People are under the impression that I am a professional hiker, I’m not. I am an outdoor enthusiast with a specialization in taking in the sites, enjoying the moment, utilizing nature to heal, reset and ultimately obtain peace. These are the most important reasons that I travel, hike, encourage and aid people in being in the outdoors. I’ve never backpacked in the wilderness nor have I ever jumped off a cliff, fought a bear, trail ran, rock climbed, or foraged. I am by far not an outdoor expert in the normal sense, but I am indeed an outdoor lover.

I was introduced to a hiking group in LA called the LA Track Killers lead by the most amazing Victor Martinez who goes by the name Vic of Earth. Now, I hike, I travel, I go outside, however LATK is on an entirely different level and are really expert travelers, hikers, trail runners and everything in between. In November of last year I completed my first real peak at San Jacinto Peak with the help of LATK which is located in Palm Springs, CA. It’s a 10+ mile there and back hike with a 2,500 feet elevation gain. It was not as hard as I expected, but because I am not an average peak hiker, I didn’t have many expectations. I overpacked, but I made it to the top in one piece and a new breathing pattern that signified just how intense the hike was. Since this experiene I’ve developed an incredible new appreciation for peak setting hikes because it’s a deeper challenge that does require commitment and physical health. Hiking will let you know how healthy and psychically fit you are. Here’s an article from Good News Network titled “New Study of 10,000+ People Revealed Regular Physical Activity is Linked to Larger Healthier Brains.”

I believe it!