike It Off. It is our dream, medicine, and future. We are so honored to be able to share it with hikers that are just like us. Hikers who live to hike it off!

Jaime Purinton

Jaime Purinton EDITOR IN CHIEF

KBONG:Music& Hiking

By: Jaime Purinton

Many times, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of seeing a place for the first time. Like the first time I saw Thousand Island Lake on the descent from Thousand Island Pass in the Ansel Adams Wilderness on day three of a backpacking trip. When the lake came into view, it was one of the most beautiful views I had ever seen, and tears streamed down my cheeks as soon as I laid eyes on it. It was a feeling I have never forgotten, and it was the exact same feeling the first time I listened to Kbong's song, Open my Eyes. The energy that came through, his voice, the lyrics, and the music brought instant tears to my eyes. It felt like the same energy I felt when I saw Thousand Island Lake. It is this parallel, the knife-edge between the energy of music and the energy of hiking, I explored with musician KBong in a recent interview. It was my first time meeting KBong, and he exudes just as much positivity and joy in person as he does through his music.

Kevin Bong, aka, KBONG is a multi-instrumental artist well known for his "key” role in one of my favorite reggae bands, Stick Figure. He has toured with the group since 2012 and has solidified his place as one of the top keyboard players in today's current Reggae scene. KBong's first studio album' Hopes and Dreams,' came out in 2014 and featured him as the primary songwriter. The summer anthem "Livin Easy" featured Scott Woodruff and the rest of Stick Figure. Other collaborations on the album included singer/songwriter Hirie, producer Johnny Cosmic and producer Alific. It is a mix of catchy acoustic guitar riffs and surf vibes and influences ranging from reggae to hip hop. In 2018, KBong released his second studio album 'Easy To Love You,' produced by Johnny Cosmic and featuring Scott Woodruff (Stick Figure), The Movement, Raging Fyah, and Cosmic.

And he is also a hiker.

KBong grew up in nature and hiked as a child with his parents and grandparents, who always incorporated hiking when they would travel. The hikes were not always intense, and sometimes even urban hikes. He recalled a fond memory of when his Dad took him on his first trip to downtown Los Angeles where they went on an urban architecture hike to see a church and opera house. While hiking has been part of his life since childhood, he had never backpacked and always wanted to try it. In 2020, he was introduced to backpacking by Hiking My Feelings founders Sydney and Barry Williams, who took him on his first backpacking trip in Yosemite. Like so many of us, he has found something that brings him joy in hiking.

I was fascinated to learn how KBong compares hiking and music, two things that are so inexplicably woven into many of our lives. KBong shared that "Hiking and music are both a onetrack mindset. When I am hiking, my mind is not bogged down with all these other thoughts or things going on. It almost eases the mind a little- it simplifies the mind. I can let go of certain things, and it is so healing, and it is the same with music. When I am playing, music can ease my mind and be very healing." The parallels he draws between the two go hand in hand with what

He also thinks about music while hiking and explains, "Hiking for me is a good time to process music and come up with lyrics or revisit songs I am working on." It works well for him, especially if he knows the melody really well and can sing it in his head without the guitar. He can then start to put words together. When he is playing music, he might be seeing things he saw on his adventure trips in his head. He needs to look out on the horizon and see distance. It helps him to reflect on certain things.

We dove a little deeper and discussed how music and nature are threads that connect all beings- whether it is a bird's call, a whale's song, or KBong playing his guitar, it is a universal way for connection. KBong believes music is a universal language. "Even the way the leaves blow in the wind or the way the rain makes a rhythmic pattern on the roof of the house or the forest floor. It definitely connects all beings. The melodies and song and rhythm are all around us, and it is a beautiful thing," he says.

Another parallel that runs close between hiking and music we dissected is the thought that hiking and music are both an escape for some people, a way to disconnect from the stresses of life and reconnect to themselves. Hiking is also about taking energy in as well. KBong has experienced this first hand and shared, "When you're on the trail, it is about letting go and taking in what is happening, which is part of the healing process. For music, it is the same. I let go of many things and talk about my personal experiences through music. I just put it all out there. Most of the healing part of music is when I see how it positively affects people, which fills me up. I see positive things on the trail, like the natural beauty, an animal surviving out there, and even the dedication and hard work someone took to create the trail for us to walk on. These are the little things that fill me back up and inspire me."

Musicians inherently give a lot of themselves- they share their art and vulnerability with the people watching them play, listening to their music, and enjoying their craft. I asked KBong if he thought hiking is a chance for him to receive nature's energy instead of being the one on stage giving it. When he goes hiking, he feels that the world is showing us this gift, a higher creation or whatever you believe in; it's all there on the trail. "It's a beautiful place, especially when the sun goes down and you see the stars. That is an amazing experience right there. There are times when I am out there, and I think every human needs to go out under the stars at least twice a month. There is something it does to us, and I have experienced it. It resets us and reminds us how special our lives are and how special the place we're living in", he said.

KBong says he finds a kind of structured freedom in both hiking and music. "With music, you have the notes, the scales, the people who put in the work to build a piano or guitar, and the traditional tuning, so there is the freedom to play anything you want, but there is still structure to it. It's the same on the trail. You can be out there and have a great time and be free, but you're safe, and you're not just going to get lost in the forest," he explained. We talked about how there are maps for hiking and "maps” for music, and we are always free to go off the map if we feel like it.

