It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy?

Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024.

Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature.

Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery.

She offers insights into staying motivated amid unexpected challenges and harnessing the power of a hiking community in keeping her accountable.

As we look ahead to the new year, we discuss how to set meaningful outdoor goals for a year of adventure. Let’s Go!

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks: Register for Parks Advocacy Day

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girls Who Hike Virginia: Website I Facebook Group

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy?

Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024.

Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transformative power of nature.

Alejandra’s adventures on Old Rag are a testament of resilience and profound self-discovery.

She offers insights into staying motivated amid unexpected challenges and harnessing the power of a hiking community in keeping her accountable.

As we look ahead to the new year, we discuss how to set meaningful outdoor goals for a year of adventure. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks: Register for Parks Advocacy Day

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Veritas Winery Farmhouse Retreat

Mentioned in this Episode:

Girls Who Hike Virginia: Website I Facebook Group

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. Her experience in Richmond was so empowering that she became actively engaged in the Virginia Association for Parks and now co-chairs the Advocacy Committee.

I love Michelle’s story because it’s a lot like my own and probably yours too. Through her personal connection with parks, Michelle realized the important role they play in connecting us with nature while preserving our public lands and historical assets. Michelle’s park story was the catalyst to her becoming a champion for our state parks.

Michelle and I discuss her first time meeting with legislators, what you can expect during Parks Advocacy Day, and why anyone can participate regardless of experience.

Become a champion for our state parks. Join us this January 22nd in Richmond for Parks Advocacy Day. I hope to see you in Richmond.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Register for Parks Advocacy Day

Virginia Association for Parks

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com