Wildfires are part of life. They are a natural disaster. Recently, due to a host of reasons I could write a whole other blog post on, they have become incredibly destructive, gobbling up more acres than ever before…and the homes & communities in their way.
What used to be “unprecedented” is now the norm.
Most of our natural reaction is to want to help in some way. This can soon become overwhelming- it’s hard to know who to trust, if your donation is actually reaching those affected, and what is legitimate.
Government agencies (local, state, and federal) often ethically cannot accept donations, so it’s best to go through non-profit organizations to ensure your gift can actually be used.
Because I live in the Reno area and we’re sandwiched in between the 2 highest priority fires (Dixie Fire & Caldor Fire) in the nation right now, these links are for those areas/fires specifically.
This is an impressive link that includes not only donation sites, but also resources for families (day camps for kids, discount hotel rooms, etc.) that have been affected directly. This list includes donation options for both the California and Nevada sides of these massive fires. Check it out here.
The Nevada Humane Society accepts both monetary and/or supply donations. When evacuations are ordered. not all families are able to get to their homes to rescue their furry friends, so many animals end up displaced. This puts a strain on the local animal rescue centers. Your donations help ease this temporary time of need so these pets can get what they need until their families are able to claim them.
When a firefighter is hurt or killed in the line of duty, the Wildland Firefighter Foundation steps in to aid the family with crisis assistance and finances. They are able to circumvent governmental agency “red tape” and provide help immediately. If you’re ever in the Boise area, you can drop into the center for a visit- it’s a sobering and humbling experience to see all the photos on the wall of those lost in the wildland firefighting community over the years.
We often focus solely on the firefighter efforts on these massive wildfires, which is understandable because they need the thoughts, prayers, and appreciation. However, behind every firefighter is a support system- family, friends, co-workers, etc. – that need our gratitude as well. It’s a tough job being on the other side, so when a tragedy occurs, having an organization like the WFF is priceless.
This is by no means a comprehensive list- it’s meant to help those of you interested in donating or helping in a “not so overwhelming” way. Plus, I’ve been asked by several folks in the last few days so I wanted to get you all a resource in a timely fashion.
Feel free to share a comment below with additional ways to help out…
Have you ever said or thought those words? I definitely have…multiple times. I’ve been disappointed when things and/or people don’t look, feel like, or turn out the way I “thought” they would.
Where does that “thought” come from?
Expectations.
Dang those expectations.
Most recently, my little sweet pup was diagnosed with something no dog owner wants to hear- hip dysplasia. When you have had your dog just over a year and have hiked over 1000 miles with him and have so many future hopes and plans for more of that, this news is devastating.
Tears. Anger. Sadness. Disappointment. Frustration. A lot of “this isn’t fair” thoughts…yep, I’ve done and thought and experienced all that in the last few weeks. In addition to that, I’ve felt shame over being so upset about an animal.
This isn’t the way I thought it would be when I said yes to getting a dog last year.
Sully summiting a peak in the Sierra in the summer of 2020.
Becoming a stepparent at 30 years old was an eye opening experience.
It showed me very quickly that my new relationship wasn’t all about the two of us. Rather, I had 2 teenagers that needed love, guidance, encouragement, attention, and boundaries. While I was googlely-eyed over my new husband, one of my step kids was moving into our house the same week we got married. Reality check!
Blissfully unaware of what lay ahead of us on our Central American honeymoon in November of 2014.
Enter all the things that come with a high schooler being in your home. The honeymoon stage took a backseat to being a present and available stepmom. I have zero regrets over this but lemme tell ya, I had some challenges that I couldn’t have ever imagined at a fairly young and inexperience age.
Screaming into my pillow. Tears. Shame. Sadness. Disappointment. A lot of “this isn’t fair” thoughts. Yep…all of that. I am not ashamed to admit I have had moments where I have felt so completed unequipped and unprepared to be in my role that I didn’t know how I could move forward. But somehow here I am, still standing!
This wasn’t the way I thought it would be when I signed up to be a stepparent.
By the grace of God, I have and am learning that this IS life- a series of challenges and events that I must navigate my way through. I can either choose to give up, stay in bed in my sweatpants and refuse to come out (trust me, I’ve been there!). Or, I can take one minute at a time, one small decision at a time…because sometimes a whole day is just too overwhelming to face.
I can admit to friends and family that I’m not ok. That I need help. A listening ear. A hike where we don’t talk about anything serious and just enjoy the moment. I can cry. I can pray, finding gratitude in every blessing that I have (because they’re everywhere) and focus on what I do have, letting go of the things and people I wish were different.
A Sully-less hike the day after taking him to the vet a few weeks ago- girlfriends + the outdoors make everything better.
Letting go of what I thought something or someone would be is what builds character. Endurance. Humble strength. The ability to relate to others who are struggling in an empathetic and meaningful way. Perspective. Appreciation. A peace that surpasses all understanding.
This post contains affiliate links- I may receive a small commission for purchases made directly linked to this post. I highly recommend and have used everything on this page so thank you ahead of time should you choose to purchase something via this post!
As summer quickly approaches, so does backpacking, hiking, and camping season and all the gear that accompanies some of my favorite outdoor activities. When planning for my husband and I’s Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike in 2019, I attempted to lower our base weights (everything we carried on our backs, excluding food and water) as much as possible to make our overall experience more enjoyable. We initially thought we could use a lot of the gear we already had, but that changed as I realized how much gear has changed and improved. I quickly became willing to replace some of our heavier, older gear with newer, lightweight versions.
The beginnings of our gear pile. Many things shown here wound up being replaced as the realities of our thru-hike endeavor became more clear.
As we prepared for our trip, I initially purchased a Big Agnes Double Sleeping bag. I had visions of the trip being a romantic getaway for the two of us. I quickly learned that although I could pine for romance and connection out there on the trail, a bulky and heavy double sleeping bag wasn’t a realistic option.
Through listening to podcasts and combing through fellow hiker’s gear lists and reviews, I chose to order a UGQ Outdoor Bandit 20° backpacking quilt. Prior to my research, I never even knew something like this existed! Now, it’s accompanied me on every overnight trip into the backcountry that I’ve taken for the last 2 seasons and quickly became one of my favorite pieces of gear in my pack.
What is the difference between a backpacking quilt and a sleeping bag?
When I first heard the word “quilt” associated with backpacking, I envisioned a colorful patterned gigantic blanket on my grandparent’s bed. Obviously, people don’t carry this in their pack.
A backpacking quilt can be unzipped or unbuttoned all the way to become an actual blanket shape. A backpacking quilt is unlike a sleeping bag in this way- most sleeping bags have a zipper that fully encloses it’s user from the foot of the bag towards the head. Depending on the type, you can unzip a sleeping bag most of the way, but often the bottom tapers down to a point, trapping your feet inside.
Quilt on right.
Underside view.
Underside view from the neck down towards the footbox.
Underside view from the footbox towards the neck.
A backpacking quilt has a drawstring at the bottom of it that, when loosened, opens up all the way to become an actual blanket, giving it more versatility in variable conditions.
What is the advantage? If you’re backpacking in the summertime months in certain climates, climbing into an insulated tube each night can feel claustrophobic. The quilt allows you to have good ventilation and more temperature control depending on how you adjust it. On warmer nights, I often loosen the drawstring all the way. This allows the bulk of my body to remain covered, but my feet to be free and well-ventilated.
Fully unzipped sleeping bag vs. quilt.
Backpacking quilts are also different because they aren’t insulated on the majority of the underside. The thought is, when they’re used in conjunction with a sleeping pad, the sleeping pad provides your underside insulation and thus you save on both weight and overall size/bulk with the quilt due to less material overall in the construction. Because I wanted to lighten the load on my back, a 1.5 pound quilt with a 20° rating felt like a great option!
Quilt with sleeping pad inside from top…
…and from underside.
A quilt is a good option for those of us active sleepers. My husband often describes my sleeping technique as a “rotisserie chicken”. I move around a LOT at night and a sleeping bag, especially the mummy style bags, have always been a challenge to sleep in. I end up laying on the zipper or twisted up into a weird knot by morning. The quilt allows me much more room to move around without shifting my entire sleeping situation around.
What are the specifications (options, weight, size, & price point for my quilt?
I went with UGQ Outdoor, a small cottage company based in Jackson, Mississippi. UGQ custom builds their quilts to order, right down to the color. You can choose fill power (level of insulation), temperature rating, width, length, shell color and fabric type, neck and footbox style, and also select from a variety of accessories you may or may not want (storage sacks, extra straps, etc.).
Multiple companies are now making backpacking quilts. I chose UGQ Outdoor because of their amazing customer service. I delayed way too long in deciding which company/quilt to order, so I was up against a tight timeframe when I initially ordered my quilt. They worked with me and I ended up getting it just in time!
Also, I had a lot of questions when I was ordering my quilt- they were easy to communicate with and patient with me. Talking to an actual person when I called their contact number was important to me. If they didn’t answer and I left a message, my phone call was always promptly returned. In a world of automation and impersonal interactions, this stood out to me as a huge positive.
20° temperature rating: You can “batten down the hatches” of a quilt to make it snug and tight like a sleeping bag by cinching the drawstring down tight and utilizing the straps and buttons that run up the backside of the quilt. This gives you maximum warmth when paired with an insulated sleeping pad; however, you want to select a temperature rating of about 10° below the lowest temperature you think you’ll encounter. For example, I wanted something that would work in a low temperature of 30°, so I went with a 20° rating.
850WGD (White Goose Down) Fill Power: I wanted a nice balance between weight and cost, so I went with this option. UGQ Outdoor sources all their down from Responsible Down Standard Partner. If down isn’t your thing, they also offer a Synergy Bandit down alternative quilt.
55″ width and 72″ length: beware of ordering it too short! I am 66″ tall and this is the perfect length for me.
Color: Crimson Red (interior) and Moroccan Blue (exterior) –she’s so pretty!
Foot box style: zipper and drawcord, no taper (I wanted it to be able to unzip my quilt into a regular sized blanket but you can choose the tapered option to cut overall weight even more.
Weight: 1.5 lbs./24 oz.
Size packed: 12″L x 7″W
Price: $283 before shipping
* One option I would have chosen that I originally did not was the overstuff option. They offer to pack the down to 130%, giving you extra warmth and insulation. You can choose this option for the entire quilt or just for the footbed. Because our thru-hike was in August, I didn’t need the additional warmth; however, I’ve taken some late fall trips and used my quilt and wished I had ordered it with the overstuff option.
One of the coldest mornings of our trip- at 9300′- we woke up to frost!
Tips for Backpacking Quilt Users
A few things I’ve learned since having my quilt:
In cool conditions, stuff a sock into the hole at the bottom that is created when you cinch the footboy drawstring down tightly. This will eliminate any draft coming through that opening.
High tech draft eliminator.
Take a sleeping bag liner and/or bivy sack with you if the temps are going to be lower than your quilt is rated for. These can provide you with 30+° of warmth on cool nights.
Always store your quilt loosely in a large mesh sack uncompressed. Over compressing down or synthetic causes it to loose the loftiness that is used to keep you warm.
If you intend to purchase a custom quilt, do it well before your planned trip- they construct them upon you ordering it, and often you’re in line behind multiple others, so it can take 12 weeks+ to actually receive it depending on what company you go with.
With any gear you purchase, the better you care for it both on and off the trail, the longer your investment will last. A great post on general care for your quilt or sleeping bag can be found here.
How do I know if a backpacking quilt is right for me?
