My Top Spring Spots in Indiana
If you think spring in Indiana is just rain and gray mud, you are missing the point. The state is waking up. From the glowing redbuds of Brown County to the echoing sandstone of Hemlock Cliffs, I mapped out the three best trails to chase the thaw. Grab your boots.
We Turned Earth Day into a Hashtag. And That’s a Problem.
We want pristine wilderness and next-day shipping. We want quiet trails and cheap lumber. Earth Day has devolved into a corporate performance review where we post aesthetics and ignore the reality of our extraction. It is time to drop the digital applause and do the actual, unglamorous work.
Beginners Mind: What I Learned from My Worst Photos
In 2013, I thought I was a photography prodigy. Then a friend asked me to explain the rule of thirds in a grocery store aisle, and my unearned confidence completely shattered. It was the most liberating moment of my life. Here is why the worst photos I ever took possess a soul I am still trying to get back.
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
Fall in Indiana doesn’t linger — it shows up in a burst of color and vanishes just as quickly. One week, the woods glow gold and crimson; the next, you’re walking through the memory of it. To catch it at its peak, you have to move fast.
This year, I updated my Top Fall Spots in Indiana guide with new photos, local insights, and travel tips for 2025. From Brown County’s sweeping overlooks to the quiet trails of Deam Wilderness, every spot on the list captures what makes this season feel alive. I even added a local favorite — Griffy Lake — for when you want that quick escape close to home.
Whether you’re chasing fall color on a weekend road trip or sneaking out for an after-work hike, these are the places worth making time for.
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.