Africa
Outdoor education is near and dear to my heart.
Along with the mental and physical benefits, getting kids outside in a school-based environment encourages them to become passionate about the places that they will one day seek to protect. In his book Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv talks about the inevitable joy … Read more
Africa
The sea was an alarming cobalt blue, hinting at shades of azure and turquoise when the sun hit it just right. In all its glory, the sky looked like a drawing from my childhood, with fluffy innocent clouds and careful shading. Yes, the blue-hued background of Pemba, Mozambique was a natural wonder, drawing my eyes, … Read more
Africa
I had stayed up way too late for a work night, scrolling through pictures and stories that tugged at my heart. I read through reports of orphaned newborn babies receiving a safe place to stay and women presented with hope in the midst of suffering. All of this started to shift my perspective on the … Read more
Rock Climbing
Length of Stay:
Highs:
Lows:
Favorite Climb:
Favorite Treat:
National Forests
Kentucky: state of mountains, mines, and impeccable scenery. This region of Appalachia also happens to be one of the best places to rock climb on the east coast. Red River Gorge (RRG) features some fantastic routes in sandstone cliffs forged many moons ago by a tumbling river.
It was the perfect place to spend a … Read more
New Orleans Trip
Length of Stay:
Highs:
Lows:
Favorite Hike:
Favorite Treat(s): [so many!]
New Orleans Trip
The food is incredible.
The sights are boundless.
The humidity is tolerable.
The laid back, slower pace of life in this city has earned New Orleans the nomenclature The Big Easy. Streets cater to pedestrians, narrow alleys are ideal for intimate meals, and music seems to seep out from unexpected places. Compared to my recent … Read more
New Orleans Trip
My last gator sighting had been in the wild world of the Everglades.
I was overdue for a look at one of these fascinating critters.
Chock one up for Louisiana – it sure packs a punch when it comes to the local flora and fauna found within the beautiful landscape of the Bayou. I … Read more
Regional Parks
February is the month of introspection and restlessness. Typically winter lolls about like a tantrumming toddler, beating its fists and creating headaches all around.
This year feels different. Perhaps it’s the mild weather (78° anyone???), or maybe it’s due to the plethora of random activities in which I’ve been dabbling.* In any case, I’ve been … Read more
National Forests
Cabin fever: irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter.
This season has been a strange one, vacillating between cold-frigid-dry and mild-breezy-moist. The sun has peeked out for days at a time, and then retreated back to its cloud cover, refusing to dish out Vitamin D.
I … Read more