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

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

#2: S. TERMINUS > MT. LAGUNA

#2: S. TERMINUS > MT. LAGUNA

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These two. They have my whole heart, and then some

These two. They have my whole heart, and then some. Ive always thought I wasn’t good with kids.

Until these two. They’re insanely exhausting, and simultaneously are the most fun hangs. When they leave, I’m relieved for about a minute… then miss them immediately.

Plus Banjo is obsessed with them. 🥺

Happy 'Gotcha Day', to my best friend. A year ago,

Happy 'Gotcha Day', to my best friend. A year ago, I was a little nervous to introduce a dog into my life - especially given that I lived in a van. I was nervous it would make things much harder and that I would have to sacrifice quite a lot... but I was ready to take that risk. But as it turned out, adopting Banjo was the best decision I've ever made. He's made my life infinitely better.

We've hiked hundreds and driven thousands of miles. We've been to ten states. Explored deserts, mountains, the ocean, and just about everything in between. We've spent more hours than I can count playing, adventuring, swimming, training, and cuddling. He helped me claw my way out of a pretty dark time (well, him and a good therapist...).

The longest we've been apart is about four hours. If Banjo can't be there, I don't want to go.

He is the most loving being I've ever met. His excitement about (literally everything in) life is infectious. He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and exists on this planet to love... sometimes aggressively. He can go from a goofy, quirky derpface to a sweet, cuddly lovebug in a snap.

While it's only been a year, I barely remember a life without Banjo. Looking back at all we've done together in such a short amount of time makes me so excited to see what we'll get into in the coming years.

I originally set out to save a pup... but turns out, he saved me.
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#dogsofinstagram #gotchaday #bestfriend #dogs #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #dogs #dogmom #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

Building out my van was the hardest thing I’ve e

Building out my van was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and is the thing I’m most proud of. It was something I took on that I genuinely questioned whether or not I could do. And while this is the case, I still feel a little imposter syndrome-y when asked to feature my build.

@thedesertcruiser reached out a couple of weeks ago and asked if I’d be willing to shoot a van tour. I almost said no… because there are better builds out there built by people with far more experience than I had (which was zero at the start). I love my van and am still amazed that I built out this space… but am the first to point out every imperfection or mistake to someone seeing it for the first time.

But I decided to do it anyway. With the hopes of showing what can be built with patience, determination, hard work, stubbornness and a little over-confidence in one’s ability. It’s not perfect, but I’m proud of it.

As the saying goes, “comparison is the thief of joy” - and I worked too damn hard to have that taken away by my own self doubt!

To take a tour of my tiny home on wheels, click the link in my bio.
📸: @thedesertcruiser
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#vanbuild #diyvanconversion #vantour #vanbuildout #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

I’ve typed and deleted multiple captions that we

I’ve typed and deleted multiple captions that were attempting to explain how much I love this dog. And I realized it’s not something I can put into words. I found my soul pup, and I love him so.
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#dogsofinstagram #nationaldogday #bestfriend #dogs #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

I hung out with my best friend for a few days….

I hung out with my best friend for a few days…. …and it was the best. @smthng_abt_mary7 @pettyprinethepromaster

Today, I spent the whole day on the lake with Banj

Today, I spent the whole day on the lake with Banjo. There was no agenda other than to just be. This is a different kind of joy. It’s a slow, sweet, quiet kind of joy.

I love my pup. And I love that our time at this special place has allowed us to bond more deeply.

I’m so happy. And I haven’t said that - and meant it - very many times over the past year.

But oh, do I mean it.
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#bestfriends #washington #vanlife #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

Banjo’s first day paddling!. I took Banjo paddli

Banjo’s first day paddling!. I took Banjo paddling around a lake for the first time today… and we’ll be paddling all the lakes this summer. I can’t believe this is the same pup that was once so scared of water. It was too cute not to hyperlapse!
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#dogsofinsta #dogs #lakepup #paddling #waterdog #besfriend #washington #lakelife #vanlife #travel #roadtrip #hyperlapse #doglife #banjothedog

This. This is why I continue to live this lifestyl

This. This is why I continue to live this lifestyle. I happily accept the bad, the frustrating, the mundane… for this kind of good. Spending the last few days living, working, and playing here has been so great for the soul.

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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

Turns out, Banjo’s DNA test was wrong. He’s 50

Turns out, Banjo’s DNA test was wrong. He’s 50% fish.
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#dogsinlakes #dogsinvans #dogswimming #banjo #bestfriend #vanlife #mtnchicks #mtnchicksdoitbetter #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #radgirls #sheexplores #mountaingirl #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

Hike to Obsidian Falls (and back to the PCT). Yest

Hike to Obsidian Falls (and back to the PCT). Yesterday, we hiked to Obsidian Falls… and most importantly back to the PCT. I remember this section SO vividly. I spent several hours at the falls when I was on trail… cooling off in the waters and eating a salami wrap with Cheetos (standard). A couple miles down the trail, it opens up to an incredible view of The Three Sisters. And I remember being speechless with the beauty.

I also remember seeing day hikers when I was out there and wondered where they came from. Turns out, it’s a gorgeous 12 mile hike. I got super reflective of the experience on my hike there and emotional when I reached the PCT (sorry, random, nice backpackers who witnessed it lol).

While I didn’t see any hikers yesterday (which was a bummer… I packed in sodas and fruit!), I’m excited to access more of the trail while I’m out here. Hopefully I’ll do a little on trail “magic” in the process… and finally take Banjo for his first overnight!
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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 #pctrevisited

If it was up to Banjo, we’d be moving here tomor

If it was up to Banjo, we’d be moving here tomorrow. To say he’s loved our time here is a massive understatement.

