Personal Stories

That sinking feeling when technology fails you in the wilderness

The battery icon flashed red, then the screen went black. Just like that, my trusty iPhone — my GPS, my camera, my connection to civilization

That magical moment when camp becomes home for the night

Mile 847 of the Pacific Crest Trail. I collapsed beside my pack, every muscle screaming in protest as I surveyed the rocky campsite. My shoulders

The morning started like any other hiking adventure. Coffee at 5 AM, gear check by headlamp, and the familiar excitement of hitting the trail before sunrise. I had planned a solo day hike in the

The fog rolled in without warning, transforming the familiar Swiss Alpine trail into an alien landscape of gray uncertainty. What had started as a perfect September morning hike was quickly becoming my most humbling outdoor experience. As I stood there,

What happens when you’re too tired to speak up but too annoyed to stay quiet?

I am a light sleeper. I can be awakened just by someone calling my name once. I can only sleep

In the days when Fuling district of Chongqing —or known as River Town, was a city within Sichuan Province, nestled on the higher slopes near its bustling Dadongmen freight terminal, there lay an old alley named Xiangzi Street, or “Box

Photo: Canadian Geographic — Sometimes the most beautiful views come with the greatest risks

It was supposed to be a simple sunset hike. The kind of spontaneous adventure that makes for great Instagram posts and even better memories. I

Perfect sunset camping experience with tent setup

The kind of peaceful camping experience we dream about — but rarely happens on the first try

It was 2 AM, pouring rain, and my family of five was huddled in our