Companionship is a cornerstone of the human experience.
Companionship is a cornerstone of the human experience. From spontaneous laughter to quiet conversations and warm embraces, meaningful connection plays a vital role in our overall well-being. Studies consistently show that strong social bonds not only increase happiness but can also extend our lives. We are, quite simply, wired to connect—it’s how we thrive.
But just as we need each other, we also need time alone. In fact, solo experiences—especially solo travel—can be some of the most transformative moments in our lives. Solitude offers its own kind of nourishment. In a world that often demands constant interaction and productivity, creating space to pause, reflect, and simply be is essential. Research suggests that an overstimulated, “overcivilized” lifestyle can take a toll on our mental health. Restoring balance means embracing both community and quiet—valuing both conversation and calm.
At Postcard Cabins, we talk often about a lost art in modern life: boredom — a concept that’s deeply connected to solitude. As children, boredom was a gateway to creativity. It was how we discovered who we were, what we loved, and how to entertain ourselves. But somewhere along the way, adulthood replaced that space with constant busyness. We became part of an overstimulated, overbooked culture that rarely gives us the permission to simply be.
That’s what makes solo travel so essential. It carves out time not only for rest, but for reconnection with the self. Without the presence of a partner, a friend, or even a phone to distract you, you’re gently nudged back into your own mind. You begin to notice your surroundings more clearly. Your thoughts become sharper. You start to ask: What truly brings me joy? What have I been too busy to feel?
Solo travel may feel intimidating at first. We’re used to structuring our days around others—making sure they’re enjoying themselves, filling silences with conversation, and curating moments of togetherness. But when you’re on your own, you have the rare chance to rest without performing. You don’t need to entertain anyone. You don’t need to be “on.” You can simply exist.
And that’s the power of it. The stillness. The space to wander and wonder. The ability to do nothing at all—and discover that, in doing so, you’re learning more about yourself than any itinerary or online personality quiz could offer.
This kind of solitude isn’t lonely—it’s clarifying. It builds resilience, fosters self-trust, and creates a deep sense of groundedness. The more comfortable you become in your own company, the stronger your relationships with others will ultimately be. Because when you know yourself, you show up more fully—for everyone else, too.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveler or considering your first getaway alone, know that taking time for yourself is not selfish—it’s necessary. Solo travel isn’t about escaping others. It’s about returning to yourself. So set out on your own. Put the phone away. Get bored. Let nature speak to you. And let the stillness of solitude slowly lead you home—to yourself.
We sent photographer and content creator, Morgan Gust, on a roadtrip to both of our Outposts in the Pacific Northwest: Skagit Valley outside of Seattle and Mount Adams outside of Portland. We sat down for an interview with her to hear about her experience, and here’s what she had to say:
My name is Morgan Gust & I’m currently based in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Always on the road & traveling for work & fun though!
Who were your travel buddies for this road trip?
Me, myself, & I!! This was part of a 2-week long solo road trip for me!
What was your route?
Since I was doing a long cross-country road trip & my Postcard Cabins stops were a part of it, my route was a bit all over the place! BUT this portion of the trip, I woke up at my campsite outside North Cascades National Park, then drove through the scenic highway of the park. After that, I headed up to Bellingham, WA for brunch + coffee & explored the city a bit before drive 45 min down to my first outpost in Skagit Valley!
I spent my evening there & then woke up early the next morning to start my journey down to Mount Adams! I stopped in Seattle at Pike Place Market to grab some produce & flowers & wander around a bit before continuing my drive through Portland! Where I stopped at my favorite camera store, The Portland Shutterbug, & dropped off some film to develop! I finally made it to Mount Adams that evening after a few more random stops for gas & to check out the scenery on my drive along the Columbia River!
So in a nutshell – North Cascades > Bellingham > Skagit Valley > Seattle > Portland > Mount Adams
What were a few of your favorite stops along the way?
