A Wild Mission to Visit Every National Park in One Year
Feb 8, 2023
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Emily Pennington, an adventurer who embarked on a cross-country expedition to visit every one of America’s National Parks, shares her experiences and challenges. She discusses unexpected detours caused by the pandemic and a breakup, and emphasizes the healing power of nature. The speaker reflects on the freedom to explore in remote Alaska backcountry and the lessons learned in America's national parks, promoting Emily Pennington's book 'Feral'.
Emily Pennington found solace and healing in America's wild spaces, inspired by Cheryl Strayed's memoir 'Wild' and used nature as her therapy.
Emily's year-long adventure brought unexpected challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience.
Deep dives
Emily Pennington's Bucket List Adventure
Emily Pennington embarked on a year-long journey to visit every US National Park, inspired by her love for backpacking and the healing power of nature. Her adventure was meticulously planned, with research, road trips, and outfitted van travel. She chronicled her experiences in columns and aimed to write a likable and flawed female narrator. While her trip was initially shared with her partner Adam, the challenges of the pandemic and the strain of togetherness led them to part ways. Emily found solace in shared outdoor experiences and the healing power of nature, even amidst the difficulties of wildfires and hurricane season. Monotony and loneliness became part of the journey, prompting her to reflect on the importance of personal connection and self-care. Emily's adventure tested her physically and emotionally, leading her to seek therapy and medication to support her mental health. Despite the hardships, she learned to appreciate the national parks in her own way and the importance of slowing down and finding reverence in nature.
The Transformative Power of Nature
Emily Pennington found solace and healing in America's wild spaces, inspired by Cheryl Strayed's memoir 'Wild.' Nature became her therapy, helping her through a difficult breakup and a grueling job search. However, her year-long adventure brought unexpected challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather conditions. Emily's trip was not always glamorous, with most nights spent in truck stops, rest areas, or Walmart parking lots. Loneliness and monotony became part of the journey, but she also witnessed a blossoming interest in the national parks, as many people sought solace and mental health respite in nature. Emily's experiences in the wilderness taught her the importance of connection with others, both in shared outdoor experiences and seeking therapy and medication for mental health support. She also recognized the fragile beauty of wild spaces and the need to care for them.
Lessons Learned from a Year in the National Parks
Emily Pennington's year-long adventure in America's national parks taught her valuable lessons. She discovered that there is no one 'right' way to experience the parks, whether hiking long distances or taking time to relax by a river. Emily realized the importance of slowing down and giving proper reverence to the wilderness. She acknowledged the intense and sometimes destructive aspects of nature, mirroring her own internal struggles. Through her journey, Emily learned that pushing too hard and constant activity can lead to burnout. She came to appreciate the simple joy of sitting in a hammock, reading by a river, and finding balance in her outdoor exploration. Emily's story serves as a reminder that the national parks offer different experiences for everyone, and finding personal fulfillment and healing in nature is a unique and personal journey.
Emily Pennington wanted to see it all. But life on the road was fiercer than she ever imagined. After almost half a decade of planning a cross-country expedition to see every one of America’s National Parks, she quit her job, left her home and her boyfriend in Los Angeles, and set off in her van to find herself in January of 2020. Almost right away, a pandemic, a string of natural disasters, and a breakup sent her veering way off her roadmap—and searching for healing in the unforgiving magnificence of our public lands.
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