I think one of the most important things we could have done this year is do more things that safely bring us joy, and, getting back to nature and the trails has done just that for me. Not only has it gotten me out and exploring, but it has also brought me back to my love of photography and has encouraged me to take the plunge into photo editing. Therefore, I thought it was important to get back to another love of mine: writing.
I got the inspiration to do the 52 Hikes in 52 Weeks challenge from a friend that did it in 2020, and figured it was a perfect goal for 2021, as life is far from going “back to normal,” so I got to the trails this year to remind myself what it was like. I likely won’t post all my hikes in order, and will probably prioritize the ones from my current goal over others, but I felt this was the best way to write about my own experiences, dedicate some time to getting words to paper, and sharing some of my photography. If you want more of my photography, you can always check out my Instagram page, where I share my full collections.
Some of my hikes have been with coworkers, some with family, and some have been on my own, but they’ve all been a way for me to reconnect with nature and remember why I love it so much. Prioritized here are my experiences hiking in Michigan, specifically from the book 50 Hikes in Michigan, which comes with an additional 10 suggestions. These adventures and more are in hopes of building up to some longer through treks, including my dream of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail (and maybe even the other two of the Triple Crowns).
So, join me, my camera, my thoughts, and, often, my cowboy hat on the adventures back into nature and to myself as we welcome in yet another hard year ahead of us.
Raven K 