As this was only my 2nd time to the PNW, I had a LOT of favorites!! North Cascades really kicked off my trip & was absolutely breathtaking – specifically Diablo Lake!! Definitely a must-see! And also free!!
I also loved Bellingham! It was such a cute city & I wish I could’ve spent even more time there!
What was the inspiration behind your playlist?
After literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours spent road-tripping, I’ve found my absolute favorite songs & artists & love to listen to them on repeat. So when making this playlist, I just added all my favorite feel-good songs that make me want to drive & drive & sing & just drive some more!! The kind of songs that make driving through the middle of nowhere for hours seem like the most iconic, amazing thing I could ever be doing. So this playlist is just a big mix of folk, country, indie & whatever else I was in the mood for!!
What are some of your packing necessities when you getaway?
My number one necessity was a bottle of wine!! Because what’s better on a solo getaway than a whole bottle of wine to myself?! I also had an audio book downloaded, a steak & veggies to cook over the fire, & my film camera for LOTSSS of photos!!
Did you have a favorite part of each Outpost you visited?
Absolutely yes!! My favorite part about the Skagit Valley outpost was definitely just finally being able to absolutely relax, drink a bottle of wine, listen to music & eat good food!! At Mount Adams, I LOVED that there was absolutely no service & I got to completely unplug!! I listened to audiobooks, the birds chirping, & lots of good music!
How did it feel to disconnect and reconnect to nature at Postcard Cabins?
AHHHH I cannot explain how great it felt!! As a full-time business owner, I am constantly on the move, working on my computer & phone at most hours of the day. It was so nice to take a step back, spend some time in nature, & just reconnect with myself!
We sent photographer and content creator, Joshua Ruan, on a summer roadtrip to some of our Outposts in the Midwest: from Postcard Cabins Barber Creek and Postcard Cabins Starved Rock outside of Chicago, to Postcard Cabins Wild Rose outside of Milwaukee. We sat down for an interview with him to hear about his experience. Here’s what he had to say:
My name is Joshua Ruan, and I’m based in Chicago! Feel free to shoot me a follow on IG @joshua_ruan and @joshuaruancreative on TikTok!
Who were your travel buddies for this road trip?
For this road trip, I brought my girlfriend Lia along for the ride. She took charge of being designated passenger princess, second shooter, and chief s’mores consumer.
What was your route?
We started our Postcard Cabins road trip at Barber Creek, just one hour south of Grand Rapids. After two nights, we drove about three hours to the Starved Rock outpost where we got to stay three nights at one of Postcard Cabins’ exclusive Suites! For the final outpost, we drove four hours up to Wild Rose for two rainy (but cozy) nights in. Instead of driving 7+ hours back to Grand Rapids, we decided to have a little more fun and take a ferry from Milwaukee, WI to Muskegon, MI where we completed our journey.
What were a few of your favorite stops along the way?
Probably the best stop between each location was Starved Rock State Park with thirteen miles of gorgeous trails. On the way, we also stopped by Hank’s Farm Restaurant, where we got to meet one of their peacocks roaming about the front lawn. One of the funniest stops along the way was the biggest Culver’s in the world which we saw on the way to Wild Rose.
What was the inspiration behind your playlist?
Growing up in a sheltered family in the Midwest, meant that I didn’t get to experience much outside of my home until I went to college. So, I wanted to embody the feeling of breaking free for the first time while still feeling the melancholy of wanting that freedom as a kid. Of course I had to start with the banger, “Northern Attitude” by Noah Kahan, the perfect embodiment of growing up in the midwest.
What are some of your packing necessities when you getaway?
I’m an outdoor camper at heart, so having to pack significantly lighter for this trip has been fantastic! I have one small box about a cubic foot in volume that holds my seasonings, a single silicone cooking spatula, a small bottle of olive oil, butane and torches, and a few headlamps. Aside from that, the rest is just clothes, all my camera gear (which probably takes up the most space), and a cooler for transporting groceries. It’s a welcome and stark contrast to the floor to ceiling packed car I’m used to when camping.
