a Jaunt with Joy

Travel Blogger & Agent. Wildlife Biologist. Outdoor Advocate. Seasonal Cruise Crew.

[ajauntwithjoy]

POV : You walk into the Clubhouse at @autocamp Yosemite…🤩. What I would do to take that fire pit area and put it right into my apt. What’s your favorite Clubhouse spot here, or piece of decor you’re eyeing? #autocamp #autocampyosemite #yosemite #midpines #yosemitenps #contentcreators #travelphotographer (at AutoCamp Yosemite) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp6tj2ps6z1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Taking breaks to eat snacks is my idea of a fun hike! 🥾 I brought a variety box of @katesrealfood bars on our last day trip, and keep them in Mike’s truck now for all our mini adventures around our new area. There’s so many good flavors (I can’t wait to bust out the lemon coconut one), and just knowing they’re tasty but also healthy puts my mind at ease. They’re organic, kosher, gluten and soy free, and use responsibly sourced honey as a natural sweetener. CHECK CHECK CHECK. Don’t get me wrong though, I also love me some sugary junk snacks in the wilderness too lol. Nothing beats sour gummy worms outdoors. #katesrealfood #granolabars #hikingsnacks #trailfood #fuelyouradventure (at Tennessee) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpgv1gtsF3L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

This @autocamp Yosemite trip was one for the books! Just reminiscing on last September's girls glamping getaway with the @woshgroup. It's caused me to go down a unique lodging rabbit hole, now that we're in Tennessee. I've already started researching and creating a list of equally cool-looking spots to stay at (including the closest Autocamp location to us now). 😉 Originally our group had booked glamping tents, but due to the excessive heat warnings we were given complimentary AIRSTREAM UPGRADES! I was freaking out because I had always wanted to stay in an Autocamp airstream -- and lemme tell you, it did not disappoint! From the A/C to the chic bathroom to the coffee that I definitely took home. 📽️ See my Autocamp highlight for sneak peeks. And who wants an airstream tour video?! #autocamp #autocampyosemite #yosemite #yosemitenationalpark (at AutoCamp Yosemite) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpeINTZMBam/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

It’s #WorldWildlifeDay! So I’m sharing these Bald Eagle shots 🦅from my 2019 solo trip to Alaska (after realizing I actually have a ton of unshared photos from this trip still)! After working on cruise ships in Southeast AK, working a season in the Arctic of Barrow (Utqiagvik) as an aerial camera technician monitoring arctic marine mammals, and doing a few mostly-solo trips throughout Denali, Talkeetna, Fairbanks, Anchorage, and Seward, I can easily wholeheartedly say that Alaska is THE place to be for incredible wildlife experiences! 🐻 Where’s YOUR favorite wildlife-viewing area and what animal do you REALLYYYY wanna see?! #wildlifebiologist #wwd #worldwildlife #wildlifeday #baldeagle #visitseward #seward #sewardalaska #travelalaska #visitalaska #alaskawildlife (at Seward, Alaska) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpVW2coObP5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Coffee. For when your body’s too nervous to poop in the wilderness. 🏔️ I brought these @lannacoffeeco travel pour overs on a backpacking trip to the Trinity Alps with friends, and everyone agreed on it being some of the best coffee we’ve had outdoors! 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙚 𝙨𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡? ☕️ They’re ethically sourced and work directly with the farmers, paying them well above market rates. ☕️ They’re service and mission minded, sourcing from Northern Thailand, an area greatly affected by a lack of access to international trade. ☕️ It’s all freshly weekly roasted and based out of Fresno, CA. ☕️ They can ship right to your door! Order online or find them in stores like Costco and Whole Foods. ☕️ The travel pour over style makes it SO much easier to enjoy specialty coffee on-the-go, while traveling, camping, etc. The only downfall is that they’re a bit bulkier than instant coffee packets and can tear easier (I put a few in a ziplock bag to avoid any grinds in my pack). So if you’re an ultralighter or doing a lengthier hike, you might not like the extra weight of packing these out with you. Would you try these?! Is quality coffee an absolute must for your outdoor adventures too? #pourovercoffee #travelcoffee #campcoffee #trinityalps (at Trinity Alps, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpL2wDZp3L4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Winter is WATERFALL SEASON in Tennessee! 💦 And though the foliage looks pretty drab this time of year, the water is GORGEous! So Mike and I are setting out to explore as many as we can - Which y’all already know I’ll be featuring here, with any trail info and tips. 😉 Bald River Falls was first up. It’s located within Cherokee National Forest and is considered one of the most spectacular in the region, here in East TN. You can drive right to it on a narrow road and there’s a small parking lot on the roadside and a trailhead (Bald River Trail on @alltrails). A public restroom & picnic tables are right down the road too. So don’t listen to those TLC folks, and come chase waterfalls with me! Which one should we see next? 📍: Cherokee, Yuchi, & Miccosukee Land #chasingwaterfalls #visittennessee #baldriverfalls #exploretennessee #hiketennessee #easttn #tellicoplains #outdoorsygirl #hikelikeagirl #granolagirl #tennesseewaterfalls (at Bald River Falls) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoQcgjag8q9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

