Why I’m extra thankful this Earth Week

Hey y’all! Happy belated Earth Day & National Park Week! I’m finally back. It has been a crazy couple of weeks here in Denver. I just started a new job and have had so many cool things going on. I’m a little behind on posting, but keep an eye out as we celebrate the rest of the week with cool pictures & tidbits about the parks!

A quick update on our upcoming adventures. We, unfortunately had to move our Nevada/Arizona trip to November as our fearless leader - Lee Brown - had a detached retina. He’s recovering well but won’t be able to adventure for a few more weeks. Side note, if you think of him send him a prayer, love, good vibes whatever you do. I know he was bummed about postponing our adventures. We are also rescheduling our Grand Teton/Yellowstone trip, but I will likely make the trek myself because I will never pass on an opportunity to be in my favorite park. Now, here’s this week’s article.

I started this blog as a way to track my travels and fully express myself to friends & family. I’m so thankful for all of you that read it now and looking forward to expanding in the future as my adventures take me across the country & maybe even the globe. It’s always good to be appreciative for where you’re at and how far you’ve come along your journey.

Today, I’m glad founders of this country and passed leaders had a vision to protect some of the most unique lands and features and allow the public to truly enjoy them. There’s nothing like checking off a bucket list hike in Zion or walking down a former volcano crater in Haleakalā. The parks hold a true magic within them. I have already had the opportunity to experience some truly memorable adventures. Check out my top 10 list at the end of my blog! I also had the opportunity to grow up in Appalachia and learn the value of being in nature even if my twelve year-old self despised it. I now live in what is arguably one of the most exciting and adventurous states in the country. A perfect place where plains meet rough, ragged mountains that create picturesque scenes around every corner. I’ve been incredibly lucky in my life to be surrounded by endless beauty and nature.

This Earth Day it was ironically snowing in Colorado. I was cold and unhappy about snow after the false summer we experienced days prior. I was, however, reminded of the beauty and stillness all around me. I took Cinnamon for a walk that day and truly enjoyed the sites & sounds of the early spring snowscape. I’m thankful for the love of nature my parents instilled in me and that they still support it to this day. I’m thankful for my tiny travel companion, Cinnamon Jane, and her love for hiking despite her small stature. I have been incredibly lucky to experience some once in a lifetime opportunities with my parents and Cinnamon Jane.

Lastly, I am thankful for the renewing power of nature. I feel so refreshed when I am able to just be in nature. It is calming, rejuvenating, and truly heals my soul. I love being able to stand under vast mountains and feel my smallness. I enjoy taking the path less traveled and smelling the flowers. I was overjoyed the first time I saw a moose in the wild! Being able to watch nature without obstruction or distraction is part of the magic in the park boundaries. I’m excited to get back on the trail soon. I look forward to creating more memories and sharing more with you!

See ya on the trail!
-M

Morgan’s Adventure Gratitude List (in no particular order):

1. Yosemite Firefall

2. Running to see Old Faithful just in time - Yellowstone

3. Grand Teton sunsets

4. Holding birds in Rocky Mountain

5. Hiking Delicate Arch - Arches

6. General Sherman hug - Sequoia

7. Grand Prismatic Geyser - Yellowstone

8. Hickman Bridge - Capitol Reef

9. Haleakalā crater & Diamond Head

10. Chasm Lake - Rocky Mountain