Did you have a favorite part of each Outpost you visited?
By far the best thing about the Barber Creek outpost we were at was the view. There was this massive sugar maple that sprawled maybe twenty plus feet in each direction creating this beautiful canopy when chilling at the fire pit. I found myself zoning out just looking out the giant window that always keeps me feeling connected to nature while still retaining my comfort.
The Starved Rock outpost was definitely the highlight of the trip as we got to enjoy the premium offerings that the Suite has which included a soaking tub to unwind in after a long day of hiking, a hammock to sway ourselves into a much needed snooze, and a larger fire pit area to kickback and stretch out as we enjoyed a blazing fire.
Up in Wild Rose was where I probably felt the most secluded from the rest of society, giving me a sense of calm and peace that I only get on my super long road trips out west. It rained for most of the time we were there, so it was nice to end the trip enjoying one another’s company in such a warm and cozy environment, safe from the elements.
I think Lia’s favorite part about all of these getaways, was the readily available s’mores all packed and ready to be enjoyed in a cute little bag.
How did it feel to disconnect at reconnect to nature at Postcard Cabins?
I’ve always been drawn to nature, especially in its raw form of experience where you have to work to ensure your enjoyment at the end of the night. However, Postcard Cabins provides that similar experience while still allowing you the comforts of a home. The gateway of a window that each outpost has, ensured that we never felt disconnected from the outside. It felt great, and much more stress free not having to worry about gathering enough firewood to last me through the night. No hassle and hustle of trying to set up camp before the sun drops past the horizon. It’s the perfect middle ground between immersing yourself in nature and feeling cozy at home, and that’s what makes this special.
If you’re searching for the perfect way to disconnect and unwind, a stargazing getaway at Postcard Cabins might be just what you need. Though located just a short drive from major cities, these cozy cabins offer dark skies and serenity—making them some of the best stargazing spots in the USA. Relax beneath a canopy of stars and reconnect with nature in a peaceful setting. Here’s what celestial sights to look forward to on your next Postcard Cabins adventure.
August
Full Moon
On August 9, the Moon will be directly opposite the Sun, fully lighting up its surface as seen from Earth. This full moon reaches peak illumination at 07:56 UTC. Traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, it got its name from Indigenous peoples who noticed sturgeon were most easily caught in the Great Lakes during this time. It’s also been referred to as the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon, reflecting harvest cycles and seasonal changes.
Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks
One of the year’s most popular meteor showers, the Perseids will reach their peak on the night of August 12 and early hours of August 13. Originating from debris left by Comet Swift-Tuttle, this shower can produce up to 60 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Although a waning gibbous moon will brighten the sky and obscure fainter meteors, patient stargazers may still catch plenty of brilliant streaks. For the best viewing, find a dark, open sky and look up after midnight. While the meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus, they can be seen anywhere overhead.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
Mercury will reach its farthest apparent distance west of the Sun on August 19, appearing about 18.6 degrees away. This marks an excellent chance to spot the elusive planet in the early morning sky. Look toward the eastern horizon just before sunrise, where Mercury will shine slightly above the horizon line.
New Moon
The new moon occurs on August 23 at 06:08 UTC, when the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun. With no visible moonlight to brighten the sky, this night is ideal for observing faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters.
July
Mercury at Greatest Eastern Elongation
Look to the western sky just after sunset on July 4 to spot Mercury glowing low on the horizon. This is your best chance all year to catch the elusive planet, as it reaches its highest point in the evening sky.
Full Moon
July’s full moon on July 10, called the Buck Moon, a reference to the time of year when deer begin growing new antlers. Also known as the Thunder Moon or Hay Moon, it marks a season of summer growth and gathering. Look for it rising in the east just after sunset for a golden, low-hanging moonlight show.
