Hi, I’m Katie, a self-proclaimed nature-lover who loves hiking, camping, skiing, or simply soaking in the natural world! Right now, I’m lucky to call Bend, Oregon home—a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors as much as I do. I make my living as an environmental educator for a local non-profit. I love sharing my passion for the outdoors with others, and thought I could do it not only in work, but also through this blog!

Growing up, I always found solace in the outdoors. Whether it was wandering to the creek that ran through my neighborhood to flip over rocks and look for slimy creatures, or riding my bike to the park to sit under the giant weeping willow, nature was my refuge. Something about being surrounded by the hums and buzzes of the natural world brought me peace that was otherwise hard for me to find. My early years shaped my love for nature, and they’re the reason I’ve built my life around sharing the beauty and awe of the natural world with others.

Since completing my undergrad at Salisbury University in Maryland, I’ve been blessed to live and work in beautiful places including upstate New York, Utah, Colorado, and now Oregon. Each place has shaped me in unique ways. Hiking the gorges around the Finger Lakes taught me to slow down. Exploring the desert landscapes of Utah showed me the magic of life. Colorado taught me more than I can list. Through all these experiences, I’ve learned so much about myself, including how I want to adventure and connect with the outdoors.

Whether it’s hiking, camping, or traveling to new destinations, being outside is where I feel most alive. I’ve always loved journaling about our adventures, but I’m not the best at keeping up with it. That’s where this blog comes in—a creative outlet to document my favorite trips, share ideas for outdoor activities, and show the many ways I love connecting with nature.

I’ll admit, I’m new to blogging, so this will definitely be a learning process. But that’s part of the fun, right? I’m excited to share stories, tips, and inspiration—and I’m happy to have you join me on this journey. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or someone just starting to explore the wonders of the outdoors, I hope you’ll find inspiration here to step outside, learn something new, and connect with the natural world.

By the way, this is my main adventure buddy and soulmate, Ben. Most of my adventures wouldn’t be complete without him by my side. Whether we’re summiting a mountain, setting up camp under the stars, or rafting the rivers of the west, Ben is always there to make it more memorable. You’ll probably see him pop up in most of my stories—he’s as much a part of this journey as I am!

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