nature
The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.
Shine On, Shining Mountains
When I first started my week-long backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, I really had no idea what to expect. I had heard incredible stories about people’s experiences in the shining mountainous backcountry of the “Land of Enchantment”, but each account was unique in it’s own way. Come day one of my journey, I began to realize that this entire trip was making out to become something very special! Over the entirety of the trek, I was transformed into a completely different person; the once self-doubting and reserved me gained newfound faith and courage in myself, and I realized that I can truly do anything I put my mind to.
Connor WhitePublished 4 years ago in WanderOpening the Ocean
This trail leading to the Pacific Ocean from a small town in Northern California is as majestic as it gets. Couples go there to propose to their loved ones and artists go there to dream up the next great piece of art and literature. For me, I was lucky enough to call it a backyard. From the first time I took a step down this beautiful around 2 mile trail I was hooked. Along the way there are beautiful plains and hills as well as horses and stables all leading toward the ocean. When I think of great writers and artists who have or may have been inspired by this trail, I think of Jack Kerouac, Mark Twain, a calm Jackson Pollack, a whimsical Andy Warhol and Alan Ginsberg to name a few. I only get to visit home a few times a year these days and when I’m there I always try to get a group or my family to walk the trail. But if that’s not the case which is only natural, making the trip solo with a nice podcast or playlist still makes the trip worthwhile. In the end it’s all about the journey and the wild road that guides us to the destination we all strive for. And when the destination is a view like this, I work my tail off day in day out to see it a couple times a year. When you think of wonders around the world, some that come to mind are: Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, The Pyramids of Egypt, and The Grand Canyon to name a few. Then you have those natural wonders like the Amazon, Italian Alps, the Cliffs of Moher, any California Sunset, the beautiful deserts of the Southwest in the United States and the Australian Outback. If you never got to see some of these places, Tennessee Valley would suffice. I honestly am occasionally moved to tears at the end, from a perspective that the struggle from year to year can be brutal. We battle medical problems, financial problems, social and emotional problems, and overall political problems. These days simple things like a calm and beautiful walk bring respite to all of us who battle hardships day in and day out. Having that sanctuary to fall back on can bring us hope, a simple smile, a tear and sometimes a wonderful memory that can turn what seemed like a horrible day into a good one. I think of stories like Cheryl Strayed and Forrest Gump going on epic runs and walks over vast landscapes running for hope, happiness, salvation and in the case of Forrest, he just felt like running. I like to think given those shoes by his love Jennie pushed him out the door and brought them back together in the end and that gives me hope. Everyday we step outside the door not knowing what we'll run into. Sometimes our day to day lives can get stagnant but something as simple as feeling the wind hit your face as you walk out, the sunrise as you walk to the train or exit your driveway can bring a smile and a sense of curiosity for one. This trail is one that may not be in the record books or bring the world together, but if there was a place to escape for a short while with a loved one or to be at peace Tennessee Valley would fit that description. When you look over the hill looking down at the ocean, with the mist tickling your face a sense of tranquility comes to mind for me and that is paradise. In conclusion, we all come to that fork in the road at some point whether it be at 10, 20 or even 40 where we have to confront a vital and sometimes life changing decision but before I take that step, a walk down Tennessee Valley makes that choice far more simple.
Philip YorioPublished 4 years ago in WanderDesert Escape
Within California's vast landscape lies a stretch of sand known for its amazing beauty and uniqueness. The California sand dunes are home to very few creatures, yet packed full of life and excitement due to the high expectations of tourists. People travel from all around in search of some good old fun in the sand where there is much to do, including; dirt biking, sand sledding, and much more. During the summer two tourists made their way up and down the winding hills in search of a good time. The young father and son had a blast hiking the steep dunes, weaving their way in every which direction. Eventually mother nature started to take her toll on their bodies as the heat of the day reached its prime. The father made the decision to head back for the day, leading his son by the hand as they carefully made their way back to the comfort of an air-conditioned car. All that is left of their presence among the vast landscape is a silhouette and their slowly fading footprints as the wind starts to recreate its original form.
