THE Unofficial FLORENCE

Not the destination but the traveler

  • How to Respect the Sacred Deer of Nara Park

    How to Respect the Sacred Deer of Nara Park

    Oh deer! Set foot in Nara Park and you shall soon find yourself surrounded by Japan’s sacred deer. Established in 1880, Nara Park is home to hundreds of free roaming deer and in the Shinto religion, these deer are seen as messengers of the kami deities. In fact, animals often… Read more

  • Uncover a Wonder: Three Beautiful Hikes by Moraine Lake

    Uncover a Wonder: Three Beautiful Hikes by Moraine Lake

    Feeling blue? Then, Moraine Lake may be calling your name. An iconic gem of Banff National Park, Moraine Lake captures the hearts of all who behold her stunning glory. Her peaceful waters are of a lustrous blue, whose hue reflects the mood of the day. Now, the best way to… Read more

  • Black Elk Peak: The Highest Point in South Dakota

    Black Elk Peak: The Highest Point in South Dakota

    Reach for the heavens atop Black Elk Peak, the highest natural point in the Midwest, soaring to 7,242 ft. Here, depending on how tall you are, the top of your noggin may, for a moment, be the highest human point in South Dakota. Besides the potential of this great honor,… Read more

Hike to the top of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota.

Welcome to THE Unofficial FLORENCE

My name is Florence, but I am not of the Italian sort. You will find me roaming around here and there…sometimes, because I am lost, but other times because a bird or a deer or a goat has caught my eye. Luckily, I stumbled my way back to share tales of the wild, wacky, and wonderful unofficial wonders of the world. Experience the joys and frustrations of hiking and birding from comfort of your armchair and perhaps you will embark on the adventure yourself.

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Though my social media presence is as fleeting as the tiny Black Rail, I do endeavor to appear every now and then.

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