We’re Cynthia and Tex.

Before the Pacific Northwest became home, I spent 18 years in Hong Kong — neon lights, underground shows, and hours in front of a screen teaching myself graphic design. The outdoors? Hard pass.

In 2018, feeling stuck in jobs that didn’t fit, I did something impulsive: rented a car, bought camping gear from a very patient REI employee, and drove south to the desert alone. No experience. One month of planning. Two test camping trips that ended up in a semi disastrous way.

That trip to the desert broke something open.

The wilderness wasn’t just beautiful — it was energizing, grounding, and exactly what I’d been missing my whole life without knowing it. One hike lead to another. One summit to the next. Then I bought a bike. Then that bike turned into STP training, river crossings in the Teanaway, a washed-out forest road near Glacier that a ranger whispered about like a secret, and then a GSP mix named Tex who has strong opinions about all of it.

I am not an expert. I am someone who said yes to one road trip in 2018 and has been figuring it out ever since — on trails, on two wheels, with my Bedrock sandals and a camera and a dog who thinks he’s the main the character.

Spoiler: he might be right.

This tiny corner of the internet is where I document all of it — ride reports, trail write-ups, gear that actually works, and the honest version of what' it’s like to build an outdoor life while working a full-time job. No gatekeeping. No perfect gear lists. Just the good stuff, the hard stuff, and everything in between.

I like to paddle, climb, bike, and hike — I’m no expert in any one of them. Just trying to live life, have fun and enjoy all these little moments with my dog.

Welcome. Tex says hi!