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.

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  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

    February 9th – 11th, 2026 Podcasts, Bites, and Sights: Because god forbid I am alone with my own thoughts. 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…

  • Haleakalā National Park

    February 6th – 8th, 2026 Silver linings. My time exploring the alleged tropical paradise of Maui and Haleakalā National Park included: 10 inches of raining in one day, record breaking winds, and never ceasing storms. Throughout the entire trip, Amory and I had to constantly look inward, count our blessings, and seek silver linings. Everyday…

  • American Samoa

    February 2nd – February 5th, 2026 Even after hours of research, I was unsure of what to expect when traveling to American Samoa. Using limited and outdated information online, I decided that this trip would be one where I had to be tentative and go with the flow – which is the exact advice I…

  • Joshua Tree, California

    January 29th – January 31st, 2026 I have always heard that a rolling stone gathers no moss, and, while Amory and I love to do all the things in all the places while traveling, when we made it to the desert town of Joshua Tree, California, we were both in need of moss gathering. Quick…

  • Saguaro National Park

    January 27th – January 28th, 2026 “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi The short term goal of my 63 in 365 journey is to visit all 63 national parks in 365 days or less, but my long term goal: continue to rediscover…

  • Big Bend National Park

    January 21st – January 23rd, 2026 After leaving out of Houston and heading down I-10 West for nearly nine hours, Amory and I finally arrived at the northern entrance of Big Bend National Park – the Persimmon Gap Visitor Center. We spent three nights camping in Big Bend – two nights at the Chisos Basin…