We were lucky to catch up with Ashley + Patrick Hanrahan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley + Patrick, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
It all started with muddy boots, a camera full of blurry sunrise photos, and one too many “where is the trailhead?” moments.
We’re P and A; a couple of curious wanderers who swapped weekend plans for trail maps and found our happy place somewhere between lost and awe-struck. After one too many hikes where we wished someone had told us about the surprise switchbacks, the secret snack spots, or where to actually park, we figured: why not be that someone for someone else?
P and A in the Wild was born from our love of getting outside, and getting a little messy in the process. We’re not elite hikers or hardcore survivalists. We’re the kind of people who stop to admire the moss, take too many snack breaks, and high-five at the summit. We wanted to create a space that celebrates slow hiking, real moments, and honest trail talk (yes, we’ll tell you if there are bathroom issues).
As our trail log grew, so did our desire to share it, not just the glossy highlights, but the full story: the bug bites, the breathtaking views, the unexpected magic of a foggy morning. We realized the outdoor world can feel intimidating or exclusive, and we wanted to flip that script. You don’t need fancy gear or perfect weather to belong in nature. You just need curiosity, a sense of humor, and maybe a decent pair of shoes.
Along the way, we started documenting everything… photos, AllTrails links, the gear that actually worked, and the little moments that made each hike memorable. People started asking for tips, trail ideas, or even just a boost of wanderlust to get them out the door. That’s when we knew this wasn’t just a personal passion, it was a shared experience. So we turned it into something more: a place where community and curiosity could meet on the trail.
Now, we’re building a space for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you’re hiking with kids, dogs, partners, or solo; whether you wander a mile or twenty… you’re welcome here. Follow us for unfiltered stories, trail-tested tips, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and a whole lot of heart. This isn’t just a hiking page, it’s an open invitation to get outside, get inspired, and remember just how good it feels to be a little bit wild.
Ashley + Patrick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Hi there! We’re P and A in the Wild, a trail-wandering, photo-snapping duo (plus our pack of adventurous pets) with a deep love for fresh air, wild views, and the stories waiting off the beaten path. What started as casual weekend strolls to clear our heads turned into a passion project that now connects us with a growing community of kindred spirits who crave nature, peace, and presence… no matter their pace or experience level.
Our journey began with a simple desire: to unplug and reconnect with something real. We weren’t expert hikers (and still don’t claim to be), but we quickly fell in love with the joy of discovering a quiet trail, a new wildflower, or a breathtaking overlook. Over time, we realized how many others longed for that same experience, but didn’t know where to start. That’s why we created P and A in the Wild: a space where everyone… new hikers, curious wanderers, families, weekend explorers… can feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to step outside.
Today, P and A in the Wild is a nature-inspired content hub and digital shop offering trail guides, hiking journals, national park checklists, beginner-friendly resources, and heartfelt storytelling to help you explore the outdoors in a way that feels right for you. Whether your perfect hike is a one-mile walk to a waterfall or a multi-day adventure, our goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and excited to go.
What sets us apart? We don’t sugar-coat or gate-keep. Every trail we share is one we’ve personally experienced, bugs, bathroom stops, snack breaks, and all. Our guides include the things we wish someone had told us early on: what gear actually matters, and how to enjoy the journey without stressing over the summit. We keep it real, accessible, and full of heart, so you can skip the guesswork and savor the adventure.
We’re most proud of the community we’re building, people from all walks of life who love slow strolls, big climbs, and everything in between. People who find peace under open skies, joy in quiet moments, and courage in showing up just as they are. You don’t need to be “outdoorsy” or experienced to belong here, you just have to be curious and open to wonder.
More than anything, P and A in the Wild is about connection. To nature. To yourself. And to each other. Whether you’re looking for trail inspiration, a hiking journal to capture memories, or a little encouragement to take your first step, we’re here for all of it. The outdoors isn’t a competition; it’s a conversation. And you’re always invited.
