White Sands National Monument is hands-down one of the coolest places in America.Want to go somewhere that feels utterly otherworldly? Looking for a wild sensory experience? Ready to have your mind blown? Wander out into these stark-white gypsum sand dunes in southern New Mexico, and I guarantee it will be nothing short of transformative.

We always think that a “survival scenario” won’t happen to us - but it can happen to anyone, at any time. It’s good to take some minor precautions to be ready, just in case. So to help you out, here is a list of items that I recommend to keep in your car during these winter months, with links to each. I’ve tried to keep the price low but quality high – and when your life is on the line, an extra $100 is probably worth it.

When a cloud evaporates, where does it go? A great huddled mass, swirling, spinning, drifting, and whirling; a marvelous spectacle in this grand world, here for only a finite time, hovering in the great blue ecstasy until its time is passed - its edges withering, shrinking, disappearing in a fire of passion, dancing and exalting as they catch their final light, disappearing from sight.  Not gone, just transitioned - onto another phase, into the great mystic.

In a brief changeup (pun intended) from my typical posts, here's an opening day rant about why I no longer cheer for the “Atlanta” Braves.

In a recent job application, I was asked to discuss the merit of one idea supported by the political party I generally oppose. I decided to focus on the proposed increase in entrance fees at National Parks - a proposition I immediately opposed on first impression, though, after research and reflection, began to accept and possibly even advocate.

When I can’t get out on long epics, Microadventures sustain me. Whether out for a year or just a morning, the boundaries of adventure lie beyond the time spent outdoors, and the effects last far beyond those. So, here’s a microsalute to microadventures.

We crushed miles and the miles crushed us; we slammed beers and, in return, got slammed by said beers. We somehow managed to be the only team actually partying through the night, and we faced harsh judgement by those not celebrating with us. We endured altitude sickness, exhaustion, and general drunkenness. We fought and battled together and ultimately had an unforgettable weekend which left us hobbling.

Glistening anxieties off the edge of the brow,
Drip away carelessly at the nudge of the wind,
Which sends crows careening skywards catching a draft;
Never an anxiety has littered their brains,
This Sunday stroll as natural and unguided and free,
As their flight on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon.