Embracing the magic of the sun

There's something inherently magical about sunsets. It's as if the fading light of day has the ability to reach deep within us, stirring emotions we may not even realize are there. Sunsets, and sunrises for that matter, evoke something special within us. Whether it's witnessing the sun setting over a river for the first time or watching a sunrise cast its golden hues over a mountain at dawn, the sun holds a nearly magical power.

I recently had the joy of sharing this experience with another fellow sun lover. We decided to paddle out on our kayaks to the middle of the river. As we floated gently on the water, the sky began its daily transformation. The sun dipped lower, casting a warm, golden glow over the surface of the water. My friend’s eyes widened in awe, and I felt an excitement knowing they were witnessing this profound beauty for the first time.

In those moments, a sense of joy and peace envelops you. The world seems to slow down, and the worries of the day melt away with the setting sun. There's a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves, a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us and the simple pleasures that can bring us the most happiness.

As the sky shifted through shades of orange, pink, and purple, I felt my heart leap with every new hue. It's a sensation that’s hard to describe—like your soul is dancing with the colors, filling you with a sense of wonder and delight. Every moment feels precious, and you can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a spectacular display of nature’s artistry.

Sharing this with someone else made the experience even more special. We sat in comfortable silence, occasionally pointing out a streak of color or the way the light reflected off the water. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a shared appreciation for the beauty before us and the tranquility it brought.

As the last light of the sun disappeared below the horizon, we both felt a lingering sense of peace. The sky transitioned to twilight, and we gathered our things, feeling lighter and more connected to the world around us. It's moments like these that remind us of the importance of taking the time to appreciate the natural wonders in our lives, to share them with those we care about, and to let them fill us with joy and peace.

So next time you have the chance, bring someone along to witness a sunset. Share the magic, the joy, and the peace it brings. Let your heart leap with the colors of the sky, and cherish the memories you create together. Because in those fleeting moments, you’ll find a sense of wonder that can stay with you long after the sun has set.

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What’s the best boot to wear hiking?

This is a very common question I hear asked by new hikers pretty regularly. The reality is, everyone’s foot is different and every shoe fits differently on your foot. If you were to ask your friend “what’s the best dress shoe to wear?” Chances are, you’d get as many different responses as the amount of people you asked. 

So, how do you find the best boots for you? The best thing to do is find a hiking or outdoor store that allows you to try on their boots. Get an idea for what feels best on your foot and make a purchase. 

Here are some things you want to consider when trying on your boots:

• Have enough space to wear thicker socks (pro tip: bring a pair of hiking socks with you to try on the boots)
• Purchase 1/2 to 1 full size bigger than your normal shoes as you’ll need that space for longer hikes
• Make sure the width is good for your feet
• Know the type of hiking you’ll be doing and if you should consider waterproof boots or not.

I talk a little bit about shoes in this video on my YouTube channel. 

Personally, my favorite pair of boots to date have been the Danner Mountain 600’s and the Salomon’s X Ultra 3. I don’t necessarily have a wide foot but I do have a higher arch and the wide shoes help with that. The good thing about both these boots is they needed no breaking in. I never got a single blister from either of them and they felt comfortable from day one. 

If you’re looking for that “I’m a hiker” look but you don’t want to wear your hiking boots around all day, check out these unique fashion boots on Shopify! 

Happy hiking! 

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Hike WV: Endless Wall, New River Gorge

I’ve been doing more solo hiking lately but, this trip ended up being a solo hike, partially in the dark! 

It wasn’t very easy to see where to park when it was so dark out. Even with the high beams on in my Jeep, I wasn’t sure if I was in the right place! Thankfully there’s a little cell reception where I was and I was able to determine I was in the right place.

The parking lot of this hike is somewhat small and I hear it fills up pretty quickly. I’ve also heard you’ll get a ticket if you park on the side of the road so be super careful with that. In the parking lot was a well maintained bathroom.

As I started on my journey around 6 am, it was kinda scary being out there alone. I was less fearful of people I might see and more fearful of animals I didn’t! As I walked along the path, I heard the beautiful sounds of running water. And everywhere I looked, rhododendron plants guided my path! It was still a little early for their blooms but I can only imagine the beauty they will give to this trail in the coming weeks!

