Every once in a while, a breathtaking expedition, an eye-opening climb, or a challenging hike will take our minds to a place our thoughts don't normally dwell. It is a place where philosophy and meditation formulates and basic worries are abandoned outside the threshold. Sometimes, when you're back in the context of everyday life, it's difficult to take yourself back to that mindful state.
What were you thinking about? Could it help you now? We'll bet it can, and we'll bet we know the thoughts nature evokes for you; because it does the same for us!
1) How small we are!
Have you ever sat atop Half Dome or pondered the Grand Canyon? There's a thought that will make you feel small. The Sierra Nevada is full of sanctuaries that are actually larger than life. Sometimes you'll look over the Yosemite Valley and think, "how the heck did I get here?" You'll feel lost and home all at the same time, it's wonderful.
2) How simple everything is.
We often forget the joys of playing in a spring of water, observing a bear, or closing our eyes and listening to the birds. This is a pure happiness you don't get often in the big city, so when you experience it, it really takes you back to your easygoing childhood roots.
3) The unknown.
When we think about it, we're surrounded by the unknown! Oftentimes, that's scary to us. Actually, it can be really freeing. When we're outside, in a meadow or on the beach, we're out in the open surrounded by earth that has seen a lot more stories than we have, and although we don't know them, we love them and it teaches us to always embrace opportunity and create new stories.
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Trying to find out what's facing us this ski season? No worries! SNL explains it all. And in a way that's perfect to the Throwback Thursday Theme. Happy almost Friday everybody!
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Every good wanderer has a bag full of must-haves. Whether you're a lone backpacker or on a full-blown family vacation, you always pack your bag with your favorites (necessities not included), so here are our favorites:
1) A compact digital camera
If you have a professional camera, that's awesome! But, we find if you often invest in a small digital, then not only is it a space saver, but it can also store more photos and often take better quality photos than your phone.
2) Mini first-aid kit
From bug bites to branch scratches, you never know when a squeeze of Neosporin and a small stash of band-aids can help. This especially applies to long hikes, when discomfort can become a deal-break for making the full trek!
3) A journal
Obviously, we love to reflect. Otherwise we wouldn't be writing on this blog! Introspective thoughts often find you when you're among the peace and silence nature provides, so why not store some of your thoughts in there. You can jot some short-form quotes or anecdotes that come to mind, or you can write a long entry. Either way, it'll always be great to go back and maybe turn your journaling into a travel blog of your own!
4) Snacks
Trail mix and granola can go a long way when you need a quick energy boost! Pack 'em and then snack 'em. Even if you don't touch them, they don't carry a lot of extra weight, and you'll be grateful when you suddenly need it!
5) Flashlight
Light is a life-saver when your hike lasts longer than you expected. If nightfall comes, a flashlight can provide immense comfort that will allow you to find your way home.
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IT'S SNOWING, IT'S SNOWING!
That's right, the cameras atop the mountain at McCoy station caught the beginnings of what could be an awesome snowfall in September! Forecasters predict it will snow by Wednesday throughout the rest of town. Above is a not-so-clear, snow-inspiring photo off the live cam.
We're pretty thrilled because we've been tracking El Nino's path through the Pacific all summer long, and since forecasters announced last week that its chances of hitting us this winter through spring have risen to 95%, we're stoked to see what the ski season will be like! Stay tuned for more updates!
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Traveling can be tricky business, and oftentimes we get so caught up organizing that we forget about prioritizing! So here are some of the top 5 things to remember before you embark on your journey:
1) Did you purchase travel insurance?
Cancellation can be a painful process if you're not covered. Guidelines can be strict and refunds can be uncertain. It's not often that unforeseen circumstances cut your weekend short, but even the smallest issue can put a damper on your vacation, and you want to make sure you get your money back. Nomadness actually makes it easier by offering Cancel for Any Reason protection (read more about it below.)
2) Warm clothes!
A lot of us might be hanging out in SoCal where the daily highs hit past the 100's. However, in Mammoth, the temps are at a steady 75 and dropping (nighttime in the mountains is especially cool) so always make sure you have warm clothes and don't doubt the cooler temperatures!
3) Extra, extra, read all about it!
No, but seriously. Always bring extra. Although we stock all of our beautiful units with the amenities you need like fresh towels, soap, and cookware (because we're cool like that), you never know when you'll just need more. Especially if you've planned a long stay or have a large group.
4) Itineraries make the world go 'round
Seriously, save yourself the stress and make a schedule. we've already done part of the work for you by creating detailed check-in instructions for each listing and putting together an inventory list, but you need to make sure you read your instructions, map your route correctly, and plan accordingly. It's amazing how great it feels when all goes according to schedule.
5) Have FUN!
You're on vacation! So enjoy yourself. Take pictures, make s'mores, sing cheesy songs, and make traveling a priority. It can be so easy to forget the importance of a good getaway. But once you're there, it's so rewarding.
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