2026 and My Year Ahead: Recovery, Adventures, Creativity, and Growth

A new year always feels like a fresh trailhead—full of possibility, potential, and the unknown. As I step into 2026, I’m carrying the lessons of the past year, the strength I’ve gained through recovery, and a renewed sense of purpose for what comes next.

This year feels like a continuation of healing, but also a celebration of progress. It’s about taking steady steps forward—physically, emotionally, and creatively.

Moving Through Recovery

My recovery journey continues, and with it comes a rhythm of regular check-ins. For now, I’m on three-monthly follow-up appointments, with the next one scheduled for February. These appointments mark milestones—not just in health, but in courage.

Recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s layered, ongoing, and deeply personal. Some days it feels like I’ve left the hardest parts behind; other days, it’s a reminder of how closely intertwined fear and resilience can be.

But what I know for sure is this: I’m stronger than I was last year. I’m more grounded, more aware of my limits, and more determined to keep moving forward. And 2026 is a year I intend to fill with light, movement, and meaningful milestones.

Hiking Goals: Adding More Huts and Big Adventures

Tramping has been one of the most powerful tools in my healing—physically and mentally. The mountains have a way of holding space for grief, fear, joy, and transformation, often all at once.

This year, I’m aiming to reach 400+ huts. The hut-bagging journey has evolved from a simple list into a lifestyle, a motivator, and a source of inspiration. With each hut comes a new memory, a new valley, a new challenge.

Trips planned for 2026 include:

• Kokotahi – Lathrop Saddle Circuit

  A rugged, remote West Coast classic that’s been calling my name.

  
  

• Minchin Pass

  A historic crossing with big views and even bigger sense of accomplishment.

  
  

• Hump Ridge Track

  A multi-day solo mission with sweeping coastline views and iconic viaducts, and my final South Island Great Walk to tick off.

  
  

• Welcome Flats

  Because there’s nothing quite like hot pools under a starry sky after a long walk.

And of course, there will be plenty of spontaneous trips, weather windows, last-minute adventures, and weekends where the only plan is “let’s just see where we end up.”

2026 feels like the year of going further—not faster, but deeper. More connection with place, more appreciation for what my body can do, and more gratitude for every trail I step onto.

My Book: The Final Chapter and Next Steps

May 2026 marks a huge personal milestone: the writing of my final chapter.

This book has been a year in the making—rooted in trauma, healing, mountains walked, and mountains carried. It captures one of the hardest seasons of my life, but also the most transformative.

Finishing the manuscript feels surreal. The hope is to move into publishing later this year. Whether traditional or self-published, the dream is the same: to share my story in a way that helps others feel seen, understood, and less alone.

Writing this book has been an act of reclaiming agency. Publishing it will be an act of courage.

Trail Cloth: Growing a Community of Women in the Outdoors

Trail Cloth has been one of my proudest achievements—a simple, practical tool created from lived experience, designed to help women feel more comfortable and confident in the outdoors.

In 2026, I’m excited to:

• see more women discover and use Trail Cloth,

• expand awareness of sustainable alternatives to toilet paper in the backcountry,

• and continue building a community of women who aren’t afraid to talk honestly about the realities of adventuring.

If you haven’t already, you can grab one at:

👉 trailcloth.felt.co.nz

Every purchase supports the journey—and supports more women to get outside comfortably.

Looking Ahead With Intention

2026 feels like a year of forward momentum. A year of trusting my body again. A year of stepping boldly into the mountains. A year of finishing and sharing the book that has lived inside me for so long. A year of growth—for me, for Trail Cloth, for my adventures.

I’m excited to see where the tracks lead.

I’m grateful for the strength that has carried me here.

And I’m ready—truly ready—for the journey ahead.

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