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Spring is here….and so is tick season
By: Washington State Department Of Health
Tags: Washington, Ticks, Hiking, Spring

Ways to avoid tick bites when exploring Washington

As the weather gets warmer, more people are heading out to enjoy our state’s many parks and hiking trails. Remember to be on the lookout for those tiny parasites that may be trying to go along for the ride. Tick season is in full swing in western Washington, and it’s kicking into high gear in the eastern part of the state as well.

While Washington normally has relatively few cases of tick-borne disease (such as Lyme disease), each year a few cases are diagnosed and reported to DOH.

When you’re working, camping, or walking in a tick habitat — wooded, brushy, or grassy places — take a few simple precautions to help reduce your chance of being bitten.

Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Tuck your pants into socks or boots, and your shirt into pants. This helps keep ticks outside your clothing so you can easily spot and remove them.

Stay on hiking trails and out of brushy, wooded and tall-grassy areas.

Wear light-colored, tightly woven clothing. The light color will allow you to see the dark tick more easily; the tight weave makes it harder for the tick to reach your skin and become attached.

Use tick repellent when necessary, and carefully follow instructions. Products containing DEET or permethrin are very effective.

Check yourself and your children and pets thoroughly for ticks. Carefully inspect areas around the head, neck, ears, underarms, inner thighs and back of knees. Look for what may appear to be a new freckle or a piece of dirt.

Shower or bathe (preferably within two hours of being in tick habitat) to wash off and more easily find any ticks that were missed, and possibly attached to you.

If you discover an attached tick:

Promptly and carefully remove the tick using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid removing the tick with bare hands. Don’t twist or jerk the tick — this could cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin, potentially causing infection. If the mouthparts do break off, remove them with tweezers.

After you remove the tick, disinfect the skin area and wash your hands.

Note the date that you found the tick attached to you, just in case you become ill.

If you develop a fever, rash, or flu-like illness within a month, let your doctor know that you were bitten by a tick.

If you do happen to find a tick, please send it to DOH for an ongoing project about what types of ticks live in different parts of Washington.

Visit the DOH website to learn more about the different ticks in Washington state, how to submit a tick to DOH, and ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery in our state while also protecting you, your family, and pets from tick bites.
Must-have hiking and camping gear for this summer
By: Gadget Flow
Tags: Travel, Hiking, Gadgets, Outdoors, Camping

Summer is absolutely the time to enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. Whether you are headed out to a drive-up campsite or enjoy hiking to a vista, there’s plenty of gear you need to make sure your adventure goes smoothly. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled all the must-have hiking and camping gear you need for this summer.

Carbi 1500 Lumen Headlamp

For those who adventure at any time of day, this powerful headlight is for you. It uses remote phosphors to create an ambient light, eliminating tunnel effect. This means that you get a fully lit view, so you can see all your surroundings. The 210-degree field of view will help you feel safer when you’re on your next climbing expedition. And because the 1500 lumen light lets you see up to 150 meters away, you can use this strong headlamp even in the darkest of caves.

Zenbivy Bed Backcountry Sleeping Bag

This camping accessory features a freestyle design, allowing you to sleep in any position. Compact and lightweight, Zenbivy Bed is ideal for anyone who wants to travel light yet achieve total comfort. Offering seamless hood and pillow integration, you never have to worry about the pillow sliding around. Similarly, the straps and fitted sheets firmly secure to the pad. Thanks to the left and right side zippers, you can enter the Zenbivy Bed from either side or unzip it completely.
Useful camping Tips for Car Camping Beginners
By: Engr Nomanshahid
Tags: Climbing, Camping, Hiking, Camping Gear

10 useful tips for beginner car campers by the Best camping gear blog. Camping gear is what this blog is all about! Spending time in nature camping is one of my favorite activities, and in this blog post, I’m sharing all the tips I’ve learned over the years.

When camping, I can relax, breathe in the fresh air, and wake up with some incredible views that I wouldn’t get any other place. It’s also my favorite way to spend quality time with friends and family.

If you’re new to the world of car camping, today I’m sharing my top tips for beginner campers. These are a number of the items which will hopefully build your 1st few tenting journeys easier and fewer intimidating.

To be clear, we’re talking concerning automobile camping during this post — not backcountry camping. automobile camping is after you drive your vehicle right up to a campsite.

Let’s get started!

CAMPING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

PLAN AHEAD

Preparing is critical. A great deal of campsites requires reservations, now and again a half year or 1 year ahead of time. On the off chance that you show up at a campsite that requires a booking and don’t have one, that is a bummer.

So the initial step is to sort out where you need to camp and decide whether reservations are required. On the off chance that there are first-come, first-served campgrounds accessible, plan to show up before the expected time to augment your odds of getting one.

The following thing to investigate is the guidelines and guidelines for the campsite and the encompassing area.

For instance:

What are the food stockpiling guidelines?

Are there any fire limitations?

Contingent upon where you are and the untamed life in the zone, there may be explicit food stockpiling guidelines that you need to follow.

Fire limitations regularly change over time contingent upon the fire threat. It’s consistently a smart thought to mind this heretofore.

