A year ago, I wrote this post on What Does Earth Day Really Mean.  I've decided this year, I have no interest to get into any political discussions. All I'd like to see is Alpine Shop's customers' favorite places on earth. Because what good is Earth Day if we can celebrate our planet's most beautiful locales? So whether you're a mountain lover, a beach comber, a prairie dweller or an ocean-goer, visit our facebook page here and post your pics or video of your favorite places on Earth. If you could celebrate 4/22 anywhere on Earth, where would it be? My favorites? Well, here you go... [caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="276" caption="The view of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, from Glacier Point."][/caption] Yosemite holds such a spell on me, it's difficult to describe. (If you're interested in learning more about it though, join me on May 26, 2011 for a clinic on the park at our Kirkwood location.) Yosemite Valley may be overrun with tourists, but I still love it. And I love getting out of the valley and exploring miles of trails that are virtually deserted. Pure paradise. [caption id="attachment_603" align="aligncenter" width="504" caption="The Castor River Shut-Ins near Fredericktown, Mo."][/caption] Most people don't know about the Castor River shut-ins at Amidon Conservation Area near Fredericktown, Mo. In all honesty, I'm not sure I want more people to know about it. I was married about 100 feet to the left of the spot where this photo was taken. My wife and I love it. Our kids love it. It's just a magical, beautiful place. Go during the late spring when floods have scoured the pink granite walls clean but the mud has had a chance to dry! [caption id="attachment_606" align="aligncenter" width="448" caption="Bloody Bay in Negril, Jamaica."][/caption] In honor of my wife who taught me to relax on a beach and just enjoy the waves rather than immediately get into a kayak and go paddle away into them, I have to put Negril, Jamaica on my list of favorite spots on this earth. What are your favorites? Don't forget to post your photos and/or videos on our facebook page before Monday, April 25 at Noon CDT, for your chance to win a gift certificate.