Writing Samples

Hanging rock state park

There are few places like this in North Carolina and Hanging Rock State Park is one I believe is a bucket-list excursion for locals and travelers alike.

Elk Knob State Park

The mountains were calling, and so I went.

You could say that my trip to Occoneechee Mountain provided inspiration for my next adventure, or maybe there’s a part of me that wants to both literally and metaphorically get above the clouds and reach new heights. As winter makes its way to a close, I set my sights on Elk Knob State Park to continue my goal of getting outdoors, no matter the season or the weather.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

“Previously on Emily’s Life…”

I was paddling downstream on the New River, learning all the ins and outs of kayaking (but mostly floating as the river guided me down. It was a lot of lounging). This time, I leveled up to kayaking on a lake, where the decision to paddle forward or sit still was mine to make.

I decided to stay close to my Raleigh home and head to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area (known colloquially as Jordan Lake) with some friends.

Medoc Mountain State Park: Wildflowers

Medoc Mountain State Park is home to many kinds of wildflowers throughout the year, usually from February until November. But it’s early spring that has some special species.

Later in the spring and summer, the trees shade the forest floor. So before that happens, spring forest wildflowers take advantage of the sunshine.

Weymouth Woods and the Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

Welcome to Weymouth Woods Sandhills Preserve. There are so many unique plants and animals that call this type of ecosystem home, including the red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW).