One of the best feelings I had growing up was being completely exhausted at the end of the day after playing outside all day.

Hiking is great because it's a lifelong sport and you're outdoors, active, so whether you call that a sport or a hobby or a recreation, I think the wording - it's a great way to get exercise, and it can be as challenging as you want to make it.

I was surrounded by life and beauty. My soul was content, and my life felt full.

Writing is one of the main ways that I process the experience.

A lot of people talk about the trail healing them, but I feel like, the first time, it humbled me, which I probably needed. It was a completely new way to experience the world and my body.

Our bodies are made to move, and moving down the trail is one of the oldest, natural ways people have used their bodies.

One thing I think I've always felt about being in nature is that it's a very natural taste.