Tag: nature

Kevin's Rule, Mini Retirement

Mini Retirement 2024: The Ultimate Southeast USA Roadtrip

Corie Muldoon
Mini Retirement 2024: The Ultimate Southeast USA Roadtrip

35 days on our epic Southeast USA road trip, and it’s been an unforgettable journey!

From our hometown of Philadelphia, PA, we’ve explored the beauty of Southeast USA, covering: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee.


Our straight-throughs for the trip were cafes, stickers, and cheap long sleeves. Our way of getting to know an area, support local businesses, and get some mementos. We also loved reading about the history of the area as we drove through each spot. Loved this trip so much, was a such fun adventure.

Virginia

American Brew
Virginia Beach, Virginia
coffee & whiskey bar w acai bowls – a favorite go-to spot for us

First Landing State Park (2 nights)
Virginia Beach, Virginia
historic bay and beach – first time camping within walking distance to the beach, morning miles + sunbathing

North Carolina

Sealevel Vegan Diner
Wilmington, North Carolina
artsy vegan spot for lunch + sweets – kinda want to work here?!

South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park (2 nights)
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
breathtaking marsh views & beach – a fun beach run to the jetty

Beech Cafe & Marketplace
Charleston, South Carolina
coffee, acai bowls, bagels w vegan butter, THC drinks – cutesy area

Georgia

Hungry Vegan
Savannah, Georgia
delicious vegan soul food – rare gem, great people, home kitchen vibes

Florida

Anastasia State Park (2 nights)
St. Augustine, Florida
sandy campsite with weekly farmers market – muffins, cold-pressed juice, micro greens

Clearwater Airbnb (7 nights)
Clearwater, Tampa, Gulfport, and Dunedin
vibrant city and beach towns – relaxed by the pool, explored new spots

St Andrews State Park (4 nights)
Panama City, Florida
waterfront camping by the gulf – amazing time, got hot and buggy so we spontaneously booked:

Alabama

Chewalaca State Park (1 night)
Auburn, Alabama
scenic trails and waterfall – our saving grace from the heat and bugs (a great lesson for us that we can do whatever we want when we want; we don’t have to be stubborn in changing the plan *this lesson serves us later on in the trip)

Oak Mountain State Park (3 nights)
Pelham, Alabama
majestic mountain range – tree top nature trail to visit native Alabama birds of prey rehabilitated by the Alabama Wildlife Center

Georgia

Cloudland Canyon State Park (2 nights)
Rising Fawn, Georgia
picturesque gorge, amazing trails, campsite was within .25 mile of a breathing overlook

*severe weather Alert comes in: Hurricane Helene is on our path and we have to decide whether to stay our third and final night at the Cloudland campsite (in our suv) or find a safe shelter (like a hotel) for the storm.

We decided on finding a hotel for the night. The next question was: Asheville, North Carolina (next major on our list) or Chattanooga, Tennessee (the town we were gonna drive through before Asheville)?

Tennessee

Days Inn Hotel (7 nights)
Chattanooga, Tennessee
scenic cityscape (waited out Hurricane Helene in safety) We ended up booking 3 nights at Days Inn initially. Really grateful we made this choice. Ashville was hit hard: lives lost, flooded roads, lost power, food and water storage, hundreds of people stranded for weeks with no phone service. Like tf. So sad and scary. While Chattanooga was spared. We got to enjoy a few city days walking and exploring with Champ, getting fun runs in. We were shaken up, but still trying to soak up the moment and be where are feet are.

Road Trip Pivot

At this point in our trip, we planned to hit the Blueridge Parkway in North Carolina but the hurricane devasted the entire area. We waited out at the Days Inn for another 3 nights to figure out our next move. We had two options: either head home or finish out our trip. We made some calls to see what campgrounds were even still open. And decided to skip over the BRP altogether and pick back up on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.

Between Days Inn Chattanooga and Shenandoah lies the Days Inn of Roanoke. And damn it if we could give a place 0 stars. Nasty ass. BUT we figured no one’s forcing us to stay, we packed up and headed to Walmart then Loves at 10pm to prep for Shenny (food shop, laundry, sleep). Wow if this wasn’t a test of patience. We were set on going home after this one, but finally landed on finishing the trip out.

Virginia

We made it to Shenandoah National Park and it was our trip highlight! It was a huge journey to get there, but we made it… and it was incredible. Skyline drive, the fall foliage, booking the “Honeymoon” suite during our actual honeymoon. It was pure magic. We ended the trip on a great note and headed back home refreshed.

Reflecting and Planning

As I wrap up this blog, I’m feeling super grateful for these new experiences. Making plans and taking off work is everything. Plan your year in advance if you can. Cheers to the open road and making memories with mi amor!

See Kevin’s Rule for our most up-to-date adventures

Cheers, the best is yet to come!

