Books, Bites, and Sights

"I sha'n't be gone long. – You come too." – Robert Frost

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About Me

Hi, there! My name is Natalie Ray, and I am the creator of Books, Bites, and Sights.

This blog is space for me to focus more on the things that bring me joy: reading, yoga, spirituality, early mornings, travel, peanut butter, hot coffee, recovery, love, long phone calls, and more. I won’t be gone long— you come too.

Explore my authentic and unsolicited take on different books, bites, and sights from a variety of destinations by clicking on the drop downs. And don’t forget to leave a comment on your take, suggestions, or experiences.

  • Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

    March 29th – April 1st, 2026

    Amory captured it perfectly when describing Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: You can’t judge from a distance. You need to be in and amongst the trees to understand. Oddly, this same phrase aligned with the big idea of this week’s novel: friendship.

    Outside looking in, we can all be quick to judge. It is only human nature to quickly assess, make predictions on, and compartmentalize both people and situations. But reality isn’t based in that. Buddhism touches on this idea as well – the idea of nonjudgemental awareness. It is not natural to not judge. We have to make a conscious effort to not do so. And it seems we are constantly judging everyone and everything, our closest allies and our highest blessings. But you can’t judge, especially not from a distance – and doing so only creates false narratives.

    In My Friends, Fredrik Backman weaves a tale riddled in grief and love by unfolding a story of the ever so familiar waxing and waning of friendships. How friends can be inseparable yet with time grow so distant. As a young adult, I have noticed big changes in the friendships I carry. Those once inseparable friendships have gathered dust (some being shelved entirely), and I have distanced myself from friends due to my outward judgement of their life choices. Friends I have cherished for many years. Some who have been key players in shaping me into who I am today. And while I am not encouraging you to engage with people who cause more burdens than triumphs, I am encouraging you to be gentle on those around you. Seek nonjudgemental awareness. Allow your friends to grow and change and be – just as Fish, Ali, Joar, The Artist, Ted, and Louisa do throughout My Friends. Allow space between you to grow if needed, but allow yourself to slip into their embrace when offered.

    As for the parks, Sequoia and Kings Canyon have such appeal from a distance. Giant trees. Mountain vistas. Big Foot. But to truly be enveloped in the wonder that these parks offer, you must strike out onto one of the many accessible (parks perfect for first time hiking kiddos IMO) trails offered by the parks. Winding through the forests and meadows. Standing underneath a towering 300 foot Sequoia. Smelling that ever so familiar “Christmas smell” from a recently fell tree.

    Thinking of visiting these two parks soon to judge them for yourself? Keep reading for a layout on what I did, where I stayed, and what I ate while exploring these sister parks: Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

    Books

    My Friends, Fredrik Backman

    4/5 stars

    A co-worker suggested this book to me last year. We were chatting about novels that really made us feel. Made us cry those big girl tears. Gave us that blank 1,000-yard stare at the wall after a heavy chapter type-books. And while My Friends didn’t hit me as hard as it hit her, it was powerful. Many times I had to put the book down because of how empathetic I was of the characters. I felt their sorrow, their pain, their grief, their heartache. Quickly summarizing the majority of this book; It’s depressing. It invokes real, raw feelings. Some readers may be put off by these types of novels. Wanting to avoid uneasy feelings in our favorite pastime hobby. I get it; however, occasionally, I crave the visceral. Do I want every book I read to be heavy? No. But from time to time, I want to feel those feels – and My Friends helps readers do just that. And it is worth noting that the author, Backman, has a unique, comical way of making you feel.

    Like I said in the introduction of this post, this book is ultimately about friendship. About how our friendships our vital to who we are (and who we aren’t). And yes, it’s depressing, but after finishing the last chapter, I closed the book smiling.

    Bites

    A living in your car classics: an avocado smashed on a rice cake with red chili pepper flakes + a grapefruit with a view

    • After a day of hiking, Amory and I stopped in the centrally located Lodgepole Visitor Center to snack, use their restrooms, and take advantage of their Wi-Fi.
    Avocado rice cake
    Grapefruit atop Mora Rock

    A fan favorite: Belgium waffles (with added banana and PB) and hot coffee complimentary at Cyndi’s Snowline Lodge

    • Just outside Kings Canyon, Cyndi was a great Hipcamp host offering words of wisdom, hot coffee, and crispy waffles to-go every morning at sunrise.
    Day 1 waffle at Snowline Lodge: Plain Jane style
    Day 2 waffle: smothered and covered

    A local gem just outside the park with keto and gluten-free options: a cran-almond scone, an oatmilk hot latte, and the meat lover bagel at Clingans Junction

    • Amory and I are always in need of a cafe sit and work session. Clingans is a 30 minute drive from the Kings Canyon Visitor Center, has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and, the best part, has high quality Wi-Fi with a plethora of outlets scattered throughout the cafe. Oh! Their food and coffee was pretty damn good too.
    Clingans Junction has free wifi and both indoor and patio seating
    Meat lover bagel at Clingans Junction
    Cran-almond scone
    Sights

    Accommodations:

    • Horse Creek Campground (near Sequoia NP): 1 night, originally 2 but plans changed, not well maintained (nowhere to be found hosts, bathrooms/showers out of order, lots of trash) but great location and views
    • Azalea Campground (in Kings Canyon NP): 1 night, in the park with abundant trails nearby
    • Cyndi’s Snowline Lodge (near Kings Canyon NP): 2 nights, wonderful hosts, easy/cozy, just outside park, free coffee and waffles, booked on Hipcamp
    Horse Creek Campground outside Sequoia
    Horse Creek Campground outside Sequoia
    Azalea Campground inside Kings Canyon
    Cyndi’s Snowline Lodge outside of Kings Canyon

    Sequoia Hikes:

    • Moro Rock via Alta, Bear Hill, and Moro Rock Trail Loop (4.9 mile loop): Auto Log, giant trees, mountain vistas, meadow stroll
    • Tokopah Falls Trail (4 mile in-and-out): beautiful waterfall, lots of large, flat rocks to sit on at viewpoint
    • Sherman Tree, Congress, Trail of the Sequoias, and Tharp’s Log Loop (7 mile loop): World’s largest tree, parts of trail are paved, less people once you began to head toward Tharp’s Log offering a more private, secluded feel in the park
    • Little Baldy Trail (3.5 mile in-and-out): short trail with great views
    Trail amongst the giant trees
    Me atop Auto Log
    Booker T. Washington Tree
    The famed General Sharman Tree Trail
    Giant hollow tree
    Tharp’s Log
    Moro Rock Trail
    Moro Rock Trail
    View from Moro Rock
    Amongst the clouds on the Little Baldy Trail
    Tokopah Falls
    Tokopah Falls Trail

    Kings Canyon Hikes:

    • General Grant Trail (0.5 mile loop): walkable from Azalea campground, interactive trail with options to walk through fallen trunks
    • Buena Vista Trail (2 mile in-and-out): easy, short trail with a great viewpoint
    • Ella Falls Loop (6 mile loop): multi-level waterfall, longer hike but one of the better options in Kings Canyon IMO, option to view other waterfalls along the way
    • Big Stump Loop (2 mile loop): easy trail through the forest, option to stand in a big Sequoia stump
    • Hume Lake Loop (3 miles): picnicking option, easy stroll around lake
    Hume Lake Trail
    Hume Lake
    Giant trunk you can walk through on the General Grant Trail
    General Grant Tree
    Buena Vista Peak
    View from Buena Vista
    Me standing inside the big stump on the Big Stump Loop

    Four months into this journey readers. Point blank: I am tired. Constantly being put into new situations, many uncomfortable; however, when unease arises, I will continue to bring myself to the mantra of this post: Cast aside judgement. Be in and amongst the situation. Traveling America with the love of my life experiencing all the things, reading all the books, eating all the bites, seeing all the sights – seriously, how could I ever complain, no matter how tired or uncomfortable I feel. Until next week. Xoxo.

    The vistas while driving back to camp at sunset in Sequoia NP

  • Grand Canyon National Park

    March 25th – 27th, 2026

    Books, Bites, Insights: How to Hike Rim to River and Back in One Day

    Hello friends and readers!

    For this week’s post I wanted to focus on an epic endeavor that Amory and I recently undertook: Hiking down into the Grand Canyon and back in one day. This trek is commonly coined as going “rim to river.” We did the trek via the South Kaibab trail (using South Kaibab to both descend and ascend) because of the closure with the Silver Bridge’s construction (making using the Bright Angel trail to do a “loop” impossible).

    I would be lying if I didn’t mentioned that taking on this trek was nerve racking. Heat. Water. Mileage. Elevation. Sun. All the things ran through my mind. I had a lot of self-doubt. Would I be able to physically do the 15 miles? Was I capable of gaining 5,000 feet elevation in day? But as you could’ve guessed – yes and yes. Granted Amory and I have done nothing but hike and walk daily for the last four months. So let me highlight that in no way is this trek easy, and it should not be undertaken lightly. But it can be done. Especially with the right planning and steps (literally). So, here are my books, bites, insights and, if you’ve done this trek, I would love if you added your tips in the comments below.

    Map of South Kaibab Trail with labeled check-points for reference

    My Tips and Tricks (In Chronological Order)

    1. Eat a big dinner the night before. I always opt for a fat, juicy hamburger with all the things. Your body will need fuel.
    2. Go to bed early and get a goodnight’s sleep. Duh.
    3. Set an alarm for 4:30 am, don’t hit snooze, and call the Xanterra Taxi Service immediately. We stayed at Mather Campground In GCNP. If you aren’t staying in the park, adjust your time to include drive time. There is no public parking at the South Kaibab trailhead, so you have to either wait for the shuttle (which doesn’t start until 6) or take the taxi service.
    4. Get dressed, pack your bag, put on sunscreen, and start drinking water. I wore shorts, a light button up shirt, and a tank-top. I was a bit cold when we first started, but as the day warmed up, my attire choices were perf. As far as your bag goes, don’t bring unnecessary junk. More stuff = more weight. No thanks. I had my snacks (pictured in my photo dump), sunglasses, a bandana, a hat, my headlamp, trekking poles, sunscreen, water, and toilet paper. That’s it. Did I mention to start drinking water? Additionally, be sure you know where water stations are along your chosen route and if they are operating before starting your descent. On South Kaibab, there is no water stations along the way. Only at the bottom at the Phantom Ranch canteen. So, what does this mean for you? Be sure you have enough canisters to hold your water. I trekked down with 3 liters (using a 1.5 liter water bladder and a 1.5 liter plastic bottle) and filled up all three before ascending.
    5. Taxi to trailhead. The taxi service (via Xanterra, phone #928-638-2631) was $15 plus a tip (tip optional). The Grand Canyon’s public shuttle doesn’t start running until 6, and Amory and I wanted to get a head start and beat the heat (and the crowds). Also, seeing the sunrise while in the Grand Canyon was a yes, please for us. Anyway, the taxi service was perfect. Professional. Prompt. Easy. Highly reccomend. They do not do reservations, so you simply call about 30 minutes before you want to be picked up, give them your pickup location (which can be anywhere in the park), and boom. They come get you. The taxi service is 24/7, but is also first come, first serve, so be sure to call them 30 minutes or more in advance.
    6. Begin the descent. Don’t overthink it. Just go! If you start early, don’t forget your headlamp. It’s dark. And use trekking poles for your entire descent. Trust me. Your knees will thank me later.
    7. Eat a light breakfast and start drinking electrolytes. I ate a banana (fast carbs = fast energy, light = easy to digest, you won’t feel bogged down later) and poured a liquid IV (screw the sugar-free, get the all sugar included ones seriously) into my water bladder at Skeleton Point, roughly 3 miles into the descent.
    8. Stop and rest when needed. Take in the views. Pee when you get to restrooms. Continually sip on your electrolyte water on the way down – even if you feel like you don’t need to. Refer to my time table in my photo dump if you’re curious about how I paced my trek, but keep in mind, I don’t typically lallygag when hiking, and, after hiking every day for four months, I am in pretty good hiking shape. So, don’t be scared to take it slow or rest. Listen to your body.
    9. Arrive at Phantom Ranch and check out the canteen. Go inside. Buy a $6 lemonade (its a rite of passage), eat all the sugar snacks (I had a Boba Bar smothered in honey, a whole bag of beef jerky, rice puffs, Siete Cookies, and Bolt Energy Chews. All quick carbs, light, and easy on my stomach. Some say the sugar will give you a crash, but that hasn’t been my experience. In fact, I’ve had the opposite experience.), go to the bathroom, rinse off your face, make conversation with other hikers, and send a postcard (postcards will get a “mailed by mule” stamp if left in the PO Box inside the canteen). And duh, drink plenty of water and fill up right before you leave.
    10. Go down to the river and soak your shirt. By far this is my #1 tip. Not only was it refreshing in the moment, but I tied my shirt around my neck on the ascent and it kept me cool the entire time.
    11. Start the ascent. 5,000 feet elevation gain, here you come. One foot in front of the other. Because there isn’t a lot of shade on the trail, you want to start your ascent by 10 am (or earlier if you hike at a slower pace) or wait until 3 pm. This will help to avoid the peak heat times. Keep in mind we did this trek in late March when temperatures are more, for a lack of better words, meek and mild; however, it was still nearly 95 degrees inside the canyon during our trek.
    12. At The Tip-off, there is a shade tent. Rest. Re-up your electrolytes. Snack if you want – I had a Honey Stinger Energy Waffle while watching Amory do magic for other resting, snacking hikers. We stayed here for roughly 45 minutes before continuing out ascent.
    13. As you ascend, set goals but break when needed. I told myself to keep on ascending until each check point (ie The Tip-off, Skeleton Point, Cedar Ridge). This helped me stay on track and knock down the milage, even when all I wanted to do was stop. At each check point I snacked lightly. Eating my beloved Aloha Protein Bar underneath the shade of a juniper tree at Cedar Ridge.
    14. Before you know it, you’ll see those steep switchbacks to the top commonly called “the chimney” and that is your victory lap my friend. Go, go, go. Once back at the trailhead, wait for the shuttle, refill your waters, and pat yourself on the back. You’re a badass.

    If you’re thinking of doing the R2River hike, but doubting yourself: don’t. All it takes is good research (which you’re doing if you’re reading this), planning, and determination. It is daunting, but doable. REPEAT but louder for those in the back. Daunting, but DOABLE. I was nervous. And look, here I am, enthusiastic and now longing to go back and do the Rim to Rim hike. Especially now that the North Rim has reopened. March 2027? Whose with me?

    Sunrise near Cedar Ridge (1.5 miles in)
    Black Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River near Phantom Ranch
    Celebratory picture at the bottom of the Grand Canyon

    Reader, I believe in you, and I would love to hear from you. Did you attempt this hike? Or any down to the river hike at the Grand Canyon? What was it like? Any tips, tricks, insights? Did you take the Bright Angel Trail? If so, don’t gatekeep. Tell all below – no-one has ever commented on my posts, and I would be HONORED if you were the first! Until next week, loves. Xoxo.

  • Colorado’s Big Four

    March 16th – March 24th, 2026

    Variety is the Spice of Life: One State, Four Worlds

    Diverse: The word that comes to the forefront of my mind when trying to capture Colorado’s four national parks. Alpine peaks and towering sand dunes; Archeological sites and river-cut gorges. Looking to take a roadtrip with a wide-range of experiences and sights? Then take John Denver’s advice and head to Colorado.

    When planning a trip to Colorado’s big four don’t forget to take the season into consideration. Amory and I went in late Winter, early Spring. Because of this, parts of the Rockies were blanketed in snow; the Great Sand Dunes’ temperatures were meek and mild; Mesa Verde wasn’t offering ranger-led tours; And most of the Black Canyon was unaccessible.

    As I typed all of the above – it begged the question: Were the parks even worth visiting in March? The answer: yes. Even in late Winter, there is lots to do and see. And the best part? Minimal crowds. Books, Bites, Insights? Do your research. Map out your musts for each park regardless of season. And go from there. If a late Winter roadtrip doesn’t lend itself to check off your must-do boxes, plan to go another time of year. No biggie.

    As my sister says, “Point being”: Two of the big four, I will plan to revisit in the future. The other two, I don’t. Read on beloved reader to discover which are which and why.

    Rocky Mountain National Park

    4 days, March 16th – March 19th

    My first time in RMNP was January 2025 with Amory, and I am not shy to say, I will visit this park again and again. Why? Because I love it. RMNP, as I tell Amory, “matches my vibe.” And the neighboring town, Estes Park, is the cherry on top with so many shops and cafes to explore.

    For starters, revisiting RMNP is a must for me because I have yet to drive along the highest (nearly 13,000 feet in elevation) continuous paved road in the US – Trail Ridge road. Both times that I’ve visited RMNP, the road has been closed at the Many Parks curve. The road typically closes mid-October and opens late May. As I said in the introduction of this post, you have to decide on your non-negotiables and then plan your visit accordingly. But don’t let road closures steer you away from a Winter visit to RMNP – there is still so much to do and see, and visiting RMNP while it is still snow covered is magical and one-of-a-kind.

    Some of that RMNP Winter visit magic will include: frozen alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and horned elk. (Did you know elk lose their antlers in Spring? I didn’t until my last visit!) Additionally, in Winter and in early Spring, there are no crowds, traffic is minimal, and Airbnbs have cheaper rates.

