2025: Year in the Wild

I had a lot of great adventures this year—and I haven’t written about any of them. I know some of you really enjoy those trip reports, so I’m sorry I haven’t shared much from the trail. Honestly, I just couldn’t get my head wrapped around my thoughts enough to put pen to paper.

The big difference this year was company. My brother and nephew joined me on several trips, and backpacking with others is a completely different kind of experience. Instead of writing, I chose to use that time to be present with them—teaching, showing, and just soaking up being out there together.

I’ve been out almost every month in 2025, with trips ranging from 3 to 5 nights. Every one of them was in a different corner of the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountains, deep in National Forests—far from the crowds and the manicured trails.

I did at least remember to take some photos.

I'm currently debating a winter adventure. In any case I'm itching to get back out there!