MEET THE BLOGGER
Hey, I’m Tanya! Passionate hiker, national park lover, and world explorer.
My love for the outdoors took root in childhood, wandering the remote, untamed countryside of Belarus from sunrise to sundown. However, I did not have the luxury to travel much as a kid. My first international trip was to a summer camp on the Black Sea of Ukraine at age 14. This unforgettable experience left such an impression on me that 5 years later, I set out on the biggest adventure of my life: moving to the United States of America at the ripe age of 19.
During the next 15+ years, I lived the “American Dream:” graduated with honors from Regis University, earned my CPA license, built a stable career, got married and had two beautiful children. As a military spouse, I had the privilege of living in 4 different states and experiencing the vast, wildly diverse landscapes of the U.S. firsthand. I fell in love with Colorado’s snowcapped Rocky Mountains, California’s otherworldly desert landscapes, Hawaii’s tropical beaches and jaw dropping peaks, and Virginia’s misty Blue Ridge Mountains.
It all started when I went on my first solo hike to McAfee Knob in 2019.
As life would have it, my American Dream fell apart. I got divorced in 2018 and went on a long, introspective journey of self-discovery. It wasn’t until the spring of 2019 that I rekindled my love for the great outdoors. I bought a pair of hiking boots online (big mistake!), and drove 3 hours to hike McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. I had no idea what I was doing but felt so free and alive!
Shortly after that seemingly small but life-changing experience, I joined a hiking club. Let’s be real, I barely knew how to read trail markers or practice animal safety, let alone follow proper trail etiquette. That summer, hiking became a weekly ritual. I found peace, clarity and a renewed sense of wonder and purpose in Shenandoah National Park.
When the world shut down in 2020, I kept hiking and went on to create the Outdoorsy Singles hiking club where I met so many like-minded adventurers. Together we built a community and lifelong friendships, developed new skills, and learned how to backpack.
In 2021, I began to travel the world solo, summiting Half Dome, trekking through the Andes in Peru and Patagonia, crossing the Italian, French and SwissAlps, exploring the Canadian Rockies, and hiking in breathtaking Norway, the Faroe Islands, New Zealand, and Columbia. Now I am on a mission to hike every trail on O’ahu and bring you along.
01. Hiking the iconic McAfee Knob in Virginia/ 02. Outdoorsy Singles gang/ 03. First solo backpacking trip to Half Dome in Yosemite / 04. Backpacking the Inca Trail in Peru
5
continents
26
countries
39
U.S. States
24
National Parks
Whether you are planning your first hike on O’ahu or dreaming about tackling a trail halfway around the world, I hope this blog inspires you to explore with confidence and curiosity.
After years of solo hiking and visiting dozens of national parks across the United States and abroad, I have created this space to share everything I have learned along the way, from iconic bucket-list adventures to lesser-known trails.
I want you to experience the places that changed me. From narrow volcanic ridges above the Pacific and hidden jungle waterfalls in Hawaii, to epic day hikes and multi-day treks in the U.S. and in the remote corners of the world.
My trail guides and itineraries are built to help you choose hikes that fit your skill level, navigate confidently, and enjoy the experience. I hope this blog inspires you to reconnect with nature and this beautiful planet we call home.
1. Ka’au Crater Ridge 2. Kjerag Boulder in Norway 3. Grand Teton National Park
O’ahu Hikes for First timers
After living in the Hawaiian Islands for over three years and hiking more than 40 trails on O’ahu across every difficulty level, I am sharing three standout beginner friendly hikes that give you a true taste of the island, from waterfalls and Ko’olau ridgelines to a west side coastal bird sanctuary with nesting Laysan albatross and Hawaiian monk seals.
This or That:
Hiking Edition
Here’s my take on big issues. Your thoughts?
| TRAIL RUNNERS | |
| RIDGE HIKE | |
| SUNSET | |
| MOUNTAINS | |
| HIDDEN GEM | |
| LONG AND GRINDY | |
| TRAIL SNACKS |
My Bucket List
Here are a few highlights from my ultimate adventure list, filled with past triumphs and future dreams!
| See the Northern Lights |
| Trek the Himalayas in Nepal |
| Photograph Bears at Brook Falls in Alaska |
| Explore Antarctica by Zodiac Boat |
| Visit every nordic country |
| Complete the W Trek in Patagonia |
| Cruise the galapagos Islands |
| Track wildlife on an african safari |
| Climb Trolltunga via Ferrata in Norway |
| Travel to all 50 states By 50 |