    Because of the cheaper rates, Amory and I booked an Airbnb stay at the Ponderosa Lodge – which, while I love staying in Tata, having a shower and bed at our disposal – so nice, chef’s kiss. Plus, it was Amory’s birthday week, so ya know – treat yourself.

    Books, Bites, Insights? Beginning on May 22, 2026, through October 12, timed entry reservations will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    • Day 1: easy hikes, checking-in, and sight seeing
      • Drove into Estes Park, checked into our Airbnb at Ponderosa Lodge (5 minutes from Fall River Visitor Center), hiked the Alluvial Fan (0.5 mile out-and-back), hiked the Hidden Valley Nature Trail (0.5 mile loop), drove down Bear Lake Road (10 mile scenic paved road), hiked the Sprague Lake Trail (1 mile loop), attempted to hike the Bear Lake Trail (1 mile loop, the lake was frozen and the trail was covered in snow drift)
    • Day 2: easy hike
      • hiked the Cub Lake Loop (6 mile loop)
    • Day 3: moderate to strenuous hike
      • hiked the Twin Sisters Peak Trail (7.5 mile out-and-back with 2,500 elevation gain, 30 minute drive from Fall River Visitor Center)
    • Day 4: strenuous hike and yummy bites
      • stood in line at Cinnamon’s Bakery to snag one of their legendary rolls (5 minutes from Fall River Visitor Center), hiked to Chasm Lake (8.5 mile out-and-back with 2,600 elevation gain)
    Airbnb at Ponderosa Lodge
    Alluvial Fan
    Sprague Lake
    Sprague Lake, partially frozen
    Bear Lake signage
    Snow covered trail at Bear Lake
    Cub Lake signage
    Cub Lake view point
    Cub Lake views
    Twin Sisters signage
    Twin Sisters Peak
    Twin Sisters views
    Twin Sisters trail
    Chasm Lake signage
    Chasm Lake trail
    Snow covered Chasm Lake trail
    Lake Chasm, completely frozen
    Elk sighting
    Even at opening, the line at Cinnamon’s is out the door
    Classic roll, no frosting

    Great Sand Dunes National Park

    2 days, March 20th – 21st

    Truth be told, I would’ve felt satisfied with just one day in GSDNP park. Why? Because, IMO, while the park is breathtaking and otherworldly, if you’ve done one dune trail, you’ve done them all. But I am glad we had two days to fully explore the park.

    Because of Winter road closures, there were very inviting alpine hikes that we were not able to access, so my stance that I won’t revisit GSDNP could be swayed; however, I really don’t see myself making the drive back out to the park just for its alpine hikes. I’ve seen and done all the things I wanted to do there – I got my fill. Except for one major thing: There are no sled rentals inside the park, and I didn’t know this. Unfortunately, we were not able to sled the dunes. Ah! I know. I know. Books, Bites, Insights? Don’t be like us. Do your research. Rent a sled outside of the park or bring your own.

    This park did offer one experience that Amory and I had been wanting to do in Tata: Off-roading. Medano Pass is a dirt path that is only accessible to 4WD vehicles. It was fun to get a lil dirt and sand under Tata’s wheels, and by doing so, we were able to get to more secluded picnicking spots.

    • Day 1: namesake hike and checking-in
      • Drove into the park (5 hours from Rockies), hiked the High Dunes Loop (3 mile loop, short but not easy – hiking in the sand is no joke), checked-in to the Alamosa KOA
    • Day 2: easy hikes, off-roading, and picnicking
      • hiked the Zapata Falls Trail (1 mile out-and-back), hiked the Dunes Overlook Trail (2.8 mile out-and-back), off-roaded on Medano Pass, picnicked at the Sand Pit, explored Castle Creek
    High Dunes Trail
    High Dunes Trail
    View at the peak of the High Dunes Trail
    Amory at the top of High Dune after I ran down
    Alamosa KOA
    Showers at the KOA
    Breakfast at camp
    Zapata Falls signage
    Zapata Falls Trail
    Frozen creek that we walked on to reach Zapata Falls
    Zapata Falls frozen
    Mule deer
    View from Dunes Overlook Trail
    View from Dunes Overlook Trail
    Picnic and crossword at the Sandpit

    Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

    1 day, March 22nd

    Books, Bites, Insights? Wait to visit this park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison needs time. Because of recent fires that devastated the South Rim in 2025 and because of seasonal Winter closures, there wasn’t much for us to do when we visited. 95% of the park was completely inaccessible. We did our research prior to visiting, so we knew this would be the case. But even after research, Amory and I stared down into the canyon with tears in our eyes, disappointed. We know this park has so much to offer. The little tidbit of the park that we were able to explore ensured in our minds that we will revisit Black Canyon of the Gunnison – but as I mentioned above, in due time.

    • Day 1: easy hikes and overlooks
      • Drove into the park (3.5 hours), stopped at the Tomichi Point Overlook, hiked the Oak flat, Uplands, and Rim Rock Nature Trail (3 mile loop), took in views of the canyon at the Gunnison Point Overlook, walked through and explored the small South Rim Visitor Center, checked into our Hipcamp in Montrose
    Tomichi Point Overlook
    Gunnison Point Overlook
    Uplands Trail
    Vista on Oakflat Trail
    Hipcamp in Montrose – titled “Coworking Space and Mountain Views” on Hipcamp app

    Mesa Verde National Park

    2 days, March 23rd – March 24th

    Delightful for both history-buffs and nature enthusiasts: Mesa Verde NP was the perfect park to end to our Colorado Big Four roadtrip. By this point in this post you could’ve guessed: there were seasonal Winter closures. No ranger-led tours (meaning we couldn’t go into the famous cliff dwellings) and the Wetherill Mesa road was closed. But after spending two days learning all about the Ancestral Puebloans and soaking in the landscape of this famous World Heritage Site, I was very satisfied with our visit and wouldn’t revisit.

    • Day 1: sight-seeing, short hikes, and checking-in
      • Made a quick stop on our way to the park at the Four Corners Monument ($10 per person), drove into park (3.5 hours), stopped by the Visitor and Research Center for our passport stamps, hiked Point Lookout Trail (2 mile out-and-back), made it to the highest point in the park via the Park Point Fire Lookout Trail (0.5 mile out-and-back), checked into our Hipcamp in Cortez, watched the sun set over Totten Lake
    • Day 2: town things in the neighboring town of Manco, scenic drives with lots of pullouts, and moderate hikes
      • Stockpiled organic, local snacks from Zuma Natural Foods, had a hot breakfast at Moondog Cafe and Bakery, enjoyed coffee on the patio at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, drove down Mesa Top Loop Road (5 mile loop), drove down Cliff Palace Loop (6 mile) and hiked the Soda Canyon Overlook Trail (1.2 in-and-out), did a cliff and ridge hike along the Petroglyph Point Trail (2.5 loop), strolled the gentle paths at the Far View Sites
    Four Corners Monument
    Point Lookout Trail
    Point Lookout Trail
    Fire Lookout Trail with San Juan mountain views in the distance
    Totten Lake at sunset
    Zuma Natural Foods
    In-house made Chia Seed Bites from Zuma
    Breakfast at Moondog Cafe and Bakery

    Patio seating at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters
    Cliff Palace
    Pit Houses on Mesa Top Loop
    Views atop the Petroglyph Point Trail
    Atop the ridge on the Petroglyph Point Trail
    Petroglyph Point Trail
    Petroglyph on Petroglyph Point Trail

    Oh, and before you go, lets talk about Freida McFadden

    In the title of this post, I quoted the old saying, “Variety is the spice of life.” But I wasn’t just referring to the parks.

    Freida McFadden books, while all under the umbrella of psychological thrillers, are as diverse as the Colorado Big Four. I’ve read more than a handful of her novels – and of those I have read many aloud to Amory. He loves them too! When losing yourself in her twist-filled, jaw dropping plots, nothing is better than play pretending detectives and trying to predict the endings – although we are never right. While her bestseller The Housemaid is at the top of everyone’s must-read list, my favorite McFadden tale is The Boyfriend; however, no matter which McFadden book you pick up first, you will not be disappointed. Just be sure to note all those little details and connections. Trust me. They’ll add up.

    Xoxo. Kisses, hugs. Sorry this post was a day late. Forgive me. Thanks for always doing all the things you do – especially just existing. But also for using time out of your life to read my jabberings. Take care readers. Until next week.

  • Carlsbad, New Mexico

    March 13th – March 15th, 2026

    Two for One: A Weekend in Carlsbad, New Mexico

    Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park are only 30 minutes from one another and are complementary national parks making for the perf weekend getaway. Because neither of the parks are expansive nor difficult to traverse, you can get the most out of both in just 3 days.

    Day 1, Friday

    • Drive toward Guadalupe Mountains NP via US-180. Books, Bites, Insights? Make a pit stop before entering the park at the Pine Spring Safety Rest Area if needed.
    • Stop by the Guadalupe Mountains Visitor Center to snag locally made Taos Bakes and to stamp your national park passport.
    • Without having to move your car, walk to and hike the Devil’s Hall Trail (4 mile out-and-back through a scenic canyon). This trail required a good bit of rock scrambling over boulders and was difficult to follow at points. “Just follow the canyon,” they said – easier said than done lol. As always, use AllTrails. Books, Bites, Insights? I almost stopped after scrambling up the “Hiker’s Staircase,” ignorantly thinking that I was at the end of the trail; however, I wasn’t. Keep going until you get to the signage pictured below. If you stop early, you will miss out on the geological, namesake ‘hall’-like formation.
    • Take rest at Chose Campground, only 22 minutes North of Guadalupe Mountains NP. This large gravel lot is perfect for boon-docking, is completely free, and is easily found and routable to – no bathrooms, shade, or water but there are dumpsters.
    The Hiker’s Staircase on the Devil’s Hall Trail
    View of Guadalupe Mountains from the Devil’s Hall Trail
    Signage at the end of the Devil’s Hall Trail
    Tata set up at the Chosa Campground
    Signage for Chose Campground off of US 180

    Day 2, Saturday

    • Rise early for a sunrise and early start on the Guadalupe Peak Trail (8.5 mile out-and-back). Guadalupe Peak is the highest natural point in Texas – nearly 9,000 feet above sea level. This hike is very popular which is why I would recommend starting early, beating the crowds. The first three miles of the trail are very steep and challenging. But the views at the top are epic and vast.
    • Drive back to camp, cook dinner, kick your feet up, and relax. You’ll be tired – trust me.
    Sunrise over the Chihuahuan Desert from two miles into the Guadalupe Peak Trail
    Clift side path on the Guadalupe Peak Trail
    View from Guadalupe Peak
    Guadalupe Peak signage

    Day 3, Sunday

    • Drive to Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center and Museum, only 20 minutes from the Chosa Campground.
    • Go on the Self-Guided Tour of the Natural Entrance and Big Room Cavern (3 miles round trip, $15 per person). This massive cave and geological phenomenon is very accessible, with the option to take an elevator straight to the Big Room rather than hike in through the Natural Entrance. The cave formations are numerous, awe-inspiring, and mesmerizing; peaking my curiosity with every turn.

    Books, Bites, Insights? Make reservations in advance for the cave tour. The park does offer a handful of first come, first serve tickets, but, be warned, Amory and I drove into Carlsbad Caverns National Park an hour before the visitor center opened and the line was already very long.

    Natural Entrance to caverns
    Views along the Big Room Trail

    Xoxo, thanks for tagging along reader. Stay curious and, if possible, take a weekend for yourself. Do something new. Learn something new. And then tell me about it. I’d love to catch up – even if it isn’t travel or cave related.

  • Petrified Forest National Park

    March 11th, 2026

    A One-Hit Wonder: How to Make the Most of Petrified Forest National Park in One Day

    A realist. I pride myself in being one when appropriate.

    Saying that Petrified Forest National Park is a one day affair, IMO, isn’t a bad thing. The park is beautiful and unique, but, to be blunt, it is small and has an extremely simple layout. There are no long, windy drives or extreme hikes, making capturing all of Petrified Forest’s beauty in less than 12 hours very manageable. Truth be told, I am unsure how you could stretch the park out anymore than one day without becoming resentful or bored, unless you wanted to do backcountry backpacking.

    I started my visit by driving into the park’s North entrance via I-40. There is only one main road through the entire park, and driving that road from point-to-point (Painted Desert Visitor Center to Rainbow Forrest Museum) without stopping takes about 45 minutes.

    Here are all the stops I made along the way; checking off all my Petrified Forest must-do boxes in under 12 hours:

    • The first building you come to after entering the park’s North entrance is the main visitor center, the Painted Desert Visitor Center, but during my visit, it was under construction and closed. However, I did walk to the Painted Desert Diner next door and paid $10 for their charbroiled chicken sandwich on a gluten-free bun with lettuce and tomatoes. A quick, cheap, hot bite to start off my exploration.
    • Because the main visitor center is under construction, we were told that the temporary visitor center was set up 10 minutes down the road at the Painted Desert Inn. We quickly stopped by for our obligatory stickers and stamps.
    • Outside the Painted Desert Inn is the Painted Desert Rim Trail, a 1.3 mile out-and-back trail. This short, easy to follow trail is a must because of the striking and vast pink, red, and white views of the Painted Desert below. As you drive further into the park, the colors will shift from red and pink hues to washed-out blues and purples, so skipping this first stop means you’ll be missing out.
    Painted Desert Rim Trail
    Painted Desert Rim Trail
    • Into history? The Route 66 pullout was my next stop along the road. No more than a quick stop – a 1932 Studebaker now marks the path of the historic, iconic highway. Shortly after the Route 66 pullout is Newspaper Rock, an overlook of two large boulders with over 600 petroglyphs. Again, no more than a five minute stop.
    • Keep driving south to get to the Historic Blue Forest Trail, an old 2.7 mile out-and-back CCC trail that takes you directly to the Blue Mesa Trail, an additional 1 mile paved loop. This was my favorite trail in the park, but I wouldn’t of known about it without using the AllTrails app. There is a pullout to mark the trailhead, but this trail is not listed on the park’s official map. The blue, gray, and purple badlands created an experience that was unlike any I’ve had on my 63 in 365 journey. And as an added treat, this trail was the first portion of the park where I began to see the namesake petrified wood scattered about.
    Historic Blue Forest Trail
    Historic Blue Forest Trail
    • Next stop: Want to learn more about, touch, climb on top of, or take selfies with the captivating petrified wood? The Crystal Forest Trail, a 1 mile loop, is the place to do all the above.
    Massive petrified wood piece on the Crystal Forest Trail
    Scattered petrified wood along the Crystal Forest Trail
    • At the end of the park’s main road is the Rainbow Forest Museum and the Giant Logs Loop (0.5 miles). Here you can see the largest petrified log in Petrified Forest National Park, 35 feet long, 10 feet across at its base, weighing about 44 tons, and 200-million-year-old. Mind-blowing. The Rainbow Forest Museum is also worth-wild, especially for understanding the prehistoric timeline and geology of the area.
    Largest petrified log in the NP on the Giant Logs Loop
    • Once at the South entrance of the park, Amory and I turned around, road back to the North entrance of the park, got onto I-40, and headed West toward Holbrook for Campfire Adventure Camp, our Hipcamp for the night.

    All in all, we spent 7 hours at Petrified Forest National Park, and I don’t feel we missed out on anything. The park’s attractions and landscapes are vastly different than any other national park and well worth a day trip, especially if you’re passing through the area.

    Will I return to the park? Probably not. Genuinely, I feel that I saw all there is to see and got the most of all that the park had to offer. To reiterate and add to the point made in this post’s title: Petrified Forest is a one-hit wonder, but a wonder worth visiting nonetheless.

    Happy trails to you reader, and hopefully one of those trails leads you to or through Petrified Forest National Park. Oh! And believe it or not, Amory and I are officially more than half-way through our 63 in 365 journey! As always, I will keep you posted. Until next Monday. Xoxo.

  • Utah’s Mighty 5

    February 28th – March 10th, 2026

    Initially our plans for the 63 in 365 journey was to visit Utah’s Might 5 in April, so when we checked our calendars and realized we were nearly a month ahead of schedule, we were nervous. How cold is Utah in March? What are the trail conditions like? What parts of the parks would still be closed for the season?

    With a bit of research, I quickly found that visiting Utah in March can be favorable and is recommended if you want to avoid crowds. On top of that, the Western United States is currently experiencing historic, record-breaking snowpack lows – meaning trail conditions were ideal, weather was mild, and closures were minimal.

    Eagerly we began to tackle “The Beehive State” and finished in only 11 days, less than 2 weeks, and if you’d like to do the same, read on beloved.

    Zion National Park

    3 days, 3 nights at Watchman Campground

    • Day 1: Drive into Zion, quick stop at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center for stamps and stickers, check into the Watchman Campground, hike the Watchman Trail (3.3 mile out-and-back) for a sunset over the canyon
    • Day 2: Rise early, drive to the Kolob Canyons district, hike the Left Fork “Subway” Trail (9 mile round trip, Wilderness permits needed), explore the neighboring town Springdale
    • Day 3: Rent dry gear from Zion Outfitter, hike The Narrows (~8 mile out-and-back)

    Books, Bites, Insights? The Watchman Campground was my favorite campground we stayed at in Utah. Practical, conveniently located, and beautifully placed. While exploring Springdale, we picked up a few post-hike organic, healthy snacks at Sol Foods Supermarket and did laundry at Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort. For The Narrows, check weather and conditions beforehand – and as always, do your research on the do’s and don’ts. Mine? Do rent the gear and start early. Don’t bring anything but your phone and water – fuel up before and after.

    Bryce Canyon National Park

    2 days, 1 night at North Campground

    • Day 4: Wake up early for a sunrise over Zion Canyon via the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile round trip), drive 2 hours to Bryce Canyon National Park, make an obligatory stop at the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center for water refills, restrooms, stamps, and stickers, trek the Fairyland Loop Trail (8 mile loop), check into North Campground
    • Day 5: Watch the iconic hoodoos glow with a sunrise at Sunrise Point, start the Figure 8 Combination hike after sunrise (6.5 mile loop with the Queen’s Garden, Navajo Loop, and the Peekaboo Loop all-in-one), shower at the general store nearby, drive 2 hours to Capitol Reef National Park

    Books, Bites, Insights? Bryce Canyon is still at the top of my list of national parks that exceeded my expectations. The beauty. The uniqueness. The simplicity. The Fairyland Loop was my overall favorite hike of the Mighty 5 stint.

    Capitol Reef National Park

    2 days, 3 nights at Fruita Campground

    • Day 6: Check emails and stamp passports at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, hike the Chimney Rock Trail (3 mile loop), pull-off Highway 24 for a quick stop at the Petroglyphs Trail (0.3 mile boardwalk), check out the Hickman Bridge Trail (2 mile loop), check into Fruita Campground, watch the sunset at Sunset Point via the Sunset Point Trail (1 mile out-and-back)
    • Day 7: Hike the Frying Pan and Grand Wash Trail (7.1 mile loop) and walk across Cassidy Arch

    Books, Bites, Insights? If you were going to skip something, skip the Frying Pan portion of day seven’s hike, but do not, I repeat do not, skip the Grand Wash and Cassidy Arch. These were my two favorite sights in Capitol Reef.

    Arches National Park

    2 days, 2 nights at Sun Outdoors North Moab Campground

    • Day 8: Drive 2 hours to Arches National Park, pull into the visitor center to collect stamps and stickers, hike the Devil’s Garden Trail with all the arch offshoots (8.1 mile loop), swing by Moonflower Community Cooperative in Moab for organic, local groceries and snacks
    • Day 9: Sightsee all the popular arches including the Windows, Turret Arch, Double Arch, Balanced Rock, and Cove of Caves (all can be seen from the parking lot/road, but walking up to them shifts your perspective, and I would recommended), hike to Delicate Arch (3 mile out-and-back), swing by Desert Tropics Health Bar for a vegan smoothie bowl or hand-pressed juice

    Books, Bites, Insights? Moonflower’s deli’s options are great after hiking all day. I had their gluten-free pastrami sandwich with sweet pickles and their coconut milk rice pudding with figs post hike. To die for.

    Canyonlands National Park

    2 days, 2 nights at The Needles Outpost

    • Day 10: Treat yourself to a coffee at Moab Coffee Roasters in Downtown Moab, drive 40 minutes from Moab into the northern portion of Canyonlands – coined the Island in the Sky District, stop by the visitor center for your passport stamp, traverse the short and sweet Mesa Arch Trail (1 mile loop), pull off at the Shafer Canyon Overlook, hike the Grand View Point Trail for those vast, iconic canyon views (1.9 mile out-and-back), drive two hours to The Needles District pulling off on your way to check out the petroglyphs at Newspaper Rock, check into The Needles Outpost
    • Day 11: Start early and hike the Chesler Park Loop Trail (11 mile loop) and squeeze through the narrow slot canyons known as The Joints

    Books, Bites, Insights? Stock up on food and gas in Moab before heading to The Needles District (Southern portion of Canyonlands National Parks). There is no paved road to connect the Northern portion of the park to the Southern portion. Once you leave Moab, grocery stores and gas stations quickly become far and few.

    If you’re looking for a sign to roadtrip around Utah knocking out all of the Mighty 5, look no further – this is it babe. It is doable, even on a budget with limited time. And well worth it; maximizing that bang for your buck/time mentality. Anyway – What are you waiting for? Three, two, one. Break. See you next, Monday? Tuesday? I’m not sure; sometime next week reader. Xoxox, with love.

  • Death Valley National Park

    February 25th – February 27th, 2026

    Here is the tea: I do not like deserts.

    Constant nosebleeds, limited greenery, hot and dry air. Bleh. No thanks. Hard pass. But, even before beginning our 63 in 365 journey, Amory talked so highly of Death Valley National Park, and I now know why.

    Making the lonesome 6 hour drive on US-395 from Sacramento to Death Valley National Park is an investment. I childishly kept thinking, “Are we there yet?” But once in the valley surrounded by the Mojave Desert and engulfed in the silence that is desert life, a revelation on my biggest take away from the hottest and driest national park became inescapable: Death Valley is a natural masterpiece – visually, audibly, and tangibly. The park is uniquely stunning and appealing to all the senses. An unworldly experience that I can’t (but will try to) capture with words.

    Interested in photography? I can’t recommend this park enough. Perfect for amateurs and professionals alike. Seriously. Looking back at all my photos, I can’t help but to call Death Valley one of the most photogenic places I have ever been.

    Long story short: after an in-depth discussion with Amory about which national park I would suggest first to others if they had never visited any, Death Valley was seamlessly the answer, even outcompeting my personal favorites in more ways than one. I genuinely think everyone should experience this park, even the desert haters like me.

    Books

    Making transitions isn’t easy. Like most, I can be very resistant to change in my personal lifestyle and routines. I know what I like, and I like what I like. Prior to Covid and my time in the Peace Corps, I had the sentiment that physical books were superior. The smell. The look. The feel. The packed bookshelf that all could see and admire. If you had mentioned using a Kindle, I would have audibly gawked and immediately stuck my nose up. But after meditation and contemplation and just general realizations, I came to the conclusion that I want minimal physical possessions. I want to reduce the amount of things I have to keep up with or move or look at or grow attached to. Simply put, I don’t want that bookshelf full of books.

    Reluctantly and uncomfortably at first, I began selling all my physical books and forcing myself to “look but don’t touch” any physical books for purchase. Denying myself that leisurely stroll through my favorite bookstores. Boo. I devoted to only buying digital books via my Kindle, and through this endeavor, I discovered Libby.

    And after discovering Libby, I began abandoning buying books altogether, both physical and digital, because with Libby you can loan digital books and audiobooks for free with an active library card. The habit of spending hundreds of dollars on books a year – poof, gone.

    Occasionally on Libby you have to go onto a waiting list for popular or new releases. But what do they say? All great things come to those that wait.

    Steps:

    • Download the Libby app onto your phone.
    • Use the app to find your hometown library
    • Sign in with your library card
    • Search, filter, request, download
    • Navigate to your shelf and boom! Happy reading

    In Death Valley, I listened to Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak via Libby. No cell service? No problem. I downloaded the entire audiobook prior to driving into the park which allowed me to access it throughout my entire time in the valley.

    My take: As a preteen, I loved all things horror. Horror novels, movies, haunted houses. All the things. Now? As an adult? Nope, nope, nope. I oddly have no drive or desire to even dip my toe into that realm. I am not sure what caused this transition, but you’ll sooner find me swooning over a Fabio on a stallion Kroger bought pocket-paperback romance novel than me wide-eyed and clutching a Stephen King bestseller. To circle back, Hidden Pictures was one of the first horror novels I had picked up in quite a while. The novel certainly was chilling. But in terms of horror, I felt that it fell flat. Is it supposed to be horror? Is that what Rekulak was going for? I can’t say. But I would categorize it more as being a supernatural thriller than a horror novel. Needless to say, it was refreshing to read outside of my stereotypical genres, but I wouldn’t put this on my must-read list, even for those that do prefer the creepier, eerier side of life.

    Bites

    For this post’s bites section, I want to talk about Amory and I’s cooking set up and essentials.

    Incase no-one mentioned it, living in your car and managing a no-dairy, gluten-free, organic, fresh, slightly keto, FODMAP diet isn’t easy. Even worse, Amory and I eat ALOT. Hiker hunger? It is real.

    We miss having a fridge. We miss our plant-based milks and yogurts. We miss non-canned meats. We miss our ability to cook hot meals with ease. Don’t even get me started on the mental and physical dread of washing dishes while living in your car. Ugh. But we manage and, truthfully, three months into this journey, we do better than manage. Tricky at first, better now. Keep reading to get my Books, Bites, Insights on it all.

    Our essential equipment:

    Below is everything we use to cook while living in our car. Nothing more, nothing less.

    • Camp Chef 2 burner stove: Runs on propane, could manage with one burner to save space but having two is nice when we make a larger meal, affordable
    • Cast-iron skillet: An embodiment of use what you already got, heavy but versatile
    • Stainless steel saucepan and lid: Great for boiling things or using as a bowl when all else is dirty
    • Various forks, spoons, and knives: Nothing fancy, all mismatched
    • Stainless steel spatula: Small and works with everything
    • Chef knife: Don’t forget to bring a cover of some sort for your knife to protect it and yourself
    • Cutting board: Wooden and necessary, sometimes used as a table/shelf
    • Jet-boil: Runs on propane, great for making coffee and oatmeal
    • Aluminum foil: Used like a lid over the cast-iron skillet when needed
    • 2 plates, 2 bowls: Use what you have, be sure they are durable and stackable
    • Glass bowl with lid: Lid has been great for helping keep food hot or cold, we use this bowl a lot for mixing because it is larger than our other two bowls
    • 1 thermos cup: For coffee, or cereal, or anything really
    • 2 camp mugs with lids: Very durable and versatile
    • Flatpack Collapsible Sink: There is really no nice way to put it – dishes suck but a collapsible sink makes life easier and would be one of the things I would dare to say is a must when living out of your car

    A simple, quick, and easy go-to car meal that requires no refrigeration and minimal cleanup is salmon cakes and rice; Using gluten-free pancake mix, water, olive oil, tahini, and canned salmon. Mash it. Mix it. Pat it out. Put oil in the skillet. Fry it. Add precooked bagged rice to the skillet when cakes are ready. Finally, season to your liking. Want to add some fiber and healthy fats? Avocados stay fresh in the car and pair well with most meals.

    One pan salmon cakes and rice
    Sights

    Hiking

    Sunset at Artist’s Palette: Follow the one-way Artist’s Palette 9-mile scenic road for an easily accessible desert sunset over a glowing hillside of pinks, yellows, greens, and blues. Colors are maximized in the late afternoon making this spot perfect for a sunset. This mesmerizing phenomena is caused by the oxidation of volcanic deposits and was a highlight of the trip.

    Peep that golden peaks in the background

    Sunrise at Dante’s View

    •  Roughly 40-minutes from the Furnace Creek Visitor Center, Dante’s View allows you to sit back (no hiking necessary) and watch the sun slowly light up the notorious Badwater Basin and the breathtaking Telescope Peak. Books, Bites, Insights? Don’t forget your coat – the elevation change can decrease the temperature drastically.
    Badwater Basin from Dante’s View
    Telescope Peak from Dante’s View

    Mount Perry via Dante’s Ridge (8.9 mile in-and-out)

    • After watching the sunrise at Dante’s View, trek Dante’s Ridge to continue exploring Death Valley’s jaw-dropping landscape. The trailhead’s parking is the same parking lot used for Dante’s View making this trail convenient post-sunrise. The trail did require some rock scrambling at the end to reach the peak (which IMO is the most fun portion); however, the majority of the trail is easy-to-follow.
    Don’t forget to check out the lockbox at the peak and sign the summit book
    Rock scrambling
    Trail along ridge
    View of Badwater Basin from peak
    View at peak

    Sunrise at Zabriskie Point

    • Sunrise at Zabriskie Point, an iconic and easy-to-access Death Valley vista, is only 15 minutes from Furnace Creek Visitor Center. On a morning with clear skies, you may even see Manly Beacon glow.
    Sunrise at Zabriskie Point

    Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point (6.4 mile loop)

    • After watching the sunrise at Zabriskie Point, hike through striking golden-walls and narrow canyons via the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop. With occasional rock scrambling and all the stereotypical desert vibes, this loop trail maximizes the diverse desert scenery while keeping it simple for those that prefer or need a more laid back trek.
    Rock scrambling through the canyons
    Views of the Golden Canyon

    Badwater Basin

    • A must when in Death Valley National Park. Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America with a depth of 282 feet below sea level, requires little to no time, and once done you can say the cliche, “Been there, done that.”

    The Devil’s Golf Course

    • The Devil’s Golf Course is a massive, jagged salt field that you can walk on. And while this stop is unique to Death Valley and on the way to Badwater Basin, you can skip it if on a time crunch.
    Tata at The Devil’s Golf Course

    Camping

    Furnace Creek Campground

    • If you can snag a site at Furnace Creek Campground, do it. With flush toilets, large dish pits, and a picnic table at each site, the campground only costed $30 dollars for the night and was located right behind the visitor center. Lord forbid having to drive in daily to the park – unless scenic, long desert drives are your thing. Additionally, there is no cell service in the park, so being close to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center which offers free 24/7 wifi is key. The campground is also nearby Furnace Creek Oasis and Ranch which has many amenities including a general store and post office.
    Tata at the Furnace Creek Campground

    Mile Marker 129 Dispersed Camping

    • Campground full? Or just looking to stay in budget? Roughly 24 miles West of the Furnace Creek area just outside of the Death Valley National Park boundary, you’ll find ample dispersed camp sites on BLM land; Commonly called “The Pads”. I discovered this location by asking a park ranger about popular, boon-docking spots nearby. She told me to drive west out of the park on Highway 190 to mile marker 129. Once past mile marker 129, turn right onto the gravel road, keep driving until you see an unclaimed concrete slab, park, and set up camp. Seem to good to be true? I thought the same, but it really was that easy! Pinky-swear.
    Tata boon-docking at The Pads

    Superbloom

    • Disclaimer: Amory and I did not plan to visit Death Valley during the once-in-a-decade superbloom, but boy oh boy did we appreciate Mother Nature blessing us with this rarity. Seriously, we didn’t even know that a superbloom was occurring until we stumbled into the visitor center which was filled with tri-fold boards on the event. Books, Bites, Insights? The National Park Service defines a superbloom as, “conditions when so many flowers are present that they appear as swaths of color across the landscape, rather than isolated plants” with the last recorded superbloom in 2016.
    Caltha-leaf Phacelia
    Desert Sunflowers
    Desert Sunflowers
    Mojave Aster
    Desert Globemallow

    Xoxo reader, stay hydrated. Until next week.

  • Virgin Islands National Park

    February 21st – 24th, 2026

    Amory and I wrapped up our island month with a quick trip to the United States Virgin Islands for park #22 – Virgin Islands National Park. I haven’t said this much on our 63 in 365 journey, but I do wish we would of had more time here. I would have preferred much more toes in the sand, beach-bum sitting time, and I left the islands longing for just one more day.

    I will talk more about must-do’s of USVI in the sights portion of this post, but I want to highlight that this park is for the beach girlies and boys. It is for snorkeling. It is for sand, and sun, and R&R. So, if you’re anticipating breathtaking island treks of a lifetime, you’ll be disappointed. Virgin Islands National Park doesn’t offer those. But what it does bring to the table with its stunning beaches and abundant marine life is superior to all other national parks that we have visited so far- and I wish Amory and I would have known this and planned accordingly.

    Books

    For this post, I want to write about my favorite type of book: the memoir. I have always enjoyed reading the trials, the tribulations, and the inner dialogue of others, especially of those who can eloquently capture and express themselves. Additionally, I enjoy both the relatability (oh, been there done that) and the unrelatablity (wow, I can’t even begin to imagine what that was like) of the memoir genre. If you’ve never picked up a memoir, here are a few of my favorites. And if you have, please share your favorites. For me, memoirs are hidden gems that radiate lasting inspiration, and I would love to add more of them to my TBR list on Goodreads.

    • Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom by Christine Brown Woolley
      • If you know me, you know I love reality TV. My little sister and I were hard-core TLC fans growing up. I mean – what else can bored ten year olds out of school for the Summer do besides watch endless episodes Sister Wives or Cake Boss via DirectTV. So, while Christine’s memoir had its flaws (I could have done without all the repeated references to “earning” calories), I really enjoyed hearing about her experience being a sister wife directly from her, rather than interpreting how TLC portrayed her on the show. With each chapter, I began humanizing her rather than seeing her as the spectacle I had grown up with – which not only gave me insight into her life but also insight into my own.
    • Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
      • Every time I am asked what my favorite book is, Glass Castle immediately tumbles off my lips. Jeannette Walls’s unconventional upbringing is gripping, heart-breaking, inspiring, and worth sharing. Just writing about this book makes me want to pick it up and reread. The power of this memoir lies in the fact that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all struggle to overcome parts of our childhood. Many times throughout our life we are fed toxic positivity; “You didn’t have it that bad,” or “Others have it worse.” But a truth about life I have come to learn is: Everyone’s trauma is their own, and the worst thing that has every happened to someone is the worst thing to have happened to them – and memoirs like Walls’s help to normalize sharing our traumas, especially in an effort to process them. Bleh. I will get off my soapbox and let the 8th grade English teachers doing literature circles over The Outsiders take over (iykyk lol).
    • Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
      • Mother-daughter relationships. Grief. Food. Zauner, Japanese Breakfast’s lead singer, creates a light-hearted yet deeply inspirational memoir with Crying in H Mart. While the memoir’s focus is on Zauner’s Korean identity and the loss of her mother (neither of which I am or have had to deal with), her journey to forge her own identity amongst it all is something that we all can align with.
    • Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
      • Apartheid: something no-one teaches you about nor mentions, or at least not at my bible-belt hometown school in middle Tennessee. And all the more shocking: The apartheid-era only ended 34 years ago. First-hand accounts like Trevor Noah’s (someone who grew up in South Africa during the apartheid-era) are integral in documenting the racism and injustices that have, can, and still occur in our modern society. But him writing and publishing his memoir is only half the battle because we can only learn from these accounts when we actually pick them up and read them for ourselves. And pardon my French, but screw blame. I am no longer blaming my upbringing or schooling for my lack of knowledge even if I feel that they should feel some shame in it. Rather I am taking responisiblity in my own education of our world. How? By taking the time to read, process, reflect, and share stories like these. Why? Because reading for yourself, rather than relying solely on what you hear (or don’t), is essential for developing a true, independent understanding of all that surrounds you.
    Bites

    Looking for quick bites for a picnic lunch?

