nature

The Science and Nature of Wanderlust, tourism, landmarks for nature buffs and more.

Autumn Hiking: Tips for a Fantastic Fall Hike
To me, summer is not hiking weather. Here in the Southeast, summer brings humidity, crowds, and mosquitos. The last thing I want to do with some precious time away is head off to a crowded trail, carry lots of water, and have to leave my adventure pup at home, so she doesn’t get too hot. In the summer, I better have air conditioning or cold water nearby because I do not do well in the heat. With the seasons starting to change, though, I’m excited to talk about the best time of year.
By Marley Bakos4 years ago in Wander
My morning bird
The hay stack has now become my home since I lost the only people I've ever cherished my whole life. Honestly, I think life has been very cruel to me. First, I found out that my parents had completely severed relationships with extended family before I even got to know them.
By Iwenofu Delight4 years ago in Wander
Hide and Seek
The crisp autumn air smelt of fallen leaves and fresh bread being baked in the country home overlooking a vast cattle ranch. The penned off areas consisted of many acres of fertile grasslands bordered by boreal forests of evergreen trees like Lodgepole Pine. The grasslands allow the cattle to graze until the winter when they switched to a diet of straw and hay. Wafts of smoky hot air dissipates from the chimney, like some cloud-making machine, spreading the aroma from the bustling homey kitchen.
By Jesse Leung4 years ago in Wander
Too Little Time to Explore the Beautiful Country of Andorra
“A country’s strategy is always based on a fundamental philosophical outlook. Discoveries made during the last hundred years have shown that liberalism is the best system to improve a country’s well-being. This is why Andorras strategy is based on a liberal way of thinking.” ~ Marc Forné Molné
By Debbie4 years ago in Wander
To the Horizon
The sun was setting over the San Juan mountains of Colorado as I passed the eleven hundred mile mark of the Continental Divide Trail. I silently reminisced of the distance covered since departing the Mexican border just over a month before. The nostalgia didn't last long, as it was soon replaced with contemplation of what lay ahead. I was curious to see what the previous month and a half spent on the three thousand mile trail had made me capable of. I wanted to test my limits.
By Bradley Olson4 years ago in Wander
The Climb
The path in front of me disappeared amongst the bedrock. Now what? What lay ahead of me was a steep mound of loose gravel and scree that I had to cross in order to make it off this mountain safely. On my right, down below, I could see trees that looked so small it once again reminded me how elevated I was. From what I remember before attempting this hike, Mount Yamnuska was about 2,300 metres tall. The descent from the top was scary enough as it was, and now this feeling of pure fear was bubbling back up again. I was alone, with no hiking equipment, and nothing more than my backpack, fanny pack and nearly empty water bottle. Phone was sitting at 10% battery life with no reception, the sun was approaching the horizon, and I still had to make it back down to my car.
By She, The Soldier4 years ago in Wander
Hacking Down the Forest
In the forest, there lived a young couple in a log cabin next to the bright, tall mountains with peaks shimmering like blue glass.
By Alina Luke4 years ago in Wander
Blue Saviour
Frozen, almost asleep My body weighs heavy Gravity pushes me down, squeezes me Why don't you just stay? Says my cloudy blue brain
By ...4 years ago in Wander
Walking in Paradise
Europe Norway The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden in Tromsø, Norway is the world's northernmost botanical garden. It is part of the University of Tromso specializing in Arctic and Antarctic plants as well as species that are native to the Himalayas. South America, and Africa. Most of the plants flower between May and October.
By Rasma Raisters4 years ago in Wander
Doe Bay, Orcas Island
Junaid and I hadn't planned to anchor in Doe Bay that evening. Roche Harbor was our intended goal at 10:00 AM that Saturday morning. However, as usual, we left Cap Sante Marina later than I planned. MUCH LATER.
By Aiona Byuwek4 years ago in Wander
Wildlife I Have Encountered While Hiking
Florida wildlife is something else. Pretty much every Floridan can recall one instance where they saw a gator walking in the road. My list doesn't stop at gators, though. Today, I want to talk about all the animals I've encountered while hiking.
By erinhastoomanybooks2.04 years ago in Wander
My Introduction to the “Color Tour”
I was a man in my late 30's before I had even heard mention of "Color Tour." For those who are not in the know, a color tour is a daily or even weekend excursion to travel to areas known for a large amount of color-changing trees. A diverse collection of trees is an incredible landscape to experience a color tour. Michigan is home to a tremendous amount of trees in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. This is not to say tree coverage is non-existent in other states. I have seen countless articles calling out the best places to see the Fall color changes. Many maps focus on the northern part of the United States, spanning East to West.
By Jeffrey Clos4 years ago in Wander