Increased creativity after spending time in nature has been proven in scientific studies. KBong can verify this and says for him switching up his surroundings is really important as a musician for creativity. Going into nature and smelling the smells, breathing the air, hearing the different sounds, and taking all those things in does something extra to your body. It allows the muscles in your brain to flex, and the creativity comes out differently. It is definitely a shift for him and sometimes is

much stronger than at home. He said that shift can be very powerful.

This led to my favorite question I ask every person I interviewwhat does "Hike It Off' mean to him. His answer was so beautiful. "It's about letting go. It's about really immersing yourself into this nature experience, this world experience. It's about reconnecting with the creation of this world and the patterns and rhythms in nature. It's connecting with what is in this natural and magical place we call earth. You're hiking it off, but you're also hiking it too. You're taking all the positives and leaving with a refreshing cleanse, and you carry it with you to inspire your daily life. And then it brings you back and sayscome back and hike again."

KBong understands the importance of making space for both music and hiking and the healing both provide to him. His songs "Heal It" and "Walk With The Sun" from his album Let Love Lead are two songs he wrote after being inspired by nature's healing. He says all of his music has been inspired by being on the trail or nature at some point. His new record will be out later this year, and he will be on tour with Stick Figure through May and a solo tour this fall, so stay tuned. You can follow him on his Instagram, where he posts a variety of posts about hiking, music, his home in San Diego, and tropical themes.

THIS IS INDIAN LAND: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

BY JESSICA MEHTA

“The Crown of the Continent” is what anthropologist George Bird Grinnell called the Glacier National Park area. He explored the region in 1885, but he was certainly not the first to experience the majestic beauty of the land. Native Tribes lived here for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. Archaeological evidence suggests that these Tribes lived in the Glacier National Park area as far back as 10,000 years ago, using the lands for fishing and hunting, gathering plants, and sacred ceremonial practices. The Blackfeet occupied and maintained much of the eastern

area while the Salish, Pend d’Oreille, and Kootenai inhabited much of the forested area on the western side.

To the Blackfeet, the mountains of Glacier National Park are the backbone of the world. The region’s importance was revered in their community and honored for centuries. Unfortunately, the familiar story how Native Americans have been treated in our shared history did not spare the Tribes living in what is now often called Montana. In 1895, the Blackfeet and neighboring Tribes were pressured by the U.S. government to sell their land.

Not many in the Tribes wanted to do this, but they were told they could retain their hunting and gathering rights. Since the inception of what is typically called the United States today, the government has made and broken over 500 treaties with various Native tribes, including those who had long inhabited Glacier National Park. It only took 15 years for these promised rights to be nullified, causing tensions that continued for decades. Today, relationships between Park officials and Tribal members have improved and brought forth a collaborative approach to land management and conservation. For example, visitors can connect with the histories and peoples of the land through a summer performance and presentation series by members of the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai and Kalispel tribes.

TRIBAL STATUS

The Blackfeet Indian Reservation was established in 1885 and is located in northwest Montana. It is home to over 17,300 members

and spans about 1.5 million acres, making it one of the 10 largest Tribes in the country today. They have worked for decades to regain water rights in the area and are fighting for allowances to use the water to help guarantee a sustainable future for their members. The area’s resources are abundant and boasts over 500 miles of streams and 180 bodies of water. One of the Blackfeet’s main food sources was the buffalo. Blackfeet are traditionally nomadic, generally following where the buffalo roamed, and as such were skilled hunters and warriors. They call themselves Niitsitapi (nee-itsee-TAH-peh), which means “the real people.”

Today, the Flathead Reservation is home to three Tribes the Bitterroot Salish, the Kootenai, and the Upper Pend d’Oreille. These tribes make up the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. In 1855, the Hellgate Treaty was established, but about 50 years later, over half a million acres were taken from the Tribe’s ownership.

Today, the reservation encompasses over 1.2 million acres of rich fertile lands and beautiful mountain peaks. There are over 7,440 enrolled members of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and about 65 percent of these members live on the reservation. Generations of interactions with nature, reflection and observations, and utilization of the natural world have provided them with a wealth of knowledge about the unique surrounding environment, allowing for Tribal ways of life to continue and thrive.

HOW

YOU

CAN SUPPORT BLACKFeeT TRIBES

If you’re lucky enough to set foot in the breathtaking Glacier National Park, there are many ways to complete your visit by supporting local Indigenous Tribes. Visit the Glacier Peaks Hotel & Casino, owned and operated by the Blackfeet Nation. Close by is the Blackfeet

National Bison Reserve, offering stellar views of the sacred animals that were crucial to the Blackfeet survival for centuries. Further your understanding of the Blackfeet people by visiting the Blackfeet Heritage Center and Art Gallery, which showcases local artists, an arts and crafts store, storytelling opportunities by respected Blackfeet elders, and a gift shop with handmade artistry from jewelry to paintings and more. If you’re visiting in the summer months, the second week of July hosts the North American Indian Days Celebration. The festivities include dancing, parades, kids’ tournaments, singing and drum contests, and more. The public is always welcome, making this a great opportunity to witness and learn about traditional Blackfeet traditions.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT the flathead Indian reservation tribes

The Mission Valley Montana Museums is a collection of museums on the Flathead Indian Reservation. These museums are home to many prolific and significant artifacts from Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal history. A great feature

from this collection is the Three Chiefs Cultural Center (previously named The People’s Center).

Their main exhibit room is titled “The First Sun The Beginning” and the gift shop has a wide collection of local Native American artisans’ work such as jewelry, painted skulls, photos and paintings, bead work, and traditional handmade moccasins. They also offer educational demonstrations, gatherings, historical presentations, and more. For more authentic artifacts, visit the Four Winds Indian Trading Post just three

miles north of St. Ignatius, Montana. This is the longest operating trading post in Montana and provides a trip back into history. Located in the original log store built in 1870, purchases made here help preserve traditional arts and crafts of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.

