6 Miles Later… My Dogs Said “Absolutely Not” (Urban Hike Gone Wrong)
On a finally it’s a beautiful Friday afternoon, I set out for a scenic urban hike along the Mississippi River Gorge with my two mini Aussies, fully expecting a peaceful, nature-filled adventure.
And honestly? It started that way.
They sniffed, explored, made some doggie friends at a little dog park… living their best lives.
Fast forward to mile 6…
Suddenly, my energetic herding dogs turned into dramatic couch potatoes.
They found a shady spot, laid down, and gave me the look:
“We’re done. Call the Uber.”
And yes… we were only ONE mile from home.
So naturally, I did what any reasonable dog mom would do—I called my youngest for a rescue ride home and she picked us up.
Real Talk (From My Tired Pups)
Looking back, I get it:
It was close to dinner time
6 miles is a LOT (even for active pups)
And… I forgot a few key things
What I’ll Do Next Time
Shorten the miles (lesson learned) but be prepared in case it’s gorgeous out and they want to walk more
Bring extra treats (I left the house thinking… oh this will only be a 15 minute walk)
Pack our water dish (which I usually do… but of course forgot this time)
Build in more rest breaks
Final Thoughts
Urban hiking with dogs is always an adventure—but sometimes your dogs remind you who’s really in charge.
And apparently… it’s not me.
If you’ve ever had your dog tap out mid-hike, you’re not alone
Backpacking to Clear Creek in Grand Canyon National Park: Lessons from the Trail
Backpacking through Grand Canyon National Park to Clear Creek was one of the most challenging and rewarding trips I’ve experienced. From steep climbs to quiet, remote canyon views, every day brought something new—and unforgettable.
Our route took us from the Bright Angel Trailhead, across the Tonto Trail at Havasupai Gardens, and into Bright Angel Campground, before heading out on the rugged Clear Creek Trail. We spent two nights at Clear Creek, surrounded by peaceful backcountry beauty, before making our way back and hiking out on a steep, demanding climb to the rim.
Key Takeaways from the Trip
I Packed Too Much Food
One of my biggest lessons was realizing I didn’t need nearly as much food as I thought. Even though I was hiking 5–6 hours a day, I wasn’t consuming as many calories as I expected. Next time, I would pack about half the amount of food to reduce pack weight and keep things simpler.
The Trail Community is Incredible
One of the most unexpected highlights was how fun it was to connect with other hikers and park staff along the way. Sharing tips, stories, and encouragement made the experience even more meaningful. These conversations added a sense of community, even in such a remote environment.
Simple Really is Better
This trip reinforced that backpacking doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple food, thoughtful planning, and staying flexible made a big difference.
Final Thoughts
The journey to Clear Creek offered breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and valuable lessons I’ll carry into future hikes. If you’re planning a Grand Canyon backpacking trip, expect a physical challenge—but also moments of connection, reflection, and awe that make it all worth it.
Planning an EV Car Camping Trip
(Lessons from a 1,278-Mile Adventure to Makoshika + Maah Daah Hey Trail)
Planning an EV car camping trip is a little different than a traditional road trip—but with the right preparation, it can be an incredible experience.
After completing a 1,278-mile round trip to Makoshika State Park and North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey Trail, here are the key steps I recommend:
1. Plan Your Route + Charging Stops
Unlike gas vehicles, EV travel requires intentional planning.
Map your route ahead of time
Identify charging stations along the way
Research and bring the right back up charging adapter specific for your route and maybe a tire pump
This was one of our biggest takeaways—having the right adapters can reduce stress.
2. Research Campsites (and What’s Happening Nearby)
We stayed at:
Free dispersed campsites
Makoshika State Park
Wannagan Campground (Little Missouri National Grasslands)
One lesson we learned:
Always check for events near your campsite
We arrived at Wannagan during a bike race on the Maah Daah Hey Trail—meaning:
Full campsites
Support vehicles
Unexpected noise
3. Prep Your Vehicle (More Than You Think)
Before leaving:
Check tire pressure
Pack a portable tire pump (we needed one!)
Make sure your EV is road-trip ready
A simple tool like a tire pump can save time and stress.
4. Keep Camping Simple
As a seasoned car camper, I’ve learned:
Simpler meals = less stress
Pack only what you need
Focus on easy, flexible setups
EV camping works best when you keep things lightweight and adaptable.
5. Plan for Pets (If You Bring Them)
Traveling with dogs adds joy—and responsibility:
Know local regulations (especially off-leash areas)
Keep strong voice control in backcountry areas
Plan stops for movement and water
6. Expect the Unexpected
Even with planning:
Campsites may be full. We planned a backup each night.
Conditions may change. A heavy thunderstorm had us sleeping the car one night.
Charging stops might require flexibility. A technician was updating the charging station when we arrived at one stop.
The key is to stay adaptable and enjoy the experience.
Final Thoughts
EV car camping combines adventure, planning, and simplicity.
With the right preparation, it opens the door to incredible places and experiences—like the wide-open landscapes of Makoshika and the rugged beauty of the Maah Daah Hey Trail.
Quick Checklist
✔ Route + charging plan
✔ Charging adapter
✔ Campsite research
✔ Tire pump + vehicle check
✔ Simple food + gear
✔ Flexible mindset
Resources
If you’re planning your own adventure:
Planning food for a multi-day backpacking trip is all about balance—fueling your body while keeping things lightweight and simple.
For context, I’m vegetarian and typically eat around 1,600–2,000 calories per day based on my age, weight, and activity level. But when I’m hiking—especially in a place like the Grand Canyon—I increase my intake and focus on staying consistently fueled throughout the day.
Why Carbs Matter on the Trail
When backpacking, it’s often recommended to eat more carbohydrates—sometimes even double what you normally would—and to eat every couple of hours.
Carbohydrates are foods like:
Granola
Energy bars
Tortillas
Oatmeal
Dried fruit
These foods are important because carbs give your body quick energy. When you’re hiking long distances, your body uses carbs as its main fuel source to keep your muscles moving and your energy steady.
Day-by-Day Food Plan
Day 1: Travel + Acclimate
I’ll be staying at the rim to acclimate. I’ll keep food simple—likely something from Whole Foods in Phoenix or a snack at the rim. No heavy planning here, just easy meals and hydration.
Day 2: Hiking to Bright Angel Campground (~12 miles)
Breakfast: Simple and quick
Snacks + Lunch:
Clif Minis
Fig bars
Granola
Nut butter packets
Tortillas
Dried chickpeas
Electrolytes: Nuun tablets
I’ll get water from spigots at Bright Angel Campground, so I don’t need to filter this day.
Dinner will be at the Phantom Ranch canteen, so I won’t pack a dinner.
Day 3: Clear Creek (~10 miles, unmaintained trail)
Breakfast:
Oatmeal
Freeze-dried coffee with dried oat milk
Trail food: Same snacks and lunch as Day 2 plus a backpacking meal such as pasta marinara.
This day is more remote, so I’ll carry a water filter and use Clear Creek as my water source.
Day 4: Exploration Day at Clear Creek (~1-2 miles, unmaintained trail)
Breakfast + snacks + lunch: Same as previous days
Dinner:
Backpacking meal (mushroom risotto – Good To-Go brand)
This is a lighter movement day, so I’ll keep things simple and enjoy a warm meal at camp.
Day 5: Back to Bright Angel Campground (~10 miles)
Same breakfast, snacks, and lunch
Nuun tablets for electrolytes
Dinner again at Phantom Ranch canteen
Day 6: South Kaibab Trail to the Rim (~7 miles, steep)
Same breakfast + snacks + lunch
Focus on steady fueling for the climb out
How I Pack My Food
To stay organized, I portion all of my snacks into snack-size and quart-size bags ahead of time. This helps me:
Easily grab food during the day
Track my calories
Avoid overpacking
Because weight matters, I aim to keep my pack at 15–20% of my body weight, which for me is about 19–26 pounds.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking food doesn’t have to be complicated. For me, it’s about:
Simple, familiar foods
Easy access while hiking
Enough fuel to stay energized
It’s not perfect—but it works.
Car-Free Adventure to Glacier National Park (Bike + Train Travel Guide)
Exploring **Glacier National Park without a car might sound challenging—but it turned out to be one of the most rewarding travel experiences I’ve had.
On this trip, I took the train into West Glacier, checked my bike, and used it to access shuttle stops and trailheads throughout the park. While this was a short solo trip, it gave me a great preview of what’s possible—and what I would do differently next time.
Car-Free Travel in Glacier: What I Learned
One of the biggest takeaways is that planning ahead makes all the difference.
Before arriving, I:
Researched shuttle routes and potential hiking trails
Learned about wildlife safety (Glacier is active bear country)
Confirmed that my train allowed bikes to be checked
Once I arrived, I biked into the park with two cans of bear spray and used the shuttle system to reach different areas. While the shuttles are incredibly helpful, I quickly learned that wait times can be 45 minutes to an hour, so flexibility is key.
Real Talk: What I’d Do Differently
Because this was a quick trip, I would definitely:
Stay longer next time to explore more of the park
Bring hiking poles and ice spikes (there was still slippery snow on the trails—even in July!)
One thing I would absolutely do again:
👉 Start early—getting into the park first thing in the morning made a huge difference with crowds and shuttle access.
Where I Stayed
Since my train arrived at night, I kept things simple and stayed at a motel across from the train station in West Glacier. It made the late arrival easy and allowed for an early start the next morning.
Solo Travel Tip
Traveling solo, I made sure to:
Share my itinerary with family
Check in whenever I had cell service
It’s a simple step that adds peace of mind when exploring remote areas.
Final Thoughts
This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone—in the best way. One of my favorite parts was connecting with other hikers along the way, sharing tips, and learning from their experiences.
Car-free travel in Glacier is not only possible—it’s incredibly freeing.
Free Resources
To help you plan your own trip, I’ve created:
FREE Glacier National Park Itinerary
This resource will help you stay organized, prepared, and confident for your own adventure.
Training for the Grand Canyon
Spring break looks a little different this year — instead of beaches and relaxation, I’m training for a Grand Canyon backpacking adventure.
The plan is ambitious and exciting: about 10 miles a day with stops at Bright Angel and Clear Creek. The Grand Canyon demands respect. The elevation changes, the dry desert air, and the constant ups and downs mean preparation isn’t optional — it’s essential.
To get ready, I’ve been building miles gradually into my daily routine. What started as regular walks has turned into longer hikes with elevation gain whenever possible. I’ve also started wearing my actual backpack during training — first empty, then slowly adding weight. Each week, I increase the load a little more so my shoulders, hips, and legs adapt safely. Carrying weight changes everything: posture, breathing, pacing. It’s better to figure that out now than halfway down the canyon.
I’ve been focusing on:
• Steady endurance over speed
• Hill training to mimic canyon climbs
• Core strength for pack stability
• Practicing fueling and hydration timing
There’s something powerful about training with intention. Every mile now makes those canyon miles feel more possible. The discipline of adding weight, stretching after walks, and imagining the views from Bright Angel and Clear Creek keeps me motivated.
Spring break will bring big skies, red rock walls, tired legs, and (hopefully) strong preparation behind every step.
