Hike It Off Magazine Issue Nine

HIKE IT OFF

BEST SNOWSHOE ROUTES IN THE US FOR BEGINNERS

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AMPLIFY

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THIS IS INDIAN LAND: ARCHES NATIONAL

PARK PAGE 17

HOW TO MODEL RESPECT ON THE TRAIL

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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

Best Snowshoe Routes in the us for beginners

By: Courtney Johnson

It is often said that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. This low impact exercise is good for nature enthusiasts both young and old. The learning curve for snowshoeing is fast while the experience out in nature can be memorable. Snowshoeing offers a chance to experience how different your favorite places to hike change and look when covered in snow.

Beginner snowshoe trails should be shorter in length, be easy to access, and not feature large changes in elevation. When you choose your first trails to snowshoe, the number one thing to keep in mind is safety. Trails that may be OK for hiking in the warmer months might not make good snowshoe trails due to rocks, narrowness, and other factors. Depending on what area of the country you live in (or are visiting), the threat of avalanches is another very important safety factor to consider. Websites including avalanche.org are great places to find up to date information on conditions. Also, be sure to check overall trail conditions as winter conditions often change. If there is less than six inches of snow on the ground or trails are icy and snow packed, snowshoes are not needed.

From nature preserves and golf courses to mountain passes and backcountry open space, snowshoe trails can be found. Here are some ideas for just a few of the many beginner snowshoe trails across the country that offer great scenery and a good first snowshoe experience.

Bruce’s Trail Rabbit Ears PassSteamboat Springs, CO

The 1 D Bruce’s Trail is a popular snowshoe trail off of Rabbit Ears Pass just outside Steamboat Springs. There are two loops you can take with the upper loop being an easier snowshoe route. The trail is 3.1 miles long offering alpine views of the Medicine Bow- Routt National Forest. Other options along the pass are the 3.7 mile 1A West Summit Loop A and the 3.6 mile 2B Fox Curve Loop. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails too.

Continental Loop Campbell Mesa TrailsFlagstaff, AZ

For an easy snowshoe with great scenery, try the 2 mile Continental Loop. This easy rated loop can be added on for additional mileage and additional views of Campbell Mesa. Additional places to snowshoe in the area are the Arizona Nordic Village with over 17 miles of trails and the Mormon Lake Ski Touring Center. Both places require a day use pass

Coney Mountain Snowshoe Trail- NY

Said to be one of the most picturesque snowshoe routes, this 1.25 mile trek offers 360 panoramic views on clear days of the Adirondacks. The trail winds its way around the mountain till you reach the summit after about 525 feet of climbing. Even your leashed pup will be mesmerized at the views.

Eagle River Nature Center- Anchorage, AK

Frozen waterfalls and animal spotting are only two of the reasons a trip to the Eagle River Nature Center for a snowshoe trek is highly recommended. The 0.7-mile Rodak Nature Loop and the 2.8-mile Albert Loop Trail are the two most beginner-friendly trails you can find at the center offering tremendous views of a winter wonderland.

Hegmans Lake Hike- Ely, MN

A 3.4 mile total out and back, the Hegmans Lake Hike is a unique trail to snowshoe. Not only will you cross over frozen lakes, the hike takes you to a panel of pictographs all within the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area. Take to snowshoes on the trail in the evening and you may be treated to views of the Aurora Borealis.

Emma Carlin Trails – Palmyra, WI

What is great about the Emma Carlin Trails is that snowshoers can access a variety of rolling trails that take you through the pines of the Kettle Moraine with access to additional trails close by. The Brown Loop is 3.5 miles long and offers a great challenge for both novice and experienced snowshoers. If there are more experienced snowshoers, they may want to try the six-mile Orange Loop.

Near the Emma Carlin Trails, snowshoers may also enjoy the John Muir Trails or even sections of the 30 mile Ice Age Trail. The 1.25 mile Brown Loop is a good beginner trail while the 4.25 mile White Loop offers a bit more challenge.

Roughlock Falls Trail- Spearfish, SD

Near the Spearfish Canyon Lodge, the Roughlock Falls Trail takes you through Spearfish Canyon to a multi-tiered waterfall. Depending on conditions, the falls may even be frozen. The trail is two miles in length and is rated easy. Another trail to consider in the area is the Iron Creek Trail- a flat four-mile trail that takes you to Iron Creek.

Stowe Mountain- Stowe, VT

The easiest snowshoe route offering views of the surrounding area is the flat Stowe Recreation Path. The 5.3 mile trail is a great trail for getting used to having snowshoes on the feet. The Wiessner and Kirchner woods offer over 75 acres of exploring that can be done via snowshoe and offer easy but quintessential winter walks through the woods.

Rim Trail Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

The bright red of the hoodoos contrast beautifully with the white snow along the ten-mile round trip Rim Trail at Bryce Canyon National Park. The trail passes by Sunrise and Sunset Point and the Amphitheater for a flat mile and is more challenging between Fairyland Point and Bryce Point with climbing and steeper sections. An alternative trail is the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail that takes you to the bottom of the canyon for a three-mile trek.

