Appreciating The Beauty Around Me. . .

So, I was just thinking, I have been very fortunate to go on many trips and vacations around the States, mainly in the midwest.  Although I am very excited about heading overseas, I also appreciate the beauty that is located right in my own backyard. . . I wanted to share some of the adventures I have already been blessed with . . . and some of the beauty that we all can see here, in America.

Panama City Beach, FL  March 2010 - This was the view from our hotel room. . . Breathtaking! 

Lake Michigan - I was on my way to the Shedd Aquarium with my cousin's 4th grade class as a chaperone.  Crystal blue lake! 

This photo was taken at Devils Lake State Park in Wisconsin.  It was taken in the summer of 2010.  The views from our hike were amazing!!!

This was also at Devils Lake.  All of the rocks could be climbed on.  It was truly amazing! 

Here I am on a rock at Devils Lake State Park in Wisconsin.  

Here is the stairway that was located at the beginning of our hike at Devils Lake State Park.

Looking down to Devils Lake.  The view is priceless!

Another look-out on our hike at Devils Lake.  

This beautiful butterfly met us on our hike.  It was so calm and peaceful.  We are so lucky to have such beautiful creatures around us in the warm summer months!

This was a sunset over Panama City Beach, FL.  One of my favorite memories.  I hope to see many more of these "ocean sunsets" in the near future!!! :) 

This is myself along with a sunfish caught in Crosslake, MN.  So many fish were caught during the time spent on the lake!  

This photo was taken on a hiking trail near Grand Marais, MN.  The water in the background is Lake Superior.  

This was also on a Superior Hiking Trail.  The views were magnificent! 

Another view from a Superior Hiking Trail.  

One of the Superior Hiking Trails took us back by gorgeous water falls!  So peaceful! 

Another waterfall on a Superior Hiking Trail.

This is myself standing on a dock on Lake Superior.  Off in the distance is a lighthouse.

Myself, again with Lake Superior in the background.

Sunset over Lake Superior.  It just boggles my mind how this sunset is so perfect, yet it is so different than the sunset on the beach in Panama City, FL.  

The sun has gone down over the hills, living a little light to see the shadow of the lighthouse.  

On a lookout on a Superior Hiking Trail.  It's like I could almost hold the world in my hands. . . 

Myself with the sunset over Lake Superior in the background.  So gentle, yet screaming with fascination.  

The photos I posted are only the most recent adventures I have had.  Growing up, my family went on numerous camping trips that helped to shape my curiosity for adventure!  I just want people to remember that, if it seems like you have to travel across the world to see what natural beauty is, you're wrong.  We have natural beauty all around us here, even in the winter when it can be -20 degrees F with the windchill.  :)