Traveling is a Mindset #4: Pay Attention to Nature

Bird in my backyard.

Squirrel in my yard.

View your immediate surroundings like you never have before. If you have a yard or a nearby park, sit outside in nature or watch through a window and really pay attention.  
There is often an entire world of life going on around you that you never knew of.  

While the rush of interest may be short lived for some, it’s sure to ignite some excitement when you see all of the life and worlds that you never noticed before going on around you. Look outside, what do you see?

Traveling is a Mindset #1: Watch the Sunrise. Watch the Sunset

Watching the sunrise in the freezing cold at Mesa Verde National Park.
It was worth it.

Get up early – watch the sunrise. Go outside – watch the sunset. If this is something you do on a regular basis, kudos to you. I find that it’s something I’m much more inclined to do while traveling but it’s a great experience that’s open to you every day. Each sunrise and sunset is different and the start to a new day, a fresh perspective. 

So whether it’s in your backyard or maybe there is a park, road or place nearby where you know the views will be spectacular. Search online for places recommended or find your own new spot…maybe your backyard or porch is the perfect place. Pay attention to the beauty around you, it will never cease to amaze you. If you like wine, enjoy a glass while watching the sunset, it never gets old.

When was the last time you watched the sunrise or the sunset? Do it today, I dare you...

Gorgeous sunset in Arizona.  

California Sunset

Caught this sunset in the SF Bay Area this evening and noticed the heart in the sky afterwords. Truly spectacular.

Southwest Road Trip

As we approach fall my favorite time of year, I'm going to spend some time reminiscing on one of my favorite fall road trips. Here on the west coast September and October are the perfect times to travel, gorgeous weather and shoulder season, so crowds are limited. A couple of years back I took a Southwest Road trip, I'm going to highlight some stops along that fabulous fall journey. Enjoy.

Zion National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park

Day 1 - Zion National Park

Zion National Park

Spent a day hiking in Zion National Park, taking in the gorgeous views, cliche but it was breathtaking.  Finished the evening in Springdale, UT at Oscar's Cafe eating green chile enchiladas on the patio, enjoying the dramatic southwest sunset. Absolutely amazing.

Road tripping to Bryce Canyon from Zion

Day 2 - Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

The scenery here is as dramatic as ever, it's a must see. We finished the day at the Bryce Canyon Lodge for an afternoon glass of wine. We didn't stay the night because the rooms were sold out. Either way I'm a sucker for National Park Lodges and I make sure to stop in and see the lodge at each National Park I visit. I just love the old rustic feeling, it can't be beat.

It's a much farther drop then it looks here.

Loving It

Please Don't Go Fall

This morning I woke up to ice on my window for the first time this fall…winter is on the way. I’m not sure if I’m ready for it, I really want to hang on to fall. I love everything about it, it's my favorite time of year (specifically the first two weeks of October in Northern California, perhaps I should do a write up on that another time). In brief, I love the weather, the food and the gorgeous leaves in orange, red and yellow hues.

This fall I moved into a new place and started a routine, heading into my backyard first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee and a camera. The goal is to enjoy nature and some silence before the hustle bustle of the day begins. I discovered very quickly that when you calm down, relax and pay attention, there is a lot happening.

I hung a hummingbird feeder and within 45 minutes the birds started to swoop in for food…amazing. Next the resident squirrel scurried across my back fence in a frenzy collecting acorns, back and forth. I now know that he comes during specific times of the day like clockwork. I was able to snap this photo and capture this simple fall moment. I love it. Cheers to holding on to fall.