Journal
Essays and trail journals by Leah LaRocco.
April 24, 2018
The sun greeted us when we woke up today, which was the most wonderful surprise since every minute here has been rain or threat of rain. We ran downstairs for another Scottish breakfast, which is truly the best way to start a day. The breakfasts here are filling and nutritious Read More
April 23, 2018
Today started out with the most amazing Scottish breakfast at Culag Lochside Guesthouse. The owner, Patrick, is the nicest man who just loves making his guests feel at home. Everything on our plates came from a short distance away and it was the perfect meal to start our day in Read More
April 22, 2018
Flying across an ocean in coach class is the pits, but this is what average people do when they head to Scotland. When we landed in Edinburgh we made a beeline for the rental car place and were told we were getting a “free upgrade,” which always means they don’t Read More
April 12, 2018
Jennifer Pharr Davis' latest book The Pursuit of Endurance: Harnessing the Record-Breaking Power of Strength and Resilience is an inside look into the world of the FKT (fastest known time) and the athletes who accomplish these incredible feats of endurance. What personal challenges did they overcome in the effort to Read More
March 15, 2018
In 2013, I wrote a piece for Women You Should Know about what it was like to live with scoliosis. That piece was syndicated by the Huffington Post, and to this day I still get emails from young girls and women who are dealing with the same issues and wrestling Read More
March 12, 2018
I've been thinking a lot lately about what goes into the cultivation of a rich inner life. Over the past several years there has been a reexamination of my faith and everything I believe, a stripping away, an unlearning, a rejuvenation of the very foundation of why I live the Read More
March 5, 2018
After an exciting day in Joshua Tree National Park, my cousin and I were dying to see what other secrets this area held. A not too distant drive proved we were in for some more desert treats. Not to be confused with dessert. BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE The views in Big Read More
March 4, 2018
I am awestruck by the varied landscapes on this planet. There is so much to see, so many places to experience, so much land to set foot upon. I've been to the desert in Arizona, but even the desert has its own character in different places. Having never been to Read More
December 1, 2017
I've always wanted to visit Savannah. Without knowing anything about the city, what drew me there was the image of Spanish moss hanging lazily from the twisted limbs of live oak trees. I can't remember the first time I saw a picture of the famous drive at Wormsloe Plantation, but Read More
September 20, 2017
STOWE PINNACLE TRAIL Today was so full of goodness I have no idea how to sum it up. It started out with a big breakfast at McCarthy’s in town, then we headed to the Stowe Pinnacle Trail. A friend had recommended this as an easy 3.3 mile out and back Read More
September 19, 2017
Tonight as I sit here writing, trying to relive this trip in all it's loveliness, I am missing Vermont more than ever. There is simply no way for me to adequately describe the love I have for that state. It is the place that gave me a taste for adventure, Read More
August 31, 2017
Welp. I was that guy this morning in the campground. I was so proud of myself for waking up at 5am in the pitch blackness of still-night. I got out of bed even though it was drizzling and I could hear large drops on my tent, plop…plop…ploploplop. I went back Read More