At the heart of Ruidoso are the people who call it home. Whether multigenerational residents, essential workers, merchants, makers, or relocated retirees, their stories, experiences, and passion for our beautiful mountain town are invaluable. That's why we set out to introduce you to a few Ruidosoans who make our village special.

Meet Jerod and Amanda Foster, the adventurous couple behind the Happy Hiker store in Ruidoso, a local outdoor shop stocking clothing and gear for hiking, camping, and more. Most weeks throughout the year, you can find them hiking the mountains in and around Ruidoso. "We love how the water changes when we hike Grindstone in the winter," says Amanda. During the summer, the family treks the South Fork trail to harvest raspberries and elderberries. "We recommend this trail to people with young families because it's a wonderful setting without a whole lot of effort."

Buying the Happy Hiker store in Midtown in 2023 made sense for these outdoor enthusiasts. After COVID, the family started discussing the future and embracing new opportunities that align with their values. Originally from Medina, Texas, Amanda is a former nurse and hospital administrator. A diagnosis of MS in 2019 led her to reevaluate her life, priorities, and focus. Since moving to Ruidoso, Amanda has transitioned from the bustling medical world to become an integral part of Ruidoso's vibrant community. Jerod, a native of Paradise, Texas, discovered his passion for photography during his studies in agricultural communications at Texas Tech. His artistic journey led him to become an associate professor of practice at Texas Tech University, where he combined his love for teaching with his dedication to visual storytelling. Jerod's photography has been featured in The New York Times, The Texas Tribune, and Sports Illustrated, as well as work for clients such as The Nature Conservancy, The Texas Land Conservancy, and Yeti Coolers, in addition to authoring several photography books.

The Fosters' deeper connection with Ruidoso began when their close friends Rich and Anna Dozier, whom Amanda calls dad and mom, sought a retirement haven in 2015. The Fosters, who had visited Ruidoso as children and college students, were drawn to Ruidoso's natural beauty and warm community spirit. Their connection with Ruidoso solidified through a trip with Jerod's Adventure Media class in 2018. The class embarked on the Billy the Kid & Smokey Bear bikepacking loop, creating a documentary that caught the attention of local tourism promoters.

Amanda and Jerod's journey is not just about professional success but also about family, with three daughters – Eva (12), Lola Mae (10), and Emmy (6) – joining in their life experiences. Their commitment to raising adventurous, artistic, and curious children is evident in the family's love for outdoor activities, from hiking to mountain biking to exploring the world of music and art to the girls' participation in gymnastics.

The Fosters' most-loved trails change with the seasons, mirroring the dynamic nature of their lives. Each trail holds a special place in their hearts, from Grindstone's winter beauty to the Crest Trail's late summer allure. "We hiked all of the Crest Trail in September. It's harder to get to because of a lack of water up high. I'd like to help people get out on it a whole lot more," says Amanda. One trail they hit all year long is Argentina Canyon to Little Bonito – Big Bonito loop. They always do it at least once in the winter.

The restaurants they enjoy, from Garcia's to Ruidoso Sushi, reflect their love of Ruidoso's unique local flavors. "We frequent Casitas Cafe regularly for breakfast, and Club Gas on Thursday nights is a favorite for dinner. They give you a TON of rice and beans that I take home and freeze," Amanda shares, "We eat at The Taco Spot all summer long since it's across the street from the store." "And it’s delicious," adds Jerod.

The Fosters believe in giving back to their community. Amanda's philanthropic efforts began early when she traveled to Honduras on a mission trip in high school. Then, as a nurse, she went to multiple countries to work in clinics, including as a civilian nurse on the USS Comfort in Suriname, South America. There, she made her way down the coast to Rio de Janeiro, providing medical clinics by flying back and forth to the mainland from the ship via Black Hawk. Since the Fosters moved to Ruidoso in 2021, Amanda has been actively contributing to the community. She immediately got involved with the Smokey Bear Stewardship Fund. This organization improves recreation and forest health in the Smokey Bear Ranger District. Amanda is enthusiastic that 85% of the money raised for this organization goes directly to increasing Lincoln National Forest's overall health and resilience. "It's just part of who I am," says Amanda, "I come from very little and know it took people giving to help me create the life I have today." Her charitable efforts have extended to the recent creation of the John Ashcroft Scholarship through the Community Foundation of Lincoln County. A testament to Amanda's desire to give back, this scholarship helps John's family honor and preserve his memory. The Fosters are planning trail/fun runs in Spring 2024 to help raise funds for the scholarship, which will be awarded to graduating Ruidoso High School seniors pursuing trade certifications.

Beyond their professional accomplishments, Amanda and Jerod cherish travel and adventure. Whether it's their annual family road trip to explore public lands and National Parks, Jerod's frequent trips to New Zealand for work, or Amanda's memorable birthday adventure to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, their favorite place to travel is anywhere new. "We love the Southwest, but we love traveling just about anywhere. We want to explore New Mexico more. We've hit some great spots in New Mexico and always feel like we're mini-vacationing in Ruidoso," Jerod says.

Looking ahead, Amanda and Jerod are excited about the future of Happy Hiker, with plans for holiday sales and community events. They enjoy sharing their adventurous spirit with their customers. Amanda loves the bags they carry; for Jerod, it's all about the shoes. "When we put people in shoes or send them off with a new bag, we know they're going to have an experience with it."

You might also like: