Spaces & Places
I squinted my eyes, regretting leaving my sunglasses in the car. It was early (6 am?), and the sun was just starting to creep up behind the geological fascination in front of me. Right now, it was clouded in shadows, so I was eagerly awaiting a better glimpse of the tell-tale pillars caused from the … Read more
47 Parks
By the middle of June, Virginia’s humidity levels typically reach legendary proportions. This year was no different: sweat doesn’t evaporate, plants hang limply, and dishes washed by hand take days to try.
A slight exaggeration? Perhaps.
But it was during this mid-June slump in which I envisioned the hot, moist summer stretching out lazily before … Read more
Spaces & Places
I hefted my pack up onto my shoulders, tightening the straps and cinching the waist loop. It was heavy, but still less weight than I’m accustomed to carrying while trad climbing. Inside this relatively small pack, I had managed to cram a sleeping bag, bed pad, inflatable pillow, tarp, sweater, and a small assortment of … Read more
Spaces & Places
I am gravitated towards outdoor activities that are somewhat dangerous.
I tend to worry my dear mother with some of the things I decide to try.
While some people might consider my hobbies in the “extreme” sport category, I see them as calculated risks in which I carefully push my personal comfort limits.
In recent … Read more
Spaces & Places
I’m sure most of you have heard of Shenandoah National Park: waterfalls, vistas, wooded hollows – all encompassing part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Out of all the national parks I’ve visited, Shenandoah is the closest to home and the one in which I’ve spent the most time.
However, it wasn’t until recently that … Read more
Spaces & Places
Being in nature has changed … Read more
Spaces & Places
Spaces & Places
Happy Earth Day, friends.
As I currently write this, the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and my feet are itching to get outside for a little stroll. While I try to appreciate nature and the outdoors on a daily basis, I find that I experience a swell of gratitude every April 22 for … Read more
Spaces & Places
It’s spring. This means warmer weather, pretty blossoms, and yes, allergies. It’s also Spring Break, which means a week of no schedules and a relatively minor amount of responsibilities. The past two years, I have had the privilege of gallivanting around the country on various climbing trips during this season. I appreciated the dry 60° … Read more
Spaces & Places
I like the word meander. It connotes a sense of aimlessness and wandering that is quite juxtaposed to how modern life tends to go.
I find that so many of my actions are deliberate and quite purposeful. Yes, this is important and necessary for functioning as a 21st century adult. However, I would argue that … Read more