Mesa Falls, Idaho. — Photo by Pat Bean
“Sense the blessings of the earth in the perfect arc of a ripe tangerine, the taste of warm, fresh bread, the circling flight of birds, the lavender color of the sky shining in a late afternoon rain puddle, the million times we pass other beings in our cars and shops and out among the trees without crashing, conflict, or harm.” — Jack Kornfield
Earth Day
As one who has traveled this country widely for the last half of my life, including nine years living full-time in a small RV with the road as my only roots, people are always asking me what is my favorite, or the most beautiful, place I have visited.
I never have an answer. I found beauty everywhere I went, and it would take a list that would stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific to name my favorite places.
More than once, when surrounded by Mother Nature’s wonders, have I wondered how people exist without putting themselves, at least occasionally, in the earth goddess’ arms, and simply breathing in the splendor of lush green forests; or gazing at purple, snow-covered mountains; or standing in a meadow filled with wildflowers; or walking beside a bubbling stream; or looking out a car window at waving, golden grasses filled with yellow-headed blackbirds; or sitting on a sandy beach watching roaring ocean waves pound the shore; or … well, you get my point.
The Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina. — Photo by Pat Bean
I’ve seen beauty in a crowded RV park in New Mexico, when a family of quails marched through it. I’ve seen beauty in the wild rock sculptures of Arizona’s Painted Desert. I’ve seen beauty in the hoodoos of Southern Utah. It seen beauty as I’ve strolled among California’s magnificent redwoods. I’ve seen beauty in a sunrise on the top of Cadillac Mountain in Maine, and while walking beside a laughing creek in Wyoming’s Teton National Park. I’ve even seen beauty in Virginia and North Carolina’s Dismal Swamp.
The beauty of this magnificent planet can be found anywhere. All you have to do is look around. Please take a moment on this Earth Day to do just that. Actually, do it on any day. Even better, do it every day.
Blog pick of the Day. Check it out.
Bean Pat: Travel Theme Earth http://tinyurl.com/m9y65lv Great blog and the inspiration for today’s blog.
Pat Bean's blog 
Worked in Idaho for a year but never saw Mesa Falls. Love this picture, complete with rainbow! Thanks for posting!
Thanks. I visited Yellowstone every year when I lived in Ogden, Utah, and I discovered the Falls on a scenic backroad taking the back way home. Where did you live. I lived in Twin Falls for two years (1985-87), and was a campground host at Lake Walcott State Park for three years (2009-12)
I served three school districts: Idaho City (very small) and Deary (equally small) Deary may be the name of the town and not the district. And then Nampa. I flew in to Boise when I worked in Idaho City and Nampa. And I flew in to Moscow when I went to Deary. Loved my time in Idaho. Especially loved The Palouse — drove through there approximately 3 or 4 times. Would definitely like to go back.
beautiful pix and yes you are right more time looking around and enjoying and less time getting into fixes
Thanks Cindi. Love you