I’m Helena, a writer, map-maker and outdoors enthusiast based in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania. I’m an avid cyclist and trail runner, but I also enjoy paddling, hiking, cross-country skiing, rock climbing, and camping — basically any form of human-powered outdoor recreation.
I used to write full-time for Dirt Rag Magazine, but discovered that I didn’t like making my form of artistic expression a full-time job, so now I’ve gone back to freelancing instead. I spend my work week as a map-maker for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
I write about adventures big and small, often interspersing musings on life and mental health with the backdrop of nature and recreation in the outdoors. I value openness, honesty and being real about my struggles, challenges and triumphs, and I try my best to let that shine through in my writing.
If you’re new to this blog, welcome! I recommend you start here for some of my favorite adventures and pieces of writing, those that I feel exemplify either my proudest accomplishments or are the truest representation of myself.
helena kotala 
Cool blog! Thanks for the follow. I hope to have a bunch of winter outdoor stuff coming up on my page too! Stay warm.
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Thanks for following my blog!
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I just started following your blog!! I can relate, I broke my elbow last summer while hiking with my husband at North Park. Unfortunately I just broke my shoulder on the 4th of July while cycling with my hubby 😦
Like you my husband is an outdoor enthusiast and I try to tag along a bit! He has a blog and writes about all his adventures in skiing & cycling etc. I look forward to reading your blog as well! I am trying to get fit and enjoy the journey but these set backs are no fun. It does make one appreciate all the healthy feeling good day’s and look forward to seeing them again, soon I hope!
Take Care and God Bless
Janet
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Thank you for reading! I followed your husband’s blog recently 🙂 I hope you have a speedy recovery and are back to adventures soon!!
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I’m happy to have discovered your blog. As a fellow explorer of the world and the outdoors, it’s always enjoyable to share in the words and adventures of kindred souls.
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Thanks for following my blog and giving me a glimpse into yours! I love your tiny little cabin. I’ve worked on many farms, chased many chickens, and kept many a garden but for a while now my feet haven’t touched down long enough to focus on all that self sufficiency stuff. Such is life, I suppose. Cheers on a striking a balance between finding home and adventure.
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Impressed and jealous! I love the about page!
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Thanks for the follow.
I’m impressed (and a little jealous) of your lifestyle.
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Hey! Thanks for the follow. I agree with your sentiments about travelLing and coming home. They each go hand in hand.
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Just read your story about mtb and mental health on singletracks and really related to it. Great blog!
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Thanks, Lee!
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What an adventure!
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Love this blog! Central Pa is awesome! I enjoy reading and looking at your photos, gives me the warm fuzzies from my own memories and inspires me for adventures to come. Thank you!
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Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for reading.
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Hi there — a big fan of your blog, well done! I found it because I was researching the Houtzdale Line Trail — I rode a mile or two of it before I realized a recent shoulder injury (torn rotator cuff, which seemed fine when I rode on smooth pavement) prevented me from riding further. My friend rode a bit more. I look forward to reading more!
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Hi Jody, thanks for reading! I’ve been slacking on it a bit lately but plan to get back to it this year. 😉 Hope your shoulder is feeling better and you can get back out on the trail!
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