Spaces & Places
Every so often I have one of those moments that fill me with an insurmountable sense of wonder and delight. It’s akin to an emotional burst of awe experienced by a child on Christmas morning upon first glance of the present-laden tree.
For me, this wonder-filled moment occurred last weekend with two-toed creatures known for … Read more
Spaces & Places
I eased my tired feet into crystal-clear water, appreciating the perfect temperature for soothing blisters. I had made sure to break-in my new hiking boots before the trip, but the sheer number of miles I’d been hiking had left a mark.
It was a bright sunny day with a just-right breeze blowing in from the … Read more
Spaces & Places
I often meet a lot of people when I travel. Despite my enthusiasm for solo voyages, I do relish the opportunity to be social, even on trips into the wilderness. During my time in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, I met many friendly hikers along … Read more
Spaces & Places
Depending on where you live in the world, the term backpack has a variety of definitions. Although commonly used as a noun (at least in North America), backpack can also be a verb meaning “to travel or hike carrying one’s belongings in a backpack.” In other words, backpacking involves multi-day trips with all the necessary … Read more
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