CourtSchurmanGO.com 2025-03-11

My First Hike Lead: Finding Myself on the Trail

Last summer I experienced two setbacks related to hiking partners. My dog Ajax injured his leg, and a hiking buddy shared her plan to move. In response, I decided to look for new hiking partners. Becoming a hike leader with the Mountaineers required completing 3 hikes, offering a mentored lead hike, and getting additional training. Along the way, I navigated several setbacks including severe windstorms, illness, and skin cancer surgery. Finally, on New Year’s Eve Day, nine of us hiked to Whittaker Wilderness and Doughty Falls as my first hike lead. I felt reborn.

The entry bridge to Whittaker Wilderness on the east side of Cougar Mountain.

First Hike Lead Provides a Flood of Gratitude

Admittedly, I felt nervous about leading my first official hike without a co-leader. Four days earlier, I’d gotten stitches removed from my forehead. A few complications left me wondering whether it was a good idea to lead a hike so soon after surgery. However, I decided if I struggled with the pace, I could always suggest we slow down. But we would go!

When all eight hikers showed up for a beautiful, sunny, windless hike, gratitude coursed through me. For the hikers. The mountains. Mother Nature’s healing power. The culmination of four months of effort. And the new challenge. This hike made it official: I am a Mountaineers hike leader.

Overcoming Challenges to Reach the Trail

The first obstacle I had to overcome to succeed was recovering physically and emotionally from surgery. Whenever I hike with my dog, I go at a comfortable pace, usually 2-3 mph. Sometimes we are spontaneous like I was for my hike to Talapus and Olallie Lakes. However, for hikes with the Mountaineers, I schedule them with a pace set weeks in advance. Could I hike 2.5 mph without rupturing the remaining stitches in my face?

The second obstacle was inclement weather. Twice, I tried to lead a hike to Margaret’s Way on Squak Mountain. The first time, I canceled due to gale winds. The second, I canceled because WTA said routes on Squak were closed. Instead, I visited Talapus and Olallie Lakes in the snow. Would the third time be different? On the drive to the Whittaker Wilderness trailhead, thick, dark fog engulfed me. But Mother Nature gave us a glorious sunny day once I arrived at the trailhead at 7:30. It felt like the multiverse rewarded me with, “You have overcome.”

We marveled at the new bridge trail workers have created on the trail between Doughty Falls and Whittaker Wilderness.

My First Hike Lead Escorts Me Into Leadership

As an introvert, I prefer solo, one-on-one, or small-group interactions. However, I’m discovering that I want to share everything I know. And the best way to do that is to teach more people.

Hiking with 8-12 strangers can be daunting and challenging. My strategy is to set clear expectations and cultivate a supportive, generous environment. On my first two hikes, this strategy has paid off. Bringing my best self to the trail has evoked the best in others.

A tree decorated with holiday trimmings, in the area of boardwalks and skunk cabbage.

Icebreakers for Introverts

To do that, I ask an “icebreaker” question or two. It might be how long it took someone to drive to the trailhead (one person came from Rhode Island!) why they chose this particular hike, or what superpower a person would wish for (I’d choose extraversion!) By getting people to chat about themselves, even briefly, nerves dissipate and people become more than names on a roster.

Halfway through the hike, when a participant asked about my well-being, I felt supported and appreciated for my efforts to ensure everyone else was having fun and doing well. And when we returned to the trailhead, shiny brows and big smiles on everyone’s faces, the competence, confidence, and contentment I felt in the mountains before my surgery came racing back. I’d led nine strangers on a successful hike. In the words of James Clear (Atomic Habits), I am building my identity as a competent hike leader with each trip to the mountains.

First Hike Lead: My Takeaways

My takeaways from this first hike lead include:

Nurture Resilience: Last year, I kept chasing my goals despite setbacks. Persistence leads to steady, consistent growth, in as little as five minutes daily. If you want to build a habit, do something to work toward that habit every day. In my case, I wanted to be a resilient hike leader, and I kept going until it happened. What habit do you want to build? What steps can you take today to grow it?

Doughty Falls and the brand new stairs and railing trail workers have built.

The Role of Timing: Not everything happens on our desired schedule. I was disappointed when I had to cancel the hike to Margaret’s Way because of something I couldn’t control. But if we’d started the hike in high winds, something awful might have happened. Maybe not. I’ll never know. I do know that we had perfect weather on New Year’s Eve. I’d rather cherish the successes than grieve those that don’t occur. Sometimes a delay can lead to an even better outcome.

Happy hikers finishing up our adventure.

Leadership as Growth: Finally, stepping into a leadership role boosts our confidence and helps us grow into the best versions of ourselves. My spiritual advisor teaches all of her class participants to go big. While leading hikes for the Mountaineers may not be “big” for some, for an introvert used to hiking solo, it’s a stretch. One I’m ready, willing, and able to take.

