California, Death Valley National Park, Hiking, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, United States

Salt, Sand, and Sierra Mornings: Day 2 – Surviving Death Valley

March 1, 2026 I awoke, throwing off my sweaty 15-degree sleeping bag and rolling off the four-season rated sleeping pad at 6am. I felt parched. I did not sleep well at all. But I survived a night of camping in Death Valley in mid-60s lows! I completely failed at photographing our campsite, #40, at Furnace… Continue reading Salt, Sand, and Sierra Mornings: Day 2 – Surviving Death Valley

Camping, Hiking, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park, Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, United States

Springtime in Kentucky – Part 3: Mammoth Cave National Park & Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

April 19, 2024 A soggy spring morning greeted me after a night of pretty gentle rains. Aside from the loudest thunder clap I have EVER heard waking me up at 9:30pm, the severe storms held off. Happy I put my rain gear in my tent with me, I was slow to rise, and took my… Continue reading Springtime in Kentucky – Part 3: Mammoth Cave National Park & Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument

Colorado, Hiking, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park, United States

Colorado Hiked: Flattop Mountain

August 7, 2022 "I got us a reservation for 5am in the park!" exclaimed Sarah once she realized I had been sitting on her couch for a little while and came out to greet me. It was another weekend sleep over at one of my favorite friends' house, and we needed to hatch a plan.… Continue reading Colorado Hiked: Flattop Mountain

Camping, Hiking, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, Olympic National Park, United States, Washington

Whirlwind Washington – Part 1: Quinault Big Sitka, Hoh Rainforest, and Rialto Beach

Well, aren't these blog posts just ridiculously delayed or what?! In May 2022 I spent a week and a half in Washington. I had flown out to climb Mount Saint Helens, but since that only takes a day, there were more adventures to be had! Not sure why it took me so long to get… Continue reading Whirlwind Washington – Part 1: Quinault Big Sitka, Hoh Rainforest, and Rialto Beach