Mecca Dennehy is an adventure writer and photographer based in Oregon. She has always had an adventurous spirit and found the perfect medium to combine her love of adventure, writing, and photography by working with outdoor brands and publications and documenting her own adventures.
What is the BEST place you have ever traveled to?
I’m not sure I can really name one place and say it’s the BEST place I’ve been, but I will tell you a place that holds the most meaning to me: New Zealand. I’ve been there twice and I could go every year for the rest of my life and never get tired of its beauty. I also got engaged while on our second trip there, so it’s extra special. Both islands differ so much from each other and you’ll always find somewhere beautiful to explore. There’s beaches, mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, and countryside all packed onto these two amazing islands.
What is your Favorite local PNW spot?
- Favorite local PNW spot?
Oh, man. This is probably the hardest question to answer because it’s so hard to name just one. But, here it goes. I would have to say my favorite local PNW spot is Horse Rock Ridge. I’ve actually kept this place pretty secret because when I found it, I couldn’t believe that it wasn’t crowded. In fact, the first time I went, there was only ONE other car. The trailhead is less than an hour from town and the drive itself is beautiful. The hike is a short, uphill trail that leads you onto a beautiful rocky ridge that overlooks the forest. The sunsets up there are unreal. And, the dogs love to let loose on the open hillside. Every time I’ve gone, I’ve either been completely alone or there’s only one other party there. I love that I get to experience such a beautiful place without the crowds.
The most important hiking tip?
The most important hiking tip I could give to someone is to always give yourself enough time! No one wants to hike in the dark, and no one wants to rush through a hike and not be able to take in the surroundings. To me, hikes are all about the journey and being conscious of how you are interacting with nature. It’s a way to escape and be present with yourself, so allow yourself the time to take everything in, and enough light to be able to see it all!
Why do you travel?
I travel because I want to make memories. I love the saying, “live the life you love, love the life you live” because it reminds me that you can choose what life you live. And I believe my most authentic and wondrous life is one filled with adventure. I want to say, “I’ve been there, I’ve seen that.” I want to document my travels and look back on photos and FEEL that trip and what it was like to be me, there. I have such a desire to see new places and be able to be present in that adventure. Whether it’s an international trip or a quick road trip, traveling is where I have made, and will continue to make, my favorite memories and live a life I love.
Favorite sunrise/sunset you have seen?
I’ll give you my favorite sunrise and my favorite sunset because they’re both winners. My favorite sunrise was at Lake Matheson in New Zealand. The fog was meandering over the still water, and the peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Aoraki were sparkling with the first light. Everyone who witnessed it was silent, I think it took everyone’s breath away. I know it took mine. My favorite sunset was also in New Zealand, at Hokitika. Right after we arrived, the sky lit up in pink and purple waves. It’s my favorite because not only did it last forever, but it filled up the entire sky. It made me feel so small. I was so incredibly grateful that I got to experience such beauty.
what is the best way for you to keep your body movin’?
At first, I was going to say the obvious: hiking, running, and yoga. Which I try to do on a regular basis and it definitely gets me movin’. But, what really gets me moving are my two adventurous rescue pups, Finn and Ruby. They’re two terrier/chihuahua mixes (yes, little dogs love to go on adventures just as much as big dogs!) who love to explore and run around. So, they are the ones that get me out of the house. It’s so fun being able to show them beautiful hikes and watch them take in all the new sights and smells.
Favorite thing to do in quarantine?
My favorite thing to do in quarantine is dream about all the adventures I will take once quarantine is over. That, and some yoga.
Love this!!!!❤️