Joshua Tree

Our best friends, Justin and Rachel, are what I'd call "desert people", meaning they love the desert. I never really understood this because I'm more of a "water" person and the whole thing about the desert is that there isn't any water. Like, would you go the beach if there wasn't an ocean right there? No. But still they insisted that we needed to take a trip to the desert so I could experience it and then I'd get it.

Well I'm here to publicly announce that the desert is, in fact, quite magical and that I fell in love with the high desert of southern California. 

We stayed in Joshua Tree, just a little ways outside of the National Park. Every morning I would wake up early to watch the sun rise and every evening I watched it set and there was something therapeutic and circadian about that. You don't get that in the piedmont of the southeast, really. The desert sun is a thing all on its own, just like the prairie and the tropics have their own unique sun. I liked that. 

I always thought of the desert as desolate and therefore less interesting but I found that it's impossible not to be in awe of the organisms that have adapted to such a harsh environment. Desert species are resilient and bold. The ravens are charismatic and the cholla cactus leave behind woody skeletons that look like artwork. 

The desert biota have a deeper appreciation for water than I ever could and can thrive with even the smallest inputs. We were fortunate to arrive just after a meager snowfall, so the wildflowers were bursting from the ground and the Joshua Trees were filled with creamy white flowers (something that only occurs when water conditions are just right). Palm trees and song birds flourish in the small oases that are scattered sparsely across the landscape and you can actually trace the watershed through the unique patterns that have shaped the topography of the Mojave. 

I don't typically write this much but I was just really taken by this place. I'll include a list of my favorite spots at the end and if you haven't made your way to this corner of the globe yet, I hope you'll consider it!

Montserrat

As you may know,  we recently took a trip with our friends Justin and Rachel to Catalonia (see video here)! While I'm making my way through our Spain photos I figured I'd take a whole post to share one of my favorite spots from the trip, Montserrat!

Once we decided to visit Catalonia, Montserrat was the first big stop I added to my "must see" list and once you see it, you'll understand why. 

Montserrat roughly translates to "serrated mountains". The jagged sedimentary peaks draw your eye from the minute they enter into view. It's unlike any mountain range I've ever seen. The drive up the mountain is worth the trip, alone!

Nestled at the top of the mountain is the sweetest 10th century Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. You could hike all day and grab a bite at one of the local cafeterias or spend hours milling about the Abbey and museums. If you're planning a visit, the climbing is also supposed to be EPIC! 

It's a truly breathtaking place and I'm so thankful to have gotten to experience it! 

Walks in the Woods

I really enjoy my job and I realize not a lot of people can say that. One part I find especially rewarding is when I get to show others what we're doing on the ground.

I love watching people experience nature.

As I mentioned before, I'm trying to pick up my camera more this year and that includes photographing my work more! Why wouldn't I, really. I get to work in some of the most beautiful biodiverse ecosystems in the world!

So here are some photos from a rainy day in the Raccoon Creek watershed. Raccoon Creek is unique because the biodiversity is off the charts, most of the watershed is in protected land, and it's still technically in the Atlanta Metro.

Any day I get to spend in Raccoon Creek is a privilege.

Tulum

Keaton and I just got back from a 9 day vacation in Tulum, Mexico.

I've wanted to go to Tulum for a while now because it always looks so dreamy and boho and just super relaxing.

It did not disappoint!

The food was incredible, the beaches are breathtaking, the jungle is wild, and you can bike to everything. This is maybe the most perfect vacation spot... We stayed at two different Airbnbs while we were there, one in the jungle and one in the pueblo.

The beach is obviously amazing but we were surprised by how much time we spent in the cenotes. Throughout the yucatan there is a large underground river system and as sink holes or pits have formed, it's exposed the groundwater, creating these beautiful swimming holes! Such an awesome way to cool off and an awesome spot to see birds (and bats)!

Many delicious cocktails were had, many tacos were consumed; what more could you ask for?!

[ At the end of this post I'll include a list of "Must See/Eat" in case you're looking to take a trip to the Yucatan ]

Going Home

We traveled home for Christmas like we do every year. It's about a 13 hour drive to Dallas (where my family is) and then another 3 hours to Oklahoma. It's a haul but it's worth it for so many reasons!

One of the highlights is getting to drive out to the Wildlife Refuge.

I love going to the Wildlife Refuge when we're home, even in the winter. People think of the prairie as being sort of barren but even in the winter it's so alive. The neon green lichens stand out even more than they do in the summer or spring. And I always forget how much easier it is to spot birds on the prairie. In Georgia we have tall thick forests (which I love) that make it difficult to find the source of a bird call.

I just love it. I'll always love it. Those little mountains are why I fell in love with nature and they'll always be home.

Nash City

Labor day weekend was epic y'all. We went to Nashville and had the time of our lives! So thankful for good friends in cool places (THANK YOU ALLISON!)

We did the Parthenon, the Farmers Market, Third Man Records, the Belcourt, LOTS of good food in between, AND to top it all off we visited the most amazing swimming hole I've ever seen!

Foggy Days

Archie and I went on an adventure yesterday while Keaton was at orientation. We went driving around the lake and had picnic in the car. It was super drizzly and foggy. Some days you just cant capture how beautiful something is. Yesterday was one of those days.

 I think these are some sort of Chanterelles? They seem kind of large for that though. I don't have a good fungi guide so I had to use the internet (I know I know). They stick out like a sore thumb though! I think they're beautiful. 

Poor little guy got car sick. Poor little me had to clean it up at a gas station... 

Gosh. School has technically started but will really start tomorrow. Glad I got to take a day to explore before things get crazy! 

If you're starting school, HAVE FUN! If you're not... I'm sorry, school is the best. ;)

Have an excellent week!

-Listening to The Head and the Heart: Down in the Valley-

Adventure is Out There...

As we prepare to uproot ourselves from the Great Plains and head east, Keaton and I are trying to drink in every bit of Oklahoma before we leave. This is a beauty you cannot replicate. With that being said I think it's important to realize we all have something like this where we live. There is beauty everywhere and it's up to us to realize how lucky we are to be in it.

This is where I feel closest to God I think. It's also one of the only places I really let my mind go, I'm not sure why that is...

Here's to new adventures and the old ones that inspired us!

Have an excellent holiday my friends!

-Listening to Hospital Ships: Destruction Waltz-

A Getaway to the North Country

I recently got to visit my mom in Maine over Easter weekend! I did a lot of traveling around end of March and early April! We got to visit Salem, MA, do some hiking, and most importantly...color eggs! Here are some snapshots from my trip.

Is she not the cutest thing you've ever seen???

I had a blast and can't wait to go back when it's a little warmer...I'm a southern girl and I prefer no snow! haha

Hope you guys have the best weekend!