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Kessi World

Mindful travel around the Pacific Northwest.

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Parks and Gardens

A sawdust trail winds through a green field with larger douglas fir trees in the background with a few puffs of white clouds.
Forest bathing in Seattle is a delight when the light shines through the collection of fir trees like in this photo with a spruce and younger hemlock tree with moss dangling from the branches.

Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

Matthew
January 24, 2023

There is no better time to commune with nature spirits than in the rain — when the unseen realm is effervescent. 27 best mystical places in and around Seattle for forest bathing in the rain. Healing and well-being are closer than you think.

Continue Reading Where to enjoy Seattle forest bathing in the rain

Matthew Kessi leans against an old growth sitka spruce tree on the Oregon Coast at Oswald West State Park. He's wearing black raingear head to toe that appears very wet, with a striped colored hat. There are roots from another smaller tree and green fir branches hanging down into the shot.

How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Matthew
January 4, 2023

Oregon Coast icon near Cannon Beach. My personal guide to quick, intermediate, and all-day hikes. Includes old-growth, creeks, beach, cliff views, and nature’s magic.

Continue Reading How to find magic at Oswald West State Park

Beautiful pink blooms of a rhododendron are pushing out getting ready to splash on the scene. In the background are various trees in Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness

Matthew
January 4, 2023

My guide to the best things to do in Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park. Zoo, beaches, rhododendon, gardens, water views, and more. Includes interactive maps and checklist.

Continue Reading Point Defiance Park — the best day in Tacoma wilderness

Nature connection at Ravenna Park begins with the pedestrian bridge that flows high above this photo, taken below in the deep forest. The bridge is painted green and a steel structure of Beams while the maple trees flow under a bright blue sky.

How to make a nature connection in Seattle’s Ravenna Park.

Matthew
October 12, 2022

A how-to guide, including my favorite mystical places, bridges you to a Ravenna Park nature connection with Seattle’s iconic ravine wilderness.

Continue Reading How to make a nature connection in Seattle’s Ravenna Park.

A two tone fuchsia in Bellevue Botanical Garden shows delicate pink petals with a darker magenta interior and green foliage all around.

How to make a nature connection in Bellevue Botanical Garden

Matthew
September 21, 2022

My how-to guide. Experience a deeper nature connection with Bellevue Botanical Garden. Mystical places, bridges, Yao Japanese Garden, and more.

Continue Reading How to make a nature connection in Bellevue Botanical Garden

A roadway is covered by a canopy of fall trees losing their colorful leaves of different colors. Some of the leaves are on the blacktop pavement and there are a few black lamp posts along the drive.

Fall in Seattle — 25 of the best outdoor things to do

Matthew
September 14, 2022

Autumn leaves, parks and art, my curated list of 25 outdoor things to do to enjoy Fall in Seattle. Includes lots of photos, an interactive map, and many of my Tiktok videos.

Continue Reading Fall in Seattle — 25 of the best outdoor things to do

An autumn scene in Seattle at a park where the leaves have fallen onto other trees. here a bright yellow maple leave is on top of red lace leaf maple leaves and a twisting tree branch.

Seattle Autumn — 5 inspiring walks to elevate your nature connection

Matthew
August 31, 2022

A “how to” guide to enjoy deeper connections with nature in a Seattle autumn. Inspiring fall foliage, magical parks, and mystical gardens.

Continue Reading Seattle Autumn — 5 inspiring walks to elevate your nature connection

The impressive view of Lake Quinault Lodge shows the cedar shake siding and green shutters contrasting with the blue sky above.

Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

Matthew
July 6, 2022

Nestled deep within the Olympic Peninsula rainforest in Washington, Lake Quinault Lodge brings to life a perfect mixture of magical nature.

Continue Reading Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge

Bright pink azalea blossoms bring life to a garden in Seattle. The delicate red pistols project out from the flowers and bright green foliage is blurred out in the background.

Gardens in Seattle — the 18 best places to go into your own nature

Matthew
May 25, 2022

Find your own connection to nature in 18 of the best gardens in Seattle — my personal favorites. Includes interactive map of the Salish Sea area.

Continue Reading Gardens in Seattle — the 18 best places to go into your own nature

There are so many gardens in Seattle that make for great outdoor things to do. here a bee is on a red flower with yellow center while other plants are out of focus in the background.

Seattle in Summer — the best outdoor things to do

Matthew
May 10, 2022

Emerald City in Summer? Much warmer! Pack a picnic and follow this list of the 20 best outdoor things to do in Seattle. Includes interactive map.

Continue Reading Seattle in Summer — the best outdoor things to do

A giant redwood tree in a forest along the Oregon Coast rises high up into the sky. Spindly branches pop out before rich green foliage fills in the canopy. The bark of the tree is weathered black texture.

How to connect your heart to the Redwoods in Oregon

Matthew
February 4, 2022

Two fantastic hikes among the Oregon Coast redwoods will have your heart singing in no time. All the details are here, including an interactive map.

Continue Reading How to connect your heart to the Redwoods in Oregon

Destinations of splendor. A beach scene of the Pacific Ocean waves crashing on the fine sandy beach with two large rocky islands in the background with fir trees growing on top.

Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour

Matthew
November 10, 2021

Inspiration to plan your own Olympic Peninsula road trip. Epic 3-day itinerary is great for first-time visitors and all seasons. Interactive map.

Continue Reading Olympic Peninsula road trip — 3-day epic winter tour

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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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