Finding Myself

At one point I lamented that I didn’t want the hike to end. The mountains are my happy place. At the bridge signaling a return to the parking lot, one hiker joked that the increased car traffic was “a loud waterfall.” I was not alone in wanting more nature. I took a moment to thank everyone for sharing this milestone with me. Once all the cars had started, I headed home happily listening to a Brene Brown audiobook.

The clouds rolled in with rain close behind. I couldn’t have timed it any better. I ended the year feeling grateful and fulfilled. And on New Year’s Day, my family continued our annual Polar Bear Plunge in Lake Washington. A satisfying, invigorating way to kick off 2025. Anything is possible. And I’m ready for it.

Clear’s Atomic Habits: How to Align Intentions and Habits

When I picked up Atomic Habits by James Clear this week for the second time, I didn’t expect to have such a profound shift in how I see myself. Clear’s concept that “every action is a vote for the type of person you want to become” hit home, challenging me to review my identity. Who am I today? Who do I aspire to be? Focusing on my identity has helped me reinforce habits that align with who I am and aspire to be.

Among my strongest identities are Mother, Hiker, Nature Lover, Birder, and Dog Guardian.

Atomic Habits: Rethinking Your Identity

As we approach 2025, you might be ready to form new goals. I prefer to use the word “intentions.” Here are some relevant articles about goals or intentions I’ve shared in the past:

Take the Next Step: How to Conquer Daunting Tasks (Aug. 2024)
Process Goals (Feb. 2024)
How to Set Intentions (May 2023)
Five Minute Actions (Jan. 2022)
SAGE (Keep it Simple and Good Enough) (Jan. 2022)

This year Atomic Habits has challenged me to think more deeply about identity and habits. Habits are more than a way to achieve goals; they are about becoming the person you want to become.

Ajax tackles the bridge between Talapus and Olallie Lakes. April 2024.

How Do You Identify Yourself?

A good habit I already have in place is identifying as a hiker. What is the lifestyle of a hiker? Hikers move their bodies regularly. They eat and drink to enable the successful performance of their activity. And they include self-care activities for restoration such as using a hot tub, grounding, getting adequate sleep, and keeping their bodies strong. Check.

Where I wish to add to that identity is someone who empowers others. In 2025 I aspire to coach people on how to become a better hiker, using a holistic approach. To grow into that expanded identity, I will offer classes through the Mountaineers — and any other organization that will let me — spanning sleep, recovery, nutrition, nature journaling, birding, stress management, and soft skills leadership. I will no longer be just a solo hiker, alpine coach, or blogger. I will become a hiking influencer. Such people get in front of others and lead.

Ajax relaxes near the Whittaker Wilderness bench while I enter our names in the trail register.

TAKEAWAY: Write down 10-15 ways you identify yourself. You might be a parent, sibling, activist, knitter, SCUBA diver, babysitter, or financial planner. Once you have your list of roles, see what activities you fulfill in those roles. What skills does that person typically have? Do you have all the necessary skills or are there areas you’d like to develop?

Building on Strengths: Who Are You?

While I can reach more people by offering classes, public speaking is scary, especially for introverts. However, in November I proved to myself that I could develop and teach new classes. My strengths vary greatly. I have been an alpine conditioning coach for over 25 years. As a health and wellness coach, I am well-versed in change psychology, movement, sleep habits, nutrition, and stress management. I am comfortable in the mountains completely alone. And I am a lifelong learner.

July berry-picking days may be far away, but they remind me of all the many ways I enjoy nature with my family.

Habits Reinforce Identities

Transitioning from teaching one person at a time to teaching many is a way of expanding outside of my comfort zone. If I look at some of my positive habits — exercising daily, using Duolingo to learn French, Spanish, and Italian, and blogging weekly, to name a few — each reinforces an identity I have for myself. When I publish a blog post, I strengthen my identity as a competent author and proficient technology user. Whenever I walk my dog, hike, or do a strength workout, I reinforce my identity as a seasoned hiker.

By tapping into those superpowers of being a consistent exerciser, lifelong learner, and author, it is no longer a big stretch to reframe public speaking as a new way to learn from those who attend, to share my passion for movement and change, and to get more material to share in my blog. Embracing the new role gets less scary.

Atomic Habits reminds me that self-care includes the Frog stretch on Mt. Rainier with Little Tahoma behind me.

TAKEAWAY: A client of mine has a superpower for planning international trips. I suggested she use that planning skill to help her develop a creative habit. What are your strengths? Who do you identify as? What identity would you like to grow? Can you see ways to use your strengths to help form a new identity?

