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The Small Things

Don't forget to look nearby for some micro-beauty and adventure

By: Troy Lee + Save to a List

Outdoor adventure blogging is often preoccupied with the "big thing": big mountains, big sunsets, big waterfalls and big air. Indeed there are some spectacular--even epic--photos on sites such as the Outbound Collective. Beauty and adventure, however, can also be experienced a few feet from you. So, next time your exploring the backcountry or even your favourite urban park, look nearby you might be surprised by what you see.


This garter snake was just chillin in the sun when I happened upon it. It creates an interesting transition between last season's dead grass and the new shoots emerging from the ground.


A juicy, sweet carpet of dwarf blueberries.


These pine marten tracks caught my eye one day while riding the perimeter of a frozen lake. This marten was undoubtedly reconnoitring the shoreline looking for a easy meal. I must have just missed it.


This native bumble bee had its last meal of nectar on this thistle bloom. Its tiny legs got stuck on the petals and it eventually died. 

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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