If you look up “relaxing tropical island vacation” in the dictionary, it’s just a picture of Caye Caulker (Caye is pronounced “Key,” FYI). If you want to sip rum drinks, relax in a hammock, soak up the sun, or drift around in some teal blue water, look no further. Caye Caulker was so wonderful I…
Beginner’s Travel Guide: Three Days in San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro is the most popular destination for Americans in Belize (to the point that you can get a protein smoothie just about anywhere). It’s a short plane ride from the main airport in Belize City, full of delicious restaurants, and great for anyone who enjoys a little hustle and bustle while on vacation. The…
Beginner’s guide to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling
Snorkeling Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley was one of the top five coolest things I’ve ever done. It put Florida to shame. I did chicken out of “truly” experiencing Shark Ray Alley (more on that later) but snorkeling around Hol Chan was like being in an episode of Planet Earth. It’s an…
How I trained for my first half marathon: The Halfway Report
For a long time, I’ve said that “one day” I might run a half marathon. This year, I decided that “one day” needed to get scheduled. I signed up for a half marathon on April 15, giving myself a full 20 weeks to train (most plans are between 10 and 16 weeks). I’m officially at…
Beginner’s guide to headlamps, lanterns, and campground lighting
Not to state the obvious, but it gets pretty freaking dark when you’re out in the woods. I’m a big advocate of using what you have, but if your phone’s flashlight is no longer cutting it for you, it could be time to get a headlamp or lantern. They’re way brighter and are a pretty…
Beginner’s guide to Grand Teton National Park
I remember seeing Grand Teton in a textbook as a kid, and the image of the insanely rugged but also beautiful snow-capped mountains stuck with me since. They seemed like they were on another planet that I’d probably never get to. I think eight-year-old me would be pretty excited to know that I finally got…
Beginner’s guide to staying hydrated while hiking
Staying hydrated is one of the most important ways to make sure you enjoy yourself outdoors, no matter what season it is. Hiking is 100 times more enjoyable when you have water…and you actually remember to drink it. I can’t even count how many times just drinking some water has taken care of feeling like…
You missed the point of this blog.
When people have talked to me lately about Outdoor Beginner, I’ve noticed more and more often they say some variation of “I love your blog, but I could never do that.” Or, “I’ll never be at your level” or, “what you do is so far beyond me.” And if you think that, you’ve missed the…
Beginner’s Trail Guide: Mystic Falls at Yellowstone National Park
There is no shortage of waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park, but if you’re looking for a shorter hike that’s beginner-friendly, Mystic Falls is your best bet in the southwest section of the park. The trailhead is located at Biscuit Basin, a 10-minute drive from the Old Faithful Inn. After 2.5 miles (round trip), you’ll have…