Sandia Crest- Albuquerque, NM

While New Mexico has relatively mild winter temps, there is snow to be found from the Taos Ski Resort to the Sandia Mountains. For an adventure, ride the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the top of Sandia Crest. The Switchback Trail is 1.6 miles point to point, the Tree Spring Trail is a 4.1 mile out and back and sections of the Sandia Crest Trail are all shorter beginner trails perfect for newer snowshoers.

Wanoga Sno- Park- Bend, OR

The two-mile loop at Wanoga Sno-Park is perfect for beginners, especially families. Not only is the trail groomed multiple times a week, it is flat and dog friendly too. After some time meandering through the pines, the family can enjoy time tubing and sledding for a full day of winter fun. As of writing, the cost is $4 for a SnoPark permit or $9 for a three consecutive day permit.

Courtney Johnson is a book author, freelance writer and teacher based in Erie, CO. Most of her days are spent chasing her 7 year old daughter on the bike trails, ski runs and up climbing routes. You can follow her adventures at: https://adventureswithmylittleray.com/.

BEGINNER SNOWSHOEING TIPS

The Arches National Park rocks have been a major draw for over 10,000 years. The original inhabitants arrived at the end of the Ice Age, comprised of hunter-gatherers, and were the first to explore the Salt Valley and Courthouse Wash region. Here, they found two types of microcrystalline quartz that were ideal for crafting tools. Chert and chalcedony have been used to make scrapers, points, and knives. To this day, there remains evidence of the first inhabitants and it is another major draw for today’s visitors.

However, these hunter-

gatherers were not the only Indigenous inhabitants of what is today called Arches National Park. Approximately 2,000 years ago, the Puebloans started harvesting key plants and became settlers of Four Corners. Their primary crops included beans, squash, and maize (corn), also known as the “Three Sisters” collection of vegetables. You can still see the types of villages they lived in at Mesa Verde National Park. According to historians, prime farming eras spanned from 500 CE – 1,300 CE until climate changes made farming increasingly difficult in the area.

Life Amongst the Arches

Many visitors ask why there are virtually no dwelling remains in Arches National Park, which is located on the far northern rim of the Puebloan ancestral territory. It is theorized that the Indigenous settlers only visited the area seasonally of course, it is also possible that there were dwellings here but they have vastly deteriorated. However, what is still visible are many drawings on what has been dubbed “rock art panels.” These panels are a major attraction for visitors, but there is also the appeal of lithic scatters close to waterholes. The latter was likely a space for sharpening tools and simultaneously scouting game to hunt.

The Fremont are the Puebloan descendants to some degree, considered their “contemporaries” by researchers, and they called the region slightly northwest home. Direct Puebloan descendants include the Acoma, Cochiti, Hopi Mesas,

Santa Clara, and Taos. There is a lot of overlap between Puebloan and Fremont cultures, but it is clear in Fremont art and artifacts that in some regards the two communities were very different. This is especially true when it comes to remains of traditions and technologies.

Indigenous communities started to leave the area circa 700 years ago for a number of reasons. As they departed, the Shoshonean arrived. These nomadic peoples were comprised of the Paiute, Ute, and others it was these Indigenous communities who first encountered Europeans in the area. Close to Wolfe Ranch, you can find a petroglyph panel that depicts what researchers believe to be Ute images featuring horseback riding. Shortly after the Spaniards introduced horses to the area, the Utes adopted horses as tools as well as transportation.

A Powerful Place

Much research has been undertaken in recent years regarding the art and artifacts at Arches National Park, with an increasing number of Indigenous input. For example, in 2017 Richard Stoffle began a yearslong study that included collaboration with five Indigenous groups with strong connections to the area including the Pueblo or Zuni (Ashiwi), Hopi, Southern Ute, Ute Indian Tribe: Uintah and Ouray, Paiute, and Kaibab Band of Paiutes. While each tribe had a different perspective on the various flora, fauna, art, and archaeological features of the park, they agreed that the region is a powerful space.

The Indigenous leaders also agreed that Arches National Park was a place of ceremony for those in the Moab valley. The valley is the sole crossing point for the Colorado River, making it an integral place for trade and travel. The park’s namesake arches were describe as being

portals capable of manipulating time and space, and in turn were crucial for many Indigenous ceremonies. The rock spires were described as sentient and helpful. The La Sal Mountains were defined as a home for spirits.

The Start of the Park

Unlike many other national parks, no Indigenous communities were displaced when Arches National Park was designated. Featuring over 2,000 sandstone arches, such as the famed Delicate Arch, in 76,679 acres, the area was largely uninhabited when it garnered the interest of prospectors. Frank Wadleigh of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad notified the National Park Service about the area when he visited in 1923 after being invited by Alexander Ringhoffer. Ringhoffer, a Hungarian prospector who settled in the Salt Valley, reached

out to Wadleigh after realizing what tourist potential the site held. Wadleigh suggested that the area be named a national monument, and this recommendation was further supported by a University of Michigan graduate student, Laurence Gould, who was at the La Sal Mountains studying geology.

After a few years of government examination, the National Park Service agreed to the national monument idea in 1926.

