You have possibly heard a quote along the lines of, "We did not inherit the earth from our grandparents, it is on loan to us from future generations."
After reading an article in National Geographic about Namibia (where almost half of the landmass consists of national parks, communal conservancies, and private wilderness reserves), it strikes me that we have a definite responsibility to take care of the Earth.
The Earth and creation will only be beautiful for as long as we sustain it. We can do this by not littering (few things drive me so nuts as when someone rolls down their window and tosses out garbage!!), or using energy efficiently. I am sure that you have heard countless suggestions and ways to keep the Earth clean.
If you are going to enjoy the outdoors (and you should), you must be respectful of it. Leave no trace, and all of that. I am sure everyone has heard it all before, but it is easy to not really pay attention. But it is so important to follow those rules, so that the wildlife, the plants, the landscape, all of it can remain beautiful.
If we don't care of our plane, who will? It is all of God's creation, and as much as we can be in awe of the beauty that is out there, we need to do our best to ensure that our children and their children on down the line have that same opportunity.
Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nature. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
100 Reasons To Love Spring
Spring is upon us. Temps are warming up, outdoor activities are increasing, and we have officially been in the season of spring for a few weeks now.
Spring might be my favorite season of them all.... How do I love spring? Let me count the ways...
1) You can once again hear the birds chirping outside.
2) Apples are good all the time, but there is something about eating an apple outside in the sun that is especially refreshing. This is possible once again in the spring.
3) The baseball season begins...
4) It is lighter earlier and later in the day, meaning more time to play outside and enjoy the natural light.
5) Hearing the sound of the rain outside as you are trying to fall asleep.
6) The flowers have begun to bloom...
7) Great temperatures for things like running, hiking and biking outside... not too hot, but warm enough that you will be comfortable.
8) The beginning of barbecues, which means the smell of the barbecue.
9) Winter meltoff means you can see more flowing water and (better yet) waterfalls.
10) The excitement and anticipation that spring brings... there is the thought and hope of new life and of summer adventures.
11) The NCAA Tournament finishes up in spring... best sporting event of the year!
12) The smell of the outside world as things are starting to grow.
13) When in school, there was always spring break! Which meant different things to different people, but for me it meant the Pay It Forward Tour, which means going on a bus across the country with other students doing service projects. I couldn't recommend that highly enough!
14) Things start to turn green outside, and green is the best color ever!
15) The crack of a wooden bat on a baseball diamond and the snap of a baseball as it hits the glove.
16) When you wake up to leave in the morning to go to work or see the sunrise, it is actually an enjoyable temperature out.
17) Going outside on the deck and reading a book in the sunlight. No better way to read!
18) How you can even handle the occasional cold days, because you know that the warmth of the rest of spring and summer is coming.
19) Rolling down the windows in the car and letting your hair blow in the wind.
20) The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.
21) Going for a hike in the mountains and still seeing snow-capped peaks in the distance.
22) Shorts weather!
23) Wearing a baseball cap outside instead of stocking cap.
24) Planting flowers and a garden.
25) Opening the windows in the house and smelling the freshness.
26) Being out on a baseball diamond chewing sunflower seeds.
27) Going for a walk.
28) Finally being able to leave the windows open at night to hear the sounds of the world.
29) Seeing the birds flying across the sky and in the trees.
30) There is still a variance in the weather... some days will be chilly (but not too cold), and some days will be warm (but not too hot). But all of the unpredictably is still in a comfortable range.
31) Hiking to a lake and actually see the lake, not just the ice covering (though ice is cool too...)
31) The bugs haven't had time yet to make themselves comfortable all over your house.
32) The more sunlight will make you a happier, more vibrant person, especially if it has been a long and dark winter.
33) Don't need tennis shoes or boots if you don't want them, you can go outside in just your sandals.
34) Finally you can get thunderstorms again and enjoy the pouring rain, the awe of lightning, and the boom of thunder.
35) When you get off of work, it is actually still light outside!