Atomic Habits Identities: Who Do You Want to Become?

Now that I have set up several talks and hikes with the Mountaineers, I am setting the stage to solidify my role as a public speaker and confident hike leader. The identities I wish to cultivate include: 1. Connector/influencer; 2. Someone who follows through; and 3. Someone proficient with technology. What steps do I need to take to create those identities? Which skills do I need to develop? What atomic habits do I need to cultivate to replace outdated habits that no longer serve me?

Connector and Influencer

My primary roles in this identity include public speaking, collaboration, teaching, and leading hikes for the Mountaineers. Scheduling two hikes per month and reaching out to potential collaborators helped me get the ball rolling. In Precision Nutrition coaching parlance, I have “shaped the path” or “influenced my environment” so my intentions evolve naturally.

Monte Cristo in the rain October 8, 2024.

While this feels like a natural progression of my strengths, it also required deliberate effort starting in August when I first found a collaborative partner. Subsequent connections were easier to make. Clear makes an important point in chapter 1: “Habits often appear to make no difference until you cross a critical threshold and unlock a new level of performance.” Clients often give up too soon, thinking “I don’t see any difference, it must not be working.” My best advice is to follow through.

Someone Who Follows Through

Easier said than done. My husband gave me several challenges in December. One was to spend an hour, five days a week, establishing a connection with people. While I have not been perfect, I have done more than I would have without the challenges. What is helping more than the actions is reframing my identity into “I am someone who follows through.” Clear’s suggestion to aspire to do 1% better every day is something I can do.

Tiny steps add up. Trying to reach one person a day means I would connect with more than 300 people in a year. That is way more people than zero!

Solo hike on Teneriffe Peak with Mt. Rainier in the background.

Another example of following through is learning about neuroscience, a commitment of more than 1000 hours. It’s easy to look at the entire project and become overwhelmed to the point of stalling. But by committing to 10-15 minutes, I can integrate the habit into my daily practice. Learning about neuroscience feeds my existing identities as a lifelong learner and hiker. It also fuels my desire to share with others as a hiking influencer.

Someone Proficient in Technology

Of the three identities I wish to cultivate, someone with technological proficiency feels the most daunting as technology constantly changes. Even the tools I use regularly (Powerpoint, Excel, Word, and Google) have features I will never use. I prefer email to text. Cell phones confuse me (where’s the microphone?) I prefer old-fashioned TVs that start with one knob instead of high-tech screens with six remotes. Don’t even get me started on Instagram.

However, I took a few baby steps toward learning new technological skills to help build my Superhiker identity. I purchased an annual membership to AllTrails.com for navigation assistance in the wilderness. And, I registered for a refresher navigation course, since new technology is available that I know nothing about.

If I can learn how to use Ebird.org and the Merlin birding app, I know I can learn how to use AllTrails.com and GPS.

TAKEAWAY: Think of 3-4 identities you would be interested in cultivating in 2025. Perhaps you want to become a badge seeker within the Mountaineers. Or a Super Manager for your company. Maybe you want to become a published author. Think of three small steps you might take toward developing that identity. What would such a person do? What could you do to develop atomic habits toward that identity?

The Power of Small Wins: Connect Habits to Identity

Small habits build momentum. The talk I envisioned in August and delivered in November has grown into six more by March in 2025. The hiking mentor action I took in January of 2024 has grown into becoming a hike leader for an organization with over 15,000 members and five hike leads before March 10. And the fear of technology diminishes every time I sign up for a new course or succeed at restarting some program that glitched on me. Practice leads to mastery.

If I can survive a solo encounter with three bears on Tiger Mountain, surely I can support a small group of humans to enjoy hikes on trails I know well.

By committing to Clear’s “1% better daily” practice and identifying who you want to become, you can create atomic habits and a powerful new identity and stay inspired to keep moving forward. Who do you want to be in 2025? What support do you need to reach that identity? I can help!

How to Appreciate An Unexpected Moment: Hiking and Healing

Tuesday morning, I headed for the Pratt Lake Trailhead at Exit 47. After aborting two hikes on Squak Mountain due to high winds and trail closures, and postponing a hike due to illness, I was desperate to get a good dose of mountain healing. The car needed servicing on Wednesday. And I knew I’d need a week of reduced activity following a medical procedure on Thursday. I was down to my last opportunity for a hike until New Year’s Eve Day. I gained an appreciation for the unexpected moment related to both hiking and healing.

Olallie Lake on December 17. I had the trail to myself except for two women and their dog.

Contrasting Extremes From the Start

Tuesday’s snowy hike and Thursday’s medical procedure provided a stark study in contrasts. I started from the Pratt Lake Trailhead parking lot at dawn, letting my eyes adjust to the overcast skies and near-dark. Three deer greeted me, darting through the woods before I could get a good photograph. A downy woodpecker and a flock of golden-crowned kinglets were the only birds I saw all day. I took many restorative breaths as the stress and frustration of the previous week disappeared.

By contrast, the waiting room was packed with people when I walked into the medical center in Mill Creek. I did several stretches, trying to soothe myself with deep calming breaths. My tension mounted as I waited an hour before being shown into a room. Whereas the expansive space of the mountains calmed and soothed me, the delay and clogged congestion of the waiting room made me antsy, anxious, and fidgety.

The delicate beauty of snow-laden branches on the Olallie-Talapus trail thrilled me.

Unexpected Moment in Nature: Snow Shedding

Hiking in the snow brings abundant delights. The crunch of fluffy whiteness underfoot. Laden boughs bending to the trail. Snowshoe hare tracks disappearing in the woods. Gurgling streams that made me pause to gauge the best path across. I had the mountain to myself except for two women and a dog on the trail between Talapus and Olallie Lakes.

My memorable WOW moment came after I’d reached both Olallie and Talapus Lakes. I considered hiking to the Olallie Lake overlook up the Pratt Lake trail. However, the wind picked up and I heard odd whumping sounds around me.

“Tree Avalanche”

Suddenly it got very dark. I glanced up in time to see massive amounts of snow falling from higher branches, so I stepped close to a tree, ducked, and covered my face with my arms. Little pricks of snow bit into bare skin. I waited until the onslaught ceased. After the boughs had dropped all their snow, I brushed several inches from my boots and a thin dusting from my coat.

And I started laughing at the unexpected moment.

In 32 years of hiking in the PNW, I’ve never experienced what I coined a “tree avalanche,” only to discover it has a less glamorous term, “snow shedding”. It means lots of recent fresh snow, an uptick in wind, new precipitation adding to the weight, and all the snow from higher branches dropping at once. The rough video I shot as the air cleared looked like I had been in a whiteout. I prefer the term “tree avalanche”.

Unexpected moments: My attempt to capture the white-out experience of a "tree avalanche" with snow filling the air and covering prints in the snow. — Unexpected moments: My attempt to capture the white-out experience of a “tree avalanche” with snow filling the air and covering prints in the snow.

Realizing the wind would only pick up as I traveled higher, I decided Mother Nature had given me a clear message. Knowing that I was half an hour from my turn-around time also helped. So, satisfied with my visit to the two lakes, I returned to the car without seeing a soul or having more snow-shedding experiences.

Unexpected Moment in Life: Epi Battle

Medical interventions are the exact opposite of hiking. I have had 6 Mohs procedures to remove BCC’s. By now, I know what to expect. At least, I thought I did.

Once I got whisked into a private waiting room, the nurse numbed my forehead and the surgeon removed the top layer of skin to be sure she’d gotten all the cancerous margins. It took about an hour for the results to come back from the lab. I crossed my fingers, praying she had removed it all with the first cut. But no, it required another.

Battle Over Epinephrine

When it was time for the dermatologist to stitch me up, she insisted on using epinephrine instead of Lidocaine. Her nurse had to cauterize more than usual as my blood wouldn’t clot. I explained how I loathe what epinephrine does to me, and that I would prefer any other solution.

According to Dr. Erickson, “Some patients are sensitive to Epi and it can make them feel like their heart is racing.” Check. “However, the small amount used in Mohs surgery contributes greatly to a smooth and uneventful surgery.” Um, no.

I'll take the start beauty and unpredictability of Mother Nature any day over anything medical. — I’ll take the start beauty and unpredictability of Mother Nature any day over anything medical.

I had an unexpected moment I will not soon forget. But this one was negative. Within moments of the injection, I felt like I’d lost control over my limbs and breathing in a way I never do in the mountains. Panic set in. I started to hyperventilate. My legs and arms shook despite squeezing two therapy balls. I could not do anything except battle for control over my racing breath and furiously beating heart. Was this how it felt before you had a seizure?

I told them no! Never again will I relinquish my power to decide in a medical setting.

Pentatonix to the Rescue

When a nurse asked if I’d like to listen to any specific music, I grunted through gritted teeth, “Pentatonix.” I have been a huge fan ever since they won season 3 of The Sing-Off , an a cappella singing show that got canceled after five seasons. When they got to “Little Drummer Boy”, I could focus on something other than my trembling limbs and rapid breathing. I loosened my grip on the squeeze balls. And when the doctor finished the last stitches, I could talk without shaking. But I have sworn off epinephrine forever. They’ll have to deal with it.

We had the privilege of seeing Pentatonix and Rachel Patten in concert at the Tacoma Dome July 3, 2019. — We had the privilege of seeing Pentatonix and Rachel Platten (Fight Song) in concert at the Tacoma Dome on July 3, 2019.

People face far more complicated and challenging medical procedures for long-term health benefits. Mohs is pretty routine, with a relatively low risk of complication. If I had to choose a type of cancer, it would be skin, as mine have all been successfully removed in the early stage. But what is not okay is having my sense of agency challenged. I will no longer tolerate medical experts ignoring my choices and directions. I know what’s best for my body. But I must advocate for it. Nobody else will do so for me.

Lessons from the Two Extremes

Both experiences taught me that nature and medicine can involve an unexpected moment or two and unpredictable complications. On my snowy solo hike, I relied on experience, skill, and knowledge of what my body could do. I laughed at the unexpected moment of a “tree avalanche.” In the surgical room, it felt like my body betrayed me. But only because I had an unwanted substance injected into me. It could have been avoided.

I have resisted Epi since first having it in a dental procedure in my 20s. I share “Sensitivity to Epi” on every medical form. And for the first two cuts, the medical team listened. If maintaining control over my body means making the people who serve me work harder, so be it.

I welcomed Mother Nature’s unpredictability with awe and wonder. I came back feeling refreshed, reborn. While medical procedures can be just as unpredictable, they often involve relinquishing control or removing our power. Why? I left the medical clinic feeling pummeled and battered. Which would you choose for your healing journey?

One of my favorite photo ops along the Talapus-Olallie Trail. I call this "elephant tree." — One of my favorite photo ops along the Talapus-Olallie Trail. I call this “elephant tree.”

I aspire to find ways to return natural elements to future medical settings that might provide more autonomy, power, and agency. Perhaps I could bring a grounding mat. Insist on specific music. Bring an infuser with healing aromatherapy oils. Wait in my car while listening to a book on tape until they’re ready for me. Our experience with the health care system should be positive, not terror-causing or shame-inducing.

Choosing Growth Over Fear

In short, we need less fear and more joy. Less clinical and more natural settings. More opportunities to grow and learn. Less time mired in anger, fear, frustration, or shame.

As strongly as I resist, I know modern medicine has its place. I am grateful to be cancer-free today. I am thankful that my dermatologist could meet with me before the end of the year. And I am delighted it only required two cuts. But even more, I look forward to the next opportunity to return to the awe-inspiring, humility-producing, calm, and soothing mountains. I know which location I choose for my healing journey.

Talapus and Olallie Lakes from Pratt Lake Trailhead (Exit 47). Only one downed tree across the trail from the November windstorm.

Takeaways

I realize Western medicine is a highly controversial topic. This post is meant to spark deep thought in readers. What matters most to you? How do you want your medical care to evolve? Are you satisfied with the treatment you get from your medical team? They are there to serve you. You have choices.

The Hippocratic Oath, or first rule in medicine, is to “do no harm.” If you feel you are being harmed, look for better treatment. I like my dermatologist, so I followed her when she moved her practice to Mill Creek. But patients deserve respect, especially around the holidays. If you have to wait an hour or go through an unpleasant experience that can be avoided in the future, speak up. Make medicine work for you. And then get outside for an unexpected moment or two in nature. It truly is our best healer.

How to Add a Joy Checklist to Your Outdoor Adventures

A windstorm hit the area yesterday, forcing me to cancel my first hike as a newly minted Mountaineers Hike Leader. In the end, safety ruled. All eight hikers remained safe because…I notified hikers before anyone wasted gas driving to the trailhead. The rest of the weekend, I daydreamed about hikes I might lead in 2025 and added a series of mid-week trips to the Mountaineers website. I focused on the positives and created a “joy checklist” which includes seven items for future outings. Use my list as a starting point to develop your own.

What's on your joy checklist? Hiking new-to-me places would be high on my list. Here I take a selfie from McClellan Butte on September 21, 2024. — What’s on your joy checklist? Hiking new-to-me places would be high on my list. Here I take a selfie from McClellan Butte on September 21, 2024.

Celebrate Little Wins

On your next adventure, pay particular attention to any little wins. Acknowledge reaching a trail junction, summiting a peak, or simply completing your first mile of the day. Every step is progress.

On one wintry hike a few years ago, a friend and I hiked the Pratt Lake Trail until we reached snow. We turned it into a game, doing a “Count Dracula” Mwahahaha (surely you recall him from Sesame Street?) every time we crossed a stream without getting our feet wet.

Your Joy Checklist: How might you “Gamify” your next adventure to commemorate and celebrate little wins?

Add a Tasty Treat to Your Joy Checklist

Another item to add to your Joy Checklist is to include a favorite snack or drink to enjoy at a scenic viewpoint or snack break during your journey. It’s amazing how much joy some hot cocoa, a few home-baked cookies, or a delectable piece of dark chocolate can bring.

