Every other Friday we feature a member of our Instagram community and give you an inside peek into the inspiration and motivation behind the photos. Today, we’re featuring Desirée Macke (@desireemacke), mom of 2 in Southern California. Desirée and I have been friends (online and in real life) for years and I can attest that she’s one of the most generous, hilarious, fun, encouraging and down-to-earth people I know. I’m absolutely honored to have here on our team – she’s a contributor and Instagram moderator – because she has a true passion for the outdoors and a wonderful sense of adventure. But don’t just take my word for it, here’s a little bit more about Desirée in her own words.
Favorite outdoor experience from this past year?
Recently, my husband and I took our kids (ages 7 and 3) to Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Tropic Reservoir. We hiked, played in streams complete with waterfalls, experienced the splendor of hoodoos and arches. We saw wildlife we’d never seen before, as well as wildlife that was once endangered but making a come-back. There were even deer that came within feet of our campfire while we were making s’mores. It was relaxing and thrilling and rejuvenating, all balled into one. The kids were completely in their element, never once were the words, “we’re bored” uttered. Neither kids nor parents wanted to leave when it was time to go home. It was a really fantastic trip.
Favorite outdoor activity to do with the kids?
My favorite thing to do outside with the kids is exploring the tide pools. No matter how many times we visit, or how many anemones, urchins, crabs, and sea stars we find, it’s always exciting. From marine life discoveries to digging in the sand, to tossing rocks, to simply splashing in the water, the kids love it.
Be sure to read Desirée’s post on Exploring Tide Pools with Kids. It’s fantastic!
What would people not realize about you from only seeing your Instagram photos?
Most of my feed feels very urban. I love finding art – particularly street art – and bright, vibrant colors. So, my feed mostly highlights and reflects that. However, those photos are in the minority of how we spend most of our time… outside doing outdoorsy things (like riding bikes, going swimming, hitting the hiking trails, visiting the local beaches, playing at the park). Instagram really is just the most micro snippet of our lives.
Top 3 bucket list destinations:
1) Yellowstone National Park: the geyser eruption of Old Faithful, seeing wildlife such as bison and bears in their natural habitat, the waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the colors of Grand Prismatic Spring – oh my gosh, take me there!
2) Banff, Alberta, Canada: the hiking trails, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, the vista point in The Valley of Ten Peaks for a view of Moraine Lake – it all looks beyond magnificent.
3) The Netherlands (can I include an entire country??). I have a lot of Dutch in me, and I would love to see from where my ancestors came. From the tulip fields to the canals to the baked goods the Dutch are known for, I would love nothing more than to experience it all.
Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?
It’s incredibly important to me that my kids grow up loving and respecting nature. I want my kids to want to go outside and get dirty, explore, and learn. I want them to reach for seashells and sticks instead of an electronic device. Kids should see that what we do (and what we don’t do) can greatly impact our world. I want my kids to love this planet enough to take care of it. There’s only one Earth and it’s important to me to raise kids to love it, appreciate it, and respect it.
Any upcoming travel adventures planned for this year that you’re excited about?
This summer our family is headed to Lake Ozark, MO to spend some time with family. I can’t wait to get our family out on the lake, hike some trails, and explore some caves. I foresee sun-kissed skin and very tired kids at the end of each day. Also, I’m excited about real Midwest sweet corn (that stuff is really hard to come by in California). This fall my just oldest and I are headed to Washington D.C. for a few days to check out the monuments, memorials, museums, and tour the White House. And, finally, our family is really hoping to get to Great Basin National Park before winter.
For more from Desirée Macke,
find her online in the following locations:
Instagram: @desireemacke
Her fun new side gig: @coolingrackconfections
Blog: Macke Monologues
Run Wild My Child: Posts by Desirée Macke
For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