36) Getting out and playing golf and tennis, if those are your sports.
37) Depending on where you live... since spring is when people start taking more vacations, you have a chance of being visited by friends and relatives.
38) No more days of wearing winter coats... at least until next year.
39) Instead of just watching basketball on TV, you can get outside and play it!
40) Longer days of sunlight mean more time to enjoy your favorite activities outside.
41) 0-0 records for everyone in the MLB. "Hope springs eternal..."
42) "Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson
43) Sitting outside, drinking sweet tea, and enjoying the weather.
44) The start of softball season.
45) Simply the anticipation of summer puts people in a happier mood.
46) Knowing that the first day you can reasonable wear shorts (and even if you can't really do it reasonably), you will... just because that will make it feel more like spring!
47) Going to the park and tossing a football or frisbee around.
48) Being able to go to playground (especially the swings).
49) Just after the sun goes down, when it is still light enough to see, and the air is crisp and refreshing on a spring evening.
50) No more days of slick driving conditions.
51) Hearing the shouts of kids as they play the first soccer games and practices of the season.
52) How everything outside and even the clothes that people wear are brighter.
53) The celebration of Easter every spring, a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus!
54) The greater likelihood of seeing wildlife out and about (depending on where you live).
55) Being able to go for a bike ride and feel the wind blowing in your face.
56) Being able to play volleyball in the sand.
57) Going to the park and just walking around or messing around, having fun and getting the fresh air.
58) Opening the windows or shades in the morning to get natural light instead of turning a light on.
59) It actually sounds good to go out and get some ice cream.
60) "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." - W. Earl Hall
61) The smell of rain, either before or after the rain.
62) Taking pictures outside, capturing the beauty of the Earth.
63) Seeing people out going for runs, inspiring you to want to do the same.
64) The refreshing taste of water when you are out doing something in the sun.
65) It is the start of being able to go for a swim outside (and not freeze too much).
66) Being able to plant a garden or flowers.
67) Playing baseball - whether it is just playing catch, taking batting practice, or shagging fly balls in the outfield.
68) Being able to wear flip flops outside, giving your feet some needed fresh air.
69) Seeing a butterfly perched on a tree branch right before it takes off in flight.
70) "If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom." - Terri Guillemets
71) How you love a rainy day because you know the Earth needs it and it provides a nice atmosphere to enjoy the indoors.
72) How much easier it is to get exercise when you can go outside and do it instead of going to dreary inside of the gym.
73) If you have to go to work early in the morning, it will actually get light on your drive, waking you up for the day and inspiring you to get better work done.
74) Laying in the grass and watching the stars.
75) The start of camping season, getting out and enjoying the outdoors and embracing a more rugged way of life (if only for a night).
76) Planning vacations, knowing that you can plan a whole day doing stuff outside, and you won't get too cold.
77) Seeng wildflowers when you are out in the wilderness.
78) If you are a paper deliverer, you can walk or bike from house to house instead of having to drive from house to house!
79) The sound of crickets at night (as long as they are not in your house).
80) "[Spring is] when life's alive in everything." = Christina Rossetti
81) Seeing leaves back on the trees as they spring to life.
82) Pickup basketball games... outside.
83) If you are near the mountains, you can still enjoy the majesty of the snow-covered peaks in the distance, only without being in the cold yourself.
84) Everyone starts to get green grass, rather than brown, dead grass.
85) As long as you are not walking in a high traffic area (in which case I do not recommend this), you can go for a walk and read a book... at the same time!
86) Going for a long bike ride through the neighborhoods... nowhere to go or be, just seeing where the road takes you.
87) The NBA playoffs... when all the best athletes in the world show up to play.
88) Taking long drives and roadtrips, with the windows down, the roads clear, and the radio up.
89) If you are lucky enough to have a porch or deck, sitting out and reading a favorite book, drinking some lemonade.
90) "An optimist is the human personification of spring." - Susan Bissonette
91) You don't have to pile on all of the blankets when you crawl into bed at night.
