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Spaces & Places

Katla Glacier Cave: A Journey Into Iceland’s Icy Heart

  • June 5, 2024June 16, 2024

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

7-Days of Bliss in Southern Iceland

  • May 26, 2024

The Ultimate 7-Day Southern Iceland Itinerary

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

Hiking with Nature’s Surprises

  • May 15, 2024June 16, 2024

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

Another Solo Camping Experience

  • April 7, 2024April 7, 2024

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

Winter Wonderland?

  • March 22, 2024

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

Spaces & Places

You’re Never Too Old for a Field Trip

  • January 14, 2024January 14, 2024

Field trip days were always my favorite as a child.

The brown bag lunch.

The diesel fumes from the bus.

The energy associated with missing a day of “real” school.

There was something special about going on field trips, a type of magic that can’t fully be encapsulated with words.

As a teacher, I hosted … Read more

Spaces & Places

Santa Ana Volcano: Beauty or Bust?

  • December 31, 2023January 1, 2024

Every so often, an adventure doesn’t quite go as planned. In fact, I would argue that it is the unaccounted for components of travel and outdoor explorations that add to the overall excitement.

Santa Ana was such an adventure that didn’t turn out like I expected. To say that this particular excursion was a bust… Read more

Spaces & Places

El Salvadorean ATV Adventure

  • December 22, 2023December 31, 2023

I’ve ridden my fair share of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) throughout my 35 year lifespan. Growing up in a rural area meant snowmobiles in the winter and 4-wheelers once the snow finally disappeared. More recently, in Bryce Canyon I took an interesting ATV tour whilst on my 47 parks trek.

El Salvador is known for its … Read more

Spaces & Places

Why I Visited El Salvador for Thanksgiving

  • December 16, 2023

El Salvador: The Land of Volcanos. A hundred plus thermal cliffs dot the landscape of this Central American country that features both mountainous regions and beaches. Before 2019, El Salvador was known for violence and gang activity, but things have turned around with the new president.

I haven’t met any Americans who have planned their … Read more

Spaces & Places

Rivers and Roads

  • December 3, 2023

This post is a conglomerate of three noteworthy fall experiences.

1) A phenomenal river hike

2) A sufferfest bike adventure

3) An indie folk concert

To get the true reading experience, listen to this song by Head and the Heart.

1. Rivers

My new home in the South Carolina upstate boasts many rivers that trickle … 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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