Ultimately, I additionally prefer to design out the suppers that I will make while I’m exploring the great outdoors. This can be particularly useful on long excursions or on outdoors trips with greater gatherings.

I like to work out the thing I’m intending to eat for every dinner of the day so I can ensure I really pack enough food and have all the fixings I require to cook.

The all the more preparing you can do, the simpler things will be the point at which you really show up at camp.

Lovely mountain sees from a climb.

For More detail

please visit our website: Beast camping gear 2021
8 Must-See Texas Hiking Trails
By: Patsy Gallian
Tags: Dallas, Hiking, Nature, Texas, Patsy Gallian

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the views. The best way to see the jaw-dropping scenery Texas is famous for is , and there are hiking trails that are suitable for every age and ability.

Gorman Falls Trail

Gorman Falls is a 70-foot tall spring-fed waterfall in Colorado Bend State Park. The trail to Gorman Falls is a little over three miles round trip. Expect rocky terrain and steep inclines. Dogs are welcome on the trail, but they must be leashed at all times.

South Rim Trail

The South Rim Trail, also known as the Boot Springs Trail, is a difficult 11-mile trail through Big Bend National Park. The views are stunning, especially when the wildflowers are in bloom, and hikers often report spotting rare birds along the trail.

Creekfield Lake Nature Trail

More than 250 alligators call Brazos Bend State Park home. The Creekfield Lake Nature Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore the wetlands and view the indigenous reptiles from the observation deck.

Red Waterfront Trail

The Red Waterfront Trail is a short yet challenging trail that leads to Penitentiary Hollow. Be on the lookout for snakes hiding near the trail’s many boulder outcroppings.

Boquillas Hot Springs

Hike a short, 1-mile trail to Boquillas Hot Springs. The geothermic springs, located near Big Bend, have a year-round temperature of 105 degrees. Consider making this trek at night. The stargazing at Boquillas Hot Springs is incredible.

Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon Trail is a family-friendly trail, but dogs are not allowed. Hikers will find themselves deep in the canyon, surrounded by walls of limestone. The short trail ends at the Rio Grande River.

Lighthouse Trail

The Lighthouse Trail, near Canyon, Texas, is one of the most heavily traveled trails in the state. Hikers will enjoy unrivaled views of the Palo Duro Canyon and an up close and personal look at the impressive Lighthouse Rock.

Summit Trail

This Central Texas hiking trail offers access to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The main feature of this trail is the enormous pink granite dome. The park closes when it reaches capacity, so hikers should plan accordingly.

No matter where you are in Texas, there’s always a great view to behold. If traveling, and wIth a little forward thinking, you may even be able to pepper a few of these into your Texas itinerary. If you’re a Texas native, take a weekend road trip and enjoy the natural beauty of your home state!
My Fear List Weekly Motivation
By: Austin Donnald
Tags: Challenge, Adventure, Hiking, Fear, Personal Development

Let’s Be Adventurous

Now that we are officially in the swing of summer (although in Florida most people are probably hiding in their air conditioning) it’s time to get outside. No matter if you enjoy the comfort of your couch or you can’t stand being inside, it’s important that we all enjoy nature for what it is — Beautiful

Jim Rohn said it best:

“Don’t Ask for Security, Ask for Adventure”

This week, let’s get up and out. Ask yourself, am I doing this because it is safe and I know how I will react to it? Is it rewatching Friends again? (Only a short amount of time left) Is it staying inside and watching a movie tonight instead of going to a play? Or is it going to the same restaurant and ordering the same entree that you’ve done 100 times before.

Take a risk this week, shake things up and get adventurous!

Your fear challenge of the Week: Get outside for a hike!

Choose to ask for adventure rather than security this week! It doesn’t need to be a 70 mile hiking week where you average 15 miles a day. Just find a place near you, throw on a pair of running shoes or boots and start walking. Breathe in that fresh air, bask in the beauty of nature and enjoy being in a place that you may never come. If you enjoy hiking, how can you make this time different?

Let us know how it goes! Tweet us at @My_Fear_List or tag us on Instagram @MyFearList

If you have a great story about how one of our emails has inspired you to step out of your comfort zone send us an email at myfearlist@gmail.com
There Stands Our Holy Ground
By: Christopher J. Diloreto
Tags: Tolkien, Journey, Hiking, Mysticism, Mountains

We begin.

I’m immediately winded. I’ve always gotten winded easily, even when I was a trained runner in my prime.

I love where we are, but this feels abusive right away. Should the price of a few hours’ transcendence be so high?

But the cheaper options are for those less bold and daring, those who go cheap because they’re willing to accept less.

Not us. Not this day’s gang of five.

The worst comes after the dreaded beginning, after I’ve acclimated to being winded,because then comes the biggest challenge. The ritual begins in earnest; we’ve arrived at the Trial of Courage. The next thirty minutes brings us far greater physical challenge and mental terror than I ever remember — even after nearly a dozen times up this path, I never remember until I’m there.

I remember this part, of course — I remember that I always forget how hard and terrifying it is until it’s too late, but I also feel like maybe it can’t be that bad if I’ve done it so many times.

Then it’s too late and I’m terrified and battered. That, I say to my companions, is the sign that we are near the top of the ledge. We need only continue on a bit further and we get up over the crest.

