I've left this blog dormant for so many months and I have so many things I'd like to write and publish here, eventually, but today I'm updating for a very specific and singular reason, and that is to talk about toxic masculinity in the long distance hiking community! When I got off the trail last … Continue reading I Stopped Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail Because of Toxic Masculinity and I Finally Wrote An Essay About It
Just Some Personal News
Hello, world! I haven't touched my blog in so many weeks (months?!) because there is so much backlogged content I want to write about (like the end of my PCT adventure, and the entirety of my Camino de Santiago adventure, and also some additional feelings I had while traveling), and for some reason I felt … Continue reading Just Some Personal News
Switzerland, Day 4: Mountains, Marmots & Excessive Train Travel
Pack up all my stuff, quickly eat breakfast, race to the train station to begin my day: I was certainly getting into a routine in Switzerland. I used a locker at the train station in Montreux to store my backpack and took a tiny day pack with me up to Rochers de Naye. I could … Continue reading Switzerland, Day 4: Mountains, Marmots & Excessive Train Travel
Switzerland, Day 3: Dairy Adventures in Gruyères
I woke up as soon as my alarm went off at 7am - anyone who has ever slept next to me would've been shocked and impressed with how quickly I shut that shit off and popped out of bed. I'm a notorious snoozer, for those who haven't shared a bed with me, but you can't … Continue reading Switzerland, Day 3: Dairy Adventures in Gruyères
Switzerland, Day 2: Finding Freddie Mercury in Montreux
The train was blessedly easy. I gather that buying a ticket works on the honor system - you don't have to show it to anyone to board the train, and I thought the conductor would eventually come around to check, but he did not. Maybe on longer trains eventually they would? I don't know. I … Continue reading Switzerland, Day 2: Finding Freddie Mercury in Montreux
Switzerland, Day 1: Fondue and Flea Markets in Geneva
It took me less than an hour to get to Geneva. I hopped on the bus in France, battled motion sickness for a solid 45 minute, and then suddenly I was in a new country. I had an easy time getting my Swiss Travel Pass - it's such a relief that everyone in a customer … Continue reading Switzerland, Day 1: Fondue and Flea Markets in Geneva
Four Days in Paris: The Beginning of our Euro Trip
We landed at 10am on Thursday morning and I couldn't actually believe we were in Paris. I think partially because I planned so little for this trip (credit to Alley, she got most things in logistical order and I just decided to tag along, essentially) and partially because I've been so all over the place … Continue reading Four Days in Paris: The Beginning of our Euro Trip
Society of Queer Adventurers Prepare for Europe: The Interview, Part Two
Remember yesterday when I wrote that after getting off the Pacific Crest Trail I cooked up a pretty fantastic Plan B for the summer? Now I want to tell you more about that! I’m going to Europe for three months with my girlfriend Alley, and we’ll be hiking, biking, WWOOFing, and exploring all over the … Continue reading Society of Queer Adventurers Prepare for Europe: The Interview, Part Two
Spoiler alert: I am no longer on the PCT
The title of this post gives the subject matter away before I even begin. I suppose that's okay. Best to not bury the lede. Good morning, dear blog readers. I am no longer on the PCT. I left the trail on May 29. I'm glad I did, but it's also complicated. Sigh. I've been putting … Continue reading Spoiler alert: I am no longer on the PCT
Day Nineteen: Finally, Fuller Ridge
Mile 183.5 to mile 190.5 + Deer Springs Trail (3.5 miles) 10.5 miles Lynn, Cate, and Mike all get up and leave very early. I'm taking the shuttle with Caddy and Hobo from the inn where they're staying to the Deer Spring trailhead, and it only leaves at 8:30, so I've got time. It would be … Continue reading Day Nineteen: Finally, Fuller Ridge
Vanessa Friedman 