However, President Calvin Coolidge’s Interior Secretary, Hubert Work, disagreed. It was not until April 1929 that President Herbert Hoover signed the presidential proclamation that named the region Arches National Monument. Future presidents made adjustments to the proclamation, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Lyndon B. Johnson enlarged the Arches designated space in 1969, and Richard Nixon declared the area to be a National Park in 1971.

Visiting the Arches

Today, Arches has become a reclaimed space by a number of Indigenous communities with ties and ancestral lineages associated with the region. It has also become one of the most popular national parks and many are surprised to learn that climbing some of the rocks is allowed. According to the park’s regulations, rocks with an opening smaller than three feet can be climbed if the rules are followed. Any named arches do not allow climbing. However, tourists can enjoy hiking, biking, auto tours, camping at Devils Garden, and canyoneering.

Arches National Park is a hub for those interested in outdoor adventures, but increasingly it is the art and artifacts from the original inhabitants that brings millions of people to the park every year. A tour that focuses on the Indigenous history of the park is an authentic way to fully experience what the area has to offer.

Jessica Mehta is a multi-awardwinning 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

magazine. When we learned about Alisa Otto and her mission to give women and under-represented bodies a voice in the outdoors, we knew we needed to help her amplify those voices in a unique and new way. We also know many more people like Alisa are doing work in the outdoor industry and bucking what is considered "the norm." They are living their truth- even when it's unconventional. So, in Alisa's honor, we designed this new series called Amplify, where we do just that- amplify people, businesses, nonprofits, basically anyone doing good in the outdoor space.

What is so unique about Ottomatic Threads that we were inspired to start a new series? They believe there are too many body shapes and sizes underserved in the outdoor apparel industry, and it is their honor to provide clothing that allows those bodies to adventure, explore, and be seen! A 100% woman-owned and led micro-factory based in Texas, they design and make outdoor apparel in sizes XS-6X! Alisa saw a need and made it happen, even though it was something that many said couldn't be done.

thumbholes and trimmed functional pockets on each side panel (not tiny pockets made just for looks).

These layers are a must-have for all active women, and because of the sizing available, will fit most body sizes. You can purchase yours here!

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

HOWTOMODEL RESPECTONTHE TRAIL

BY: MICHELLE JACKSON

I hate to admit that I’ve been that person. The one who inwardly sneers at visitors making their way along the trails of Colorado. I’ve found myself baffled by people wearing flip flops hiking up rocky trails, not carrying water, or just underestimating that what seemed like a casual trek in the backcountry could rapidly become a life or death situation. As a Coloradan, we find our trails inundated with not only visitors on the trail but also residents of the state, biking, hiking and trekking in a quest to escape the heat, work, or just for self-care.

As a member of numerous groups whose focus is the safe enjoyment of the outdoors, one group in particular, has cured me of my accidental outdoor snobbery. That group was Outdoor Afro, a group founded to foster safe outdoor recreation for people of color and allied friends. With each hike, canoeing trip and outdoor experience with that group I’m reconnected with the emotion of first time experiences outdoors, even if they aren’t mine.

My experiences enjoying the outdoors began when I was 7 years old and living in Boulder, Colorado. My mom enrolled me in the YMCA and I often joke now that I was a member of “Posh YMCA.” We would go horseback riding, on hikes and I even remember the day that I got to hold a yellow python-it was really heavy.

Then, there was the year that I participated in Outward Bound, living for a month on the mountain with a small group of teens and our 2 counselors. We backpacked our way across the Rocky Mountains setting up our tents, carrying our food and focusing on leaving no trace behind. So, what do these early experiences with the outdoors have to do with modeling respect on the trails to visitors? Quite a bit actually.

Don’t Make Assumptions

Because I’ve had so many experiences in the outdoors enjoying a variety of activities I have developed a subconscious awareness of the unspoken and spoken “rules” we need to know in order to enjoy the outdoors respectfully. In fact, the majority of people that I’m around also seem to be aware of these rules too.

However, I have a lifetime of outdoor recreation experiences. If I grew up in a part of the country or the world where rambling around the woods is just not done, how would I develop awareness of outdoors rules? I realized this after going on a fantastic hike recently with my Outdoor Afro group.

Real talk, I’m still the slowest person in the group because I’m of the extra weight that I gained during 2020.

Despite that, I feel very comfortable making my way up the mountain because I am comfortable in nature. There was one participant who joined us but only brought a bottle of water and an energy bar. We were all concerned. What I realized was that this participant didn’t understand why we were concerned. So, we shared with kindness what he should bring next time. We discussed why he should bring additional food, water and all the hiking ten just in case he got separated from us. And then we offered to share our food.

Educate with Empathy

It can be very easy to accidentally be hyper critical of hikers who are new to hiking. I’ve come to realize that for some, enjoying the outdoors may be completely outside of someone’s comfort zone. Or, that by enjoying a hike they are already doing something that they never imagined doing. When having conversations educating visitors to hiking and being on the trails I think about my audience. For my friends of color who are new to hiking, I check in prior to a trip and make sure that they are prepped and ready to go. I listen to their concerns without judgement and answer any questions that may come up. I also have a podcast and website where I have thoughtful and nuanced conversations about enjoying the outdoors with leaders in the space. And I specifically

focus on finding impactful leaders of color and allies to lead those conversations..