PSA : You don’t have to have every single piece of gear you think you need in order to get out and have an adventure. Don’t get me wrong. It’s still important to be prepared. Know the terrain you’ll be in, the weather, the rules for the area, and pack the 10 essentials. But you don’t need to wait around until you can buy every little thing you’re told (or social media tells you) to get for your hiking, camping, or backpacking trip. 🏕️ This is my sleep setup for backpacking. An ultralight @nemoequipment Hornet tent, the @seatosummit Comfort Lite self-inflating sleeping pad, and the @rei Women’s Joule 21 down sleeping bag. ALL of which I found for massive discounts at an REI garage sale, years ago! What you don’t see are the little things I’d LIKE to get that’ll improve my experience just that much more, but that I don’t necessarily need. Like a backpacking pillow to help with my scoliosis 💁🏻‍♀️ and to avoid back & neck pain (I currently use a folded up jacket and sweater as a pillow). And a bigger tarp at the bottom and better quality tent stakes — I bent a few of my cheap tent stakes on this trip and some of them I had to put heavy rocks on top of to keep them secure. There are so many other things (especially clothing-wise) I feel that I want and need for certain adventures but the truth is, you just gotta get out there and start. Use what you have. If you don’t have something you absolutely need, ask friends to borrow items. Search thrift shops or the used gear section on @rei’s website or shop at their outlets. You can also rent gear and items from REI and other places (check your local outdoor businesses too). 🎒 I hope this post encourages someone interested in the outdoors to just GET OUTSIDE and try new things this year! Whether you have the perfect tent setup or not, whether you have the best hiking shoes on the market or not… #getoutandexplore 📍: Northern Wintu and Walla Walla land #rei #rei1440project #nemo #nemoequipment #seatosummit #trinityalps #canyoncreeklakes #backpackinglife #backpackinggear #campinggear #campinglife #outdoorwoman #backpackingadventures (at Trinity Alps, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CncQ4vKONlv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Sharing more NorCal adventures until I can get out and explore TN! @madoutdoorsy and I woke up hella early (as per usual 😆) and drove from Sac to Tahoe to do some late Oct hiking, before dropping me off at the @outdoormediasummit. It was my last trip to Tahoe before the cross country move. 🌲 First up on our agenda? Tackling the Lake Aloha Trail in Desolation Wilderness! We arrived at the trailhead at sunrise (and saw a Black bear on the drive in!) and made pancakes on a Jetboil before starting the hike. The Lake Aloha trail is a 12.5 mile loop that takes you by 5 lakes. So it was scenic af! 💦 It’s usually heavily trafficked but going this late in the season (end of Oct) meant a much quieter trail. A good portion of it is fairly flat but 2 sections have difficult elevation gain. (Note that the trail is labeled as difficult/strenuous). All the pretty views you get along the way make for great excuses to stop hiking, catch your breath, and take some pics. 😜 What’s your favorite Tahoe-area trail with views?? 📍: Washoe land 📷 by @madoutdoorsy #lakealoha #lakealohatrail #desolationwilderness #tahoesouth #hikecalifornia #echolake #womenoutdoors (at Lake Aloha) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVkpQyMKDc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

