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The Darling Dirtbag - A proud dirtbag… with a dash of darling.
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Diary, Featured, Thoughts, Trail

#1: CHAOS BEFORE THE STORM

October 29, 2018 by Sarah 1 Comment
I step out of the airport in San Diego to a warm, breezy April afternoon. I feel sweat begin to...
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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

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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... 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
The the last few weeks, I had to say goodbye to a The the last few weeks, I had to say goodbye to a furry best friend, aggressively play with a little best friend, and meet a new best friend.

It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I experienced grief, anger, excitement, and happiness... simultaneously. Emotions are fucking wild.
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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 #emotions #dogsofinstagram #babyboy #humanexperience
Dear 2020, Thank you. Thank you for forcing me t Dear 2020,

Thank you.

Thank you for forcing me to take a step back and examine my priorities. I admittedly got a little (ok, a lot) off track. But you stripped me down to remind me that I was distracted and helped remind me what really matters. 

You didn’t have to be so over-the-top and dramatic about it, but I forgive you.

You helped see clearly - like, REALLY clearly - what my values really are: equality, family (including my chosen one), protecting the planet, honesty, integrity, acting on behalf of the greater good, standing up for what’s right, striving to do good, being kind to myself and others.

You piled on so many intense, divisive things at once that, while overwhelming, helped me identify people in my life that don’t share these values. You tested my patience so intensely that I now realize that I ain’t got time for people whose values are so drastically misaligned with my own.

You taught me that sometimes you just need to unapologetically be sad, grieve, cry, scream...and maybe punch a pillow or two.

So, thanks for that.

You taught me to not take human contact - or even just a random smile from a stranger in the grocery store - for granted. You showed me who my chosen-family really is...and through this lesson, showed me I can have a 5 hour phone call and not think a thing of it.

Because you took away so much of my work, you gave me the space to finally take the leap into therapy. And the time to spend reflecting and working on myself.

You made me so fed up and angry that I finally stopped avoiding confrontation and I made my voice heard to speak up for what’s right, even when it was hard.

You forced me to stop and appreciate the tiniest things… since often they were the only things I could find to appreciate.

You showed me that I built a pretty solid van build and that I’m self-sufficient as FUCK. Never planned on not moving for over 4 weeks... but I can do it. And I only know this ‘cuz of you, boo.

While you picked a really aggressive way to teach these lessons, you got through to me. Finally.

All that said, you can chill out now. No, really. Take a load off… I’ll handle it from here.
I’ve had a hard time writing down the words, but I’ve had a hard time writing down the words, but realized I just need to because it’s very much my experience.

In two days, I have to say goodbye to Goku. His owner is taking him back. It didn’t happen without me trying to fight for him... but it’s not my decision.

I’m heartbroken...and angry. While I always knew this was an option of the potential outcomes, I also learned this week that me keeping him was NEVER an actual option. That was a crucial detail that was withheld from me and it stings.

But so it is. I can’t change this, no matter what I’m feeling.

So this weekend has been our farewell adventure tour. It’s been ALL about him. We’ve hiked in creeks in the desert, played in waterfalls, swam in high alpine lakes, played with so many pups, and he’s been getting all the treats (he’s the best boy so that would happen anyway).

I love this pup more than I can put into words. He’s made the good things better and the bad things sting less. And I’ll be gutted when he’s no longer my co-pilot... but we’re making the best of the time we have left. Here’s to one more day to send it together.

I could use some virtual hugs 🖤

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#dogsofinsta #dogsofinstagram #bestbud #dogsofvanlife #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

Categories

  • Diary
  • Featured
  • Gear
  • Quotes
  • Thoughts
  • Trail
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