Moon Meets Saturn
In the quiet pre-dawn hours of July 16, watch as the Moon cozies up to Saturn in the southeastern sky. It’s a striking pairing and a great chance to spot Saturn’s glow with the naked eye—or its rings with a telescope.
New Moon
The night of July 24 brings a new moon, when the sky is free of moonlight and perfect for deep-sky viewing. It’s an ideal time to stargaze or search for distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae under truly dark skies.
Southern Delta Aquariids Meteor Shower
This gentle but steady meteor shower peaks overnight on July 28 into the early hours of July 29. With a dim moon and clear summer skies, conditions should be ideal to catch up to 20 meteors per hour—look up after midnight for long, graceful streaks radiating from Aquarius but visible all across the sky.
June
Venus at Greatest Western Elongation
Venus shines brilliantly in the early morning sky this month, reaching its greatest distance from the Sun on June 1. Catch it rising just before dawn in the east—it’ll be one of the brightest objects in the sky.
Full Moon
June’s full moon, known as the Strawberry Moon, rises on the evening of June 11. While it won’t appear pink, its name nods to the short and sweet strawberry harvest season in many parts of North America.
Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year arrives with the summer solstice on June 21, marking the official start of summer. Stargazing hours may be shorter, but the extended twilight makes for dreamy golden-hour views.
New Moon
On June 25, the new moon offers another opportunity for deep-sky observation. The absence of moonlight provides optimal conditions for viewing the Milky Way and other subtle cosmic features. This lunar event also encourages reflection and setting intentions.
May
Throughout May, early risers can catch Venus and Saturn low in the eastern sky just before sunrise—starting the month close together, with Saturn gradually climbing higher each day. In the evening sky, Mars and Jupiter are visible in the west for a couple of hours after sunset, with Jupiter setting earlier as the month goes on. It’s also a great time to learn the Corona Borealis constellation in the eastern night sky—perfect practice for spotting the anticipated T CrB nova expected in the coming months.
Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower
This meteor shower, typically visible annually between April 19 and May28, is set to peak in the early hours of May 6. While the two or three nights leading up to the peak can still offer some good sightings, the best viewing conditions occur after the Moon sets around 3 a.m., leaving the skies darker and more favorable for spotting meteors until dawn. This shower is especially noted for its bright meteors and long-lasting trails, with rates potentially reaching up to 50 per hour during peak times, however in the Northern Hemisphere, skywatchers can typically expect to see around 10 to 20 meteors per hour.
Full Moon
The full moon on May 12, also known as the Flower Moon, will bloom to the height of its illumination at 12:56pm EDT. The Flower Moon marks a celebration of spring’s arrival, a name rooted in Algonquin traditions reflecting the season’s abundance of blooming plants. This year, it will appear as a Micromoon, rising just after sunset and appearing slightly smaller due to its distance from Earth. It’s a perfect night to step outside and take in the changing season under a softly glowing sky.
New Moon
The new moon arrives on May 27, ushering in a dark sky ideal for stargazing. With no moonlight to interfere, it’s a perfect time to observe faint celestial objects like star clusters and distant galaxies. This lunar phase also marks a fresh start.
April
Full Moon
On April 13, bask in the brightness of April’s Full Moon, also known as the Pink Moon, as it is tied to the first spring blooms of wild ground phlox, often called moss pink. This Pink Moon will be at its fullest at 00:24 UTC, and since it is the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, signifies the Spring season is in full swing, marking the return of life after Winter.
Mercury at Greatest Western Elongation
On April 21, catch Mercury at its greatest western elongation from the Sun, making the best time to spot the elusive planet. At its furthest distance from the Sun’s glare, look low in the eastern sky before sunrise to spot the pinkish planet before the Sun emerges above the horizon. Since Mercury orbits so closely to the Sun, it is most often in the sky at the same time as the Sun, making it rarely visible in the night sky.