Model Good Behavior In Real Time

Once we’re on the trails, there are the unspoken actions that model great trail behavior. Small things like understanding who has the right of way when passing other people on the trail. Hint, it’s the hikers going up the trail. Have hilarious conversations about what it actually means to leave no trace behind. Understanding why people freak out when you go off trail in the high country (it damages the vegetation) and how to communicate why this behavior should be avoided. Talk about paying attention to weather conditions and how it impacts your decisions on the trail. Help people who are in distress even if that just means waiting with them until help arrives. Don’t be a douche.

Pay Attention to the Little Things

Finally, when showing respect on the trail there are a few other aspects to modeling respect to consider. Take note of the rules and regulations that are posted on your way to the trail. Pay attention to where you’re allowed to park .

and be respectful when your trail coexists with someone’s private land.

What I’ve realized is that there are a ton of little things we have to constantly be paying attention to when heading to and making our way along our favorite trails. Modeling respect means that you’re open to the idea that we’re constantly learning about our connection to the land and the trails we recreate on. Modeling respect is an ongoing process that occurs even when you’re having a coffee at your favorite patio.

Sometimes it also means keeping quiet about your favorite trails. What happens in Fight Club stays in Fight Club.

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

Meet Beth Jeffery, Founder of Cairn Connection

The closest I have come to meeting Beth in person was a missed encounter on a trail I consider "in my backyard". I didn't know she was hiking so close to me or I would have made a point to at least say hi to her at the trailhead. I only knew she was there because I saw her car (with her personalized plates) as I was leaving. Even though I have not met her in person, I feel like I know her. She wears her heart on her sleeve and shares her candid experience surrounding the loss of her son, Shamar, and the struggles and emotions that she experiences from such a tragic loss. It's heartbreaking.

But Beth is one of the strongest

women I think of when I think of strong women. She has turned an experience that would cripple most mothers into a way to connect other women who are also dealing with loss with the healing power of nature.

They hike together, cry together, and in turn are healing together. It is inspiring to witness and the hope that Beth exudes is contagious.

In addition, Beth is an amazing outdoors woman and badass. I am constantly in awe of the scope of her knowledge and willingness to do the hard things (like dangle from a helicopter for Search and Rescue training). You might want to grab a tissue or two for this interview!

Jaime: How did Cairn Connection begin?

Beth: I often joked at work about quitting my job and thru hiking full time. I had a wild dream to teach women backpacking skills and guide trips. After losing my son, Shamar, in 2018, I struggled with resuming life as it was before. I felt a desire to do something more than just be a Vice President at the local Credit Union. I had a vision for a different path. So, a year after my son passed, I gave a 30 day notice at my job where I had worked over 20 years. I went on a backpacking trip during that summer and then enrolled in a Wilderness First Responders course. Then, I applied for my business license, created my webpage, Facebook, Instagram, and Meetup pages. I wanted to help women who had lost a

child or any type of loss. It was slow at first. But, then I posted on a local community page and women began coming to events. We hiked, we talked about gear, we went on backing trips, and then I saw women smile again.

Jaime: How has the hiking and the outdoors helped you through the loss of your son, Shamar?

Beth: When you hike for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 3 weeks, you have a lot of time to think about things. You think about the good times, the things you wish you could have done different, you cry, you get angry, and everything gets left on the trail. Hiking helps you be present and live in the moment. It also strips you down to all the raw emotions you have inside. You have no choice but either be happy or cry.

Jaime: Now that you are navigating a different life without Shamar, what have you learned that helps you to help other people going through their own loss?

Beth: We all deal with loss in life. Not many people talk about it, we hide our emotions, and we are not honest about how we are doing. People would freak out if you are

crying in the breakfast isle of the grocery store, because you heard a song or you are no longer buying pop tarts for your son. When you find someone who understands the pain you have endured, it’s comforting. I encourage women to talk about their loved ones, let their emotions show, and be honest with how they are truly feeling. I often say it’s okay to not be okay.

Jaime: What is one positive thing someone can do that is suffering from a major loss in their life? Beth: Find your people. When the dust has settled, and everyone moves on with their life, you need people to check in on you. Have someone who supports you through the holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and bad days. Grief doesn’t go away in a year or two, it’s a lifetime of missing someone you deeply love. Do what makes you happy and find time to exercise, even if it’s just a walk in the neighborhood. Maybe go for a hike in the mountains, listen to the wind blow throw the trees, enjoy the bright colors of the flowers, enjoy a sunset at an alpine lake, and see if the wilderness brings you some comfort.

Jaime: Your strength shows in many ways including your extensive outdoor experience. What advice would you give to a woman just starting to get outdoors? Beth: We all start somewhere. Start small and do your research to be prepared on the trail. There are many resources on line, including the Cairn Connection Facebook page. Bring the 10 essentials, tell someone your itinerary, make sure your backpacking gear is lightweight, and don’t pack your fears. Train well for your trips and know when to turn around Jaime: Tell us a little bit about your SAR experience! What has been the most exciting aspect of becoming a part of it?

Beth: I wanted to give back to the trail someway and found myself on Riverside Mountain

Rescue Unit. Helping find lost or unprepared hikers and bringing them home is so rewarding. What I didn’t realize was I would be repelling off cliffs and lowered out of helicopters. Also, being one of the few women on the team, and the oldest active woman in the field made me feel pretty proud.

Jaime: You just recently climbed Mt. Hood- did you have any “magical” moments on the mountain?

Beth: Magical? I was scared going into Mt Hood. I had done my research and read about the chute to the peak. I had seen the photos. Someone had recently slipped on the chute and passed away a week before our climb. When I previously climbed Mt Shasta, I knew how fatigued my legs became on the 7 hour climb. On the day of the climb for Hood, we met our guide at 12:30am. We were moving well in the dark with headlamps,

and I could hear water nearby in the fumarole. The smell of rotten eggs was strong. We reached the hogback and saw the next steep section of the mountain. We roped up together and continued our climb with ice axes in hand and crampons on our boots. Then we reached the old chute. Our guide placed ice anchors at the top of the chute that we were tied to incase we slipped. We began our vertical crawl up the ice wall, as pieces of ice were falling down. My husband was tied into the rope, just below me. As I kicked in steps, I was basically ice climbing, I had to make sure I didn’t kick his hands or head. Before I knew it, we had made it to the peak. It felt much easier than Shasta and we were off the mountain by 10:30am.

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

Beth: That’s hard to choose just one. I would have to say the John Muir Trail; 222 miles from Yosemite to Mt Whitney. It’s a difficult trail, climbing 9 passes, 47,000 feet of elevation gain, one peak at 14, 508 feet, but it’s some of the most beautiful mountains, creeks, and alpine lakes. I’ve hiked it 3 times and a 4th time in sections.

Jaime: What does “Hike It Off” mean to you?

Beth: It’s when life doesn’t go as planned, you throw on your hiking shoes and head to the mountains. There you can be angry, mad, scream, cry, and find happiness again. You leave it all on the trail, by “hiking it off.”

Shamar Turner

Jaime: What do you have planned next? How can we support you?

Beth: The end of August I’m headed to Washington to hike the 92 mile Wonderland Trail that circles around Mt Rainer. Maybe I’ll climb Mt. Rainer one day. Once Covid is under control, we have a deposit for a 14 day trek to Everest Base Camp. Hopefully one day I will

complete the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ve hiked about 700 miles of it in sections, but I would like to hike the trail completely in one attempt.

I appreciate the support by letting me tell my story about my son and how I have turned a bad situation into helping others. If anyone out there is struggling with grief or loss, please send them to Cairn Connection.

RESPECT OUTSIDE

BRINGING TRUST TO A WILD INDUSTRY

BY: JAIME PURINTON

Over a Zoom call this summer, I sat down to chat with Gina McClard, J.D., and Jim Miller, founders of Respect Outside. I was trying to stay cool in a sweltering Southern California heatwave while Gina and Jim enjoyed nicer weather at their home base in Bend, Oregon. I initially reached out to them for an interview after seeing their post in a mutual outdoor group on Facebook regarding sexual harassment and discrimination and its prevalence in the outdoor industry. I read story after story from group members detailing their own experiences with sexual harassment and discrimination, and I could identify with many of their stories. It felt good to understand I wasn't alone in what I had experienced. It felt good to know there are people out there, like Gina and Jim, dedicating their lives to shifting an outdated and toxic culture into new ways of thinking that create a safer, more inclusive, and respectful work environment for all.

Gina's twenty-five years of experience working as a lawyer advocating and litigating for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and Jim's thirty-year career as a member of the outdoor recreation industry was the perfect combination of experience to address

sexual misconduct, discrimination, and gender equity. While their expertise is essential, on a deeper level, their purpose comes from a commitment to social justice coupled with their passion for working and playing outdoors. They know the transformative nature of the outdoors on young people and adults and think it should be brought into the workplace by creating welcome spaces for folks that have not traditionally felt welcome in these spaces.

I asked why this kind of work is so vital, even if we haven't all experienced sexual harassment and discrimination. They explained that the outdoor industry had been focused on "sustainability" but only so far as it relates to supply chain and not including the "people part" of what it is to be sustainable. In other words, they were missing a big piece of the picture- their people. Jim explained, "Everyone wants to come to work as their whole selves and be respected for who they are. COVID taught us that in tough times being outdoors is healing and freeing. We are seeing a shift in outdoor participation; younger, female, urban, and slightly more ethnic. The industry wants its employees to mirror their customers. However, you have to lay the groundwork and lead with creating inclusive spaces. A company's policies and procedures create a framework for inclusive and civil behavior. This is the work that needs to be done, as a starting point, before you can successfully diversify your workforce."

Respect Outside’s mission relates to the outdoor industry, its consumers, and how we all recreate by aiming to help the outdoor recreation industry take their written values and mission statements and bring them to life. They help them to "do" what they say, not just "say" what they say. Respect Outside's tagline is "Equity through Action" - and they teach employees at every level, including top leadership and HR teams how to bring these values to life with reallife simulations and trainings designed to cultivate a healthy and respectful workplace.

