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I went on a journey to connect with nature. I randomly chose a location, known for its abundance of natural beauty. Surrounded by the dense woodlands where the coastline clashes against the rocks in harmony, it felt earth was reaching out to me. I could smell the pollen of the vibrant flower meadows. Laying in the lush green where the grass felt like a warm blanket on a cold night, I was indeed in peace. As I lay on the sandy beach, intruding in my personal space, the view was truly beautiful. Nothing could compare the breathtaking view of the sunset that only a few could witness.

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Dean and I surfed the busy city streets filled with noisy cars. People walk the sidewalk going to all different places whether they are going to work, or are tourists. The smells of the different shops along the road blow through my nose as I pass by. I usually stop for different places to eat every time. We stopped at a pastry shop and tried freshly baked cupcakes.

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Growing up I loved to fish with my father. We lived in Mississippi and it was a life long hobby. One day we were feeling extra adventurous and rolled into the Mississippi Delta. We could smell the musky thick air and could hardly see through the rivers fog. It was a normal day that carried on as usual, we saw common water snakes and eels swimming beneath the shallow waters surface. As we were rowing down the river we noticed a strange motion dragging in front of us.

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On the other side of the deadlocked yet mesmerizing Lincoln Tunnel, we land in the traffic hell of Downtown Manhattan. Dean looked my way, and we somehow telepathically agreed we'd briefly ditch the car for the sake of actually going around the city.

"Ain't the closest subway two blocks that'a way?' Dean says pointing south.

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The hustle and bustle of Times Square is a stark contrast to the Indiana Suburbs I'm used to. Flashing lights and crowds of people surround me on all sides.

"Wow, there is a lot going on here" Dean's says," as he eyes all the flashing billboards.

"Yes, you could miss so much in just a blink of an eye," I agree.

Nearby, there is a musician, strumming his guitar, playing a familiar song I can't quite place.

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Dean and I arrived at the Coca Cola factory in Atlanta, Georgia right when the sun was starting to set. The crowded interstates on the way there made our trip longer than expected. We were both extremely tired and I was ready to just go rest, but I knew I had to keep pushing. We stooped inside the building and tried each flavor they let us sample. New unique flavors they haven't released yet. It felt like a whole new world was opening up to me.

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We halted, frozen in traffic.

"Can I roll down the window?" I asked the driver.

In answer all of my windows opened and colors bursted in front of my eyes. There were mass amounts of people; all living completely different and separate lives rushing around me. The wail of sirens, whistles of people hailing taxis, the screech of brakes, the squeals and laughter of both young and old, was enough to silence the buzzing in my head.

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As we strolled past the autumn trees and numerous children running past, Dean and I began recollecting the moments of our own childhood. How it felt to be young and free again, running without a care in the world. Looking around once more, my heart felt full with the feeling of autumn being so present. With the copper leaves shining bright and the aroma of fresh New York coffee flowing through the crisp fall air.

I looked at Dean and said, "Man, fall in Manhattan- what a time."

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As Dean and I arrived in St. Petersburg, Florida it was very dark so it was easy to see the skyline. The lights from the various heights of buildings created a galaxy just above the ground. I could hear the waves as they crash and dissolve with the breeze. The humid sticky air felt as though it was covering our bodies like a mold. Dean continuously complained about the feeling after we landed. I could not wait to explore the buildings and town during the day light.

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Dean and I arrived in Vancouver, Washington at sunrise. I was extremely tired of being in the car for what felt like forever. All Dean and I could see was the gray asphalt roads and billboards on the way there. Once arriving seeing that sunrise in that moment was all I needed to feel alive again. I turned and looked at Dean and said " This is breathtaking isn't it?"

He replied with "Yes, yes it is" with a grin on his face. After we soaked in the view we decided that it was time to head to our hotel. With the help from a local gas station worker we eventually made it to our hotel.

