Nebraska Northern Lights It’s been a while since I’ve written here, hasn’t it? Life has a funny way of swallowing up the things we love most when the calendar fills up with work, kids, and the thousand other “grown-up” obligations that seem to appear out of nowhere. The pack in the corner has gathered a fine layer of dust, and the hiking boots have seen more garage floors than trails lately. But I’m still here. Still a wannabe backpacker. Some nights, I scroll through old trail photos just to remind myself how it feels to fall asleep under canvas and stars, or to wake up with that quiet, coffee-in-hand kind of peace that only happens when the world hasn’t woken up yet. I miss that. And I’m realizing it’s time to stop just missing it — and start planning again. Even if it’s just a short weekend trip, or a single overnight hike, I need that reconnection with dirt, wind, and open sky. One early winter night gave me a reminder of why I crave it. The aurora borealis made a rare appearance here, and I couldn’t resist stepping outside with my camera. The sky lit up with green and purple ribbons, shimmering and shifting like something alive. I stood there in my own backyard, completely spellbound. I got some incredible photos — I’ll post a few below — but as I watched, I couldn’t help thinking how much more magical it would’ve been to see it from a tent flap, somewhere deep on a trail, with cold air biting and the world quiet except for the wind through the trees. So, here’s to dusting off the backpack. To carving out time, however imperfectly. To remembering that adventure doesn’t have to be big — it just has to be. Until then, I’ve got a few aurora shots to hold me over and a growing list of trail ideas for when the stars (and schedules) align again. Stay wild, wander often — even if it’s just to the backyard. — BJ, the Wannabe Backpacker
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