On a thru-hike along the Jordan Trail, I found myself embracing the role of the straggler. Journeying from Dana to Petra, the stunning landscapes and a solitary tree against the desert reminded me that sometimes the best moments are found when you take the time to slow down and look back.

The French countryside has a special place in my heart, especially when it’s bathed in golden light. From a distance, the fields might look the same, but up close, the warm light reveals all the little details that make each one unique.