92) Since people tend to be in a more joyful mood once the winter is over, and happiness is contagious, everyone is more joyful!
93) You can fly a kite! (or, perhaps more accurately, try to fly a kite...)
94) You can enjoy the myriad of activities that a lake or river offers, such as boating, waterksiing, going to the beach, or simply swimming.
95) The feeling of "newness" that comes with everything. With new life comes new hopes, new dreams, new ambitions, and new motivations.
96) Being able to see one of the most beautiful sights in creation, the sunrise... when it is warming enough that you won't be shivering with cold.
97) Playing two-hand touch or flag football.
98) Instead of having to drive everywhere, you can walk or bike to get from place to place. Being environmentally friendly and getting exercise at the same time.
99) If you live in a safe enough area, you can go for walks at night when the moon is out and the world is more peaceful.
100) Did I mention hearing the chirping birds outside? :)
Spring might be my favorite season of them all.... How do I love spring? Let me count the ways...
1) You can once again hear the birds chirping outside.
2) Apples are good all the time, but there is something about eating an apple outside in the sun that is especially refreshing. This is possible once again in the spring.
3) The baseball season begins...
4) It is lighter earlier and later in the day, meaning more time to play outside and enjoy the natural light.
5) Hearing the sound of the rain outside as you are trying to fall asleep.
6) The flowers have begun to bloom...
7) Great temperatures for things like running, hiking and biking outside... not too hot, but warm enough that you will be comfortable.
8) The beginning of barbecues, which means the smell of the barbecue.
9) Winter meltoff means you can see more flowing water and (better yet) waterfalls.
10) The excitement and anticipation that spring brings... there is the thought and hope of new life and of summer adventures.
11) The NCAA Tournament finishes up in spring... best sporting event of the year!
12) The smell of the outside world as things are starting to grow.
13) When in school, there was always spring break! Which meant different things to different people, but for me it meant the Pay It Forward Tour, which means going on a bus across the country with other students doing service projects. I couldn't recommend that highly enough!
14) Things start to turn green outside, and green is the best color ever!
15) The crack of a wooden bat on a baseball diamond and the snap of a baseball as it hits the glove.
16) When you wake up to leave in the morning to go to work or see the sunrise, it is actually an enjoyable temperature out.
17) Going outside on the deck and reading a book in the sunlight. No better way to read!
18) How you can even handle the occasional cold days, because you know that the warmth of the rest of spring and summer is coming.
19) Rolling down the windows in the car and letting your hair blow in the wind.
20) The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.
21) Going for a hike in the mountains and still seeing snow-capped peaks in the distance.
22) Shorts weather!
23) Wearing a baseball cap outside instead of stocking cap.
24) Planting flowers and a garden.
25) Opening the windows in the house and smelling the freshness.
26) Being out on a baseball diamond chewing sunflower seeds.
27) Going for a walk.
28) Finally being able to leave the windows open at night to hear the sounds of the world.
29) Seeing the birds flying across the sky and in the trees.
30) There is still a variance in the weather... some days will be chilly (but not too cold), and some days will be warm (but not too hot). But all of the unpredictably is still in a comfortable range.
31) Hiking to a lake and actually see the lake, not just the ice covering (though ice is cool too...)
31) The bugs haven't had time yet to make themselves comfortable all over your house.
32) The more sunlight will make you a happier, more vibrant person, especially if it has been a long and dark winter.
33) Don't need tennis shoes or boots if you don't want them, you can go outside in just your sandals.
34) Finally you can get thunderstorms again and enjoy the pouring rain, the awe of lightning, and the boom of thunder.
35) When you get off of work, it is actually still light outside!
36) Getting out and playing golf and tennis, if those are your sports.
37) Depending on where you live... since spring is when people start taking more vacations, you have a chance of being visited by friends and relatives.
38) No more days of wearing winter coats... at least until next year.
39) Instead of just watching basketball on TV, you can get outside and play it!
40) Longer days of sunlight mean more time to enjoy your favorite activities outside.
41) 0-0 records for everyone in the MLB. "Hope springs eternal..."
42) "Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush." - Doug Larson
43) Sitting outside, drinking sweet tea, and enjoying the weather.
44) The start of softball season.
45) Simply the anticipation of summer puts people in a happier mood.
46) Knowing that the first day you can reasonable wear shorts (and even if you can't really do it reasonably), you will... just because that will make it feel more like spring!
47) Going to the park and tossing a football or frisbee around.
48) Being able to go to playground (especially the swings).
49) Just after the sun goes down, when it is still light enough to see, and the air is crisp and refreshing on a spring evening.
50) No more days of slick driving conditions.
51) Hearing the shouts of kids as they play the first soccer games and practices of the season.
52) How everything outside and even the clothes that people wear are brighter.
53) The celebration of Easter every spring, a time to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus!
54) The greater likelihood of seeing wildlife out and about (depending on where you live).
55) Being able to go for a bike ride and feel the wind blowing in your face.
56) Being able to play volleyball in the sand.
57) Going to the park and just walking around or messing around, having fun and getting the fresh air.
58) Opening the windows or shades in the morning to get natural light instead of turning a light on.
59) It actually sounds good to go out and get some ice cream.
60) "Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." - W. Earl Hall
61) The smell of rain, either before or after the rain.
62) Taking pictures outside, capturing the beauty of the Earth.
63) Seeing people out going for runs, inspiring you to want to do the same.
64) The refreshing taste of water when you are out doing something in the sun.
65) It is the start of being able to go for a swim outside (and not freeze too much).
66) Being able to plant a garden or flowers.
67) Playing baseball - whether it is just playing catch, taking batting practice, or shagging fly balls in the outfield.
68) Being able to wear flip flops outside, giving your feet some needed fresh air.
69) Seeing a butterfly perched on a tree branch right before it takes off in flight.
70) "If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom." - Terri Guillemets
71) How you love a rainy day because you know the Earth needs it and it provides a nice atmosphere to enjoy the indoors.
72) How much easier it is to get exercise when you can go outside and do it instead of going to dreary inside of the gym.
73) If you have to go to work early in the morning, it will actually get light on your drive, waking you up for the day and inspiring you to get better work done.
74) Laying in the grass and watching the stars.
75) The start of camping season, getting out and enjoying the outdoors and embracing a more rugged way of life (if only for a night).
76) Planning vacations, knowing that you can plan a whole day doing stuff outside, and you won't get too cold.
77) Seeng wildflowers when you are out in the wilderness.
78) If you are a paper deliverer, you can walk or bike from house to house instead of having to drive from house to house!
79) The sound of crickets at night (as long as they are not in your house).
80) "[Spring is] when life's alive in everything." = Christina Rossetti
81) Seeing leaves back on the trees as they spring to life.
82) Pickup basketball games... outside.
83) If you are near the mountains, you can still enjoy the majesty of the snow-covered peaks in the distance, only without being in the cold yourself.
84) Everyone starts to get green grass, rather than brown, dead grass.
85) As long as you are not walking in a high traffic area (in which case I do not recommend this), you can go for a walk and read a book... at the same time!
86) Going for a long bike ride through the neighborhoods... nowhere to go or be, just seeing where the road takes you.
87) The NBA playoffs... when all the best athletes in the world show up to play.
88) Taking long drives and roadtrips, with the windows down, the roads clear, and the radio up.
89) If you are lucky enough to have a porch or deck, sitting out and reading a favorite book, drinking some lemonade.
90) "An optimist is the human personification of spring." - Susan Bissonette
91) You don't have to pile on all of the blankets when you crawl into bed at night.
92) Since people tend to be in a more joyful mood once the winter is over, and happiness is contagious, everyone is more joyful!
93) You can fly a kite! (or, perhaps more accurately, try to fly a kite...)