One of the things I plan to do with my Mountaineers hikes in 2025 is to bring “summit treats” to share with participants, ranging from individually wrapped Ghirardelli chocolates to fresh ripe apricots, depending on the season. This is a trick I learned during my four WTA work parties. They offer everyone a “candy break” at 10:30 a.m. for each trip.

On my solo hike of Teneriffe on September 26, 2024, I had the mountain to myself. My joy checklist included bringing leftover homemade chicken and shrimp pad Thai which fueled me for the 6.5 miles back to the car.

Go Slow and Notice the Details

This one may be counter-intuitive at first. But the more you do it, the more you will notice. The joy checklist challenge: walk at half your usual pace for 5-10 minutes and look anywhere BUT at your feet.

Take in the intricate details: the texture of bark, the sound of leaves crunching, the slant of the sun’s rays hitting the fog, or the scent of damp earth. You might even get in the habit of recording (via picture, Notes, or later journal entry) what drew your attention and what you discovered.

Noticing details like these sun rays on Teneriffe makes it easier to remember unique moments I want to revisit. When you have taken over 61,000 pictures that can be a challenge. — Noticing details like these sun rays on Teneriffe makes it easier to remember unique moments I want to revisit. When you have taken over 61,000 pictures, that can be a challenge.

Is a Journal or Camera on Your Joy Checklist?

An important item on my joy checklist is my phone. I always hike with it in airplane mode, as I hate being disturbed when I recharge my batteries in nature. But it is still important for:

Recording, identifying, and recognizing birds I hear via the Merlin App through Cornell University
Taking notes about anything unusual or important for future journal entries or blog posts
Photographing my adventures
Researching backup plans on AllTrails or learning about side trails I might want to explore later

If you don’t like using your phone that way, bring a small notepad or digital camera to document a moment through words or photos. A short note about the sun peeking through the trees or a snapshot of an unusual fungus among us can contribute to reflections later.

An elegant fungus from the Pacific Crest Trail on October 22, 2024.

Create a Trail Tradition

Create a ritual to look forward to that makes you smile. When my husband and I led climbs for the Mountaineers, we used to challenge participants to do 25 pushups at the summit. In the summer of 2023, my daughter and I visited alpine lakes and challenged each other to stay in the water the longest.

You could do a celebratory dance move (John Travolta, anyone?). Test out the echo effect when you reach a lake surrounded by high rock walls. Remove your boots and wade in the water for some grounding. Bring a trinket or donation to add to a hidden geocache. I know plenty of people who leave trinkets in the mailbox atop Mailbox Peak.

The contents inside Mailbox Peak's mailbox. — The contents inside Mailbox Peak’s mailbox.

Never leave behind anything offensive like orange or banana peels, trash, or dog bags. Please be respectful of others’ enjoyment of the mountains. I ascribe to the tenet: “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs.” See if you can add something to your joy checklist that won’t disturb future visitors.

A Joy Checklist Includes Appreciating (Nearly) All Weather

Equip yourself to find joy in any condition. Rain may mean fewer people. Snow transforms the trail into a winter wonderland. Fog lends a mystical feel to the mountains. Your mindset is everything.

The only thing that keeps me from the mountains is strong wind. A friend shared that she narrowly missed getting injured from a falling tree. 4 years ago two friends and I were hiking the Tiger Mountain Trail when we heard a huge tree fall near us. Since then, I’ve adjusted my rule: the only thing that will prevent me from hiking is winds approaching “near gale” on the Beaufort Scale.

On a day that had everything, I had all the right gear. My Election Day hike to Thompson and Granite Lakes couldn't have been any better. — On a day that had everything, I had all the right gear. My Election Day hike to Thompson and Granite Lakes couldn’t have been any better.

Practice Something New

Bring a plant identification guide with you. Practice navigating the old-fashioned way, with a map and compass. Use some new breathing or mindfulness techniques on the trail. Spend a minute in turn paying attention to each of your senses.

What can you smell that you never noticed before? If you close one eye, how does that change what you see? If you stop moving, how long does it take to see or hear your first bird? Growth adds to your joy and enriches your experience of nature.

On a visit to the Arboretum, a friend and I stopped to learn about a public art offering. Wherever you go, there's beauty to behold. — On a visit to the Arboretum, a friend and I stopped to learn about the creator of some public art. Wherever you go, there’s beauty to behold.

Share Gratitude

Whether you offer a smile to a fellow hiker or a word of thanks to someone for something small they’ve done, sharing in some way often amplifies joy. When your group takes a break, see if you can find something you’re thankful for. If someone is struggling, a word of encouragement might be just what they need to keep going. And if you come equipped with funny stories or tasteful jokes, more power to you!

