From getting lost in the desert without water, to stepping on rattlesnakes, hallucinating on a “not too difficult” trail, and getting yelled at for not wearing a mask… California has always been one of my favorite states! Perfect weather, beaches, deserts, mountains, and $10 gasoline… What more is there to ask for?
Where I first learned that when a hike says “Strenuous” they really mean it... From almost getting blown off the Grand Canyon, to running through a blizzard and seeing my first mountain lion, Arizona boasts some of the most beautiful deserts, canyons, mountains and sunsets, and even gets tons of snow… Who knew?!
My official favorite state! It feels like another planet out there, with unbelievable arches, canyons, hoodoos and Mormons… It may also be the selfie capital of the world! But I’ll always remember it as the site of my first hike, Angels Landing the one that changed my life forever.
The birthplace of Grunge! It’s also the first (and definitely not last) place where I was called a turtle for my blazing hiking speed… Crystal blue glacier water, untouched coastlines, waterfalls, and the deepest lake in the USA. Hell the Pacific Northwest even has a rainforest, not to mention my official favorite animal the Marmot!
“Go West, young man.” This diverse landscape definitely had me outside my element… From trying to avoid bears, moose and wild bison, to almost driving into dozens of deer while surviving the storm of the century. The West has amazing mountains, deserts, sand dunes, and hot springs, not to mention aliens in Roswell!
Southern hospitality, tornados, hurricanes, waterfalls, humidity, lightning bugs, swamps, alligators, mosquitos, cicadas, snakes, and sooo many bugs, the South is a place like no other! Not to mention the best BBQ and bourbon in the world… Oh and I better not forget to include church too!
Definitely no flyover states here! America’s Heartland, with a history rich in expansion and Native American influence. The “Gateway to the West” doesn’t disappoint. Oh and they also have Prairie Dogs too!
Yankees… With Revolutionary and Civil War battlefields, national cemeteries, freedom trails, lighthouses and witch trials, the Northeast is a place rich in American history. Not to mention some of the best lobster rolls, buffalo wings and cheesesteaks... And also the home of the Jersey Shore!
The Heart of the Orient. A land of unbelievable temples, pagodas, rice fields, amazing food and some of the nicest people in the world! Also thieving monkeys, coffee made of s***, cobra wine, crazy motorcyclists, unbearable humidity and who can forget the lady boys…
“The Land Down Under.” Crocodiles, kangaroos, koalas, the Great Barrier Reef, Vegemite, and Steve Irwin. And don’t forget about the Kiwis… More sheep than people, volcanoes, Māori, the birthplace of bungee jumping and home of the All Blacks rugby team!
“The Pearl of the Orient.” Over 7,000 islands and some of the best snorkeling and SCUBA diving in the world! With white sand beaches, turquoise waters, volcanos, Komodo dragons, rice with every meal, and the home of Manny Pacquiao!
Feel free to follow my Vicarious Vacations Instagram account at Walkabout_Photographs. And if there are any photographs on the site that you like and don’t see here, I can print those out as well.
Former Doctor who left practice to explore the world! During my career I fell in love with hiking, travel and photography. The only problem is that I have no endurance, sense of direction or survival skills, and I like to go at it alone… But I do love a good challenge!After painstakingly being convinced by friends to embrace social media, I decided to share my journey in hopes of motivating others to do the same. So I left practice and started my “Medium Husky Misadventures.” The goal being to encourage people to travel, embrace challenges, enjoy nature, and get the f*** outside! Ohh and I’ve taken some pictures along the way.Authentic Photographs, Prints and Downloads that show what’s really out there, without all the fancy edits and AI... Hope you enjoy and feel free to follow my journey on Instagram at Walkabout Photographs.
Safe Travels!!
Dr. Tom
"When life gives you lemons, just say f*** the lemons and bail."
