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 …
Previous post: We Arrive in Munich – Sans Luggage My research indicated that there would be so many simple options to get from Munich to Salzburg that this is one of the few pieces of Read More …
Well, we don’t actually start off walking. After loitering a long time at the Eielson Visitor’s Center we check to be sure we can get on and off the buses wherever we chose. That conversation Read More …
Yesterday at Denali’s Eielson Visitors Center: Same spot, today (after the clouds started to sweep in around Denali): Next post: And We’re Walking
We wake up to sunlight streaming in our window at 7:30. It is a stunningly gorgeous morning – cool and clear and sunny. Denali will be visible! We discuss our options for the day as Read More …
When the alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. I start wondering why I thought I had to have reservations for the 7:15 park bus. Did I really think it more likely Denali would only be Read More …
Ah, what a difference a day (and some sunshine) makes! Next post: What a Difference a Day Makes!
We sleep in. I can’t get used to the idea of getting up for a 5:30 sunrise – even when I know it is really only 6:30. (Arizona doesn’t have daylight savings time, except on Read More …
After being totally unprepared for last night’s great sunset (who knew the best light would be after the sun had all but set?), our goal for the evening is to catch great sunset pictures. (I’m Read More …
This afternoon we have our 1/2 day mule ride. This was my idea and I have been very excited about it. (Despite the fact that I’m kind of scared of large animals and a very Read More …
Once the sun is above the rim and the canyon mostly awash with color, we head back to the car and start off on the Cape Royal Road.We stop first at Vista Encantada, but find Read More …
We get up early, before sunrise, and head to the high viewpoint at Point Imperial. Point Imperial is the highest point on the north rim at 8,803 feet. From here the walls of Marble Canyon Read More …
We stop in Kanab for lunch at the Rocking V, which was recommended by the potter in Toquerville (and by my friend Dawn). It is a funky, inviting spot with innovative food, a lovely crafts Read More …
The scenery along the way out of the park is wonderful.Despite the traffic sharing the road with us, I make Lane pull off between switchbacks. I quickly see that the spot I have chosen is Read More …
I wake up very, very early, the pink light fooling me into thinking I am missing the sunrise. I am not. The sun is still far from slipping over the edge of the surrounding mountains, Read More …
The city of Springdale runs right up to the edge of Zion National Park. While Springdale actually looks like a reasonably pleasant tourist town, sitting in traffic as part of the long line waiting to Read More …
Up a little late, but still in time for a perfect sunrise at Bryce Point. I don’t want to leave yet (it is so beautiful), so we look for other good photo spots – the Read More …
I was hoping we would return to Bryce to find sunny skies and, at least for now, we have. Lane wants to do the Mossy Cave trail, so we stop at the trailhead and follow Read More …
Bryce doesn’t look like much when you first arrive. The outskirts of the park – the entrance to the park itself – is lined with strip commercial crap. Ruby’s empire (now owned by Best Western) Read More …
The Burr Trail (originally a route developed to move sheep) quickly becomes amazing, as a series of sharp switchbacks take us 800 feet to the top of the Waterpocket Fold itself. The view is spectacular. Read More …
I thought we were going to be treated to a fabulous sunrise outside our window this morning. It woke us up about six with lovely pinkish clouds, but now the sun is rising directly behind Read More …
We begin to see the formations that we will find at Capitol Reef long before we reach the park itself. It is late afternoon and the light is becoming wonderful. We stop at the Visitors’ Read More …