The world before June...

Having Fun in Nature While Still On the Job

April and May brought about some amazing trips into California's bountiful natural playgrounds with a number of fabulous people. Here's a little snapshot of those adventures.

First, planning my exodus at Spindrift with my muse, Marce, as my fellow productivity warrior.

Next, a spontaneous adventure to Kammerer Ranch for camping under the stars and a world class descent (complete with rappeling) into the crystal clear waters of the arroyo. So refreshing on such a hot weekend!

Next, a volunteer work trip to Santa Cruz Island. It was my first trip to the Island, a little ridiculous considering I've been working for the California Program for five years. (And yes, I did work!!)

Nature Conservancy signs I have known...

Little natives

Hiking at sunset

Sifting through compost to get soil. Fun.

Star light, star bright...

And then a field trip to Heart K Ranch in the Northern Sierra, which turned into a rather comprehensive tour the Northern Sierra Partnership's accomplishments to date. Way to go NSP!

First, a stop to visit to a fellow conservation comrade...

One of many beautiful landscapes along the way.

It takes a village.

NSP Founders in their native habitat

And with that, we leave the protection of the N. Sierra in Kristen's capable hands.

(No pressure.)

There's no doubt about it: California is spectacular in the nature department. Now get out there and enjoy it!!

Shock & Awe

My announcement has generated a bit more shock than I expected -- both my own and that of others. When I saw my name in the subject heading of the email announcing my departure at work, it was like someone was telling me I was leaving for the first time. My thought process went a little something like this:
"What?! I'm leaving??"
and then,
"Oh right. I made this decision..."

It's been a whirl wind since that email went out and as I continue to have the "departure conversation" and explain my plans, the initial surprise subsides a little, followed by the inevitable question: "Where are you going?"

That question is both easy and complex. The easy answer is, I don't know. In fact, at this point, I actually don't want to know -- which gets me to the more complicated side of the answer. So much about my decision to go on this adventure stemmed from my desire to change things up. To simplify. To eliminate some of the external and internal noise so I could hear myself think a little better. Where exactly this happens is just part of the process.

Besides, there are so many cool places in this world, how are you supposed to pick when you could go to any of them? It's kinda like when people ask me which Nature Conservancy preserve I like best. Really? After 10 years of nature tromping you want me to pick an ecosystem? Here. I'll let you try. Where would YOU rather be?

How about in the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, the largest intact temperate rainforest left on the planet?

Or the standing on the edge of the Ceraddo in Brazil, knowing that all waterways point to the Amazon rainforest?

Or contemplating the mysterious crystal clear springs that pop out of the middle of the desert in Cuatro Cienegas, Mexico?

The point is, the world is a pretty amazing place and I feel so lucky to be a part of it, wherever that may be. And I'm looking forward to keeping you posted. Wherever that is.

My current state of existence

(photo courtesy of Jerrold Connors)

Here goes...

Just when you think there couldn't be another sign from the universe to confirm your decision, bam. You're hit again. This time, in Descend Salon on Union Street, waiting for the hairdresser who changed your life to do a little trim. Like good doctors or good food, sometimes you just have to wait a couple minutes longer. As I sat there trying to wrap up some notes from work, I was increasingly distracted by the magazine in my direct line of vision. Did I really need a lecture from Modern Bride on how to be original? Or how to tell my friends they're NOT invited? I startled the guy next to me with my audible chortle and grabbed at whatever publication was hidden underneath to reshuffle the stack.

And wouldn't you know... On a coffee table littered with 98% fashion and bridal advice, my blind shuffle deals me an Outside magazine with slightly more appropriate headlines. That's right people. The universe has spoken.