Betsy Leighton

heal yourself

Solo Backpacking

  • My New Favorite PEMF Mat

    I have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and I use a PEMF mat for Earthing, grounding, and beneficial frequency. This post shares my new favorite PEMF Mat. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What is far infrared heat therapy? Far infrared heat therapy uses crystals, including amethyst, jade, and tourmaline, which, when…

  • Review of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin

    I have a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and recently completed solo backpacking the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. Here’s my review of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Why the North Country Trail in Wisconsin? I solo backpacked the 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail…

  • Last Section of the NCT in Wisconsin – Check!

    I’m a solo female backpacker with a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) who is section hiking the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. This post tells of my final 58-mile section on the NCT in WI. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Why the North Country Trail? I solo backpacked…

  • Third Solo Backpacking Section on the NCT in WI

    I’m a solo female backpacker with a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) who is section hiking the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. This post tells of my third solo backpacking section on the NCT in WI. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Why solo backpacking? I solo backpacked the…

  • Part Two of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin

    I solo backpacked the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and now I’m working my way across the North Country Trail. Here’s part two of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Day 4 on the NCT WI – Ruth…

  • What To Do When You Get a Tick Bite

    This post covers what to do when you get a tick bite. I returned from my recent 50-mile solo backpack on the North Country Trail in Wisconsin with two attached deer ticks. I have a history of infections triggering my Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) from Lyme disease and co-infections, so I took the situation…

  • First Section of the North Country Trail Wisconsin

    Here’s my latest blog post about solo backpacking my first section of the North Country Trail Wisconsin. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I have a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and over the past two years, I’ve gradually increased my exercise tolerance. In June of 2024, I began solo…

  • Finishing My Solo Backpack of the Superior Hiking Trail!

    Here’s my blog post about finishing my solo backpack of the Superior Hiking Trail! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Day 43 on the SHT – Martin Road to the Rose Gardens I trained as much as I could in the previous two weeks. Following the 38-mile hike in torrential rain, my…

  • Second-to-Last Section Solo Backpacking the SHT

    Here’s the story of my second-to-last section solo backpacking the SHT! Last summer, I hiked about two-thirds of the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and wrote a book about the experience of solo backpacking with a chronic illness. I’ve continued to complete sections of the SHT, and as of this writing, I only have one…

  • More Miles on the SHT Near Spirit Mountain

    Here’s my latest post about solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail near Spirit Mountain. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Day 37 on the SHT – Mountain Lion?!? After two weeks at home training and organizing, I’m back on the Superior Hiking Trail! I backpacked quite a few miles in training in…

  • Solo Backpacking The Southern End of the Superior Hiking Trail

    Here is the latest installment of my solo backpacking journey as I tackle the southern end of the Superior Hiking Trail and meet a bear! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Day 34 on the SHT – Southern Terminus Now that I have completed all the miles of the SHT north of…

  • Solo Backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail

    Here is the latest installment of my solo backpacking journey on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). I was unable to exercise for many years due to my Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Over the last year, I’ve systematically expanded my physical capabilities with the help of gut healing, nervous system retraining, circadian health tools, and…

  • Day 23 Solo Backpacking the SHT

    This post is Day 23 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • My Book About Solo Backpacking the SHT is Available for PreSale!

    I’m excited to announce the presales have begun for my newest book, “Rocks and Roots: Solo Backpacking My Way to Health on the Superior Hiking Trail”

  • My Backpacking Gear List for the SHT

    This post details my backpacking gear list for solo backpacking the SHT with a chronic illness called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.

  • Reflections After 100 Miles Solo Backpacking on the SHT

    This post reflects on my 100 miles of solo backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 22 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 22 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 21 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 21 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 20 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 20 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 19 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 19 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 18 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 18 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 17 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 17 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 16 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 16 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 15 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 15 of solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continuing my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 13 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 13 Backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 14 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 14 solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 12 Solo Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 12 Backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Lots of elevation! Okay, today’s hike wasn’t exactly solo backpacking the SHT with MCAS because my dad joined me! My dad and I did the 6.4-mile section…

  • Day 11 Backpacking the SHT with MCAS

    This post is Day 11 Backpacking the SHT with MCAS continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 10 Backpacking the SHT

    This post is Day 10 Backpacking the SHT continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 9 Backpacking the SHT

    This post is Day 8 Backpacking the SHT continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 8 Backpacking the SHT

    This post is Day 8 Backpacking the SHT continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 7 Backpacking the SHT

    This post is Day 7 Backpacking the SHT continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 6 Backpacking the SHT

    This post Day 6 Backpacking the SHT continues my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).

  • Day 5 Backpacking the SHT

    Here is day 5 backpacking the SHT, the next installment in my journey on the Superior Hiking Trail with a chronic condition called MCAS.

  • Dehydrated Cucumber Salad for Backpacking

    Here is my recipe for dehydrated cucumber salad for backpacking. It can also be served as a fresh dish, and either way, it is delightfully refreshing!

  • Day 4 Backpacking the SHT

    four of the continuation of my journey backpacking the SHT.

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