94) You can enjoy the myriad of activities that a lake or river offers, such as boating, waterksiing, going to the beach, or simply swimming.
95) The feeling of "newness" that comes with everything. With new life comes new hopes, new dreams, new ambitions, and new motivations.
96) Being able to see one of the most beautiful sights in creation, the sunrise... when it is warming enough that you won't be shivering with cold.
97) Playing two-hand touch or flag football.
98) Instead of having to drive everywhere, you can walk or bike to get from place to place. Being environmentally friendly and getting exercise at the same time.
99) If you live in a safe enough area, you can go for walks at night when the moon is out and the world is more peaceful.
100) Did I mention hearing the chirping birds outside? :)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Pursuit of Knowledge
There is a lot to be learned in the world - the pursuit of knowledge is literally endless. However, I don't think that should stop us.
In a book I read, "The Best American Travel Writing," there was this little nugget in the introduction that I thought was very interesting. It read:
In this case, it was something to inspire you to travel more, and I think it works in that capacity. In my opinion, the more that we travel, the more we understand of other people and places, and this allows us to understand God. When we know more of His creation, we can know more of him. (Of course, and hopefully this goes without saying, this does not mean that those who travel more by default know more about God).
I think this goes for all walks of life. On the surface, what is the point of reading a fiction novel, or in learning math, or science, or history, or any other such thing that we can learn about? In order to love and worship God, we do not need these things.
However, anything, everything, can help us understand God better. If they did not, then they would never have been created. But the more we know of God's creation, the better it may help us to understand Him.
In a book I read, "The Best American Travel Writing," there was this little nugget in the introduction that I thought was very interesting. It read:
"The more we know of particular things, the more we know of God." (xii)
In this case, it was something to inspire you to travel more, and I think it works in that capacity. In my opinion, the more that we travel, the more we understand of other people and places, and this allows us to understand God. When we know more of His creation, we can know more of him. (Of course, and hopefully this goes without saying, this does not mean that those who travel more by default know more about God).
I think this goes for all walks of life. On the surface, what is the point of reading a fiction novel, or in learning math, or science, or history, or any other such thing that we can learn about? In order to love and worship God, we do not need these things.
However, anything, everything, can help us understand God better. If they did not, then they would never have been created. But the more we know of God's creation, the better it may help us to understand Him.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
North Dakota Beauty: Sheyenne River Valley
When people think of North Dakota, they think of the land right along the interstates, which is generally very boring, flat, and treeless (exceptions are on the Western side of the state, which gets into the Badlands, which we'll talk about another time). However, there are lots of cool things to see in North Dakota!
One such place of beauty is the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. It is basically straight south of Valley City (technically, the Byway starts a little bit south of Valley), and the whole Byway runs about 60 miles.
If you have ever been through the hills of New York or Pennsylvania, that is what this looks like. There are trees and trees and trees (seriously.... and it's in ND), and lots of hills. It follows the river, so there is obviously some beauty that comes along with that.
They have some very cool historical markers along the way, which was actually maybe my favorite part. You got to learn about the area, from the first schools, businesses, churches, and people in the area. Very cool to see all of the original buildings and the way that things were.
If you are looking for some natural beauty in ND and are tired of I-94, check out a little detour on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway!
* Image by Scooter Pursley
One such place of beauty is the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway. It is basically straight south of Valley City (technically, the Byway starts a little bit south of Valley), and the whole Byway runs about 60 miles.
If you have ever been through the hills of New York or Pennsylvania, that is what this looks like. There are trees and trees and trees (seriously.... and it's in ND), and lots of hills. It follows the river, so there is obviously some beauty that comes along with that.
They have some very cool historical markers along the way, which was actually maybe my favorite part. You got to learn about the area, from the first schools, businesses, churches, and people in the area. Very cool to see all of the original buildings and the way that things were.
If you are looking for some natural beauty in ND and are tired of I-94, check out a little detour on the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway!
