To cut straight to the point, this park is badass. After multiple backpacking trips inside the park, I’ve determined that’s the most fitting description for its personality. Seriously, Mount Doom is wicked steep and a pain to hike up because of the scree, but the surrounding landscape has nothing as ominous as the otherworldly feel of the slopes of Mauna Loa. Both of my trips were recommendations from a friend,…
While I won’t say I’ve found my calling in life, I’ll say I recognize what makes me happy. It’s true that many friends of mine can list off the favorites that seem to define me, such as purple, puppies, polar bears, plaid, New Zealand, Alaska, and Michigan State. However, the kind of life that I enjoy doesn’t necessarily revolve around those. Here’s one moment in Hawaii that just gives me…
Today I swam in Hawaii for the first time in my almost 2 weeks of being here. Some of you may find that hard to understand, but saltwater just doesn’t have a huge draw for me. I’m a Michigander and will take freshwater over saltwater any day. However, snorkeling is pretty popular here on the Big Island, and I’ve known I’ve been missing out on the underwater world so far….
After 9 days in Hawaii, here are some of my thoughts. Admittedly most of them came to my head within the first 2 days: Who could want coffee in times like these? Stores are good for something: air conditioning! I actually want some short shorts now. I’m white. Wait, ice cream melts when I carry it outside? Cold showers are brilliant. I haven’t worn socks since last Sunday! The wind…
The time has come to finally take a healthy break from base layers, thin puffy jackets, fleeces, hiking boots, wool socks, and long pants. For the first time in years, I’m about to spend a solid month with minimal time in pants. I’m headed to Hawaii! (And if I get tired of that, I’ll be halfway to New Zealand, so I’ll just start swimming.) No longer will my brother be…