    • Shaibu’s Gourmet Grab & Go: This was my favorite bite of the trip. I originally went to Shaibu’s with the intention of only getting their Seamoss Spice smoothie (organic seamoss, cashews, chia seeds, almond milk, agave, and spices); however, I walked out with their in-house-made green plantain chips and ginger shots too because when in St. John – cheers readers.
    Shaibu’s is located inside The Marketplace which is behind Starfish Market. It was a little tricky to find at first, but if you stroll through The Marketplace you won’t miss it.
    Green plantain chips – best enjoyed with tahini and cinnamon IMO
    Seamoss Spice smoothie – with the cashews making it the perfect texture.
    3-2-1 go – Amory and I “pregaming” our ginger shots before our snorkeling tour.

    Need a cold, vegan, sweet treat to cool down after snorkeling?

    • Irie Pops: While Irie Pops does have a store front downtown (with loads more stuff I’ve heard), Amory and I bought our pops from the camp store at Cinnamon Bay’s. I think these local delicacies are found all around the island, but what I loved most about these sweet treats were the island-inspired flavor options and the fact that they are all vegan, gluten-free, local, and organic.
    I went with the classic Chocolate Sea Salt Irie Pop and will be hands-down going back to try other flavors when I return to USVI.

    Want a sit-down restaurant with good drink options, outdoor seating, and light but delicious Caribbean-inspired tapas?

    • The Longboard: At Longboard, the food was refreshing and the atmosphere was laid back. You’re on an island, so expect to pay more for less, but overall, I enjoyed being able to sit back, feel the breeze, laugh, and fill my belly after a long day of exploring St. John.
    The Borderaux: House made ginger shrub, coconut cream, coconut water, local ginger beer, coconut flakes, fresh grated nutmeg – and on Happy Hour (2 – 4 daily)
    Thai Lettuce Cups:
    Butter leaf lettuce cups, ground chicken larb, Thai citrus vinaigrette, fresh herbs, cucumber
    Fresh Catch Ceviche:
    Fresh catch, poblano pepper, ginger, citrus supremes, cilantro, red onion
    Sights

    Logistics

    • Flights: Amory and I flew out of Orlando International Airport to St. Thomas’s Cyril E. King airport. The flight was 3 hours long and costed $300 per person. Books, bites, insights? We were greeted with free rum shots upon landing, and while I don’t drink, I thought this was such a fun way to kickstart our time in USVI. However, when leaving the island, TSA took nearly three hours, and we barley made it to our gate in time for boarding.
    • Taxi: To get to St. John from the airport you’ll need to get a taxi from the airport to the Red Hook Ferry. There is no Ubering on the island, but don’t worry. We walked out of the airport and were immediately greeted by drivers asking where we needed to go. I have been to other countries where the taxi drivers and companies are a bit intimidating and demanding, but I did not feel pressured on St. Thomas. The drivers simply just asked if we needed a taxi, told us it would be $25 a person, and loaded our things into the back of their vans. The taxi held roughly eight other people who were also heading to the ferry and took about an hour (keep this in mind when planning for your flight back to the mainland).
    • Ferry: After taxiing to Red Hook, you’ll catch the ferry to St. John. The ferry runs every hour, on the hour from 9 am to 11 pm, costs $10 a person (an additional $5 for checked bags), and takes about 30 minutes.
    • Rental Car: Once on St. John, you can opt to get a rental car. We went with Dolphin Jeep Rental which was $309 total for 3 days. Even though the company is called Dolphin Jeep Rental, we actually rented a Chevy Equinox. And it was an easy process. Took about 10 minutes to walk to the company from the harbor. Keys were in the car ready to go. All we had to do was text the company that we had picked up the car. When dropping off, we experienced the same ease. Filled the tank with gas, parked the car, left the keys on the dash, and walked to the ferry.
    Caught a glimpse of a rainbow on our flight to the island
    Free Cruz Rum shots upon landing – the popular locally distilled rum of USVI
    The views on our 30 minute ferry to St. John

    Camping

    • For lodging, Amory and I booked all three nights at the Cinnamon Bay Campground which is the only campground in the national park. We paid $170 total, or roughly $55 a night for a tent site. The campground had plenty of amenities – hot showers, flush toilets, dish pits with running water, potable water, a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a general store, WiFi at the main office, and the best part: it was oceanside – perfect for early sunrises or lazy sunsets. Our tent site had a shade covered platform alongside a picnic table and a trunk for storage, but it was a walk-in site meaning we had to park and lug (only about a ten minute walk) all our things to the site. The campground is also centrally located: a few minutes from many popular beaches like Trunk Bay, 30 minutes from the furthest hiking trails in the park like the Salt Pond Trail, and only 20 minutes back into town. All in all, I enjoyed the site, felt it was perfect for our stay, and would book with Cinnamon Bay again.
    Our campsite at Cinnamon Bay. We loved the shade canopy because it allowed us to sleep without our rainfly on – ah fresh air. It did rain on and off while we were on the island, so again, the shade canopy was so clutch.
    Historic ruins at Cinnamon Bay
    Sunrise at Cinnamon Bay
    Sunset at Cinnamon Bay

    Hiking

    • Reef Bay Trail (4.2 mile out-and-back): Historic trail that leads down to Reef Bay Beach, historic sugar mill ruins, and Taino petroglyphs. To get on the trail we had to park on the road shoulder (no parking lot) which was tricky but not impossible.
    • Ram Head Trail (2.6 mile out-and-back): With a rocky cliff ending where you can sit and watch the Atlantic waves crash ashore, this short trail offered the best views of the island imo. Bonus: the hike will also take you past Salt Pond Beach which is notable for snorkeling and white sand.
    Views at the end of the Ram Head Trail
    Coastal views from the Ram Head Trail
    Reef Bay Trail conditions – easy hike down, moderate hike back up
    Don’t skip the petroglyphs on the Reef Bay Trail
    Can you spot the petroglyphs?
    Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins
    Unlike some, you can actually walk through the ruins on this trail
    And did I mention the inspiring color-pallet of the overgrown abandoned mill?
    And while exploring around the mill, Amory and I stumbled on a long forgotten cemetery

    Snorkeling

    I wish Amory and I would have had more time in USVI because of one thing: world famous snorkeling. A trip to USVI is well worth it just for the snorkeling alone. And while Amory and I didn’t get to do all the snorkeling our hearts desired, we still saw an array of rare and unique marine life.

    • Cruz Bay Watersports Pizza Pi Snorkeling Experience: Because USVI was our last tropical island destination on our 63 in 365 journey, Amory and I wanted to have a more exclusive snorkeling experience, so we booked two spots with Cruz Bay Watersports for their Pizza Pi Snorkeling Experience for $260. This epic experience is a full day affair. Departing from the Westin on St. John with about twenty others, we stopped at two off-shore cays where we were able to snorkel for about an hour at each. Amory and I saw two types of rays: a spotted eagle ray (which was nearly 6 foot long) and a southern stingray. Alongside the vibrant coral reefs, we saw barracuda, parrotfish, angelfish, a sand diver, trunk fish, and more. After snorkeling at our first location, we climbed back aboard for handcrafted pizza (they had a gluten-free option, and we opted for no cheese, but you have to let them know ahead of time when you book your reservation) and an open bar. Yes – an open bar. Amory and I don’t drink, but if you do, you will be be highly satisfied on board. The captain and crew were so attentive and professional. And after snorkeling all afternoon and stuffing our faces with pizza, we were able to sit back and enjoy the 45 minute boat ride back to shore.
    • Maho Bay – This off-shore snorkeling is less than five minutes from Cinnamon Bay, completely free, and is very popular. Because of the popularity, keep in mind that parking during peak hours can be tricky. Books, Bites, Insights? The best times of day to see unique marine life is earlier in the morning or later in the evening, so plan your snorkeling accordingly for best results and to avoid crowds. We went to this spot specifically because we really wanted to see sea turtles (something we had yet to see on this whole 63 in 365 journey). Our captain on our Cruz Bay snorkeling trip suggested this location because of the abundance of seagrass. We brought our own snorkel gear and swam toward the seagrass, but after 45 minutes of snorkeling, we were losing hope. However, once we went a bit further off shore (maybe 50 – 75 feet), we spotted one. And after we spotted one, we spotted so many more. We saw four total sea turtles! Two were quite large with remoras (suckerfish) attached to their shells, and two seemed to be adolescence playing with one another. All were the green sea turtle. We also spotted multiple starfish the size of our heads and a plethora of queen conches.
    View from the back of our boat on our snorkeling experience

    Blessings, and love, and hot breakfasts, and good energy, and all the things to you reader. Xoxo. Talk next week.

