Hi, I’m Artemis.

I like to take really (really) long walks.  Since 2014, I’ve hiked over 10,000 miles on long distance trails.  Thru-hiking and ultralight backpacking are my jam, and I love to write about it.

About the Dirt Bag Hiker Behind this Blog

In the fall of 2018, I completed my second thru-hike of the PCT, in which I raised over $3000 for suicide prevention and mental health programs for AFSP National.  You can read about my campaign and contribute here.

Other long distance trails I’ve completed:

• The John Muir Trail (220 miles)
• The Arizona National Trail (800 miles)
• The Wonderland Trail (100 miles)
• The Pacific Crest Trail, northbound (2650 miles)
• The Pacific Crest Trail, southbound (2650 miles)
• The Oregon Coast Trail (400 miles)
• The West Highland Way & Cape Wrath Trails (Scotland, 350 total)
• The South West Coast Path (England, 630 miles)
• The Continental Divide Trail (3000 miles)

Read my Gear List for Hiking the PCT (SOBO).

I currently reside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, in a semi-off grid cabin on the edge of the Snoqualmie-Mt. Baker National Forest.

More Useless Tidbits About the Author

I grew up in rural Washington state, in a small hick town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. My home life while growing up was tumultuous, to say the least.  I spent a fair amount of time running away from home, with a stay in the foster care system.  I never really found a crowd to hang with in my hometown, and couldn’t connect with the local culture.  Thankfully, I found the nearby trail systems, which helped me make friends and learn to cope with my situation.

I am in a loving and stable relationship.

Things I nerd out to:  History, music, art, books and film.  I love going to the movies, reading, visiting museums, and researching local history along the trail.  I could talk all day about my favorite directors and their films: Sofia Coppola, Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson, just to name a few.  Hunter S. Thompson and Margaret Atwood had a huge impact on me as authors, and Jane Austen is my go to for when I’m feeling sappy.  I love most music, but have a special place in my heart for punk rock and classical genres, as well as some classic rock bands and indie pop.  History is something that will always continue to excite me, and has yet to be reciprocated with any of my friends.  I always get a flutter in my gut when I learn something new about a particular area along the trail, whether it’s pioneer or indigenous history.  Bonus points if it’s a bit scandalous.

I love to eat!  My favorite food is tacos, any variety.  I’m also a big fan of coffee.  I’m trained in the culinary arts and love to cook for myself and other people; I find meal prepping and cooking to be quite soothing.  Raspberries might be the only food that I don’t like, unless it’s in a sorbet.

I love making lists, probably because it’s cheaper than therapy.  

Besides my dog, my favorite animals are otters.  Specifically, river otters.  I used to see North American river otters swimming in Fish Lake when I was a kid, where my lovely grandparents had a cabin, and I’ve been obsessed since.

Halloween is my absolute favorite day of the year, probably because it’s a bit on the dark side, and it’s a holiday where you’re not required to hang out with family.

Fan of the Oxford comma.

How to Use This Website

Through this blog, I want to inspire and educate those who are interested in wilderness travel.  I do not consider myself an expert, as the wilderness still has a great deal to teach me.  I want to share my experiences with anyone who is willing; who thinks there is value in our surrounding forests, mountains and canyons. I hope to inspire you to get outside, go camping and hiking, clean up our trails and see how nature can positively affect your mental well-being.

Within the past couple of years I’ve taken to ultralight backpacking, as is reflected in my recent gear posts, and hopefully you will find my gear recommendations useful.

I try to regularly post trail journals, gear reviews and other hacks for camping and backpacking.  Be sure to subscribe to receive my posts in your email inbox.

“Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that Goddamn mountain.”

-Jack Kerouac

What You Won’t Find Here

I tend to stay away from discussing political issues, and lifestyle blogging type posts.  I’m not personally interested in home decorating, fashion, beauty, or doing write ups on cooking.  I have dabbled in hiker nutrition and dehydrating recipes for backpacking, but it won’t go beyond that.  Besides, there are plenty of lifestyle blogs out there to choose from, so I’d rather stay focused on long distance backpacking, and the knowledge that I’ve gained from that.

I keep my life outside of thru-hiking pretty private, so you won’t read much about my family and romantic relationships.

Occasionally I might mention social issues, but only if it’s in regard to the thru-hiker community.

I only write honest, unbiased reviews of the items that I use on my journeys, even of the ones that I represent.  I only rep brands that I can 100% get behind, based on quality and business ethics.

If you are interested in sponsoring me, or having me represent your brand as an ambassador, please use the contact form below. I will happily use and review any gear gifted to me. Reviews will be featured on this website and on my social media accounts.

I often get people who ask how they can donate to my blog or thru-hike, and as of recently I’ve been using my hikes to spread awareness and raise money for suicide prevention with AFSP National.  This is what I prefer, and you can make a donation here.

Some wish to continue support beyond donations to my suicide prevention campaign, so I will include a link to do so, although it is never expected.  If you do choose to donate to my blog/thru-hiking fund, know that it will be lovingly spent on decadent treats in a trail town, gear replacement or repair, or the fees that are required to maintain this web address.  Donate here.

For questions, concerns, inquiries and permissions, please fill out the form below to contact me via email. I usually get back to you within 48 hours, unless I’m on the trail then it may take up to a week.

Thanks for dropping by and having a read, it’s greatly appreciated.  Feedback is welcome, trolls are not.  I moderate all comments before they are posted.

Cheers, and Happy Trails!