Learn More About Me and She Explores The USA!

Bonjour, I’m Ali, a passionate outdoor explorer, nature photographer, and originally, a small-town girl from the French countryside. After sixteen years in London, I packed my life into a suitcase and chased a new chapter across the Atlantic, landing in New York before finding my true home in Southern California.

My American Dream!

In 2013, I traded one iconic city for another, leaving behind the edge and attitude of London for the nonstop energy of New York City. NYC was thrilling, intense, and full of possibility, but after a long, freezing winter and the constant pace of urban life, I found myself longing for more space, more sunshine, and more nature.

That hunger led me to Southern California, and San Diego welcomed me with open skies and open arms. Here, I can catch the sunset at the beach, then drive into the mountains to stargaze under the Milky Way in the same evening! It’s a rare kind of magic. The blend of coast, desert, and peaks gives me both adventure and stillness, the balance I didn’t know I needed.

What Moves Me

Hiking and backpacking have become more than just hobbies; they’re an integral part of how I connect with myself and the world around me. Whether I’m wandering through remote deserts, chasing wildflowers, or walking my local neighborhood trail, I always have a camera in hand. I’m drawn to the quiet beauty of nature, pink sunsets, jagged ridgelines, and starry skies, and capturing those moments helps me stay present and centered.

You’ll also find me paddleboarding, road-tripping, or just enjoying the peace of the Pacific. Nature is where I heal, think, and feel most alive.

A Life of Travel

Before moving to the US, I took full advantage of living in London as a jumping-off point to explore over 40 countries. Each trip taught me something new about the world and myself. Japan, in particular, holds a special place in my heart with its blend of tradition, nature, and city life.

Exploring the USA

One of the things I love most about the United States is its sheer variety. Every state feels like its own world, from the red rock deserts of the Southwest to the deep forests of the Pacific Northwest. My goal is to visit all the U.S. National Parks, and I’ve already had the joy of exploring places like:

National Parks

My love of nature fuels my need to be out in the wilderness all the time. Like many other nature lovers, one of my goals is to visit all the National Parks in the next few years. I have already had the opportunity to visit 10 of these amazing places. Each trip introduces me to a new element of nature, and I look forward to sharing my experiences from all of these treasured places in the future.

Each one has left its own mark on me, and I’m slowly checking them off, with lots more to come.

Hiking & Backpacking

Walking is part of my daily rhythm, a way to clear my head, slow down, and reconnect. Even short walks have become moving meditations, moments of stillness that ground me in the present.

When I’m not strolling my neighborhood trail, I’m out hiking or backpacking, following winding paths through deserts, forests, and mountains. I love the challenge, the solitude, and the quiet magic that unfolds with each step. Out there, with my boots in the dust and the wind on my face, I feel more like myself.

One of my biggest dreams is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. With every trail I explore, I feel a little closer to that goal, and I’m excited to share the journey as it unfolds.

Creativity & Print Shops

Photography is my way of capturing the wild beauty and stillness I find in nature, moments of magic that often go unnoticed. My favorite images feature bold sunsets, desert skies, star trails, and iconic landscapes like Joshua Trees and cactus-filled horizons. You can find a growing collection of these vibrant scenes available as prints and products on Pictorem, Redbubble, and Zazzle.

From wall art to home décor, accessories, and gifts, my designs are for those who want to bring color, soul, and a love of the outdoors into their space. Even with just a handful of designs so far, I’ve seen how a single image can truly connect with someone, and that’s what keeps me creating.

She Explores The USA

I started this blog as a way to share my adventures with friends and family back in Europe, but over time, it’s grown into something much more personal. She Explores the USA is a space for stories, soulful travel, and celebrating the magic of the outdoors.

Whether you’re chasing a dream hike, healing in nature, or just curious about hidden corners of the U.S., I hope my journey helps spark something in you, too.

Let’s explore together, one trail, one photo, one wild place at a time.