* Image by Scooter Pursley
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Places in the USA I most want to visit
I think it's very important to have dreams and goals, and a lot of mine center around travel and places that I would love to visit and see and experience. Traveling allows you to see all of the beauty of creation, to experience new people and cultures, and just kick back and relax and enjoy life the way you were meant to enjoy life.
So that said, here are the top places as of now that I want to visit (not counting places in Colorado, of which there are tons that I am excited to explore upon my permanent arrival in the state!)
- Crater Lake (Oregon)- This is atop my travel wish list.... just looks incredibly beautiful. I'd love to visit Oregon as a whole, and Crater Lake tops the list of things I want to see there.
- Yosemite National Park (California) - "Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more."
- Maine and Vermont - There is a lot of beauty here, along the coast, in the Green Mountains, in Acadia National Park, the trees.... I am just very excited to explore it all!
- Glacier National Park (Montana) - The glaciers are quickly becoming an endangered species out in nature, so hopefully I will be able to visit soon. Between the glaciers themselves and all of the mountain lakes and wildlife, it would be an incredible Park to be able to visit.
- Alaska - The vast region features too many breathtaking spots to only list a couple. The whole state really looks incredible and just filled with beauty.
- Utah National Parks (Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion, et al) - A ton of variety out there, with incredible rock formations, hikes, unique geological wonders.... basically they would all be incredible!
What places do you want to visit most?
So that said, here are the top places as of now that I want to visit (not counting places in Colorado, of which there are tons that I am excited to explore upon my permanent arrival in the state!)
- Crater Lake (Oregon)- This is atop my travel wish list.... just looks incredibly beautiful. I'd love to visit Oregon as a whole, and Crater Lake tops the list of things I want to see there.
- Yosemite National Park (California) - "Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more."
- Maine and Vermont - There is a lot of beauty here, along the coast, in the Green Mountains, in Acadia National Park, the trees.... I am just very excited to explore it all!
- Glacier National Park (Montana) - The glaciers are quickly becoming an endangered species out in nature, so hopefully I will be able to visit soon. Between the glaciers themselves and all of the mountain lakes and wildlife, it would be an incredible Park to be able to visit.
- Alaska - The vast region features too many breathtaking spots to only list a couple. The whole state really looks incredible and just filled with beauty.
- Utah National Parks (Bryce Canyon, Arches, Zion, et al) - A ton of variety out there, with incredible rock formations, hikes, unique geological wonders.... basically they would all be incredible!
What places do you want to visit most?
Places in the world I most want to visit
Much like my list of places in the USA that I would most love to visit, I also have some places in the mind from the rest of the world that interest me the most and I would most want to visit.
There are hundreds of thousands of incredible things out there in the world, and narrowing the list down to a few is very difficult, but that is OK. I have traveled overseas once, and I can't wait to do it again. Even more than traveling in the USA, it opens you up to a whole different part of the world that is very fun and interesting to be able to experience. Some of the places on my list...
- Machu Picchu (Peru) - To me, it looks like the most breathtaking place on the planet. I can't wait to visit! All of the history of the Incan people combined with the beauty of the area and the incredible things that they left behind make it an incredible looking place.
- Rome and Italy - This is where I got the opportunity to visit, and I can't wait to go back. Rome is such an unreal city, you turn a corner while walking down the street and there is another remarkable landmark and incredible piece of architecture. Italy as a whole is a beautiful country with incredible depth and variety.
- New Zealand/Greece/Ireland - I put these three together only because they are all countries that have really caught my eye has being just beautiful and diverse in what they have to offer. The different types of landscapes and scenery and cultures all seem fascinating. I imagine you could spend a ton of time in these places and see something totally different every day.
- Aztec/Mayan ruins - This is just a personal interest of mine, I love reading and learning about these ancient cultures. The things that they left behind and the knowledge that they had just blows my mind. I think we can learn a lot just by seeing what they left behind.
