Ramblings | The Year in Review

I think it's no coincidence that 2021 was not only one of the happiest years of my life, but was also a year that was filled to the brim with travel. We took lots of road trips, both big and small. We spent time in 8 states, with two more to add to the list before the year closes out. We saw National and State Parks, slept under the stars, went on our very first backpacking trip, swam in the summer heat and huddled around a campfire in the cooler weather.

This year, Ramblin' 'round Texas was created as an outlet for my energy, creativity, and passion. It provided just that. It pushed me to get outside more. It pushed me to learn about website creation, social media, and design. It has been tremendously fulfilling and I feel so grateful that I get to dedicate my life to the outdoors, both in my day job and my side hustle. Nature gives me a sense of meaning while simultaneously reminding me how small and meaningless we really are. I feel like I belong in nature, with Lily by my side. 2021 is just the beginning. I've got so many hurdles I still want to conquer and I'm so glad you're here for the ride with us.

I like lists, so here is our year recapped in list format:

STATES | Texas, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, New Mexico, Arizona

NATIONAL PARKS | Hot Springs National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, White Sands National Park, Chiricahua National Monument, Petrified Forest National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Saguaro National Park

TEXAS STATE PARKS | Huntsville State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Abilene State Park, Lake Colorado City State Park, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Colorado Bend State Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, Mother Neff State Park, Blanco State Park, Old Tunnel State Park, Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur, Caddo Lake State Park, Lake Whitney State Park, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek, Meridian State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Copper Breaks State Park, Enchanted Rock State Park, Monahans Sandhills State Park, Franklin Mountains State Park

MISCELLANEOUS SITES | Bracken Cave Preserve, Lake Georgetown