The first shots of the American Revolution – “The shot that was heard around the world,” according to Ralph Waldo Emerson – were fired across North Bridge, about 17 miles outside of Boston, Massachusetts. (Of course, Mr. Emerson might have…
See the USS Constitution Fire its Cannons on July 4th!
I found out something new: Every July 4th, the USS Constitution sails from Boston Harbor out to Castle Island where it blows off its cannons. The army on shore responds with its own gunfire, and then the Constitution sails back…
Walking Upper Cove Canyon near the Maze District
About 19.8 miles from the pavement of US-95, the Waterhole Flat Road crosses an unassuming wash. It’s actually fairly easy to find because a sideroad goes off just before the road dips to cross the dry watercourse. This is Cove…
First Forest Point in Petrified Forest
So I’m trying something new in hopes of streamlining some processes here on the blog. Some of the posts (at least for the time being) will have this new way of showing the mileages, etc. They’ll also probably have fewer…
Short but Steep Path to Trout Lake
The hike up to Trout Lake in Yellowstone National Park sounds so easy: A 0.4 mile trail to a lake. What could possibly be hard about it? Well, let’s start with the fact that the trail is exceedingly steep. …
Upper Cascades in Hanging Rock State Park
The Upper Cascades in Hanging Rock State Park, NC, are a quick and somewhat easy hike to one of the park’s waterfalls. It’s a pretty falls, though to really enjoy it, you’ll need to scramble down the slippery rocks to…
Devils Garden and Beyond
If you can only do one full-day hike in Arches National Park, I’d vote for Devils Garden. No, it doesn’t showcase the famous Delicate Arch (well worth the time in its own right!), but it does have a minimum of…
Blue Lake above Lake Sebrina
Blue Lake above Lake Sabrina in the John Muir Wilderness of California is probably best known as a backpacking destination. However, it makes a great dayhike and was one of the prettiest mid-length hike of the High Sierra trails I…
Driving the Echo Canyon Road
Echo Canyon Road may be one of the most popular 4×4 roads in Death Valley (outside of the Racetrack Road). It certainly is convenient and beautiful and offers great views, an arch, and a little bit of adventure. In recent…
Visit Two Arches in Wiregrass Canyon
There are two slot canyons (among others, I’m sure) along the Smokey Mountain Road east of Big Water, Utah: Resurrection Canyon (my favorite) and Wiregrass Canyon (much more popular and easier to find). In this post, I’ll focus on Wiregrass…