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Hey, Mike here. This is my list. I’ll get with Courtney and get her 5 for a post soon.
Biking Iceland
I’m not like a cycling nut or anything like that. I’ve never ridden a century. I’ve only ridden single track a hand full of times but something about biking Iceland just feels right. I can be a little bit of a glutton for punishment but I also prefer my glasses half full. Admittedly, that’s not always the best mentality in outdoor adventure. Biking Iceland has been on my mind for a few years now. It’s just a stunning country, the Instagram and photographer pilgrimage has been strong to Iceland for a few years now. I don’t just dream of standing in front of waterfalls in Iceland though, there’s a part of me that wants to subject myself to the nature that has made Iceland what it is. From what I understand, this place is rugged. When you are speeding around in a car you can sometimes miss things, that’s why I love hiking biking, and kayaking. You have to slow down and notice the finer details. I hope one day to tour it on two wheels but, I’d just be happy if it happened on four at this point
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Located in Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, this place is famous and you probably don’t even realize you know it. Have you seen photos of Japanese Macaques warming up in a hot spring? Yep, that’s here. I’ve always felt some connection to animals. I love them, not like I’m going to try and tame the wild bison connection, but a respectful distance connection. I’ve always wanted to photograph these Macaques and see them for myself when they’re in that hot spring. There is something that feels so close to us in our humanity about these little guys. Their look of relaxation and relief in the hot spring is no different than mine anytime I hit a hot tub. I remember these little guys when I am thinking about how clear it is that we are sharing this home planet with others.
Route 66
I love history and I love seeing where we have come from. Route 66 seems like a road through time. The idea of seeing old neon signs and abandoned gas stations and timeless towns feels like a journey back. There is so much history in our states and as a nation built around constant innovation, it’s amazing to see the time capsules we have left whether it’s abandoned old shops in our hometown or gas stations turned museums along Route 66. I don’t know for sure, but I imagine I’ll feel some buzz in the air as I trip down the road on a nice summer day.
Everest Base Camp
For years I wanted to climb Everest, and I was almost certain I would someday. Then I began reading more about it, learning more about the intricacies of the climb and all that goes into it, physically, economically, and politically. It’s complicated and I don’t know how to feel about it morally. As hard as it is to admit, at least in this chapter of my life, I’m not an alpinist. I wish I was, but I must admit I’d be a tourist and I’m starting to think tourists have no business on Everest. It’s hard because there is an economy thriving and relying on climbers coming to take it on but I think for now, I’m okay with seeing Base Camp and paying respect to the summit. Read more about Everest and come to your own opinion about the subject. Inspired by those who have taken it on and the stories surrounding this mountain, I want to see it in my lifetime and stand at its’ foot. I also think there is something so stunning about the Nepalese culture surrounding these mountains. I’d love to learn more from them.
Cappadocia, Turkey
In my hometown as a kid summer nights were spent watching hot air balloons quietly sail across the evening sky. We’d be out playing basketball in the driveway or whiffle ball in the backyard and then a glance up would show us rainbow-colored balloons floating through by. My dad would load us up in the car and we’d chase them down to see them land, one time even helping grab the ropes and guiding the balloon back to earth. Cappadocia is known for its ballooning and “fairy chimneys.” Again, history and where we have come as a people just blows my mind so anywhere I can see Bronze Age homes carved into rock formations, I want to pay my respect. It also doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite restaurants in my hometown is run by a Turkish family and the food is phenomenal. I’d love to experience that in Cappadocia.