tink makes art

Have you ever thought, “If I was able to travel more and see more, my life would be different,  better.”? Or maybe you have experienced life-changing adventures across the globe, and now you think you can achieve those feelings of ecstasy again only if you go far from home. I have often had these thoughts, but this weekend, on my drive from North Carolina to Florida, I realized short trips and even simple commutes can be just as impacting on my life as extended exertions to far-off destinations. I believe our lives can be different and better, and we can experience those feelings of youth, connectedness, and fulfillment everyday even if we don’t have the opportunities to travel as much, as far, or as often as we’d like.

My 3-day road trip included stops in Chattanooga, Tennessee to see a friend; Birmingham, Alabama to climb at Moss Rock Preserve; Pensacola, Florida for a wedding and to visit my parents; and Brevard, North Carolina to see the Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest (after getting lost for a couple hours in the backwoods of the North Carolina mountains). I traveled alone, listening to audio books and music along the way. I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.

Moss Rock Preserve Bouldering Field

Pensacola Beach Sunrise

Pensacola Beach Pier

Somewhere in the NC mountains...

Looking Glass Falls

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“I felt as if I was on a journey of self-discovery.” Isn’t that the feeling that makes traveling so rewarding and unforgettable, leaving us on a quest to find the same awareness again? I discovered this weekend I feel most alive while traveling, because I am not concerned with my past or my future in those moments. I am interested only in what is happening around me now: sounds, food, people, nature, coincidences. Absorbing everything in my direct path. I believe this is the key to experiencing the feeling of fullness not only on extended vacations but also on our way to work or on a quick weekend trip. Live your life as a traveler…seeking adventure by living in the present every day, every where you go.

via absolutely beautiful things (Anyone know the artist?)

Spring and Summer always make me yearn for long road trips with my car windows down. With gas prices on the rise, it’s important we know how to be green and conserve gasoline while traveling for long distances or for an everyday commute. Here are some great tips to keep in mind when on the road:

• Get the junk out of the trunk. When you carry extra weight, your vehicle must work harder.

• Don’t go too low. Check tire pressure once a month and keep tires properly inflated.

• Slow down and save. Every five miles over 60 mph can cost you up to an additional 30 cents a gallon.

• Don’t be a jackrabbit. Abrupt starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 40%.

• Idling is not ideal. Turn off the engine if you’re waiting for more than a couple of minutes.

• Be smart when you cool. At speeds less than 40 mph, roll down windows; more than 40 mph, use AC.

• Use the cruise control for more than 10,000 miles a year and save yourself 60 gallons of fuel.

• Let your car breathe. Clogged air filters can cut mileage by 10%.

• Don’t drip and drive. Tightening your fuel cap can prevent leakage of up to 30 gallons of gas a year.

Photo via Pinterest (Original source anyone?)
Tips from the NC Driver Handbook

Loving this Scratch Map by UncommonGoods. It looks boring until you start scratching off the places you’ve been, and then it turns into a colorful map of the world! Pretty cool!

Motivational by Calamari Studio

I’m back from my Florida trip, and my race went better than expected. I ran the whole course and clocked in at an hour and forty minutes. I LOVE races! I never would’ve thought those words would fall from my lips, but the energy, motivation, and sense of accomplishment I gain after finishing a race is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. With thousands of people running with you and the massive crowds of folks cheering you on along the way, it’s hard not to enjoy running!  I’ve decided to do one race a month this year from 5K’s up to a half marathon. While in Florida, I also got to spend time with family and friends, visit my college campus (which has EXPLODED in the past 5 years!), and take a quick trip down to Cocoa Beach. I, surprisingly, learned a lot about myself and found closure in some areas of my life. I love how traveling can bring you to a new level of awareness and connectivity. Have you ever experienced this on any of your travels?

If you’re looking for an adventure, check out Venture Expeditions.

Venture Expeditions is this amazing organization that links athletes with humanitarian organizations by providing group trips that focus on a specific cause. Whether you bike, run, or hike, you can find amazing opportunities to “Benefit the world. Discover your soul.”

It’s a Wild World

Hi folks! I’m leaving this evening on a train headed towards Jacksonville, Florida, so I’m checking out early. I’m running in the Gate River Run on Saturday, which I haven’t trained for (worst decision ever), and visiting college friends, my brother, and his family. I’m definitely looking forward to my train rides…11 hours each way. Perfect time to work, read, write, listen to music and audio books, and sleep of course. I’ll keep you updated on my view via Twitter, and will be back here on Wednesday.

Have a lovely weekend (and start of a new week)! And, don’t forget to set your clocks forward this Saturday evening!

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Harry Bloom

I love this idea: feet photographs to document your travels! The collection above documents a British couple’s travels over a six year period, including the addition of their daughter’s feet. What else could you photograph in series to play on this idea? Hands, eyes, silhouettes, a stuffed animal, your hand writing in a journal, a coffee cup?

photo via Pinterest