Lyrids Meteor Shower
The night of April 22 and early morning of April 23 are the best time to view this annual meteor shower, which occurs each year between April 16th and April 25th. At its peak, the shower produces about twenty meteors per hour. For the best show, look to the constellation Lyra, from where meteors will radiate, however, the bright dust trails that last several seconds each, can be seen anywhere in the night sky. The thin waning crescent moon will pose little obstruction to view this celestial event.
New Moon
Experience the darkness of the new moon on April 27, when far-off galaxies and star clusters are easier to spot. The new moon phase is a time for introspection and new beginnings. Use this Spring new moon as a reset — escaping to nature solo, or with loved ones and friends — to set intentions, build new habits, and reflect on recent growth. It’s written in the stars.
March
Year of the Snake
As we settle into the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake is a time of transformation, wisdom, and renewal. Snakes are often seen as symbols of rebirth and adaptability, making this the perfect time to reflect and embrace the changing seasons. Use your escape to nature this month as an opportunity to connect with these themes and find clarity in the stillness of the woods.
Total Lunar Eclipse
Mark your calendars for the spectacular total lunar eclipse on March 14. During this event, the Moon will pass entirely through the Earth’s umbra (dark shadow), turning a mesmerizing rusty or blood-red color. Visible across North America, Mexico, Central America, and South America, this celestial phenomenon offers a rare and stunning opportunity to witness the Moon in a whole new light. Grab a cozy blanket, head outdoors, and prepare to be awed by this lunar spectacle.
March Equinox
At 08:58 UTC on March 20, we welcome the March equinox. This day marks a moment of balance, where the Sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in nearly equal parts daylight and darkness worldwide. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the first day of spring—a time of renewal, growth, and budding blooms. For our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, it signals the first day of fall. Take this opportunity to reflect on balance in your own life as the natural world transitions into a new season.
New Moon
On March 29, the Moon will align with the Sun, creating a new moon phase. With the absence of moonlight, this is the perfect night for stargazing. The sky will be its darkest, allowing faint celestial objects—like distant galaxies and star clusters—to shine brilliantly. Whether you bring a telescope or simply lie back and enjoy the show, the New Moon is a great reminder of the beauty found in nature’s quiet moments.
February
Full Moon
On February 12 at 13:55 UTC, the Full Moon will illuminate the night sky in all its glory. Known as the Snow Moon by early Native American tribes, this lunar event reflects the harshest winter conditions, as February often brought heavy snowfall. Some tribes also called it the Hunger Moon due to the difficulty of hunting during these cold, unforgiving months. Spend a quiet evening by the cabin window, letting the moonlight reflect off the snowy landscape for a truly magical winter scene.
Saturn in Conjunction with the Sun
On February 15, Saturn will reach conjunction with the Sun. This means the ringed planet will pass directly behind the Sun from Earth’s perspective, rendering it invisible. Although we can’t observe Saturn during this time, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the wonders of our solar system and prepare for its return to the night sky in the months ahead.
Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
At its greatest eastern elongation on February 20, Venus will be at its farthest point from the Sun in the evening sky. This makes it the perfect time to catch the dazzling “Evening Star.” Look west just after sunset to see Venus shining brightly, outshining almost every other celestial object. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss while enjoying your escape into nature.
New Moon
On February 28, the Moon will enter its new phase at 00:46 UTC. With the Moon completely hidden from view, the sky will be at its darkest—an ideal time for stargazing. Use this opportunity to spot faint celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters, free from the interference of moonlight. Find a spot away from cabin lights, bundle up, and let the infinite expanse of the universe leave you in awe.
January
Quadrantids Meteor Shower
The Quadrantids meteor shower peaks on the night of January 3rd and the early morning of January 4, offering one of the first celestial shows of the new year. Known for its above-average activity, the Quadrantids can produce up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is thought to originate from dust grains left behind by the extinct comet 2003 EH1, discovered in 2003. With a crescent moon setting early in the evening, skies will be dark, providing excellent conditions for meteor viewing. For the best experience, find a dark location after midnight. The meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes but can appear anywhere in the sky.