I can’t believe it’s already been almost 2 weeks since moving to Tennessee. We’ve been drowning in a sea of boxes, 📦spending all our time so far just unpacking, furniture shopping, and working. AND seeing family we haven’t seen in years (a major reason we said yes to Mike choosing the Smokies job). Apparently East TN gets some snow. Something I’ve been lucky enough to just *visit* while living in Sacramento the last 8 years 😅. We would drive a few hours and play in the snow in Tahoe or Lassen and then come back home, without ever needing to shovel or scrape ice off a windshield. My upstate NY roots are squirming right now butttt…CA has definitely ruined my cold tolerance 😆. Leave any winter hiking/camping tips and gear suggestions in the comments plz! Because I am ITCHING to escape the unpacking and go explore GSMNP trails! ❄️ Pic from my birthday trip to Mount Shasta last year, borrowing snowshoes from @paulinadao and waddling around Lassen Volcanic NP. Adding snowshoes to my gear closet list. 📝 #lassen #snowshoes #winterhike #winterhiking #easttn #smokies (at Lassen Volcanic National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZSYcissSU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Just secured this season’s hottest accessory. 🗳 #yourvotematters Pull up and getchu one too! There’s a link in my stories that’ll show you the nearest voting centers and drop off ballot locations to you. Use code VOTE22 on your @lyft account for a discounted ride to go vote. Or use a @lime bike/scooter for free to/from the polls with code LIMETOTHEPOLLS2022 today. #ivotedtoday #govote 🇺🇸 (at Sacramento, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckt6UAOvOad/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

What a difference a couple days can make 👀! I left EARLY Saturday morning with @madoutdoorsy and headed to Lake Tahoe for some hiking and car camping, before attending this year’s @outdoormediasummit in @travelnorthtahoenevada. Running on iced coffee, sore muscles, and drained energy at the moment, but it was such an incredible jam-packed 4-day getaway (that honestly felt like 4 weeks). Can’t wait to share more soon! 🌲 But for now, my Moving-To-Tennessee-ONE-MONTH-COUNTDOWN has officially started! I’d be lying if I said everything was ok and that I’m ready for it. Between packing, cleaning, selling furniture, my career changes, trying to buy a home and secure an apt, scheduling goodbyes with friends, wrapping up jobs and completing client work, etc etc — you could say I’ve been stressed 🫠. There’s a lot of uncertainties. But I am SO looking forward to the dust settling, no more long distance, being closer to family, and exploring the South! Leave a 🏠 emoji if you resonate with a big move and feeling all the feelings lol. 📍: Washoe land #secretcove #gotahoenorth #tahoenorth #northlaketahoe #outdoormediasummit #visitcalifornia (at Secret Cove Tahoe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkeTzdBSxgu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

IT’S OCTOBER, WITCHES! And just 30 more days until the @outdoormediasummit! 🌲🥾 It’s close to home for me this year, in North Lake Tahoe! It’ll sadly be my last Tahoe trip before moving to TN, so I’m planning on taking full advantage 🥲. 📍: Washoe land Photos from the Stateline Lookout Trail outside of Incline Village. Shop these @alderapparel hiking joggers in the bio link. #thealdercrew #giftedpants #tahoenorth #northlaketahoe #outdoormediasummit (at Stateline Fire Lookout) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjLXWMjLTam/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

Now taking name suggestions for my @rei Trailbreak 60L pack! Big Bertha is out of the mix, y’all. 🎒 Back in July, I went on my 2nd-ever backpacking trip. And I defffinitely overpacked. Did I really need a 60L pack for a 3 day trip (that actually turned into 2 days due to weather)? Maybe not. 😆 It sure held a lot of snacks and food though (#priorities), and I didn’t feel like it was too heavy for me — especially after learning how to properly pack a backpack. But, yeh, I admit I could’ve gone without a few things. I have a nice @deuter daypack, so now I’m on the hunt for a mid-size pack around 45L for future weekend trips. Still for SURE keeping {insert backpack’s new name here} though, cuz I plan on tackling many more and longer backpacking trails over in TN! 🌳 If you know of any Southern backpacking areas, I’d love to hear about them! Also literally any backpacking advice and tips or knowledge is helpful! I learned so many little tricks while on this getaway with a few friends! #backpackbackpack #backpackingadventures #backpackinggear #backpackinglife #rei1440project #trinityalps (at Trinity Alps, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci-8JkwPxSl/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

