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. Read the rest of this entry »
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. Read the rest of this entry »
If the term “Living on the Edge” is meant to imply anxiety and tension it certainly does not apply here. Spending a couple of days in a rim cabin is more likely to leave you relaxed and inspired. Read the rest of this entry »
I hope someone has something better.
Our most recent site is the Antietam National Historic Battlefield in Maryland just west of Frederick. It was here where Union and Confederate armies fought tooth and nail over the two big issues of the day: Slavery and States’ Rights. It was a sunny autumn day Read the rest of this entry »
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.
In the lab accident also known as my first job out of college, when the prospect of slogging it out, day after day, year after year hit me in the face like a wind-shift along side a Yellowstone sulpher pot, a certain escapist fantasy developed. It was this first run-in with disillusionment that spontaneously coaxed my mind toward a happier existance. Given these conditions, it was not surprising that being a National Park Ranger seeped through my mind as a significantly better alternative. The great outdoors, hard brimmed hats, and well-cut uniforms all played into the dream. I guess there was also a lingering subconsious sense of escape due to the fact that everytime I visited a National Park I also happened to be (surprise) on vacation. Well of course, the reasoning went, if I worked in a park, life would be all vacation, all the time. Well, not quite. Read the rest of this entry »
Did this one in 2004. No weaknesses. Saw and did more great stuff in less time than any vacation I ever took. 10 parks total.
Day 1 -
Begin Las Vegas. Tip: Get there the night before and enjoy one of many incredible buffet breakfasts in the morning. Always good to start a trip with a feast.
Destination: Zion NP.
Accomodation: Stay at Zion Lodge or just outside the park.
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Almost everything about Yosemite is old. Old magnificent trees, old awe inspiring rock formations, and old, tall waterfalls. Unfortunately, not everything old is always good. Yosemite Lodge is, well… old. The design of the property puts the parking on one side and the strip cabins on the other resulting in a long distance luggage haul for most visitors. And if you arrive after dark as we did you may have difficulty finding a spot at all. Read the rest of this entry »