Venus at Greatest Eastern Elongation
On January 10, Venus will reach its Greatest Eastern Elongation, at 47.2 degrees from the Sun. This is the best time to view Venus, as it will be at its highest point above the horizon in the evening sky. Look for the bright “Evening Star” shining in the western sky after sunset. Venus will be a stunning sight, easily visible even without a telescope, making it a treat for both amateur astronomers and casual stargazers.
Full Moon
The Full Moon on January 13 will occur at 22:28 UTC, lighting up the night sky with its fully illuminated face. Known as the Wolf Moon by early Native American tribes, this full moon signifies the time of year when hungry wolf packs were heard howling outside villages. It is also referred to as the Old Moon and the Moon After Yule. The bright moonlight provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the moon’s detailed surface features, such as craters, valleys, and mountain ranges. It’s an ideal time for moonlit walks and nighttime photography.
Mars at Opposition
January 16 brings Mars to Opposition, marking its closest approach to Earth this year. Fully illuminated by the Sun, the red planet will be brighter than at any other time and visible all night long. This is the best opportunity to view and photograph Mars. With a medium-sized telescope, you can observe some of the planet’s dark surface features, like polar ice caps and dark plains. The reddish-orange glow of Mars will be a stunning sight, making this event a highlight for both seasoned astronomers and casual observers.
New Moon
On January 29, the New Moon will occur at 12:37 UTC. During this phase, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible in the night sky. This absence of moonlight offers the darkest skies of the month, perfect for observing faint celestial objects like distant galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae. Whether you’re using a telescope, binoculars, or simply your eyes, the New Moon provides the ideal conditions for deep space exploration and astrophotography.
With packed schedules and little outdoor space, life in a city can feel pretty confining for kids — and their parents. That’s why so many of our repeat guests are families with young kids who visit again and again.
There’s something freeing about an unplanned day that invites your little ones to take up space and explore all that nature has to offer. (Not to mention the full night’s sleep that often follows.)
To ensure your next getaway to Postcard Cabins is “the best ever,” we’ve rounded up a few family-friendly tips from our community team and parents on what to pack for babies and toddlers.
Extra pillows/body pillow to keep little ones from rolling off the bed (There can be a small gap between the window and the top bunk bed, so placing a pillow there allows little ones to play safely.)
A headlamp if you’re carrying gear from the car to the cabin at night.
We know it can be hard keeping kids entertained during the car ride to our Outpost. That’s why we’ve put together our recommendations for the best places to stop along the way from Pittsburgh or Cleveland with your kiddos.
Attractions
White House Fruit Farm Youngstown, OH ~ 40 minutes from Outpost This family-owned farm allows you to buy freshly picked berries, fruits, and vegetables, as well as sample some of their famed baked goods. The farm, 1.5 hours from Cleveland, offers year-round events, including summer crop picking and flower festivals.
Lanternman’s Mill Youngstown, OH ~ 45 minutes from Outpost This peaceful park, 1.5 hours from Cleveland, is a great historical stop along the way. Best yet, it’s dog-friendly and features an old mill built in the 1840s and restored in the 1980s.
Fellows Riverside Gardens Youngstown, OH ~45 minutes from Outpost This 12-acre free public garden boasts views of rose, annuals, perennials, and scenic vistas. With an attached education and visitor center, the garden is a beautiful and education place to stop along the way.
Fun Fore All Family Fun Park Cranberry Township, PA ~ 1 hour from Outpost This park, just 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh and 1 hour east of Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek, has a little something for everyone. With arcade games, bumper boats, mini golf, rock climbing, and more, it’s the perfect place to stop and let your kids spend some energy before your family escape.
Akron Zoo Akron, OH ~1.5 hours from Outpost Just 45 minutes south of Cleveland, this 50-acre non-profit zoo is home to over 700 animals and is sure to please the whole family.
