How do I make it feel more Jurassic Park like is a question I ask myself anytime I am out and exploring. _____________________ Some of the coolest parts of our world provide us with beauty and then inspire us to imagine more. This is true of the Yosemite floor. For me, I just need to look and then the beauty of the gushing waterfalls, the sun kissed towering rocks, and the flowing expanse of green does the rest.
Preparation is great. I do it often except when I don’t. Do you think that this log prepared to be in these dunes? _____________________ Getting to play in the Great Sand Dunes in the early summer means crossing a river of fresh mountain snow melt. And that river is cold. I did not realize just how cold the water would feel when crossing over to the expanse of sand. But once you’re halfway across and your boots are fully soaked, you can’t turn around. Now I know. Next time I’ll wear crocs.
I personally really enjoy the color orange. Especially the orange that engulfs the sky right after the sun has set. _____________________ Each day at sunset, thousands of people come to this spot, Glacier Point in Yosemite. Here everyone experiences an incredible view of Half Dome and the Yosemite valley. After taking in the view, people get back in their cars and travel down the mountain. Those who stay, however, get to enjoy this mesmerizing orange which eventually turns into blue. Make sure you stay long enough to take in the orange of life.
There are few better feelings than experiencing a full sunrise. Earth goes from subtle darkness to complete light. _____________________ My whole day can get thrown off if I miss seeing a part of the sunrise. At sunrise, the calm of the morning is ruptured ever so slightly and so beautifully. The sun rising gives us this pure and energizing feeling that we often neglect to feel. Try to feel this more often. You can sleep in when you need to!
California is one of my favorite places. The fires harming the state are truly devastating. Link in bio to help. _____________________ In some instances, fire occurs naturally like after lighting struck this tree or when dead vegetation and debris become cleared in a forest. However, one of the most pressing effects of climate change is drastic and prevalent cases of extreme weather from fires to hurricanes. As our climate worsens, these incidents will only continue to occur. More federal funding for land management is clearly needed.
Light is always so elusive, especially in the most beautiful places. Early morning light that creeps into the expanse is my favorite. When do you find your favorite light? _____________________ One step to the right and all of the light beaming through this crack in the canyon was gone. Two steps to the left and the light disappeared all the same. It is always so wondrous when we find ourselves the perfect spot to feel the light.
Purple is my favorite color. We typically do not encounter a lot of purple in nature or during our daily lives so it is real special when we do. What is your favorite color? _____________________ This spot in Antelope Canyon featured some of the coolest shades of color I have ever seen. The bright blue of the mid-morning sky and the orange and purple gradient of the rock. The collection of colors inside here also made me think of the cave of wonders from Aladdin and I really like Aladdin.
Native lands like Antelope Canyon are consistently threatened. Voting can protect them. What did you vote for? _____________________ Spaces in nature and those shaped by nature are sacred. The protection of such places varies and, today, public and native lands are under attack. When we go out to vote we do a small, but important part in protecting them. Just as our vote does to protect the rights and opportunities of others.
I always think about the phrase “Don’t lose sight of the forest for the trees.” and not just cause it sounds funny. _____________________ It is really easy to get stuck on the trees, especially in a place like Kings Canyon, which is home to General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. Yet, General Grant is just one tree among the most beautiful groves of sequoias. It is really easy to forget about these groves in our daily lives, but they are there. We have to remember to put then into sight.