A quilt isn’t for everyone. Gear is a personal thing- what works for one person doesn’t work for another. Lightweight backpacking gear can cost you a small fortune, so the more you can research and ask yourself what you think you’ll want out in the backcountry before making this big purchase, the better.
I knew I wanted something lightweight, but I also didn’t want to compromise my own comfort. Sleep is likely the most important thing you can get out on the trail! With my former wildland firefighting job, I spent enough time in sleeping bags to know that I needed a different option to maximize my sleep quality. A backpacking quilt fits my needs perfectly.
Sleep and rest…the most important component while backpacking!
Until you get out there and spend a few nights on the ground, it’s hard to know for sure if a quilt will work for you. I was pretty stoked after night #1 in mine! …which was obviously a huge relief.
This post contains an affiliate link- I may receive a small commission for purchases made directly linked to this post. I highly recommend and have used anything I advertise so thank you ahead of time should you choose to use my links!
Like many of you out there, the year of Covid wasn’t great for my body, or my mindset towards my outer self.
I take pride in being a healthy gal. I’ve done just about “all the things” out there when it comes to diet/eating fads- Paleo, Primal, Atkins, starvation, macro tracking, intermittent fasting, cabbage soup (yeah, that was a thing)…just to name a few. After the excitement wore off and the non-sustainability of each one revealed themselves , I finally came to believe that intuitive eating was best for me and my lifestyle. Eat as well as I can when I am hungry and stop when I’m not. Listen to what my body needs and wants and give it that.
As for activity, working out and being active is part of me- it’s never felt like a chore. Rather, I need it for my mental, emotional, and of course physical well-being.
Enter 2020.
“Intuitive eating” became untrustworthy. Quarantine brought on old habits of opening the pantry door more than usual. A glass of wine (or 3) became much more regularly occurring than just the weekend treat. Then came summertime with all the late evenings and adventures…my super active lifestyle lends me to justify certain food and drink choices and I gave into that full tilt this past summer.
Baking bread became a favorite pastime…as did eating more of it than was necessary!
My level of activity increased, but my attentiveness to my own internal health was suffering. That whole, “you can’t workout a bad diet” is the truth. One that only becomes more solidified with aging.
No shortage of summertime adventuring in 2020!
This fall I started to feel uncomfortable in my own skin. All the signs of my poor choices were there- avoiding mirrors, ensuring photos were taken from above, and tight clothes. I know that when my yoga pants start feeling more constricting than normal, it’s time to check myself.
I tend to minimize this lifelong challenge a lot of the time because it honestly just feels so petty. Trivial. Very much a “first-world” problem, i.e. not really a problem. However, I know SO many others, mostly women, who fight this battle with themselves every day. I’ve learned that vulnerability creates connection like nothing else can, and so I’ve decided to be honest with myself and those around me when it comes to my own issues with it in an effort to bring it all to light. Light drowns out darkness, and I’m all about more of that.
A friend of mine announced via social media that she had just become certified to coach an online program and because I trust her, I expressed interest and then signed up. The timing was perfect (pre-holidays) and the foundation/beliefs of the program seemed solid and something I could stand behind. It was the culmination of many things I’ve tried before but with a different approach- I was going to learn the why behind it all instead of just blindly following the crowd.
And it was just 6 weeks, so great, I can do anything for 6 weeks! Go into Christmas looking better? Heck yeah!
My Type-A personality kicked in once I signed up. Giving my 100% once I say yes to something is just part of who I am. There ain’t no half-ass in me. Part of me will always be that “star student”, and while likely annoying to some, it’s who I am and I’ve come to be ok with it, as long as it’s paired with true honesty (something I’ve learned along the way).
I approached this program with that mindset, and almost immediately felt better because after months of no boundaries, I felt more in control of my health than I had all year.
I faithfully did everything asked of me. When I set my goal on day 1, it was to “feel better in my own skin” and as the 6 weeks stretched on, I could actually feel myself FEELING better. Feeling like my clothes fit better. Feeling more confident. Sleeping better. I was positive about my health and food in a way that I hadn’t experienced…well, ever!
Then came yesterday.
Yesterday was a tough day. I did my measurements and took photos to compare them with my before measurements and photos. I lost a total of 6″ cumulatively from the ones I took at the beginning of November. Yeah ok, whatever.
That should have made me proud, but it didn’t because I was in such a hurry to take the pictures. I wanted to visually SEE the difference that I felt inside. I excitedly paired the photos side-by-side and to be honest, I saw NO difference from the ones I took 6 weeks ago. None. I even somehow saw them as “worse”. That I actually looked better 6 weeks ago.
Yes, the lighting in my basement where I snapped the photos highlights every single flaw. Yes, I struggle to look at a photo of myself in just a bra and underwear. Yes, I am critical. But I was also discouraged. I took multiple pictures, hoping that it was just the angle. I turned lights on and off trying to see if I could get something more flattering.
I couldn’t.
WTF?! Commence spiral into despair.
I sat on my basement floor, shoulders hunched, with that internal negative dialogue whisper turning into a condescending shout. Minus a few glasses of wine on a Saturday, Thanksgiving dinner, and a few extra bites of peanut butter (my kryptonite), I have faithfully followed the plan the last 6 weeks. I’ve participated in every workout. I’ve done “all the things”.
Healthy cooking in our new-to-us travel trailer and backyard workouts at “muscle beach”.
But there those damned pictures sat on my phone, stealing every ounce of pride and accomplishment that I’ve felt in these past few weeks.
Sigh.
But then, something happened.
I used my own voice to silence that negative shouting in my head. I turned back a few pages in my journal and saw what I had clearly written 6 week prior. I spoke truth into the lies by remembering my goal.
From day 1, I wanted to FEEL BETTER in my own skin.
