Instagram story viewer> @nikolekulio> Posts

ShotGun

@nikolekulio

1.5K

followers

1295

following

Thru-Hiker
Hiker Trash
Not just a hobby, but a lifestyle

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

taken in White Mountain National Forest by @nikolekulio

50

1

16 days ago

This year has been jam packed with so many adventures and with so many new friends and old.
Went to Japan and explore the beautiful culture, ate tasty food and snowboard the best powered of my life.
Climbed many mountain like Madden, Parrot, Centennial and Wilson Peak.
United at Trail days with the Stoopid Headz.
My best friend came to visit me in Dolores and we explores Mesa Verde for the first time!
Mosh pit at @doloresbikehostel
Experienced one of the best wedding of 2 beautiful friends.
Explored the Sawtoothes for the first time.
Unfortunately the Ferris Fire was in our backyard, but the learning opportunity as a wildland firefighter was extraordinary. by @nikolekulio

113

8

3 months ago

My life is surrounded with love and good times by @nikolekulio

137

13

10 months ago

Chatting down the trail, "Beer, pizza, ice cream"!
And just like that, the Colorado Trail has come to an end. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to trek across the state. The weather was perfect, the seasonings changing right before my eyes was breathtaking and there was truly never without a view. I laughed, cried, smiled till my face hurt and had a privilege of doing half of it with these incredible young ladies, @jessmaxseg @jess._.coop and @mariarem1 💜 you helped me more than you'll ever know 💜

We did in fact have champagne, pizza and ice cream to celebrate :)

Cheers to the Nice Looking Northbounders! And to the lil Slim Jim that was hanging out in the fannypack the whole trail (I just kept forgetting to eat it! Lol) Till next time.

#hikertrash #thruhike #girlswhohike #coloradotrail by @nikolekulio

132

3

a year ago

I couldn't imagine a life without adventures like this. There are times I catch my feeling low even within all the beauty. But I turn it around by thinking how lucky I am to be here.

Here are some more Colorado Trail views. Big marmot and moose energy! Crazy to think only 100 miles to go!

#hikertrash #thruhike #coloradotrail by @nikolekulio

130

13

a year ago

💛🧡 September in the San Juan's and Sawatch Range on the Colorado Trail 🍂🍂

Durango through Twin Lakes

#hikertrash #thruhike #ctnobo #coloradotrail by @nikolekulio

105

4

a year ago

The world works in mysterious ways. One second my life is in a uhaul ready to move to the desert. The next, I meet up with @abbyoreos heading to hike in the Chicago Basin. Critter and ShotGun reunite to hike the Grand Slam! 💛💜
Catching up, laughing and having an incredible time. The sun rose on our way up to Windom. A sketchy leap of faith to Sunlight. Hurried up North Eolus and Mount Eolus because we were sure if weather was going to hit us or not. Luckily the universe kept it clear and we enjoyed our summit beers before heading back to camp and back out.
Can't wait to make more memories this winter in the San Juan's:)

#hyperlitegirlies #sanjuans #hikertrash #chicagobasin #14er taken in Chicago Basin by @nikolekulio

113

3

a year ago

The mid mark of the year has come and gone, and with it has brought me to a deeper reflection period.

It started off with a magical 4th of July camping trip with my best friends in the Tetons. Next day, turned into the news of my father's rapid health decline to hospice.

The annual trip with my friends was scheduled to happen just after the funeral. Quickly I was able to escape my reality and off to the woods for an amazing week in Olympic NP. Even after that week in the mountains and on the coast, I needed more. I wasn't ready to face reality.

West Glacier gave me an overwhelming feeling of nestolgia. Especially because I was hoping to come here to hike the GDT. Instead, I took the time to hangout with friends and meet new ones. Brought together by yet another sudden tragedy.

Missoula for a weekend reunited me with trail family from the CDT'22 and old acquaintance who I now consider dear friends.

Working on keeping my head up high and moving forward. Reminding myself that life doesn't always go as planned. And it's okay to not be okay. If anything, this month showed me the love and support I have.

Thank you everyone for being in my life in some way shape or form. Even if I don't reach out, I am thinking of you. by @nikolekulio

103

3

a year ago

The evening of July 11th, my dad passed away peacefully with my sister, mom and I by his side. After years of fighting multiple medical issues, it is wonderful to know that all the pain is gone.