14 LESSONS & REMINDERS

1. No rush getting to next stop. Embrace the moment, THIS is it

2. Minimize screen time. Paper journal, read books, look at nature, talk

3. 5 am wake up for travel days (especially long drive day / if we are making stops along the way; give ourselves time to enjoy the road trip)

4. Organize stuff with stuff

5. Avoid the highways when possible, back roads are easier with rest stops, can just pull off to a gas station or store instead of taking an exit; also back roads are more scenic – take highways if we wanna get somewhere quicker

6. Grab park pamphlets at the welcome center (great info, free souvenir)

7. “Leave nothing but foot prints, take nothing but photos”

8. Workout gear + running clothes serve as an anchor; plan when you are doing workouts that day and pull the gear out asap

9. Check weather average for specific months (high & low) before booking (car camping)

10. Bugs are big deal, get bug kit – candle, incense sticks (BIG hit), wipes for champ and car, spray for us and campsite

11. State parks are a hit – well developed campgrounds with bathrooms, showers, sometimes a camp store and laundry. Shenandoah is not a state park however they have great amenities

12. It’s okay to change plans & reservations, especially if it’s due to weather; you’ll get some sort of refund at most campgrounds; take note when booking about cancellation policy

13. Itinerary folder BIG hit; have confirmation emails & cancellation policies printed out ready to go within folder; have a place to write out notes for each campground / reservation

14. Gear: Wobbie is great quality and versatile (blanket, sunshade, etc); canopy is a must have; having an easy to clean pour over coffee set up with reusable coffee cup is everything; camping stove is a must with extra fuel; dehydrated food big hit

Thanks for reading! Keep on stepping

Lifestyle, Wild Life Awareness

Emergency Prep: Wildlife Safety for Outdoor Adventures

Corie Muldoon

Each year, both humans and wildlife are harmed by preventable incidents… simply because people don’t know how to share space safely.

The key to preventing injuries and tragedy isn’t avoiding wildlife, it’s learning to coexist respectfully.

Understanding Wildlife Behavior

Most wild animals want to avoid humans as much as we want to avoid dangerous encounters.

Problems arise when animals feel cornered, surprised, or are protecting young. Learning basic animal behavior prevents 90% of negative interactions.

• Distance Equals Safety: Use the “thumb rule” …if you can’t cover the entire animal with your thumb at arm’s length, you’re too close. This gives animals space to retreat and prevents defensive behaviors.

• Noise Awareness: Make noise while hiking in dense vegetation or around blind corners. Most animals will move away when they hear you coming, preventing surprise encounters.

• Food Security: Improperly stored food creates dangerous situations. Use bear canisters, hang food properly, or store in vehicles. Fed animals become dependent and often aggressive.

Species-Specific Safety

• Bears: If you see one, don’t run. Make yourself large, back away slowly, and speak in calm, low tones. Carry bear spray in bear country and know how to use it.

• Mountain Lions: Keep eye contact, be large, and back away slowly. Never run or turn your back. Fight back if attacked, mountain lions rely on stealth and will often retreat when confronted.

• Snakes: Most bites occur when people try to move or kill snakes. Give them space and they’ll leave on their own. Wear boots and use a flashlight at night.

• Insects: Prevent tick-borne diseases by wearing long pants, using repellent, and checking for ticks after outdoor activities.

Emergency Response

• Wildlife Injuries: Don’t try to help injured wildlife yourself without instruction to do so. Contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers (check Google) or park rangers who have proper training and equipment.

• Human Injuries: Carry a first aid kit and know basic wilderness first aid. When cell coverage is limited, inform others of your plans and expected return time.

• Vehicle Encounters: Slow down during dawn and dusk when animals are most active. If you hit an animal, don’t approach it: contact local authorities (911) for guidance.

The Wildlife Connection

Every safe wildlife meeting you have models respectful coexistence for others.

Your careful behavior helps guarantee that wild animals stay wild… and that future generations can enjoy these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.

This Week’s Challenge

Create a wildlife safety kit with appropriate gear for your region (ie. bug spray, snake bite kit, water purification tabs, whistle) and practice using it before you need it. Keep a safe distance. Never feed or approach wild animals. If an animal approaches you, it is your responsibility to move away to keep a safe distance. Share this wildlife safety information with your friends and family!

Remember: Slowing down in wildlife areas saves lives. This simple action protects both human and animal families.

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” – Edward Abbey, environmental advocate and author

Lifestyle, Nutrition

How Plant-Based Diets Protect Wildlife and Ecosystems

Corie Muldoon

A growing body of evidence suggests that adopting a plant-based diet can significantly contribute to conserving wild spaces and supporting thriving wildlife populations. Here’s how:

1. Reducing Land Use:

Animal agriculture is a major driver of land use: A substantial portion of the world’s habitable land is dedicated to raising livestock and growing feed crops for them.

This requires vast amounts of land, leading to deforestation and the conversion of natural habitats into agricultural areas.

Plant-based diets are more land-efficient: Plant-based foods require significantly less land to produce the same amount of calories or protein compared to animal products.

Studies suggest that widespread adoption of plant-based diets could drastically reduce the need for agricultural land, potentially freeing up space for ecosystem restoration and allowing natural vegetation and wildlife habitats to recover. 

2. Mitigating Deforestation and Habitat Loss:

Livestock farming fuels deforestation: The need for pastureland and animal feed crops contributes to deforestation worldwide, particularly in vital ecosystems like tropical forests.

