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Breathe and Backpack

@breatheandbackpack

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(Jessica, NJ) Therapist + nature lover sharing my mindful adventures.

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Climbing outside is 1 parts terrifying and 3 parts exhilarating. Even though I got a bit of the shaky leg today, I still had an amazing time.

What’s life without a little adrenaline rush every now and then?!

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#njrockclimbing #parockclimbing #highrocksvista taken in High Rocks Vista by @breatheandbackpack

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5 months ago

We took out the canoe for the first time this year recently. How amazing would it be to have a house right on the water?!

There’s something super blissful about just floating in the water with no purpose or intention other than to just be. It’s not often I get to turn my brain off and just allow myself to exist without having a purpose or an action to complete, but this is always the space that gives me that excuse to do so.

📍Grovers Mill Pond
218 Cranbury Rd
West Windsor Township, NJ 08550

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#groversmillpond #westwindsornj #njoutdoors by @breatheandbackpack

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5 months ago

If you would have told me a year ago - heck, even a month ago - that I would want to dip my toes into the world of disc golf, I would have probably laughed. Definitely doesn’t seem like my jam - but a chance encounter at a park, and a short, friendly chat with a player turned my ambivalence into a curiosity. I always like to try new things, so thanks to the wonder that is Facebook marketplace and the enticing warm weather, I was able to give it a whirl this week.

Make no mistake, I did terrible. But in my defense, I’ve never even thrown a frisbee, much less played disc golf, so my poor skill set was not a surprise. There are a few things I do enjoy about it (in my limited experience):

- I like, the fact that it can be played solo. No need for me to make plans with anyone if I don’t want to, I can disc golf all on my own.

- Everyone I have met so far playing has been super nice and offered support and encouragement.

- Apart from the cost of the discs (and they can go for a pretty penny) it’s relatively low cost. All the courses I have found are free to use!

- It allows me to be outside, and on a really good course it also takes me on a fun and easy trek through the woods.

I am not going to say this is going to become a passion, but it certainly is fun enough to add to the rotation!

Where are all my disc golfers at?!? If you’ve ever played, let me know!

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#njoutdoors #njdiscgolf #njoutside Disc golf, NJ taken in New Jersey by @breatheandbackpack

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5 months ago

An easy, breezy, river side hike in 60 degree weather? Sign me up! I can’t think of any place I would rather be than in the woods on a nice weekend. I don’t get to this part of NJ often, but when I do I am always impressed by its beauty. So glad I was able to enjoy this unexpected opportunity to check out a new-to-me spot.

Although not a hard hike, the gorgeous water, lush surroundings, and rocky terrain make this anything but boring. The Black River is absolutely stunning and it was hard to resist the temptation to shed my hiking boots and wade around. We were able to pack in all the trails in about 3 hours with some time spent enjoying the water views and exploring. I even got an enjoy a mini climb on a small boulder by the river. Guess I can technically check off outdoor climbing for the weekend?!

📍Hacklebarney State Park
119 Hacklebarney Road
Long Valley NJ 07853

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#njhiking #newjerseyhiking #hiking #hacklebarneystatepark taken in Hacklebarney State Park by @breatheandbackpack

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5 months ago

It’s not quite warm enough - for me - to hit up the beach yet, so the beach park will have to do.

On the plus side, it’s such a pretty, calming setting. The perfect spot for me to break out a chair, my latest read, and some SPF and get in a couple of hours of quiet time.

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#bricktownshipnj #windwardbeachpark #njoutside taken in Windward Beach Park by @breatheandbackpack

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6 months ago

On a whim, I decided to check out Ocean County Park simply because I have never been there and I was driving by it. It’s a pretty massive park and although they didn’t appear to have the most interesting trail system - and I totally may have missed a cool trail, if so let me know! - but the drive through the trees lined path was certainly a pretty ride.

I also had my interest peaked in disc golf after a quick chat with a disc golfer (?). Never really had an interest in it before, but his enthusiasm actually inspired me to give it a try, so now my mission is to keep an eye out for a pre-owned set to give it a whirl!

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#njparks #oceancountypark #oceancountynj taken in Ocean County Park by @breatheandbackpack

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6 months ago

Most people probably listen to motivating and energizing music while climbing. I am just over here getting my true crime fix with @seriouslypod_ when I am on the wall. If you are a true crime lover definitely check out the Podcast. I am obsessed.

You all know I like to climb easy on the autos so it is the perfect opportunity for me to break in my new shoes. I have never had a pair of Evolvs and I know they are a rental go-to, but I couldn’t resist trying out the Kronos because I like to be different in a sea of Scarpas and La Sportivas 😉 I almost forgot how painful breaking in a new pair of shoes can be! Ooof! Excuse the sloppy footwork, this was th beginning for the break-in and I was semi suffering.

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#evolv @evolv_worldwide #truecrime #indoorrockclimbing by @breatheandbackpack

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6 months ago

What’s your “safe space” outside?

Maybe it’s the Piseces in me, but I always find myself drawn to spaces with water. So serene, calming, and reflective - literally and figuratively - everything just feels like it will be okay when I am next to the water.

Have you ever noticed how water moves in ripples, waves, and stillness. There’s no right way for water to be, just like there’s no “right” way to feel right now. It just is.

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#outdoormentalhealth #adventuremindfulness #mindfuladventures taken in New Jersey by @breatheandbackpack

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7 months ago

The weekend was absolutely beautiful so it was the perfect time to breathe in some fresh air and surround ourselves with the woods. We decided to explore the Bridge Loop Trail and Hidden Creek trail in Shark River Park in Wall Township, NJ. This was a new-to-us trail and we enjoyed the varying scenery of this moderate hike. Will definitely go again.

I also had the best time chatting, laughing and exploring with my two beautiful girls.

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#njhikes #njhiking #njoutdoors taken in Shark River Park by @breatheandbackpack

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6 months ago

Attempted to get some outdoor climbing in this weekend but my plans were thwarted by rain. I suppose I should do a better job at paying attention to the weather instead of just winging it.

Got some outdoor time in, just in a different way than I originally planned. I hope to get on some real rock soon!

Did you spend anytime outdoors for your Easter weekend?

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#njoutdoors #njoutside #njparks taken in New Jersey by @breatheandbackpack

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6 months ago

I love when the weather allows for some outdoor reading time.

Picked up this young adult book at the thrift store for 50 cents, got myself an iced coffee, and am enjoying the sun and a creepy story. This is the life!

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#njoutside #booksbooksbooks #njparks taken in Echo Lake Park by @breatheandbackpack

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7 months ago

Took advantage of a beautiful 70 degree day here in NJ to explore a new (to me) trail. It was a relatively short but nice hike to start out the day. The remoteness and quiet of the woods was a welcome brain break from current life stresses. I will definitely go again.

It brought me a moment of sadness to see a missing person for Mortimer “Mekhai” Wortman, a Rutgers student who is originally from the area who has been missing since the Fall. Google to read more about the case. It breaks my heart.

Stay safe, friends.❤️

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#bringmortyhome #jacksonnj #njhiking taken in Silver Stream Trail by @breatheandbackpack

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7 months ago