NATIONAL PARKS
Wandering America’s National Parks
Point Reyes National Seashore Is On Shaky Ground In Northern California
One of America’s most natural wonders sits directly in the path of one of the world’s most well-known earthquake zones: the San Andreas Fault. Point Reyes National Seashore has spectacular beauty, abundant flora and fauna, and magnificent coastal cliffs. Yet the ground under it all is constantly on the move. The San Andreas Fault is…
Acadia Memories: From Heavenly Forests To Wild Ocean
In spring, my thoughts turn to Acadia National Park. This is the time of year when the weather improves in Maine and visitors start to gather in this glorious national park. Mount Desert Island teems with activity, on land and in water. Plants burst with blooms. Schooners launch in a kaleidoscope of sails. Yet, in our…
Majestic Windjammer Parade Celebrates A National Treasure
(MT. DESERT ISLAND, MAINE) Crowds gathered on the banks of Somes Sound in the heart of Acadia National Park for a maritime show of multi-masted sailing vessels in honor of Acadia’s 100th anniversary. The Maine Windjammer Association organized the August 2nd parade of North America’s oldest fleet of commercial schooners, all escorted into the mouth of…
Grand Watchtower Celebrates Native American Culture
(Mellow Wanderer-Grand Canyon) Perhaps the most iconic Grand Canyon image is the one paying homage to Native Americans. The Watchtower at Desert View rises 70 feet on the southeastern edge of the canyon, giving visitors panoramic views down to the Colorado River. Famed 20th century architect Mary Colter designed and directed construction of the Watchtower,…
Historic Pueblo Trail Is A Grand Canyon Hiking Gem
(Mellow Wanderer) Cliff Spring Trail isn’t the most challenging hike in Grand Canyon National Park. Technically, this trail is on the opposite side of the famed North Rim, and, typically, if heads are craned while driving and gawking at the Grand Canyon, tourists will miss the Cliff Spring Trail entrance. You don’t want to miss…