BOOK YOUR ESCAPE
How to Getaway | New York City

What to do around Getaway NYC

Public Transportation
Your cozy escape from the city can be accessed a variety of ways on public transportation if you don’t have a car:

  • From Penn Station, you can take Amtrak to the Hudson, NY stop, then grab a cab (we recommend Pronto Taxi, 518-822-9500, cash only) for about a 20-25 min ride to your Getaway House.
  • From the NYC Greyhound station, you can take it to the Catskill Park & Ride, then take a taxi from there.
  • From Grand Central, you can take MetroNorth to Poughkeepsie, and you could Uber over from there. It’s an hour ride and will probably be pricey (about $150), so it’s a better option if you split it with friends.

Walks in the Woods
Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.

Kaaterskill Falls
Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed

This hike is short, though it is also steep and can get rocky. But all the effort is totally worth it when you reach the gorgeous waterfall.

Overlook Mountain Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

The stunning view from the top of this hike makes you forget about the strenuous slog to get there. You’ll also find an old fire tower and ruins of a former hotel at the summit, and at the start or end of your hike, you can visit a Buddhist temple.

North South Lake
Distance: 4.1 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash

Follow Mary’s Glen Trail to enjoy the views from Artist’s Rock, Sunset Rock, Newman’s Ledge, and North Point, then reward yourself with a dip in the lake. Or simply skip the hike and enjoy the water!

Exploring Nearby
Spend your day further afield and come back to your cabin to relax after your adventures.

Mountain Top Arboretum
Immerse yourself in the nature of the Catskills at this public garden which curates a collection of native plants and trees, and is less than 30 minutes from your tiny cabin. Discover natural meadows, wetlands, and forests along the trails and boardwalks of the arboretum, and be on the lookout for local birds.

Thomas Cole National Historic Site & Olana State Historic Site
For your art fix, head about 20 minutes west to Thomas Cole National Historic Site, where you can learn about the history of the Hudson River School of landscape painting. Just a few minutes across the Hudson River, you’ll find Olana State Historic Site, where you can take a tour to see more of this style of art or simply walk the grounds of the gorgeous estate.

Windham Mountain
About 30 minutes away, Windham Mountain is a great escape in any season. In winter, ski, snowboard, and snowshoe the trails around the resort. In summer, ride through the mountain bike park or take the chairlift to have a picnic at the summit.

Road Trip Curiosities
Start to disconnect from your daily life and explore something new before you even reach your tiny home by visiting these destinations along the way.

Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY 12553

This spectacular outdoor sculpture park is definitely worth a slight detour on your way up to the woods. Walking around the grounds is the perfect way to stretch your legs, and you might lose track of time with all the amazing art around. Be sure to bring your camera!

Opus 40
50 Fite Rd, Saugerties, NY 12477

For another sculpture park with a very different vibe, visit Opus 40 along your way. A quarry transformed into beautiful art by Harvey Fite, this labyrinth of stone is a special place to explore.

Photo by Tanya Binford

Lighthouse Park
255 River Road, Esopus, NY 12487

Stop for some fresh air and a view of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse, or take the trail to Esopus Meadows Preserve for more hiking and river views.

 

Sustenance & Snacks
If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.

Catskill Country Store
430 Main St, Catskill, New York 12414

This quirky local shop sells everything from candles to fudge, and you can pick up local jams, dressings, and sauces to top off your own meals and bring a taste home with you. They also have an ice cream counter and serve breakfast all day.

Last Chance Cheese
6009 Main St, Tannersville, New York, 12485

You’ll find so much more than just cheese here! Sit down for a meal at the tavern, search for treasure among the antiques, peruse the gourmet offerings in the shop, and choose from a huge selection of beer and, of course, cheese.

Hannaford
223 Main St, Cairo, NY 12413

Hannaford is a full supermarket where you can stock up on essentials.

On the Local Menu

Mike’s Diner
6306 Route 32, Cairo, NY 12413
7 AM-2 PM, Daily

Stop by this classic road side diner and chat with the waitress that has worked there for 47 years and enjoy the company of the locals reading at the counter every day.

Circle W Market
3328 NY-23A, Palenville, NY 12463
7:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm Sat & Sun (kitchen closes at 4:30pm every day)

Locals love this little spot for its fantastic sandwiches. Circle W also serves a simple breakfast and has shelves of other snacks to save for later.

Fernwood
341 Malden Ave, Palenville, NY 12463
5:00pm-10:00pm Daily

If you want a feast, head to Fernwood for a hearty meal. The menu skews Italian, but they also have specials like Taco Tuesdays, so you’re sure to find something delicious among the eclectic offerings.

The New York Restaurant
353 Main St, Catskill, NY 12414
11:00am-10:00pm daily (closed on Wed)

Authentic Polish fare in a cool vintage setting featuring live music is the draw at The New York Restaurant. Sample house-made pierogi, kielbasa and golumpki or go for a more American take with a tasty burger. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options: cauliflower wings, a curry rice bowl, and a veggie burger.

 

Notes on Nature

  • The Catskills are made up of 98 peaks, and they were shaped by waterways and sediment deposits, meaning that geologically they are considered a dissected plateau, not mountains.
  • Bobcats do live in the region, and many people believe that is what inspired the name Catskills, though that hasn’t been proven to be true.
  • Golden eagles, bald eagles, and a variety of hawks are common in the area, so you might spot them soaring overhead.

Ready for an upstate adventure? Book your Getaway now.

Local Guides

Taking the Scenic Route to Getaway Chattahoochee

Your Getaway is about finding time to disconnect and recharge. Your time of relaxation shouldn’t have to wait until you get to our Atlanta Outpost though, it should begin the minute you leave the city.

Change your journey to Getaway from a commute into a fun road trip. Whether you’re looking for exciting hikes, delicious food, or something to sip on, we’ve found some great stops for you to enjoy along the way.

Attractions Along the Way

Atlanta Views

Consolidated Gold Mine185 Consolidated Gold Mine Rd, Dahlonega, GA 30522
~ 35 min from Outpost
Descend 200 feet underground into this 100-year-old mine to see how turn-of-the-centuries miners found gold in Georgia. After panning for your own gold, visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum nearby, housed in the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards180 Wolf Mountain Trail, Dahlonega, GA 30533
~ 35 min from Outpost
Tucked at the edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest with views of the North Georgia mountains, Wolf Mountain has earned over 200 medals for its wines. Its grounds are landscaped beautifully, transforming the vineyard into a lovely place to taste wines and brunch.

Helen, GA, Visitor Center at 726 Bruckenstrasse, Helen, GA 30548
~1 hr from Outpost
This German mountain town is the third most visited town in the state. It boasts beautiful views, fun outdoor activities, and well-known vineyards, so it has something for just about everyone.

Grumpy Old Men Brewing1315 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA 30513
~ 45 min from Outpost
The couple of retired beer enthusiasts who founded Grumpy Old Men Brewing in 2012 began by brewing their stores in an outdoor shower and eventually opened their microbrewery in Blue Ridge. In 2018, the original two migrated to the other side of the 18-tap bar, passing the company onto “another Grumpy Old Man & his Crabby Lady.” There’s lots of space in the tasting room to play games and chat with other brew-loving folk.

Brasstown Bald2941 GA-180 Spur, Hiawassee, GA 30522
~ 1 hr from Outpost
Take in the view from Georgia’s highest peak at 4,784 feet above sea level. You can walk the half-mile climb to the top where, on clear days, you can see four states with the help of on-site telescopes.

Amicalola Falls State Park 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
~ 1 hr from Outpost
This state park, which features the highest waterfall in all of Georgia, is visited by hikers, climbers, and zip liners. Go for a hike or check out their other adventure activities.

