• Hike,  Places

    Hawaii

    Hawaii is one of my favorite places. I have been to Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. Picking a favorite island is nearly impossible since each island is so different and each has such a different vibe. When visiting the islands be sure to NOT act like a typical tourist. Do NOT race from one place to another and try to see everything. Take your time, savor the flavor and feel of the islands, talk with locals (really take time to enjoy their company), and take time to do nothing but enjoy the tranquility. Above all, be respectful of the land and of the people. Here are some of my…

  • Hike,  Places

    Sedona, AZ

    Sedona is an amazing place with red rocks, impressive geological monuments, and other amazing sights. Activities include hiking, off-roading, biking, and normal tourist activities including shopping, art galleries, museums, and dining. Sedona is a wealthy area where many of affluent and entertainment figures frequent. I normally do not enjoy the overpriced tourist locations but Sedona had a lot more to offer. Sedona has much to offer and you could spend many weeks seeing all the sights. Here are just a few of the things to see and do in Sedona. Tlaquepaque Tlaquepaque (T-la-keh-pah-keh) is a art and shopping community in the heart of Sedona. Tlaquepaque looks like an old Spanish…

  • Hike,  Places

    Hawaii: Oahu

    Oahu has many famous sites including Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Honolulu, Waikiki Beach, etc. When I visit Hawaiian Islands I like to enjoy the natural places and the people. The big, bustling city of Honolulu is not my idea of Hawaii but many tourists flock there. Oahu has much to offer besides the big city. I particularly enjoyed the sites and history at Pearl Harbor. This is a “must see” place. I also enjoyed the climb to the top of Diamond Head and the spectacular views. Another favorite was the trail to the Makapu’u Lighthouse. Here are some of my favorite places on Oahu. Diamond Head, Oahu: (full article) The…

  • Hike,  Places

    Grand Teton, WY

    Grand Teton National Park is adjacent to the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park. If you in the area then this is a “must see” park. The Grand Teton mountains, lakes, and rivers are simply spectacular. Cameras cannot do justice to places like Grand Teton. The park has a loop road that starts at Jackson Lake. You may want to follow this driving tour of the park. Most of this information was taken from the Drive Tour handout available from the Visitor Center. Colter Bay Visitor Center: Ask the rangers for suggestions when hiking, sightseeing, or camping. The rangers know their stuff and are a wealth of valuable information. Willow…

  • Hike,  Places

    Astoria, OR

    Astoria is a seaside port city at the northern tip of Oregon. It features lots of small business, a quaint downtown area, a variety of architectural styles, and several unique attractions. From Washington you cross the mighty Columbia River on the 4+ mile Astoria Astoria–Megler Bridge. This bridge seems to hover above the water for most of its length but reaches aloft nearly 200′ near Astoria. When visiting Astoria I like to stop at the Bowpicker for some fish and chips. This tiny takeout venue is a small boat located at the corner of 17th & Duane Street. They have only one item available, namely, albacore tuna fish and chips.…