fall frolics 2025
As the snow swirls and collects on the ground, I reflect on the few Fall adventures I’ve shared with a friend and TAJ so far this season.
WYO BDR Explorations
BDR = Backcountry Discovery Route; These are driving routes created for adventure motorcycles, or rigs that are off-road adventure worthy, and can be found mainly across western states. For more info, check out https://ridebdr.com/.
TAJ and I tested out Trigger, our truck, across the Wyoming route and discovered unexpected ruggedness and wildlife in ample supply. We generally drive these routes more quickly than recommended to determine which locations are worth a deeper exploration at a later date.
this one wild life
The title this week plays on wildlife—alluding to the the quote about our “one precious life”— all the wild life that surrounds us and reminds us to appreciate the beauty of our own wild lives. Yesterday, I took my friend into the park (what we locals call Yellowstone NP) and casually drove up to wolves walking through the area. The wildlife sighting inspired me to note all the wildlife I’ve been fortunate enough to spot this year, 2025. Although I didn’t take pictures of most and most of the ones I do have were sent to me, I’ll share my good fortune with you. Hopefully, this doesn’t come across to you as a humble brag, rather a sweet reminder to stop, breathe, and enjoy the small lucky moments we get in our natural settings.
solitude monitoring
I joined Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation for a weekend of solitude monitoring on a loop in the Beartooths. What is solitude monitoring, you ask? I’m glad you did! Let’s hike through the details and views together.
foray into the crazies
Wolverine Whisperer planned a jaw-dropping-views kind of hike on the way to a night out with another friend, which is precisely the type of adventure I like to squeeze in too. We ended up looping an easy hike closer to the dinner and concert venues, allowing time for a quick shower, but we finalized the deal on our way back home. 24-hours of shenanigans to remind me how good it is to be alive.
updates & breakdowns
Recall my tirade on not seeing any hummingbirds yet? If only I had waited a week or so you wouldn’t have received my frustration in your inbox. Ironically, hummingbirds represent resilience. Since that splurt of a blog post, I refill my feeder every few days in anticipation of migration. Well, maybe anticipation for the birds and not for me. Their frenzy in the Fall-esque weather the other week sent me reeling. I’m never prepared to lose Summer, especially not now.
Spotlight: Maggie Wright-Tesch
How do you honor a mentor, a work wifey, a friend as deeply as they deserve?
enchanted wanderings
Trail running the quintessential Cascades experience—The Enchantments in the Cascade range of Washington state—as performed by Sprite and good ole Bennie early in September of 2014, includes eight hours of meandering around gorgeous lakes and enjoying breathtaking views. According to the picture album Sprite created at the time anyway.
Women in Wilderness Retreat
A review of the women’s outdoor skill-building weekend to empower women in public land stewardship created by Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness Foundation.
no bears. no moose. just views.
Ok, but wolverines. Endless views. Like on top of the world feelin’ kind of views. Did I mention the wolverines sighting?!?
where art thou hummingbird?
Hummingbirds are sure sign of summer in the Rockies. From my front porch, as I observe the robins, meadowlarks, sparrows, and swallows bicker and play I wonder where the hummingbirds are. Summer in the mountains isn’t complete without them flitting around feeders and hanging planters. The following is an ode, a calling, for their presence.
unreal views
Another short and sweet note since this week it’s all about the views! Sprite checks a local hike off her Summer 2025 list and shares it with you.
dancin’ in the rain
Often, I’m asked either “Do you miss the South?” or “What do you miss about the South?” My immediate response is dancing to live music at bars every weekend, the food, and summers. Out West, the awkwardness of sitting down to watch live music feels incongruous with how we are meant to experience music and I’ve always thought it was a Seattle quirk but am discovering the absurdity of it is more widespread. How can one sit? I wonder. So when I think about my young adulthood, what I’m most nostalgic for is dancin’. In the rain, in the bars, down the street, on stages, with friends. I didn’t realize this phenomenon was part of my culture! Apparently, it’s a rarity outside of the South and oh how I miss it.
when friends come to visit
What to expect when Sprite plans your visit
Wydaho
Michaela and I chatted over the phone to solidify our plans a few long weeks before the culminating holiday weekend of the summer. We were determined to trek across the Tetons. Ok, I was determined and Michaela willingly supported that dream. After discussing shared gear, food, timing, and routing, I lined up other close friends to drop us off in the park. I couldn’t believe my luck, Michaela was finally coming up for a visit and we were going BIG!
refrains on repeat in my head
More whiskey sunsets, please and thank you.
walking with purpose
My close friend from college, Craig, and I often walked around campus together in the evenings. Despite my short stature, I kept up with his long-legged stride. And he fully appreciated this factor. Even complimented me. He phrased it as such, “you walk with purpose.”
saved by the rev of a motorbike
Death, loss, and the grieving experience
mud season
When the snow melts and the brown of the ground fools you into believing in elapsed time warps. Is it Fall again or simply Winter hanging on for dear life? Will Spring erupt soon or are we destined for unsightly mud for another two months? All of it seems to ring true.
wydaho wildfleur wednesdays
During my Grand and Glorious Summer of 2023, I managed to meet a friend for peak wildflower trail runs on mid-week afternoons and dubbed them Wydaho Wildfleur Wednesdays.