I hiked 34 miles and camped in the woods alone

This was the trip that changed it all. I had hiked, I had camped, but never combined and alone.

I was left with no plans over spring break and an overwhelming sense of urgency to evade my current reality. And so I gave in. I let go and ventured on my own.

I set out at 6 AM on March 23, 2021, to hike the Mount Tamalpais Summit from Stinson Beach. AllTrails estimated it would be a total distance of 17 miles and 3717ft of elevation gain.

I was already late when I arrived, beginning the hike at 10 AM as opposed to my desired start time of 8 AM.

My first instinct was to simply hike then return home that day despite having packed and prepared the camping gear necessary to stay overnight. I didn’t have the slightest idea where I could camp if I would finish the hike before dark, and how on earth I would set up camp alone, possibly enclosed in darkness.

And yet after 6 hours of hiking, 3717 ft of elevation gain, and 10 miles later (due to some unfortunate wrong turns), I made it to the summit. The joy I felt was unparalleled but it was nothing compared to the gratitude I felt on the hike itself.

Throughout the many hours and miles I spent alone on the trail, I felt insatiable gratification.  Gratitude for my body’s ability to endure such strenuous activity, my mind’s ability to grow and not falter under the stressors of a solo hike, and my spirit’s ability to drift out and venture into the unknown to grow and discover what truly brings me joy in life.

On this trip, I grew. I grew into the bold and brazen individual I always knew I could be yet was persistently terrified to let loose. I pushed myself to the brink. To keep walking, hiking, and reflecting. I focused on my growth and aspirations for the future. Who I hope to be compared to who I was that day.

And I decided I would start a travel blog. To document my travels, to compel me to explore, and share my experiences with others who may have similarly been frightened to simply be themselves.

There is nothing wrong or shameful about exploration, be it of one’s mind, body, soul, or earth. To venture alone is a powerful capability that I encourage each and everyone to try at least once. You never know what you might find within.

As a woman, I am often told to fear for my safety and never venture alone. And yet, it wasn’t until I completed this solo trip that I truly felt capable. Alone I did it all. I hiked 34 miles in the span of two days. Nearing 4000 ft of elevation gain each day. Pitched a tent and made camp with gear I had never used before and navigated through the forest, sea, and mountains without cell reception. Never once did I ask for help nor did I need it.

You are truly all you need to succeed. You are capable, you are confident, and you are courageous. Each and every individual, woman or man, is not only capable but well-equipped. Be it young or old, all you need is a well-trained mind. A mind that is resilient to disapproval, temptation, and uncertainty. The moment you doubt yourself you have already failed.

Believe in yourself, you are capable of far more than you ever dreamed of. You just have try.