47 Parks
There’s something special about a serene river surrounded by an immense meadow, surrounded by blue-gray mountains. Like Russian nesting dolls, the intricate scenery just keeps going. I was above 8,000 feet, in an area of Yosemite known as Tuolumne (too-all-uh-me) Meadows. It was an absolutely beautiful place, unlike anything I had yet seen … 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
Thoughts & Things
It’s been too long.
I realized just today that I haven’t posted anything for over two months. Autumn weather is prime-time for nature adventures and outdoor escapades, yet I haven’t managed to write one iota.
Why?
It’s not that I haven’t been outdoors. I’ve taken pleasant evening strolls on the trail by my house, enjoyed … 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
Thoughts & Things
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure that I announce the soon-to-be, greatly-anticipated, brand-spanking-new website for 47parks. My journey to every national park in the country was finished in June of 2017, yet the adventure continues. I am officially rebranding as The Park Pilgrim, and I look forward to chronicling my explorations locally, nationally, … 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
Education
I was in the checkout line at REI, waiting to purchase some (much-needed?) gear when I spotted the most recent Outside magazine.
The title alone captured my interest, so I grabbed a copy and began reading it at stop lights on the ride home. The aforementioned article – a collection of thought-provoking essays – was … Read more
Spaces & Places
Just a reminder, tomorrow is the last day to post your guess to the contest. Winner will be announced on Saturday!
A year ago today I embarked on an epic adventure. It was a journey full of spontaneous surprises and life lessons that have left me questing after more outdoor experiences.
For the first … Read more
47 Parks
I was struck by a feeling of melancholy yesterday morning as I hiked along a trail, alone with my thoughts.
My trip is almost finished. My trip is almost finished. My trip is almost finished.
This phrase rolled over and over in my mind, beating rhythmically in time with my steps.
Two hours later I … Read more
47 Parks
Nature and I used to be acquaintances. We would interact on an occasional basis, exchanging pleasantries and sticking to surface-level subjects. I’ll admit that I was closed-minded when it came to the great outdoors; I rarely noticed nor cared to explore anything that didn’t suit my immediate purposes.
And then I went to Zion National … Read more