Leigh McAdam is the author of the popular adventure blog
HikeBikeTravel.com. Her site recounts the tales of her adventures across the globe. She has been to every continent except Antarctica and a total of 54 countries. Of all the beautiful locations she's visited, Yosemite holds a special place in her heart.
We sat down with Leigh to talk about her travels and stories of journeying through Yosemite.
-
What inspired you to start exploring and being the adventurer you are? Also what inspired you to start Hike Bike Travel?
I have always been curious. And I've also enjoyed geography from a young age. I got into stamp collecting (not something you hear about anymore) as a kid and in Grade 3 I had a teacher who had us studying Saudi Arabia. They are surprisingly two of my motivators and have made me want to fill in the blanks of a map ever since.
-
What inspired you to start the website HikeBikeTravel.com
I fell into HikeBikeTravel. My husband and I had recently sold a business and I was looking for something 100% different than selling equipment for sampling groundwater. I had no idea though about what I was getting into; I knew precisely zero about social media and next to nothing about marketing. It's been an uphill slog but I've made some serious progress in the last few years. As a spin off from my blog I am writing a book due to be released in the fall called 100 Outdoor Adventures in Canada. By Labour Day weekend I will have completed all of the 100 adventures.
-
Whats your favorite part about exploring Yosemite?
I have only been to Yosemite in the winter. I was just blown away seeing all the iconic rock faces I'd seen so many pictures of. Everywhere I looked there was beauty and photograpic opportunities.
-
What have you discovered (about yourself, the park, wildlife, etc) by exploring Yosemite?
Yosemite excited me like few places do. I just wanted to see it all, do it all, hike every trail yet I only had three days in total. I am still blown away by the size of the trees in Mariposa Grove and can't help wondering what sights they have been privy too. I got a taste of hiking in the snow but now I want to do the John Muir Trail and get way off into the backcountry and away from the tourists.
-
Do you think there's something about Yosemite that people don't really appreciate as much as they should? if so, what do you think that is?
In my experience most visitors to parks don't wander more than about a mile from the car. In Yosemite there are plenty of sights to see just from the road but I think it's a real shame that people miss the full wilderness experience. It's always the reward for going that little bit further.
-
Do you have any tips or advice for first time Yosemite goers?
Don't try to see Yosemite in a day. Stay overnight so you can take advantage of seeing the park under different lighting conditions. Don't discount a trip to Yosemite in winter. It's stunning and it's much quieter than at any other time. Plus there's a shuttle up from Mariposa so you don't have to drive if it's snowing.
-
Whats your favorite....
- Hiking trail?
The Mariposa Trail is a must do in my opinion and for an easy hike you can't beat the walk to Lower Yosemite Falls. On my bucket list is a hike to the top of Half Dome and a hike of the entire John Muir trail which includes 37 miles in Yosemite National Park.
- Season to visit?
Everyone I talk to says go in spring when the waterfalls are at their peak. I'm sure it's lovely but I would prefer early September when the hiking is still at its peak with the added bonus of some colour around.
- Activity or thing to do while in Yosemite?
Hiking, backpacking and photography are three of my passions.I could literally spend weeks, perhaps even months in Yosemite trying to do it all.
Follow Leigh and all the amazing things she does:
HikeBikeTravel.com
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
