Spaces & Places
My first day in Paklenica National Park was impressive. I was able to tackle a bunch of climbs that whet my appetite for bigger and better things.
I decided it was time to climb a little* higher and a little** harder.
* 450 feet ** one whole climbing grade
And so the following morning, I … Read more
Spaces & Places
The sheer size of the rock faces on either side of me was gloriously overwhelming. The early morning sun had yet to rise high enough to light up the canyon, resulting in a shadowy peacefulness as I slowly made my way deeper into the park. The small babbling river to my right was deceiving; it’s … Read more
Spaces & Places
Most of my summer travel plans occur in the late throes of winter, when I’m snowbound in my apartment or simply tired of the wet, dreary weather. This past year was no exception. I began vigorously researching in early March, needing a distraction from the seasonal doldrums. It was then that I stumbled upon Croatia.… Read more
Spaces & Places
Starting off with Earth Day (April 22), this past week offered a chance to celebrate our beautiful planet and appreciate all of the wonderful natural places in our world. It’s also a great reminder to care for our Earth and an opportunity to raise environmental awareness both within the United States and abroad.
Since I … Read more
Spaces & Places
Mountains are my favorite.
Having cruised all around the United States, exploring forests, deserts, and coastlines, I can wholeheartedly endorse mountains as the top-tier landmark. Sure, I recognize this as purely an opinion, but having spent a significant amount of time in the mountains, I am convinced that they are special places full of life, … Read more
Education
New site is up and running! Check out theparkpilgrim.com (47parks.com still works).
What makes a natural space a place? What is it about these outdoor locations that grow, move, and change depending on the rise and fall of meaning that we, as humans, assign to them? What makes a local environment feel like home?… Read more
Spaces & Places
Since I completed my national park road trip in June of 2017, I haven’t been aggressively keeping up with news regarding our nation’s park service. To be honest, most of my energy has been upward and onward, focusing on outdoor education and travels abroad. It was to my great surprise when I realized that America … Read more
47 Parks
Hiking is so much better without the crowds…
…and when running water is involved.
A recent Shenandoah hike, Whiteoak Canyon, was the perfect trail to start the New Year. No resolution needed, simply a desire to get outside and check out some nearby wilderness that I hadn’t experienced during my previous foray into the park.… Read more
47 Parks
It was cold and crisp. I could see my breath wafting into the atmosphere as I stood and relished the sight. The hand warmers in my mittens were keeping my fingers nice and toasty, my wool socks protecting my toes from the sub-freezing temperatures. I scanned the horizon, noting astute differences from when I was … Read more
Spaces & Places
Looking up.
Aggressive sunrises,
Dappled clouds.
Hypnotic blues, grays, and in-betweens.
Sunsets that steal the show,
A finale that receives accolades
and encores.
While stars creep in, a vast party that
Pulses with old light
Eyes search out for splendor,
Sky that grounds me.
Throughout my travels, both national and abroad, I have always made … Read more