S&K Gaming was created by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes to oversee general gaming throughout the area. The business is successful and provides employment opportunities for many Tribal members. For gaming opportunities, you can visit the vibrant and fun Gray Wolf Peak

Casino, where the winners go to play. Or visit the luxurious and beautiful Kwa’Taq’Nuk Resort and Casino on the shores of Flathead Lake to play and stay. Both locations offer a chance to have great time and also support Indigenous communities. S&K Gaming stands by their statement of: “This isn’t just where we are. It’s who we are,” and they practice sustainability measures to ensure a better future for generations to come.

The area is also home to the Salish Kootenai College, an educational center of excellence for American Indian students. Their mission is to “provide quality post-secondary

educational opportunities and support for Native Americans, locally and from throughout the United States, to achieve their academic and career goals.” The college prepares and empowers their students to become leaders and encourages them to get involved in their community through service and research.

Native America speaks

The National Park Service started the Native America Speaks program in Glacier National Park in 1982. This program is the longest running Indigenous speaker series in the history of the NPS and is an effort to feature authentic voices from

the community. From June through August each year, visitors have the opportunity to listen to Tribal members share their history and culture through song, stories and presentations, and unique hands-on learning activities. Through donations from the Glacier National Park Conservancy, Indigenous traditions, histories, beliefs, and customs can be brought to life for visitors coming to this wonder-filled land.

Jessica Mehta is a multi-award winning Aniyunwiya (citizen of the Cherokee Nation) writer and artist. Born and based in Oregon, she takes advantage of her beautiful backyard of the Pacific Northwest on a daily basis. Learn more at: www.thischerokeerose.com.

Photo: NPS/Jon Riner

Have Peak, Will Climb

By Courtney Johnson

Colorado has approximately 58 peaks over 14,000 feet that locals and visitors aim to summit every summer. The "New England" area has 4,000 footers.

Throughout the U.S., bagging peaks requires early starts and sometimes reservations. Here are just a few of the best day hike peaks you can summit around the U.S.

Camelback Mountain- Arizona

A bucket list hike, Camelback Mountain is located in the Camelback Mountain Echo Canyon Recreation Area between Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. The hike tops out at 2,704 feet.

While the Cholla Trail is short at 1.4 miles each way, the trail rises 1,250 feet in that short distance. The trail begins mild but becomes more challenging once you reach the saddle area. Loose gravel, drop-offs, and sweeping views are part of this experience. Echo Canyon is an alternative shorter route, 1.23 miles to the top but steeper, climbing 1,280 feet to the top.

No shade; hikers and runners are nice enough to leave water stashes along the route. Still, hit this hike early to avoid the intense heat. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see hawks and the always favorite road runner, especially along the Cholla Trail. You will pass by desert flora, including saguaro cactus, ocotillo and creosote bush.

Cascade Mountain- New York

One of the 46 High Peaks, Cascade Mountain, is located near Lake Placid. It climbs 2,000 feet to 4,098 feet over 2.4 miles (4.8 RT). 360-degree panorama views greet hikers at the top with views of the Adirondacks, including the other High Peaks.

The bare rock summit is the result of a fire. The mountain can also be summited via snowshoes/microspikes in the winter. Many hikers add on Porter Mountain for an additional two miles to this hike to summit two of the 46 High Peaks in one day.

The terrain of this hike is steep and rocky. This hike is popular as one of the most accessible High Peaks hikes. Consider hiking on a weekday or getting an early start, especially during peak season from May to October. Your leashed pup can also enjoy the opportunity to summit one of the 46 High Peaks.

Eagle Mountain, Minnesota

Eagle Mountain is the tallest mountain in Minnesota and is located within the Boundary Waters. This 6.3 mile out and back only has 646 feet of elevation change, but the consistent rocks and roots on the trail mean you need to be light on your feet.

Hiking is one of the few ways to explore the Boundary Waters area, minus being on a canoe or in a kayak, and the summit tops out at 2,300 feet. Ironically, the summit is void of views with its forested land. But along the trail, you can share the views with your leashed pup of the Boundary Waters, including Whale Lake. There is a manageable scramble to the top. This trail is best hiked from April to October with a chance to see wildflowers and the fall leaves. If you have the proper gear, you can also hike this hike in the winter months. Pay for your permit to hike in the Boundary Waters at the trailhead.

Guadalupe Peak, Texas

Above the salt fields, Guadalupe Peak is a 4.25-mile hike to a summit of 8,751 feet. Referred to as the "Top of Texas," as the highest point in the state, the 8.5-mile hike takes most visitors 5-7 hours to complete. With over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, this peak is not one for beginners to attempt to summit. The peak passes through several ecosystems, from desert to forest. Fighter jets from nearby Fort Bliss are a common sight along the trail. You are probably more likely to see a jet over other people as Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the country.

Guadalupe Peak is one of six 8,000-feet peaks in the park. On the border of New Mexico, the park has the oldest fossil reefs globally. Look for seashells along your route, but please leave them in the park. There is a fee for entrance to this national park.

Konahuanui, Hawaii

Located on the island of O'ahu, the summit of Konahuanui is a 6mile RT, out and back hike to the top of the second-highest mountain on the island. Also known as K2, the mountain is 3,150 feet tall. Climb 1,500 feet, often through the clouds, on the Pu'u Ohia and Pauoa Flats trails to the top. Expect muddy and wet conditions to add to the challenge of this hike through the tropical forest. If time and energy allow, hikers can continue to summit K1- the highest mountain in O'ahu.

