The sun shines brilliantly against a bluebird sky as I navigate along a two-lane highway toward High Hill Farm tucked away in the Piney Woods off County Road 217. The GPS chirps to life, instructing me to take a left before announcing that I’ve arrived at my destination as I pull up to the gate. […]
Yoga Plus Hiking Equals Bliss
January is a time for resolutions and goal setting. Social media feeds are filled with ads for weight loss products, diets, and the latest exercise regimens. 2020 filled many of us with uncertainty. With travel restrictions changing every week, we searched for outdoor recreation and ways to satisfy wanderlust. Is Hiking the New Yoga? Idly […]
Guadalupe Peak – Trekking to the Top of Texas
Wiping sweat from my brow, I look up and involuntarily let out a yelp. The top of a silver pyramid is visible overhead – striking against a bluebird sky. It’s the iconic monument marking the summit of Guadalupe Peak – the highest spot in Texas. And it’s less than one switchback away. Lactic acid courses […]
I Tried the Sensory Deprivation Float Tank at Relax Lab in East Texas – Here’s What Happened.
To say that 2020 was a stressful year is an understatement. Many of us are looking forward to a less chaotic year in 2021 by making stress-reduction and relaxation a priority. Maybe you’ve been thinking of taking a few yoga classes or beginning a meditation practice. These are great options, and both have proven physical […]
What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Hiking: Some Tales and a Couple Fails From the Trail
Well, hey there! Looking to take a hike? Get outdoors and get inspired? Up your fitness and find a little peace and possibly a dose of mental clarity? Cool! If you’re here looking for advice on scaling Everest or what to pack for a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, well, you’re probably in the […]
52 Weeks 52 Hikes: Tales From the Trail – Chapter 3
Changing my search term to North Alabama Hikes, I’m met with a dizzying array of options. Once referred to as The State of Surpises, Alabama is one of the most biodiverse in the nation. For millions of years, present-day Alabama was covered by a shallow ocean. As the waters receded, limestone bedrock was formed, which […]
Lisbon, Portugal: Life in the Slow Lane
Saudade is a Portuguese word that loosely translates to a deep yearning nostalgia for something gone forever. There is no equivalent word in English. Yet, while it’s hard to explain, this Portuguese emotion is easy to feel as you immerse yourself in the tumbledown yet trendy city of Lisbon. Funky and fun, Portugal’s capital, and one […]
Swimming With Manatee: Here’s What You Need to Know
I have been fortunate to swim with manatees on more than one occasion and have found the experience to be profound each time. The manatees are magnificent. Curious? Here’s what you need to know: Crystal River, Florida, the Manatee Capital of the World, is the only place on the planet that you can legally swim and interact with […]
The Florida Keys: An Iconic American Road Trip
Coronavirus has disrupted travel in 2020 in a totally unforeseen way. Amidst travel restrictions and lockdowns, many travelers took to the open road for a classic American road trip – of which there are many. The Florida Keys is one the most iconic road trips in the United States is the 113-mile drive (one way) […]
Goat Yoga in East Texas? Oh My Goat!
If you know me, you know that I love yoga. The blissed-out feeling after a traditional class is totally addictive. But goat yoga? Hmmm… I’ve tried a few of the non-traditional yoga sessions that are popular now. Aerial yoga? A great workout, but not for me. Yoga hiking? A personal favorite. The combination of mindful […]
