What's a break without fresh air?

 It is natural for us humans to become complacent with our lives, the people, and the opportunities at our disposal. This behavior is innate and completely understandable. Think about it, if you saw a [beach] everyday, you may not view it with the excitement of someone who grew up days away from the ocean. This is not due to a lack of appreciation, but rather because [it] was at your becking call, [it] was easily... accessible.

Take a chance and try something new, you never know what awaits

I think many of us can agree that humans are often habitual creatures. More often then not, our lives get busy and we find comfort in our routines. The increasingly fast-paced, urbanized, and technologically advanced nature of society does not help combat this tendency. Luckily, there are currently 61 National Parks across the United States that can provide the change of environment and therapeutic experiences many of us subconsiously seek.

https://www.mapsofworld.com/usa/national-parks/

While these protected areas may be a road trip away, the scenery, tranquility, and fresh air seldomly disappoint. To support this claim, meet the world's oldest plant, which serves as a key indicator of air quality and just so happens to provide more carbon offset than trees. Even amongst a forest floor full of decay, life finds a way to thrive.

Unsurprisingly, as I laid down during break passively enjoying my R&R, I had an epiphany: before I get back into the hustle and bustle of things, why not take some time to get off the beaten path, see some of America's preserved natural beauty, and take in some history at the same time? Without a second thought, I began my journey to the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains.

What can beat a $3 lunch during a roadtrip?

Would you not fill up your gas tank and drive a few hours for a view like this?

Imagine what this valley looked like before the addition of farms and country roads?

I hoped for more too

Just like my hopes to experience snow this winter, few things in life are certain. This applies to the nature too because just like the "Punta Ventana," a notorious and picturesque arch that was destroyed following a plethora of earthquakes that occurred in Puerto Rico this winter, there are no guarentees that these natural wonders will be here tomorrow.

https://globalnews.ca/news/6376272/punta-ventana-collapse-earthquake/

1 year in the box

It has been quite a bit since my last post, however now that it is summer and I have more free time I will be sure to try and update on a normal basis once again. The long second semester has come to end... well, that is a bit of an overstatement because the time sure did fly by. Exams, hangouts, a first all-nighter and lunch dates. Those four things pretty much sum up the semester, and although it has come to an end, life continues and the next chapter began in a great way.

After moving out of the dorm and bidding farewell to the campus for the next few months we passed some time sitting down and enjoying boba. We then took a tour of the library exhibits (Beethoven and Steinbeck) before heading to the hotel. We enjoyed some great gyros and then called it a night.

Enough  for 2

One of the keys to a successful trip is a happy driver and food of course. Luckily both of those were present and by morning we were on the road for our next stop. The winter this year was pretty wet and for a good part of the year the mountains surrounding the Bay Area resembled green grasslands, however the arriving summer was visible as most of the green had become yellow like.

However, in this large and diverse state that is California very little remains constant throughout a trip. The environment and scenery changes as much as the weather.

The clouds gave way for sunlight and the greenery returned.

Before we knew it, we were entering the breathtaking Yosemite National Park. I have seen the Park in countless textbooks and on many films and documentaries, however nnothing did the views the justice they deserved. It truly was is beautiful!

Insert an adjective 

Little did I know, most of these beautiful waterfalls are only seasonal. So it seems late May during a year with so much rain and a good snowpack was a great time to visit. Especially for the first time.

The delicate meadow 

The soothing sound of the river

Can you spot a rock climber?

The Park Ranger aka our tour guide had also mentioned that seeing El Capitan's summit covered by clounds on a clear day was also pretty unique.

Thank You)

So I will leave you with this. Nothing that is good lasts forever. Life is not a straight road nor is it menat to be. Sometimes we must be like the water and make our way through the barrriers in front of us to get to the other side. Who knows what will await, but at the very least you will see and experience thus leaving no place for regrets and a lifetime of wondering what could've been.

Where Now?

First off I want give a sincere Thank You to everyone who made the trip to Canada great and who supported and showed up to my party. Took a bit to get there, but the trip was thoroughly enjoyed and seeing/ spending time with you all made my summer (and it isn't even over yet.)

Where to next? well you will just have to stay tuned!

You mean no 5'oclock traffic?

The blueberries weren't out yet, but at least these guys were around

Just something about a country lifestyle that makes you happy

It was all gone so fast 

When you realize afterwards that you didn't photograph your food

Looking a little thirsty

I was... pretty stoked to see a few bees buzzing

Back to Deutschland???

Peggy's Cove was nice and all, but we couldn't stop there... we had to drive down the coast just a little more

The 3 churches of Mahone Bay standing tall

Next was Lunenburg. Which surprising made me feel as if I was back in Europe. The history, the architecture of some of the buildings and just the setup of the town around the harbour

It would turn out to be a pretty sunny day

The terrain was more hilly than I had imagined

The colorful houses give off such a positive vibe

Unfortunately we missed the Bluenose

Old Canadian Flag dates the ship 

Memorials such as these were a surprising sight

A view of Lunenburg 

I highly recommend checking out the UNESCO town and, if you have time, be sure to get some fish and chips from the harbour

Peggy's Cove

Mom said we had to come here.. I can say firsthand that it was worth the drive. So many scenic views as we drove the coastline. I honestly didn't think it would be so beautiful.

They say Minnesota has 10,000 lakes... check this place out

Any Cove's out there that need discovering?

Peek-a-bo I [almost] see you

Europe still has me in love with churches

Turn your head sideways for a new persective

Add caption

O say can you see

Worth each minute I spent lying on the rock

Knowing millions of years are at work here.. humbling

And yet.. people play on black rocks smh

Sometimes the best pictures surprise us

A picture is worth a million words

Summer 2k16 kickoff

Finally back! Summer 2k16 has truly begun

After quite the experience in Toronto's Customs and meeting my steps goal for the day after all the walking I did at that airport we had our first layover.  We ate lunch with the Habs and French Canadians, heard the news of the Subban trade to Nashville (they will be dangerous next season) and then took the last leg of the flight to Halifax

Tiring would be an understatement, but it was worth it, and I must say that after stepping foot in all those different places and for me personally spending time in a french first world; even if I could go back I wouldn't have traded it for a longer flight.. If anything I would have wanted a longer layover.

In Canada for Canada Day

It amazes me how the brain works over the long run; remembering somethings while discarding others. Just a little bit of time back in a place seems to bring so much back to memory and create a sense of normality again.

Pflanzen aus der Mojave und Colorado Wüsten

I never envisioned that I would stop and photograph so many flowers during a trip. I personally am more of a landscape person, however sometimes we also have to pay respect to the little things as well. 

Somethings are just posing for pictures

Beavertail Cactus

Chia

Barrel Cactus

A Joshua Tree beginning to bloom

What's the point of snapping photos just to snap if you still don't ever understand where you where and why the land is the way it is. The Desert as dry, hot and unforgiving as it can be holds many jewels and in my opinion is a very tranquil and relaxing environment free from the hustle and bustle of city life and monetary drive.

Flowers or communal weeds?

Mojave Yucca

Cholla Catus. The lighter the fingers; the more water 

A blooming Ocotillo. Trademark of the Colorado Desert

Blooming Yucca

Brittlebush

Another variation of the Cholla Cactus

Cohabitation by choice or by necessity?

So I leave you with one thought. Is this (in your opinion) a repetitive display of  cacti and brush in an inhospitable environment or nature at work creating a seamingly perfectly arranged display of flora in a biome that although harsh for some is key to the survival of many other organisms?