Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro

Alexa here, better known on trail as Bonsai. I'm a Minnesota transplant living in the beautiful driftless region of Winona. It was there that I first fell in love with backpacking after attempting a thru hike of Missouri's Ozark Trail. Since then, I've completed the Pacific Crest Trail (17') and have plans to attempt a solo hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in the fall of 2018. When not backpacking, I'm trying my best to overcome my fear of heights by rock climbing, practicing yoga, and searching for the best burrito in the Midwest.. so far with no luck. You can follow my adventures here on The Trek or on Instagram @alexamshapiro. And... seriously... if you know of a good burrito place... hit me up.

Posts

Northern California ??

Northern California ??

The desert and Northern California done, were setting our sights on the High Sierras. Here we come!

Jul 18, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Lending a Hand: Lessons Learned from Generosity

Lending a Hand: Lessons Learned from Generosity

People help hikers out so often on the trail, it lends for some fantastic lessons of why being compassionate and generous to others is so important.

Jul 7, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Challenges of the Trail: Coming to Terms with Competing Needs

Challenges of the Trail: Coming to Terms with Competing Needs

Backpackers have hundreds of different reasons for why they hike. But what do you do when your reason for hiking is in conflict with your partners reason for hiking? Reevaluating what it is we're doing out here and coming to terms with competing desires for fulfillment.

Jun 30, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
I am not a Mountaineer

I am not a Mountaineer

Go to Oregon, they said. There's no snow for 400 miles they said! Trials and tribulation of finding snow where you don't expect it.

Jun 25, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
A force of nature: Reevaluating our plans to move forward

A force of nature: Reevaluating our plans to move forward

Sometimes changes have to be made, but that's not always a bad thing. Here's an update from the trail as to our plans for tackling the Sierras.

Jun 16, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Four things I never thought I would say before becoming a backpacker

Four things I never thought I would say before becoming a backpacker

Life on trail is so different then real life. Here are the four things I never thought I would say before becoming a backpacker. Can you relate?

Jun 9, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Remoteness on the Trail

Remoteness on the Trail

For being in the middle of nowhere, you surprisingly never feel too alone. What are the impacts of decreased remoteness in nature?

Jun 1, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Yoga on the Trail: Having an Off-the-Mat Practice

Yoga on the Trail: Having an Off-the-Mat Practice

Using yoga on the trail doesn't always mean a physical practice. Here are some "off the mat" yoga practices I've been using to sustain my mind while hiking.

May 19, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Trials of the trail: Dealing with not foot stuff

Trials of the trail: Dealing with not foot stuff

Sometimes hiker pains are more then just blisters and sore feet.

May 11, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro
Small Trail Connections

Small Trail Connections

The trail is full of small world connections.

Apr 30, 2017 : Alexa "Bonsai" Shapiro