With over 12,000 miles logged as a backpacker on six continents and a background as a professional musician and classical music host, Alison Young offers a unique perspective with engaging programs that connect us with the natural world and ultimately help us grapple with life’s challenges.
Insights include a deep dive into intentional quitting, managing loss and regret, spiritual renewal and a search for lasting joy, regaining activity after two total hip replacements and the benefits of walking.
Why I Quit Rushing and Went for the “Slowest Known Time” on the Teton Crest Trail
PSA: You Don’t Have to “Crush Miles” to Thrive as a Thru-Hiker
At the Speed of Andante
Classical composers walked in nature and were inspired to create some of the most enduring music in the world.
for the love of beauty on the Arizona Trail
On the Arizona Trail, I learned about love as a gift in the form of the desert bloom.
in search of joy on the Arizona Trail
On a muddy section of the Arizona Trail, I learned that joy is a choice.
quitting is awareness
Sometimes a “gut feeling” can send you a message to quit before you’ve had time to analyze data.
quitting is believing in abundance
A belief in abundance can help us quit when something is not working.
quitting is saying yes
Dystonia ended my professional flute career, but it took an intentional act to ultimately let go.
quitting is optimism
In the first in a series, we’ll explore the power in letting go and being open to new possibilities.
why am I a solo hiker?
To hike alone carries a certain inherent risk, but the rewards are great.
From Adventure to Advent
I’m using my time on the Arizona Trail in late winter as a setting for Advent talks I’ll give in the coming weeks.
yes regrets
Regrets are not something to avoid, because they can spur us to live more fully – especially on trail.
Sending out an SOS
I wrote this for ‘The Trek’ about lessons learned from my evacuation off the CDT. Here’s a first look!
A Tale of Two Hips
Last year, at the age of 55, I learned I needed to replace both my hips with titanium…
grace
Two Bear Air Rescue sent me a reminder that every day is a gift and to never take it for granted.
ten things I learned while thru-hiking…
I wrote this right after I had both hips replaced, caught covid and was unsure I’d hike again.
Titanium 14er, climbing Quandary Peak with new hips
Quandary Peak is one of the easiest mountains to climb in winter, even by people with new hips.