Hi from the Mountain [Trek]
Hey! How’s your night going? Hope it’s been a great one so far <3 I’m enjoying a beautiful time here in British Columbia.
It’s not a difficult thing to do; check out this scenery.
Oh Canada, you are a beauty indeed.
It’s been pretty amazing to discover an entirely new location via my preferred mode of transportation:
exploring!
This trip is remarkably different than my usual style of traveling: hours walking through the city, sipping wine with dinner at the awesome local spots; instead, I’ve been up close and personal with nature. It has been a life-changing experience, and I’ve only been here for a few days.
I was pretty excited when Mountain Trek kindly invited me to attend a press trip here at the resort. Mountain Trek is a destination wellness adventure, with an emphasis on hiking. We hike for hours each day in a variety of settings. In this case, it has been from Alpine trees and lush foliage, to beach views, to mossy forest. Surreal would be an understatement, especially when you grew up surrounded by brown dirt and plants that want to kill you (aka cacti). (Arizona is insanely beautiful in its own way, but it’s cool to experience an entirely different landscape.)
Everything here is lush and green, save for the leaves that are changing to vibrant shades of red and yellow.
I’ve also been enjoying fresh, local, and clean foods. Mountain Trek does not provide caffeine, alcohol or refined sugar, as it’s intended to detox the body and initiate a lifestyle change.
This is why I came prepared. 😉
We also eat six times per day + a protein drink at night. If fat loss is your goal, their eating plan will promote fat loss while preserving muscle (as the diet is high protein with a strength training fitness component). Since that wasn’t my mission when I arrived, I requested larger portions. I felt badly asking, but it wasn’t a big deal at all. I eat the “man” portion size, which has been absolutely perfect. I feel satisfied and energized to tackle the long hikes.
(With Kirkland, one of our fearless leaders)
After checking out the website, I got an idea of the company and what to expect, and then left my expectations in San Diego. I came with an open mind to see what the experience would offer.
As far as hiking goes, I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to handle it. I’ve “hiked” in the past -meaning I would go to Sabino Canyon, find a trail and turn back when it either got too steep or I got lost- but have never worn hiking boots or used hiking poles. They’ve both become good friends. There’s no way I could have tackled the higher elevation climbs in slippery sneaks, and while they were awkward at first, the hiking poles have become fairly intuitive to use.
While I’ve been here, I’ve tackled some personal challenges, mainly related to my fear of heights. It’s not anything debilitating, but it’s enough to make my heart flutter and I feel uncomfortable.
(Took this pic while feeling nervous on the propellor plane before taking off. My kind seat mate was telling me about the time he fell “at least 10,000 ft when an engine went out.” Thanks neighbor dude.)
At the same time, I LOVE to explore and enjoy time outdoors. Kirkland gave me some tips as we climbed up into the Alpines, and I was able to do it without feeling anxious/nervous.
The view was worth the hike up.
If you guys would like, I could do a post with a full day of events/adventures while I’m here! I’ll definitely be posting my thoughts (pros, cons, overall experience) on the program when I return.
Are you afraid of heights, or any other phobias? Hiking fanatic friends out there?
Have a great night and I’ll see ya in the morning <3
xoxo
Gina
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absolutely beautiful!
I get the phobia thing. I was stuck in an elevator as a kid and to this day I cannot do any type of confined spaced without freaking out. Planes don’t generally bother me though. BC looks gorgeous! I bet the weather is cooler than here too!
I’d love a recap of your adventures! What a fun experience!
I have a phobia of bats and random diseases. I’m totally weird. 😉
“Man” portions, FTW! This is how I felt on my recent trip to CR (working on a follow-up email to you, BTW 😉 ). 3 oz servings of protein? “Double that, please.”
looking forward to your email 🙂 same! at CR, i would order two entrees and an appetizer + salad bar. now that is a meal 🙂
It looks beautiful there! That kind of beauty in nature is always very humbling in my eyes. Brings me back down to earth.
Man size portions, all the way girl. I’d be a man right there with ya =).
I would love to hear more about this place! Those pictures are gorgeous and make me feel a breeze in my face. 🙂
Gorgeous views! Can’t wait to see more. 🙂
I have a bit of a phobia regarding stairs and elevators – mostly that I’ll fall.
i’m ok with stairs but hate escalators
I live in the plains of Kansas…not much hiking to do here! Heights generally don’t bother me. I don’t want to stand on the edge of a cliff, but I can deal with flights, or roof decks of tall buildings. I love how people are so helpful by telling stories about terrible flights! Even if you ARENT afraid of heights, that’s bound to make you uncomfortable!
It looks amazing! Excited to see more posts about Mountain Trek!
I would love a post on a full days adventures! That looks like an amazing place.
Very jealous! These are gorgeous! I love that jerky- I got a sample from the LA Fit Expo once!
it’s soooo good!
Sounds like an amazing opportunity! And the views are gorgeous!
Yes, please share a typical day!!!!!
I’m terrified of heights and we’re going ziplining through the mountains in New Hampshire in a few weeks
you can do it! <3
Thanks girl! I rented GoPro cameras for the day…needless to say it’ll be an interesting video lol 🙂
STOP. love that!!
The view is so gorgeous. I could imagine myself doing my daily meditation and writing down a mental gratitude note.
