Take A Hike!

Listen, I'm not saying you must consecutively walk over a thousand miles. Conquering the Appalachian Trail is an incredible feat, but it's not the only way to experience the magic of the outdoors. A simple day hike, an overnight camping trip under a canopy of stars, or even a rejuvenating weekend escape can be enough to benefit your mind, body, and soul. Is it the crisp, clean air filling your lungs? The warm sunshine kissing your skin? The mesmerizing dance of flames around a campfire? Or maybe, just maybe, it's the irresistible allure of endless pop-tarts fueling your adventures? Whatever your personal draw, the message is clear: get outside!

I recently took a road trip to California, & almost daily, I made it a point to connect with nature. Sometimes, it was a leisurely stroll along the coast, the rhythmic crash of waves serenading my thoughts. Other times, it was a more challenging hike up a winding trail, pushing my physical limits while rewarding myself with breathtaking panoramic vistas. I wasn't consciously trying to burn calories or strengthen my legs (though those were welcome side effects!). My focus was on immersing myself in the beauty around me, breathing in the crisp air, and feeling the sun's warmth on my skin. It was about being in nature, not conquering it.

The truth is, the natural environment, whether it's a wild forest or a windswept beach, feels like my true habitat. It's where I feel most alive, most connected to something larger than myself. Walking amongst towering trees, the scent of pine needles filling the air, or touching the soft sand with my toes, I feel like I'm drawing energy directly from the ecosystem around me. It's a feeling of revitalization, a sense of belonging that's hard to replicate anywhere else.

I walked down Santa Cruz beaches & cliffsides, watching the waves crash along the shoreline, & hearing the sea lions bark on the wharf. I found a nice spot to sit & smoke a joint here, taking it all in.  It was surreal.  Just hours before, I had been carving fresh powder at Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, the crisp mountain air biting at my cheeks.  NOW I was on the beach, the sun warming my skin, the salty tang of the ocean air filling my lungs.  That stark contrast, the ability to go from the exhilarating chill of the mountains to the laid-back warmth of the beach in a single day, is an experience I highly recommend. It's a reminder of the incredible diversity of California's landscape, & a testament to the power of nature to invigorate and inspire.  It also made me realize something:  these drastically different environments, the snow-covered peaks & the sun-kissed shores, both offered the same sense of peace and connection.  It wasn't about the specific activity or the location, it was about being present in the moment, appreciating the beauty that surrounded me.

And that, I believe, is the true magic of the outdoors. It's not about conquering mountains or achieving some grand feat. It's about reconnecting with ourselves, with the natural world, & with the simple joy of being alive. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day trek or simply taking a walk in your local park, the benefits are undeniable. The fresh air clears your head, the sunshine warms your soul, & the beauty of nature reminds you of the wonder that exists all around us.

So, I encourage you, no matter how big or small, to carve out some time for nature. Leave behind the distractions of daily life & immerse yourself in the present moment. Breathe deeply, listen to the sounds of the natural world, and allow yourself to be rejuvenated by its energy. You might be surprised at how much a little time spent outdoors can do for your mind, body, & spirit. Go ahead, get outside. Your adventure awaits.