Of course, many myths revolve around gender equality- like the myth that "we are already there." According to Gina and Jim, "there are so many women identifying people working and recreating outdoors we assume that parity has been reached. But because the entire industry was built (primarily) by white men; the structures both at work and at play are full of rules they wrote to serve themselves. We recommend having conversations with women, BIPOC folks, LBGTQ+ folks, and alter abled people to really understand how they perceive their experiences and educate yourself on how to be an ally to them with the goal of creating more equitable spaces'.

So what is Gina and Jim's advice on how we can support Respect Outside's mission in our everyday lives? Jim says, "It comes down to being a good steward of the environment. That means to encourage folks to broaden that definition to include equity for all folks. The environment is not just the land, rivers and lakes but the people on the land. We are seeing a big push for people to vote with their wallets and support brands, retailers, outfitters, camps, that uphold their values – including equity, inclusivity and diversity".

For more information on Respect Outside and the services and trainings they offer click here.

MINDFUL ADVENTURES:

HOW HIKING BENEFITS MY MENTAL HEALTH

by Zoë Amber Preston

Gazing out towards the bush from my Airbnb, I felt peaceful and content. I had just spent my day hiking in the stunning Goldfields region of Australia, a ritual that had become an integral part of my mental

health journey.

From the balcony, I watched the sun pour through the eucalyptus trees and began to reflect. A few years ago, moments like these were few

and far between. A diagnosis of depression and anxiety as a teenager, mental distress was a regular occurrence for me growing up.

When I was 17, my Dad invited me to go camping in the Australian Alps. Growing up in the Dandenong Ranges, being amongst nature was mundane for me. It was always just there, but I never mindfully acknowledged its presence. With reluctance, I agreed, already looking forward to returning to Melbourne. Within a couple of days of that trip, I was hooked. I remember hiking up to the top of Mount Buffalo National Park, overlooking the mountain ranges and feeling a sense of empowerment I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Upon returning to Melbourne, I became obsessed with hiking. I gradually spent more and more weekends exploring my hometown and coincidentally began to feel less depressed, less overwhelmed, and more

fulfilled in life. What was going on? Upon reflection, I realized that my increased time spent hiking in nature had a drastically positive impact on my mental health.

I went on to study for a Bachelor of Psychology to further my understanding of my lived experience and learned more about the mental health benefits of nature. I stumbled across the concept of ecopsychology, which quickly became an integral part of my life. Ecopsychology aims to explore the connection between humans and the natural world and assesses the psychological effect of being connected or alienated from nature. This field resonated so deeply with me, and before long, I discovered more of the healing benefits of nature.

POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor

" A diagnosis of depression and anxiety as a teenager, mental distress was a regular occurrence for me growing up.."

The mental health benefits of nature have been scientifically proven and have long-lasting effects on the brain. The biggest benefit I experienced from nature is reduced stress. Time in nature activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which is our body’s rest and relaxation response. Cortisol and adrenaline levels decrease when our parasympathetic nervous system is activated, therefore helping you feel more calm

and relaxed. A 2019 study from Frontiers in Psychology found that being in nature for just 20 minutes can help lower stress hormones like cortisol (Hunter et al., 2019). Time in nature can also lower the chances of developing a mental health condition later in life. A 2019 study from PNAS found that children who lived in greener areas had a decreased chance of developing psychiatric disorders in later life (Engemann

et al., 2019). Another study found that people who lived in the city were 20% more likely to develop an anxiety disorder and 40% more likely to develop a mood disorder than people who lived closer to green spaces. Connecting with nature can also lead to increased happiness, positive social interactions, and subjective well-being. A study from Science Advances found that time in nature is associated with a sense of meaning and purpose in life (Bratman et al., 2019). After spending more of my free time hiking, I felt a deeper sense of meaning in my life. I knew exploring natural spaces was what I was born to do, and nothing fuelled my soul more than a good day trip to a local hiking spot for some quality time in the wilderness.

where all your senses become immersed in nature. It is a slow, meditative process that focuses on mindfully reconnecting with the natural world. Studies have found that shinrinyoku may reduce anxiety, depression, and anger.

Time in nature helped regulate my circadian rhythm, otherwise known as the internal body clock. As I used energy during the day when hiking, I found that I would become naturally tired at night. Also, natural lighting helps keep melatonin levels down during the day, which is the hormone that enables you to fall asleep.

POSTMODERN PAINTING. Stella alternately paints in oil and watercolor

Hiking is also a great way to challenge me. As time went on and my passion only became stronger, I felt motivated to push myself out

Practicing mindfulness in nature can also help alleviate mental distress. “Shinrinyoku,” or “forest bathing,” is a Japanese health practice

"Connecting with nature can also lead to increased happiness, positive social interactions, and subjective well-being. "

of my comfort zone. I tried higher grade hikes, with more obstacles, different terrains, and steeper slopes. Most importantly, I challenged myself to chat with other hikers. I felt proud of myself; a few years ago, I felt nervous to talk to strangers and felt selfdoubt surrounding my worth in conversations. Hiking on more popular trails was a great way to build up my confidence in talking to people, increasing my selfesteem.