Glad to see you get to experience the Canadian Rockies! They have such a special place in my heart. I miss it soooo much! Living in Calgary (before here in Australia), it was always so nice to take a day trip out to the mountains for something different. Hiking there is pretty amazing. We’ve done several hike-in camping trips as well. It’s also great exercise without really feeling like you’re working out. And yes…hiking boots are so necessary! haha!
Glad you are enjoying your time in our beautiful country! The mountains are a short drive away and I definitely don’t take advantage of them as much as I should. This post makes me crave a good hike.
Beautiful! Yes, tell us more about your adventures. Have fun!
Wow! The views are so beautiful. Definitely would love to hear about more about the day to day activities. My fiancé has been trying to convince me to visit Canada one your for vacation, might have to go!
Hey Gina.
B.C. girl here, so glad you are enjoying the beauty! Nelson is a funky little place and the Kooteneys are a great place to kick back and relax amidst their deep, vibrant forests.
I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented on a post, but I couldn’t let this one go by since you are in such close proximity!
Blessings for your time here!
Wow, what a gorgeous place! This is just another reason for me to renew my passport; thank you for sharing your experience. 🙂
This is so beautiful! I have been wanting to take a trip up there! My husband and I love to hike and backpack, we did a 250 mile backpack a few years ago. However, now with my son (who is in the 90th+ percentile on everything!) it has been much harder to, can’t wait until he can hike himself! Enjoy!
Ahhhhh this is my home! I mish it dearly 🙂 I live in Taiwan right now. There are beautiful mountains here as well, but it just isn’t the same. My boyfriend and I are doing a 5-6 month hike across the Pacific Crest Trail for a not for profit organization in the spring. We are looking forward to seeing some of YOUR beautiful nature. It looks stunning 🙂
That sound like my kind of trip! The views are gorgeous! I am also afraid of heights. I get super nervous but I love to hike. AMAZING!!!
Looks amazing! I’m actually looking into buying hiking boots at the minute – any recommendations or tips?
definitely wear them around the house! i didn’t break mine in beforehand. rookie move
i just ordered the cheapest least-ugly ones i could find on amazon, and checked out the reviews for sizing info
Those views are amazing! I love hiking and the views you are rewarded with once you reach your goal.
This sounds completely awesome and I can’t wait to read more about your adventure!!
That looks awesome! I can’t wait to hear more!
I’ve been thinking of planning a hiking trip, but there are no mountains near me so I don’t think that’s possiblem I daydream about packing a picnic and taking wonderful pictures though.
This looks awesome.
A full post/recap of a day would be great, yes please!
Ooh yes please post all about your day’s adventures! Seeing your photos make me smile huuuge and also make me want to travel out west again. 1 week this summer was not long enough! Mountain Trek sounds amazing and definitely an organization I want to look into. Can’t wait to see what you get up to next!
Wow, Canada is gorgeous! I would love to hear about all of the adventures and events you have gotten to participate in during the retreat.
I love hiking, though living in SE Virginia leaves a lot to be desired in terms of higher elevation hikes. The best hikes I’ve done were in Estes Park, Colorado last year. Stunning scenery. BC looks just as beautiful.
This trip looks amazing. Hilarious that you brought your own caffeine and chocolate. I totally would have done that too! Can’t wait to hear more about the adventures!
i need to live haha
This looks like an amazing trip. I live in the mountains of Colorado and didn’t get much hiking in because of all the rain we had this summer. Hiking truly is a wonderful escape from reality, so serene, plus you feel a sense of accomplishment when you get to the top! Enjoy the rest of your travels!
I’d love to read a day in the life on this trip, especially your eats. Love that you requested the “man” portions. A group of girlfriends and I did a weeklong canoeing trip in Minnesota a few years ago and requested the “hearty” portions from our supplier. We made fun of ourselves but man, were we glad we had the extra fuel to get us through every day of canoeing and portages (carrying our gear and canoes on heads between lakes). Sounds like a wonderful trip!
Ah this sounds like my cup of tea! So fun, enjoy (:
Beautiful. Reminds me of the Azores, where my family is from. Nostalgic.
Happy to hear you’re enjoying Canada! BC is an exquisite province for sure!
Yay! BC! I’m from Vancouver and am so happy you’re LOVING British Columbia’s beauty 🙂 Hopefully the rain goes away for the remainder of your trip!
i’m actually loving the rain! it’s a rare treat since i don’t see much of it 🙂 it’s been so beautiful
Would love to see a post on your daily adventures while you’re there! Have a great time!
yes please, a full day blog post! (including eats) 🙂
I like easy hiking!
what a gorgeous place!
A full post would be awesome to read! Looks beautiful there! Would also like to hear about the food, love exploring food at these types of resorts!
YES! Full posts for sure!
Beautiful pictures!
I’m so happy you’re having a great time! As a Canadian, BC makes us so proud!!! So stunning and who can say no to Ocean AND mountains! Looks like you’re having an amazing time!!!
Can’t wait to hear more about it! Enjoy every minute, this is the perfect time of year to be there!
I love hiking and backpacking! I live close to the mountains in Alberta (Canada) and I try to get out as much as possible. Being in nature is so calming and relaxing. Hope you enjoy your time here!
I’m not sure why you keep capitalizing “Alpine”…it’s not a proper noun. Also, you can just call them mountains.
Wow, that looks so beautiful, I feel like I could smell the fresh air from the photos. If you’re still in a hiking mode when you get back OTF sometimes does group hikes around San Diego. We should go when I’m all healed if ya know what I mean ; )