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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Day Trips and Planning

How to transform your travel experience with nature forward vacations

March 15, 2023 by Matthew Leave a Comment

A formal garden in Porto Portugal shows of a four flower bed combination with green textures and magenta ground cover around an ornate fountain. The Douro River flows in the distance.

This article about nature-forward vacations is for you if: A solution to all the above is grounding in the trees, plants, rocks, and water -- or adopting a nature-forward philosophy to your travel. But don't worry, a nature-forward focus won't usurp your hopes and dreams to see the sites, learn about culture, and enjoy delectable food & drink. Instead, it simply … [Read more...] about How to transform your travel experience with nature forward vacations

How to plan a nature forward trip to Leavenworth, Washington

February 21, 2023 by Matthew Leave a Comment

People wander in the snow as it falls on the front street of Leavenworth, Washington. The buildings are lit up in this evening shot and you can see the snowflakes falling.

Leavenworth, Washington, is a soulful bavarian-themed town tucked within the dramatic beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range. Each time I visit, I'm struck by the spirit of the land -- holding a community with love. There are numerous ways to experience this "little Germany." Eat through schnitzel and sauerkraut, climb every mountain, and everything in between seems … [Read more...] about How to plan a nature forward trip to Leavenworth, Washington

How to take a nature-forward vacation?

February 12, 2023 by Matthew

Leavenworth Washington is the perfect location to try a nature forward vacation. The icy Wenatchee River winds through hillsides covered in snow with a scattering of cabins underneath majestic mountains.

What does it mean to enjoy a nature-forward vacation, and how can it benefit you?  Nature-forward is my term emphasizing grounding ways to experience the natural world. It is a conscious experience weaving together travel, nature, and spirit — a specialty of mine.  My expeditions always include bonding time with trees, rocks, water, and plants in one way or … [Read more...] about How to take a nature-forward vacation?

8 of the best things to do on Whidbey Island

July 7, 2021 by Matthew

The Coupeville Wharf is a fun thing to do on Whidbey Island. The red wood building is entirely over the water on a dock while a few boats are tied to the pier. In the foreground is a curved metal lamp with a light bulb coming from the fixture. There are a number of seagulls sitting on the point of the wooden roof. The sunset is casting a pinkish yellow glow on the hills in the background.

In the heart of the magical Salish Sea lies an island steeped in rich history. Growing up in Oregon, I didn’t know much about Whidbey Island until my friend Jerry showed me photos of a visit to friends living in a tiny farmhouse amidst a flowing field of overgrown greens — sporadic flowers pushing their way through the noise to reach the sun. Since then, I’ve always had a rich … [Read more...] about 8 of the best things to do on Whidbey Island

Protected: Dave’s wild tour of the Oregon Coast

March 30, 2021 by Matthew

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: … [Read more...] about Protected: Dave’s wild tour of the Oregon Coast

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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