One year ago, I packed up my life.
I gave away almost everything I owned.
I left behind the house, the routines, the version of myself I had outgrown.
And I set off with nothing but a suitcase, a hiking pack, and a heart full of hope.
This week marks one year of traveling nomadically across the West Coast of the United States. I have been exploring new places, pet sitting through the Trusted Housesitters app, and hiking my way through forests, coastlines, deserts, and doubt.
How It Started
When I left my home and set out on the nomadic adventure, I didn’t have a perfect plan… I had a calling.
I wanted more life.
More time in nature. More freedom. More meaning.
Pet sitting became my way in. It gave me places to land, sweet animals to care for, and a sense of home even while living out of a suitcase.
Through a website called Trusted Housesitters, I found places to stay in Washington, Oregon and California, each new home a resting point on the journey.
The Trail as a Teacher
I didn’t just explore cities… I explored nature.
I found hiking groups through Meetup, showed up not knowing a soul, and ended up making deep connections with fellow nature lovers, solo travelers, and beautiful, kind strangers who became chosen family.
The trail taught me things no self-help book ever could.
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Resilience: When I was bone-tired and had to keep going, whether it was on a steep climb or in a moment of loneliness.
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Presence: Savoring a sunset on a foggy Northern California beach, or a moment of stillness in the redwoods.
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Trust: In strangers, in the universe, in my own gut.
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Surrender: When things didn’t go to plan (and they often don’t), but somehow… they always worked out.
There were so many moments I wanted to give up.
Moments when I was tired of moving.
Tired of figuring out where I’d sleep next week.
Tired of saying goodbye to yet another cozy house, or a cat who curled up on my chest like I was her person.
But then, something would shift.
I’d find a hidden waterfall.
A new friend.
A mountain that reminded me how strong I am.
A dog who looked at me like I was home.
And I’d remember why I chose this life.
From Comfort to Courage
For years, I had a “successful” life… at least from the outside. I lived in Los Angeles, had a beautiful home, ran a thriving event planning business, and was an actress in the entertainment industry. I was living the American dream, and for a long time, it fit.
But eventually, I realized that safety had become a cage.
So I let it all go, not in search of a new career, but in search of myself.
And somewhere along a cascading Oregon waterfall, or a redwood forest in Northern California… I started to find true self.
Not the polished version of me that wore high heels and acted on commercials.
But the one who loves feeling the wind in her hair, wears hiking boots, and has a compass that points toward wonder.
A Life in Motion
This nomadic life isn’t always easy.
It’s not glamorous, and it’s not for everyone.
Some days I feel like a gypsy, or a band on tour… rolling into new towns, never fully unpacking, always chasing the next moment of magic.
But it’s real. And it’s mine.
I’ve learned that “home” isn’t a place. It’s a feeling.
It’s the trail under my feet.
It’s the dogs and cats who let me love them for a week or two.
It’s the people I meet on mountaintops, or around camp fires, or on rainy hikes with strangers who become soul friends.
What’s Next?
This isn’t just a chapter… it’s a foundation.
Out of this wild, wandering year, I’ve begun building something new:
The Hiker Babe… my hiking company and brand rooted in empowerment, community, and nature.
Because I believe every woman deserves to feel strong on the trail, and strong in herself.
This year wasn’t just about movement.
It was about becoming.
So here’s to year two! Wherever life takes me, I’ll be there with boots on and heart open wide.
And if you ever find yourself on your own wild path… keep going!
Even when it’s hard.
Even when you want to turn back.
Because on the other side of fear is freedom.