Relief.

Then comes the second test — the Trial of Faith. The test here, as we disappear far, far off the map like the Monadnock Wood Elves that we are, is to continue on even when we become certain that we’ve missed our mark, that we follow an illusion not a trail, that the way has, by some spell or mischief, been closed to us forever.

Once more, when that moment comes — as ever in life — the destination lies just a few bends around the way. You just have to keep going and you’ll get there.

And we do.
Travel Tips with Diamo: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Tags: Travel, Hotel, Hiking, Flight, Tourism

Climbing Kilimanjaro: Cost and Complete Guide

Mount Kilimanjaro, known as ‘the roof of Africa’ in northern Tanzania is Africa’s highest mountain and thus the continent’s ‘7 summit mountain, Kili is also the world’s highest free-standing mountain and not a technical ascend. It is clear why this mountain is a major destination for mountaineers and trekkers from around the world. In the article shared by Diamo, the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro, different route options and recommendations, and an itinerary that can be followed and important points around fitness, and also altitude sickness, tipping and climbing Kili as a responsible tourist are all discussed.

To find out what it is like to climb Kilimanjaro and its costs, click here to view the whole article.

About Diamo:

Diamo is the travel partner of choice for the frequent traveler: more options more savings all the time. This app allows people like you to book air travel, hotels, and rental cars all in one place while simultaneously providing you with valuable travel content.

Diamo is a movement made possible by perfect strangers like you every day. Diamo’s mission is to save downtown jobs, create good vibes by sustaining downtown activities right in the heart of our cities and invigorate local economies. Diamo is a movement that allows you to book air, hotel, car, tours, cruises, taxis and travel visas all in ONE PLACE. Soon with Diamo, You’ll Find Your Perfect Stranger! You will be able to use Diamo to share the cost of a hotel room and save money. Diamo’s Trust Score technology makes finding your Perfect Stranger possible. Diamo is a movement: Your voice matters. Join and Shape it up with your feedback. Sign up today so you can use Diamo as soon as it’s available and help our cities continue to thrive and help fellow Americans keep their jobs and income to continue to provide for their families with dignity and a renewed sense of stability. Together, we all win!

Get our regular updates by signing up here!
Bolinas Weekend
By: Ryan O'Neill
Tags: Weekend Getaway, Hiking, Staycation, Trip Report, Surfing

We only did four miles out and back but that is plenty with two ladies in their third trimester and one guy weighed down with a backpack baby.

Fog covered the horizon on the Alamere Falls trail.

Black shirts, check. Sunglasses, check. Best Friends, check.

On a clear day you could actually see the Pacific Ocean out there.

Late Afternoon Beach Vibes

Around three o-clock the sun finally came out so we went to Bolinas Jetty. It’s hard to tell from the photos but Bolinas was completely surrounded by clouds. We were in the eye of the storm and it was sunny, warm, and there was a mellow surf.

Paddle surfer making something out of nothing.

I took the paddle board out and caught a few waves, the small break was pretty crowded with long boards so there was a good amount of carving around to be done.

Beach babes never forget their hats.

Father and Daughter.

Loving the sun.

Heading home

Sunday morning we packed up and drove down Highway 1 back to Oakland. Not bad for only an hour and a half away. If you’ve never heard of Bolinas, here’s why.
where my mind often goes when I’m daydreaming or meditating
By: Erika Ha Ilak
Tags: Travel, Meditation, Hiking, Memories, Mountains

I had just finished a very short, but very demanding, trek up to the first refugio on Mt. Chimborazo. We were at ~17,000ft and my lungs burned with the effort of each breath and each step. I split off from my hiking partner and found a spot to sit alone. The ground was made up of hard, firmly packed brown dirt overlain by light, shifting grey shale. I cleared a spot and sat down, legs crossed. Behind me was the awe-inspiring, snow-capped summit of Mt. Chimborazo, another 6000ft ascent from my position. In front of me, a huge expanse of land full of small hills and brown, barren stretches of plains. It wasn’t the most beautiful landscape, but the sheer vastness of the viewpoint from 17,000ft up was incredibly humbling.

I sat there, allowing my breathing to slow as I looked out across the plains. In stark contrast with the dull brown of the earth, the sky was a deep, royal blue with wisps of white, rapidly-moving clouds that felt close enough to touch. I took deep, full breaths of the crisp mountain air through my nose, the edges of my lips curled up to form a soft, contented smile.

In that moment I felt so small on this earth. Small, but deeply connected. The cold firmness of the mountain beneath me, the wind causing strands of hair to dance along my cheeks, the sun peeking in and out of the clouds just above my head, and the deep blue sky that went on for as far as I could see, connecting me to the stars above. I felt such joy at being a part of this magnificent earth, even if it’s such a small part.

I sat there until my bottom became numb and my nose turned red from the cold wind, trying my best to etch every detail of the moment into my memory. A special, cherished moment to carry with me for as long as possible before my mind turns to mush.
Death Valley
By: Terrence Zhang
Tags: Travel, Desert, Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking

Death Valley

When most people think about Death Valley, the first word that probably comes to mind is “hot”. Terrence Zhang Jan 23, 2019·3 min read

Atop a small mountain in the Golden Canyon

Fall 2017

In that case, it makes a lot more sense to visit the valley sometime in the Winter. I chose Thanksgiving weekend.

