Touring Jewel Cave National Monument

As we continue to explore things to do around our new home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it's clear we have a lot to learn about caving! We took a guided tour within Wind Cave National Park a couple years ago that introduced us to the expansive cave networks under the hills and …

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Wyoming Hikes: Red Beds Trail

It's been a few years since Brian and I visited Devils Tower National Monument. On previous trips we primarily spent our time at the visitor center so this visit we wanted to focus our time on hiking. While many people opt for the short and relatively accessible Tower Trail that winds around the base of …

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Manitoba: Riding Mountain National Park

We decided to take a short road trip to southern Manitoba - our first time in this Canadian province! - for my birthday this year. While our move to South Dakota a couple weeks prior didn't leave me with tons of planning time, I did map out a four-day itinerary that included spending a couple …

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Winter Weekend in Zion National Park

Much as we found in Bryce Canyon National Park, February was a great time to experience Zion National Park. We were able to drive our personal vehicle rather than take the mandatory shuttle that runs from spring through fall, we were not held to any reservation system for entry, and while there were more people …

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Winter Hiking in Garden of the Gods

Despite having visited Colorado Springs on a few occasions, I hadn't made it to one of the most popular nearby attractions - Garden of the Gods. We decided to stop during our trip to Durango, Colorado, and I ended up loving our winter hike in this beautiful park. We decided to stop in the Visitor …

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Traveling Solo: Female Inspiration

I've been on several solo trips, and in almost every instance it's been an incredible opportunity to clear my head, indulge in introspection, and regain confidence and personal autonomy. However, I would be lying if I suggested there haven't been issues. Two that standout in my mind both happened when I was in my 20s. …

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Motorcycling to Alaska: Choosing a Bike, Accessories, and Gear

I've been wanting to ride a motorcycle to Alaska ever since I started to do long-distance touring more than 20 years ago. After quitting our jobs in 2023 to have more time to travel, taking this trip topped my list. (Fortunately I have a partner who goes along with such ideas.) I knew spring/summer 2024 would …

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