March 20, 2025
My Story of Gratitude - The Community
Back at that time when I attended my first group hike in February of last year, I had only been a solo hiker. I had a loyal and supportive online following, but I had never met any of them in person. Going on gallivants always brought me joy, but my life felt empty as a solo hiker. Plus, having a partner who only went on hikes because I liked to didn't help things. I wanted to surround myself with people who were also passionate about hiking. By the time I broke up with her at the end of 2023, I knew that I needed to find friends who shared my passion for the outdoors. But I didn't know where to start.
That's when my friend Ivan came into the picture. Also known as "Hikes & Mics" on Instagram, I had appeared on his podcast way back in 2022 and had become good friends with him. We just missed linking up a few times, before finally he told me last February that he was flying out to SoCal to attend a group hike. I jumped at the chance to meet him. Our mutual friend and fellow podcast guest Bekka would be joining us as well, but outside of them, I didn't know anyone else that was scheduled to be at the hike.
That's when my friends Juan and Justin came into the picture. Known as "Outdoor Adventures+" and "Justrek" on Instagram, respectively, they were hosting a collaboration hike celebrating the 4th anniversary of "OA+". It was a Star Wars themed hike. I met Ivan for coffee and then headed over to the parking lot of the trailhead. I was very nervous as I approached the group, as I tend to feel overstimulated around crowds. But then I saw Ivan and Bekka come up, and soon I met Juan and Justin, and eventually the rest of the group. Everyone was friendly to me and I felt welcomed, like I was part of their family. I had only attended the hike because Ivan was there, but I had a lot of fun that day and was looking forward to attending the next hike they hosted.
Juan was hosting a hike at Griffith Park, the 12 peak challenge hike. It was a grueling hike, but I had a great time, and we had Mexican food afterwards, which was a nice treat. And the rest is history! I soon became a regular member of OA+, and by the end of last year, a trail lead for the group. In a 1 year span, I went from being a solo hiker who was broken inside, to a solo/group hiker with purpose, thanks to OA+, Justrek, and the other hiking groups that I've attended hikes with. Thanks to them, I've not only made friendships that will last a lifetime, but also now have brothers and sisters who I will always share a strong bond with.
If you told me at the end of 2023 that I'd lead my own group hikes, I wouldn't have believed you. Back then I never thought any of that would have been possible, but because I decided to get out of my comfort zone and attend that collaboration hike last February, that decision made this all possible. I'm grateful for everyone in the community who has embraced me with kindness, and for all the friendships that I've made in this community. I've even met up with other IG friends that are not affiliated with the hiking groups for hikes, and have multiple hiking meet-ups planned this summer. The best is yet to come! Thank you for your support up to this point, I’m grateful for it ❤️
Kelly's Story of Gratitude
Reaching the summit of Humphreys Peak taught me that real growth often comes with discomfort. I used to see this hike as out of my reach, too high, too hard, too far from what I believed I was capable of.But step by step, I proved myself wrong. The …
BEKKA'S STORY OF GRATITUDE
I could easily say that what I’m most thankful for is time spent outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. How nature and the trail are where my soul feels most alive. How I find balance and grounding in nature. And how hiking has heale…
