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47 Parks

Hume Lake: A Mountain-Beach Fusion

  • July 30, 2020July 27, 2020

I enjoy the mountains – the sharp majestic peaks or the gentler rounded ranges that go on as far as the eye can see.

I enjoy the beach – the sand between my toes, the cool water on summer days, and the accepted laziness that comes along with it.

During my last-minute trip into the … Read more

Spaces & Places

A Medieval Castle, A Pilgrimage Church, and a Lake:…

  • August 17, 2019August 16, 2019

I had cruised through Croatia, exploring the coast, waterfalls, and rocky outcrops that has rendered this country so spectacular.

I had skipped up into Italy to explore the Dolomites, investigating numerous areas within this magnificent region.

Now it was time for Slovenia.

Although not originally part of my trip itinerary, I discovered that it was … Read more

Spaces & Places

Where Lake and Mountain Meet (Lago di Braies)

  • August 16, 2019August 14, 2019

Like peanut butter and jelly or macaroni and cheese, some things are simply meant to be together.

Enter: lakes and mountains.

Throughout my national park travels, I have been privileged to experience some incredible lakes – soft and shimmering in their placidity, juxtaposed against the hard edges of a mountainous backdrop. It’s phenomenal, and creates … Read more

Guatemala

Real Time (Between the Waters at Lake Atitlan)

  • August 18, 2018March 12, 2019

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There’s always that moment when you see or experience something in real life that  you previously had only glimpsed in photos.

That sense of comparison.

Of disappointment or surprise.

Of noticing things that even the most expensive of camera lens wouldn’t be able to capture.

After I impulsively decided to fly to Guatemala during my … Read more

47 Parks

Isle Royale Recap

  • June 9, 2017March 12, 2019

Countdown:

  • 2 more parks to go!

Length of Stay:

  • 1 very full day, plus another morning at the visitor center on the mainland

High:

  • Being on a remote island on a sunshiney day

Low:

  • Too short (I had the option to spend the weekend, but the Lodge was expensive and I didn’t have Clarence with
… Read more
47 Parks

Pristine Wilderness

  • June 7, 2017March 12, 2019

Isle Royale is one of the least visited national parks in the United States. It’s no wonder, given the fact that it is extremely difficult to get to. A seaplane would have taken me directly to this island in the middle of Lake Superior, but would have cost a pretty penny. I opted for a … Read more

47 Parks

Voyageurs Recap

  • June 6, 2017March 12, 2019

Countdown:

  • 3 more parks to go!

Length of Stay:

  • 2 days, 1 night

High:

  • Visiting the Ellsworth Rock Garden
  • Being out on the Lake

Low:

  • No visitors centers open (despite what the website said)
  • Hitting Bambi

Favorite Hike:

  • Blind Ash Bay Trail

Favorite Treat:

  • Locally made scones
… Read more
47 Parks

Peace in the North

  • June 3, 2017March 12, 2019

Everything was tranquil. The lake water lapped gently against the shore, and I took a moment to soak everything in. The sun was shining, brightly reflecting upon the clear water. The smell was soft, kindred, and soothing.

Voyageurs is a national park in Minnesota, almost as far north as you can get without plopping into … Read more

47 Parks

North Cascades Recap

  • May 27, 2017March 12, 2019

Countdown:

  • 6 more parks to go!

Length of Stay:

  • 1 day, 1 night

High:

  • The fascinating emerald green lakes

Low:

  • Dam power lines obscuring the landscape

Favorite Hike:

  • Thunder Knob Trail

Favorite Treat:

  • Smoked salmon
… Read more

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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