2 Sisters on Adventures

The sisters are excited to discuss one of their favorite topics in backpacking — developing resilience and mental toughness. They discuss how unpleasant experiences on trail shape their ability to take on challenges off trail. They talk about different anxiety experienced before getting on trail and reveal their biggest fear as beginner backpackers, and how this has changed with years of hiking. They discuss dealing with challenges in the moment and the sense of accomplishment which translates to daily life. Stay to the end to learn what mindset advice Carrie and Molly would give their “beginner backpacker” selves.

Carrie and Molly discuss the one important item they did not originally bring backpacking., why reading instructions is important, their first experience using a bear can and the unique experience of sighting an unknown mammal. They give a strange, yet important tip for keeping gear safe. Hear how they plan their trips, the things to remember to check for, what weather resources they use, and other planning considerations. They discuss the hygiene items they bring and talk about their belief in the “hike your own hike” mantra. Tune in for fun and helpful stories alike!

Carrie and Molly delve into their experiences as new backpackers. They discuss their biggest barriers when transitioning from day hikers to backpackers. The girls talk about the five items they purchased to begin backpacking and the root of Molly’s biggest backpacking fear. They discuss how they prepared for their first backpacking trip and what pushed them to take that first trip. They discuss food storage, tips for new backpackers, and how they moved past one of their biggest backpacking fears.

The sisters reflect on their takeaways from their time in The Winds. They decide to tackle some additional off-trail travel and contemplate an oddly named pass. They discuss the surprising creatures that live in boulder fields and which became a big part of their off-trail experience in the winds. They finally get the perfect opportunity for a swim. They take candy from a stranger and learn about a new flavor combination which leads to a tasty trail snack! Once they leave the Winds, they add a bonus adventure in true Molly and Carrie fashion.

Molly and Carrie journey to the Cirque of the Towers. They discuss the best tent for The Winds, why you should always check behind your cat hole, the campsite element that makes them think twice, how they keep from fantasizing about food and what makes a pass go from intimidating to doable. Cross Texas Pass with them, swim in Lonesome lake, go off trail, admire Pingora Peak and wonder at the loudmouthed little Pikas.

Carrie and Molly are excited to be back, bringing you stories from their fifth day in the Wind River Range! You’ll hear a ballad which Carrie deems an instant classic, inspiring your very own theme song for the Winds. Revel in the incredible granite peaks for a phenomenal alpineglow while camping at Shadow Lake. Then, without surprise, the rain is back! Bringing lightning, thunder, and hail.

Mark your calendars so you can be sure to join the HIGHLANDER giveaway running May 8-15 to embark on your own adventure in Big Bear, California coming June 17-21, 2025. Check out our social media accounts (find us at 2 Sisters on Adventures) starting May 8th to enter!

The girls start off with a slow morning and bemoan condensation’s effects on a small tent. They head through beautiful passes and get rained on many times—even while it was sunny. They ford creeks and Carrie comes up with a new style of wearing rain pants. They meet people from their past and question the right route through the winds for themselves. They enjoy a dip in sandpoint lake and find their way to an epically cozy campsite on the continental divide trail.

Join Carrie and Molly as they venture deeper into the Winds! The sisters compare the scenery with some of their favorite west coast locations. They meet an exotic group of hikers and Carrie reveals her culinary triumph. They commit to a rock hop and make a new friend in a coming-full-circle moment! Learn more about a “rat king” than you’d ever like to know and enjoy when backpacking feels like an outdoor sleepover.

An early morning surprise throws a wrench into the sister’s plans to begin the Alan Dixon route. Molly discusses an embarrassing incident. The sisters discuss the emotions of seeing a Pringles can that doesn’t belong to you. They find a slippery rock hop and talk through how they made tough decisions on this route. They make new friends with CDT hikers as well as others who were planning to join the Dixon route. An afternoon thunderstorm chases them for miles. Carrie has a new theory for waiting out a thunderstorm. The effects of altitude catch up with them. A beautiful evening provides the opportunity for an animal sighting before they camp at a stunning and quiet lake.

The sisters admire the animals roaming through the basin as they make their way toward the Winds. Once they meet the shuttle, they give some tips on items to bring and items to leave before heading to the trailhead. One missed turn (& u-turn) later, their feet hit the trail and they discuss the unique scenery as they enter the Winds from Green River Lakes Trailhead. Work through first-day jitters and basque in the beauty that is the Winds!