by Nancy Ball | Aug 21, 2022 | Trips
I love to travel. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, learning about different cultures… and I especially love seeing unspoiled mountains, rivers, oceans, forests, jungles, deserts, and every other ecosystem found in our natural world. Seeing the world...
by Nancy Ball | May 24, 2022 | Backpacking
Summit Sisters Founding members hiked the Twin Arches loop in Big South Fork, Tennessee a few weeks ago. The wildflowers were blooming like crazy, the weather was picture perfect, and we were filled to bursting with Tree Aura. “What’s ‘Tree Aura’,” you say? Tree Aura...
by Nancy Ball | Mar 28, 2022 | Backpacking
What’s an ideal pack weight? Is down better than synthetics for a sleeping bag? Should my footwear be waterproofed? How big of a tent do I need? And how do I poop in the woods?? HYOH in social media platforms for backpackers means “Hike Your Own Hike”. It’s a...
by Nancy Ball | Jan 19, 2022 | Backpacking
One question EVERY new backpacker has is about toileting. There is so much angst about pooping in the woods, even though humans have been doing it for billions of years. It’s the most natural thing in the world, but most of us grew up with indoor plumbing that...
by Nancy Ball | Jan 19, 2022 | Backpacking
But after a planned 200-mile section on the AT (Appalachian Trail) which ended at mile 162 due to a stress fracture, I’ve realized thru hiking isn’t for me. As much as I love the sweet tiredness that overcomes me as the sun sets after a day of pounding out miles, I...