To me, the “free-roam” aspect of Death Valley makes it special. One can hike any of the (probably hundreds) of hills in the badlands — pictured above — in addition to the rocky hills scattered throughout the valley.

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes

Several times, I could have sworn I was on a different planet entirely. The desolate vastness of the valley inspired a deep feeling of awe.

“Nothingness” can provide a strange sense of peace.

Close-up of the salt flats of Badwater Basin

Landmarks worth visiting:

Dante’s View

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes (great for star-gazing)

Ubehebe Crater

Natural Bridge

Badwater Basin

Fall Canyon

Marble Canyon

Golden Canyon (badlands)

Winter 2018 — Telescope Peak Trail

Needless to say, I was not yet tired of Death Valley. Seeing as Telescope Peak is the highest point surrounding Death Valley, I had to hike it.

Telescope Peak, 3/4 of the way through the hike

Midway through the hike

After spending the night at the Charcoal Kilns. I began the hike at 6am with the sky still filled with stars.

View from the peak

For the last 2 miles, I had to use yak-tracks to continue up the snowy slopes. During one especially perilous section, a mis-step would have led to a 50 foot tumble down the slopes.

The summit offered an unparalleled view of the entire valley to the east and the Sierra Nevada mountains to the west.

This was definitely one of the most scenic hikes I have ever made.
After the Rain
By: Izumi Tanaka
Tags: Los Angeles, Meditation, Mindfulness, Hiking, Interconnectedness

Although we can always use rain in Southern California these days for our thirsty earth, the last storm that hung around for a few days kind of got me blue. And yes, it was a good reason to stay in and get some things done that I had procrastinated — like going through my file cabinet to purge old and unnecessary documents, catching up on bookkeeping, and other things including watching some movies online. But the real joy happened when that rain stopped and the sun came back.



The first morning after the rain, the air was so clean and crisp. As my friend in upstate New York was texting me it was in the 20s and starting to snow where she was, we were on the warming trend almost reaching 70 by early afternoon. My kitty thoroughly took advantage and stretched in the sunny spot in the living room. I even felt giddy when I caught a glimpse of the snow-capped San Gabriel mountains in the east.



My husband and I took a day off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and went for a hike. On the day like this, it makes me feel even more grateful that we live in a city where we can get to many of the local hiking trails quite easily. And what a glorious day it was to be hiking! We took one of our favorite trails in our “backyard” that leads to this overlook where you can see pretty much all of Los Angeles. The blueness of the sky and the ocean really and literally took my breath away. Again and again I thought to myself, I’m just a part of this vastness: the Pacific Ocean and the sprawl of buzzing civilization. Indeed…



The lunch time sitting group is thriving. I hope you can join us!

Also, I will be teaching a class titled, “Mindful Dwelling” in February.



#YouCanSitWithUs

In honor of one of my all time favorite poet, Mary Oliver:

Last night

the rain

spoke to me

slowly, saying,

what joy

to come falling

out of the brisk cloud,

to be happy again

in a new way

on the earth!

That’s what it said

as it dropped,

smelling of iron,

and vanished

like a dream of the ocean

into the branches

and the grass below.

Then it was over.

The sky cleared.

I was standing

under a tree.

The tree was a tree

with happy leaves,

and I was myself,

and there were stars in the sky

that were also themselves

at the moment

at which moment

my right hand

was holding my left hand

which was holding the tree

which was filled with stars

and the soft rain –

imagine! imagine!

the long and wondrous journeys

still to be ours.
Avalanche Forecast Elevation Bands for Aoraki/Mt Cook— Important Update
By: Nz Mountain Safety
Tags: South Island, Alpine, Hiking, Mt Cook National Park, Aoraki

The Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has very recently reviewed the NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast elevation bands for the Aoraki/Mt Cook region. There has been an important change that all backcountry users in this region should be aware.

What are the updates?

There will now be a forecast elevation band change between the summer/autumn season and winter/spring season for Aoraki/Mt Cook region (the only forecasting region open over summer). These changes are listed below:

Summer + Autumn Aoraki/Mt Cook Elevation Bands

(12 December 2019 — June 2020) New

High Alpine: >2500m

Alpine: > 2000–2500m

Sub Alpine: <2000m

Current Winter + Spring Aoraki/Mt Cook Elevation Bands

(ending 12 December 2019, returning 1 June 2020) No Change

High Alpine: >1800m

Alpine: > 1200–1800m

Sub Alpine: <1200m

Why did they need to change?

To improve the forecast accuracy and applicability for the Aoraki/Mt Cook region over the summer/autumn seasons, the decision has been made to seasonally change the NZAA forecast elevation bands for this region. These changes will allow for a more nuanced forecast over the summer/autumn period, allowing forecasters to effectively forecast for the wide variety of users at all elevations in the region over the summer period.

What does this mean for you?

Before you head into the backcountry around Aoraki/Mt Cook this summer and autumn, check the NZAA Avalanche Advisory for up-to-date conditions. Be sure you’re taking these refined elevation bands into consideration as part of your planning and decision making. The avalanche danger signage in Aoraki/Mt Cook will also be updated to reflect these changes.

