Shannon Sundberg, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, hasn’t always been interested in hiking, but now she truly cherishes it. For her, spending time on local trails isn’t just about exercising or the scenery; it’s about connection—both with nature and her loved ones.
Growing up in Blue Springs, Shannon has always valued the community. Now, she and her husband, Dan, have planted their family roots in Blue Springs with their two children, Anna and Ames.
Like many families, schedules are busy and it seems like there is something planned almost every night. However, Shannon and her husband have dedicated one day each week to unplugging from technology, putting the phones down, and connecting as a family in a unique way—by spending time outdoors. Their family bond is strengthened through a shared love of hiking, which has become a cherished tradition.
The inspiration to start hiking blossomed for Shannon and Dan while they were living in Utah. Shannon was attending Southern Utah University for graduate school, and Dan was teaching. Surrounded by stunning national parks, they decided to purchase a National Park pass. “We were captivated by breathtaking landscapes and wanted to take full advantage of the beauty.” Upon returning to Blue Springs, they discovered local trails that allowed them to continue appreciating their surroundings.
During the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted everyone. Shannon recalls that time being a transformative moment for her family. “With businesses closed and travel restricted, we began exploring local trails. We quickly fell in love with hiking at Lake Jacomo, and it soon became our weekly ritual, no matter the season. In the spring, we pull out our rain jackets and oftentimes come home with muddy shoes. If there is snow on the ground, we will bundle up in all our skiing gear and hit the trails.”
There are numerous local hiking trails that Shannon and her family enjoy. The Auggie 3 Trail at Lake Jacomo is one of their favorite hiking spots. “The views are breathtaking, with stunning overlooks of Lake Jacomo and its intriguing rock formations. The trail also provides a fantastic view of Sailboat Cove.” The Lake Vista Trail is perfect for running or biking. Shannon particularly loves this trail after a fresh blanket of snow covers the ground, calling it a 'picturesque winter wonderland'.
One of Shannon’s favorite aspects about hiking is the opportunity to escape the rush of daily life while getting a good workout. Instead of being indoors, surrounded by man-made structures and objects, nature allows her to experience the beauty of God's creation. “As a family, we slow down and enjoy the little things that are often overlooked. We point out things to our children that they’ve never seen before, like squirrels darting about, the sunlight dancing on the water, the steam rising off the water, and the unique shapes of leaves. We also encourage them to gaze at the clouds and use their imagination to find different figures within them.” This mindfulness helps ground Shannon and her family, fostering a deeper appreciation for their surroundings.
Hiking also provides precious time for her family to connect and create memorable memories together. One of Shannon’s most memorable experiences on the trails was discovering a long-forgotten arrow embedded in a tree on the Auggie Trail. “When you hike this trail, there are benches where you can rest and enjoy the beauty of nature. On one particular bench, if you look up about 25 feet, you’ll see an arrow sticking out of a tree from when the archery range was there. Every time we hike this trail, we look for the arrow. It serves as a special reminder of what once was and inspires us to look for other unique treasures.”
Shannon and her family have a map that highlights all the different trails in Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit. They mark the trails they’ve completed and also identify those they plan to conquer in the future.
Local trails are more than just paths; they are vital to community well-being. Shannon reminds us, “Whether you’re hiking, running, biking, or simply enjoying nature, take a moment to slow down and appreciate God’s creation. Cultivate gratitude for the beauty that surrounds you.”
As Shannon’s family continues to explore different trails together, she feels immense gratitude for the beauty of the natural world and the time spent with loved ones. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their community’s outdoor spaces and discover the joy and connection that hiking brings. In our fast-paced world, Shannon’s family serves as a reminder to slow down, savor the moments, and cherish the natural wonders around us.
I love unplugging from technology, escaping to nature, and reconnecting with my family.