Minus the morning’s disappointment, I have said to myself, to my husband, my family/friends, my coach and fellow program participants over and over again how happy I am to FEEL better recently. #win
My goal wasn’t to go from “soft Dawn” to “supermodel Dawn” in 6 weeks. Hello unattainable! And even if magically that happened (and that would be ok by me!), I know it would only satisfy me temporarily.
Our society tells me I need to look a certain way to fit in, to be healthy, to be fit. From day 1 we look at magazine covers and now social media photos of what we’re to aspire to. Well lemme tell ya, NO one goes from soft to perfection in 6 weeks.
And what is perfection anyways?
Total BS. That’s what it is.
Thankfully, the program I chose values and tells me progress over perfection. Can I get a hell yes on that?!
More importantly, I also know in my heart that these pictures, the number on the scale, and even the way others see me is NOT what defines me. I believe that my Creator, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ defines who I am. He loves me just the way I am. He knows my heart. I have such an unshakeable confidence in that truth and because of that, I can live in gratitude daily- for my body, my salvation, my health, my blessings, and my faith.
Whether or not you share this same belief, it is so important to know what or who defines you. To speak that truth into existence. If you don’t, you will inevitably allow someone or something else to do that for you.
Me on my destination-less trek towards the healthiest version of myself, inside and out.
My health journey is just that, a journey, a trek. Like most trips, it’s one of ups and downs that I’ll likely be on my entire life. But unlike other journeys, this is one without a destination.
I am finally learning how to be at peace with that.
Yesterday morning’s mindset switch is a huge breakthrough, and one that I will have to return to time and time again. And that’s ok.
Progress over perfection.
Joy over criticism.
Gratitude over disappointment.
Yes, please.
For additional information on the program I refer to (and am still using!), check out Faster Way To Fat Loss.
Hello! It’s been awhile! I know I’ve been a little distant lately so I thought I’d reach out.
I’d ask how you’ve been but I’m sure I can guess what your answer is. It’s the response of most these days- “BUSY.” It seems like 2020 is your craziest year yet. There has been no shortage of things going on to keep you completely preoccupied.
I can imagine you’re swamped with:
A global pandemic that has changed everyone’s life in some way.
An election that has divided our country like no other election ever has.
Social justice issues that are deep rooted and ongoing.
Devastating wildfires and hurricanes that have destroyed hundreds of homes and wrecked, or even ended lives in their path.
Not to mention the countless opinions of your users regarding all of said activity.
Whew! How do you find the time to rest? It seems like you just don’t. Ever.
You’re always there. Ready to be used and scrolled through at any moment of the day or night. Aren’t you exhausted already? You don’t look like you’re slowing down or taking a break anytime soon.
I’ve been doing some thinking.
I have a confession.
I need space.
I need #MySpace (see what I did there?).
Our relationship started decades ago.
Like most relationships, it was really fun at first. I loved looking up people I hadn’t talked to in years and seeing what they were up to. I loved building my profile out with the perfect soundtrack (anyone recall that option?) and background photo. And those friend requests you would send me! They felt like validation of who I was- people liked me and wanted to be my friend. Seeing that little number increase gave me a sense of confidence.
But you see, that sense of confidence and validation was never meant to be found in YOU.
When we would spend too much time together, I would often part with you feeling worse than before we hung out. Sometimes I would feel depressed seeing what other people were getting to do/buy/be. I would feel empty, wondering why I couldn’t do/buy/be what they were or had. That should have been a sign long ago.
And all those perfectly airbrushed photos of celebrities and “influencers”? Dang…it was torture. Why couldn’t I look like them? Or have even a tenth of what they had?
Like any toxic relationship, it’s been tough to extract myself from you. You’re just always there. Waiting. Ready. Available for me to log into.
I just can’t do what we’ve been doing anymore. It isn’t healthy for me.
To be fair, I think you are really cool in some ways. You allow me to see into people’s lives in a way that is really unique. Not all my friends and family live near me- in fact those closest to me don’t. You give me a window into their lives that compliments that actual relationship I have with them. I can talk TO them on the phone or in-person and see who they are outside of the screen. That is reality. Sometimes, most times actually, you just don’t give an accurate picture of what is real.
I want to see and to be more of what’s real. You don’t often reflect that for me.
I have a finite amount of time, effort, energy, and emotional capacity and the fact is, I’ve let you take WAY too much of all of those from me.
I’ve also allowed you to influence how I feel about people based on what they post. I don’t like that. I want to see a person for who they are, not who they allow you to portray them to be. We are all people first and opinion second (or even further down the line). No longer will I allow you to change how I feel about someone. I want to love those around me and you make it really difficult.
If I’m being 100% honest, you scare me. Do you hear me when I’m not even logged in to you? Suggestions pop up based on things you think I might need or want or be interested in before I even mention them to you. Are you watching me when I don’t realize it? That’s stalker-like. I don’t want you to have access into my mind in that way anymore.
So this is to let you know that I’m taking back the control. I get to say how much I take in of your influence. Basically, I’m telling you that I’m turning you into a tool. If I need you for something, I’ll use you. If I want to intentionally check out a person or a post, I’ll use you for that. But the days of mindlessly scrolling through your pages and spending too much time with you are over.
I still want to be friends, just not spend as much time together. I know you’ll be agreeable to that because I know you aren’t going anywhere.
Also, just so you know, you are the only one I would ever tell this to…because at the end of the day, you just don’t matter that much. You aren’t a person. You aren’t reality. You aren’t meant to be used for hours every day and allowed to speak into my life in the way I’ve allowed you to for years.
It’s not “it’s not you, it’s me.”
…it IS you.
Sincerely,
Dawn
PS- If you need to reach me, I’ve turned all my notifications off, so I’ll get back to you when it works best for me…for my health, my wellbeing, and my time.
Some things, people, and interests are permanently a part of my life, etched into my very being like an ancient petroglyph on stone.
My husband, my love of the outdoors, my devotion to my family, my best friend, my complicated relationship with my own body and food…will always be part of my life in some capacity.
