If you have checked out my blog before, you’ll know it’s been a while since I posted new content and obviously, this is a new blog. Since I started blogging back in 2013, I used Google’s Blogger service. I am cheap and it is free, so I tried to make it work…over and over again. One of the biggest drawback is that Blogger does not have a native app for iOS, so it was always a hassle posting from the trail. So now I have upgraded to a paid WordPress.com website which has a great iOS app. I can even create posts offline and then post them when I get cell service. I guess this means I need to get busy posting again.

The other reason my blog has been MIA is I have not been hiking much, except for the occasional day hike. In 2025, my mother’s health declined and she passed away February 4, 2026. She was in and out of the hospital and rehab several times which limited my ability to hike and drained me emotionally. In 2025 we moved while I was struggling with a shoulder injury that took months to get a proper diagnosis and referral to a surgeon.

After months of pain and limited mobility that kept me from both hiking and working out, I finally got scheduled for rotator cuff surgery on January 30, 2026. After twenty-six physical therapy appointments over five months, I am cleared to hike! I have done three short backpacking trips to test drive my new and improved shoulder and I am encouraged how good it feels both carrying a pack and sleeping on the ground.

I am looking forward to getting back into the habit of posting to my blog. Wish me luck, make sure to subscribe and thanks for following along!

Loren, AKA Butterfingers