Category Archives: backpacking

Activity, backpacking, hiking, National Parks, Travel, United States

The United States’ National Parks are Under Attack

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I am a national park junkie in every sense of the word.  I have been to 41 National Parks and over 150 of the other National Park units.  My love of the national park system came at an early age.  I was to my first national park before I was a year old.  It is no secret that I love our national parks.  I am forever thankful for the efforts of early environmentalists.  Their tireless work saved many of these magnificent places from destruction.  The U.S. National Park system is often called ‘America’s Best Idea.’  I firmly believe this statement.  Over the last couple of years, I have realized out park system is under attack.
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Africa, Animal, backpacking, hiking, Kenya, National Parks, Rwanda, Travel, Uganda

My Top 2015 Travel Memories

Hello 2016. I can’t wait to see what you bring in my adventures. 2015 was a great year for exploring the world. I visited 3 continents and 7 countries. I had some great adventures and some amazing experiences. I even had time to visit a few US states and cross 5 National Parks off my list. Continue Reading . . .

backpacking, Colombia, hiking, South America, Travel

Spotlight Thursday – Hiking in Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombia

Every Thursday, I will be posting a photo from my travels and a spotlight on the location. Today’s Spotlight Thursday is from my trip to Colombia. The highlight of the trip was the couple of days spent hiking in Tayrona National Natural Park.  Tayrona National Natural Park is a highlight on any trip to the Caribbean coast of Colombia.   The park is a short 30 min and 21 miles from the city of Santa Marta.  The park is a biologically diverse park.  It ranges from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the arid region by the sea. Continue Reading . . .

backpacking, hiking, National Parks, North America, Travel, Utah

Completing the Hike the Hoodoos Challenge

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I was at the Bryce Canyon National Park Visitor Center waiting for the park movie to start.   I am turning the pages of the hiking guide trying to decide what trail to hike.  A small article titled “Hike the Hoodoos Challenge.”  To complete the challenge, one needs do one of two things to hike at least 3 miles of on benchmark trails and/or collect a picture or rubbing of 3 benchmarks. Once completed return to the visitor center and collect “a special reward.”  It didn’t say what the award was or limit it to only kids.  Therefore, challenge accepted since I planned on hiking more than 3 miles. Continue Reading . . .