About Me

I'm guessing if you've made it to this website, you already know who I am.  But for those who may not know me, my "real" name is Tanya, even though on this journey I will be known as Parachuting Beaver.  I've been married to Mr. Beaver (just kidding--his name is Brett) for 30 years now.  We have six children (eight counting the two who married our boys) and one super-cute, super-smart granddaughter. Life is GOOD!

This website is dedicated to the preparation and execution of one of my "bucket list" items: thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2021. This is where I will bare my soul and, hopefully, receive encouragement from my followers along the way. I love all things hiking, so if you have any questions I can answer please email me and I can try to answer them here.

I was raised by a dad who was a Boy Scout leader and a brother who became an Eagle Scout.  I thought I WAS a Boy Scout until the year my dad broke the news that I couldn't be because I was a girl.  I did Girl Scouts for awhile but, hey, it just wasn't as outdoorsy as what I had seen the guys doing.  I eventually quit. I was always jealous as I saw my dad and brother doing backpacking trips and going to places like Slippery Falls and Philmont.  I did do a few camping things--even a wilderness survival one summer--but eventually left the trails behind.

Fast-forward to having a family of my own.  We bought a tent and began taking the kids on little trips.  Over the years we graduated to a pop-up camper, and then a travel trailer.  Each meant lots of weekend in state parks.  I loved introducing the kids to hiking and nature. There's something about being out there in the woods that brings healing to my inner self. It's calming and helps me put things in perspective.

I always say day-hiking is the gateway drug to backpacking.  Or it was for me.  The farther from civilization the better.  You realize very quickly what you REALLY need to live life.  It's not that much.  But my better-half likes to be closer to a bed an a shower, so he has graciously agreed to be my resupplier and biggest cheerleader. He's the best! Come along with us on the adventure.  There's bound to be some great stories to tell along the way!  And, who knows, you may want to come visit the trail and see it for yourself! Visitors welcome!