Views of the Ko'olau range, as well as other areas of the Round Top Forest Reserve, can be seen from the top on clearer days. A waterfall, wildflowers and tropical plants are abundant. The trail is best hiked between April and June when it is less rainy and muddy.

Mount Baldy, California

While it serves as a ski resort in the winter, Mt. Baldy can be hiked to the summit in the summer. Take the ski lift up to the Notch, and the trek is about 6.6 miles with 2,350 feet of elevation gain. Or take the longer route and hike up the Ski Hut trail and down the Devil's Backbone trail for a total of 11 miles and just under 4k gain.

The highest point in Los Angeles County, Mount San Antonio, was given the nickname Mt. Baldy since no trees are around the summit. This peak is the highest in the San Gabriel Mountains at 10,068 feet. There are interesting things to see along the hike, including the infamous Devil's Backbone section of the trail. It is not for the faint of heart and features steep drop-offs. If you begin the trail from Manker Flats, San Antonio Falls is a highlight as a 75-foot multi-tiered waterfall. A ski hut and panorama views of Catalina Island the ocean San Gorgonio and more can be seen

Mt. Bierstadt- Colorado

Nestled off Guanella Pass, Mt. Bierstadt is just one of the 58 peaks over 14,000 feet in Colorado that hikers aim to summit each year. While this may be one of the easiest 14ers to the summit, it is no walk in the park. The trail begins at 11,740 feet and climbs over 2,700 feet to a final peak of 14,065 feet.

The trail is shy of 8 miles round-trip and includes a rock scramble to the top. Expect to see many other hikers along the trail and mountain goats. Start this hike early due to the threat of afternoon thunderstorms.

This peak is best hiked from July to October. There is no shade on this hike, but the views are abundant from top to bottom, including several other 14ers on clear days, including Mt. Evans, Grays Peak and Torreys Peak. Your pup can enjoy the summit as long as they are leashed.

Mount Katahdin- Maine

Located within Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin and Baxter Peak rise to 5,269 feet as the highest mountain in Maine. The name Katahdin, which means "The Greatest Mountain," by the Penobscot Native Americans. Mt. Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967 by the National Park Service.

There are multiple routes you can take up Baxter Peak. All the routes are strenuous, rocky and vary in distance. The elevation gain is challenging. Even with the Saddle Slide, most hikers state that the Abol and Saddle routes are the simplest. The Abol trail is the most direct trail up from the campground at 4.4 miles roundtrip, with a portion on the Hunt Trail. The Saddle Trail is 4 miles but includes a super steep part not suited for novice hikers. The most popular route (and a Maine right of passage) is the Knife Edge route, which is only 2 miles round-trip but is narrow and features dangerous drops. Parking reservations are needed to enter Baxter State Park. If you want to summit the peak, you should get to the parking lot early.

Mount Monadnock — New Hampshire

Sometimes referred to as “America's Favorite Mountain," this peak, located in Southern New Hampshire, is one of the most summited peaks in the United States. Mount Monadnock was named a National Natural Landmark in 1987.

There are several routes to the top of this 3,165-foot peak. The most direct route via the White Dot/White Cross Trail is 1.9 miles each way, but its rocky terrain is better suited for older children and more experienced hikers. More challenging routes to the summit include the Old Halfway House/White Arrow Trail, 2.2

miles one way or the Birchtoft/Red Spot Trail, which is 3.5 miles one way. Each has its unique rugged route taking you by bogs, glacial erratics, etc.

The expansive area at the top allows hikers a 360-degree view of Gilson Pond, the Wapack Range and even Boston. The park is very popular, so reservations are recommended.

Mt. Si- Washington

One of the most summited mountains in Washington, Mt. Si tops out at 4,167 feet. This 8-mile out and back hike has an elevation gain of 3,100 feet. The hike starts at an elevation of 700 feet. Up Haystack Basin, the trail starts in a forest and climbs almost 1,000 feet in the first mile alone. The Snag Flats offer relief for a tiny bit, as this flat section is located at 2,100 feet. The summit to the top is recommended for experienced hikers. This 500-foot scramble should only be attempted in dry conditions. On clear days, views of Seattle and the Olympics can be seen. The mountain is named after Josiah "Uncle Si" Merrit, who farmed the land and built a cabin at the base in 1862. Leashed dogs can come along on this adventure.

Saddle Mountain- Oregon

Nestled between Seaside and Portland, Saddle Mountain is a 5.5mile round-trip double summited peak. With over 1,600 feet of elevation gain, the main prize of this hike is the views and a chance to see rare plants, animals and insects in this rare habitat.

Come late spring and early summer; Saddle Mountain becomes a wildflower paradise, including Willamette valley larkspur, tiger lily, wandering daisy, and queen of the forest. Cope's giant salamander and the silverspot butterfly, rare moss and lichens can be found along the trail.

When you reach the summit at 3,290 feet, you can see for miles on clear days. The giant snow-covered peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the north, over the Pacific Ocean and eastward to the High Cascades. The golden hour and sunset are beautiful times to be near the top for a colorful view of the surrounding area.

Springer Mountain- Georgia

A 5.1-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail and Benton MacKaye Trail takes you to the summit of Springer Mountain. Springer Mountain is the southernmost blaze on the AT Trail, located near Amicalola Falls at 3,782 feet. The trail features several stream crossings, a diverse landscape and several opportunities for wide expansive views. Wildflowers, moss, forests full of boulders and views of the southern Appalachian Mountains are all a part of this summit.