Different users of the backcountry in Aoraki/Mt Cook will now have more relevant forecasts for their activity, rather than almost all summer avalanche terrain being forecasted for in one, high alpine elevation band.

Watch how to use the NZAA here
A Life-long Love Affair with New Mexico’s Public Lands
By: National Wildlife Federation, Our Public Lands
Tags: New Mexico, Public Lands, Hiking, Outdoors, Conservation

A Life-long Love Affair with New Mexico’s Public Lands

I find the greatest sense of peace and calm in the mountains of New Mexico. I was raised in Silver City, with the Gila National Forest in my backyard. That’s where my love note starts. I can remember the sense of wonder and amazement that I had as a kid — standing in the box canyons with my family and friends as the wild Gila River raged before our eyes.

That feeling has carried into my life as a public servant and as New Mexico’s first woman to serve as Commissioner of Public Lands. The spaces that we fall in love with after a family visit, or even just a drive from point A to point B — they are all in need of our continued and constant protection and preservation. As a State Representative, I was proud to represent the Jemez Mountain range — directly adjacent to Los Alamos, where my husband and I have made our home and raised our children.

As an adult, the Jemez Mountains have kept me grounded in the work ahead — whatever that work may be, I seek answers and solace all around the Land of Enchantment and the beautiful places and spaces throughout this country. When you trace back your story, where does your #lovenotestopubliclands originate?

…………………………………………………………………………………….

So many of our country’s parks and public lands written about in these love notes would not exist but for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). This important conservation program was permanently funded when Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act last year. You can learn more about the Land and Water Conservation Fund here.

Would you like to write about public lands that you cherish? Please email Mary Jo Brooks at brooksm@nwf.org for guidelines.
Curious Travel Diaries: Sinhagad Fort
By: Arun Pottekat
Tags: Blogging, Hiking, Roadtrip

Sinhagad Fort trek view

Sinhagad Fort, the ideal weekend getaway for a majority of Punekars, was something I thought of visiting over the last weekend. Located approximately 35 to 40 km from the city of Pune with the road having its fair share of bumps and mild city traffic but sometimes the destination is worth it to overlook the smaller insignificant details.

On the way to Sinhagad, be sure to spare some time (either before or after your trip) to stop and dip your feet at another of Punekars favourite getaway spot, Khadakwasla Dam.

Dip your feet in the cold embankment of “Khadakwasla Dam”

Now there are a couple of ways to reach the top of Sinhagad, a “literal crossroad”, the first is a way for non-trekkers which takes a semi-decent path to the top accessible by both motorbikes and cars, take the second path and that leads to the trekking route which is what I ended up taking.

The Sinhagad trek, as most veterans would say is not one for first-time trekkers to take lightly. But as with every trek, there are some points that just make the arduous hike a delight to climb, especially if you’ve got a headstart allowing you to get a view like the one below.

Breathtaking view on the way to the top

I am not a hardcore trekker by any stretch of the mile, but of all the trips I’ve been on, Sinhagad has offered a wide varied terrain, flat areas, rocky stretches and steep slopes, allowing enthusiasts a taste of all. After trekking for a good 45 mins to an hour you’re finally at the summit.

The tower at the top is where the journey ends

Make sure to enjoy some delicacies at the top (my choice dahi and kande pakode hits right at the spot) after that hike to the top you’ve definitely earned it :)

Hi there, you’ve reached this far, if you enjoyed this post, I’d enjoy it if you’d help to spread this post by emailing it to a friend, or sharing it on Twitter or Facebook. Thank you!

Have a good day, stay safe and see you soon.

— Arun Pottekat
Clayoquot Valley Witness Trail Revisited
Tags: Clayoquot, Backpacking, Hiking, Backcountry, West Coast

We followed Desellero creek west, climbing up the shores when the creekbed got too dense with windfall or thick brush. With steeper sides, taking a route beside the creek often resulted in ending up much higher up from the creekbed than we anticipated. In other words, it was so steep that our elevation gain was more rapid than desired. Hence, we continued by walking, climbing, and crawling in the creek. We could hear water rushing. A reassuring sound. Puddles appeared and eventually the partially subterranean creek flowed back to the surface.

Climbing over huge logs and along boulders I figured it would be smarter to put on our creek shoes. Before acting on that thought, I had a boot submersed in water. At this spot, I got Josh to pass me his backpack to avoid him from repeating my mistake. Nevertheless, an insufficient precautionary measure. Josh ended up waist-deep in a relatively shallow creek: the irony was too high not to laugh.

Back on the northern creek bank we stopped for lunch. Several tributaries flowed into Desellero here and a roaring waterfall appeared. I ran down to it, cherishing the ease of backpack-free-and-shoeless-roaming-and-romping.
88. Cardboard (2016)
By: Abbie Simons
Tags: Hiking

I remember when Skyrim first came out. It was the winter of 2011 and my best friend was on the other end of Xbox Live. I was amazed that you could summit any mountain peak that you saw in the game. You could point to a peak in the distance, say, “There!” and run toward it. And I did. Over and over I picked a peak to climb, reaching the pinnacle like some quest achieved. It’s not even a major part of the game. You don’t win anything for it.

