Today is International Mountain Day. Although I do find it funny that we have these international days for everything, I also appreciate them in this odd sense. I think it’s really easy to not take the time to reflect upon and appreciate the experiences we’ve been fortunate enough to have. So, on today’s seemingly meaningless holiday of International Mountain Day, I wanted to take the time to reflect on some truly unforgettable mountain experiences that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing thus far.
Hiking Through the Andes on the Inca Trail
In 2014, Stacey and I took on the Inca Trail. I went into it thinking Machu Picchu alone would be the highlight, but I was 100% wrong. The three days leading up to Machu Picchu stole the show for me. I loved watching the clouds settle over the peaks of the mountains, wandering through archaeological sites and witnessing the flora and fauna of the Andes, all while struggling to catch my breath for the very best reason!
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Matt’s and My Blue Ridge Parkway Trip
One of my favorite aspects of living in Asheville was being in the mountains. I felt so alive there because I got to see mountains every single day. The mountain-highlight of that time, though, was when Matt and I took a 3-day road trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end, getting out and hiking all along the way. We did some really stunning and incredible hikes and it was just such a sweet time in life as well.
Standing on the Highest Peak in All of Thailand
When Matt and I were in Thailand in 2017, we took a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park just outside of Chiang Mai. This national park is named for the highest peak in the country: Doi Inthanon. Matt and I got to stand on top of this mountain and it was such a cool experience. Even though it wasn’t the highest peak we’ve been atop, it was so special to be able to say we were at the highest elevation in an entire country. I still think that’s really cool, actually.
Discovering the Magic of the Canadian Rockies
In 2010, my dad and I drove from Missouri to Alaska, which meant that we drove through the Canadian Rockies. The snow-capped mountains tower over lakes in various hues of teal and turquoise, especially in Banff and Jasper National Parks. Neither of us had been to the Canadian Rockies but they left us awestruck and we both were antsy to get back, which we did in 2012 but this time we brought my brother with us too!
Wandering Around Iceland’s Many, Many Mountains
I’ve been very fortunate to have spent almost a month in Iceland in total now. The nature in Iceland is unparalleled. On this relatively small island (about the size of Kentucky) there are over 4,000 named mountains. That’s incredible! My mom and I loved seeing them covered in snow with all the moodiness that winter brings. Matt and I got to experience the snow-capped mountains, but also the lushness that many mountains have in the spring. It feels like every curve you go around has yet another mountain or range lurking behind it. While it isn’t like we went mountain climbing here, by any means, we did do several hikes in Iceland in and around these mountains. It’s a truly special place to experience mountains.
Falling in Love with Our “Local” Mountains
The Ozarks is one of the most underrated mountainous in the United States. Matt and I try to get down there to hike as often as possible. Although these are not the tallest mountains you’ll find, they are surprisingly pretty spectacular. Over the last 8 years or so, I’ve really fallen in love with these mountains and I’ve been lucky to share a lot of adventures here with Matt, my parents and several friends over the years.
Hiking the Chisos Mountains
When I went to Big Bend National Park in 2016, I had no idea just how hard I was going to fall in love with it. This was my dad’s and my father/daughter hiking trip destination of that year, which always makes a trip have a special place in my heart, but it was also truly that stunning! There are many things to see in the park including the stunning Chisos Mountains. One of my favorite hikes in the park was the trail leading up into the mountains: Lost Mine Trail. I can’t wait to take my own kiddos (and Matt too!) to experience these mountains!
Falling in Love with Wales’ Mountains
Of course, we thought Snowdonia National Park was going to be beautiful, that’s why we booked a few nights there after all, but holy cow! Wales flipping delivers! The highlight of our time, though, was definitely our hike almost to the summit of Glyder Fawr. Although the weather/bronchitis limited me a bit this hike was still absolutely unforgettable! We added on the spur trail to Llyn Idwal, a small lake nestled in the mountains. It was moody and misty and all the other mountainy things I love!
Relaxing with Laos’ Karst Mountain Backdrop
Laos has these magical mountains that look like they just go on and on and on; seemingly no end in sight. Plus, the karst stone gives them these rounded yet jagged peaks. Although I didn’t get to do the treks and adventures that I initially wanted to, we spent a lot of time in Laos basking in the beauty of these mountains.
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Exploring the Olympic Mountains, Washington
Olympic National Park three sections: the rainforest, the coast and the mountains. These mountains are unforgettable! In 2012, we visited this national park and we both knew it would be taken down as one of our favorite national parks of all time. We had limited time here, as it was one of many stops on a road trip, but the hike we did to Hurricane Ridge is absolutely solidified as one of the most scenic short mountain hikes I’ve ever had the privilege of taking!
“The Mountains Are Calling and I Must Go!” – John Muir
We’ve all read that quote a million times, but it seems only appropriate to draw some inspiration this day as I bring this post to a close – a little mountain wanderlust. These are nine mountain experiences from across the globe at the top of my bucket list! (All photos below are from Canva.)
Clearly, I’ve got big dreams of big mountain adventures! If you have any tips for these locations or any others that should be on my bucket list, leave them in the comments! Let’s celebrate our planet’s beautiful mountains today and everyday by spreading that mountain love!
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