Lake Lanier, 1820 Mary Alice Park Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
~1.5 hrs from Outpost
Popular with boaters, swimmers, and jetskiers, this frequently visited lake is a great stop on your way to the Outpost. Stop at Mary Alice Park for a picnic and to get some sun.

On the Local Menu

Meat and cheese platter

Capers on the Square84 Public Square N, Dahlonega, GA 30533
~ 40 min from Outpost
For delicious Mediterranean fare with good gluten-free and vegetarian options, Capers is a Dahlonega staple. After narrowing down your choices off the menu (good luck) you can sit by the restaurant’s big windows or outside in the square and people watch.

Bratzeit77 Memorial Dr, Dahlonega, GA 30533
~ 40 min from Outpost
Born in Switzerland and Germany, the owners of Bratzeit bring their native cuisine and Swiss-German tastes to Northern Georgia. The schnitzels are fantastic, and order a classic apple strudel to top off the fare.

Shenanigans87 N Chestatee St, Dahlonega, GA 30533
~ 40 min from Outpost
With its hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and snug quarters, Shenanigans plates Irish-American classics (try the fish ‘n chips) and a diverse beer menu.

Lake Burrito3050 Keith Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 30041
~ 1 hr from Outpost
Lake Burrito’s Tex-Mex menu, fresh ingredients, and tasty vegan options has made it a favorite with locals. Visit in the mornings for their staple breakfast tacos, and between the nachos, quesadillas, and burritos, you can’t go wrong with whatever you order.

Walks in the Mountains

Atlanta Woods

Jarrard Gap Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
Close by your cabin, this trail climbs gradually from Lake Winfield Scott Campground and merges with the Appalachian Trail. With ridge-line views, the path continues into the Blood Mountains in a lovely loop.

Long Creek Falls on the Appalachian Trial
Distance: 1.9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
This two-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is one of the most beautiful in Georgia. It winds through a lush valley en route to Long Creek Falls, full of wildlife, flowers, steep cliffs, and soft moss in every season. The double-tiered waterfall rises over 50 feet before emptying into a deep pool, shadowed by bunches of rhododendron.

Yonah Mt.
Hike Distance: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed on-leash
Recognizable by its asymmetric shape and exposed rock outcrops near the top, Yonah Mt. rises from the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mts. and is one of North Georgia’s best hikes. The continuous uphill hike climbs through a rocky, moss-filled forest leads to stunning panoramic views of the horizon. Check out the views from the rock outcrops along the way and at the summit, as practice some leaf-, flower-, and snow-spotting in all seasons.

Blood Mt. Loop via the Appalachian and Freeman Trails
Hike Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
Towering over the surrounding peaks, Blood Mt. is Georgia’s highest Appalachian Trail summit, rising high to 4,459 ft. at the summit’s massive rock outcrop, which offers sweeping, stunning views and a chance to explore the historic stone Blood Mt. Shelter. This loop explores quieter stretches, beginning at the Neels Gap trailhead and hiking the eastern face with the Byron Reece Trail. It merges with and follows the Appalachian Trail at Flatrock Gap to the summit, descending along the Freeman Trail, which leads back through a fern-filled valley.

Appalachian Trail: Three Forks to Springer Mt.
Hike Distance: 8.6 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
Spanning from Maine down through the eastern United States, the Appalachian Trail winds to a stop here in North Georgia, its southernmost point. This hike traces the last steps of the trail and dips through the greek, creek-strewn Three Forks Valley before climbing to an end at the summit of Springer Mt. with the reward of the southern Appalachian Mts., blanketed in blue haze.

Ready to start your road trip? Book your Atlanta stay today.

Features

Breaking Down Blue Light

Historically, the UV rays of the sun posed the most amount of danger to our eyes. As we’ve evolved into a society where we’re in front of screens more than outside in nature, there’s a new concern that’s emerged: the dangers of blue light.

Souce: Bluelightexposed.com

Natural and artificial blue light

Blue light is on the spectrum of light visible to the human eye and is found everywhere there is light. In fact, these shorter, high energy blue wavelengths cause the sky to look blue when they collide with air molecules. Our bodies use blue light to regulate our circadian rhythm, or our sleep and wake cycles. When the sun is out and blue light is scattered, it can help us feel more alert, heighten reaction times and make us feel better.   

But there’s been a surge of artificial blue light, emitted from our digital screens (TVs, computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets and fluorescent and LED lighting). This change may well harm our health and sleep.

The temptation to nestle with our phones in bed can disrupt our sleep cycle as blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm by tricking your brain into believing that it’s daytime.

The risks of overexposure to blue light

Citizens of the digital age are often guilty of looking at their phones right before sleeping and right after waking. While looking at your device first thing in the morning may increase alertness, the temptation to nestle with our phones in bed can disrupt our sleep cycle as blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm by tricking your brain into believing that it’s daytime. This is why Apple introduced the ‘night shift’ mode to iPhones in 2016, but their change in tone might not be enough as what we’re doing on our phones—scrolling, reading, getting notifications—can still keep our minds awake.  

Nico, on the Getaway team, testing blue light filter glasses.
Nico, on the Getaway team, testing blue light filter glasses.

 

How to manage your blue light exposure

The most obvious solution to avoiding overexposure to artificial blue light: spend more time outside (cabin in the woods, anyone?) and put away your devices, especially before going to sleep.

 

We chatted with Ian from Pixel, a company that creates computer eyewear to protect your eyes from screens, on ways to manage the symptoms from starting at our laptops or phones for too long.

We’re already being impacted by blue light on a regular basis since we’re constantly glued to screens.

Ian emphasized the severity of this issue: “We’re already being impacted by blue light on a regular basis since we’re constantly glued to screens. People can experience digital eye strain after a short duration of staring at a screen.” Here are some tips from him on how to combat the eyestrain:

  • Use the 20/20/20 rule, where you take a short break after 20 minutes in front of a screen.
  • Reduce the brightness of your screen and keep a proper distance between you and the screen, about 16-30 inches  
  • Wear computer glasses to reduce eyestrain

To balance out our exposure to blue light, we’ve been testing out Pixel glasses at the Getaway offices:

Nina testing out Pixel glasses at the Getaway offices.

While it may not be the best option for those who wear glasses already, it’s a great way for those with perfect eyesight to rock eyewear. That said, it still won’t beat the best way to avoid too much blue light disrupting your sleep cycle: to turn off your devices after work and to take some real time off.

P.S. Interested in winning your own pair? Enter our contest here.

Local Guides | Northeast | Washington, DC

Explore Postcard Cabins Shenandoah North

Located just two hours outside of DC, in Basye, VA, (and our second DC outpost) Postcard Cabins Shenandoah North is nestled in a bustling town with plenty of spots to explore. Here are a few of the spots we’d recommend you check out while you’re on your escape to nature.

Walks in the Woods

Laura Lake Trail Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed
This trail loops around Laura Lake, and it’s the perfect hour-long stroll to enjoy some time in nature with those who matter most.

South Link, Bradford Trail and North Link
Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: easy
Dogs allowed

This loop trail will lead you through the forest, across streams, and through patches of wildflowers. This trail takes about an hour to complete and is best visited between May and September.

North Mountain
Distance: 4.6 miles
Difficulty: hard
Dogs allowed

For more seasoned hikers, North Mountain is the perfect out-and-back trail for a great workout. Be prepared for steep inclines, rocky terrain, and great views.

Sustenance and Snacks

Community Store
~ 6 minutes away
Make a pitstop at the Community Store near the Outpost to grab those final ingredients you’ll need to create your favorite campfire recipes.

Broad Porch Coffee Co
~ 48 minutes away
Head to Broad Porch Coffee Co for a delicious breakfast and the best cup of joe around.