I’m not as ambitious in real life, but I love to look. And as I felt the tightening of Stevie’s leash around my frigid and snow-spritzed hand I could look nowhere but up, toward the peak of what I think is Mount Olympus.

It looked like cardboard — like a backdrop painted for a movie by someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. And if that’s a metaphor for God or something, I almost didn’t do it intentionally.

The pink clouds floated — they floated! — as if climbing the shoulders of the mountain, a child on her father’s shoulders.

The sun was casting its farewell light on everything in my part of the world. It’s strange that something so large can still feel like cardboard.
Nope, I will not DM for price
By: Ivy Gathu
Tags: Social Media, Ecommerce, Birthday, Cake, Lifestyle

My birthday is around the corner, and I was thinking of surprising myself with a cake because self-love. I came across a bakery on Instagram, the cakes on the page were top notch. Yet, they were no prices on the cake posts, instead the seller had a request that stated “dm for price”. DM means to direct message someone on a social media platform. I fought everything in me and DMed for rates

“Hello, could you please share your rate card for birthday cakes?”

The seller gets back to me hours later, telling me that cake prices are different depending on the size and designs. They did not share their rates, I DMed again with specifications of the cake I wanted.

“Chocolate fudge cake, please share the price of the available sizes”.

Finally, we have some headway and they share their rates minus the rates of delivery and minus other varieties. At this point, the ‘convenience creature’ in me is getting agitated because I have to DM again asking for the delivery rates.

“Alright, so how much is delivery to town?”

The seller did not respond.

I guess they thought I was not a serious buyer, which is their prerogative, but in the year of the internet and convenience, this should not be the case. Needless to say, seeing as the seller had ghosted me, I decided to go with another online bakery store which had all the rates for all sizes :-).

The whole purpose of consumers buying online is to save on time and money. I do not want to have a full blown conversation as if I am finessing someone for courtship or marriage. In the digital age, consumers want to buy convenience by receiving real-time information on products and sellers being transparent. Online stores that state “DM for price” might as well say visit my physical location for product rates.

Some online businesses justify requesting clients to “DM for prices” because; they want to; be at a competitive advantage from their competitors by hiding their rates and to attract serious clients. This is a flawed e-business strategy because; competition will always be present, but as a seller you have to find your uniqueness in the items you sell or even your customer service. The biggest competition for “dm for prices” are e-businesses that are transparent about their actual prices and item descriptions.

Filtering serious clients is the hardest thing to do both for e-business and physical businesses. For example, I have worked at my aunties shop where she sells women clothes, and you have to treat each client the same whether they buy or not, customer care is always key. E-business should also be convenient for itself because imagine filtering through all the requests you get from the clients who “DMed for prices”, it will cost you and your business a lot of time you cannot recover.

So please “DM for prices” e-businesses stop wasting our time and yours and put up your rates or at least an online link with a detailed rate card.
Happy June 17th Birthday from Birthdaysmessenger.com
By: Pastor Jason Ridgeway
Tags: June 17, Birthday, Success, Happiness, Prayer

Happy June 17th Birthday from Birthdaysmessenger.com and helpusjesus.quora.com 🎉💐🎁 Today is #Eat #Your #Vegetables #Day. FATHER GOD, YOUR Eyes are in every place beholden the evil and the good. YOU also know what we are going to do, and say before it happens. Please forgive us of our sins known and unknown. Cleanse us of any unrighteousness, we don’t want to have any negative thoughts in our minds, or in our hearts 💕 against anyone. Help us to love and be at peace with one another, no matter what others, say or day. Give us the wisdom we need as well, to not be taking advantage of. We want to accomplish YOUR Will, with our time, talents and resources, so we need YOUR Help, in every area. Invade our conditions, situations and circumstances, as we study and obey YOUR Word💒Which is able to Save our souls.We want to experience all of YOUR Many Benefits 2 Timothy 3:16-17🙏 Heal our World, FATHER GOD🌎 2 Chronicles 7:14 Today’s #Celebrity #Birthdays include

Kendrick Lamar, Lisa Mantler, Lizzy Capri, Kelsey Simone, Marie Avgeropoulos, Venus Williams, Darius Benson, Taveeta Szymanowicz, Julia Kelly, Bella Weems, Deyjah Harris, Amari Cooper, Paulina Rubio, Jodie Whittaker, Odessa Adlon, Jordan Henderson, Tray Little, Barry Manilow, Clara Channel and Noelle Sheldon

#Birthday #Gifts #birthdaywishes #birthdaycake #HappyBirthday

Shirtailors.com
Being a Person Who Stutters at 23
By: Asia Monét
Tags: Stuttering, Birthday, Poetry, About Me, Poem

Being a Person Who Stutters at 23

I am a person who stutters

and in 2020 I turned 23

at the height at black lives matter

and seeing my friends who love me virtually

At the start of 23

I stayed committed to the monthly NSA chapter

yet I was longing for the stuttering convention that will never come to pass

because COVID-19 was the major factor

And when I started to doubt the journey I took at the beginning of the year

the convention was four days on zoom

and suddenly hundreds had appeared

in thumbprint squares

to speak on subjects about stuttering that no one would dare

to anyone else outside these walls

Elated from such company even while on mute

I looked forward to every day

that for once my inner conflicts filled with fluxes and flows were not insane

Just when the party was over

And I felt stronger on my stuttering feet

I stopped in defeat

that the program I was accepted into

would block my time with my stuttering crew

I laid for four months, alone

My doubts started to roll

Because I was taking classes online

making my stutter a challenge all the time

I was embarrassed when people did not know

whether it was my internet or my speech that was going slow

Interview after interview

I had no one to help me on how to navigate stuttering on zoom professionally

Did they think I was nervous

even though I disclosed?

