- 3 min read

Why I Love Our Planet (And Why You Should Too)

Planet Earth, our home, our sanctuary, and unfortunately a refuge that seems to be dying as we continue to evolve. Now, I'm not here to preach environmental activism and tell you that everything you do on this planet is likely aiding to its destruction, rather, I thought I'd give an insight into my own relationship with the planet, and why I feel we as human beings need to do everything in our power to save it.

Lake Agnes on the Devil's Thumb Trail, Alberta

So to begin with let's get the boring stuff out of the way; a little about me. I'm a 25 year-old Australian currently living in British Columbia, Canada. Like many others, I've spent most of my time on the planet wholly absorbed in cementing a career in *insert field here*, saving money, travelling the world and seeing all the touristy hot spots I've been told are worthwhile, blah blah blah. So, I went to University, completed a degree in Media with a Major in Journalism, became a Professional Golfer and travelled to several continents thinking that was what I wanted in life. Yet, I was still lost, I felt that this world could offer more, and thankfully, I found it (I think). It wasn't until I started my adventures in the mountains of British Columbia that I came to truly appreciate the planet we are lucky enough to call home. Of course, I had always appreciated the Earth and knew it was in our roots to care for it, but I don't think I had every really appreciated it, or understood our relationship with nature until I started exploring not only the mountains and landscapes, but myself in this incredible scenery. Forget career (don't really), houses, cars, clothes and any other materialistic goods in your life, the most rewarding thing you will ever receive was given to you at birth - the planet!

Ancient Forest/Chun T'oh Whudujut Provincial Park, Northern BC

Since my time in Canada, I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months of my summer living out of a van on the road. In this time I explored BC (Island, Southern, Northern & Central), Alberta and even the Yukon. All of these provinces boast incredible landscapes and scenery, not to mention an array of exciting outdoor adventures for you to get absorbed in. I cannot recommend living in a van enough in a nomadic day-to-day lifestyle, it is seriously special to just wake up in the morning and plan your next adventure; freedom never felt so good. I highly recommend this experience to any one, even if going several days without a shower isn't your cup of tea; with the beauty of the natural world at your fingertips, you really won't care.

King's Throne, Yukon

I've been fortunate enough to explore some insanely cool places, and do some pretty outrageous things, and still, I yearn for more. Not in a greedy way, but in a "we really need to keep exploring this incredible planet" kind of way. I've always had a passion for photography and since my time in BC I've really gotten back into it, now trying to forge "something" out of it - what that "something" is, is yet to be seen. Ultimately I am just seeking more opportunities to continue to explore the planet and the incredible playground we are fortunate enough to label home. I've become obsessed with outdoor adventuring and actively promote the Earth and all its offerings to everyone I meet, perhaps too much at times. Hiking, climbing, skiing/snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, golfing, camping, whatever it is you're into in the outdoors it doesn't matter, just get out there and appreciate it (and make sure you're taking good care of the planet in the process).

Now for some shameless self-promotion; If you like what you see, feel free to follow me on Instagram @samdesira, or check out my own website - samdesira.com - for adventure blogging, hiking recommendations/tips, sightseeing ideas, and of course photography! Any support is always appreciated!

But anyway, enough of my obnoxious chit chat, here's some photos of my experiences in Canada thus far.