Valerie HOPKINS

Latest Stories

Avoid Being Bugged by Bugs

Avoid Being Bugged by Bugs

Bugs! Mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, black flies, no-see-ums, chiggers - you’re surrounded when you go outside. It’s almost - almost - enough to keep you indoors. Don’t give in though. There are all kinds of things out there to help - avoidance strategies, physical...

Never Give Up, Never Surrender!

Never Give Up, Never Surrender!

I’m so tired. Not physically (because I just woke up), but mentally and emotionally, I’m exhausted. This has been such a tough year - in a series of tough years. There’s rampant political discourse, crazy inflation, insane heat, fires, and floods! How can I worry...

Meet Susan

Hello fellow 365 Mile Challengers.  My Name is Susan Torpy.  This is my fourth year of the challenge and each year I have enjoyed the challenge more.  I have loved being in the outdoors forever it seems and spent my growing up years hiking and camping...

Meet Christa

Meet Christa

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I am 49 years old and am a Stay at Home Mom with a very active 8 year old son. He and my husband are my frequent walking and hiking companions. I have lived  in New Hampshire for over 45 years, moving to the NH Seacoast when I...

Meet Lisa!

Meet Lisa!

Tell us a little about yourself: Married with 2 grown daughters both in their 30’s.  Live in, and in love with, Arkansas.  Both the Ozarks and the Ouachita mountains offer endless hiking opportunities and waterfalls and camping. What are you favorite ways to...

Modifying the Path

Modifying the Path

I’m a backpacker. I’m a hiker, cyclist, bikepacker, paddler, and all around Badass Adventure Woman! Also, according to my recent test results, I’m an asthmatic with a heart issue - a heart issue that won’t get better but will probably get worse, that impacts my...