Hi, I’m Katie, a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. My loves are kayaking, hiking, backpacking, and getting outside as much as possible.

For over 25 years, I’ve been an avid hiker. In 2024 alone, I surpassed over 250 miles of hiking.  The year I turned 40, I began my backpacking journey.  For my first trip, I went with some friends for 2 nights and 3 days.  I remember having anxiety over packing. What would I need for a few days, and how would it all fit in my backpack?  During that trip, I learned how to filter water from a stream, find and process wood for a fire, and follow “Leave No Trace” principles.  My nervousness turned into knowledge and a new love! Since then, I have backpacked over 120 miles on beautiful trails in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, and Kentucky.  In 2024, I completed a NOLS First Aid Wilderness course and earned my EpiPen Certification.

I started Follow the Sun Expeditions in 2024 because I am passionate about getting more women in the backcountry to discover beautiful places. I want women to feel empowered in nature, gain confidence in themselves for their next outdoor adventure, and build friendships while doing it.