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...

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.

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.

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.

An easy hike on a rainy day where we found mossy trees, lacy lichen, grass growing in the middle of the river, and a glassy pool surrounded by silence.

A gorgeous hike on an old dirt road that leads to the ruins of a resort built in 1887 and a beautiful waterfall.

Not one, not two, but THREE caves, all in one hike. Oh, we also came across a smoldering fire pit and got a startling surprise in the shadowy depths.

We walked along a wooden path along a lazy river, through a forest of birch trees, and emerged in a field of gold surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.

I went to Alaska! Our first excursion had us walking on crunchy snow on the river's shore, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

A surprisingly beautiful oasis with diverse trees and wildlife, right off the freeway in Tucson.