Happy Campers– Reflections from the Oregon Coast
We drove on. I looked out gratefully at the last bits of Oregon coast, reflecting on the amazement that defines … Continue reading Happy Campers– Reflections from the Oregon Coast
Forest Bathing – Redwoods National Forest, California
The forest speaks in whispers I am silent while she speaks Her scent perfumes the air and I am intoxicated … Continue reading Forest Bathing – Redwoods National Forest, California
Stillness – Reflections at Lake Tenaya ~ Yosemite National Park ~ California
We were on the move. A lot. There was so much to see and places to get to. Vanlife is full … Continue reading Stillness – Reflections at Lake Tenaya ~ Yosemite National Park ~ California
Giant Hope ~ Sequoia National Forest
We meandered on slowly through the ancient grove. We were both silent. The presence of these great sequoias had touched us. I turned back for one last look at the beast of a tree. My eyes traced the height of the tree upwards until I could see no more of its top. Around its crown, were gaps in the forest canopy, and sunlight beamed through the open shape, surrendering to the morning’s still, colorless sky. Grace seemed to shine through in stillness and in song. The story of these giant trees must be told. Maybe then, with greater awareness, more action can be taken individually and collectively and more can be done to help sustain them. Continue reading Giant Hope ~ Sequoia National Forest
Resurrection ~ Mohave Desert
Turning off at the Mojave Cross, the road led far back into the desert bush. We parked the van at the perfect site next to giant boulders with stretching views of Joshua trees and gnarly cacti. You could see where fires had ripped through the area; only the wind had held the power to choose which trees got spared. Continue reading Resurrection ~ Mohave Desert
The Hum of Stillness ~ Joshua Tree National Park, California
We stopped to sip water, and we could easily hear the noticeable frequency that was the desert essence. Neither of us moved, we simply tapped in. Although we were quiet, and unmoving, and all around us was still, the ringing in our ears intensified, becoming more overwhelming, playing its divine humming tune of nature. Continue reading The Hum of Stillness ~ Joshua Tree National Park, California
Saguaro Desert- Arizona
Dust wafted behind us as we trudged up the narrow, rock-lain
trail to the top of the mountain. The parched earth crunched beneath our
shoe tread and all around oozed a dry steaminess of thick desert air. From the mountaintop, the view revealed an expansive valley patterned with innumerable saguaros and succulent shrubbery filler, while the crisped, desert land gleamed light golden in the sun’s reflection.
Continue reading Saguaro Desert- Arizona
Arizona’s Petrified Forest-A Walk through Ancient Time
A terrain once dominated by the dinosaurs, its mysterious atmosphere was palpable. We looked around at this fantastic, petrified graveyard, with its remains of preserved ancient trees. Shards of wood from their large trunks scattered the terrain like ashes strung along thousands of acres. Continue reading Arizona’s Petrified Forest-A Walk through Ancient Time
Colorado’s Mesa Verde ~ Windsong
My hand brushed along the smooth, stone walls as I climbed and wound through the narrow path. The rocks almost came alive beneath my caress. Its heartbeat pulsed through to my core. They were still here. Their spirit, their laughter. Hush so you can listen. The wind started in the distance, snaking its way to us, whistling through the trees, rustling the leaves in sacred symphony. The most euphonic of language, understood as you open and allow it to moves through you, permeating the skin, lighting the senses. Continue reading Colorado’s Mesa Verde ~ Windsong
Santa Fe & Taos New Mexico – The Art of Living
We were driving again, to the next destination, integrating that which had passed. Nature had shown off her many facets to us and at times it was hard to wrap our minds around the unique diversity of it all. One moment, we were walking through a brightly-lit, white sand desert, the next, wrapped up, sitting by the fire in an enchanted forest of pinon pines next to the river, and the next, being lifted up a ski slope over a verdant mountain in summertime, with sparse patches of leftover snow. We could feel her muse, the mother. Her passion had infiltrated our beings and we could feel the flood in our hearts. This was the road we travelled; this was our road. Continue reading Santa Fe & Taos New Mexico – The Art of Living
Christin Marie Writes 