August 29, 2023
Looking for a place to get some steps in my new hood, I tried out Channing H. Philbrick Park in Penfield, a suburb of Rochester. It was lush and packed with green, isolated and I’ve also filed it away for a fairy shoot. Though my main mission was to move, Read more…
August 21, 2023
Though the St. George area of Utah is a busy gateway city to some of Utah’s mind-blowing national parks, there is plenty off the beaten trail and free of the summer mobs, like Snow Canyon State Park, which I happen to drive through trying to get some vegan breakfast at Read more…
August 20, 2023
I wanted to differentiate this section of Cathedral Gorge State Park as it offers adventurers a chance to enter the beautiful land formations I showed in my previous post. Though wet and slippery, I could not help myself from entering the Moon Slot canyons. I imagine that the maze of Read more…
After a wet ride of downpours in the desert accredited to Hurricane Hilary, I arrived at Panaca, Nevada. Here I would enjoy a charming bed and breakfast along with a pretty amazing state park, a warm spring, some muddy trails and, fantastically, a slither of time with the stars. But Read more…
August 18, 2023
And onward to the second national park during this short trip: Nevada’s Great Basin National Park. This park, which is also an International Dark Sky-certified park, has such a diversity of offerings… the chance to step into a glacier, an emerald-hued alpine lake, caves, tremendous conifers, towering cliffs and rock Read more…
August 17, 2023
I learned about this hike from some signage at Cedar Breaks National Monument and I was very glad I did. Not only did I have the hike to myself, but there were spectacular views every step of the way, including Zion National Park in the distance. The waterfall is fed Read more…
August 16, 2023
As with any of my summer trips west, the goal was star shoots. Camping ensures easy access to an International Dark Sky park’s starry skies. But first you have to fill your day with the park’s beauty as the sun beats strong. On my last visit to Cedar Breaks National Read more…
July 5, 2023
With two visits in three days, Grimes Glen Park may just become my favorite day trip from Rochester. The easy streambed hike delivers you to not one but two 60-foot waterfalls surrounded by gorge walls. And you can step under their powerful force. Also–discovered there was a tree fossil over Read more…
June 24, 2023
Southdown Coffee in Glen Cove was the start of a day inside Long Island’s wonders. This cute coffee shop chain does things right. This is the Granita topped with dreamy coconut whip. Avocado Toast that was absolute perfection. The delicious Chickpea Salad Sandwich: Sourdough bread with arugula, alfalfa sprouts, roasted Read more…
April 16, 2023
We were back at Chimney Bluff State Park to complete the Bluff Trail. It is on this trail where you can see the dramatic views of the pointy spires looking out at the blue expanse of Great Lake Ontario. A quick trip before my flight back to NYC… We’re down Read more…
September 3, 2022
Some beauty from Whirlpool State Park…
August 10, 2022
There was a lot to do at Cove Haven. To follow, some images from my time on the grounds. Loved this heart-shaped bar On Lake Wallenpaupack Pedal-boatin’ Duckpin bowling… the impossible shot Sneaking pics Ridiculousness My breakfast was mostly fruit Back on the lake… now kayaking. Wacky ducks Call me Read more…
August 2, 2022
Is anything really secret anymore? Lake Tahoe’s Secret Cove Beach is kind of secret as it is not accessible by a concrete walkway connected to a parking area. You have to hike through make-shift dirt paths winding about 20 stories down. Trust me, it is well worth it. And be Read more…
July 31, 2022
Ancient Bristlecone Pines are the oldest living organisms in the world. Yes, in the world! Located in the Inyo National Forest near California’s Eastern Sierras, catching a glimpse of them was a definite must for me as I passed through the amazing U.S. 395. To have the chance to walk Read more…
July 27, 2022
When you travel to the desert in the middle of the summer, it is a given that you will be on your own. While I do prefer solitude to most company, it is more about the Milky Way season for me. The desert is dark, free of artificial light of Read more…
April 16, 2022
Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the country. Such a short drive from Amarillo, I had to visit to emphasize just how far from the urban sprawl I am. Spending the afternoon on some its shorter trails, I was in Read more…
February 24, 2022
Having acclimated to driving about Fairbanks with some confidence, the perceived barrier of distance dissipated. I would travel south to enter the mouth of the Castner Glacier. And the 2 hour and 45 minute drive was gorgeous, with glimpses of Denali, the tallest mountain in the Northern hemisphere, and the Read more…
July 21, 2021
New River Gorge National Park is the newest National Park. One of its scenic draws is the gorge’s bridge, the longest steel arch bridge in the world at the time of its construction. Now this gorgeous feat of engineering is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Many Read more…
July 1, 2021
The Goat Canyon Trestle Hike is a 16-mile walk in the blazing sun along a stretch of tracks called “The Impossible Railroad.” The lure of which is outstanding scenic views, the remains of the world’s largest curved wooden train trestle and abandoned railcars memorializing its life as part of the Read more…
October 21, 2020
Autumn is my favorite season for so many reasons. A short stop before holiday hoopla, the glorious seasonal transition brings the goods–by way of my favorite tones in the trees and rustling at my feet, tights weather, sweater weather, pumpkins, my birthday, Libra sun, Halloween, giving thanks to all the Read more…
August 13, 2020
Before Zion National Park was declared a national park, it was a national monument–Mukuntuweap National Monument, established in 1909. The words of Mormon bigwig Isaac Behunin appealed to decision makers when it received national park designation. He said, “A man can worship God among these great cathedrals as well as Read more…
Look at a topographical map of the United States and find the big mass of crinkled brown. That will be my home for the next 14 days. The extreme landforms of this part of the country are otherworldly, beautifully impractical. Lack of easy access to water and its canyons, cliffs, Read more…
July 22, 2020
The closest National Park to my home is a pretty one, with undulating blue waves in the sky–the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park‘s views are quite gorgeous. And its scenic Skyline Drive allows you to keep your social distance… and blast your music. On display, the cranky mountain air Read more…
June 2, 2020
A wonderful whimsical stop on a New Jersey day trip, The South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail is great for kids and the young at heart. I won’t give too much detail as half the magic is hunting for them along the trails of the South Mountain Reservation. Hint: There is Read more…
April 13, 2020
Since so many are at home, here are some steps into nature from my brief hike yesterday. There are tent platforms and shelters along the trail as many hike for days. It’s on my bucket list! This is the Wiley Shelter , which looked nice and cozy. In the corner, Read more…
February 17, 2020
Back in the 1930’s an elaborate compound was constructed within Rustic Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains. Its purpose, to sustain and thrive inside the political chaos amidst the aftermath of Nazi Germans fulfilling their political and military goals. You see, the 4-million dollar investment was built by Nazi sympathizers Read more…