I have enjoyed living in Pittsburgh for the most part of past four years. To be honest, though, Pittsburgh winters can be a little bit of dull. Thus, when summer finally arrives, everything is reborn. So am I!

I decided to do as many fun activities as I can in summer to compensate for suffering through 4 months of freezing winter. Ohiopyle State Park has become my playground. It is only 1.25 hours away from Pittsburgh, and offers a variety of exhilarating activities. Along with 7 other college peers, I drove there and rented a lodge for 3 days. I was acquainted with 2 of them; I wondered whether I would get along well with 6 strangers for the upcoming 3 days. Yet again, my initial intention was to enjoy nature and to socialize if I could. 

I travel light, but I never forget to carry a camera and a book with me. I enjoy capturing the mixture of color, floral, raindrops, caterpillar, waves, and children. I also love great literature to enrich my perception of people from all walks of lives. (Also, what if I dislike these friends I am traveling with? It's a reasonable excuse to solo, isn't it?) 

I must confess I only read approximately 20 pages those three days, because I was distracted by nature and interacting with my 7 lovely new friends. We hiked along the riverside, in the forest, through the rocks and stones; we rafted for hours despite the sunburn we would have to concern ourselves about the day after; we picked up cobblestones, watched leaves falling, dodged bugs… 

I am once again intrigued by the harmony of nature and lives. Most importantly, camping at a somewhat remote place with new companions made the trip much more meaningful. Hold on, did I mention we are good friends now? Travel does that – brings people together. 

Lin Yuhan is the Culture and Politics Editor at Wandering Educators

All photos courtesy and copyright Lin Yuhan