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47 Parks

Badlands Confession

  • September 12, 2016March 10, 2019

Fact #1: The Badlands are an explorer’s utopia.

Unlike most national parks who either limit or closely monitor the use of backcountry hiking, the Badlands have an open-trail policy. This means you can virtually go anywhere in the park, which is quite mind boggling considering the miles upon miles of maze-like formations that dot the … Read more

47 Parks

Cuisine (Part II)

  • September 10, 2016March 10, 2019

Food has become my frenemy while living on the road. I still enjoy a delicious meal, yet sometimes food preparation is simply a hassle.

My Yeti cooler has been phenomenal. It keeps produce cool and refreshing for up to 3 days. I thought I would miss my salads and raw veggie snacking, but I’ve been … Read more

47 Parks

Treasuring Beauty, The Mile High City, and Traveling Safer

  • September 8, 2016March 10, 2019

“I’m sure that after all the national parks you’ve been to, this is underwhelming.”

“You’ve been to all these incredible places – what are you doing here?”

People I run into seem to believe that my senses have become dulled towards appreciating beautiful things in a “lesser” setting. Sure, I’ve gazed upon the Appalachians, snorkeled … Read more

47 Parks

Rocky Mountain Recap

  • September 6, 2016March 10, 2019

Length of Stay:

  • 4 days, 5 nights

Highs:

  • The freshness and crispness of the fall air
  • Estes Park – what a cute lil’ town to explore in between park adventures!
  • Meeting Lauren, a fellow adventurer/traveler who captures the beauty of her surroundings through art

Lows:

  • A campsite that was way too far from the
… Read more
47 Parks

To the Tundra!

  • September 4, 2016March 10, 2019

For every 1,000 feet my car climbed up the winding road, the temperature dropped more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty soon the pine trees began to wane and were replaced by heaps of snow that had still not melted from the previous winter. I was officially in the tundra.

When most people think of the … Read more

47 Parks

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Recap

  • September 2, 2016March 10, 2019

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Length of Stay:

  • 4 days, 4 nights

Highs:

  • Watching the sun set over the gorge
  • Taking the Morrow Point Boat tour down the Gunnison river

 

Lows:

  • Not being able to see the stars (there was a cloud cover every night)

Favorite Hike:

  • Gunnison Route into the canyon

Favorite Treat:

  • Fried Rocky Mountain oysters

Favorite … Read more

47 Parks

An Absolutely Gorgeous Gorge

  • August 31, 2016March 10, 2019

The scenery on the road leading up to Black Canyon of the Gunnison was nothing special. There were some small shrubs, a couple of hills, and a pretty sky. I thought to myself, “Doesn’t seem like I’m anywhere near a park, nevertheless one that I heard had views that could take your breath away”.

And … Read more

47 Parks

Mesa Verde Recap

  • August 27, 2016March 10, 2019

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Length of Stay:

  • 3 days, 3 nights

Highs:

  • Touring the Mug House dwelling site (it was a back country tour that was off the beaten path)

Low:

  • Minor altitude fatigue

Favorite Hike:

  • Petroglyph Point

Favorite Treat:

  • Elk quesadilla
… Read more
47 Parks

Cliff Dwellers

  • August 24, 2016March 10, 2019

Mesa Verde has been quite a memorable park so far. I was able to take a guided tour of 3 different cliff dwellings and view a couple other sites on my own. It’s surreal to walk through ancient ruins and spot pieces of broken pottery over 800 years old.

I have a lot of respect … Read more

47 Parks

Great Sand Dunes Recap

  • August 22, 2016March 10, 2019

sign 2

Length of Stay:

  • 3 days, 4 nights

High:

  • Meeting so many new friends; it’s encouraging to encounter fellow travelers who are just as passionate about nature as I am

Low:

  • Sun exhaustion my second day (the weather is deceptive since constant wind makes the sun feel much less intense than it is)

Favorite Hike:

  • Mosca
… Read more

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About Me

About Me

National park expert. Nature enthusiast. Outdoor educator. These are the chronicles of my travels and discoveries around the country and throughout the world.

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