My nephew Conrad climbing the rock formation at our campsite.
I've been in a bit of a confusing state as of late. Last year I made a goal to travel/camp once a month for the whole year. It proved to be a much more difficult and draining task than originally planned. Juggling my work schedule with my partner's work schedule, along with family events, work events, and paid time off, it soon became an art planning these trips. With that said, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Welcome to 2015 so far I went 5 weeks without exploring the outdoors and I really didn't know how to feel. I was a bit lost, didn't quite know how to spend my weekends. More than anything however, I missed it. Being outdoors and exploring Mother Nature has grown to be a part of me, there's a certain type of happiness that comes out when I'm in my element.
I recently went to the Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. It's the oldest state park in Nevada and one that should not be missed. It's a short 45 minute drive north east of Las Vegas and once explored you'll be left with the thought, "Why haven't I visited this place before?" The terrain and atmosphere takes you by surprise, driving through the valley you would never expect to see such unique rock formations possessing incredibly creative and beautiful characteristics which each curve of the road.
It was a fantastic trip for me because I was able to combine the most important things in my life, my family and the outdoors. I had a permanent smile fixated on my face teaching my nieces and nephews about the stars, the midnight sky, hiking tips, climbing and scrambling mountains and facing their fear of heights. I shared my passion for the outdoors with them, took them outside of their technology bubble and showed them a world of simplicity. Absolutely nothing could've made me happier.