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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

New Orleans Trip

In the Bayou

  • March 29, 2018March 12, 2019

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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

Backyard Magic (and a “Comfortable Runabout”)

  • February 21, 2018March 12, 2019

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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

Fever of the Cabin

  • January 28, 2018March 12, 2019

 

Cabin fever: irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter.

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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

Spaces & Places

Sky Time

  • January 8, 2018March 12, 2019

Throughout my travels near and far, I have experienced nature in the forests, mountains, valleys, rivers, oceans, and even underground in caves.

It was high-time that I took to the skies.*

When my pilot friend (who also happens to be a flight instructor) said, “Let’s go flying”, I was … Read more

Mexico

Baja Cove Mexico Recap

  • November 26, 2017March 12, 2019

Length of Stay:

  • 5 days, 4 nights

Highs:

  • Gorgeous weather
  • Kayaking in the ocean with a sea lion

Lows:

  • Airports during holiday travel

Favorite Treat:

  • Tacos! My favorite was the shrimp, although the Mako shark was also tasty.
… 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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