Meet The
'P' and 'A"
behind
Panda.
We’re not professional hikers or full-time influencers.
We’re two regular people with a shared love of dirt trails, dewy mornings, and the kind of silence you can only find in the woods.
Based in Appalachia, our weekends are for summit snacks and stargazing... and our weekdays? Dreaming about them.
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We started Panda in the Wild to document our favorite hikes and the memories that came with them. Along the way, we realized we weren’t just collecting miles—we were collecting meaning.
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🌲 Things we believe in:
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Adventure doesn’t need to be epic to be beautiful
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The best hikes are the ones that leave you breathless (literally)
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Good gear helps, but good snacks help more
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The outdoors is for everyone
Ashley
Co-founder | Trail Dreamer | Photo Snapper | Chief of Planning
Hi, I’m Ashley, the heart behind the photos and most of what you see on this site.
I’ve always felt at home in the outdoors, whether I’m hitting the trail or floating in a quiet lake. Nature gives me calm, clarity, and creativity...and this little corner of the internet is my way of sharing that magic.
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I’m the planner, the pack-organizer, and the one who always insists we stop for “just one more picture.” I love energetic mornings, spontaneous trail zoomies, hammock naps, and chasing alpine lakes like they owe me something.
Panda in the Wild is more than a blog, it’s a reflection of the life we’re building, one peaceful step (and snack break) at a time.
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Trail vibe:
Sunrise chaser. Picture taker. Cheerful wanderer with too many layers.
Patrick
Co-founder | Trail Navigator | Gear Nerd | Chief of Snacks
Hey, I’m Patrick, the guy usually holding the GPS, testing the latest gear, and bringing up the rear with a granola bar in one hand and a trekking pole in the other. I’ve always loved adventure… even if I’ve had to make peace with my fear of heights along the way.
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I’m the navigator, the problem-solver, and the reason we (usually) don’t get lost. I geek out on packs, gadgets, and finding the perfect campsite... but I also love the simple stuff: a warm fire, a cold lake plunge, and a trail that makes you feel small in the best way. Oh, and if you’ve seen any of our hike reels or moody mountain clips, that’s my work too. I’m the unofficial director behind the lens, capturing the moments Ashley doesn’t photograph (like the goofy ones).
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Trail vibe:
Map reader. Snack sharer. videographer with a fear of heights and a love of drone shots.