Recent Stories
Park’s trails appeal to all kinds of bicyclists
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Pumping the pedals up and down hills of rock-covered mountains while admiring the breath-taking high-desert landscape of Joshua Tree National Park is an invigorating way to exercise. Joshua Tree offers bike riders miles of manageable bike trails full of views of the unique flora and faunaRead More…
Some manners, at 38,000 feet, go far
On my way to Los Angeles from Miami, something happened to me that had never happened before on an airplane. I had to deal with an out of control passenger. She was sitting behind me and she was extremely loud and obnoxious. She tormented me through the whole flight withRead More…
How to travel light in era of bag limits, fees
Due to the many restrictions in weight and size for luggage imposed by airlines, not to mention high bag fees, it is vital to maximize space. An extra bag can cause you more than $50. Or you might have to use two suitcases instead of one if it exceeds theRead More…
Search, rescue teams offer valuable help
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Each year, thousands of people visit Grand Teton National Park during each of the seasons. Some visitors are in the park simply admire the striking landscapes, the lovely summer weather, or to have a relaxing vacation. Others, the more adventurous types, decide to explore the wondersRead More…
Tetons offer much for photographers
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. – There’s little on a road map to suggest the strip of highway that runs some 18 miles from Moran Junction to Moose Junction with nary a turnoff in between — officially known as U.S. Routes 191/89/26 — offers anything of much scenic value. The eastern-most areaRead More…
Autumn is magical in Grand Tetons
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Grand Teton National Park is definitely a place that is worth to see at any time of the year. Yet, Fall seems to work its special magical over the Teton mountains. At right. autumn colors dot Grand Teton National Park on an October day. Below, anRead More…
Visitors drawn to Joshua Tree for stargazing
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — Pam Tripp started to explore outer space in 2009. Since then, she has traveled to the moon, has seen Andromeda Galaxy and has beheld the planets Mars and Jupiter. Tripp however, is not an astronaut or even an imaginative astrophysicist. She is an interpretative park rangerRead More…
What’s with cage in the middle of desert?
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — My trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California was my first visit to a desert. Although the fan palm oases were a wonder in and of themselves, I was truly surprised by all of the different and numerous plants that I saw in the area.Read More…
Hidden Valley visit leads to dinner treasure
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — While walking around the Hidden Valley trail loop, I never expected to get a promising dinner suggestion from an local couple. The couple has lived in Twentynine Palms for about eight years and raved that our class try Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace in nearby Pioneertown.Read More…
Artists find inspiration living in Big Cypress
OCHOPEE, Fla. — Ever wonder where some artists find their inspiration for their masterpieces? Each year, the Big Cypress National Preserve offers artists the chance to come live on the park’s property and find inspiration from the park’s natural beauty. Open to aspiring professional writers, composers, and visual and performingRead More…
Jackson Hole: Not in Miami, anymore, Toto
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — When you live your entire life surrounded by palm trees, Cuban accents and beach weather year-round, the mere sight of a cowboy hat makes you want to take out your Canon and play tourist. A Miamian wandering the small but lively historic center of Jackson Hole,Read More…
Rangers play necessary role in Everglades
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Experience the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States with rare and endangered species. Snap a photo of the unique birds or see an alligator while taking a hike through the park. Enjoy the warmth of South Florida sun or the warmth of a campfire under theRead More…