U.S. National Parks: Top Picks from 2021

As we were outlining our 2021 travel plans, especially in the months before we were able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, we decided to once again prioritize visiting national parks and other sites where we could spend our time outdoors. This took us to: Joshua Tree National Park (California)Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)Montezuma Castle National …

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Celebrating Earth Day, Your Way

It doesn't take Earth Day to celebrate our favorite things about this planet, but it's as good a day as any to reflect and recommit to protecting the world around us. While I've always loved trees and wildlife, as I've grown older, I've grown more passionate about preserving all aspects of nature and reducing my …

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Washington Hikes: Carter and Madcap Falls

We set out yesterday morning to hike Narada Falls to Reflection Lake in Mt. Rainier National Park. However, despite arriving just as the gate opened, there was absolutely no parking left at Narada Falls when we arrived. I either sorely underestimated the popularity of this hike, or I simply underestimated the number of people who …

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Grand Canyon: Driving Desert View Drive

Our last day in Grand Canyon National Park was beautiful. After clouds, snow, and hail, we had bright sunshine and brilliant blue skies for our morning hike on the South Kaibab Trail and our mid-day cruise on Desert View Drive. The East Entrance to the park is closed right now so this ended up being …

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Grand Canyon: Hiking South Kaibab Trail

After our six-mile hike on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, I was feeling prepared for what we should expect hiking the other major South Rim trail our second full day in the park. The South Kaibab Trail is 6.8 miles to the Colorado River. The National Park Service - in line …

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