Blogging is Weird

I have a love/hate relationship with blogging.

On one hand, I love to write, to capture memories, stretch my mental muscles, exercise creativity, and - perhaps most of all - share experiences with other people. 

But on the other hand, it's often a struggle for me to put something personal out into the public sphere, leaving it open to criticism and, even worse, judgement. 

Not to mention, it has been difficult enough to find time to write within this travel-lifestyle of constantly moving and usually needing to use free time for planning our next move. 

When I post something, I want it to feel right, that is, to feel finished. Like something I'm content or even proud to put my name on. 

To confess, I have at least 15 posts that are half-written, waiting to be completed, edited and sent out into the digital world. 

This foray into blogging has been fun, although scary at times, and I've started to look at daily bloggers through a new, more appreciative lens. While I'd love to continue a blog as a side project after this trip ends, I'm not sure I could commit to being open in the way a blog would need, or deserve, in order to be successful, i.e. consistently read and worth reading. 

And then that brings me to the obvious question: who is even reading this? Am I writing for my best friends, my peers, or an older audience (read: family members)? When I start to think about it, I have to stop myself and let it go. I know our moms and a few favorite aunts have read every post, liked every photo. Knowing that this blog has made someone else happy or taught someone something is enough. 

And yet, I can't help but think twice (okay, twelve times) before clicking "publish." 

So, blogging is weird. At least for me. It's just something I've thought about time and time again over the last few months. There isn't much of a point to this post. Then again, maybe there is a point in that. Isn't that the greater argument in blogging after all? 

I promise to stop being shy and to start posting some of what's been sitting around gathering digital dust. In the meantime, thanks for reading. 

About National Parks

National parks are amazing because…

• the nature is protected and thus pristine 
• you can see animals up close in their natural habitat 
• people of different ages and backgrounds come together to experience natural beauty 
• seeing untouched, raw nature makes you value and respect it much more 
• they’re an extremely accessible, well-maintained vacation option that’s sure to be memorable but also won’t break the bank
• the variety of parks and the climates within them in this country is astounding
• there’s always more to see and do, even if you’ve been to the same park before

BUT, national parks are NOT amazing because...

• there is minimal to no wifi and cell service 

(and I know this one is sort of a positive because it means that you can unplug and spend quality time BUT when you have a website to update and people asking when you will post next it can get a little bit stressful…..)

Anyway, today we’re in Mount Rainier National Park and tomorrow we head to Olympic National Park, which will be FIVE national parks between three different states in only eight days. Is that some sort of record?? Thank goodness we got the Annual Pass - so worth it! 

I promise a more steady flow of content when we hit Seattle - stay tuned and thanks for reading!