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It Would Be So Easy to Walk Away
Self-discipline is often hard. When I am home it is easy to find reasons to put something off until the next day. But out here on the trail the consequences are much more apparent and often dire. For example, if I just don’t hike because I don’t feel like it one day, I will run
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A Warm Welcome in Whitehall
From right: Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh of Whitehall, Montana; Mary; and Shannon. I took off from Butte not exactly sure where I was going. As I was about to embark on a very sun-exposed walk of about 20 miles with almost no water I met Derby, a really kind hiker. We wove our way together
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Working Around the Wildfires
It’s not the bears I am most afraid of out here. Lightning on an exposed ridge scares me more. And even more than that, I am concerned about forest fires. I don’t go around in constant fear of them, but I am more wary of them than I am of bears. I keep an eye
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A Reminder to Hike Your Own Hike
I am continuously struggling not to compare myself to others out here. Most everyone I meet can outhike me. Sometimes I attribute it to the fact that I am usually more than double their age. But I know there are people my age who are in better shape. If I compare myself to others I
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How I Know I’m a Writer
I decided I must really be a writer when, soon after hitting a deer on the highway, I was overcome with an intense need to write about it. I couldn’t wait to let the words come. I had to pull over and write. While pondering why that is I came to these conclusions: Writing helps
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How to Get Past a Blowdown
Going over a blowdown is a bit like dealing with life’s difficulties. First I assess the situation. Then I look at how others have approached it before me. I take one small step at a time, watching for pointy pitfalls along the way, always mindful of keeping my balance. When approaching one, I first slow
The Mary Badass
A Ruminating Blog About Personal Healing, Adventure and Day to Day Life
The Mary Badass 