Rejections

week after week

made me believe

that I could not be in the room where it happens

if I cannot speak

Light came at the end of the tunnel in 2021

I had my monthly meetings once more

and a marketing internship was posted on westutter.org

But I still wasn’t sure if I was ready to take on the chore

not the work

no

but to be vulnerable

to step through that next door

The internship came through and I met with three others

to start on something new

Having a group of adults that were so similar to me

helped me find a sense of belonging

I have introduced my stutter at 23 to others more than I have in my entire life

Although my confidence has grown

when I lie, I feel an unwavering sense of guilt

that I have knocked down two rungs

on everything I built.

My problems of laughter or mocking have gone away

if I say something before they have a chance to respond

nowadays, they say “that’s okay.”

I still feel like a fraud at 23

but I have so many people now in my community

My chin might not always be raised

but I continue to say it proud

to say that I stutter

and I stutter loud.

-
You were born in a zoo
By: Popcorn Dystopia
Tags: Dystopia, Fiction, Birthday

There’s a bubble floating above the world crammed with the unfulfilled birthday wishes made by kids at their parties.



Candles go snuff.

Wishes are wished very hard indeed.

People eat cake.

Parents sigh at the mess and clean up slowly, wondering if this is their life now (it is.)



The depletion of the ozone layer also corrodes this bubble, an unforeseen effect of climate change that scientists could not have warned you about.



One day in 2024, this bubble goes pop.



Nobody can quite explain the things that happened that year.



Many many grown adults discover boxes full of barbie dolls and old-school handheld video games in their cupboards.

A few old men and women are puzzled to find they have become very popular (albeit very wrinkled) rockstars, instead of the lawyers, accountants, artists, or homeless bums they thought they were.

The corpses of long deceased divorced parents are uprooted and are found in the same grave.

A shocking number of people drop dead of no cause whatsoever.



Make a wish darling. But if you tell anyone it’ll never come true.

Happy birthday!
Clear Your Confusion By Sending Online Personalized Gifts At Your Friends Birthday.
By: Sonali Wish
Tags: Birthday

We all aware of the best friends bond, In which we share our massive secrets, eat each other’s lunch without let them know. Also, when they both meet together that specific time would be the creative time refers to creating new delighted moments full of joy and laugh. And the most memorable list created in school time where we used to bunk together within the school premises, Used to collect the coins so as to eat something, As these are some little enjoying factor that transforms life sadness into merriments. And if the occasion has come that is your favorite person’s birthday how could you let this day go without seeing dazzled reactions. For instance, you could online cake delivery in Delhi.

So, here are some amazing ideas that for sure make your best friends birthday fullest:

Personalized Wooden Engraved Gift:

Send your love and message with one of your photos, That reflects your loving spent days together, So order photo wooden engraved gifts online from wish91. That promise your dreams to be fulfilled within a specific time. Don’t limit your list of gifting.

Personalized Crystal Gift

Send this personalized crystal containing a photo, But the highlighting factor is that in the intense darkness your bond would as shine as radiant, That symbolize or reflect the true bond of friendship. That ultimately, filled them with a phase of excitement.

Personalized Mugs Online

Get your friendship to be highlighted on magic mugs, That would magically work by pouring hot water, And you find it an amazing reaction with you and your friend photo, That makes them remember about the spending days. So buy personalized magic mugs online through wish91.

Personalized LED lamps

Get this 3d led lamps directly to your home without any concern in a hassle-free manner. That reflects only your memories whether it’s sweet and bitter, Also at the end, this would react like a short movie scene which easily reflects all your emotions.
Happy birthday to Me.
By: Sandra Oseji
Tags: Birthday

Happy birthday to Me.

2nd December, 2019, that was what I had to say about my birthday. I have been excited about my birthday this year for the very same reason. I am reminded that I lived through one of the darkest moments of my life and I survived and came out on the other side, and for that reason I have been grateful.

Also grateful for friends. I had thought I’d use this birthday to celebrate the friendships in my life. Even those that exist only for the fun and distraction.

My life has been fuller this past year, and I do not take it for granted that I have you guys. This birthday isn’t about me. It’s about Lami, who didn’t judge, about Demilade who showed up and shows up for me. About friendships I lost and got back, about the new people I met in the past one year, about those who send me random VNs, about old friends I reconnected with, old friends with whom I never lost contact, I feel really grateful for all of you. Sometimes loneliness and exhaustion makes me believe that I have nobody, but I know it’s not true. I know that somehow there’s a village of people who want the best for me.

