“Think Outside” Presentation – LNT & the Pacific Crest Trail

On April 11, I had the good fortune of doing a couple of presentations for an outdoor program called tHInK OutsidE. The goal of the program is to educate school kids about the wilderness, with an emphasis on LNT (Leave No Trace) principles and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. The talks took place at the Valley Oaks Charter School in Tehachapi, CA, and I can unequivocally say that I have never been asked so many questions about bears and snakes in all of my life!

Swami & Rockin’

My participation was organized by none other than the founder of the program, Christy “Rockin” Rosander . I met Rockin’ on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2012. We hiked together for a few hours between Buck’s Lake and Belden in northern CA and I was was bowled over by her infectious enthusiasm and unconditional love of the outdoors. We’ve been friends ever since.

Over the years, Rockin’ has hiked lengthy sections of both the PCT and CDT, in addition to doing a multitude of off-trail routes throughout the High Sierra of California. Along with her equally awesome husband, Dan, she just returned from a challenging six day trip in the Grand Canyon. In a few weeks they are both heading over to Scotland to take on the TGO Challenge.

For the lowdown on all Rockin’s latest adventures, check out her blog, Lady on a Rock.

Thanks to the all the 5th and 6th graders at Valley Oaks for being such a great audience, and a special shout out to ‘Rockin’ and Dan for their amazing hospitality during my time in Tehachapi.

Snakes on the Florida Trail | 12 Long Walks (Photo from Rockin’)

Kids from the tHInK OutsidE program prior to their recent six mile walk on the Cameron Ridge section of the PCT (Photo from Rockin’)