Spaces & Places
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, offers unimaginable opportunities for adventure with its stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique culture. This small(ish) island in the North Atlantic Ocean has been on my bucket list for almost eight years, capturing my attention even before I embarked on my 47 … Read more
Spaces & Places
El Salvador: The Land of Volcanos. A hundred plus thermal cliffs dot the landscape of this Central American country that features both mountainous regions and beaches. Before 2019, El Salvador was known for violence and gang activity, but things have turned around with the new president.
I haven’t met any Americans who have planned their … Read more
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
Spaces & Places
I pulled into the empty trailhead parking lot, surprised to see no other cars around. It was overcast and damp, the air heavy with the promise of rain. A perfect day for adventure! Perhaps I’d have the whole park to myself for a spell?
I took a deep breath as I headed up the trail. … Read more
Spaces & Places
In the spirit of gratitude, I decided to take advantage of the Thanksgiving season by embarking on a road trip around my own state, appreciating its spectacular array of parks. Virginia State Parks have won various accolades and awards for customer service, overall quality, and just being darn good nature places.
*Round of applause*
I … Read more
47 Parks
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity” – John Muir
There’s a reason Yosemite is such a well-known national park: its mountains are unequivocal and its waterfalls are unparalleled. Furthermore, during the country’s most important camping trip, … 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
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
47 Parks
Returning to a favorite national park feels like coming home.
I drove only a few miles into the Smokies and was met with waves of nostalgia. I remember that trailhead! That huge majestic willow tree looks familiar!
My last visit to the park had involved multiple adventures over the course of a week. I trekked … Read more