Some of my non-seasonal, permanent relationships.
Not everything is meant to be forever, though. There have been friendships that have come and gone, struggles I’ve gotten over, and interests that meant everything at one point, but are now a faint memory.
And that is ok.
This blog, for example…I have seasons where I have such a strong desire to put ideas to paper (or keyboard) and share them. Other times, like the last few months, I have been more internal. The writing is still happening, but the sharing is more limited.
And that is ok.
I don’t have anyone paying me to do this and holding deadlines over my head. It’s purely a way for me to connect with others via writing and sharing, when it works for ME. That happens seasonally.
I used to be a diehard CrossFitter (insert all the CrossFit jokes here). As my life has morphed into more outdoors than in, and my interests have swung heavily to hiking, backpacking, biking, skiing, and recreating outside, my love for CrossFit dwindled, slowly at first, and now it’s barely a blip on my “things I want to do today” radar.
Getting my CrossFit Level One Certification in 2018.
It was seasonal.
I needed that high intensity workout style for years. I remember counting down the minutes in my cubicle those last few years with the Forest Service, just waiting to get out of there and into the gym. It was my happy place, where I blew off steam, and my primary social outlet.
When CrossFit was life…and I thought I had to throw everything up over my head.
I have a few friendships that were necessary for a particular time period of my life, but were never meant to be lifelong. Perhaps we found something in each other that we needed or could give temporarily, and then due to life changes or job changes, we went our separate ways. And that’s ok!
What I’m trying to say is, I am thankful for seasons. Although change, even expected change, is hard, it also brings forth the new and sometimes unexpected. Creative ideas and my willingness to spend time on them come and go, so my posts will continue to do the same. CrossFit doesn’t feel as good now as it once did, so I’ve found other ways to get a great workout, yet be kind to and listen to my own body’s needs. Past friendships, while special, are just that- in the past.
Like the snow that is (hopefully!) about to start falling, change is an inevitable part of life. Being thankful and mindful in the present moment helps me embrace each season as it comes and goes.
Awaiting another season of winter.
Noticing the seasons reminds me that even the many emotions I feel are temporary. Thank GOD for that!
“This too shall pass” is a beautiful reminder that if your present moment is difficult and dark, lighter and beautiful times are over that next horizon. The scorching heat of summer eventually gives way to cool, crisp fall days, that eventually turn cold (and maybe even white). Then, just about the time we’re tired of the cold, the blossoms and birds of spring start to appear, giving us a new hope that things will get better.
What season are you in right now? What thing, while seemingly endless and challenging, do you need to remind yourself is only here for a season?
Do you know where Winnemucca, Nevada is? It’s a small town in Northern Nevada off Interstate 80 that us Reno-ites drive through on our way to Boise or Salt Lake City. I actually have some dear friends from there, and like anywhere, it has its redeeming qualities and beautiful spots. However, for anyone unfamiliar with rural Nevada, it can definitely seem like a “middle of nowhere” kind of town.
Sully was born in Winnemucca. I don’t know the details of his birth, his parents, the exact location, or anything about the day he came into this world. In fact, I know very little about his first few months of life. What I do know isn’t pretty, but it has a happy ending, so here goes (if you don’t like sad dog stories, skip the next few paragraphs).
Sometime in the Spring of 2018 a man in Winnemucca got sick and wound up in the hospital. He asked a friend of his to go check on his dogs. When his friend went to do this, he found something he didn’t expect to find.
A few of the 100+ dogs found on one property.
This man’s “dogs” turned out to be somewhere between 50-60 Border Collies (along with 40+ puppies) locked up in dirt-floored, chain link fenced-in kennels. They weren’t accustomed to people. They were overcrowded and malnourished. From what I’ve been told they weren’t physically abused but they were seriously neglected. Food was thrown to them over the fence and only the most aggressive and strong ate well.
The details are a bit murky, but I have been told by multiple sources that this man did not have ill intentions, he just had something else going on pertaining to being ill. I truly feel for him and I pray that he got the help he needed.
It took some convincing, but finally he agreed that these dogs would be better suited elsewhere. This initiated a 3-4 month effort by multiple agencies across several states to remove the dogs from the property and relocate them elsewhere. Our dog, Sully, wound up at the Canine Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary (CRCS) in Washoe Valley, along with his brother. They were some of the last ones to leave the hot Winnemucca sun behind.
Some of the incredible people that helped remove the dogs from the property and put them in better places.
Sully was considered feral when he arrived at CRCS. I imagine (and have been told) that his life up until then had consisted of burrowing holes in his dirt-floored kennel to get away from the other dogs and the intense Nevada elements and trying to get any food he could manage amongst the likely tough crowd. Additionally, the rescue effort was for his well being, but I’m sure was traumatizing nonetheless.
Through the work performed with him in the year or so that he was at CRCS, he slowly began to trust people and come out of his shell. I am forever indebted to the amazing staff and volunteers at CRCS. The healing work they do with these dogs is amazing, and I have proof of that laying next to me as I type these words.
Borrowed from the CRCS Facebook page. When Sully first arrived after being relocated from Winnemucca.
Sully endured a few hardships before coming to live with us. He was taken home by 2 other families that, for whatever reason, wound up bringing him back to the rescue center. I know what the reason for this was, and I’m sure you do too, if you believe in that whole “things happen for a reason” thing.
My family I walked into CRCS this past March after numerous discussions about getting a dog. My previous job fighting wildland fires wasn’t conducive to inviting a dog into our home, but times had changed. I was no longer away for weeks at a time and I had the time to devote to an animal. Also, I was ready. Miles on trails solo had me ready for some companionship and I was excited to expose a dog to a life of true adventure and genuine love.
