About Me

Who I Am

Hello I’m Karen. I am an avid hiker, traveler, explorer, and nature photographer. I developed a love for travel as an adult when I realized how many amazing places are out there to explore. Hiking became an easy way to travel, explore, get some exercise and reconnect with nature. My photography started as a hobby but has grown into more. My pictures serve as a way of showing others the beauty of nature all around them. It also provides me with memories of all the places I have explored.

Why I Blog

I want people to realize that travelling doesn’t just include faraway places, but the places close to where they already are. There are really cool places and majestic places all around. I want to show people the cool places, both close and far, that examine the beauty, history, culture, food and entertainment of this beautiful world. I want to provide people with info to help them plan their hikes and travels. I also want to share my photography, tips, and places to photograph certain subjects. Ultimately, I want to share all the places in hopes that other people will feel compelled to see and explore those and other places themselves, as well as make lifelong memories.

Where I’ve Been

I have traveled mostly in the United States, to some beautiful places including:

  1. Virginia
  2. North Carolina
  3. Maryland
  4. West Virginia
  5. Kentucky
  6. New York
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Maine
  9. Georgia
  10. Florida
  11. Arizona
  12. Nevada
  13. Colorado
  14. California
  15. New Mexico
  16. Utah
  17. Hawaii
  18. Puerto Rico
  19. Virgin Islands
  20. Bahamas

Where I am Headed

My Top 10 places I want to visit:

  1. all the different color sand beaches in the world
  2. all the US National Parks
  3. Portugal
  4. Spain
  5. Peru
  6. Iceland
  7. Switzerland
  8. Canada
  9. Costa Rica
  10. United Kingdom

Follow My Journey

You can find me on Instagram @papillon518 and @shining_heart_photos. You can also check out my portfolio on my website here. Also please keep following my journey on this page for new and exciting destinations.