Walks in the Woods
Mineral Springs Loop Trail Hike Duration: 1.3 miles Difficulty: Easy This easy loop trail, just 45 minutes from both Pittsburgh and the Outpost, features a waterfall and is recommended for families with young kids.
Hellbender Bluff Trail Hike Duration: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Easy This loop trail features lots of wildlife, including bald eagles and spring warblers, as well as wild flowers and mushrooms. Just 1 hour from Pittsburgh and 2 hours from Cleveland, it’s a great family-friendly hike to do once you’re close to Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek.
Food
Two Smart Cookies East Liverpool, OH ~ 5 minutes from Outpost This nearby bakery is the perfect place to stop for some sweet treats right before you arrive or right after you leave our Outpost.
Shale Tavern and Grille ~ 10 minutes from Outpost This tavern has all of your classic favorites, from chicken noodle soup to a barbecue bacon cheeseburger, so there’s sure to be something for every one in your group.
Mary’s Pizza Lisbon, OH ~ 20 minutes from the Outpost If your family is hungry from the drive over, then this local pizza joint is an easy stop that’s sure to please.
Looking for our full list of attractions to explore around Postcard Cabins Beaver Creek? You can find it here.
The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia, then moves north, crossing 14 states, eight national forests, and six national parks before ending at the peak of Mount Katahdin in Maine. By the time backpackers (known as “thru-hikers”) arrive at Mount Katahdin, they’ve spent at least five straight months trekking along the 2,178-mile trail, the longest marked path in the United States.
The trail got its start a hundred years ago, in 1921, when a Massachusetts forester and conservationist named Benton MacKaye published an article laying out his idea for a walking path across the Appalachian Mountains. He believed that the stress and speed of urban life were bad for people’s health, so he envisioned the trail as a destination for worn-out city dwellers in need of recreation and refreshment in nature. When journalists asked what the trail’s purpose was, MacKaye’s reply was Zen-like in its simplicity: “To walk, to see, and to see what you see.”
In the century since, the pace of city life has only sped up, and we’re spending less and less time outside. MacKaye’s concern for our health, and his proposed solution of getting out into nature for a reset, are as relevant as ever.
While there are plenty of health benefits to hiking, hiking is also a great way to bond with friends and family, there’s a low barrier to entry, and it’s inexpensive. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy your next hike from our founder, Jon Staff. For more tips, check out his book “Getting Away: 75 Everyday Practices for Finding Balance in Our Always-On World.”
1. Locate a Nearby Trail
You don’t need to live in the middle of the wilderness to find good places to hike. Many cities and towns have parks and other greenspaces with walking paths, and you can find good hiking trails just an hour away from many major cities.
2. Warm Up
One of the most common hiking injuries is a sprained ankle, but you can reduce your risk with exercises to expand your range of motion and build core strength, which will help to stabilize you on an uneven trail. Crunches, squats, and lunges will strengthen your core, while a resistance band can help to improve strength and extension.
3. Break in New Footwear in Advance
Blisters are a buzzkill. If you plan to wear new or rarely used shoes or boots on your hike, spend some time walking around in them in advance. While lightweight hiking shoes might feel comfortable right away, heavier leather boots may take up to a few weeks to soften to the shape of your feet.
4. Stay Safe
Check the weather a few hours before you plan to set out. Even if you plan to hike for only a few hours, bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, extra layers, and a basic first aid kit. It’s safer to hike with a partner, but if you’re planning to go out alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
5. Budget Extra Time
Hiking is usually slower than walking, since rugged terrain and changes in elevation will slow your pace. Depending on the landscape and your level of fitness, assume you’ll cover one to two miles of trail per hour. Add an extra hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you’re new to hiking, start with a shorter, easier trail, and err on the safe side by budgeting in a few extra hours.
Suzie Vinograd recently enjoyed a getaway at Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, where she took a restorative weekend to enjoy the benefits of nature. We asked Suzie, health and wellness coach — and a celebrated yoga instructor — to share with us some of her essential tips for restoration.