When I had walked about 20 minutes in the dark, the first light was coming into the sky. When the trees opened up, I no longer needed my light. But, when the forest got dense again, the light came back on!

About 30 minutes into my hike, I reached Diamond Point Overview. This, I had read, would be a great turn around point on the trail. The views from Diamond Point were spectacular as I watched the sun rise over the mountain! It was just me and nature. The birds were having a field day as the sun was rising. I could hear a rushing waterfall in the distance. It was so spectacular! 

I chose to go a little further past the overlook because I had read about some ladders intended for use by climbers. It was such a fun experience to climb the ladders and see the mountain from a different perspective.

On my way back, I decided to take a lot of side trails that went along the endless wall and I was not disappointed. This spectacular new national park was really breathtaking! 

Seeing the water I had passed in the dark was very impressive, too. I’m glad I took the same route back instead of the fire road that continued on. 

When I arrived back at my Jeep, the parking lot was almost full. But, I was excited for the people who were heading out on their journey! 

To view more of my journey on this hike, visit my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/UDJSeKcUmNo

So you say you want to be a hiker…

Over the past year, I have heard many people say they want to become a hiker. But, many times, they never quite get their shoes on and out the door. So, I have asked them why and overwhelmingly, the majority of them said they just didn’t know how to get started! 

Throughout my next few blog posts, I will help dispel any myths about hiking and give you advice to help you take those first steps out the door into the world of hiking.

According to the Outdoor Foundations report, in 2021 there were over 57.8 million participants in hiking. Hiking is one of the fastest growing trends in outdoor recreation. Now that’s something I want to be part of - don’t you? 

Why is hiking so popular? A few (very few!) reasons are:

• almost anyone can do it

• It provides an adventure

• Connect with nature

• Helps your mental clarity

• Helps improve your physical fitness

So, let’s get started! I want you to grab a pen and paper and write down some goals. If we don’t write them down, they are just dreams. We want to ensure our goals are SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for “Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Bound.” If you are unfamiliar with SMART goals, read this article.

What goals are you considering for next year? Do you want to hike once a week? Do you want to train for a longer distance hike? Or do you want to find the most wonderful pair of hiking boots you’ve ever worn in your life? We all have different goals and that’s what makes us unique. 

I’m excited to go along this journey with you and create some of my own goals for hiking in 2022. Let’s make this coming year the best year ever! 

Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss this series! I want you to enjoy the wonder of hiking in 2022! It’s going to be fantastic!

The benefits of a waterfall

It’s Waterfall Wednesday on Instagram and I’m always thrilled to see the beautiful photos everyone posts! If there is one day of the week I enjoy the most - Waterfall Wednesday is the day! 

Why do I love waterfalls so much? According to scientific studies, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain which improves mood and reduces stress and anxiety. The sound of running water also aids in diminishing depression, increased mental clarity, greater emotional stability and an overall sense of well being. Well, there you go! That explains a lot! 

My all-time favorite waterfall to date has been Niagara Falls. But, I still get a good amount of local waterfalls to soothe my soul! 

Where is your favorite waterfall? 

Hike 100 of 2021: Bears Den

Name: Bears Den Park Trail

Distance: 1.7 mi

Elevation gain: 291 ft

Location: Bluemont, VA

Alltrails link

This was a great celebratory hike. Hiking Bears Den at sunset is a fabulous treat! Hiking it at sunset with friends is even a better treat! The first part of the trail can get muddy if it has recently rained but, unless it has stormed quite a bit, you can typically get around the mud. There are a couple of small climbs but, as with most Appalachian trail hikes, you have to look down quite a bit or else you’ll trip! The hike to the top is fairly easy, though. Once you get to the top, the most amazing views await you! Some of my most favorite photos were taken atop Bears Den! 

These pictures make me feel such a sense of peace. You see, Bears Den is a place I’ve gone many times to feel peace from the day-to-day challenges I have found myself in. Bears Den holds many of my secrets! It’s seen many of my tears. And, yet, it rewards me with such amazing beauty! Thank you, Bears Den, for always “being there” for me!