Within the Chattahoochee National Forest and Ed Jenkins National Recreation area, Springer Mountain divides the Blue Ridge Mountains into north and south Other trails to consider to

old daughter on the bike trails, ski runs and up climbing routes. You can follow her adventures at:

https://adventureswithmylittleray.com/.

grassroots change makers, and taking action, at scale, to evolve the outdoor industry. Project Respect Outdoors is here to lift up fellow sisters and shake the “bro culture/boys club” out of the outdoor industry.

What is PRO doing?

PRO is going to be the change that the Outdoor industry needs. How will they do this? With your help! And through activations like: workplace, on the trail, or anywhere outdoors.

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Reporting Tool for anonymous tips on people and businesses who need to be called in

Note: PRO believes in calling people in before calling people out so we allow for growth and change.

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Follow PRO here and share your story.

Know of someone doing good in the outdoor space who could use some amplification? Email us at info@hikeitofflife.com

WHYIDECIDEDTO GOTOOUTDOOR RETAILER

BY: MICHELLE JACKSON

When the Outdoor Retailer Show moved from Utah to Colorado, it was a pretty big deal. For me, though, that move signaled an interesting odyssey into connecting more with the movers and shakers in the outdoor space. These initial connections happened in an unlikely way. I worked at Outdoor Retailer as part of the convention staff hired to help run the show and support the attendees during their time in Denver. I answered questions about the city, helped people find their sessions, answered questions related to attendee registration, and observed everything and everyone around me. During my breaks, I would walk around the halls, look at the products and meet the different people who loved the outdoors as much as I did.

It was clear that the folks attending Outdoor Retailer were passionate about enjoying nature, issues related to conservation and everything else in-between. Designers created products to help women have an easier time when hiking and needing "to go" to an ingenious shower set up for those of us who can't stand smelling our hiking funk. Then there were conversations about representation, gender, and more. The problem was that even though I wanted to be a part of everything, I was working and couldn't fully participate in the event.

Lack of Representation

Despite working at the event, I had a phenomenal time. In fact, I've worked it every year that it has been hosted in Denver. One year I even got to play with baby goats and had a blast. But, something kept bothering me: the lack of representation at each show specific to the American attendees. It wasn't just a lack of people of color at the show; it was a lack of plus-sized attendees and differently-abled folks as well. Something needed to change.

I knew that the community was open to having conversations that I cared about, such as inclusivity in the outdoors, accessibility, and climate change's impact, because I had discussed those topics with attendees at each event. But, the continued lack of diversity of voices made it important to me to figure out a way to participate as a registered attendee, especially as a Black woman outdoors enthusiast who also runs a website about all about Colorado. These were my people.

After working my last Outdoor Retailer event, I decided that I would attend as an accredited attendee the next time I went. The challenge with Outdoor Retailer was that it is a show specifically focused on products, goods and

services in the outdoor space vs. being an entirely outdoors-focused event.

With that nuance in mind, I tried to figure out a way to attend that would make sense to the registration staff at the event. Since I had worked the event before, I had a pretty good idea of what the registration was looking for, so I kept an eye out for when registration opened up.

Sign Up Success and Now What?!

I've built out an online brand in the personal finance space for the past seven years. I then started my Colorado website quietly in the background to support Colorado local businesses, events, and outdoor activities. Because of those projects, I successfully requested a media badge. Also, because of wonderful publications such as Hike It Off magazine and a few other outdoor brands that I've written for, I proved that I wasn't some fly-by-night random person wanting to crash the event.

Attending Outdoor Retailer will allow me to have deeper conversations with brand representatives without worrying that my supervisor could reprimand me for talking too much to the attendees. Also, I can attend and be 100% present without worrying about work-related responsibilities.

I'm excited to lend my voice organically to conversations about product sizing, snowboarding, sustainability and hiking while wildfires are burning in the West. I know that I will be making a difference by walking through the halls because representation matters. But it won't be enough for me to be there.

I plan on sharing my experiences going into the outdoors with Outdoor Afro, a community created by Rue Mapp, to encourage safe outdoor adventures for African Americans. Geeking out with anyone who has done a thru-hike because I have the future goal of hiking the Colorado Trail. And sharing the time I spent four weeks wandering the mountains of Colorado with Outward Bound when I was 13 years old.

Normalizing Seeing Black and Brown Faces in Outdoor Spaces

It has become clear that it's also important to not only enjoy outdoor activities it's also essential to be in the room when and where people are making decisions or asking for feedback on initiatives, products and services. It's not lost on me that I gained my initial access to the Outdoor Retailer community because of a side-hustle.

I wrote this piece to encourage other people who want a place in the room to reimagine what gaining access looks

like. Sometimes it happens in the least likely of ways. If there is an outdoor space that you would like to become a part of, don’t wait for someone to create a seat at the table for you. Instead, make that seat and gently nudge obstacles out of the way like I did because our voices deserve to be heard.

Michelle Jackson runs the website and podcast Square State, where she gets to unapologetically geek out about her state of Colorado. When she's not having random conversations with new people, she can be found hiking, biking, sitting on a patio, or exploring the mountains. Her ultimate goal is to normalize POC faces in outdoor spaces and stop surprising people when she says she's from Colorado.