Growing up in Chicago, he was poor, raised by his loving mother and grandparents. With adversity, Al grew into a strong, loving successful man.

Big Al lived a full and memorable life. I've only known my father as an old man. But he was so much more than that.

He joined the Air Force out of high school. Became a police officer in 1969. He is well known as a head criminal investigator for the John Wayne Gacy case. Made his way up the chain to become a lieutenant for Cook County Police. Instructor to many in the police academy and was incharge of our SWAT team.

When he wasn't serving his community, he also had a passion for firearms. Competing in all types of events, he was best known for his talent with a shotgun.

A love for the outdoors, he made time for trips out west into the mountains where he combined his other love, photography.

He was a supporting father who always came to my sporting events, along with coaching my softball team for years. Always had a story to tell and went out of his way to do right and help. We can't forget his love for music, where Michelle and I grew up always jamming to something in the car.

Thank you for giving me the greatest life a girl could ask for. You will be forever missed. Rest easy dad. I love you. by @nikolekulio

184

45

a year ago

Mollogon Rim Trail: Hannagan Meadows to New Mexico

A long, steep descent from Hannagan Meadows Lodge into the Blue Ridge Primitive Area. Haven't felt this remote since the beginning of the trek. Came across 2 rattle snakes, a black bear, coyote, horses, turkeys and your classic moo cows.

I was greeted at the finish line by 2 large water tanks and vocal cows cheering me on! Felt surreal walking into Alma, NM again with the nostalgia of the GET three years prior.

Another Brett Tucker production in the books!!

#hikertrash #thruhike #mrt taken in Hannagan Meadow, Arizona by @nikolekulio

104

8

a year ago

Mogollon Rim Trail: Forest Estate to Show low, AZ to Hannagan Meadows

Heading out of Forest Estate, you descend from the Rim and into ponderosa pine forests. Within the section, you go through a burn scar from the 2002 Rodeo-Chedeski fire. No exaggeration when I say I saw hundreds of "wild" horses. For nearly 70 miles, you follow the wonderful White Mountain Trail System trails in and out if Show Low.

At this point in Trail, I nearly got off. I wasn't enjoying myself as much as I thought I should be and knowing my dad was sick distracted me from living in the moment. I live to hike! But it wasn't feeling right. All I wanted to do is share this experience with someone. So I took a zero and went down to zero with @70lbhammerisoutside who is hiking the GET. That helped me reset my mindset for the second half of the trail.

Feeling excited to hike out, the Greer Fire popped up. With uncertainty of the conditions and being it was my next stop, I postponed one more day. Once I was comfortable with the plan to hike the road around and bring more food, I set off.

Into the Mount Baldy wilderness I saw my first black bear! And from there, I followed along my first running creek in nearly a week! The 12 miles crossing the Black River is an iconic part of the MRT and it did not disappoint!

Just when I didn't think the section just before getting to Hannagan Meadows couldn't get any better, a usfs engine patrolling the area drove my way. It happened to be a friend from last year! Tears of joy immediately overcame me! Wild how the universe works.

#hikertrash #thruhike #mrt #hikeaz by @nikolekulio

111

0

a year ago

Mogollon Rim Trail: Pine to Forest Lake

This section reminded me that trail is more than walking in nature. It's also about community.

I had pure nostalgia as I walked into the Pine Trailhead, reminiscent of the AZT spring of 2020. Walked to the diner, resupply and I was off to the brewery to charge my electronics and enjoy an AZT Ale on Cinco de mio. There I met up with a trail angel and two hikers; Tru and Uncle Tom. With weather moving in, I accepted the invitation to join them at Felicia's home. While it rained, I had great conversation with the ladies and got to cuddle with puppies!

Hiking out when the rain passed with Tru and one of her dogs, Pis-ky, was a delight. Uncle Tom got off the trail due to a foot injury. And Tru's other dog was taking a few extra days off to rest her paws. We enjoyed each other's company along the Highline Trail. After camping together, she continued north along the AZT while my trek had me traversing the rim. What a joy it was to meet a bad ass hiker and her two dogs. Thank you again Felicia for hosting me!

The rest of the section was blue skies all the way to town, where I had a box from my best friend waiting for me. I feel the love! by @nikolekulio

62

4

a year ago