Rhouse Wine + Café
~ 6 minutes away
Enjoy a beautiful dinner at Rhouse Wine + Café with some amazing local wine.

Things to Do Around the Outpost

Hawksbill Brewing Company
~ 49 minutes away
Try some local craft brews and enjoy an afternoon at the brewery with those who matter most.

Bank Street Books
~ 48 minutes away
Stop at Bank Street Books to pick up some new titles to escape into on your weekend away.

Luray Caverns
~ 45 minutes away
For the more adventurous travelers, head to Luray Caverns to head underground to explore the Luray caves.

Ready to book an escape to nature? Find cabins near Washington, DC.

Local Guides | Washington, DC

Explore Postcard Cabins Shenandoah

Here’s a handy guide for getting to our DC Location and local spots to pick up any supplies you may need. While there’s a lot to do in the area, we suggest taking a break from planning in excess and simply enjoying the time away from your daily routine and hustle

Parking + Public Transportation

Wheels are your best bet to getaway, and parking is easy—just pull up and park next to your tiny cabin.  The best alternative is to take an Amtrak train to Charlottesville, then call Greene County Transit (which operates on weekdays) or a cab (iTaxi, 434-327-6622) to take you the rest of the way.

Walks in the Woods

Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.

Hightop Mountain
Distance: 5.6 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
An easy hike up the highest peak in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, Hightop Mountain offers excellent view to the south and west from the second overlook.

White Oak Canyon Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles, about 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
If you’re in search of waterfalls, head out on White Oak Canyon Trail. It can be a strenuous hike, but you can also adjust your mileage and make it shorter by skipping some of the sections.

Blue Hole
Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
For even more water, hike Moorman’s Trail to Blue Hole and spend some time soaking in the swimming hole before heading back to your cabin.

Sustenance & Snacks

If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.

Wolftown Mercantile Country Store, 3801 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727
A classic country store where you can stop for a sandwich and other snacks while you listen in on the banter of the locals.

Yoder’s Country Market, 2105 S Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727
For a wider selection, head to Yoder’s and find a fully stocked grocery store as well as a pharmacy.

Payton’s Grocery, 9658 Spotswood Trail, Stanardsville, VA 22973
This spot is a great place to pick up small items, snacks, beer, and wine. They also serve some of the best fried chicken around.

Revelation Vineyards, 2710 Hebron Valley Rd, Madison, VA 22727
For some local wine within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Revelation Vineyards is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon at a tasting, enjoying the beauty the landscape provides.

Notes on Nature

  • Many of the peaks in Shenandoah National Park were created by greenstone lava flows over 570 million years ago, and most of the waterfalls that you might explore were formed when streams carved a path through the layers of lava.
  • If you’re staring at the sunset and think you see a bird, you might want to take a second look because it could be a big brown bat, an important animal in the ecosystem of the area.
  • Although warmer weather is great for outdoor adventures, the sky in Shenandoah tends to be hazier in the summer, and you’ll tend to see the most spectacular vista views on clearer winter days.

Find cabins near Washington DC

Artist Fellowship

Getaway Presents: Sam McCoig’s Getaway Playlist

Looking for some chill vibes for your trip down to one of our Outposts? We’ve found the perfect playlist for you.

While participating in our Artist Fellowship Program, student and aspiring musician Sam McCoig curated the perfect playlist for your Getaway. Featuring artists like Jack Johnson, Mandolin Orange, and the Avett Brothers, Sam’s playlist is the perfect pick for your Sunday brunch or for your afternoon drive.

 

Artist Fellowship | Features

Artist Fellows of Getaway

With the hustle and bustle of city life, we know it can be hard for artists to find uninterrupted time to create. That’s why we created our Artist Fellowship Program, to give creatives a space in nature to work on their projects. We love seeing what our artists come up with and we’re excited to share some of our fellows from this past month.

