Warm wind whips across my face as we fly down the desert highway. The sun is setting and we still have a few hours before we reach Lone Pine, the town closest to Mount Whitney. The moment I have been dreaming of is just around the bend. I swallow my nerves as I think about all of the training and preparations I have done. My heart and my mind have been so set on this, I can’t imagine it going any way but mine. Maybe I am living in a delusion, but I feel ready. I am going to climb the tallest peak in the contiguous US, all 22 miles of it, in a single day.

In 2024 I set out on the journey of a lifetime, eager to prove something to myself and maybe the world. I started a Reels series called “Preparing to Hike Mt. Whitney” to document the experience. I have compiled all of those videos here, with additional information. So if you’re curious about making the attempt, please keep reading!

The Obsidian Trail spans 12 miles with 2,000ft of elevation gain, typically taking about 5.5 hours to complete. This scenic trail requires a permit and offers stunning views and diverse terrain, making it a rewarding challenge. It’s nestled near the base of Three Sisters in Oregon’s Central Cascades.

As the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney is a 22-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 6,200 ft, topping out at 14,505 ft at its summit. This ambitious hike is not for the faint of heart. Many people that attempt it, do not complete it. So what makes me think I will? Sheer will and determination, mixed with a little delusion, naivety and stubbornness.

Meet Agni Hogaboom, a nonbinary vegan clothing designer, artist, community builder, former engineer and yoga instructor/owner at Little Switch Yoga based in Grays Harbor, Washington. In this interview we’ll dive into Agni’s path to yoga, their relationship with veganism, and perspective on life.

I have a confession to make… When I took a step back from my marketing career earlier this year, I didn’t know if I was going to come back

Meet Mak Gallegos, a tattoo artist, vegan and new dad! Mak currently works at Oregon INK & Beauty in Eugene, Oregon creating permanent scab art for ink enthusiasts. We’ll dive into how Mak got started in his profession, how veganism has shaped his life and business, and some of his favorite pastimes.

Welcome! I’m Jess, the founder, strategist, marketer, writer, creator, social media manager, etc. for my freelance marketing business, Eat Well Live Wild, LLC!