John Muir - The Darling Dirtbag

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And into the forest I go… to lose my mind and find my soul.

John Muir

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Hello, my name is Sarah aka Vice aka The Darling Dirtbag. I recently walked 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada via The Pacific Crest Trail. This blog will document the images, videos and thoughts from my adventure. Happy trails, fellow dirtbags!

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#1: CHAOS BEFORE THE STORM

#1: CHAOS BEFORE THE STORM

October 29, 2018

VICE ON THE RADIO

VICE ON THE RADIO

December 4, 2018

Edward Abbey

October 16, 2018

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VICE ON THE RADIO

VICE ON THE RADIO

December 4, 2018

#3: MT. LAGUNA > WARNER SPRINGS

#3: MT. LAGUNA > WARNER SPRINGS

November 5, 2018

#2: S. TERMINUS > MT. LAGUNA

#2: S. TERMINUS > MT. LAGUNA

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There are now two periods of my life. Before Banjo

There are now two periods of my life. Before Banjo, and after Banjo.

I can’t imagine life without this lovebug. He makes every day, experience, and moment so much better. All he wants in this world is love. From dogs, humans, cows, coyotes, tarantulas, and everything in between.

Well with me, he found it. And during a very hard time for all of us, he got me out of my head and almost forced me to experience the present with him. His trusting gaze into my SOUL, his cold nose on my neck, his slobbery mouth and sharp teeth (he’s learning) as I feed him treats as we train, his warm body snuggled up on those cold (heatless) nights.

I love this dog more than words can explain. If you’re considering getting a pup, do it. Do it. Do it. And don’t look back.
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

I love this picture. This picture captures one of

I love this picture. This picture captures one of my happiest, most stoked moments of my life. It was the day that I realized that I could actually complete the PCT. I had been battling injuries until this point - and I was genuinely unsure if I could do it. Until this moment.
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#hiking #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #girlswhohike #adventure #thetrek #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #hikelikeawoman #sheexplores #mountaingirl #neature #goatworthy #radgirlslife #hikerlife #trekkingtoes #mybodycan #pct #pacificcresttrail #thruhiking #thruhike #thruhiker

I’ve been back in southern Arizona for nearly tw

I’ve been back in southern Arizona for nearly two months, aside from a quick trip home for the holidays. And this place is pure magic. The last couple weeks have been incredible. I didn’t realize how badly I needed social time, but I sure did. I’ve gotten to camp with familiar friends I love from the road and the trail... and have made dear new friends as well. And in the times of COVID, this is about the only safe way to do it, given we’re all outside so much and extremely isolated.

Plus, getting to bond with Banjo in such a gorgeous place has been a blast.

There have been moments over this last several months that I was inching my way to being “over it”. The isolation. The constant need to plan as a proud “anti-planner”. The manual amenities. The mice problem. Having to endure seriously cold temps with no heat. Frozen plumbing as a result. The van issues. Missing my niece and nephew. Constantly being worried that Banjo is going to get into something that will harm him (this one is legit... he did try to befriend a tarantula and a gigantic steer). The anxieties go on.

And then I experience the last few weeks of friends and fire and Banjo and sunshine and lovely hikes and those frustrations and anxieties drift away. This way of life is so damn beautiful, despite the difficulties.

I’m still slightly in awe that I made the leap... it was a scary one, but so incredibly worth it.

... the derpiest boy. . . . . . . #vanlife #mtnchi

... the derpiest boy.
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

It’s been one full year in the van... and 3 mont

It’s been one full year in the van... and 3 months with this guy. I could have never anticipated living in a van during a pandemic. But it led me to him... so I’ll take it! Here’s to many more!
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

I’ve been pretty reflecty this week... and all I

I’ve been pretty reflecty this week... and all I’ve got to say about it is (at least at the moment)...what a wild year and what a wild world. And...thank goodness for Banjo. 🪕
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #ilovemypup

I had every intention of taking all the beautiful

I had every intention of taking all the beautiful pictures of Banjo and I on the road in the van....until I realized it involves so much setup. Maybe one day... but until then, here’s a sweet picture of our hike yesterday. We had hiked several steep miles and had stopped for lunch. He climbed into my lap to snuggle, and my heart exploded.
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

It’s been two months on the road with this littl

It’s been two months on the road with this little man... and its been the best two months I could have asked for. He’s the best companion, cuddle buddy, co-pilot, hiking partner, and always gives me a reason to stop working/stressing/depressing and be in the moment with him. He’s got the most pure, loving soul and deserves everything...I’m happy that I get to be the one that gives it to him. The world needs a little more 🪕
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

I am beyond terrified of heights and have avoided

I am beyond terrified of heights and have avoided climbing for years as a result. I’ve been on so many camping trips where everyone climbs, but I opt out and hike instead.

But this weekend, my friends @ca_smashli and @doctorfriese convinced me to try it. And while I can’t say I was good at it - far from it - I got vertical. And got higher than I was comfortable with because of my friends’ encouragement... and found myself trusting in my buddies and the rope... and having fun doing it.

Sometimes, your friends know what’s best for you... and you need to trust in those gentle pushes.

I might even be considering getting my own shoes and harness to keep learning... such a great experience!
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #climbing #rockclimbing #rockclimber

Does my puppy match my van? Or does my van match m

Does my puppy match my van? Or does my van match my puppy? One thing is for sure... he looks adorable in it and has made it a whole lot more cozy. @banjothevanpup
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

We came to the desert to enjoy warmer weather... b

We came to the desert to enjoy warmer weather... but were met with a cold snap. The last three days have been cloudy, rainy, insanely windy, and bitter cold... so we’ve been cooped up in the van for days. They were the kind of days that no one really mentions when talking about van life. While Banjo was a champ with it all, it honestly wasn’t fun.

Today is still chilly, but it’s beautiful and sunny. And someone is basking in it... as are my solar panels (finally!). It’s the little things.
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #dogsofinstagram #banjothepuppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppy

Save a horse, ride a Banjo. 📸: @hanner.reeves .

Save a horse, ride a Banjo.
📸: @hanner.reeves
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#dogsofinstagram #puppy #puppylove #doglife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

My most favorite face. . . . . . . #dogsofinstagra

My most favorite face.
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#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepuppy #rescuedog #banjothedog #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #shecan #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

The plan was to rescue you. Turns out, you rescued

The plan was to rescue you. Turns out, you rescued me, too.
📸: @jilldivision
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#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepuppy #rescuedog #banjothedog #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #shecan #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

If you think I’m going to stop spamming you with

If you think I’m going to stop spamming you with Banjo content soon... get outta here. The answer is no. I love him so much.
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#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepuppy #rescuedog #banjothedog #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #shecan #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

It’s been a week with my little Banjo man... and

It’s been a week with my little Banjo man... and I’m convinced I have the perfect puppy. He’s the most chill, cuddly puppy I’ve ever seen... and when he gets amped up, he turns into an adorable, playful, wiggly goober. My life is infinitely better with him in it. 🪕
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#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepuppy #rescuedog #banjothedog #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #shecan #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

I can’t get enough of this season. Mice and all.

I can’t get enough of this season. Mice and all.
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#vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict #micelife #fuckmice

Welcome to the fam, Banjo. I fell in love with you

Welcome to the fam, Banjo. I fell in love with you the second I met you... and a few hours in to our life together, I know I made the right decision. And this time, no one can take you away. It’s you and I forever, bud.
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#dogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepuppy #rescuedog #banjothedog #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #shecan #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

Two years ago, I completed the final steps of the

Two years ago, I completed the final steps of the PCT. At the time, it was the one thing I had ever attempted that I wasn’t entirely sure I could achieve. But I faced and tackled every obstacle that the trail threw at me. With each step, I grew more confident and resilient. At some point - and I’m not sure exactly when it was - I went from being unsure if I could make it to absolutely certain I would.

I’ve taken this attitude forward and dove into another project that I wasn’t sure I could complete. If I could hike 2,600+ miles, I could do anything, right? So I decided to build out a camper van, despite having absolutely zero experience. I honestly don’t know that I could have done it without experiencing the trail first.

...and then I decided to live in it in the middle of nowhere during a global pandemic. I used so many skills and tricks that I learned on trail to get me through.

Hiking this trail was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It showed me just how strong, patient, confident, and resilient I really am. Two years later, I’m grateful for, and miss it (and the wonderful hikertrash that inhabits it) every day.
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#hiking #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #girlswhohike #adventure #thetrek #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #hikelikeawoman #sheexplores #mountaingirl #neature #goatworthy #radgirlslife #hikerlife #trekkingtoes #mybodycan #pct #pct2018 #thruhiking #thruhikeanniversary

The PCT is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s bee

The PCT is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s been two years (tomorrow!) that I completed the trail, and it makes my soul shine to get to hang out with trail friends on the road.

I met Toga (@sj.camacho) in the desert. We were both solo female hikers - and we kept leap frogging each other. We’d say hi, but it was always in passing.

One day, she was sitting on a ridge as I climbed the trail.

“There’s phone service up here!”

Which was music to my ears, in an otherwise dead area. We chatted as we checked our phones, checking in with loved ones from home. And became trail sisters in the moment. And while I never actually hiked with Toga (though we did share a hotel room in Big Bear and spent the night drinking cheap wine and giggling in the hotel hot tub), she’s always been one of my most memorable friends from the trail and we’ve always kept in touch.

Spending a night camping with her, and taking a lazy day to take a pretty drive to see the aspens, hike a random trail, sit by a beautiful creek and reminisce about life on trail and talk about life now (the good, bad, and ugly), was a gift.

Your thru hike experience lasts far longer than the few months you’re on trail. And I’m learning that post-trail moments are sometimes more memorable and special than on trail moments.
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#hiking #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #girlswhohike #adventure #thetrek #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #hikelikeawoman #sheexplores #mountaingirl #neature #goatworthy #radgirlslife #hikerlife #trekkingtoes #mybodycan #vanlife #lifeontheroad #hikerfriends #hikersisters

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Hello, my name is Sarah aka aka Vice aka The Darling Dirtbag. I recently completed The Pacific Crest Trail, hiking 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada. This website documents my adventure through photos, videos and random thoughts. Happy trails!

Recent Posts

VICE ON THE RADIO

VICE ON THE RADIO

December 4, 2018

#3: MT. LAGUNA > WARNER SPRINGS

#3: MT. LAGUNA > WARNER SPRINGS

November 5, 2018

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