Finding Solitude in Banff National Park: The Skoki Valley
We planned a trip to see the Canadian Rockies. I’d never been to Banff, but it’s a popular spot. My first objective while planning this vacation was to find some time away from the maddening crowd. Objective achieved. Canadian National Parks How are Canadian parks different from US National Parks? In many ways they’re similar. Huge areas preserved primarily for nature-based recreation. A variety of campgrounds, lakes, and trails provided for people to get back to nature. But in Alberta parks, at least, there are entire towns within the Parks. Entire towns. Like Jasper. Banff. Waterton. Just sitting there providing all sorts of services, with pricetags ranging from not-cheap to…
Hey Tiger: Random Photographic Update
I am about to break every SEO rule by basically saying nothing and using zero keywords. I know, I’m blowing minds over here. But I never update… though I should. And I took a birding trip to India that I really do want to post about. I know I really should. Yet it takes me about a billion months to curate photos, so that’s my excuse for why updates never happen. With that in mind, I’m posting this photo now. Because it’s my site, and I can post useless content. That’s how the internet works! I present to you: A WILD TIGER. This handsome adult was spotted with his mate…
2021 Vaccinated Vacation Adventures
It turns out that 2021 was, indeed, better than 2020 in many ways. Granted, the endless working from home and refrigerator access probably hasn’t helped the fit of my wardrobe. Bummer. But in terms of travel, the outlook has become markedly more positive. For those of us lucky to have it, access to the vaccine has definitely opened up more vacation options! The year started with the certainty of… well, uncertainty. But a willingness to be adaptable led to a couple opportunities I wouldn’t have predicted in January. — Sadly, I’ve written exactly zero blog posts in recent months, which means I’ve written nothing about the international trips I was…
Post-Vaccination Vacation Plans: New Developments
I have vacation plans! I’ve plotted so many things for 2021 that have already been cancelled. It’s difficult to share thoughts of travel without the caveat that – what with pandemics being the nasty, unpredictable beasts they are – any plans are more likely to be trashed than not. After a trip to India was postponed to 2022 and a European cruise was cancelled (which was entirely expected), it’s difficult to feel entirely optimistic about 2021 travels. However, I’m going to embrace hope and share my currently scheduled adventures anyway. I’m genuinely excited, and I think these post-vaccination vacation plans have a good shot of happening! Recent History: Florida Just…
U.S. National Parks: A Lifetime of Domestic Bliss
A recent post about a more thoughtful, intentional approach to travel left out a massive United States-sized hole in my personal bucket list. But of course I don’t think this country lacks for spectacular, noteworthy destinations! There are many amazing places here that I still hope to visit, and most of them are public lands. Despite there being some great cities in the U.S., those urban centers are no match for the grandeur of our greatest National Parks. What’s in a Name? Okay, let’s be really clear about something. Because titles might confuse people. There are 63 “National Parks” in the National Park System. But there are hundreds of properties…
The Inexperienced Hiker’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
What is a long day hike into the Grand Canyon really like? How should someone prepare for the rim to river hike? What should my fitness level be? These are legitimate questions that should be considered if someone is about to attempt an arduous hike into the Grand Canyon. If you’re an experienced hiker with plenty of challenging hikes under your belt, I might not have much insight to offer you. But if you’re new to the desert southwest and/or long, grueling day hikes? I’m your girl! I have already made the ill-advised missteps, and I’m happy to share them with you. Whether this is “for your information” or just…