When Sully was brought out to meet us for the first time, I was taken aback by his good looks and his thick, shiny black coat. He was extremely shy and nervous, and as we walked him around the CRCS campus, like most adoptive parents must do, I kept asking myself, “is this our dog?” We loved him immediately, and I went back to walk him every day for over a week. I felt like he began to recognize me more each time I came, and over this time I think he was also evaluating me. They say that ultimately the dog chooses you, and I definitely saw that this sweet animal was ready for a home and a family to call his own.
Our first day meeting Sully at the Canine Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary
After a week, we all decided that yes, this was our dog. We were ready to bring him home and he showed signs of being ready to accept us as well. I still remember the feeling when myself and one of the CRCS staff was able to get Sully into the back of my car!
Scenes from visiting Sully at CRCS.
I’ve never driven a newborn home from the hospital, so driving our new dog home was the closest to that I’ve been. I sat in the backseat as Darren drove. I was nervous. I was excited. I was terrified. I had just picked up my first ever (as an adult) dog. I wanted Sully to feel like part of our family and for our home to be his home. Up until Sully came to live with us, he had never lived in a traditional home. He went from a dirt kennel to the rescue center and was now embarking on his journey into his forever family’s lives and home.
One of Sully’s first few mornings in his new home.
With a lot of time, patience, love, consistency, and understanding, the dog we have now is quite different from the dog we brought home this past April. Undoubtedly he is an irreplaceable member of our family now.
Sully and I high above Reno.
Fast forward almost 4 months. Sully has hiked over 300 miles with me (and sometimes Darren!) in Nevada, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. He has gone from being nervous and anxious to being chill at home and a hiking machine on the trail. He is inquisitive and smart. He loves playing with other dogs. He has become one of life’s greatest joys and I am beyond grateful to have this pup to accompany me on my daily adventures. I truly cannot imagine life without him.
Sully in action mode in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
I often wonder what he’s thinking, as I’m sure most dog-owners do. He has brown eyes and they are deep…sometimes even sad. I tell myself that maybe he’s thinking about his past, or wondering if he’s really here to stay. People tell me he hit the jackpot- that he’s a lucky dog, and they’re right! He’s living a pretty amazing life.
Sully visiting his dad at work.
Honestly though, I think it’s us that scored.
If you’re interested in the work that the Canine Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary does, you can find out more information and/or donate here.
If you haven’t done much hiking, trail running, or mountain biking, it may be overwhelming to choose a spot to go. I get asked almost weekly for trail recommendations- these are 3 trails in the Reno area that I direct people to. All of these trails can be accessed and downloaded on the AllTrails app.
I believe in protecting the “under the radar” areas I frequent, since very few places are actually still in that category. These trails are all well-used, so I don’t feel like I’m sharing any secrets here.
You’ll notice these are all loop trails. Personally, I love a loop. I also enjoy changing up the direction (clockwise versus counter-clockwise), because if you never look behind you on a trail, you’re only really seeing 50% of the view!
If you’re new to getting outside, or are just looking for some tips before you go, you can find info here.
Best Multi-Use, Year-Round Trail: Keystone Canyon Loop
You know that giant mountain with very few trees that has repeater and cell towers on top of it on the north side of town? If cardinal directions aren’t your jam, the base of Peavine has an “N” on it for the University of Nevada, Reno.
Peavine has no shortage of trails. It is covered from top to bottom with single track, off-road vehicle trails, and even has a road (unpaved) that goes to the top for the utility folks working on the towers. This trail is just one of the countless options on Peavine.
The Keystone Canyon Trail is one of my favorite loops. It’s close to town, easy to access, and stays in great shape year-round (minus post-heavy precipitation). It climbs up towards Hoge Road, a popular mountain bike parking spot, and then descends either back through Keystone Canyon or mid-slope on single track, depending what direction you choose. I prefer clockwise, because I enjoy descending Keystone Canyon proper.
Sunrise hike on the Keystone Canyon Loop.
Uses
hiking
trail running
mountain biking
Best Time to Go
This trail is exposed, so it’s perfect in the fall/winter/spring months when the outdoor temperature is cooler. Wildflowers are common every spring and can be a sight to behold. Note: please leave them for the next person to enjoy!
It is also pleasant in the summer if you can go early, before the heat of the day. Water runs seasonally through Keystone Canyon, but don’t rely on it. If you’re hiking with a dog, this is a good area to pack extra water for them.
Getting There
From I-80 Westbound, take the Virginia Street exit. Turn right on Virginia Street (towards the University). Continue 1.2 miles. Turn left onto North McCarran Blvd. In 1.2 miles, turn right onto Leadership Parkway. Turn right into Keystone Canyon East access, or continue for about .5 miles more to park in Keystone Canyon West access.
Heavy construction is occurring near the Keystone Canyon East access parking area in Spring 2020.The parking lot is still open, but heads-up for heavy machinery.
Photo 1 is the view of the valley from “the bench”. Photo 2 is in Keystone Canyon.
Best “Kick Your Butt” Trail: Hidden Valley Backcountry Loop
Hidden Valley is a community on the east side of the Truckee Meadows at the base of the slope. It is directly east of the SouthEast Connector. Similar to Peavine, this area, accessed via Hidden Valley Regional Park, is full of multiple trail options. I enjoy this particular loop because it’s a lot of elevation gain quickly, meaning you can get a good sweat in a relatively short time frame.
I prefer to walk this loop counter-clockwise; this makes the steepest part the ascent and the descent more gradual. Your climb is worth it, as you get a killer view of the Reno/Sparks area from the top. The trail itself doesn’t top out at the ridge, but you can walk just a bit further to the top to get a full 360°view.
Views from the Hidden Valley Backcountry Loop Trail.
Uses
hiking
trail running
mountain biking
Best Time to Go
This trail is also exposed, so it’s nice in the fall/winter/spring months when the outdoor temperature is cooler. Wildflowers are common every spring and can be a sight to behold. Note: please leave them for the next person to enjoy!
