Northbound Nomad Beginnings: The First Steps

My love for backpacking didn’t develop overnight—it was a slow, steady journey. Growing up in an archipelago of diverse landscapes, I spent a lot of time outdoors, but it wasn’t until I went on my first multi-day backpacking trip that something clicked. I still remember the weight of my pack (30+ lbs heavy), the quiet of the woods as the sun set, and the way the stars looked, brighter and more vivid than I’d ever seen beforee

What began as a casual escape from the routine 9-5 quickly turned into something deeper. Each trip out into the backcountry taught me more—about myself, my trail family, the land, and the simple joy of being disconnected from the modern world. I learned to embrace the challenges, whether it was trudging up steep inclines, navigating tricky terrain, drinking from questionable water sources, or dealing with unpredictable weather. There’s something about carrying everything you need on your back that gives a sense of freedom unlike anything else.

Over time, I started craving longer trips and more remote trails, seeking out places where the journey itself mattered more than the destination. Backpacking is becoming to be more than just an escape but a need to take a “grown up gap year” or maybe two to fulfill a dream - to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. It’s this love for the trail, for the people that matters, for the wild places, and for the sense of adventure that ultimately led me to plan my upcoming Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike. Every step I’ve taken so far has brought me here, ready to embrace the miles ahead.