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Spaces & Places

Hiking La Chorrera

  • January 18, 2025March 2, 2025

Spending only a few days in Bogotá, Colombia, I had to be selective about how I prioritized my time. In such a large city, there were a seemingly unendless number of activities to occupy a traveler such as myself, but I decided, on the last day, to go beyond Bogotá’s bustling streets. About 16 miles … Read more

Spaces & Places

Waterfalls Galore! A Ranking of Iceland’s Falling H2O

  • June 21, 2024

Last summer I was surprised at the number of waterfalls I came across both in the Scottish Highlands as well as in the Swiss Alps. Nothing quite compares to Iceland, however, regarding the sheer beauty of the many waterfalls found strewn throughout the country. Due to the unique geology and plethora of glaciers, Iceland … Read more

Spaces & Places

Another Solo Camping Experience

  • April 7, 2024April 7, 2024

Running river.

Bright starlight.

Gushing waterfall.

Crackling fire.

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the call of the wild, the rush of water against the rocks, and the whispering of leaves in the breeze. For an adventurer such as myself, solo backpacking offers a unique experience for seeking solitude and connection with nature. After a long, … Read more

Spaces & Places

Rivers and Roads

  • December 3, 2023

This post is a conglomerate of three noteworthy fall experiences.

1) A phenomenal river hike

2) A sufferfest bike adventure

3) An indie folk concert

To get the true reading experience, listen to this song by Head and the Heart.

1. Rivers

My new home in the South Carolina upstate boasts many rivers that trickle … Read more

Spaces & Places

Geological Fascination

  • August 22, 2020

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

Spaces & Places

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: Five Tips and Tricks

  • July 22, 2019

A picture is worth a thousand words, but sometimes a well-taken photo of a beautiful natural place can leave you speechless. It was the above picture of Plitvice Lakes National Park that first drew me towards Croatia and filled me with a sense of wonder towards this unique Balkan country.

Further research revealed that visiting … Read more

47 Parks

Chasing Waterfalls

  • January 5, 2019March 15, 2019

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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

Spaces & Places

Billy Goat

  • October 30, 2017March 12, 2019

The crowds of people were easy to maneuver: a hop here, a jump here. I skittered across the rocky portions of the trail, surefooted like its namesake. Those whom I jauntily passed by were scrambling slowly and uneasily through simple sections of uneven rock. One lady had a mild panic attack; I coached her through … Read more

47 Parks

Rocky Mountain Moments

  • September 1, 2017March 12, 2019

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

Glacier Recap

  • May 30, 2017March 12, 2019

Countdown:

  • 5 more parks to go!

Length of Stay:

  • 2 days, 2 nights

High:

  • Unparalleled scenery

Low:

  • Lots of driving; Montana is a flippin’ huge state

Favorite Hike:

  • Baring Falls, Saint Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls spur

Favorite Treat:

  • Cheese curds
… Read more

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About Me

About Me

National park expert. Nature enthusiast. Outdoor educator. These are the chronicles of my travels and discoveries around the country and throughout the world.

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