Experiences

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New Mexico Earthships Sustainable Living

I used to think I was an environmentally friendly person. Then I visited the Earthships of New Mexico and realize I’m a total slacker. I’ve long practiced “reduce, reuse, recycle” habits. I try not to use plastic if I can avoid it and conserve water, paper, and electricity in a dozen ways. This is nothing compared to what Earthship dwellers are doing. These people and their houses are a showcase of next-level sustainable living enthusiasm. But they’re also probably a...

Kayaks on the Rio River gorge

Kayaking the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico

Whitewater kayaking in the Rio River Gorge in New Mexico is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors to the state. However, due to low water levels, the amount of “whitewater” is less each year. Still, it was among the most challenging and scenic kayaking I’ve ever done. I took a rambling early afternoon drive through the mountains along the Rio Grande Gorge. The 50-mile gorge runs from northwest to southeast of Taos, New Mexico. It is about 800 feet...

Get Your Hat We’re Hittin’ Up the Texas Rodeo

Texas rodeo is authentic western heritage at its finest, and this first-timer was glad to experience an event I’d heard so much about. Here’s what it was like. I drove to a little tucked-away spot just north of San Antonio in a corner called Bulverde. There, the Tejas Rodeo Company keeps Western heritage rodeo alive and kickin’. The sun was setting as I pulled into the rodeo grounds and parked on the grass in a field like we used to...

Carlsbad Caverns

Let’s Go Spelunking in the Deep End of Carlsbad Caverns

The Carlsbad Caverns, in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico, has got to be the most underrated National Park we have. I don’t understand why more people aren’t talking about and fighting to get in and see these natural wonders. The caves are open for tourism but check online to ensure you don’t need a reservation as the rules have been changing. But, once you’re in, you’re in. They let you explore miles of cave almost entirely...

Frolicking in the Texas Flower Fields at Wildseed Farms

Have you seen pictures of the Instagram queens frolicking in vast fields of flowers? Many were probably at these Texas Flower Fields. At least they were when I went, and I’ll tell you, it’s a good idea. The most well-known Texas Flower Fields are at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas. They’ve been growing fields of flowers for over 35 years. They have over 200 acres of flower fields that they happily open to visitors and Instagram enthusiasts. So, of course,...

Rene on Padre Island

Enjoying Free Oceanside Camping on Padre Island

Camping on Padre Island in Texas is one of few public places where you can park right on the beach for free. This is because a large strip of beachfront is part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is free to public access. Sleeping on the beach in the Gulf of Mexico was a surreal experience, and surprisingly, it gave me more privacy and remoteness than I’ve ever gotten at a campground or RV park. Heading to Padre...

What it’s Like Spelunking in Total Darkness in Texas Caves

Spelunking in Texas caves should be on everyone’s list if you live in or travel through the state. Have you ever been spelunking? No? What about caving? As it turns out, they’re the same thing. In North America, we call cave exploring spelunking. I was confused at first, but both mean to explore caves. In the UK, they call it potholing. I’m from Michigan – to us, potholing means getting your car tire stuck in a massive hole from a...

Sedona, Arizona at night

Belief in Aliens Isn’t Easy to Admit, Even After Seeing One

Do you believe in aliens? I used to answer that question, unequivocally, “No. One hundred percent, no.” I’d add an eye roll for good measure. But that was before I think I saw one. Now, I’m questioning all of my beliefs and assumptions. But, frankly, it’s embarrassing; I don’t want to believe in aliens. I’m a “smart,” educated, rational person. I’m a journalism major and former reporter. I believe in facts, data, proof, and things we can all see, touch, and feel....

Shoshone, Idaho Mammoth Cave

Like Oddities? Visit the Idaho Mammoth Cave

There I was, driving down a long, lonely stretch of Idaho highway somewhere between Twin Falls and Ketchum, listening to an audiobook and eating red licorice when I saw a sign that read “CAVE.” There weren’t any cars behind me, so I slammed on the breaks and pulled off the road. I had a little bit of time to kill, so I made a split-second decision to check it out. Let me back up. It wasn’t so much as a...