Trail Name Tales: Unveiling the Stories Behind Hikers' Identities with Carly Rae

In this episode we chat with Carly Rae, the creative mind behind "Trail Name Tales," a captivating collection of stories that dive into the origins of hikers' trail names. Carly takes us on a journey from her upbringing in Amherst, Mass, surrounded by the Mount Holyoke Range, where daily hikes and camping became a natural part of her life.In 2020, Carly's passion for hiking deepened, leading to unforgettable experiences in the White Mountains and along the Appalachian Trail. Her love for photography intertwined with her outdoor adventures, shaping her path as both an artist and a storyteller.While thru-hiking the AT, Carly's desire to stay connected to her creative outlet sparked the idea for "Trail Name Tales." What began as an Instagram project evolved into an amazing community where hikers share their unique stories and trail name origins.After the hike, Carly compiled the photos and videos on the trail into the book, "Trail Name Tales". Not only does it preserve the hiker's narratives but also celebrates the spirit of camaraderie and adventure found in the outdoor community.Whether you're an avid hiker, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about the stories behind trail names, this one's for you! Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.Tweet us and let us know what you think of this episode! @illuminecollect Find more episodes at www.illuminecollect.com/blogs/life-in-motion-podcastSince 2017 Illumine has donated over $40,105 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 212 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.