There is NO water along this trail. Plan accordingly! Hidden Valley Regional Park has drinking fountains, but don’t rely on these as sometimes they are not working.
Getting There
From I-80 Eastbound, take the Sparks Blvd. exit and turn right onto Sparks Blvd. In 2.5 miles, turn left onto Pembroke Drive. In .8 miles turn right onto Parkway Drive. Go about .5 mile and enter the park. Take your first left and continue up towards the foothills. The road will veer right; continue on. A large parking lot will be on your right (directly above the horse arena). Park there.
Best Trail for After the Snow Melts: Dry Pond Loop
If you enjoy trees and creeks, this is a beautiful option. The Dry Pond Loop is part of a trail system on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in South Reno just off Mount Rose Highway. The trail ascends a creek drainage, crests a saddle where the dry pond lies, and then descends into another creek drainage.
If it’s early in the day, I prefer to hike this one clockwise (ascending White’s Creek and descending Thomas Creek). There is an exposed southern aspect as you climb out of White’s Creek that can get very warm later in the day and in the summer. Both Whites and Thomas Creek have water in them year-round. In fact, springtime water flow can be very high, so there are bridges to cross in designated areas.
Dry Pond, with Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe in the background.
Uses
hiking
trail running
mountain biking
fishing
horseback riding
snowshoeing
Best Time to Go
This is a late spring, summer, and early fall hike. Once the snow starts to fly, this trail becomes unusable for hiking (but useable for snowshoeing), especially up high.
The Dry Pond Loop is nice early on a warm summer day when some of the more exposed trails are too hot to hike. It is also stunning in the fall, especially the Thomas Creek side, with all the leaves changing colors.
Scenes from the Dry Pond Loop trail.
Getting There
From I-580 South, take the Mount Rose Hwy. exit onto SR-431. Keep right onto Mount Rose Hwy. toward Lake Tahoe. In 4.6 miles, turn right onto Timberline Drive.
From Timberline Drive, you have several options, depending on which direction you’d like to go and where you’d like to park. You can park either at the bottom of the White’s Creek Road (.6 miles down Timberline) or at the bottom of the Thomas Creek Road (1.5 miles down Timberline).
There are private residences along Timberline Road. Be mindful when you’re parking; please don’t block anyone’s driveway or road access.
Before you go, please consider…
Mud: If it has rained or snowed recently and trails are muddy, stay off of them. It creates a mess, and often people want to step off the trail. This can easily create undesignated trails and can harm sensitive plant and animal species.
Snakes: Yep, they’re out there. Heads up, especially on warmer days.
Ticks: Again, yep, they’re out there. Be aware of this if you’re stepping off trail to use the restroom. Thoroughly check yourself and your dogs post-hike.
Fellow recreationists: Know who yields to who and be courteous. As a hiker, I step off the trail for bikes, even though they yield to me. It’s just a nice thing to do, and much easier for me than for them!
Dogs: Please be considerate of others with your dogs. As a new dog owner, I am learning a whole new trail etiquette. Pick up and carry you dog’s poop out. Also, don’t let them run up to others…not everyone likes this! Some trails (Dry Pond Loop) have strict leash laws. Be aware of these.
Secure your vehicle: Don’t leave anything valuable in sight; lock your doors/roll up your windows.
Overall awareness: If you want to wear headphones on the trail, no judgement. Just ensure you’re aware of your surroundings. Please adjust your volume so you can hear if someone or something is coming up behind you. Safety first!
LEAVE NO TRACE: These trails are all heavily-used, and we want to keep using them for years to come. Please adhere to the LNT Principles at all times.
What is happening right now isn’t simple. It’s complex. It’s scary. It’s hard. It’s lonely. It has changed everything. It has affected everyone, in one way or another. Since we are all individuals we are all affected in individual ways, which means we are also all handling this differently.
And that is ok.
My worries. concerns, and struggles are much different than my friend who owns a small business that was forced to close or has taken a huge financial hit. Or my sister who is a hair stylist. Or my stepson who is in college. Or my friends and family who are in the medical field. Or my local grocery store clerk.
I’ve heard it described as “going through the same storm, but in different boats”, and I certainly believe this to be true.
Same storm, different boats.
I wonder, though, if any of you can relate to one of the mental hurdles I’ve been attempting to clear as I journey through the COVID-19 storm in my boat.
I have struggled with a recurring thought that often starts with, “I should ___.”
I should build and perfect the business I’ve been working on.
I should tune up my diet.
I should begin every day with stretching or meditation.
I should meal plan and prep every week.
I should figure out a way to contribute to a cause.
I should read more.
I should be able to cook dinner every night without complaint.
I should write a blog post.
I should feel _____
I should.
I should.
I should.
Yep, I’ve “shoulded” all over myself and most of the time, it leaves me feeling guilty and less than. Inadequate. Scrolling through social media or the news and coming up depressed and anxious. Lonely. Even angry at times.
Should isn’t always a negative; it can be the catalyst for motivation and change. But it has to be rooted in a conscious choice. For example, if I want to build up my savings account, there are changes I “should” make regarding my expenditures. That internal prompting regarding what I “should and shouldn’t” be purchasing can help me attain my goal, which is based on, again, a conscious choice.
Should isn’t always a negative. I said I “should” backpack more last year, so I did, and it took me places like this.
However, when those “shoulds” aren’t based on a personal choice, but rather on what others think of me, or an outside expectation, “should” becomes a burden, and it isn’t mine to carry. After going down the “I’m not doing enough” path for awhile, when I’m aware I’m wandering aimlessly on it, I try to do the following:
I stop. I mindfully notice where my thoughts are taking me and I stop the train. I observe, judgement-free.
I looked at my life and the decisions I have made that have placed me where I am right now; these decisions have been jointly made with my husband and are based on what we believe is best for our family. We are solid in them. We are at peace with them.
I remind myself of this.
I tell myself that I am exactly where I need to be right now.
