Nature, the great teacher, often reminds me, “Shhh….be quiet and listen.” I am amazed by how much I’ve learned in my short tenure with Nature. I didn’t grow up with an appreciation for Nature. It evolved and expanded over time. As I gear up for my trek along the John Muir section of the Pacific…
Author: Crystal Gail Welcome
After a lengthy battle with a rare brain disease, Crystal Gail Welcome came to recognize the healing power of nature. She now uses her experience to break down barriers so more people can access the outdoors. Crystal is an experiential educator, author, storyteller, activist, backpacker, and Black outdoor leader. She chooses to speak out against racial injustice in the United States by hiking and giving voice to her experiences.
What We Wear
I was raised in white neighborhoods. I went to white schools and later worked for white bosses. I never saw BIPOC exploring outdoor spaces – everything I saw indicated it was a pastime reserved for whites. My dad and three siblings have been the only consistent Black presence in my life. But we’ve never…
A Conversation with Rue McKenrick on White Privilege
Rue Mckenrick is unlike any distance backpacker I’ve ever met. As The creator of the American Perimeter Trail (APT), he’s been forging his way around the perimeter of the U.S. hoping to connect the land, resources, people, and communities. For more information, you can read about the project here. <script async src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6139803315441080″crossorigin=”anonymous”></script> Photo credit Rue’s…
Balance Over Obstacles
On July 4, 2020, I began my 310-mile trek on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). By hiking the SHT, I chose to speak out against racial injustice in the United States— brought to light by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. (Read more) I began my hike at the Wisconsin/Minnesota border and ended at the…
SHT Total Thru-Hike Complete
SHT NOBO (Northbound, starting in Wisconsin ending at the Canadian border) Total thru-hike complete! Total miles: 310+ In the spirit of transparency, I hiked approximately nine SHT trail miles on the Gitchi-Gami Trail. Trail start: July 4, 8:46 a.m. Southern Terminus, Wisconsin/Minnesota border Trail end: July 28, Northern Terminus, Canadian border Hike end: July 30, George Floyd Memorial at 38th…
Hiking While Black
Surprisingly, my trek has gotten a lot of attention. Granted, I intended to speak out about injustice in light of the death of George Floyd by thru-hiking the SHT. I feel strongly that social justice and environmental justice are intrinsically linked. I’ve encountered an array of people on my journey, including white people who…
Lady Slippers
On Saturday, July 4, 2020, I began my 300-mile thru-hike along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). This hike intends to raise money and awareness for PGM ONE, the People of the Global Majority in the Outdoors, Nature, and Environment. As a tribute to George Floyd, the hike began at 8:46 a.m. and ended at the first 8.46…
Hiker Hunger SHT
Hiker hunger is a phenomenon hikers encounter when our appetite becomes insatiable, and we crave some of the weirdest things. Some hikers will say that they’re starving. But having known starvation, the word hunger is suitable. <script async src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6139803315441080″ crossorigin=”anonymous”></script> On the PCT, hiker hunger kicked in around mile 43ish. Here, on the SHT,…
Library Shack in the Woods
I was warned that the Duluth section of the SHT might come with a few roadblocks (meant both literally and figuratively), but the views would be amazing. Both of these things were true. <script async src=”https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-6139803315441080″ crossorigin=”anonymous”></script> The roadblocks were plenty, and on my way out of Duluth, I found myself in what I have…
Trail Angel Advocates
The SHT has two non-section hikes: The traditional one starts at Martin Road Trailhead and is about 260 miles long. The total thru-hike starts at Wild Valley Road Trailhead and is about 310 miles long. Whether northbound or southbound (NOBO/SOBO) makes no difference, I am a NOBO total thru-hiker. Backpackers often chose the traditional option…