Make your journey stand out.

Ali’s Wanderlust Chronicles

Make it stand out.

My Journey from Palmetto State to Finding Life’s Greatest Peaks

“If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” -Unknown

Welcome to the journey of me, a Southern belle turned wanderlust enthusiast, whose path has taken me from the warm embrace of South Carolina to the rugged wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Buckle up as we explore my adventures, love for the outdoors, fine wines, photography, and everything in between!

Born and raised amidst the sweet tea and Southern hospitality of South Carolina, my heart always longed for something more, something beyond the familiar palmettos and magnolias. My craving for adventure led me on a whirlwind journey, starting with a move to the land of 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, where I discovered a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the North.

Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.


But it was my next move and stint in Napa Valley that truly ignited my passion for the finer things in life. Surrounded by rolling hills intertwined with vineyards and the aroma of aged wines, I found solace in the simple pleasures of wine tasting and picnics, all while capturing the picturesque landscapes through my newly opened eyes to all life had to offer.

Yet, Napa wasn’t quite home and it was the call of the wild that ultimately beckoned me to the Pacific Northwest, where towering evergreens and snow-capped peaks awaited. Here, amidst the rugged terrain and endless trails, I found my true calling – backpacking through the wilderness and immersing myself in nature accompanied by my faithful canine companions.

“Life’s Too Short to Stay In One Place”

From the rolling hills of South Carolina to the misty mountains of the Pacific Northwest and now to the many lakes of Minnesota and mountains of Montana, I’m proof that the wanderlust spirit knows no bounds. "Life's too short to stay in one place – let's explore!"

So grab your backpack, leash up your furry friend, and join me and embark on the ultimate adventure – because in my world, the journey is just as important as the destination.

“I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well”

— Diane Ackerman