National Parks: Trip Blog

Below, you will find my archived blog entries from my 10-month journey through the National Parks.

2016.02.11-22 – Bay Area Shenanigans

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As west coast cities go, I’ll readily admit that I was most excited to visit Seattle and San Francisco. Having visited both cities before, I knew what to expect. That said, I spent very little time in either city as … Read More

2016.02.10-11 – Return to Highway One

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With a feeling of excitement and apprehension, I scooted back towards Highway 1. I wanted get back on the coast as far north as possible, so I headed south briefly on I-5 before angling northwest towards Fort Bragg. In the … Read More

2016.02.08-09 – Sleeping and Sledding on Volcanoes

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  Although I would return to the coast before hitting San Francisco, I headed inland from the Lost Coast to see Mount Shasta. I spent a day working in Redding, polishing up a few posts and pictures, before heading up … Read More

2016.02.07 – Finding the Lost Coast

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Like Crater Lake, California’s Lost Coast has ranked high on my bucket list ever since I read this article on Indefinitely Wild. Many of the places that I am visiting on this trip are completely on the beaten track. Even … Read More

2016.02.06 – From Rocky Shores to Redwood Sanctuaries

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Crater Lake had been an unfamiliar frontier for me and I had welcomed the opportunity to explore it for myself. After turning away from its captivating depths, I headed for a more familiar body of water: the Pacific Ocean. I … Read More

2016.02.03-05 – The Depths of Crater Lake

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After my royal treatment in Portland, I was somewhat hesitant, yet simultaneously excited to return to the road. I couldn’t help the excitement that crept over me when I imagined my next big stop: Crater Lake. This National Park has … Read More

2016.01.30-02.02 – The Pulse of Portland

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Although many people consider Seattle and Portland to be of similar caliber, I have often afforded Portland secondary status. I realized, however, that my assumptions and prejudices could waiver in the face of my upcoming visit. In my younger years, … Read More

2016.01.25-29 – Restful in Seattle

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Even though I am adamant that I will live as little of my life as possible in cities, I have always considered Seattle could be worth a try. Having spent a week or two in the city on different trips, … Read More

2016.01.22-25 – PNWonderland: Part II

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After my night in Port Angeles, I woke amid the interplay of persistent sun and relenting cloud cover. The fleeting rays hinted at the bright day that lay ahead. Leaning into a new day of exploration, I cruised over to … Read More

2016.01.20-22 – PNWonderland: Part I

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An offseason circuit of the National Parks can be relatively tricky to pull off. I have been met with partial failure at multiple turns. In Mesa Verde, none of ranger-led explorations of the kivas were still available. In fact, none … Read More

2016.01.17-19 – The Road to the Pacific

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Putting a beloved friend, or a beloved place, in your rear view mirror is never easy. The shared history comes flooding back as you drive away, leaving you wondering when next you will be reunited. I have felt that more … Read More

2016.01.15-17 – Party in the Powder

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When you have friends who work at a major ski resort, you add it to your travel itinerary. Lucky for me, it just so happens that a host of people I know work at Big Sky! Time to head south. … Read More

2016.01.13-15 – Big Sky Country

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Something shifts when you cross the border between North Dakota and Montana. That said, I would be hard pressed to give you any clear insight into what that shift might be or what it might mean. For me, I can … Read More

2016.01.11- Grasslands and Gas Flares

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After having extended my stay with family in the Twin Cities, I couldn’t help the feeling of excitement that crept over me as I readied my car for the drive west. Sure, it was -20° as I was loading my … Read More

2016.01.06-10 – A Twin Cities Stopover

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My last safe haven before my westward trek was Minneapolis. Multiple members of my family, including my sister, have settled down there, so I couldn’t resist the opportunity to see them, especially knowing I have absolutely no idea when I … Read More

Back on the Road

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For better or for worse, I have maintained radio silence while spending time with family and friends in Madison. I am sure I could have posted more and finished up some projects that have been piling up, but I didn’t. … Read More

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