The Traveling Tree

A week ago yesterday was my first view of the Dunbar Castle. It's wonderful to see where John Muir spent his early years: 'One of the best playgrounds was the famous old Dunbar Castle...we tried to see who could climb highest on the crumbling peaks and crags, and took chances that no cautious mountaineer would try.' (John Muir, Story of my Boyhood and Youth, pg8) What's your playground? 🌳🐝🦋 #johnmuirway #optoutside #dunbarscotland #1440reiproject #backyardadventures #playground

Be wild: Dunbar Castle

Day 10: Walking across the beach, seeing Dunbar's red cliffs and crumbling castle made today bittersweet as I have now completed the John Muir Way! These past 10 days, 134 miles have been rewarding, as John Muir once said 'of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few if them are dirt' #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #1440reiproject #optoutside (at The Volunteer Arms)

Day 9: Had a snail sit with me while I had my breakfast. He stuck to his side of the bench. Walked quite a few miles in the rain but I finally made it to North Berwick! Thank you @steampunkcoffee for keeping me warm, dry and well fed! #johnmuirway #optoutside #johnmuiraward #rainyday (at Steampunk Coffee)

Day 8: I'm on my Way! Met a lovely man on his morning walk who snapped this photo for me. We chatted for a bit reminiscing about Edinburgh and told me his son loves the outdoors 😍I told him to check out the John Muir Award scheme to give recognition and motivation to keep on cherishing our outdoors! #johnmuiraward #johnmuirway #johnmuirtrust #optoutside #maketheworldgreatagain (at Holyrood Park)

Day 7: Spent some time in the National Museums Scotland. I ended up asking one staff members if they have any artifacts from the Dunbar Castle or the town. We then rallied up a few other folks in their Research Lab and gave me books to read 😍📚sadly couldn't find much in the way of artifacts but they were super excited to help me and hear about my journey! 🎉 I'll get on the Way tomorrow; 3 more days to go with only 41 miles left! #johnmuirway #dunbar #rainyday #neverstoplearning #johnmuirtrust #nationalmuseumscotland (at National Museums Scotland)

Day 6: Made it to my old stomping ground...Edinburgh! My phone died last night so this is the only photo I have to share until my camera photos are uploaded. Although I wish I could share photos now of the walk from South Queensferry to Cramond...and the lookout points near Clermiston Tower 😍 I may have to go back one day soon 😉. The coast was thriving with birds, butterflies and bees. Made the walk most enjoyable to watch them fly around about their day. 🐦🦋🐝🌳 (at Edinburgh, United Kingdom)

More pics from Day 5: Blackness Castle, Hopetoun Estates (don't forget to look up literally and figuratively) and South Queensferry....Forth Road Bridge #optoutside #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #blacknesscastle #alwayslookonthebrightsideoflife (at South Queensferry)

Not all the thistles have opened up. But enough for the bees to get their lunch. #johnmuiraward #johnmuirway #optoutside #1440reiproject (at Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway)

Day 5: Good morning! This might not look like much. But it's coffee+hot chocolate+2 sugars = liquid gold! Btw yesterday I clocked 23 miles. Total = 63 miles; 71 miles to go! Off to South Queensferry! (at Linlithgow)

Day 4: Made it to the Falkirk Wheel! 53 miles walked and then some 🙄 (sometimes you get lost and add a few extra steps 😜) (at The Falkirk Wheel)

Day 3: Lunch for champs (peanut butter, grapes on a tortilla wrap), a walkers heaven (chairs! Benches!) and this leg was enjoyed on the Strathkelvin Railway #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #keeponwalking #optoutside

Day 2: Walked through more forests to be cut. I will reduce my paper products consumption after seeing this! It's quite breathtaking to see the magnitude of forest plantations have on the land. I then ended in Strathblane where I had a much needed rest! #optoutside #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #johnmuirtrust #dosomething (at Strathblane, Stirling, United Kingdom)

Day 1: Still have my ten toe nails, walked through beautiful forests that sadly will be cut down, and picked up some trash on the trail. It was a good day! #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #lochlomond

I'm on my way! #johnmuirway #johnmuiraward #johnmuirtrust #scotland (at Helensburgh)

Making my way back to Scotland to walk the John Muir Way 😍 Wind turbines, sun (for now) and hills! #ivereturned #johnmuirway (at Scotland)

“Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.” - John Muir, conservationist, traveller, writer, fearless mountaineer (the list goes on) I urge you to get outside and explore the lands at your doorstep...or between two pines.