Anyway. I am celebrating completing another year alive. I don’t think it’s fun, but I won’t lie, the people make it worth it. I am grateful for you all.

What I really want for my birthday is for you to take yourselves out and live your best lives today and send me pictures of you doing that.

Also, please send me dollars.

Stay Jiggy and Healthy.

Love,

Uche.
30 days before my birthday 23rd
By: Wulan Maulida
Tags: Birthday, Self Improvement, Wishes, Daily Blog, Bucketlist

Right today, heading for 30 days before my 23rd birthday. I tried to share 30 bucket lists towards my 23rd birthday. Actually maybe, for you 23rd not as special as your 30th birthday. But this year is my critical year in finding my identity, looking for a career path, finding a mate (lol).

Today I filled my bucket list, Now i am entering the 11th month of living in Jakarta. And I really want to go to the Kota Tua. Random isn’t it? But I don’t know. Incidentally yesterday I did not have friends, so I went alone. Not going to style to go another place alone, but I tried. And I’m happy.

I happened to go by train, departing from the Sunday market station to Jakarta city. It starts from riding online transportation to the station, then to the station. Anyway why is the Sunday market station always full?

Then I arrived in the old city, but what I was confused was that I did not arrive at the old city I meant. I passed markets that I had never visited before, markets in the hallway.

But what makes me happy is that there are a lot of things in the market, there is also a market on the side of the road close to the Mandiri Museum. This is my favourite part that I can see toys that I have been looking for for a long time, namely watches !!!!

Indeed this is like a child, but I really like this clock. And the price is very cheap compared to buying in a big shop, of course, enough 35 thousand can use this watch. About quality? I can’t recommend. Because you don’t know whether or not it’s durable

Then after looking at the super-crowded market, I took a walk in front of the Mandiri Museum, near also by accident with the Jakarta Kota Station. I saw city buildings. And this is in my opinion the art angle for the photo. There are zebra crossings and old buildings. As if this zebra crossing demands my way.

It turns out that going alone is not alone. Sometimes we really need to spend our time, so that we are aware of what actually makes us happy is not someone else. Actually, happiness is from ourselves. Happy yourself, understand what you want yourself to be, and then you will be able to make other people happy. Maybe like that.
COUNTDOWN TO MY BIRTHDAY (July 8th)🎁
By: Ajike Olundegun
Tags: Plus Size, Life Lessons, Birthday, Love Yourself, Growing Up

So I’ve decided to write daily till the 8th on what lessons I’ve learnt this past year.

Lesson 1 — I learned how to truly and completely love myself. Not all that crap where we convince ourselves that we are doing awesomely well when we know we ain’t doing shit but we get good at acting like we are. I learned to take stock of my life, past actions and how they have affected the person I was becoming. Doing this was hard and painful but every step has been worth it so far. I also learned that you’re gonna have to learn to love yourself over and over and over (by now you get it, yeah?) again because it’s a never ending process. One major thing though, you actually don’t know exactly when you stop loving yourself, and it’s fine to get a little lost sometimes, it’s all part of rediscovering who you are. So don’t beat yourself up for letting go or feeling lost, also don’t fight it. Instead take it as a sign that a better you is about to emerge if you just do what you need. It’s really not as hard as people make it sound. Loving yourself is accepting that yes you have flaws but they are also your super powers which make you you — fearfully and wonderfully made!

I’m so in love with who I’m becoming and it’s only just the beginning.

“It’s my time now, and nobody can tell me nothing. I told you I’m ready..” — Odunsi (rare.)
On Being 30
By: Tom Frisby
Tags: Purpose, Birthday

The most important thing about turning 30 is that it beats the alternative.

It is probably your most important decade. Like it or not, you are basically the person you will be the rest of your life. Think about that, for Newton’s law of motion is working. Who you have created is pretty well set — character, habits, pathway, quality of life — and it will continue with minor adjustments unless a strong intervening force comes along. If this is not the person you want to live with the rest of your life, the 30s has been given to you as the last clear chance to do some re-engineering. We don’t go back to school at 40, or change our temperament or our integrity.

Up till now you have only prepared yourself to be 30. This is the decade of energy, a time when you still have the excitement of youth but not its foolishness. When spontaneity collides with wisdom, bravado with caution, and the body begins to understand its limitations.

It is a time to practice what you learned on the football field, the value of team over self. On the basketball court where an assist to another who scored won the game. It is a time when you are no longer on the practice field but in a real game in which how you play it really matters to you and to the lives you touch. It is a sixty minute game with not a lot of time on the bench.

It is a time of recognition. That you are living on the Planet Disney World, where you have life; the ability to love and hurt, to succeed and fall on your butt and still keep going; to take chances on and off the slope. To recognize the very wonderment of this world and life — all life — and to be a part of it, to relish it, to be in awe of it, to care for it.

It is a decade in which you will achieve wonderous things, in part because you are standing on the shoulders of giants, but then you will realize that you too can one day have others standing on your shoulders. The 30s is the decade in which those shoulders are muscled up.

It is a decade in which you too can right the unrightable wrong, and to run where brave men dare not go. In fact, you will.

And, yes, Michael, the world will be better for this.