Hey there — I’m Caitlin.

I’m a Washington native who’s always been drawn to the outdoors. As a kid, you’d usually find me in the woods making “maps,” hiking with friends, or on the water, sailing and fishing. I grew up loving the feeling of open space, curiosity, and movement — the early sparks of a lifelong love for adventure.

When I was young, my family lived in our horse trailer for a couple of years (don’t worry, it had living quarters!). I loved the simplicity — only having what we needed and the freedom to go anywhere. By 15, I was already dreaming about van life — long before it was cool.

From the Army to a New Kind of Journey

I didn’t always know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to serve. After college, I was commissioned as one of the Army’s first female Armor Officers. Those years taught me resilience, adaptability, and how capable we really are when we step outside our comfort zone.

When I transitioned out of the Army, I jumped into software sales and saved every penny for a new dream — a van of my own. Eventually, I made that dream happen: 75 square feet of pure happiness, ready to explore.

When Life Changed Course

Not long after, my world shifted. In my late 20s, I developed epilepsy. My first seizure was terrifying, and the diagnosis upended everything — especially my plans for life on the road. Between medical appointments and uncertainty about the future, I had to redefine what “adventure” meant to me.

But slowly, I found my footing again. I realized that travel isn’t about how far you go — it’s about how present you are. That mindset shift inspired me to finally start the blog I’d been dreaming about for years.

Mindful PNW Travels Was Born

Mindful PNW Travels is my space to share stories, gear recommendations, destination guides, and reflections on mindful adventure. My goal is to help others explore — whether that’s across the Pacific Northwest or right in their own backyard — with intention, gratitude, and curiosity.

Through travel, I’ve learned that we don’t need perfect circumstances to find joy. We just need to stay open to where the trail leads.

Places I’ve Explored

📍 International: Ireland, Sri Lanka, UK, Iceland, Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, British Virgin Islands

📍 U.S. States: Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, North & South Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, New York

What’s Next

My bucket list keeps growing: Denali, the Dolomites, Patagonia, Banff, the Faroe Islands, and so many trails in between. I’m here to keep exploring — in whatever way life allows — and to remind others that adventure can always evolve.