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Africa

Capetown Recap

  • August 5, 2018March 12, 2019

Length of Stay:

  • 5 days, 4 nights

High:

  • Memorable ocean views

Low:

  • Getting my luggage lost by the airline and going 2 days sans clothes/toiletries

Favorite Hike:

  • Elephant’s Eye Cave (part of the Table Mountain National Park)

Favorite Treat:

  • Biltong (dried, cured meat)
  • Braai (South African style barbecue)
… Read more
Africa

[Cape] Point and Good Hope

  • August 2, 2018March 12, 2019

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It was windy.

I saw wild ostriches.

The kelp anchors looked like something from a Sci-Fi movie.

Ah, Cape Town. Existing below the equator, this South African city is renowned for its unique coastline and urban-meets-nature feel. I was bracing for chilly winter weather, but this metropolis (found at the edge of the continent) was … Read more

Africa

Farmstead

  • July 29, 2018March 12, 2019

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I wasn’t entirely sure what I was doing. The roll of flattened tubing was heavy, and uncooperative as I tried awkwardly to unroll it. My hands were already filthy, so I gingerly used my inner elbow to hold back the sweat already dripping from my brow. I began to hum an indistinguishable tune, finding my … Read more

Africa

Mozambique + Outdoor Ed

  • July 27, 2018March 12, 2019

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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

Beauty and Suffering

  • July 24, 2018March 12, 2019

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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

For the One

  • June 24, 2018March 12, 2019

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

RRG Recap

  • June 5, 2018March 12, 2019

Length of Stay:

  • Four days, three nights

Highs:

  • Good climbs, good people
  • Kayaking in an abandoned, flooded mine

Lows:

  • A couple thunderstorms meant a few less climbs than planned

Favorite Climb:

  • Workin’ for the Weekend (10a)

Favorite Treat:

  • Miguel’s Pizza (a Red River Gorge must-have)
  • Ale-8-One ginger/citrus-ale (a Kentucky must-try)
… Read more
National Forests

Blue Grass Escapade

  • June 2, 2018March 12, 2019

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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

New Orleans and Bayou Recap

  • April 9, 2018March 12, 2019

Length of Stay:

  • 4 days, 4 nights

Highs:

  • Kayaking in the Bayou
  • Exploring the unusual cemeteries

Lows:

  • Spending more money than I had originally anticipated

Favorite Hike:

  • Bayou Coquille Trail and March Overlook (at Jean Lafitte NP)

Favorite Treat(s): [so many!]

  • Beignets
  • Seafood gumbo
  • Aligator meat po’boy
  • Crawfish étouffée fries

 … Read more

New Orleans Trip

N’awlins

  • April 7, 2018March 12, 2019

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

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Spaces & Places

Visiting all of America’s national parks was just the beginning! My exploration of natural spaces and wild places continues as my journey expands to areas around the world. Read about my travels near and far and the nature-based wonders I discover.

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About Me

About Me

National park expert. Nature enthusiast. Outdoor educator. These are the chronicles of my travels and discoveries around the country and throughout the world.

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