I pray, asking for the strength to let go.
I get outside, where I remember that nature and its Creator’s wisdom is much bigger than me. It tells me I’m in the exact right place, and to stop and take notice of the beauty and the blessings all around me.
I then repeat this process the next time I inevitably feel those feelings creep back in.
This allows me to move forward, leaving the bull “should” behind me. I return to things I’ve written to remind myself of this. I speak with my trusted family and friends. I express my thoughts to my husband. I write.
A popular phrase right now is “living my best life”. What does that even mean? “Should” we all be out there attempting to do this? It feels a little unattainable, especially when most of our choices are pretty limited, especially if you’re still in one of the states asking folks to stay home.
However, that implies that your “best life” is purely circumstantial, and when things are on the up and up, there we are, “living our best lives”. I say no to that. I don’t want my life to be defined by my circumstances. I say yes to “living my chosen life”, though. It gives me more ownership, and while sometimes circumstances aren’t ideal, I know I can decide what “should” I’m going to allow time and space in my life.
Should I have been doing something else instead of summiting a peak with friends? Nope.
This isn’t easy. It’s a process and a practice; a constant repetition of realizing, remembering, and redirecting. Freeing myself from the expectations outside of me has allowed me to find just that…true freedom. In freedom I can access joy- the kind that is based on more than just a fleeting emotion.
And isn’t that exactly what we could all use more of right now?
I wrote this almost 1 week ago…and then didn’t have the focus to post it, which speaks directly to the content itself.
Our world, as we know it, is changed. We are changed. From here forward things will look different. We will be different.
The day before yesterday my family and I had taken most of the day to deep clean our home. We wiped down every surface, disinfected floors, and enacted a “no-shoes in the house rule”. We came up with a family plan, one that included what we were going to do, what we were going to stop doing, and what we were going to limit ourselves to. In this process, I gained a small sense of “control” in the midst of a lot of unknowns, mixed information, fear, and confusion.
Then came yesterday. The day started out nicely, with us “attending” church from our living room. The sermon was applicable, titled “The Beauty of Being Stuck”. It called us to find ways to collaborate with others even in the midst of distancing ourselves from them physically. Sweet. I liked it.
The afternoon found me confused, frustrated, and anxious. I was pacing around the house trying to FINISH something, but the problem was, I couldn’t concentrate. I couldn’t focus on ANYthing, except regularly unlocking my phone and reading the latest news. (#unhelpful)
I put on a crap tv show to distract myself, which usually works. I can’t even tell you what it was or what it was about. I couldn’t pay attention.
I stress ate. I don’t even like cereal and I had 2 bowls of it, along with other miscellaneous food items. This left me feeling sick, as stress eating often does.
I sat down to do my favorite thing when I can’t focus…write. But the words wouldn’t come. I had no words.
So…I jumped in my car and drove to a trailhead. Nevermind that a storm was raging in the Sierra. Nevermind that the trail was wet and muddy. Nevermind that it was freezing cold. I bundled up and took off.
I needed to walk.
So I did. I put one foot in front of the other. I started out listening to a podcast. Even though the words were interesting, my mind wasn’t processing them; I might as well have been listening to white noise. I switched it to a playlist on my Spotify profile titled “trust”, full of songs with words that I believe are true and that lift my spirits.
It worked.
Without even prompting myself to do so I mentally began listing all the things I am grateful for right now. I did this for almost the whole 5 miles. I came back to my car in a different state than I was when I left it. I let go. I prayed. I told God the truths that I believe about Him. I thanked Him for loving me. I saw the beauty in the storm, and in being in the storm, but still standing. An unexplainable peace settled in my heart.
Finding peace through moving meditation and mud.
I do not know what the future here on earth holds. None of us do. What I do know is that yesterday, I was struggling. I was feeling the weight of what is happening right now. I felt fear trying to creep in. I was lost without the things I usually rely on to bring me peace. My walk redirected my busy mind to the one thing that brings me true peace, no matter what the circumstances are, which is my faith.
I share all of this to encourage you. Can you relate with the state of mind I described? I know I am not alone in this.
You are not alone right now, either. We are all processing and dealing with this in different ways, but we actually are all in this together, social distancing aside.
When you get stuck, do something that brings you peace. Look for the things you still can do rather focusing on what you can’t. Reach out to a friend or family member. Tell them you’re struggling. Distancing yourself from others physically doesn’t mean you have to emotionally. In fact, it’s even MORE important to stay connected with your support system right now.
Finding ways you can contribute is helpful. I find that when I take the focus off myself, my feelings, my worries, and place that focus on how I can help others, I end up helping myself and my mindset in the process. Even though most of us aren’t in contact with those beyond our immediate household, we can still help others out.
What are your strengths? What are you passionate about? What or who are you thankful for? Write your ideas down and figure out how to creatively execute them. Maybe it’s supporting your local small businesses that are struggling to stay open during this time. Perhaps you’re an encourager and a people-person, so you do something to lift others spirits right now.
Personally, along with being outdoors, I’m passionate about true connection, so this whole “not being around people” is tough. However, there are still ways I can reach out to my friends and family right now and tell them I love them. Check in on them. Be present and available.
Remember to have patience and grace with yourselves and those around you. We’re all trying to figure out how to best navigate our way through these uncharted waters right now. Perhaps your greatest contribution right now is remaining calm and steady during this chaotic and rapidly-changing time. We can always use more of that!
The trail ahead is unknown, but it doesn’t mean we have to live in a constant state of fear.
There is no better time to put aside our differences, recognize what connects us, and meet each other there. I am encouraged when I see the ways our community has come together to support and lift each other up. I am proud when I read the good news stories, or see how appreciative we have become for some of the occupations we once took for granted.
Let’s keep it up, friends! We are all stronger together, collectively, than independently. Reach out, find/do/surrender to what brings you peace, and KNOW that you are not doing this by yourself.