My face when I get to escape Sacramento’s 100°+ days : 😃😊. I wanted to test out my new @alderapparel hiking shorts & joggers, so running away to Tahoe(‘s cooler weather) was the perfect excuse. After a day of hiking around North Lake Tahoe and then exploring King’s Beach, here are my initial thoughts on my Alder Apparel bottoms : 🩳 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝟯.𝟬 The first test in any hiking bottoms I try is to see if my phone fits in the pockets lol. It did in both of these. Next! They’re water resistant and quick drying with 7 pockets, a detachable belt, and were a great length (not tight around my thighs). Only con for me was how high waisted they are, so since I have bigger obliques 😆 they felt a bit tight on the top. Overall : I like these and would definitely wear them again on shorter day hikes! Cute & Functional! 👖𝗕𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 First thing I noticed was how soft they were. Sooo comfortable and breathable too. They have a stretchy pull-on waistband, sweat-wicking fabric, 6 pockets, and ankle zippers. No con’s so far though I probably wouldn’t wear these on hikes with thick brush or lots of rock scrambling since the material might tear during intense adventures. Overall : I am in love with these and want to live in them. If I could get 1 in every color I would. Perfect for your average hike, any urban exploring, or even just lounging at home. 🌲 “𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺” 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 they’re cute AND functional and I’ll be testing them more on trips to come. I’m so stoked to have joined #thealdercrew, to have been #gifted these items, and to be aligned with a women’s outdoor clothing brand that’s one of the most size inclusive; with environmental values and a drive to represent ALL types of women in the outdoor space. 🫶 📸 : Taken by @rebecca.wes.photo #recreating #takeahike #tahoenorth #northlaketahoe #hikingclothes #womeninthewild #outdoorwomen #granolagirl #hikingoutfit (at North Lake Tahoe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiAtgmpPswr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

🥄 MACARONI IN A POT 🥄 That’s some good a$$ camp food…For real though, on your next camping or backpacking trip, get some @annieshomegrown macaroni, a chicken creations pouch, and breadcrumbs (or make your own), and tell me it’s not the most fire dinner! 🤌 Thanks to @madoutdoorsy for this group meal idea on our Trinity Alps/Canyon Creek Lakes trip! 🏕 And thanks to @jennysimacek for our sour gummy worm dessert. 🙌 #trinityalps #canyoncreeklakes #campfood #campingfood #backpackingfood #backpackingadventures (at Trinity Alps, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChShnmapfM6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

☁️ Hello, Bob Ross? Is that you? ☁️ After yesterday’s announcement, it’s back to our regularly scheduled programming…for now. Successfully conquered my 2nd-ever backpacking trip over July 4th weekend! @madoutdoorsy, @lola.and.arlen.roam, @jennysimacek, and I hiked Canyon Creek Lakes Trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, in Northern California 🏔. AllTrails fibbed a little, but we made it! We clocked around 9 miles each way on this out-and-back trail (camping on the rock area that sits between the two lakes). The last couple miles were BRUTAL 🥵! But these views were so worth it. And now I’m itching to plan more backpacking trips, now that I’ve got most of the gear! #addicted 🌅 #trinityalps #canyoncreeklakes #shasta #lassen #visitcalifornia #backpackingadventures #alltrails (at Canyon Creek Lakes) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgHrKKmrN55/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ajauntwithjoy]

🏡 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦!! 🏡 We’re moving! At different times. To a house we don’t have yet. To a place we’ve never been before. And for some reason that feels way more stressful and scary than it has in the past. But also SO dang exciting! Today is our 11 year anniversary so it feels like the perfect time to announce this next chapter of ours. Mike has been pursuing his career as a National Park Ranger since we first met in college in 2008. He’s done season after season, and we’ve endured an insane amount of long distance with limited connection while he’s in the parks. I’m BEYOND 👏 PROUD 👏 (and relieved) to say he’s been offered a permanent position! All of his hard work and all of our #LDR struggles have finally paid off! 🌳 So we’re MOVING TO TENNESSEE! *cue the emotional rollercoaster* He leaves soon and then I’ll be moving to join him in November. We’ll also be starting the HOME BUYING PROCESS soon too! 🔑 And now some real-talk. I *am* excited. But I’m also lowkey freaking out. I joined a FB group for newcomers to the area, and posted a question looking for cross country moving tips from CA. And y’all when I tell you those responses were NOT THE VIBE, they were Not. I wasn’t ready for all the Karen’s and Richard’s to pop off. That was my first mistake. I then found another group that was nothing but welcoming and friendly, and that eased my mind. Until roevwade was overturned. It’s a very scary thing to realize you’re about to move to the South, where a majority of the town shares such polar opposite views as you, in a state you feel stripped of your rights in if God forbid anything were to happen w/ my future pregnancies, AND with no friends or support system in place there yet (other than THE most incredible man, thank God for him). Kindly, don’t @ me saying it’ll all be ok. I know it will be. We make the best of everything and we can handle this. The pro’s far outweigh these cons and that’s what I’m trying to focus on - But it wouldn’t be real of me to say only how stoked I am and not share how anxious I am too. Continued in the comments. ⤵️ (at Sacramento, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgGBwHFJB7C/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=