The plan was a short walk to see some lighthouses and watch the sun set on the Pacific. That's not exactly how it happened...

Humans may have built the road, but it is very clear that the forest owns this space and the humans are only visiting.

May this be the year you look back upon and realize you have lived an entire lifetime within it... ~ Brianna Wiest

I had planned for just an hour and ended up spending the whole day at this Living Memorial for the Heroes of Flight 93 on September 11th.

"I had not been on a trail in over a month and when I passed the threshold into the meadow it was as if Mother Nature herself enveloped me and said, 'Welcome home.'"

The final leg of the Lighthouse trip took us to the rocky shores of the Atlantic where we could stand next to one lighthouse while staring at another way out at sea.

The first half of my East Coast Lighthouse trip took me to Maryland and the Jersey Shore where I met some of the most amazing people and found my favorite lighthouse.

This week I found a few bridges and a waterfall, and realized that humidity is not my friend.

I went out in search of lighthouses along the western coast of Lake Michigan and the southern coast of Lake Erie. I got to dip my toes in the unsalted water and walk right out into the lake without getting wet.

This easy, flat hike led us through the forest, across a bridge, around an island, and provided stunning views and something that looked like a giant Root Beer Float.

We meandered through this peaceful old growth forest, learned a little bit about logging in the 19th century, and made a peaceful stop in the Chapel in the Pines.

We took a trip down memory lane and ended up at a roadside stream, crossing a ferry, and reminiscing at a little river where I used to catch crayfish.

This trail starts out at 6,900 ft, and just keeps climbing. All the huffing and puffing is worth it, though, when you get to the expansive mountain view.

This super easy hike keeps you in the shade with the river rushing along beside you while you meander through the forest.

This week we explored an old cemetery, found a cove on a lake, and probably saved a woman from being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

A beautiful hike around a glassy lake with mountain views that begin before you even get out of the car.

You never know what you might run into when you're hiking in the forest at the base of a mountain.

An easy loop around majestic falls. This trail definitely ranks at the top of our list.

A place for contemplation and reflection, where everyone is welcome.

We forgot that when you head out to catch the sunset, the way back will be in the dark. We learned some lessons on this one.