Getting to see his pure JOY state has made me so happy. I don’t know that I’ve seen him this happy since we’ve been together.

Noted, lil man.

This is usually my work view. Banjo is the most pa

This is usually my work view. Banjo is the most patient pup on the planet when it comes to days when I have to work for the majority of the day (same goes for bad weather days). After his morning walk, he’ll either sleep or quietly play by himself.

Today has been a long one… and yet, he just hangs. He doesn’t whine. Doesn’t get antsy. He never acts like he’s bored. He just chills out until I say the magic word: OUTSIDE.

Sometimes I feel like I need him in my life as a reminder to give myself that same command when things get busy.

I just said the word. So outside we go.

…

Also yes, I always do have a zillion tabs and chrome profiles open. I will not change, don’t even try. You should see my email count...

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#bestfriend #dogsinvans #banjo #bestfriend #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

Oregon has been beautiful. But rough. I got here t

Oregon has been beautiful. But rough. I got here the day a blazing heat wave began. The first week was a huge struggle. I’ve been hiding and running from the heat since that first day. And it pushed me to the coast.

And the coast has made me the happiest I’ve been in awhile. Banjo smells like the ocean. I always taste salt on my lips. I could build a sand castle in my bed (which is annoying but I know I’ll always remember that detail about our time here). I welcome the unexpected spray of a rogue wave. I need more showers, after all.

This area’s beauty is otherworldly. This country has some incredible landscape to explore.

I will always choose the road. And I will forever be pulled to the Oregon coast.

Banjo on the Beach. There’s nothing better than

Banjo on the Beach. There’s nothing better than seeing this little dude SO happy. Banjo meets the beach. #puppy #beachpuppy #vanlife #banjo #ocean #pacificnorthwest

A few weeks ago, I spent the best, most stress fre

A few weeks ago, I spent the best, most stress free, beautiful weekend with my chosen family.

My chosen family is invaluable. It was the easiest, most fun weekend that I’ve had in the last year and a half. Belly laughs, deep conversations, silly times, adventures, and more. I don’t know where I’d be without them.
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#roommates #roammates #chosenfamily #bestfriends #colorado #carcamping #vanlife #getoutside #adventure #darlingdirtbag #dirtbag #choosemountains #optoutside #mountaingirl #goatworthy #radgirlslife #mybodycan #promaster #campervan #diy #shecan #travel #travelblog #solofemaletraveler #solofemalevanlife #adventure #minimalism #vanlifediaries #vanlifediaries #vanlifedistrict

My sweet, little home. . . . . . . . #vanlife #mtn

My sweet, little home.
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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

There was a time that I was bummed that Banjo’s

There was a time that I was bummed that Banjo’s puppy stage was coming to an end… until I met his adolescent stoke face. Which is plastered on his sweet face most of the time. While I LOVED him as a puppy, he’s morphed into a true adventure buddy and it’s so much more fun.

After 17 hours of driving, we’ve nearly landed in our summer spot and we’re both stoked. (Hint: Banjo will be meeting the ocean soon and it will be epic)
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#puppylove #bestfriend #puplife #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

Twenty years ago today, my mom took her last breat

Twenty years ago today, my mom took her last breath after a long and excruciating battle with cancer.

I remember every single tiny piece of this day in the most insane detail. Down to the minute.

And the loss has really never gotten easier. It’s gotten different, but never easier. It runs so incredibly deep. Even if you can’t always see it in me.

As much as I try to put my efforts towards remembering the good times, good memories, the love and support she gave me, etc. It’s hard not to focus on the loss.

I miss my mom to the core of my being 20 years later and that is ok. It doesn’t HAVE to get easier. It’s still hard, and always probably will be.

So on this day, and every day, I will say: I miss you, mom. To wooden spoons, broom guitars, and always trying to “shoot a three” for you.
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#grief #family #loss #mom #mentalhealth #Imissher #fuckcancer #cancer #mentalhealthawareness #griefandloss

The coolest part about building a van on your own

The coolest part about building a van on your own is that the skills you acquire in the process don’t go away. As I’ve been working on van updates/additions/fixes these last few weeks, I’ve noticed that I’m much quicker at figuring out how to do things. I’m so much more confident than I was in the beginning. It’s a cool realization to have, I’ll be honest.

I look at every tiny little thing with new eyes now. I see the 10 uses every random object in my dad’s garage could be. Golf club cover? Obviously it would make an awesome laundry bag (though I couldn’t talk him into departing with it). Broom holder? Perfect for mounting my ice axe.

Today, I learned how to put together and sew a zipper. I updated my plumbing for better venting in an afternoon without being paralyzed with uncertainty on how to do it. I’ve also randomly wired several things this week... which I can now just... DO. Which is WILD when I think about how overwhelmed and intimidated I was when I started.

I never stopped to think about what the long term impact of building this on my own would be. And I think that might be the coolest part of it all.

Self reliance is sexy.
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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

I’ve wanted to get a dog for years. YEARS. And I

I’ve wanted to get a dog for years. YEARS. And I tried (🎵oh my god did I try... I tried all the time...🎵).

But it was always something. The place I was living wouldn’t allow it (x3). The landlord wouldn’t allow it (x2). The roommate wouldn’t allow it (x2).

Adopting a dog was never fucking allowed.

And while I didn’t do the van thing to be able to adopt a dog, it was an added bonus. Not only did I have complete freedom of location... but I had the freedom to make this damn decision. When I was ready, I had to answer to no one.

And then I met my soul pup. Maybe all of those “not allowed” moments happened so that this, HE, could.

In any case, we’re a packaged deal now. And if you’re considering the same thing - and have a situation that allows it... adopt the dog. Do it.
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#puppylove #bestfriend #puplife #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

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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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