My Top Spring Spots in Indiana
Spring in Indiana isn’t something you wait through — it’s something you chase.
From wildflower-filled trails in Brown County to roaring waterfalls at Hemlock Cliffs and Clifty Falls, these are the places where the Midwest wakes up.
Adventure is closer — and wilder — than you think.
We Turned Earth Day into a Hashtag. And That’s a Problem.
Earth Day used to be a protest. Now it’s a Pinterest board. We went from chaining ourselves to trees to posting filtered selfies in the woods. The planet doesn’t need our hashtags—it needs our honesty, our restraint, and maybe even a little guilt. Because loving nature isn’t about looking at it. It’s about letting it be.
Beginners Mind: What I Learned from My Worst Photos
In 2015, I thought I was on the verge of something big. A local newspaper had published one of my photos—surely, National Geographic was next.
Then, in a Safeway aisle, my friend David asked, “So, you know what the rule of thirds is?”
“Of course,” I said.
“Okay… what is it?”
“I… I don’t know.”
That moment could have been embarrassing, but instead, it was freeing. I embraced being a beginner, experimenting without pressure. But as I improved, the joy faded, replaced by expectation.
Ten years later, I stumbled across my old Lake Tahoe photos—and everything changed.
SAVING STARLIGHT
We’ve lit up our cities so much that we’re erasing the stars—and that’s not the only thing disappearing. Light pollution is wrecking ecosystems and messing with everything from bats to sleep cycles.
Saving Starlight explains why this matters and what we can do to fix it. Spoiler: it's easier than you think.
Every Book I Read in January
January is cold, weird, and the perfect time to get lost in a book. This month, I read about survival in the wild, social injustice, Florida’s underground alligator trade, mindfulness, and trees that might be smarter than us.
The River: Beautiful Prose, Great Characters, and an Ending That Runs Aground
Peter Heller’s The River is a gripping story of friendship and survival set in the Canadian wilderness. Following two college friends on a canoe trip that takes a dangerous turn, the novel combines vivid descriptions of nature with intense human conflict.
Gator Country: Swamps, Gators, and the Messy Business of Survival
Rebecca Renner’s Gator Country dives into the tangled relationship between humans and alligators in Florida’s swamps, blending vivid nature writing with the gripping story of an undercover mission to combat illegal poaching. It’s a compelling exploration of survival, conservation, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.
Indiana’s Best Snowy Day Escapes
Discover Indiana's Winter Magic
Escape into the serene beauty of Indiana's snowy landscapes. From the peaceful trails of Griffy Lake to the dramatic canyons of McCormick’s Creek State Park, and the hidden pine groves of Hoosier National Forest, winter transforms these destinations into tranquil retreats. Whether you're hiking, sipping hot cocoa by a frozen lake, or exploring snow-laden forests, Indiana's winter charm invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Ready for your next snowy adventure? Grab your boots, pack a thermos, and let Indiana's winter magic inspire you.
My Top Fall Spots in Indiana
Discover Indiana’s Best Fall Destinations: A Journey Through Autumn's Beauty
Fall in Indiana is a fleeting masterpiece—a season that bursts with color and invites you to experience its wonders before it’s gone. Whether you’re seeking vibrant vistas, peaceful trails, or a glimpse of nature’s resilience, Indiana’s parks have it all. From the fiery hills of Brown County State Park to the quiet solitude of Charles C. Deam Wilderness and the recovering beauty of McCormick’s Creek, each destination offers something unique.
Ready to plan your perfect fall adventure? Explore my full guide for pro tips, must-see spots, and everything you need to make the most of this magical season.
My Top Summer Spots in Indiana
Think Indiana is just cornfields? Think again. From waterfall hikes and cave tours to kayaking and quiet lake coves, these summer spots prove adventure is closer than you think.
COMING BACK TO INSTAGRAM: Why did I do this?!
What happens when you leave Instagram for a year and a half… and come back? This honest reflection explores comparison, mental clarity, and how to use social media without letting it use you.
THINGS ARE CHANGING
What if you’re not falling apart — just changing seasons? A reflection on identity, growth, and learning to trust the process.
Hemlock Cliffs: Indiana’s Hidden Rainforest
Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest is a short but stunning hike through mossy cliffs, hidden waterfalls, and spring wildflowers. Perfect for a quick adventure or day trip from Bloomington or Louisville.
Boynton Canyon & The Subway Cave
You’ve seen the photos —another “must-do” hike that looks too perfect to be real. Spoiler: it’s even better in person. Here’s what it’s really like to hike there - plus a few trail-tested tips to help you find it, climb it, and enjoy it without the crowds.