Get Outside!

Well folks, I'm about to say something to you that I have not been able to say for the past 5 years.  This is a pretty momentous occasion so pay attention.

Ready?

Here goes:




IT'S FALL!!!!!!!

That's right, like actual, real, cool, leaves-changing, windy, rainy, crisp, fall!

See look, I have proof:

See all that yellow business?  No, those aren't rocks.  No, it's not gold.  No, they aren't layers upon layers of pollen from a giant bee.  They are trees!  And they are turning colors other than green!  And it is amazing!

I told you it was a momentous occasion.

So with all this glory happening outside, it's been really hard for me to think of much else.  Driving to work and actually ending up at work is a really difficult task--the mountains have been coaxing me off the interstate and into their arms in a serious way (DISCLAIMER:  I fear this could become a regular theme on the blog.  I apologize in advance.).

This list of the World's Best Hikes isn't making things much easier either.  I mean, can you really believe that places like this actually exist?  And better yet, you can WALK to them!  Here are some of the trails that are really calling my name:

Mount Kailash Pilgrimage, Tibet

Shipwreck Coast/Shi Shi Beach, Olympic Peninsula, Washtington

Santa Cruz Trek, Cordillera Blanca, Peru

I hope you all are enjoying the nature around you as much as I am.  And if you're not, you can always hope a plane to Iceland or Bhutan.
--MEL

(First three images of fall taken by yours truly.  Last three images of hikes from this awesome article.)