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ith the ongoing changes happening to our planet as a result of climate change, people are holding on to their favorite places, hoping to preserve what they love. Pollution can persist in many forms such as air, light, noise and water pollution. Light pollution, any excess or unnatural light, disrupts the natural patterns of wildlife which hides the natural formation of the stars. For sophomore Alex Bradford, Lake Michigan is one of his favorite places to visit because there is no light pollution present. “I remember one night just sitting and looking at the stars,” Bradford said. “Without light pollution, you can see everything, which is really amazing.” As a kid, Bradford and his family would vacation at their house on the lake every year. “The lake itself is really beautiful, especially when it’s calm,” Bradford said. “You can see the reflection of the trees and mountains in the water.” Similarly to Bradford, junior Finley Craig has her own personal favorites, including the San Juan Islands in Washington. “The San Juans have unreal sunsets,” Craig said. “Sunsets are probably one of my top 10 favorite things.” Craig also enjoys traveling to national parks. “Yosemite, Yellowstone and Crater Lake are awesome,” Craig said. “I love these places because they’re super scenic, quiet and peaceful.” Craig runs cross country for the Varsity team, which allows her to experience peaceful outdoor spaces, even in Palo Alto. “I am able to run in a lot of fun places outdoors,” Craig said. “Especially trail running which gets you into the wild.” In addition to running, Craig enjoys other outdoor sports such as hiking and skiing. “I love hiking near the ocean because I find [that] the views are best there,” Craig said. “I love skiing in Tahoe, but I’ve also skied in Europe which was so fun.” Freshman Alma Bendavid also enjoys hiking. With no cell reception, it is a way for her to clear her mind. “I backpacked in Sykes Hot Springs in Big Sur with my dad,” Bendavid said. “It was 10 miles in and 10 miles out, which [gave me time to] clear my mind and get away a little bit.” Bendavid has also traveled places out of California, including Fiji and both Bryce and Zion National Parks. “Fiji was amazing, just unreal,”
22 • cmagazine.org