Where do you most want to visit?
There are hundreds of thousands of incredible things out there in the world, and narrowing the list down to a few is very difficult, but that is OK. I have traveled overseas once, and I can't wait to do it again. Even more than traveling in the USA, it opens you up to a whole different part of the world that is very fun and interesting to be able to experience. Some of the places on my list...
- Machu Picchu (Peru) - To me, it looks like the most breathtaking place on the planet. I can't wait to visit! All of the history of the Incan people combined with the beauty of the area and the incredible things that they left behind make it an incredible looking place.
- Rome and Italy - This is where I got the opportunity to visit, and I can't wait to go back. Rome is such an unreal city, you turn a corner while walking down the street and there is another remarkable landmark and incredible piece of architecture. Italy as a whole is a beautiful country with incredible depth and variety.
- New Zealand/Greece/Ireland - I put these three together only because they are all countries that have really caught my eye has being just beautiful and diverse in what they have to offer. The different types of landscapes and scenery and cultures all seem fascinating. I imagine you could spend a ton of time in these places and see something totally different every day.
- Aztec/Mayan ruins - This is just a personal interest of mine, I love reading and learning about these ancient cultures. The things that they left behind and the knowledge that they had just blows my mind. I think we can learn a lot just by seeing what they left behind.
Where do you most want to visit?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Garden of the Gods
I got a quick chance to drive through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs last fall, and it is amazing!
While we didn't do much in the park itself while we were there (due to time constraints), there are ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. I hope to get back there someday and do some of that, because there are some amazing things to see.
The rock formations are beautiful. It is a reddish color that can be seen from all around the area, and there is a good variety of rocks in the park. From the famous Kissing Camels to Balanced Rock, there is plenty to be awestruck by.
Whenever I see stuff like this (or Mt. Cutler, which we hiked the same day), or any type of natural beauty like this, I wonder how there is crime and bad things in the world. This is the idealist in me, but who can see such natural beauty and then think about ever committing a crime, or being anything less than the best they can be?
I know this probably isn't a realistic thought pattern, but it seems like nature and its beauty should be all the crime deterrent we would ever need. If only.
While we didn't do much in the park itself while we were there (due to time constraints), there are ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. I hope to get back there someday and do some of that, because there are some amazing things to see.
The rock formations are beautiful. It is a reddish color that can be seen from all around the area, and there is a good variety of rocks in the park. From the famous Kissing Camels to Balanced Rock, there is plenty to be awestruck by.
Whenever I see stuff like this (or Mt. Cutler, which we hiked the same day), or any type of natural beauty like this, I wonder how there is crime and bad things in the world. This is the idealist in me, but who can see such natural beauty and then think about ever committing a crime, or being anything less than the best they can be?
I know this probably isn't a realistic thought pattern, but it seems like nature and its beauty should be all the crime deterrent we would ever need. If only.
Monday, February 21, 2011
My Favorite State High Points
So far in my life I have climbed the high point for 3 states. Ideally, I will reach all 50 before the end of my days, but for now, here are the rankings of my favorites (to be updated as I climb more!)
1) Eagle Mountain, Minnesota - This one is helped by the fact that I climbed it with Hannah! It's also helped that it's in the area of the beautiful North Shore of Minnesota, right along Lake Superior. The views aren't spectacular along the way, but the area is gorgeous, filled with plenty of vegetation (the trail enters the Boundary Waters about a mile in, which is a prime spot if you like remote nature that has been well-preserved from too much human contact). It is not a super strenuous hike but it does get a little long, about 7 miles round trip. But totally worth it!
(Note: If you are in the area you would be remiss if you did not stop at all of the state parks along the North Shore. Temperance River, Tettegouche, Split Rock, and Gooseberry Falls are all beautiful, more scenic than the high point itself. I can't recommend it highly enough).
2) Mt. Frissell, Connecticut - I liked this hike and high point because I felt like a real explorer. The high point was pretty remote, and it didn't seem to be popular at all. Just finding it was an adventure, as was the fact that I was the only one on the trail. Adding to it, it rained steadily on me as I approached the top, and then while I was at the high point itself. Pretty darn fun to explore and adventure around there.
On a funny note, the high point of Connecticut is a point on Mt. Frissell. This is funny because the actual peak of the mountain is in Massachusetts! At one point during the hike I was in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.... pretty darn cool!
3) High Point State Park, New Jersey - This one was a bit lame, I must say. Because it was within a state park, it was a very popular tourist area, with beaches within the park. They also had a road that took you right up to the top, which (for me) kinda defeats the purpose of the high point. So I did what any good adventurer would do.... drove to the high point, but then didn't look out at all, hiked to the bottom, and then hiked back up. That made things a lot more fun!
The thing it did have going for it is that there was a gorgeous view at the high point. From the high point you can look out and see New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as the Delaware River... so that is pretty cool! Definitely still worth a trip if you are in the area!
1) Eagle Mountain, Minnesota - This one is helped by the fact that I climbed it with Hannah! It's also helped that it's in the area of the beautiful North Shore of Minnesota, right along Lake Superior. The views aren't spectacular along the way, but the area is gorgeous, filled with plenty of vegetation (the trail enters the Boundary Waters about a mile in, which is a prime spot if you like remote nature that has been well-preserved from too much human contact). It is not a super strenuous hike but it does get a little long, about 7 miles round trip. But totally worth it!
(Note: If you are in the area you would be remiss if you did not stop at all of the state parks along the North Shore. Temperance River, Tettegouche, Split Rock, and Gooseberry Falls are all beautiful, more scenic than the high point itself. I can't recommend it highly enough).
2) Mt. Frissell, Connecticut - I liked this hike and high point because I felt like a real explorer. The high point was pretty remote, and it didn't seem to be popular at all. Just finding it was an adventure, as was the fact that I was the only one on the trail. Adding to it, it rained steadily on me as I approached the top, and then while I was at the high point itself. Pretty darn fun to explore and adventure around there.
On a funny note, the high point of Connecticut is a point on Mt. Frissell. This is funny because the actual peak of the mountain is in Massachusetts! At one point during the hike I was in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts.... pretty darn cool!
3) High Point State Park, New Jersey - This one was a bit lame, I must say. Because it was within a state park, it was a very popular tourist area, with beaches within the park. They also had a road that took you right up to the top, which (for me) kinda defeats the purpose of the high point. So I did what any good adventurer would do.... drove to the high point, but then didn't look out at all, hiked to the bottom, and then hiked back up. That made things a lot more fun!
The thing it did have going for it is that there was a gorgeous view at the high point. From the high point you can look out and see New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as the Delaware River... so that is pretty cool! Definitely still worth a trip if you are in the area!
Monday, January 3, 2011
The beauty all around us
"You light up the sky to show me/
that You are with me"
- The Afters ("Light Up the Sky")
People always want proof of things, they can't believe in something until there is absolute proof that it is true. The biggest example of this is faith. How do you prove God exists?
For me, one thing that works is just to look up the sky as the sun sets or the sun rises, or to look up at a mountain, or an open prairie, or a gushing river, or a weeping willow, or any number of a million different things. You want proof? Take a look at the world around you!
"Well i just saw the sun rise over the hill/
Never used to give me much of a thrill/
But hey man now I'm really living"
- Eels
that You are with me"
- The Afters ("Light Up the Sky")
People always want proof of things, they can't believe in something until there is absolute proof that it is true. The biggest example of this is faith. How do you prove God exists?
For me, one thing that works is just to look up the sky as the sun sets or the sun rises, or to look up at a mountain, or an open prairie, or a gushing river, or a weeping willow, or any number of a million different things. You want proof? Take a look at the world around you!
"Well i just saw the sun rise over the hill/
Never used to give me much of a thrill/
But hey man now I'm really living"
- Eels
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