WILD WOMEN IN HIKING

I was so excited when I first found Fernweh Food Co. Everything about the company was exactly what I wanted to support:

Small Business

Woman Owned

Plant Based

Eco-Friendly

I couldn't wait to try the meals, so I placed my first order, and they were amazing. They are filling, tasty, whole foods, plant based, and healthy- something that is hard to find in most backpacking meals. I have been hooked ever since.

I am always intrigued by outdoor women owned and led businesses, so I reached out to Ashley for an interview and she

was more than happy to participate. I wanted to know what inspires her, what drives her to create such tasty and healthy meals. I also wanted to know how Fernweh Food Co is reducing the impact on our world and what her hopes and dreams are.

And she did not disappoint!

So, dive right in and meet Ashley and her company Fernweh Food Co.

Meet Ashley Lance, Founder of Fernweh Food Co.

Jaime: What was the "why" behind starting Fernweh?

What challenges did you encounter in the beginning?

Ashley: In early 2019 I found myself unemployed for the first time in a long time. I had been making dehydrated meals for our own adventures and had taught a few clinics on making your own adventure foods but wasn’t sure how to make it into anything more than a hobby. With my newfound time, I decided to give this crazy dream a shot at becoming something real. In the beginning money was an issue as I was bootstrapping the business myself. Because of this I ended up doing a lot of trades to get the business going. For instance, I cleaned and organized the basement kitchen that Fernweh Food Co started in for free rent. When we started we were trying to

be entirely waste free and only used reusable or “fill your own” packaging options. Our first year we sourced almost entirely from small farms and made all our money from inperson events. However, once the pandemic hit, we had to completely pivot our entire business model. That was probably the biggest challenge we have faced to date, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without that happening.

Jaime: What keeps you motivated daily?

Ashley: My son and a desire to be my own boss. The former for obvious reasons; I want to be on the front lines of creating smarter and more conscious businesses that aim to keep our planet beautiful and livable for future generations. Plus, it would be nice to be able to pass down a

successful business to him one day. The latter because in the past I had a string of toxic bosses that were very hard to work for. I want to make a positive, open and communicative workplace for others to come to.

Jaime: I love that all your options are vegan. My favorite is your mushroom pot pie- it

is so good I could eat it even when I am not backpacking! Why did you decide to only offer plant-based meals?

Ashley: When we started this business there was a big hole in the market for plant-based/ vegan and gluten free options, especially in sustainable packaging. I had some great

plant-based recipes that we’d been enjoying for years – a version of the Mushroom Pot Pie among them– so it seemed like the right move! Plus being plant-based, our meals have a smaller footprint on the environment.

Jaime: What were the top three most important steps you took to move Fernweh from a side hustle to your fulltime gig?

Dark – it’s such a great mix of spooky, cautionary, and extraterrestrial tales that all take place in national parks across the world. Plus, the hosts Cassie and Danielle are so endearing and really put in the time to research their stories. We listen to their podcast every week in the kitchen!

Ashley:

1. Get laid off and have no backup plan.

2. Find a kitchen to produce our meals in.

3. Believe that I could do this and remind myself daily that I am capable of doing something great.

Jaime: In what ways is Fernweh reducing impact on the world?

Jaime: What is your favorite podcast and why?

Ashley: National Park After

Ashley: The two main ways we are working to reduce impact on the world is by offering our meals in a more sustainable packaging option and by offering meals that are so delicious you can’t even tell they are vegan. When we had to pivot our current packaging in 2020, we checked out every “green” packaging that we could find. We moved forward with the Omnidegradable

tekpak packaging because of the ease of using this pouch on the trail - you can cook in the bag! Plus we love that they break down entirely no matter where they end up.

Wonderland Trail in WA - it was my longest hike, and it was absolutely stunning, challenging and was so great to feel like I was getting a behind the scenes look at Mt. Rainier NP.

Jaime: What is your all-time favorite backpacking trip and why?

Ashley: I think this is a toss up for me between three outstanding trips.

1. The

2. The Superstitions in AZ - it was my first desert backpacking trip where water and shade were both hard to come by, so I liked the logistics and the challenge of this, plus my now husband proposed to

me on this trip and by the nature of the location, I couldn’t tell anyone about it for three days when we finally got phone service.

3. Escalante / Grand Staircase in UT - we attempted to get married on this backpacking trip with a group of our friends but due to a certain shiesty ranger, this part of the trip did not happen (if you want the whole story we have a blog post about it on our site), but it was probably one of the last times we’ll be able to have 12 friends from across the US go on a 3-day backpacking trip with us.

Jaime: How can we support you?

Ashley: You can buy our meals from our online store (fernwehfoodco.com/shop) or from select retailers across the US (visit our site to see the complete list). You can also be a good steward to the land and pick up trash on the trail, use LNT practices when exploring, and be kind to everyone you meet on and off the trail.

Jaime: Do you have anything new on the horizon?

Jaime: What does "Hike It Off" mean to you?

Ashley: It means perseverance, believing in yourself, and just getting outside in whatever capacity you can.

Ashley: We are working on a few new meals that we hope to roll out later this year and are very excited to be at Trail Days in Damascus in May and at PCT Days in August so we can finally meet all of y’all in person!

Jaime: If you could grant one wish for the world, what would it be?

Ashley: A stop or slow down to climate change. That as a whole, we could make systematic changes in the way we consume and how products are sold to customers. I’m very worried about climate change and the shape of the world we are

leaving our children. I’m happy to be a small disrupter to the way things currently are, but what I really want is for this change to be happening on a grander scale with larger companies.

Jaime: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Ashley: Folks can follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @FernwehFoodCo

By Jaime Purinton

Some are hot off the press, some are classics, but they're all worth reading this summer! Your summer reading list is complete, from environmental inspiration to tall tales to adventures and everything outdoor in between!

