Trekking – The Average Adventurer

Northover Ridge: Exposure, Lakes, and Wildflowers

May 20, 2020Bre Mirynech

Northover Ridge is a 36 km loop located in the Kananaskis Region in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park along the Continental Divide. With roughly 1500m of elevation gain, it takes you through amazing terrain, several beautiful lakes, high up on a stunning ridge traverse, and starting/ending your trip at the wonderful Upper Kananaskis Lake. I am grateful to be able to say that I’ve done quite a few backpacking trips here at home in Canadian Rockies, but this was one that had remained on my list for the past few years. I had heard about its beauty, its intensity, and its spicy ridge traverse. It intrigued me and caught my interest because of these things but for some reason, either campground bookings or timing with days off with friends, it just never happened.

Everest vs. Annapurna

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Everest and Annapurna. Maybe these names mean nothing to you, or maybe you’ve heard of them before throughout your research for adventures. Everest and Annapurna are both names of 8000 meter peaks located in Nepal. They are also the names of the regions for trekking where these towering mountains are located.

It’s no doubt that the Everest and Annapurna regions of Nepal are the two of the most popular spots for trekkers, and there’s plenty of reasons why. These areas hold world class trekking, climbing, not to mention jaw-dropping views and beautiful scenery. However, trying to pick exactly which area to go for your adventure (assuming you don’t have the time for both), is often a big decision for trekkers.

KEEN on Happy Feet

August 16, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

As the saying goes, “happy feet, happy life.” OK, maybe its more like “happy wife, happy life”, but when you’re an avid outdoors women, I think happy feet is more accurate.

Our feet carry us everywhere. To work, to the gym, to the trails, to the mountains. I personally thank my feet everyday for the hard work they do and the incredible places they take me to.

That being said, taking care of my feet is something I give a lot of time and attention to. If I am going to put them through the many activities that I do, I need to take care of them to prevent injury, sore spots, and blisters. Read more →

The West Coast Trail

June 26, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

Nearly 3 years ago to the day, I did my first ever backpacking trip. It was the start of a beautiful love affair with the simplicity of carrying everything on your back and exploring new places. It is now something I crave. I get itchy feet to pack everything I need and take off. The simplicity of having maybe two choices of clothes, no cell service, no mirror, no electronics. It is refreshing and grounds you to what really matters in life.

My first backpacking trip was The West Coast Trail. It is located on Vancouver Island in Pacific Rim National Park. It is a 75 km long trail through forests, beaches, and over bridges, cable cars, and up many ladders. Originally, it was established as a life-saving trail for surviving victims of the many shipwrecks that occurred in the area. Now, it is used for avid backpackers to hike and witness the beauty that the coast has to offer. It is known for its terrible weather, and jaw-dropping beauty. Read more →

So you want to trek to Everest Base Camp?

May 9, 2018March 30, 2019Bre Mirynech

If there is one thing I NEVER thought I would do in my life, it was go to Everest Base Camp. I don’t mean that in a bad way, it just seemed like some far fetched thing that people like me dreamed of, not actually did. Well, turns out life had something else in store. Thanks to a mildly drunk message to my Dad one night, we ended up packing the bags and heading to Nepal a year and half later, with the goal of getting to EBC.

This trip required a lot of prep and planning, so I am going to break some of it down for you in case you are attempting to do the same yourself! This is less of a storytelling post and more of an informative tool. I hope it helps. Read more →