Spaces & Places
I stood at the edge of the Highlands, the wind whipping about as I looked out over the rolling hills. Behind me, a group of students stood wide-eyed, taking in the rugged beauty of Scotland. This wasn’t just any study abroad trip—it was an immersive, place-based learning experience that would challenge both me and the … Read more
Spaces & Places
Ever since I first encountered the Sierra Nevada Mountains during my National Park trip in 2016, they have held a special place in my heart. These mountains are extraordinary and boast some phenomenal hikes with vistas that are unparalleled throughout the country.
In 2020 I ventured back to the Sierras for some more backpacking and … Read more
Spaces & Places
Last summer I was surprised at the number of waterfalls I came across both in the Scottish Highlands as well as in the Swiss Alps. Nothing quite compares to Iceland, however, regarding the sheer beauty of the many waterfalls found strewn throughout the country. Due to the unique geology and plethora of glaciers, Iceland … Read more
Spaces & Places
Tucked into the center of Iceland’s Þingvellir [Thingvellir] National Park, Silfra is a rift in the divergent mid-Atlantic tectonic plate that is fed by glacier melt year-round. The fissure offers an unparalleled snorkeling experience for adventurers willing to brave the 35°F water. It’s a surreal underwater landscape; the clarity of the water creates a sense … Read more
Spaces & Places
Iceland in May has gorgeously long days, the sun barely setting before it peeks back over the horizon. One evening, I took advantage of this phenomenon, beginning a glacier boat adventure around dinner time while the Arctic summer sun was still high in the sky.
My first impression of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was simply … Read more
Spaces & Places
Nestled within the stark, untamed wilderness of southern Iceland lies a realm where nature reveals one of its most enchanting masterpieces: the Katla Glacier Cave. This is a mesmerizing labyrinth of ice, which beckoned me into a world of shimmering blue-white hues sprinkled with volcanic black sand. Think: Intricate ice formations and an ethereal silence … Read more
Spaces & Places
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, offers unimaginable opportunities for adventure with its stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique culture. This small(ish) island in the North Atlantic Ocean has been on my bucket list for almost eight years, capturing my attention even before I embarked on my 47 … Read more
Spaces & Places
As an avid adventurer, I’m constantly seeking new trails to explore, craving those moments of connection with the natural and wild world. Recently, I journeyed just across the border into North Carolina, eking out the last bit of temperate hiking before the springtime weather becomes a blossom of heat and humidity.
My adventure began on … Read more
Spaces & Places
Running river.
Bright starlight.
Gushing waterfall.
Crackling fire.
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the call of the wild, the rush of water against the rocks, and the whispering of leaves in the breeze. For an adventurer such as myself, solo backpacking offers a unique experience for seeking solitude and connection with nature. After a long, … Read more
Mountain Time
For those of you avid adventurers, you may know the phrase Type 2 Fun, an activity that is slightly miserable during the experience but enjoyable in retrospect. It’s a little bit of a sufferfest, similar to my recent biking trek.
This past week, I was able to experience some top-notch Type 2 Fun in … Read more