Illustrator Fabiola Lara is inspired by a combination of pop culture and her own feelings, whether they are obsession, happiness, anxiety, or sadness. Fabiola has been illustrating since she was young, but she began sharing her work with the world in 2013.

“I’ve been creating since I was a kid,” Fabiola said. “I can remember spending hours drawing Spongebob and making elaborate paper Christmas ornaments.”

Fabiola, who recently spent some time working at our New York Outpost, hopes to one day create the illustrations for the next teen Netflix series.

Samantha Testa, who recently took to our DC Outpost, first began painting and drawing as a little girl with her grandfather. It’s a story that particularly resonated with us, as all of our cabins are named for grandparents.

“He was a phenomenal artist who taught me how to be patient with my work and find joy in creating things,” Samantha explains. “I still have a set of his old rickety brushes that I pull out from time to time.”

Since then, Samantha has drawn her inspiration largely from architecture and vast landscapes. Her dream would be to travel to different cities and paint the structures that represents their history, culture, and vibrancy.

“I love searching for symmetry, angles, ornate details, and color palettes that make me feel inspired to get them down on paper,” Samantha notes. “Aside from the tangible inspiration, there is sometimes just an abstract feeling that compels me to make something with my hands.”

Interested in tapping into your own creativity in nature? Escape today.

How to Getaway | Tips for Getting Away

The Getaway Bookshelf

Our cabins have everything you need and nothing you don’t—including some great reads vetted by our team and our guests to help you disconnect from the noise, spend some time in reflection, and reconnect to what matters most. If you enjoyed a book during your stay, but forgot to write down the title before you left, we’ve got you covered. Here are the books you’ll find in each of our cabins.

Getting Away: 75 Everyday Practices for Finding Balance in Our Always-On World by Jon Staff

Getting Away, by our founder, Jon Staff, is the perfect book to bring the feelings of your Getaway home with you. In Getting Away, Staff outlines 75 everyday practices you can implement into your week to disconnect from the noise and reconnect to what matters most. Read this book cover to cover for some ideas to deepen your connection with yourself and your loved ones.

Ultimate Book of Card Games: The Comprehensive Guide to More Than 350 Games by Scott McNeely

One of our favorite ways to disconnect is with a deck of cards, so McNeely’s book is an essential guide to every card game you can think of. We love implementing a digital sabbath, described in Getting Away as one day per week with no screens, and spending an evening instead learning a new card game with friends and family.

What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid

For astronomy and astrology geeks alike, What We See in The Stars provides details for finding the constellations alongside the myths and legends behind them. If you’re headed to Getaway, make sure to study your favorite constellations and then try to find them in the night sky.

Wanderlust, by Gestalten

Each cabin also has a copy from Gestalten’s Wanderlust series, capturing some of the most scenic spots in the world to inspire the traveler in you to get out into nature and explore more.

Andersen and The Pied Piper of Hameln by Little Gestalten

For our junior explorers, we also have two books by Little Gestalten with beautiful illustrations of classic tales. Let them escape into a story while you escape to nature.

On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor

On Trails is part memoir, part nature writing. Robert Moor was an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker who became increasingly interested in the trails under our feet, and he began some adventures to look into how our roads and trails and paths emerged and changed over time, and he interweaves science, history, and philosophy into the tales of his trips.

How to Getaway: Finding Balance in Our Overworked, Overcrowded, Always-On World by Jon Staff and Pete Davis

How to Getaway by our founders, Jon Staff and Pete Davis, investigates our troubled relationships to technology and work in modern life. They look at the science and history behind our seeming inability to slow down in our lives, and provide ideas and remedies to find more balance.

How to Relax by Thich Nhat Hanh

If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration to practice mindfulness, check out How to Relax by world-renowned zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh. In this book, Hanh details the essential components of what constitutes a mindful practice, and with those essentials under your belt, you’ll be able to identify all the opportunities that lie in each day for you to practice presence and letting go.

What was your favorite read during your last escape to nature?