Spaces & Places
I get antsy if I stay in one place too long.
Even when sitting at home, I have to get up and move every so often, sometimes just walking around the block to get a change of pace.
Thus, whenever I embark on a new pilgrimage to outdoor spaces or wild places, I enjoy a … Read more
47 Parks
Move, Coast, Repeat (Great Sand Dunes)
She grips the cube of wax in hand, wielded like a sword
Plopping down on the sand, she quickly flips the board
Then like a desert artist, she draws a spiraling curl
Quite certain of the purpose – intent to give a whirl
She carefully removes her boots and … Read more
47 Parks
My rather impromptu Colorado visit landed me in Rocky Mountain National Park once again, a few days shy from a year after my first go-round. Back then, I trod eagerly through many sections of the park, exploring multiple lakes, ecosystems, and wildlife via a wide variety of hiking trails. As I once again stood within … Read more
47 Parks
I couldn’t resist fitting in one more outdoor trip before heading back into full time teaching. All 47 parks had been successfully checked off the list, but I jumped at the opportunity to revisit the Rockies. Re-branded as the Park Pilgrim*, I hopped on a plane sans Clarence, ready to have some rugged adventures … Read more
47 Parks
“I’m sure that after all the national parks you’ve been to, this is underwhelming.”
“You’ve been to all these incredible places – what are you doing here?”
People I run into seem to believe that my senses have become dulled towards appreciating beautiful things in a “lesser” setting. Sure, I’ve gazed upon the Appalachians, snorkeled … Read more
47 Parks
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47 Parks
For every 1,000 feet my car climbed up the winding road, the temperature dropped more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty soon the pine trees began to wane and were replaced by heaps of snow that had still not melted from the previous winter. I was officially in the tundra.
When most people think of the … Read more
47 Parks
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47 Parks
The scenery on the road leading up to Black Canyon of the Gunnison was nothing special. There were some small shrubs, a couple of hills, and a pretty sky. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t seem like I’m anywhere near a park, nevertheless one that I heard had views that could take your breath away”.
And … Read more
47 Parks
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