August 13, 2020
Before Zion National Park was declared a national park, it was a national monument–Mukuntuweap National Monument, established in 1909. The words of Mormon bigwig Isaac Behunin appealed to decision makers when it received national park designation. He said, “A man can worship God among these great cathedrals as well as Read more…
Look at a topographical map of the United States and find the big mass of crinkled brown. That will be my home for the next 14 days. The extreme landforms of this part of the country are otherworldly, beautifully impractical. Lack of easy access to water and its canyons, cliffs, Read more…
July 22, 2020
The closest National Park to my home is a pretty one, with undulating blue waves in the sky–the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park‘s views are quite gorgeous. And its scenic Skyline Drive allows you to keep your social distance… and blast your music. On display, the cranky mountain air Read more…
June 2, 2020
A wonderful whimsical stop on a New Jersey day trip, The South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail is great for kids and the young at heart. I won’t give too much detail as half the magic is hunting for them along the trails of the South Mountain Reservation. Hint: There is Read more…
April 13, 2020
Since so many are at home, here are some steps into nature from my brief hike yesterday. There are tent platforms and shelters along the trail as many hike for days. It’s on my bucket list! This is the Wiley Shelter , which looked nice and cozy. In the corner, Read more…
February 17, 2020
Back in the 1930’s an elaborate compound was constructed within Rustic Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. Its purpose, to sustain and thrive inside the political chaos amidst the aftermath of Nazi Germans fulfilling their political and military goals. You see, the 4-million dollar investment was built by Nazi sympathizers Read more…
October 22, 2019
{It’s My Party 🎉, Part 6} My birthday excursion was packed with all of my favorite things, but reality returns tomorrow. The last day had me finally seeing downtown Cleveland and getting back into the foliage just a short drive from my motel in Richfield. The truth is that I consulted Read more…
October 19, 2019
Arts & Crafts, Beautiful Places Far Away, Nature, These are a few of my favorite things., Wanderlust
{It’s My Party 🎉, Part 1} When I thought about where I’d whisk myself off to for (triple prepositions!) my birthday, I asked myself, “Self, what would make your special day enjoyable?” To which I responded, “Being far away and on my own, a national park, an old cemetery, lots Read more…
August 15, 2019
I needed a day like today. I needed to be within nature, not just passing by and jumping back in my car. On this Day 3 I hiked to waterfalls and to what felt like, incline-speaking, the altitude of heaven… if the road maps are accurate. But first, on my Read more…
April 23, 2019
This would be my 24th National Park. 24 out of 61. Big Bend National Park lies right at the US-Mexico border, bordered by the glorious Rio Grande of Duran Duran fame. I was slightly bummed that the day would–and into the evening–would be mostly cloudy. I looked forward to shooting Read more…
October 13, 2018
My partner in special ed combat and ultra-rare fellow INFJ is a Staten Islander. So today she was my expert guide, uncovering the best of all the things on the island I like–abandoned stuff, scenic beauty, and vegan options. First, we split a quick lunch at Dosa Garden in Tompkinsville. I was Read more…
October 7, 2018
Another perfect day inside Autumn. Today on Hawk Falls Trail in Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, PA for waterfalls and foliage. The glorious mist on a beautiful early Fall day Waiting for everyone to leave… …because I wanted to go in! Ok, so it’s cold but it might be Read more…
August 5, 2018
A really good vegan brunch is likely up there on my best things list, in general. It’s just food, I know, but is it? Eating is the most sensual of acts one can perform, one where all senses are engaged… one that nourishes the physical body while feeding the “soul.” Read more…
May 26, 2018
Water is one of the most powerful forces in the world. Water makes spaghetti and mountains and me and you. Lest you be too concerned with your occasional swells and rages. Such is the nature of water and of you… Water also made the Delaware Water Gap: The chunk of Read more…
February 18, 2018
My second day in New Mexico was absolutely beautiful. With a bright blue sky behind all I did, I ended the day sun-drunk and in awe, again, of this country, her land. I realized that I can hike devotedly for hours for the reward of seeing a glimpse of her Read more…
August 17, 2017
Spoilet alert: By the end of this blog post, by the end of my day, I end up… in a cabin in the woods in the mountains within rumbling thunder, the lucky pile of wood between two very vocal mocking birds going on and on about something, perhaps the storm Read more…
August 20, 2016
For a gal who always sees the first a.m. showing of movies in the theater to avoid people, going to Yellowstone National Park in August is a little counterintuitive. However, crowded in Yellowstone Country is far different than crowded in, say, the New York City subway. It’s 2.2 million acres. Read more…
August 18, 2016
Everything in Jackson, Wyoming revolves around the Tetons. And proving this, I spent my day finding a variety of ways and circumstances in which I could see the Tetons. Starting at the crack of dawn. The striking hues of a beautiful sunrise can do pretty fantastic things to the sky, so I knew Read more…
April 27, 2016
Are you ready for it?… The United States of America is gorgeous. From shore to shore, the spectrum and range of natural beauty is astounding. This many say (or sing), but such things are more effective when felt, sharp-like, when one is inside (or atop) it, gazing and love-filled that there is Read more…
April 24, 2016
Undeveloped Long Island: It is so easy to hate where you’re from. It conveniently holds blame for all the ails of your upbringing. It takes no offense. But it’s other things, you just need to look beyond the paths you’ve worn well. Like anywhere, it can be new and fascinating Read more…
October 27, 2008
After weeks of planning a surprise birthday get-away, Wok Man only revealed the above hints. “Section 6”, which I thought maybe be a seat location at a concert, was the segment of the Metacomet-Monadnock trail we were to hike. This 114 mile trail that spans Connecticut to New Hampshire and Read more…