Why enjoying the outdoors and nature matters.

My Name Is Dylan Cordova I really love going out to the outdoors and on road trips to mountains, I have been to some and some I have never been to. For me, this hobby has been a good way to explore this country, spend time with my dog, and unwind from daily life. I have chosen to cover the topic of camping and road trips because enjoying the outdoors matters because it helps connects us with the natural landscape, wildlife, and plant life of where we are at. When we are connected to these things we also care more about how we affect these things thus it can positively affect our mindset on conservation overall.  When you go for a hike in a new area not only is the adventure fun but the activity itself is healthy. According to the American Hiking Society hiking  "reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, and decreases the risk for colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure”  with this knowledge we know that not only is hiking a fun activity that connects you with the natural world but it’s also an activity that’s very beneficial for you health. I assume that you the reader have a love for the outdoors too or at the very least know how important it is to preserve the forest and mountain land we have left. I think when you hear my stories and the adventures I have been on it as well as my suggestions for your own trips it will inspire you to want to go out on some road trips and go on your own outdoor adventures. Not only can the outdoors be beneficial for your health but it can also be beneficial for your mental health as well. According to Utah State University camping can provide a variety of physical/mental benefits they state that the benefits include “relationship building, opportunities to learn and develop new skills, unplugging and getting away from screens, connecting with nature, stress reduction, and increasing physical fitness” the benefits camping has for mental health and giving a sense of relief are tremendous. When thinking of the outdoors and all the benefits it has there is one that tops the rest, which is the spectacular views you can have all to yourself in remote locations. Such as this photo of my cousin Gael and I in the deep wilderness at twin sisters lake near South Lake Tahoe The mountains, as well as the forest, are vast and beautiful and we are lucky to have them. The aspect that the outdoors convey about my identity is the adventurous aspect of it, it's what drives me to go on new trips and experience random places that I have only seen online before.