Fumbling My Way toward My True North..
Welcome! I’m Michelle Markel. I also go by ‘SuperClassy,’ the trail name that was bestowed upon me on my first day of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015.
At the northern terminus of the PCT
I originally launched this website in 2021, with the intention of encouraging and supporting new hikers and adventurers by sharing my own trips, tips, and treks as a solo adventurer who didn’t break free from the conventional life (for which I was entirely unsuited) until I was in my 40s. Since then, I’ve hiked more than 8,000 miles, mostly on long-distance trails, and became a nomad: boondocking in a van on public lands throughout the US (and founding an exempt nonprofit to advocate for them), and exploring the beauty of South America.
The Bright Side of Dark Days
When I was forced into ‘retiring’ from hiking in 2022 (that’s a story for another day), I abandoned this site. I struggled with catastrophic depression, while trying to rebuild a life entirely in shambles. It was one of the worst periods of my life.
But! There are gifts in every trial, tribulation, and trauma that life throws at us. I’ve become so much more clear about who I AM, what my purpose is, and what *really* matters to me. So, I’m actively re-directing the course of my life to more closely align with my authentic Self. For the first time ever, I’m following my *own* True North, and it’s as terrifying as it is exhilarating!
Of course, this process never ends. As Neil Gaiman said, ‘Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.’ Despite there being no finish line, I’m entirely committed nonetheless, through the practice of living intentionally and conscientiously to the best of my ability, in accordance with my values and life purpose.. living with RADICAL authenticity.
Open House – C’mon In!
I also realized that after almost a decade of being without an actual home, I need one. So for now, I’m making my home here. That means expanding this site beyond trails and travels to include the full experience of life: stories, recipes (I LOVE FOOD), musings, ups, downs, trials, errors, and whatever else comes to mind that I don’t want to forget. A repository of my life’s journey, past, present, and dreams for the future.
My intention is pretty simple: to show up without filters or pretense and just be at home.. and you’re invited!I feel like there’s no greater fulfillment or joy in life than to live it as uniquely and authentically *you* as possible, so I hope putting myself out there helps encourage and support you on your own individual journey toward your true north and personal expression of radical authenticity.
Building a Supportive Community
Ultimately, I’d love nothing more than to see this site evolve into a community based on radical authenticity: an oasis in the growing desert of fake, from AI and chatbots to influencers who cherry-pick only the best moments of their lives to pander to algorithms and their own egos. I feel like people are hungering for a place to get and be real – I know I am.
Let’s gossip about each other’s successes! Support one another through the inevitable hard times.. We can create an intentional community that is always nearby, always available, no matter where we go.
Transparency
By its very nature, radical authenticity is necessarily unique to each individual. The common thread that connects us is the truth.
It also requires transparency: as in, this site is an entirely one-person endeavor. I’ve designed and built it from scratch, I create all the content and media, I do all of the maintenance. It’s a lot of work, and frankly, I’m still pretty slow, so I hope you’ll bear with me. I’m committed to keeping it ad-free.. but I also still need to eat. So, if you find value in this work, here are some ways you can help:
1) Join our community on Patreon!
Patreon offers more opportunity for live interaction. There are plenty of extra engagement opportunities for full community members, but you can also become a free member, which allows you to view & post comments here and vote for the next addition to Support Public Lands!
2) Pick up a lil something from my Etsy store SuperClassyMakes!
I’ve been a maker and artist virtually all of my life, so I’m thrilled to be offering my creative work to the public again. After all, a creation isn’t really complete until it has been shared, right? Because I feel like art is appreciated more when there is a sense of connection with the artist, each piece in my shop includes a link to the story behind it.
3) Buy yourself something nice that I didn’t make!
Nothing is worse than going to a site infested with so many pop-up / video / flashing ads that it should come with an epilepsy warning. I will not be doing that shit here, But, I still have to pay for my life. So, I am a member of affiliate programs for products and services I use or have used, and absolutely recommend. You purchase something you need or want, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Everyone wins!
4) One & Done!
Every cent helps.. make a one-time donation for any amount that you choose via my PayPal donation page.
Looking for Support Public Lands?
Unfortunately, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization I founded and was the sole volunteer of was collateral damage of the events that forced my retirement from hiking. In 2023, the Board of Directors had to make the heart-wrenching choice to shut down operations. However, I’m unwilling to let the thousands of hours I spent building SPL go to waste, so I’ll be folding it back into this site as time allows. Patreon members will have the ability to vote on the next addition ,and all public lands lovers will have the opportunity to adopt a park!
Real Talk
This has been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to write. Like any new homeowner, I have so many ideas about what I can do with this space, it’s been hard to focus and not go off on a thousand tangents. But the last part was the hardest, because I had to express my needs. Just admitting to actually having needs is a foreign concept. I also have to ask for help, which is something I have traditionally been horrible at, and avoided at all costs. I’m trying to get better, but it’s a struggle.
It took me over 3 hours to write a first draft. With a lot of breaks. And some liquid ‘encouragement’ (which resulted in the need for lots of editing… I got a lil wordy after a couple hard kombuchas). I’m not used to sharing myself in this way; I didn’t see any value in it for others. And you know what? It’s fucking terrifying. (PSA: ’SuperClassy’ is an ironic trail name)
So, if you’ve hung in there with me this far, THANK YOU. I’m glad you’re here!
Hang out, relax, poke around.. I hope you find something here that speaks to you, and helps you connect to your own true north. I’d love to hear about it, and about you!
