Rachel is a SoCal native with a growing love for being outdoors, whether she’s cruising on her skateboard, hiking a mountain or curling up in a hammock with a good book.
I love that feeling of discovering new places, like you’ve found this secret that only the people who are willing to work for it ever see.
Rachel joined us in November to get Wilderness First Aid certified at Sturtevant Camp, and we are proud to welcome her to the community. Learn more about Rachel in our interview below, including her advice for camping on a shoestring budget!
Shoestring Warrior: Rachel
Hometown:
Lake Forest, CA
Current Location:
Tustin, CA
Profession:
Office Administrator
What are your passions outside of work?
Hiking, camping, running, reading, and various crafting
How would you describe your level of camping experience?
Advanced – I go every chance I can get!
Shoestring Adventures Trip Completed:
Tell us about yourself!
I am a SoCal native with a growing love for being outdoors. I’m a vegan fruit nut that likes collecting plants and odd relics. I may be spotted in the wild clumsily cruising on my skateboard or inside curled up with a book.
What do you love most about the outdoors?
I love that feeling of discovering new places, like you’ve found this secret that only the people who are willing to work for it ever see. I like that the wilderness doesn’t take it easy on you if you’re having a rough day, and I love that those challenges draw out people’s true characters.
What is your favorite piece of gear on the trail?
I don’t know if shoes count, but I am seriously obsessed with my Teva’s.
What advice do you have for other weekend warriors who want to learn how to camp or backpack?
My advice is for those on a “shoestring” budget — camping and backpacking can get freakin’ expensive. Go with friends who camp and borrow whatever you can until you slowly accumulate your own gear. There’s absolutely no need to buy it all at once, especially if you don’t even know if you enjoy it yet (who am I kidding, of course you’ll enjoy it!).
Where are you planning your next camping trip?
Started training to backpack Mt Whitney hopefully early spring!
What is your favorite Shoestring Adventures memory?
I loved our “scenario” time in the Wilderness First Aid course… getting fake blood smeared on our faces and acting out our injuries was totally entertaining and slightly nerve wracking.
The perfect s’more?
Any s’more, as long as the chocolate is good and melted 😀
Follow more of Rachel’s adventures on Instagram!
Photos © 2016 Rachel Breuklander and Alyx Schwarz