Malachi IsomePublished 4 years ago in WanderAlong the Susquehanna
"Do you want to go on a night cruise with us?" Only about three weeks had passed between the purchasing my longboard and my friend--who bought his board in the same trip--asked.
Abi RisserPublished 4 years ago in Wander10 Life Lessons From Nature
How to connect and flow with source energy for inspiration, faith, and peace of mind. It’s easy to think of nature as “out there”, something separate from us, but this incredible Universe we are a part of, connected with, are one with, can teach us a lot about life and ourselves. We experience the same cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth many times throughout our lives, we just resist. We struggle and fight against the elements in our environment and the ups and downs on the journey, trying to push things in the way we feel they should go or be, instead of allowing the natural flow and trusting in the process.
Donna GiffenPublished 4 years ago in WanderWritings of a small town nature.
Throughout small towns, I believe across all continents of this earth, there is a nature and thus a beauty that is so easily and readily overlooked by society in general. Though some countries in their major cities make a great effort to provide large open spaces of greenery, within this writing I shall be focusing on the small towns hidden nature, most specifically, my home town of East Grinstead‘s, nature.
Vanessa SkeetPublished 4 years ago in WanderIs Hiking Amicalola Falls State Park as Great as It Sounds?
Amicalola Falls is an 829 acre state park located near Dawsonville, Georgia. The park is famous for having the tallest waterfall in Georgia (729 feet) and having some pretty spectacular hiking trails.
David SomervillePublished 4 years ago in Wander5 Amazing Walks in the UK to Do in 2020
The United Kingdom is a nature lover's paradise. It has a diverse landscape, ranging from stunning cliffs to beautiful forests and magical mountains. Although it's not one of the biggest countries in the world, each region in the UK is completely different from one another.
Mindaugas ŠavėlaPublished 4 years ago in WanderHiking the Wave at North Coyote Buttes, AZ
After two attempts, I finally won the lottery permit to hike The Wave at North Coyote Buttes, Arizona. One more place that it would be out of my bucket list out of many. Thousands of people apply for the permit every year from all over the world, a very hard to get permit. You can either apply in person at the Bureau of Land Management located in Kanab, Utah, or you can do it at their site. Only 20 permits allowed per day, 10 given in person and 10 through the online lottery. You can apply for up to six people at a time, but you get better chances if you are a smaller group; in my case, just me. You pay $5 to apply and if you are one of the lucky ones who get it, you will pay $7 for the permit. During the application you can choose three dates that you would like to hike the area, it gives you more chances to win, but you need to do it four months ahead of time. The winners of the lottery would be drawn and each he will get a congratulating email.
8 Amazing Hikes in Washington State Not Everyone Knows Of
The State of Washington has it all—the Pacific Ocean, lush green forests, stunning snow-covered mountain peaks, and crystal-clear turquoise lakes. It draws people from all over the world who come here for the cultural and recreational experience.
Mindaugas ŠavėlaPublished 4 years ago in WanderNatural Gems
From my earliest days, I have enjoyed spending time outdoors. Growing up in the Poconos allowed me to easily expose myself to the sunshine and greenery. In my youth, I played with the neighborhood kids, running through the woods and concocting interesting scenarios to act out. As a family we explored the various state and national parks in the area. I was lucky to grow up in an area full of gorgeous vistas and abundant wildlife and that love of nature transferred into adulthood.
Nicole "ChaseThePen" SanchezPublished 5 years ago in WanderNorth Cascades National Park: A True Wonder for the Nature Lovers
North Cascades National Park is one of the most amazing parks in Washington State. The park's landscape is one of the most picturesque in the whole country. It's not just the spectacular mountains punctuated by glaciers that make it hard to inhabit, but more than 90 percent of its territory is designated as the Stephen Mather Wilderness and remains completely wild with little development. Although the local wildlife is thriving, do not be discouraged to hike here. This is one of the most amazing places to find the perfect trails.
Mindaugas ŠavėlaPublished 5 years ago in Wander