We took a fall day trip to Yosemite this year right before the Tioga Pass closed. This past weekend, we drove from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park for a day trip. Knowing the Tioga Pass would close sometime in October, we saw that the weather was going to be warm and sunny and made …
I’ve been settling in Mammoth for the past week and to say the least, I am overwhelmed with outdoors information! It’s like an information overload in the best possible way. Here I’ll list some of Mammoth’s Lakes that I found particularly stunning and accessible. Twin Lakes Elevation: 8,600 feet Activities: Walking, fishing, biking, camping, kayaking, …
Published 2021, Updated 2025 Should you move to Mammoth Lakes? It Was Time For Change Hey! So I moved countries, cities, climates, cultures and communities this week. What a time for change. Living in Queenstown, New Zealand was a life-changing experience and such an unforgettable two years. It wasn’t my plan to move back to …
Here I’ll describe 3 of my favorite ways to spend the day in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Much of that has to do with tacos, picnicking, and being by the beach. I was born and raised in SB. Since growing up here, I’ve returned to spend a few weeks with my family ever year. Morning …
Cromwell offers delicious wine, stunning vistas and small-town charm that is the perfect getaway from the rush of Auckland or the buzz of touristy Queenstown. Head to Cromwell to get off the beaten-track. I was given the opportunity to first visit Cromwell back in 2020 after Covid. The valley is a unique area of New …
Published 2020, Updated 2025 Just the highlights of people’s lives are broadcast on social media. All the accomplishments, beautiful views, and the picture-perfect curated moments are presented to the world. But what about the not-so-good days, difficult feelings, and the times where life doesn’t go as planned? Ultimately, social media cannot replace human connection although …
Everything you’ll need for your first snowboard season! Snowboard Gear for Rookies Last year, I was debating if snowboarding was worth the hype. I couldn’t shake the image of a bunch of old white dudes cheersing at the ski resorts. In the US, it didn’t seem like the most inclusive or fun sport. It was …
Published March 2021, Updated 2025 Routeburn in 2 Days: Panoramic Views, Excellent Company Some friends and I decided to hike the Routeburn in 2 days and 1 night. New Zealand’s Great Walks are truly epic. Especially the Routeburn. “I want to do the Routeburn,” “I want to too,” my friends would chirp up when we …
A tale of international love, life abroad, mental health, and adventure in its purest form. The Complexities of Living Abroad When I post photos of myself smiling in breathtaking landscapes and share exciting travel anecdotes on social media and my blog, that’s only a tiny snippet into my world here in Queenstown. And that’s only …
Intro to Mount Aspiring I first learned about Liverpool Hut last summer on my first backpacking trip in New Zealand to Mount Aspiring Hut in Mount Aspiring National Park. We heard Liverpool was one of the coolest hikes and huts in New Zealand. Last year, this hut was not bookable, meaning people would wake up …