Morning Savasana (and Pranayama)
I know this might sound counter intuitive since you likely will have been resting all night, but enjoying a few moments of intentional morning savasana (corpse pose) before you actually get out of bed can neutralize, unwind, and relax the body from strange sleeping positions.
Turning the palms to face up alongside of you, allowing the heads of your thigh bones to relax, the feet to splay out naturally, guide yourself through some slow deep, methodical breaths. Beginning your day this way can help to relieve stress by calming the nervous system right from the get-go. Savasana doesn’t have to be saved for the end of a yoga practice to be effective, though it is the pinnacle posture that we’ve all been waiting for after a vigorous flow, too.
Happy Baby
As you are exiting savasana in the comfort of your bed (or if you have chosen to move to your mat), I highly recommend drawing the knees into the chest, giving yourself a tight little squeeze and rocking easily from side to side, massaging the low back, compressing the creases of the hips and rounding out the cervical spine as you hug your nose in towards your knees.
As you come out of this tight ball, bring the hands to the inside or outer edges of your knees, grabbing hold of your feet and allow yourself to take a little anandabalasana, to stretch the inner groin and length out the spine. Often times we crouch and curl when we sleep, so opening up the body first thing in the morning (or even prior to falling asleep at night) can be a great way to return to neutral, in body and in mind.
Our mind-body often mirrors our physical body (or is it vice versa?), so whether we are conscious of it or not, often times when we care for one, we may feel the benefits affecting the others.
Morning Sun Salutes
Even when I don’t have time to do a full practice first thing in the morning, I always feel better when I salute the sun upon waking. This doesn’t have to be vigorous, in a heated room, or in a studio to be effective. It can literally be done in the comfort of your living room, at the end of your bed, or better yet, the space right outside of yourcabin.
Just roll out your mat, and come to standing at attention (Samasthiti) at the top of your mat. Allow your feet to be hip width distance and your palms to rest at the heart. Allowing your movement to be inspired by your breath is not only restorative and safer for the body – creating space, warmth, and even a bit of strength as you stretch and move through your up dogs and down dogs – but it is deeply restorative for the mind. It can actually take on the quality of a moving meditation if you aim to establish a rhythmic flow.
Journaling
This isn’t one of the 8 limbs of yoga, but I find journaling before or after (or both) to be deeply restorative. It’s an important piece of repair- to clear the mind and cleanse the body of anything that it may be holding onto – good, bad or in between. I like to think of my yoga practice as one of my tools for pressing pause and returning to neutral, and it’s virtually impossible to return to neutral if you don’t know what could be in the way. Journaling could be free flowing or prompted – it could even begin with a mantra, or simply be a notation of gratitude, which has been scientifically proven to be deeply healing and an important ingredient for our longterm wellbeing.
I’ve been practicing yoga now for about 13 years and teaching for almost ten. The very first class I ever took was a hot yoga class, Bikram and then a Vinyasa Flow at a studio called Inner Fire in Madison, Wisconsin where I went to school. I quickly became hooked – devoting 2+ hours a day to get there and back (usually by bike from campus, or bus), to practice one or more classes.
Immediately, I started to feel the healing properties of the whole shebang – the flow of the postures, coupled with the music, the intensity of the heat, the wonderful instruction, the group energy – allowed my racing mind to find a temporary sort of ease; allowed my body to unravel all of the mental tension it manifested within, and allowed my heart to soften and surrender a bit. I was developing a discipline and devotion to something that I had not experienced since playing high school sports or my involvement growing up in the performing arts. Little did I know then that yoga would become a hugely integral part of my ‘adult’ path. All this is to say, I practice some form of yoga everyday (there are 8 limbs, so the physical practice, or the asana, is just one), and I have found several of these practices to be deeply restorative in nature, allowing me to reground, reset, and renew.
For more information about my services, or to follow along my spirited journey, you can visit suzievinograd.com.