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I snap a picture of the Las Vegas Strip—neon lights flickering like a heartbeat, towering hotels glowing against the night. Dean leans out the side of the car, laughter spilling out as the warm desert breeze tousles our hair. The air is thick with excitement, the scent of grilled street tacos wafting through the night. Distant slot machines hum a symphony, pulling us into its rhythm. I taste the salt from the pretzel I just ate and a thrill rushes through me. No itinerary, just the wave of this vibrant chaos, I felt so alive and electric.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Emerson Bowen

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Emerson Bowen

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Dean and I embarked on our road trip to Philadelphia, the thrill of adventure palpable as we hit the highway. We made pit stops at charming roadside stands, picking up snacks and local treats, all while the scenery shifted from rolling hills to urban landscapes. As we approached Philly, the iconic skyline came into view, and our excitement grew—ready to dive into the rich history, vibrant culture, and, of course, the famous cheesesteaks that awaited

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Glacier National Park by Caroline Hollon

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Glacier National Park by Caroline Hollon

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Dean had planned this whole day out and we walked for 3 hours but then we finally saw the view we always wanted to see. I can't believe this is real we both said. Dean had always talked about going with a bunch of friends but by the time we actually went, we didn't talk to some of those people anymore. As we kept walking the sight of everything kept getting better and better. "are you guys ready to make our way back?" said Dean, and we all said yes.

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The air smelled strong of rain when we arrived in Seattle, Washington. It was around dusk, and we could see night approaching as the city lights started to shine brighter and brighter. The iconic space needle building towered over us in the distance; after seeing it only in pictures all of our lives, it was surreal to see it in person. We stood outside of my old car, which now had way too many miles on it, and we took in the scenery, watching the cars go by. But as the clouds above got heavier and heavier with rainwater, I realized we should probably find a place to stay soon.

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We slowly drive down the streets of downtown Denver, and I see the mountains peeking out from between the buildings. I hear the sounds of the angry traffic, filing the air with the sound of honking and the buzz of engines. I grip the steering wheel tighter and feel the brake pedal through my shoes. With the windows cracked, the cool air blows into the car. I smell the strong scent of gasoline and distant tar from a recently repaved parking lot. I take a sip of my orange soda from the Buc-ees we past on the way into the city. 

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Oregon’s North Coast Mountain Range By Allyson Ostrander

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Oregon’s North Coast Mountain Range By Allyson Ostrander

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As Dean and I stepped out of the car on the coarse dirt, I stood in awe. The scene was simply breathtaking. A mountain range on the coast was simply what I needed. I felt all of my nerves wash away, just like the waves washed away the rocks from the coast. “This is gorgeous.” Dean said, in just as much awe as me. I had nothing to respond with. I didn’t want to break the sound of nature that was surrounding me. The green leaves and blue water were a perfect contrast of colors. The air is brisk and salty.

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Dean and I began our hike up Chimney Rock. Each step allowed us to see more and more out into the hills. Sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind filled the silence. As we walked up, others passed us walking back down, "The view is so worth it!" They encouraged us to keep going even while our legs were burning. Finally, we saw the large American Flag flying in the breeze and knew we were close. Dean raced in front of me to beat me there. 

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I got out the car to take a quick picture of the mountain. "I can't wait to take pictures" I said.

"You can barely see anything right now though," Dean said. We were still pretty far away but I wanted a picture anyways. The carvings were already visible. We got closer and I could make out the eyes and expressions of each president. I could see Washington's blank expression, Jefferson's flowing hair, Roosevelt's amazing mustache, and Lincoln's beard. We got even closer, "Look at that detail." I said to Dean.

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As I pass through the Bustling city, horns and exhuast play like trumpets to our arrival. Ambulances and arguments like choirs sing to me and Dean as we roll through. The White snow pours down as we reach our destination, Like stars in the brick layered city. I cant help but relish in its beauty, its almost as if I had been here forever. I look to the corners and see groups of men laughing and kids playing basketball, all as the apartments watch over them like castle towers. My heart can't help but feel warm in this winter night.

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Dean and I set off on our road trip to Boston, the excitement buzzing between us like the open road ahead. The playlist was a mix of our favorite songs. The scent of fresh coffee filled the car as we stopped at quirky diners. As we rolled into Boston, the skyline rose before us, and we couldn’t wait to explore the history and energy of the city together, making unforgettable memories along the way.

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Dean and I rolled into Santa Fe, New Mexico at dawn. I was sick of the dusty paths and charred trees from last week's forest fires that washed over us for hours-upon-hours on Route 66. In this moment, seeing the adobe-like clay structures calmed my nerves. "Is this the place George O'Keefe painted all the time?," Dean asked. The sparse vegetation and brown hues of the landscape went on for as far as the eye could see.

"I believe so," I responded with a tired nod. Just then, a young girl with braided black hair approached us, and we pulled into the village shopping street.