On a rainy hike to Mason Lake, my daughter struggled with her less-than-waterproof coat. I kept sharing how grateful I was to have her company. We soon laughed about how ridiculous the trip was going and ended up having a great time.

If you have a unique item you’ve added to your joy checklist you think others might enjoy, please share them in the comments. I love hearing from readers.

Trails Curve: How to Embrace Detours and Setbacks

As I approach some hard new challenges, the accompanying emotional highs and lows feel disorienting. I’m reminded of something my spiritual coach says: “The closer you get to the gates, the louder the lions roar.” By this, she means that our internal resistance (aka the ego) tries to protect us from failure, falling, impostor syndrome, and mistakes. However, this protection can hinder personal growth. As author Jeannette Stawski pointed out Saturday at the Mountaineers clubhouse, we need to train ourselves to embrace detours and setbacks. Failures can be our best teachers — if we have the right mindset.

The fall colors may be behind us, but the memories linger. Reviewing 2024, I celebrate the wins and seek ways to embrace obstacles and turn failures into opportunities in 2025.

Japanese Gulch: Lessons from the Trail

On Tuesday, I had to choose between snowshoeing, doing a long hike, or taking Ajax with me to scout a new place for a possible Mountaineers trip. Since he hadn’t been on a hike with me since Thanksgiving morning, I opted for the third choice. We visited the Japanese Gulch near Mukilteo.

My first impression (after realizing we had the park mostly to ourselves) was that hiking anywhere but the park perimeter could be hazardous in summer, not only to hikers but also to bikers. Staying on the wider perimeter trail, therefore, might work.

On a foggy, freezing morning, we left the car around 8:30. This was my first time using AllTrails. I’m glad I had it, as there are plenty of side trails for bikes, and no signs in the Gulch except one that showed the creator’s sense of humor: “Feel the Pain” with a black diamond. The trail it referenced was a steep zig-zag switchback for mountain bikes which we avoided.

Ferry horns blared through the fog. A steam engine chugged past. And low-flying planes heading for Payne Field buzzed overhead, startlingly close. This was not the peaceful hike I had expected. Nevertheless, we encountered few people. Solo hiking constantly reminds me that life’s path is full of surprises and is rarely linear. We expect, “If this, then that.” However, obstacles often present themselves without warning. Fortunately, we could embrace detours and still find our way out of the park.

TAKEAWAY: When you come across the next muddy section in your life, take a step back and look for the unexpected beauty. What if you could find the teacher, and the lesson, within each failure?

Embrace Detours: Overcome Impostor Syndrome

A companion I wish would move to Timbuktu is my omnipresent frenemy, Impostor Syndrome. You know, that fear that you’ll be “found out”, that people will discover you aren’t who you pretend to be.

At Saturday’s leadership conference, I spoke with a woman who worked closely with writers and editors on the Mountaineers: Freedom of the Hills Tenth Anniversary Edition. I developed the conditioning chapter for editions 7-9 but wasn’t invited to help with edition 10. My cruel inner voice convinced me I’d been “found out” and was no longer wanted. This unwanted obstacle lasted several weeks.

The keynote speaker for this year's conference was Jeannette Stawski, author of The Outdoor Leader, a new Mountaineers Books title. — The keynote speaker for this year’s conference was Jeannette Stawski, author of The Outdoor Leader, a new Mountaineers Books title.

Freedom of the Hills 10th Edition

The Mountaineers recently made it their mission to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion so everyone can access the mountains. When my colleague explained that the committee went with all new, fresh writers and editors for the tenth edition, I had an aha moment. Curious, I headed for the Mountaineers bookstore to see what my beloved chapter four looked like.

My hard work over the past 15 years remains intact, much to my delight. The editors added a few pictures of new stretches for rock climbers, along with some gender-specific material. When my colleague used the word “legacy” for my work, I could finally rewrite the lies my harsh inner critic told me; in other words, I began to recognize my true value

I loved this slide in Jeannette Stawski's presentation on Grit and Resilience at Saturday's outdoor leadership conference with the Mountaineers. — I loved this slide in Jeannette Stawski’s presentation on Grit and Resilience at Saturday’s outdoor leadership conference with the Mountaineers.

TAKEAWAY: What false narratives are you telling yourself? How might you reframe or rewrite them to be more truthful and supportive? A helpful exercise is to ask 3-5 close friends, coworkers, or colleagues what they’d identify as your top strengths. What do they value that you might take for granted? How can you integrate those into an understanding of your unique gifts?

