Thrive Clues

In blog 205, I return where I started 5 years ago with a poem, Waves, and a reflection of this final week with our loving puppa. Good-bye sweet Ajax.

What a Week of Grace Taught Me - Thriveclues A tribute to my 11-year-old dog Ajax who has been my teacher, trail companion, steward, and loyal family member. Go with grace, my puppa.

This week has provided plenty of fodder for Blog 204: Two seminars, a 12-mile hike to Pratt Lake, and an injured dog. Courtenay Schurman reveals how to take charge from an out-of-control inner critic. Blog 204 is live at

Lessons from Ajax, Pratt Lake, and Gooky - Thriveclues Lessons from Ajax, Pratt Lake, and Gooky offer clues for quieting self-doubt, trusting your medicine, and thriving, not merely surviving.

One of the hardest blog posts I've had to write: 202 is live. Limbo is not a fun place to be, but I'm hoping for the best.

When Plans Have to Change - Thriveclues A week of plans shifts unexpectedly when my dog Ajax is injured, offering a reminder about slowing down, waiting, and being present.

And now for something completely different: a podcast with Marcos Rivera, Seamus Sullivan, and Courtenay Schurman on The Macroperspective - episode 199. https://youtu.be/TQ4KH8j4apw Comment with "outdoor" to have it DMed to you. Enjoy!

Outdoor Athlete w/ Courtenay Schurman, Ep 199 🎙️Episode 199 is LIVE Outdoor Athlete w/ Courtenay SchurmanWhat does neuroscience have to do with climbing Everest? More than you'd think.We sat down with C...

https://thriveclues.com/you-dont-have-to-do-everything-on-every-hike/ Blog 202 is about refining intentions, based on reflections from recent hikes to Wallace Falls and Wallace Lake, Juanita Bay, Twin Ponds, and Poo Poo Point.

You Don't Have to Do Everything On Every Hike - Thriveclues Trying to do everything on every hike can dilute your results. Here’s how setting a clear intention improves focus, training, and enjoyment.

https://thriveclues.com/why-celebration-isnt-optional/ Lessons from a very busy week that taught me the importance of closing the loop - celebrating your wins - before external validation takes over. Includes images from Little Si/Boulder Gardens, Union Bay, birding in Tacoma's Buckley Gulch, and a snow creation dubbed "Snow cocoa."

Why Celebration Isn't Optional - Thriveclues Why celebration isn’t optional: how closing the loop internally builds self-trust and keeps external validation from taking over.

Blog 200 is an enormous milestone for me. In this issue I reflect on the past 6 years and the changes I've felt over the history of 200 issues, set against a backdrop of photographs from Mt. Washington, May 5, 2020 and Feb. 27, 2026. Live at

The Freedom of "Oh Well" - Thriveclues A snowy hike to Mt. Washington reveals 6 years of leadership evolution and the freedom that comes from no longer needing to prove anything.

In Blog 199, I discuss newfound courage in triple roles as leader, student, and co-leader along with a personal essay about what it means to belong everywhere. Belonging Without Shrinking is live at https://thriveclues.com/belonging-without-shrinking/ against a backdrop of photos from Juanita Bay Park, SHADOW Lake Nature Preserve stewardship, and a walk around Jackson Park Golf Course with Ajax.

Belonging without Shrinking - Thriveclues What does it mean to belong in every role we step into? A reflection on growth, identity, and finding the courage to try something new.

Blog 198 shares recent photos and insights on trust and personal growth from hike leads on Rattlesnake: Grand Prospect and Carkeek Park with Ajax:

Trust What the Trail Teaches - Thriveclues On two recent hikes, I realized that growth is less about becoming someone new and more about learning to trust what the trail teaches.

On the morning of the Volunteer Celebration at the Mountaineers clubhouse, I paused to reflect on a busy January and the upcoming, exciting five months with trip leads, seminars, a backpacking course, new clients, and my first ever podcast. And I realized how much I've changed in the past year. Blog 197 is now live at https://thriveclues.com/trust-defeats-eek-at-the-edge-of-change/ featuring images from Pratt River Trail, Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie, Saint Edward State Park, Union Bay, and Hamlin Park.

Trust Defeats Eek at the Edge of Change - Thriveclues Mixed feelings often appear before growth. A reflective story about trust, courage, hiking, and showing up fully during a season of change.

Following an emotionally challenging three weeks, I celebrate following through with my intentions to lead Mountaineers outings to Whittaker Wilderness Loop, Mt. Si/Teneriffe Trailhead Lollipop loop, and Saint Edward State Park. AND do the Polar Bear Plunge. All imperfectly. But instead of trying to please everyone, I'm changing my intention for 2026. Blog 196 is live.

Beginning Again, Right Where I Am - Thriveclues A reflective winter essay about learning from mistakes in ever changing conditions, and beginning again—right where you are.