I miss writing about the trail every day. I miss posting things on the Internet and having people read them. I’m not on a thru-hike right now, it’s true, but there are still so many words inside me that are itching to get out.

That’s why I decided to start a newsletter!

It’s called Somewhere Good, and you can subscribe (for free!) at the link below.

I can tell what you’re thinking. “Really, Passport? Another thing you want me to read?” (Or maybe this is just my internal Andy voice.)

But it’ll be worth it, I promise you.

If you don’t believe me, here are a few reasons why you should subscribe.

Reason 1: There Will Still Be Hiking

If you followed this blog because of my PCT journal, you might think the newsletter will be boring and non-hiking related in comparison.

Not so!

The newsletter does focus on a wider range of things than my hiking blog, it’s true: in addition to hiking-related adventures, I’ll be talking about running, writing, teaching, life, and travel—but there will still be hiking (and reflections about hiking) in my newsletter posts.

Reason 2: It Will Make Me Write Regularly

I’m trying to be better about writing more consistently.

My plan for Somewhere Good is to write monthly posts—or twice monthly if I’m feeling really ambitious.

That means that I can hold myself accountable to publishing regularly, and you can get used to monthly packets of everyday silliness, adventures, and joy from yours truly.

Reason 3: It Will Inspire You (Maybe)

Something that hikers returning from long-distance journeys struggle with is finding the same level of meaning in everyday life as they did on the trail. What comes after a five-month adventure often does not feel as exciting, shiny, or adventurous as a thru-hike.

This is something that I’ve struggled with, and writing is a way for me to mine meaning, joy, and excitement out of the everyday life.

I recently saw something online about how “big joy” and “little joy” are the same. That is, grand adventures and daily pleasures come from the same place.

This newsletter is my attempt to identify, celebrate, and understand that joy—for no matter where I am, I’m committed to seeing it as Somewhere Good.

If that inspires you, then I think this newsletter will, too.

Reason 4: The Logo is Pretty (IMO)

I had a really fun time coming up with the logo for Somewhere Good. It’s simple, but it’s loaded with meaning.

Blue and yellow are Camino de Santiago colors, and the yellow arrow is one of the ways that the Way is marked. The flecha amarilla is, for me, a symbol of continually moving forward. Whether it’s on a hike, or in my writing, or in everyday life, it’s important to keep moving forward, like the arrow encourages us to—even if we go slowly.

The Camino de Santiago Francés was my first long-distance hike. It’s what started everything else. The Somewhere Good logo and email banner design pay homage to this trek that has a very special place in my heart.

If you subscribe to the newsletter, you’ll get to see a visual reminder each month of the importance of continuing forward. Ultreia et suseia, as they say on the Camino: onward, and further upward.

TL;DR: Follow my newsletter. It’ll be a good time.

🙂