So come wander with us. However you explore, slowly, boldly, joyfully, or somewhere in between, we’ve saved you a spot on the trail. 🏕️🌿
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of P and A in the Wild is a simple but powerful mission: to make the outdoors feel accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for everyone… regardless of experience level, background, or pace.
We started this journey not as expert hikers or elite adventurers, but as two people craving quiet, clarity, and connection. Nature became our safe place to reset, reflect, and remember who we are outside the noise of daily life. Over time, we realized how many others were yearning for the same thing, but didn’t know where to begin or felt like they didn’t “belong” in traditional outdoor spaces.
That’s where our mission comes in: we’re here to change that narrative.
Our creative journey is driven by the belief that you don’t need expensive gear, perfect conditioning, or a summit selfie to be “outdoorsy.” You just need curiosity, a little courage, and the space to explore on your own terms. Whether you’re walking your local trail for the first time or planning a cross-country park tour, we want you to feel seen, supported, and excited about every step you take.
Through our content, journals, trail guides, and digital tools, we aim to:
🌿 Inspire gentle, joyful exploration… not just big climbs or bucket lists
🥾 Support the “first steps” people often feel nervous to take
📚 Provide real, honest guidance… no gatekeeping, no fluff
💬 Build community through storytelling and shared experience
📸 Capture the wonder in small moments… wildflowers, rainstorms, snack breaks, and everything in between
We believe that nature is one of the most healing, creative, and empowering spaces we have access to, but too often, people are made to feel like it’s not for them. We’re here to rewrite that idea, one walk in the woods at a time.
Our dream? To help people of all backgrounds reconnect with themselves through nature. To show that adventure can be soft and soulful. That a 10-minute walk can be just as life-changing as a 10-mile trek. That joy can be found not only in reaching the destination, but in noticing the little things along the way.
More than anything, we hope P and A in the Wild helps people feel like they belong outdoors. Because they do. And the trail is always better when more of us are walking it together.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For us, the most rewarding part of being creatives isn’t just in making something beautiful, it’s in creating something that makes people feel seen.
Whether it’s a photo that captures a quiet forest morning, a trail guide that gives someone the confidence to take their first hike, or a journal that helps someone reflect on a moment they didn’t realize was so special… the real joy comes from knowing that our work helps others pause, breathe, and reconnect. Not just with the outdoors, but with themselves.
We started P and A in the Wild to document our own small adventures and slow-living moments. We weren’t trying to be influencers or outdoor pros, we just wanted to share the kind of nature stories that felt real and relatable. What we didn’t expect was how deeply those stories would resonate with others. The comments, messages, and moments of connection we’ve had since starting this journey have been some of the most meaningful parts of our lives. Things like, “I took my kids hiking for the first time because of your post,” or “Your journal helped me realize how much I needed to slow down.” Those words never stop feeling special.
There’s something powerful about turning everyday experiences, like muddy shoes, wildflower stops, snack breaks on a log, into something that invites others in. Being creatives allows us to bridge the gap between people and nature, to break down barriers, and to say, “You don’t have to be an expert to belong here. You just have to be curious.”
And maybe the most unexpected reward? Seeing how our creativity empowers others to be creative too. When someone sends us a photo of their filled-out hiking journal, or tags us in their first nature walk, or creates their own spin on a trail experience we shared, it’s the most full-circle moment. It reminds us that creativity isn’t a one-way street. It ripples outward, creating a loop of encouragement, inspiration, and shared joy.
At the end of the day, being creatives through P and A in the Wild has never been about perfection or performance. It’s about presence. It’s about noticing the magic in the mundane. And it’s about helping others realize that the outdoors—and their creativity—are always available, always valid, and always worth showing up for.
That’s what fills our cups. And that’s why we keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://PandAinthewild.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PandA_inthewild/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@PandA_inthewild
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/PandA_inthewild
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PandAinthewildCo
Image Credits
makenna j photography