Did you know that time in nature can change your

brain's chemistry? Going for a hike outdoors increases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that boost your mood and calm you down. Breathing in the fresh air on the trail can help regulate serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes joy, happiness,,

"Did you know that time in nature can change your brain's chemistry? Going for a hike outdoors increases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that boost your mood and calm you down."

and positive well-being. Lastly hitting the trail can increase the production of dopamine. This happy neurotransmitter is released when we do something pleasurable or rewarding. Exercising, achieving goals, and spending time in the sunshine are all activities that have been linked to dopamine release.

Now, at the age of 24, I reflect on how I spent my young adulthood, hiking nearly every weekend and using time in nature as a tool to support me on my mental health journey.

well-being, highlighting the connection between nature and mental health. Through my university degree and lived experience, I have felt firsthand how beneficial nature can be for our mental health. I feel so fulfilled sharing this knowledge and findings with the community, hoping that more people will find healing in the natural world.

Hike by Trail

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my time spent hiking was dramatically reduced. I yearned for another way to reconnect with my passion, so I opened up my Instagram account, Mindful Adventures Australia. For the last year, I have used this platform to share places I visit in Australia and how my adventures benefitted my mental health. I explore concepts like ecopsychology, nature therapy, and mental

When exposing myself to the natural world, getting through the more difficult times becomes a little easier. Life is in constant flux, and at times it can be almost impossible to control what will happen next. I have learned that through life’s adversities, I cannot always control what happens to me. However, I can control how I respond, and I choose to spend that time in the natural world where I feel most at home. Sitting on that little balcony in the Goldfields, I knew that hiking would be my guiding light to being the best version of myself possible.

Living in the Dandenong Ranges in Australia, Zoë Amber Preston is a young creative, traveller and student of life whose goal is to encourage others to get out into nature. Finding medicine through hiking and adventures as a teenager, Zoë went on to complete a Bachelor of Psychology, with a special focus on ecopsychology and nature therapy. After years of lived experience and working in the mental health industry, Zoë went on to create her blog Mindful Adventures Australia in 2020, which explores how the great outdoors can improve our holistic health and wellbeing. When Zoë isn't working, you can find her hiking in national parks, exploring regional towns, learning about the human brain, and creating content to encourage others to get out and explore the natural world.

Follow Zoë Here:

Instagram: Facebook:

Studied cited:

Hike by Trail

https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/7/eaax0903

https://www.pnas.org/content/116/11/5188

https://www frontiersin org/articles/10 3389/fpsyg 2019 00722/full

Bratman, G N , Anderson, C B , Berman, M G , Cochran, B , de Vries, S , Flanders, J , Folke, C , Frumkin, H , Gross, J J , Hartig, T , Kahn, P H , Kuo, M , Lawler, J J , Levin, P S , Lindahl, T , Meyer-Lindenberg, A , Mitchell, R , Ouyang, Z , Roe, J , Daily, G C (2019) Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective Science Advances, 5(7), eaax0903 https://doi org/10 1126/sciadv aax0903

Engemann, K , Pedersen, C B , Arge, L , Tsirogiannis, C , Mortensen, P B , & Svenning, J C (2019) Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(11), 5188–5193 https://doi org/10 1073/pnas 1807504116

Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. P. (2019). Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722

EMBRACING WINTER'S DARKNESS

BY MONET YELSNICK

What do you do when you “have nothing to do”? Who are you when you are alone? What actually makes you happy when no one else is around? For me, this is not terribly hard to answer, as I’ve had a lot of practice. I am an only child and was a latchkey kid in the 90s (often home alone from a young age while my single mother worked). I was forced to entertain myself (before social media) with whatever was around and also spend copious amounts of time alone with my own thoughts. For many of us in present day USA we are never really alone or disconnected. We are consumed with work emails, texts, zoom calls, social media, never really getting a moment to check in with ourselves. As summer comes to a close and we breeze through fall we are provided with a grand seasonal opportunity to take a second, step back, and check in with ourselves. To know ourselves more deeply, and, according to research, increase our resilience and happiness.

Winter is the season of silence, darkness, frigid temperatures, family oriented holidays, staying in. Scandinavia has a long history of embracing the slowness and darkness that befalls most of us during winter. From ‘fika’ to ‘hygge’ to ‘little Saturday’, they find ways of connecting with themselves, the season, loved ones, and to carve out joy in the period many of us refer to as ‘seasonal depression time’. Of these traditions the Danish ‘hygge’ may be my favorite. Pronounced “hoogah”, it is about a feeling of coziness, and an outlook that centers around mindfulness and finding joy in the everyday, in the simplest parts of life. Additionally, it can be a set of practices–a candlelit dinner with yourself or your friends, reading a book by a fire, a cup of tea and a notebook. What hygge sets us up for perfectly, I believe, is the chance to reconnect with our core selves.

The importance of being in touch with our true desires and needs cannot be understated. It can be the compass of your life, guiding you through uncertainty and helping you understand when you're not being valued, respected, loved. It can help you see what you want and develop a sense of self and confidence strong enough to not stick around for what you don't want. Diving into yourself allows you to connect with others even better. When you are coming from a place of self assurance, empathy, ease, you will be astounded at the way your relationships improve. For many of us, the question is often: ‘But how do I be alone?’, and there is no shame in that question. It can take practice, especially for extroverts, but the rewards are worth their weight in gold. My personal

favorite ‘alone activities’ include going on a walk with my headphones on. I put on music I love or a podcast and I just walk and think and I am sometimes shocked at the ideas and revelations that come to me. Though winter is not peak hiking season it is an impeccable time to take a close-tohome walk around your neighborhood or nearby park and practice being with yourself. This leads us into a Nordic philosophy, the Norwegian practice of ‘friluftsliv’.

