Hello reader!

My name is Kristin Thue, but on the trail I’m known as White Blaze. I’m 28 years old, from Norway but currently based in London where I work in human rights. I try to squeeze in as much adventure as I can in my busy lifestyle, whether it’s climbing, skiing, riding, or thru-hiking!

I grew up in Norway’s spectacular nature, and I have travelled all my life, both solo and with my familiy. The past years have seen our traditional urban getaway replaced by wilder places - I can hardly remember the last time I went on a non-hiking holiday. I’ve also done equestrian sports for about 15 years, and spent five epic summers as a horse trekking guide at Venabu Mountain Hotel.

I was always outdoorsy, but liked my comforts. I preferred hikes that were on the gentle side, not too steep and not too long. I was pretty crap at PE to say the least, I preferred politics to sweating.

However, everything changed for me during my second year at university. I suffered through a period of severe depression and had to find something to hold onto when life felt pointless. But then I came across a book that rose to international fame in the hiking world and beyond: Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I know there are many opinions on this book, and many seasoned hikers look down their nose at “Wild hikers”. But that book saved my life. Wild held the promise of something extraordinary, something I too could have that would make my life worthwhile.

The choice fell on New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail. Being a massive Lord of the Rings fan, I had visited the Land of the Long White Cloud twice before. As soon as I learned there was a ultra long-distance trail there, I decided to hike it without a second’s hesitation. Because hiking 1400 km by myself would be extraordinary, and I desperately longed to feel extraordinary.

And so I did it. This is my story. From the first baby steps on shorter trails around Europe, to massive trekking adventures that changed my life. Welcome to Let’s Trek It, where you will find everything from gear tips and trail logistics, to personal accounts of all my treks written day-by-day.

I hope you will find some inspiration here. Because hiking can truly save your life.

Happy trails!

Lake Tahoe, days before my first American thru-hike: California’s John Muir Trail.

Lake Tahoe, days before my first American thru-hike: California’s John Muir Trail.