As told by AJ Gellman from her 1996 adventure.
There are many choices of how to see the Grand Canyon. Walking along the rim, helicopter fly over, muleback riding, or hiking to the bottom but in order to see it from the bottom up - my choice was rafting.
Of the many things to do in Grand Teton National Park, it seemed a hot air balloon ride worthy of a test. All of the elements of interesting adventure were evident - amazing vistas, gentle breezes, wildlife, and the Wizard of Oz motivated uncertainty factor. An advance call to the Wyoming Balloon Company confirmed promises of abundant wildlife and anything but a simple “up and down” experience. (more…)
When planning a trip for the Summer of 2006 to Grand Teton NP I felt it important to get both hands and feet dirty to gain a true understanding what this land was about. Oh so many simply view the range from the main road turnouts which are beautiful views but barely scratch the granite surface. We would begin the adventure as an inexperienced nuclear unit. We would end a trail hardened, but a closer, more mutually respectful family.
Watching a sunrise from atop the Haleakela volcano on Maui had been described as a “must do before you die” experience. We heard this from brochures, travel books, and hotel staff. Of course we had to give it a try. First let me say that it was really tough waking up before 5:00 AM while on vacation. It was my honeymoon to be exact so even more the problem. At that hour it is quite chilly. The open sided jeep we were driving forced us to tote the hotel blankets along with us for warmth. (more…)
There are a number of great activities in Cape Hatteras but chartering a small plane for what they now call Flightseeing surprisingly brought this preserve into focus. A pilot was found via advertisment in a local pamphlet and a time was set. We met in the morning at an airstrip in Frisco, just a few miles south of Buxton, home of the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
When visiting Arches NP folks staying for more than 10 minutes will normally spend the night in the small town of Moab. Moab has gone from dot on the map thirty years ago to being a sought out recreation mecca. But along with rafting on the Colorado and serious mountain biking I recommend taking a Hummer tour through an area called Hell’s Revenge.