Similar to hygge, ‘friluftsliv’

Similar to hygge, ‘friluftsliv’ can be an activity or a feeling, but the focus is on the outdoors. It can be as simple as breathing the crisp outdoor air, a walk in a wooded area, shoveling snow in your driveway, or a cold plunge in a nearby lake.

can be an activity or a feeling, but the focus is on the outdoors. It can be as simple as breathing the crisp outdoor air, a walk in a wooded area, shoveling snow in your driveway, or a cold plunge in a nearby lake. The point is to be with yourself in the outdoors, free yourself of troubling thoughts and just exist, with a focus on mindfulness and connecting to what you are experiencing in the moment. Whether you take the hygge approach or the friluftsliv approach, I just hope you take the time to find out what makes you you.

Yelsnick is a musician and outdoor enthusiast in Seattle, WA

Monet

“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.”

― George R.R. Martin

GOAL REFLECTIONS

At the beginning of the season, we had big ideas about what we would “accomplish” this year. We had dreams of alpine lakes, epic summits, and even giving back to our community. Some of you may have diligently checked off your summer hiking to-dos. But to be transparent, I will proudly proclaim that my season did not go as planned.

Some of you might be scratching your heads at this list and asking, “Is summer really that long?”

And my answer to you is this turns out, no.

In April of this year, I wrote an ambitious piece in this magazine about my intentions to summit ten 14ers before beginning a thru-hike of the Colorado Trail (a 486-mile meandering pathway from Durango to Denver). I also planned to finally crush the 17mile Boulder Skyline Traverse after two previous failed attempts and squeeze in a short stint doing volunteer trail work with the Colorado Trail Foundation.

Of the four things on my goal sheet, one is done, one is still todo this season, one has been pushed to next year, and one is no longer relevant.

But if you asked me whether I had a successful hiking season in 2021, I wouldn’t hesitate to answer with an enthusiastic YES!

Why? Because of the why!

I set these goals because I wanted to stay motivated throughout the season; I

"BUT TO BE TRANSPARENT, I WILL PROUDLY PROCLAIM THAT MY SEASON DID NOT GO AS PLANNED."

wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. My higher purpose was to prioritize movement and sunshine, and I translated that purpose into a list of hiking goals that I knew would help me get there. But then life happened. And practicality set in. I realized that 14er season would not properly begin until I was already on the Colorado Trail. I

summit Mount Sneffles because of a shaded gully that hadn’t shed its snow yet. I went on a long weekend backpacking trip to Chicago Basin that “should” have included four summits, but after a long battle with the idea of “should,” I decided to walk away with one. I dislocated my shoulder two days before I was supposed to volunteer with the Colorado Trail Foundation and had to back out.

In each of these moments, I agonized over the decision to forgo my goals. To be a failure. Because I had decided in clear, achievable steps how I was going to prioritize movement and sunshine. I am a list maker and a box checker, so I had to reckon with the list every time I turned around or changed my plans. In the heat of the moment, those calls were hard to make. I wanted to check my box because I said to myself and all of you that I would, and integrity is important to me.

What can be easily lost here is that right before I failed to summit Mount Sneffles, I hiked all day in an attempt to summit a 14er. And on that backpacking trip to Chicago Basin, I hiked more than 40 miles and spent four days basking in the glory of the basin (and a morning at the hot springs down the road). Beyond that, I spent a week

rock climbing in Tensleep, Wyoming, and a week hiking and running and climbing in South Dakota. And then I hiked the Colorado Trail and got utterly burnt to a crisp.

The larger question here isn’t about success or failure, but are you serving your higher purpose?

If you hike to stay in shape, did you skip a hike on your list for the chance to swim or run or mountain bike instead? If you hike for your mental health, did you miss a hike but have a great therapy session or a productive conversation with someone in your life? If you’re using hiking as a “finally finishing something I started” challenge, then I guess you better get up and get hiking. Or maybe, you give yourself a little grace and finish the list next year.

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. Her backpacking memoir, Alone in Wonderland is a story about backpacking the Wonderland Trail around Mt Rainier. But it's also a story about defining who we are in the world and challenging ideas about who we should be.

Check out Alone in Wonderland here.

Follow her on Instagram:

WHAT DOES HIKE IT OFF MEAN TO YOU?

We asked some of our followers what Hike It Off means to them. This is what they had to say.

@kathie0729

"When your parents used to tell you to walk it off for pain. Hike It Off is the same thing, but for your mental health,"

@ed _ carlin

"It means challenge, nature, not giving up, and the cutest, most comfortable, activewear."

Winter 2021 Issue Nine

CEO & Chief Editor- Jaime Purinton

Chief Lollygagger & Director of Vibe- Tony Purinton

Writers:

Michelle Jackson

Jessica Mehta

Christine Reed

Courtney Johnson

Monet Yelsnick

Zoë Amber Preston