Senior Abby Leese is a student who has a unique calling in hiking and nature, yet not many know about the incredible trips she has taken over the years. Just this last summer Leese and her father hiked the John Muir trail in California for two weeks. The trail is a long-distance hike in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California, passing through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The John Muir trail has coined the reputation of being quite a challenging route, so Leese’s past knowledge helped them navigate the terrains. 

Last year, Leese went to Isle Royale and the High Sierra Trail in California with her father, his friends, and their kids. Leese’s hiking group typically consists of her father’s friends' family, but occasionally she and her father take on these trips with just the two of them. “I am grateful for all the memories I’ve made with my dad and the time spent with him–it’s really helped our relationship,” said Leese. 

She has seen some spectacular landmarks throughout her many hiking trips. One time Leese saw Mount Whitney, which is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. She also saw the General Sherman Tree–the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth. Some other landmarks she has seen are the Yosemite Falls, the Half Dome, and glaciers. 

Although hiking can be a relaxing activity, there are oftentimes challenges that hikers must overcome. The most common problem that arises is exhaustion because hikers are constantly walking up and down mountains. Some of the things that can be challenging for Leese and her father are tenting and having to make their own food. “It’s really hard work on the mind and body, but it’s so rewarding and worth the trip to see all those beautiful places in nature,” said Leese.