10/1-Alright, #hikeoctober is officially underway, and let's just say it didn't start with a bang! 😤 Sirius and I had grand plans for a 6-mile adventure at Robert Treman State Park, but after just one mile, the old puppy decided he'd had enough. 🐕🦺
So, after dropping him off at home to rest, I headed to Lime Hollow Nature Center, and guess what? Mother Nature decided to join the party with a little drizzle! 🌧️ Despite the unexpected twists, I still managed to rack up 6.85 miles and I am well on my way to 100 total miles for this moth!
10/2 -Hit the trails with Sirius and I and support a great cause! Hike 🥾 🌲 🍄 🍂
We hiked another 5 miles on our #hikeoctober challenge, making it 12 miles in just 2 days! Sirius was bouncing with excitement to get back in the woods after his day off yesterday. 🐺
This hike wasn't just about the miles, though. I'm fundraising and raising 💰 for mental health awareness and trail restoration because it's something I deeply care about. As someone who's battled with mental health issues myself, I want to break down the stigma and share some of the things that have helped me on my journey. (No expert here, just sharing what works for me!)
Hiking has been a game-changer. Being outdoors, soaking up nature, and sharing it with all of you brings me so much joy. Plus, it's helped me feel physically stronger and fitter. Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing tips for getting started on your own hiking adventures – trust me, I know how overwhelming it can be to take those first steps!
Whether you're interested in mental health advocacy, hiking hacks, or just seeing adorable pics of Sirius Black in his natural habitat, you're in the right place! And if you're feeling generous, any contribution towards my fundraising goal would be amazing.
Thanks for being here, everyone!
Best,
Brad
P.S. Follow us on our adventures: @sirius_hikes on Instagram
10/4-Sirius and I 🐾 passed the 20-mile mark yesterday! We explored the beautiful Wesley Hill Nature Preserve 🌳 on the west side of the Finger Lakes. Even though some trails were closed due to hunting season, we managed to hike about 5 miles and see some amazing sights! 🥾
A huge shout out to the Finger Lakes Land Trust for preserving these incredible places, especially during hunting season. Their efforts to keep trails open and safe for hikers and visitors alike are truly commendable 👏.
As for our #hikeoctober mental health awareness fundraiser, we’ve raised $75 so far! Thanks to Tina Blake and Mike Blake , and my coworker Parker Sheldon for their generous donations 🙏. Your support means the world to Sirius and I ❤️. If you’d like to donate, please follow the link in my bio or click the link below. And even if you aren't able donate, sharing the link would be a huge help in raising awareness for this important cause.
Now, it’s time to get back out into the woods for more miles! Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for the likes and shares! 😊
10/5 -Last Thursday, our #hikeOctober fundraiser brought us to Great Hill near Naples, NY. While Sirius and I are raising funds for mental health and trail preservation, it's essential to acknowledge the rich and brutal history of this land.
Almost all of my hikes this year are taking place on the ancestral lands of the Seneca (Onondowahgah), Cayuga(Guyohkohnyoh), and Onondaga (Onundagaono) peoples. Their vibrant cultures are still present in the Finger Lakes Region and I would encourage anyone who wants deeper connections with nature, to first learn the history of the land. The Finger Lakes Land Trust has numerous informational kiosks and signs on their properties and they are wonderful resources as a starting point.
Stay tuned for updates on our fundraising progress and mileage updates from this busy and productive weekend
HIKE for Mental Health is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on the vision of a world in which everyone, including those who suffer mental illness, can find the simple joy of living.