Plant-based choices help preserve forests: Choosing plant-based foods reduces the demand for animal products. This, in turn, reduces the need for land for animal agriculture, helping to preserve forests and the biodiversity they support. 

3. Conserving Water Resources:

Animal agriculture is water-intensive: Raising livestock demands a lot of water for watering crops, providing drinking water for animals, and processing animal products.

Plant-based diets require less water: Plant-based diets are generally more water-efficient than diets high in animal products, helping to conserve this vital resource. 

4. Reducing Pollution:

Livestock farming generates waste: Animal agriculture produces large amounts of waste that can contaminate waterways and contribute to air pollution.

Plant-based options lessen pollution: Reducing the consumption of animal products can help reduce the amount of waste generated and the associated pollution, leading to healthier ecosystems and cleaner water. 

5. Protecting Biodiversity:

Habitat destruction drives biodiversity loss: The conversion of natural habitats for agriculture is a leading cause of species extinction.

Plant-based diets help protect biodiversity: Reducing reliance on animal agriculture can protect natural habitats and support the diverse plant and animal life they contain, helping to prevent species loss. 

In essence, shifting towards a plant-based diet can contribute significantly to a healthier planet by:

  • Reducing the environmental footprint
  • Conserving natural resources
  • Protecting wildlife habitats
  • Helping mitigate climate change

Making conscious food choices that focus on plant-based options can contribute to a more sustainable future for both people and the animal neighbors who share the planet.

Keep on reading: Eating Like the Wild: Plant-Based Nutrition Inspired by Herbivore Wisdom

Challenges

Finish 2024 Strong: A 2-Week Wellness Challenge

Corie Muldoon

As we approach the final two weeks of 2024… it’s essential to think about our wellness journey and set intentions for a strong finish.

This post outlines a simple yet effective 2-week plan to boost your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Week 1: Reflection and Renewal (December 15-22)

1. Think about Your Year

Schedule a 30-minute self-reflection session. Ask yourself:

  • What were my accomplishments and challenges?
  • What did I learn about myself?
  • What am I grateful for?

2. Recommit to Self-Care

Revisit your self-care routine and make adjustments as needed. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

Week 2: Energize and Elevate (December 23-29)

1. Boost Your Energy

Increase your physical activity levels by:

  • Taking a 30-minute walk each day
  • Incorporating strength training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your routine
  • Stretching or practicing yoga to improve flexibility

2. Elevate Your Mindset

Focus on positive affirmations and visualization techniques to:

  • Cultivate gratitude and positivity
  • Visualize your goals and desires
  • Develop a growth mindset

3. Connect with Nature

Spend time outdoors by:

  • Taking a walk in a park or nature reserve
  • Practicing outdoor yoga or meditation
  • Simply sitting in a garden or on a balcony with plants

Final Tips for a Strong Finish

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain your energy levels and overall well-being.

2. Focus on Sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body and mind recharge.

3. Be Kind to Yourself

Remember that it’s okay to slow down and take breaks. Be gentle with yourself, and don’t push yourself too hard.

✨ By following this simple 2-week plan… you’ll finish 2024 strong and set yourself up for a happy, healthy, and successful 2025 ✨

Holistic Healing, Mindfulness, Seasonal - Holidays

Winter Solstice

Corie Muldoon

Yule is the ancient name for the Winter Solstice, the longest night and shortest day of the year. 

In northern climates, this is the darkest and coldest time of the year.

The sun seems to be weak, even dying, and we fear winter will last forever.

But just as soon as the Solstice passes, the days begin to grow longer again.

The Solstice is a turning point in the wheel of the year, when the sun symbolically dies and is reborn.

Darkness is not something bad or something to fear.

We know that without darkness, nothing could live or grow. Without night, we would have no day.

Balance

Light and darkness must always be in balance.

At Solstice, the balance has tipped as far toward the dark as it can go.

And we are so ready for the light to come back.

This time of year has been sacred long before the birth of Jesus.

In fact, no one truly knows when exactly Jesus was born, but because people were so used to celebrating at this season, the early Church chose it for one of their most important holidays.

The Light in Religion

During this season, people of many different religions try to strengthen the light.

Pagans and Christians bring an evergreen tree inside and decorate it with twinkling lights to remind us that life goes on even in the depths of winter.

Jewish people light candles for eight nights, adding one more each night to the Chanukah Menorah.

And African American people celebrate Kwanzaa, lighting candles for seven nights to symbolize the qualities of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Another tradition is staying up all night in anticipation for the birth of the sun, a new year.

In the early morning, many climb up on a hill to watch for the dawn, to drum and dance and welcome the reborn sun who brings back the light and the promise of summer.

The sun rises and we are reborn with the year.

Within each of us, whatever our age, the miracle child we were at birth emerges anew.

The secret we learn from the Solstice is that just when everything looks darkest, the light is sure to be reborn.

Did you find any value in this article? Should I write more about the seasons, nature, and our oneness with what surrounds us?

Happy Holidays! Sending love and blessings to all of my family and friends this winter season ♡
x Corie