Tag: nature
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Everglades National Park-Shark Valley
The walkers observe us hungrily, as the Shark Valley Tram, in Everglades National Park, makes its way back to the visitors’ center. I imagine at the start of the day, ambition and motivation, convinced them the loop is an easy saunter. Reaching the tower, the view incites oohhs and aahhs, until reality sets in. After…
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Big Cypress National Preserve-Florida
“Stay right there, I have to get the book,” directs Park Ranger Maggie, at Big Cypress National Preserve. The book is where Park Rangers record the “quote of the day.” I don’t inquire if all National Park sites have a quote of the day book, or just Big Cypress. I am too excited. Entering the…
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Williamsburg Botanical Garden
If you build a garden, we will come, no matter the size. Though Williamsburg Botanical Garden is small, it is mighty (or at least it’s growing to be). Located in Freedom Park, the garden is a free, colorful, oasis. A respite from the hustle and bustle of tourist laden spaces. During our visit to Williamsburg,…
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Yorktown Battlefield-Virginia
It’s Yorktown Battlefield day. I play the song Yorktown, from the Hamilton soundtrack, as I get ready fortoday’s adventure. The creative arts fascinate me. How writing, music, acting, and visuals, can makeinformation, that dully washed over you in history class, come alive. I know the musical backwards andforwards, so today, instead of just names and…
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Nature to Explore at the New Jersey Shore
If you have images of the New Jersey Shore, they most likely include stretches of sandy beaches with boisterous waves. Mini-golf, carousels, and coasters come to mind, and visions of pizza slices dance in your head. You may not imagine, tucked away benches for birding, meadows filled with flowers, ord serene swans, but there is…
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Badlands National Park and Prairie Homestead-South Dakota
Rays of light beam down on the sign, as we make our way to Badlands National Park. The sign reads, Prairie Homestead. “Can we go, can we go, can we go,” I beg. Prairie Homestead As a kid I was obsessed with all things prairie. Thanks to a Dad with construction skills, I had a prairie style…
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Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake-Custer State Park
After a morning of fantastic wildlife viewing on the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, we start our drive along the Needles Highway. Have you ever visited nature that made you say out loud, “Well done ” ? Needles Highway is one of those spots. Needles Highway We are in awe as the unique, granite spires,…
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Custer State Park-Wildlife Loop-South Dakota
I keep my eye out all morning, as the car meanders through Custer State Park. As we round a hill on the Wildlife Loop, my heart happily flutters. I see them! Our day starts out with breakfast at The Bavarian Inn, in Custer, South Dakota. The Bavarian Inn is the Monday Motivation of hotels. It’s…
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Mount Rushmore-We Didn’t Hate It
As we twist around the roads on the way to Mount Rushmore, I’m flooded with a memory. My family is on a New England road trip. I am a middle school history buff, and am most looking forward to gazing upon Plymouth Rock. I imagine Plymouth Rock to be a massive, inspiring, boulder, that shines…