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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

Spaces & Places

Bearwallow Sunset Hike

  • October 29, 2023

Living in the foothills of Appalachia affords some pretty incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation.

It’s a mountain-lovers paradise.

On a whim last weekend, I joined a group of semi-new friends on trip up in latitude and in elevation to watch the sunset. I was literally along for the ride – no idea where exactly we … Read more

Spaces & Places

South Carolina State Parks

  • October 22, 2023

New state = new adventures.

As someone who continuously seeks out natural spaces and wild places, visiting parks in my new home state is high on the priority list. I now live in the foothills of Appalachia, just a short drive away from gorgeous mountains, gobs of waterfalls, and acres of protected, forested land.

In … Read more

Spaces & Places

Murren to Gimmelwald (Swiss) Via Ferrata Review

  • October 1, 2023October 14, 2023

This past spring, I had my first experience with a West Virginia via ferrata, and it was truly one of my most memorable adventures to date. After I had purchased my plane ticket to Scotland and planned out my European itinerary, via ferratas were one of the prioritized possible activities I researched.

Italian … Read more

Spaces & Places

Paragliding in the Swiss Alps

  • September 10, 2023September 3, 2023

I sat in the very back of the white van as we slowly made our way up, up, and up, taking the switch-back curves at a steady pace as the valley below slowly disappeared. I was with five other travelers who represented a variety of demographics – gender, geography, and age. The one thing we … 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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