The Intersectional Environmentalist examines the inextricable link between environmentalism, racism, and privilege, and promotes awareness of the fundamental truth that we cannot save the planet without uplifting the voices of its people -especially those most often unheard. Written by Leah Thomas, a prominent voice in the field and the activist who coined the term "Intersectional Environmentalism," this book is simultaneously a call to action, a guide to instigating change for all, and a pledge to work towards the empowerment of all people and the betterment of the planet.

Using an infamous deception about a fake mountain range in British Columbia as her jumping-off point, Katie Ives, the well-known editor of Alpinist, explores the lure of blank spaces on the map and the value of the imagination. In Imaginary Peaks she details the cartographical mystery of the Riesenstein Hoax within the larger context of climbing history and the seemingly endless quest for newly discovered peaks and claims of first ascents. Imaginary Peaks is an evocative, thought-provoking tale, immersed in the literature of exploration, study of maps, and basic human desire.

BY: JAIME PURINTON

Christine discovered long distance backpacking while surfing the internet at work. She decided that day to attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. One adventure led to another and a few years later she set out on the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park.

Her Rugged Outdoors Woman persona started as a joke, a nod to the outdoor adventurer that she wished to be. But in the years since, she has come into her own as a backpacker, rock climber, and trail runner. This book is a testament to the decision to name who you want to be and make it so.

Derick Lugo had never been hiking. He certainly couldn't imagine going more than a day without manicuring his goatee. But with a job cut short and no immediate plans, this fixture of the New York comedy scene began to think about what he might do with months of free time. He had heard of the Appalachian Trail, but he had never seriously considered attempting to hike all 2,184.2 miles of it. Suddenly he found himself asking, Could he do it?

Fights over the Green river’s water are only getting worse as the West gets hotter and drier and more people depend on the river with each passing year. As a former raft guide and an environmental reporter, Heather Hansman felt driven to see them from a different perspective from the river itself. So, she set out on a journey, in a one-person inflatable pack raft, to paddle the river from source to confluence and see what the experience might teach her. Mixing lyrical accounts of quiet paddling through breathtaking beauty with nights spent camping solo and lively discussions with farmers, city officials, and other people met along the way, Downriver is the story of that journey, a foray into the present and future of water in the West.

BY: JAIME PURINTON

In May 1996, two skilled backcountry leaders, Lollie Winans and Julie Williams, entered Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park for a week-long backcountry camping trip. During their final days in the park, they descended the narrow remnants of a trail and pitched their tent in a hidden spot. After the pair didn’t return home as planned, park rangers found a scene of horror at their campsite, their tent slashed open, their beloved dog missing, and both women dead in their sleeping bags.

When award-winning journalist and outdoors expert Kathryn Miles begins looking into the case, she discovers conflicting evidence, mismatched timelines, and details that just don’t add up. With unprecedented access to crucial crime-scene forensics and key witnesses and with a growing sense of both mission and obsession she begins to uncover the truth. An innocent man, Miles is convinced, has been under suspicion for decades, while the true culprit is a known serial killer, if only authorities would take a closer look.

We love the outdoors. We want to take care of it and we want to enjoy it. But with an excess of packaged food, single-use disposables and convenient consumables, are we loving the land to death? Outdoor enthusiasts are more galvanized than ever to be good stewards of the land on which they recreate. Here, for the first time, is the central, reliable guide to hiking and backpacking with minimal impact that outdoor enthusiasts need. Outdoor Minimalist is a guide to actionable ways to waste less while hiking and camping and implement low-impact practices in outdoor pursuits. Look inside to find: -Waste reduction tips and tricks for beginners and experts alike -The seven R's of outdoor minimalism: reduce, refuse, rethink, repair, rehome/repurpose, remove, restore -Packing lists to waste less with every trip you plan

BY: JAIME PURINTON

Runners’ vocabulary is full of acronyms like DNS for “Did Not Start” and DNF for “Did Not Finish,” but when Mirna Valerio stepped up to the starting line, she needed a new one: DNQ for “Did Not Quit.” Valerio has tied on her running shoes all across the country, from the dusty back roads of central New Jersey to the busy Route 222 corridor in Pennsylvania to the sweltering deserts of Arizona. When you meet her on the trail, you might be surprised to see she doesn’t quite fit the typical image of a long-distance runner. She’s neither skinny nor white, and she’s here to show just how misguided these stereotypes can be. In this prejudice-busting, body-positive memoir told with raw honesty, an adventurous spirit, and a sharp sense of humor, Valerio takes readers along on her journey from first-time racer to ultramarathoner and proves that anyone can become a successful athlete.

During graduate school, as she conducted experiments on the peculiarly misshapen beaks of chickadees, ornithologist Caroline Van Hemert began to feel stifled in the isolated, sterile environment of the lab. Worried that she was losing her passion for the scientific research she once loved, she was compelled to experience wildness again, to be guided by the sounds of birds and to follow the trails of animals. In March of 2012, she and her husband set off on a 4,000mile wilderness journey from the Pacific rain forest to the Alaskan Arctic, traveling by rowboat, ski, foot, raft, and canoe. Together, they survived harrowing dangers while also experiencing incredible moments of joy and grace - migrating birds silhouetted against the moon, the steamy breath of caribou, and the bond that comes from sharing such experiences. A unique blend of science, adventure, and personal narrative, the audiobook explores the bounds of the physical body and the tenuousness of life in the company of creatures whose daily survival is nothing short of miraculous. It is a journey through the heart, the mind, and some of the wildest places left in North America. In the end, The Sun Is a Compass is a love letter to nature, an inspiring story of endurance, and a beautifully written testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

ART IMITATES LIFE

BY CHRISTINE REED

At the trailhead, there are flowers beneath the tree canopy. Yellow and pink and orange. Green spreads itself like a ground cloth on either side of the trail. Lodgepole pines stand tall and fragrant, closing me into their world. The sound of chipmunks scurrying through underbrush lets me know that I'm not alone.

Over several miles, I climb through the forest, gaining elevation. I grow hot, sweating through my shirt. My feet connect firmly to the earth, and my legs' muscles engage in pressing me ever upward. Every hour, I stop to eat. My body requires fuel to keep moving, and I feel each bite move through my digestive tract. I feel the calories converting to energy. I know when I've had enough and when I need more. I gulp water to combat the sweating I have done moisture beads on my body before evaporating into the atmosphere, leaving a salty crust on my skin. I chew up a salt tablet.

When I break free from the treeline, the path before me becomes an angled boulder field. My feet press into the rock, but the rock gives nothing back. Among the boulders, marmots bask in the sun. They lumber and scamper playfully as if nobody is watching but clearly aware that I am.

I breathe the scent of melted glaciers heavily. I must inhale twice for every exhale trying to pull in enough oxygen at this elevation. From here, I can see a great distance. The mountains beyond are clear, each ridgeline pronounced. Beyond those, the major prominences are visible, but only in generalities, the whole form a dusky blue. Farther back, another layer and another, each one fainter shade of blue than the last until they disappear into the sky. As I reach the saddle, a breeze funnels over me. It moves the wispy hairs that frame my face. It stings my eyes, and they begin to leak. I lean into the climb, hunching my body forward as I continue my progress.

My head grows light, and my legs are heavy as I near the top of the mountain. When I finally reach the summit, I smile to myself. There is nobody here. This day is my own. The silence is spacious and roomy, and I can dance around in it with my arms flung wide. I take up as much room as I want. I think my own thoughts loudly with nobody to rebut them.

Every moment is a rush of sensation; the world is something to behold. I think of my life back home, but it feels trivial, distant. Every moment that my feet follow this path is a moment of truth. I am present. I exist entirely in this space. Even when my thoughts wander, I am pulled back by the sights, the sounds, the smells, the experience of being in my body on this mountain.

Back home, I sit to write. A story about my life, my body, my feet, the trail. I know what I want to say. I want to talk about the feelings of

strong muscles working together to move me forward, the weight of my pack sitting on my shoulders, the breeze and the sun playing tag on my skin, the shameless consumption of calories that would quickly be burned up as I accumulate miles.

I want to tell a story about a woman battling with her own self-image, battling against her diagnosis, battling against what the world wants her to be, battling against what she wants herself to be. It's my story, and it needs to be told, so that I can release those battles to the world. Because it never really belonged to me in the first place, it's every woman's story that I've met; it's a story that has gone on for generations.

But telling a story is never so easy. So here I sit, before my laptop in Denver, CO. I gaze out the window at the side of an ugly brick building. I become less and less aware of my body as an assemblage of muscles that work to move me forward in the world. It is always the same temperature here. A wind never tickles my shoulders. I do not sweat. I do not view the calories I consume as the fuel to keep my body moving. I do not stand in awe. I do not see for miles in every direction the depth and prominence of the earth. I become dull a reflection of what I see every day. Same. Manmade. Uninspired.

Creativity is an interaction between our thoughts and the world around us. If one of those things is stagnant, the most active of the

"Because it never really belonged to me in the first place, it's every woman's story that I've met; it's a story that has gone on for generations."

other will still struggle to create. If your mind is unchanging, the most fascinating landscape will do little to spark creativity. And these unchanging surroundings challenge my mind to recall the beauty of the world and the story I want to tell.

So, I go out. Out of my office. Out of the house. Out of the city. I climb into a pine forest one which hosts a small stand of aspens. The leaves have fallen so that the white trunks stand bare like ghosts among the evergreens. The air is crisp, nipping at my flushed cheeks as I trek upward. I unzip my jacket. I fold my knit hat and shove it into a pocket. I stop for breath and gulp water. It's easy to forget how close this nature is from home.

I see the highway below from a rocky outcrop, a strip of humanity between the mountains. Its monotonous hum and breakneck speed seem far from me now. The sky has turned a dark grey since I left the parking lot, and a lazy swirl of snow begins to descend. A few other hikers nod hello, not daring to break the silence. Snow falls heavier and coats the trail. My footsteps become a crunching compaction of snow into earth. I hear my own thoughts for the first time in a long time.

Would you be interested in writing about how you've struggled to find creativity lately? It would be awesome if you could tie it to "recharging” on the trail or in nature and how it may help.

Christine Reed is an avid amateur outdoorswoman. Her upbringing as a military brat taught her to see everywhere and nowhere as home. She didn't start hiking until after college, when she realized she wasn't sure where her life was headed and sought out a defined path on the Appalachian Trail. She's currently living in a converted Ford Transit, hiking, rock climbing and kicking around the US, and working on a debut memoir about life, hiking, and human connection.

“To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.”

-- Terry Tempest Williams

Summer 2022 Issue Eleven

CEO & Chief Editor- Jaime Purinton

Chief Lollygagger & Director of Vibe- Tony Purinton

Writers:

Jessica Mehta

Christine Reed

Michelle Jackson

Courtney Johnson