I really really enjoy it (for the most part). But – before I get into what it’s like in the next article, here’s some background info to ~set the scene~
How I Got My Job at an Environmental Nonprofit
What to Do in the Eastern Sierras
We did ALMOST all of the things we missed last time, save for Inyo Crater – I was tempted, but we left Rainbow Falls & Devil’s Postpile later than expected, so no Inyo Crater for me.
The Truth Behind the Photos #1
Because we all know that with Instagram and all those other social media platforms that are full of lies, it can be kinda disheartening sometimes.
The Time I Met Two Strangers & We Went Hitchhiking
So let’s do a real quick #tbt to two summers ago (ugh was it really that long ago, brb, gonna go cry my eyes out and maybe teleport there real quick…), when I was gallivanting through Ireland and just basking in the Irish-ness of it all.
I’d thought about hitchhiking (seemed like a cool way to meet people and have some unique experiences) but I was like ahhhhh I’m a solo female traveler and that. Is. SCARY.
Should You Bike the 17-Mile Drive or Stay Home?
The 17-Mile Drive is located in the very pretty (and very rich) area of California called Pebble Beach. It stretches between the towns of Pacific Grove and Carmel, and is close to the larger town of Monterey. And, of course, has lots of beautiful coastal views!
Most people drive it, but what is it like to bike? Here’s what you need to know!
I Made a Bajillion Mistakes My First Time Abroad
And that feels good, somehow. Even though it might suck in the moment.
Full disclosure:Â This article is NOT encouraging you to be an jerk and be disrespectful in other countries (or anywhere, really). This is more like a chronicle of my mistakes for your reading pleasure. And to let you know that it’s OK TO MAKE MISTAKES. Just go, and deal with them as they come.
Plastic is Poop: A Guide to Using Less Of It
I have a feeling everyone knows about all the plastic floating around in our oceans by now, and the impact it has on surrounding ecosystems and wildlife species.
Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to decrease the amount of plastic used on the daily!!!! Woohoo!!!! And don’t stress about being perfectly plastic free – especially if you’re just starting out – but just thinking about the way the things you use and buy every day impact the environment is enough to start that ball rolling. 🙂
So, here are some easy peasy ways to decrease your plastic use and increase mother earth’s happiness.
Why I Regret My Visit to Upper Antelope Canyon
And Rattlesnake Canyon – we added this onto our tour before going to Upper Antelope – was amazing! I liked that so much more than Antelope. I’ll go more into why below.
Sometimes, Travel is a Total Shit Fest
So, to start off, getting to and from AZ was A MISSION. Just LET ME TELL YOU.
So, we left at like 2PM meaning we drove almost all damn night and didn’t arrive until 3:30AM.
SO FUN RIGHT.
Lots of gas station stops and some casual peeing-on-the-side-of-the-road stuff too. Because we gotta keep it classy AF up in here.
And then we slept in the parking lot of Horseshoe Bend until sunrise. Ok well – a little after because we were so so damn sleepy.
* I do want to take a moment to acknowledge the native land we explored during this trip – that of the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Southern Paiute, Ute, Hualapai, and Havasupai people. If I am incorrect please let me know! I am learning and want to acknowledge land properly and be as respectful as possible. If you’d like to see what native land you’re exploring or live on, click here.
How Not to Get Sick While Traveling
Health problems in general suck, but having them while traveling is THE WORST. I’ve had a bad cold in Ireland, a UTI in England (and had to be on a 2 hour bus ride with no bathroom…NOT FUN, I legit was about to pee my pants in front of my whole class), and a shit ton (lol) of stomach issues (although not food poisoning, thankfully!). Sometimes, getting sick or having health issues is unavoidable, but often, very preventable! Here’s my game plan next time I travel: