Ridge Raven Freedom Seeker If you ever worry about getting lost, this free app is your new best friend. I use AllTrails+ for offline maps, but even the free version is helpful. It can be off on mileage a but so be ware. It lets you: Preview elevation and trail conditions Read recent hiker reviews (super helpful after storms) Filter by distance, difficulty, or dog-friendliness Before I used it, I relied on hope and half-faded trail signs. Now, I head out with way more confidence, especially on...

Ridge Raven Freedom Seeker I always carry three things in my backpack — even on short hikes. Two are obvious. One might surprise you. The obvious ones: water and snacks (because trail hangry is real). The surprising one? A burned wooden token with the word steady carved into it. It’s part ritual, part reminder. When I’m doubting myself or losing steam, I hold it for a few seconds. It helps me recalibrate. That little piece of wood has seen waterfalls, thunderstorms, and breakdowns. And every...

Ridge Raven Freedom Seeker Solo hikes get all the glory — but they’re not the only way to reconnect. I love hiking alone. But I’ve also cried-laughed my way through muddy trails with a friend, shared silence with a stranger, and found healing in shared steps, not just solo ones. The myth that healing must be a lonely journey keeps people stuck. The truth? You get to choose how you walk it. Whether you’re side by side or solo, it’s the intention, not the isolation, that creates healing. Know...