travel beyond the obvious
First-time visitors might be surprised by the amount of development along the Grand Canyon’s south rim. But all that disappears when you see the view from the Grand Canyon’s south rim. Take in the view Read More …
International Falls, Minnesota, is probably best known for its winter weather. After all, Frostbite Falls is also famous for being the Icebox of the Nation! But all that focus on winter obscures the fact that Read More …
Grand Portage (the Great Carrying Place) is an 8.5 mile trail that links the Pigeon River (and the Canadian northwest) to the shore of Lake Superior. The trail bypasses a series of waterfalls, including the Read More …
We’ve had a beautiful summer here, but I’ve been looking at my photos from last summer’s trip to Glacier and the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks — Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, and a few Read More …
The largest ground squirrel in North America, marmots are found throughout the northwestern mountains of the US, through western Canada, and into Alaska. Glacier and the Canadian parks are home to hoary marmots. Lucky (and Read More …
Driving the Going to the Sun Road again is fun, but we have returned to Glacier specifically to see how much snow is left at Logan Pass. The answer is: Some, but not much. But Read More …
An unpromising start to the day with lumpy grey clouds that crowd the mountain tops gives way to glorious sunshine. We board the boat, cross Swiftcurrent Lake, hike up (and back down) a hill, and Read More …
We signed up for a boat trip across Two Medicine Lake and a ranger-led hike; but the ranger has long legs, so instead we spend our time photographing plants and loitering by the waterfall. More Read More …
We return to the Going to the Sun Road (driving it from east to west and back again), with plenty of time to wander in the snow and admire the glacier lilies at Logan Pass. Read More …
The day begins with another amazing sunrise outside our window. Plans to tour Swiftcurrent Lake by boat go awry; we walk around the lake instead. In the afternoon we leave for Bison Creek and new Read More …
The sunrise is obscured by fog and then magic occurs. Touring Glacier National Park, we drive from Many Glaciers south along the eastern edge of the park (dodging domestic animals along the way) until we Read More …
Dawn comes early, bringing with it a quiet step back in time at Reeder’s Alley, the oldest remains of historic Helena. Driving north from Helena we pass through ranch country, rolling fields with the front Read More …
We are headed to Glacier and the Canadian Rockies this summer – in a few weeks, actually. I have been anticipating arriving just in time to experience summer in the valleys and spring in the Read More …
A memorable moment at Yellowstone National Park In 2000 a business meeting brought us to the Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons in October. It was among the most glorious fall trips I’ve ever taken. Imagine Read More …
Fishing has been part of life in Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands since far into the distant past. The life of those who have fished in the islands has changed over time, but one slice of Read More …
Most of the sandy spit on which Provincetown is located is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore This area, known as the Province Lands, is characterized (today) by long sandy beaches and large, sparsely Read More …
We are back in California’s Joshua Tree National Park in the morning. We should have gotten going earlier this morning, but the coffee shop in town doesn’t open until 7, so we decided that would Read More …
The campgrounds at California’s Joshua Tree National Park are almost enough to make me want to come back with a tent – or maybe a camper. Almost. Next post: The Good Life at Spin and Read More …
The whole reason we are here now is to see the desert in bloom. I’ve long been fascinated with the way the stark landscape of the desert bursts into riotous color when the conditions are Read More …
Along with her recommendation to immediately head into Hidden Valley (to beat the crowds), the ranger at the gate also advised us where to find a Joshua tree in bloom (it’s still too early for Read More …
Hidden Valley showcases some of the Joshua Tree National Park’s best features, thus tends to be one of the busiest spots in the park. We have arrived relatively early, so hope to beat most of Read More …
I actually woke up a little after 6 but, for whatever reason, we laze around until 7. Now, out on the road in Joshua Tree National Park, I realize we should have gotten started much Read More …
We immediately head out of Vegas, quickly finding ourselves in the desert. I’m so happy to be on the road here. I love the big, stark landscapes of the west. Finally we turn of Read More …
So our “winter” trip is starting to come together – for March/April when we can take in the flowers in the California deserts.We are starting with Death Valley. photo from thundafunda photo from the Read More …