    PS If you use Reddit to research any and all the things like me, I am linking my reddit below. You can follow along and stay up to date on my 63 in 365 journey there as well.

    https://www.reddit.com/user/booksbitessights/

  • Ventura, California

    February 14th, 2026

    Channel Islands National Park was park number 21 on Amory and I’s 63 in 365 journey, and, romantically, our visit landed on Valentine’s Day.

    How did we get to the park?

    After landing in LA, Amory and I drove an hour and a half West to Ventura Harbor. Once there, we made our way to the Island Packers’ office to check in for our day trip to Channel Islands National Park. We reserved two tickets ($72 each) for the 8 am ferry day trip to Scorpion Ridge. We made these reservations nearly a month in advance to secure the 8 am departure and the 5 pm return – and while a month in advance reservation isn’t required, we wanted to be sure we would have as much time on the island as possible to explore, and we knew we would be going on a holiday.

    Island Packers is the only public ferry to and from the islands, but they do offer two different departure locations (Oxford Harbor and Ventura Harbor), as well as many different day trips, round trips, and tours. You can choose to visit any of the islands with them with varying ticket prices, but the Santa Cruz Island is the most convenient and popular. Some islands and trips require you to camp on the island and do not have day trip options.

    Our ferry ride was a little less than a hour and a half ride to the island, and once there, you can opt to stake out and explore the island on your own, snorkel off shore, or rent/do a guided kayak tour with Island Packers (although for the latter option reservations must be done in advance).

    On our ferry ride to the island, we saw a dolphin feeding frenzy and two breeching gray whales. The captain stopped the ferry to point out both sightings – such an added treat.

    What did we do at the park?

    As always, we used AllTrails to navigate the island.

    We opted to trek the Montanon Ridge Loop which gave us a taste of everything we hoped for: coastal views, fox and bird sightings, and so many wildflowers. The elevation gain on this trail gave us vast views of the island but was longer and more strenuous than other options. However as avid hikers, we were able to complete the 9 mile loop, stop for breaks along the way, and make it back to the harbor with plenty of time before our return ferry.

    Island Bush Monkeyflower
    Giant Coreopsis
    Deerweed
    Silver Bush Lupine
    Bluedicks
    Island False Bindweed
    Common Raven
    Santa Cruz Island Fox
    Potato Harbor Viewpoint

    After exploring the island all day, we were so relieved when our return ferry finally arrived to take us back to the mainland. On our ride home, I snagged The Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World off the ferry’s bookshelf and read about both the common dolphin and the gray whale because we had sighted both earlier that day. Books, Bites, Insights? Barnacle and whales have a commensalism relationship (barnacles benefit while whales remain unaffected), but some whales use the barnacles on their fins and tails as a defense mechanism toward predators – ie the barnacles are like brass knuckles for the whale lol.

    What did we do for the remainder of our Valentine’s Day?

    Without reservations and on the fly, we made our way to Lure Fish House in downtown Ventura. Fresh oysters, a glassful of red wine, and the local catch-of-the-day Baja Kanpachi fish dinner, all made for a wonderful way to wrap up our time on the West coast and, as the hopeless romantic I am – bless my heart, was a perfect lovey-dovey ending to Amory and I’s third Valentine’s Day.

    Citrus Poached Shrimp Aguachile
    Oysters on the Half Shell
    Baja Kanpachi with Maple Glazed Butternut Squash

    Xoxo – I hope all is well readers. How did you spend Valentine’s Day? Do you celebrate? Are you like me and into the mushy-gushy side of life? Or are you like Amory and indifferent? Let me know. I would love to hear from you.

  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

    February 9th – 11th, 2026

    Podcasts, Bites, and Sights: Because god forbid I am alone with my own thoughts.

    So many yummy bites on the Big Island: Sweet potato smash burger with sprouts and a liliko maca bar from Island Naturals, SPAM Katsu roll from SUSHI COCORO, and local Kombucha from Big Island Booch

    Amory and I put many miles on our Jeep rental while on the Big Island. As a girl, I dreaded long scenic drives. Breaking my eyes away from my Nintendo DS in the back of our 1991 suburban only when I would hear the ocassional “wow” from my parents. But now, I love them. And the Hawaiian Big Island offers many with Chain of Craters Road through Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park having been my favorite.

    I agree – while on a scenic drive, nothing beats rolling all four windows down, letting the wind whip your hair (in my case an overgrown mullet), and staring out at the vast awe-inspiring beauty that surrounds us. But with that same sentiment, I love listening to people blab endlessly about nothing or info-dump about niche things they know lots about. If you’re like me reader and enjoy the white-noise of another’s voice, read on for my favorite podcasts – and if you check one out while taking a drive, let me know what your thoughts were and where you went.

    1. Call Her Daddy with Alex Cooper
      • Honest, often raunchy conversations about sex, dating, relationships, and female empowerment; Alex always has iconic and notable guests, and she isn’t afraid to ask those risky, lucrative, tea-sipping questions.
      • My favorite episodes: Monica Lewinsky: An Intern vs. The President, Jane Fonda; The GOAT, Simone Biles: “I thought America hated me”
    2. The History Channel’s History This Week
      • Explores key historical moments, people, and decisions that reshaped the world; Sally Helms guides listeners through significant, and sometimes under-the-radar, historical moments throughout human history alongside expert guests. I easily fell in love with her comforting voice and clear, slow cadence. Bonus: episodes are short (30 minutes) making it perfect for a quick tune-in.
      • My favorite episodes: The Radium Girls Fight Back, Bill W.’s Last Drink and the Birth of Alcoholics Anonymous, The Mutiny of Henry Hudson
    3. Immersive Spanish with Kav
      • A story based, audio-focused podcast for beginning and intermediate Spanish language learners; I have been listening to this podcast since season 1, and Kav has only improved it with each consecutive season. This podcast is for those looking to learn practical Spanish vocabulary and grammar within a cultural context. Episodes are bite-size (20 – 30 minutes) and interactive. While episodes do follow a bit of a storyline, they can be listened to in isolation.
      • My favorite episode: Season 4, Episode 14 – Adios? (Goodbye?)
    4. Ologies with Alie Ward
      • Interviews of experts (“-ologists”) about their specialized fields; With kid-friendly episodes that I have used in my classroom to in-depth adult deep dive conversations, Ologies is for those like me who regularly find themselves 2 hours deep in those midnight Reddit rabbit holes. Alie gives objective, relevant, and current information all with a side of clever puns and giggle-inducing cliches.
      • My favorite episodes: Smologies #12: EATING BUGS with Julia Lesnik, Strigiformology (OWLS) with R. J. Gutierrez, Discard Anthropology (GARBAGE) with Robin Nagle
    5. Radiolab by WNYC:
      • An award-winning, highly professional podcast that explores complex topics of science, philosophy, and journalism. Lulu Miller and Litif Nasser have provoked, challenged, and changed my way of thinking more times than I can count. With this podcast, I am constantly running into the conundrum of so badly wanting to retell what I learned yet failing miserably – thank goodness for the modern day ability to share and airdrop episodes.
      • My favorite episodes: Inheritance, You v. You, Guts
    6. Your Mom’s House with Christine Pazsitzky and Tom Segura
      • Blunt, slapstick, unapologetic, explicit commentary comedy. Trigger warning. Trigger warning. And incase you missed it, trigger warning. This podcast is not for those easily triggered – and I love Christine and Tom all the more for it. The jokes can be jarring and at times I am left wondering if they are being genuine or doing a bit. While many may critique or cancel YMH, I think the hosts embody the saying, “I only said what everyone else was thinking.”
      • My favorite episodes: Ep. 737 Mugshot Matchmaking w/ Trevor Wallace, Mentalist Oz Pearlman Blows Our Minds, Ep. 780 The Most Anticipated Meal Ever w/ Fancy Chef

    Xoxo to my favorite people. Signing off for now.

    And if you’re the passenger princess on these scenic drives, you can scroll Amory’s TikTok below for shorts on our 63 in 365 adventures.

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