I followed the Gulf Coast into Texas where I then entered Big Bend National Park. The drive, the stars and the conversations with myself ;) were outstanding. I proceeded to Moab, Utah where I camped out for a night in my 19º snowy tent. The next day was my highlight because I hiked a trail I've heard so much about, Angels Landing in Zion National Park. The trail was such a blast. Anybody want to with me?! That night I stayed in Vegas, extremely soar and tired from the hike. The next day I moved toward Malibu, California to stay with my friends Brandon, Nicole, David and Elias. I stayed two nights there and had a blast hanging with those guys. Then, began my trek home. I went to the Grand Canyon as my last spectacular natural wonder and then headed for Kansas City to stay with my siblings for the weekend. I then rode behind them for my last leg of the journey, making it home just in time for Thanksgiving.
I'm obviously breezing over this trip on my writing. I mean, I DO have to work here. But seriously, the trip was one of the most freeing escapes I've had. I love not knowing where I'm gonna stay from night to night and not caring. It's a part of "living" only found in pure adventure.
Just north of Panama City, FL
Pensacola, FL with not a single person there (also 75º and sunny)
I ate at an awesome restaurant called Crabs. I highly recommend it.
A Pensacola Pier
A Pensacola Pier
A Pensacola Pier
This shot was taken about 2 miles from the Mexican border in Texas about 90 miles east of Big Bend National Park. I could see the Milky Way with my naked eye.
I pulled off the road to sleep for the night. This was my night light.
I hiked 23 miles the following day in Big Bend National Park. This photo's a little haunting because it was taken moments after I had an encounter with a mountain lion. I came up to a point in the trail where there were animal droppings everywhere. Immediately I looked up to see if an animal had just laid it. And sure enough, there was this mountain lion starring me in the face approx. 10-15 feet from me. He was in brush similar to that of the above picture. We looked at each other for about 2-3 seconds and then I casually turned around keeping my eyes on his face. He remained looking at me for a few more seconds and then continued with his business. So, this photo was taken about 100 yards back on the trail while I was giving the mountain lion some time before I returned on the trail.
This beautiful trail can be found climbing to Emory Peak.
Sometimes I felt like I was in some tropical climate like Hawaii.
On top of the world
It's fall in November
My friend said this shot looks like the ones you'd see on CNN as "the last taken of him"
This was the outer point of the trail on a cliff overlooking the Mexican border
Lunchtime
Rainstorm in New Mexico
One of my all-time favorite places. This is my trail that I made with Zak Hood at the Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah
Enjoying the edge
It was snowing during this shot. Not my favorite, but still enjoyable
Such a pretty scene. I love the Rocky's in the background getting a snow storm
Before the snow came
Balancing Rock during the snow
Climbing up to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Utah
I hate those switchbacks
At the beginning of Angels Landing
Can't say they never warned me
This was too much fun! You just can't get this same feeling in Chicago
I'd love to someday base jump off this cliffside
A slippery slope
Absolutely marvelous!
Notice the snow on the trail. There was ice on there as well
My view from the top, watching the sun go down and wishing I would've packed a flashlight
The feeling can't be beat
My good friends David and Brandon went to beach for some skim boarding. I thought I'd take some pics
The Getty Museum in LA
I can't take enough photos there. It's incredibly beautiful
I loved spending my final day in California with Elias. He's the funniest, most thoughtful man I know
My last major stop on the trip was the Grand Canyon. Can't beat a cigar with that kind of view
This was my third time I drove to The Grand Canyon just this year. It's funny how it doesn't seem so spectacular the third time
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