Embrace Detours: Leadership Skills I Still Need

I have been enjoying the Seattle Mountaineers’ outdoor leadership development series. Wednesday I attended an online seminar offered by Moose Mutlow. Mutlow is a senior trainer and family liaison officer for Yosemite Search & Rescue. He talked about how to help people in the mountains who have witnessed a disaster and are confronting shock.

As he spoke, my heart started racing and I felt myself shutting down. What would I do if I came across a grizzly accident where someone had died? How could I help? WOULD I be able to help? That old impostor syndrome roared: Who am I to think I have any business leading others in the mountains? How could anyone embrace detours of such magnitude as death in the mountains?

FLO in action: a cheat sheet for the Family Liaison Officer to help in the event of an accident.

Self-Care First

His answer to my question was profound in its simplicity. The very first principle of First Aid is to check the scene to make sure it’s safe to enter. That means taking care of ALL OF YOURSELF FIRST, physically, emotionally, and mentally. If helping someone else means that you’re putting yourself in harm’s way, find another way to help. I had my takeaway nugget and my heart rate slowed.

Online and in-person leadership classes inspire me to see leadership not as perfection or becoming superhuman, but simply as a willingness to keep learning, connecting, and showing up. Even when self-doubt lingers, progress comes from practicing resilience and gaining experience. By having a better idea of what you might encounter — like tragedy — you can plan what to do. Like calling on a chaplain to help notify the next of kin.

Ian MacKay's inspiring story about creating a non-profit organization to get people of all mobility challenges out on biking trails moved me to tears. EVERYONE deserves to enjoy the outdoors. — Ian MacKay’s inspiring story about creating a non-profit organization to get people of all mobility challenges out on biking trails moved me to tears. EVERYONE deserves to enjoy the outdoors.

TAKEAWAY: If you are curious about something, whether that is leading a trip, trying a new activity, working at a different company, or traveling to an exotic country, do some research. Talk to someone who has done that thing. Learn more about the good and bad elements. Explore wherever your curiosity takes you. If you’d like to hike 10 miles in 2025, consider which hike you want to add to your list. What might be in your way? With the destination in mind, you can create a step-by-step plan to overcome obstacles to get there.

Get Back to Basics with Atomic Habits

My husband and I were recently discussing business development. I realized I was focusing on obstacles rather than looking for solutions. I got so sick of hearing myself say, “Yeah, but…” that I created a contract to change my behavior. It’s worked before, why not this time? I committed to one hour a day in December, five days a week, focusing on developing connections within my businesses. When I wrote it down, something clicked. In my willingness to embrace detours, I stumbled across a process goal!

An example of how you can get leverage with yourself. Commit on paper, to yourself or a friend, and keep it visible to remind you of your intention.

During times of uncertainty, we do ourselves a big disservice if we focus on outcome goals. Small, consistent, daily actions — things you have complete control over — can help you override old habits (like complaining, eating chocolate, or saying “Yeah, but…”).

I also found another way to stay on the path: I’ve agreed to be an accountability partner to one of my clients who wants to read James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits. Two years ago I shared his book as a useful tool for setting intentions and building new pathways toward thriving.

A cool nurse tree at Japanese Gulch. I go outdoors to provide balm for my soul, explore new places, and appreciate all that surrounds me in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

TAKEAWAY: Is there something you wanted to do in 2024 but haven’t gotten around to it? What five-minute action might you do to bring you closer to your goal? What would it be like to start today? You can have several hours amassed and a habit already established well before 2025!

Embrace Detours As the Journey

Detours and setbacks are where the real growth happens. If we’re not making mistakes, we are not testing ourselves. We’re missing opportunities to expand outside our comfort zone. Whether on a literal trail or in life, each twist is an opportunity to recalibrate and move forward.

Detours this week included hitting a dead end that led to spotting a coyote at Twin Ponds. I also came down with a cold which meant removing myself from a hike I was looking forward to. Yet the special excursions that may have exposed me to a virus this week – a WTA trail work party at Kasch Park, the Mountaineers outdoor leadership conference, and a Choir of the Sound concert — were all important to me and worth attending. I’ll take the cold as a price to pay for great experiences. Perhaps providing massive self-care at the start of a harried holiday season will mean more enjoyment in a few weeks.

A dead-end path at Twin Ponds resulted in an encounter with a coyote that I was lucky to get on camera. I embrace detours like that!

TAKEAWAY: What would your inner child like to do this holiday season? Have hot chocolate by a fire? play in the snow? go ice skating or caroling? put up a new type of decoration? What does the young child within you yearn to experience, play with, do, or see? What would it feel like to carve out thirty minutes to do something you used to love? If you have young children or grandchildren, how might you plan an experience that will provide you with memories of a lifetime, and still embrace detours that arise?

Share your takeaways in the comments! I love hearing from readers. Happy Holidays!