I have flown to Alaska from the East Coast a dozen times, and I have used Alaska Airlines exclusively. It makes economic sense, and Alaska offers services that other airlines do not.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Solitary Fox Squirrel
When it comes to squirrels, none in North America are larger than the fox squirrel. Oh, sure, there are bigger squirrels elsewhere in the world – like the giant black squirrel from southeast Asia which can be almost three feet long – but the largest tree squirrel in the USA is the fox squirrel.
Traveling America By Van: Quick Visits, Santa Fe and Taos
The economics of our trip hasn't allowed for lengthy stays in towns. But some towns are worth a little expense. Friends told us Santa Fe was the coolest town in New Mexico: art, restaurants, night life, general "vibe". We made the trip into town, found a parking spot near Canyon Road, and went for a walk.
Alaska Dream Maker
The Last Frontier is still the land of grand adventure, spectacular landscape majestic animals and fishing beyond belief. Alaska changed my life. Without doubt 1963 was a boy-to-man summer thanks to the experiences encountered on a four-month 8,000-mile journey from the Mid-Atlantic States to the wilds of Alaska.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: Raccoons, The Masked Bandits
Everyone is familiar with the common North American raccoon. Raccoons thrive in almost every habitat in the United States: in both rural settings and in urban areas. They have mastered the ability to adapt to living conditions almost anywhere, and living right alongside humans is no problem for them.
Traveling America By Van: Through Basin And Range
Any book by John McPhee promises a great read. In Basin and Range, he explores the geology of the basin and range areas of the southeastern United States. It's been a few years since last reading McPhee's book, but as we drove down from the Sacramento Mountains onto the Tularosa Basin, I realized I was experiencing the title of his book in a personal way.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Downy Woodpecker
One of the most recognizable birds that visit back yard bird feeders year-round is the Downy Woodpecker. These miniature woodpeckers are only slightly larger than sparrows and are definitely smaller than robins. Their starkly contrasting black and white feathers make them easy to identify as they flit through the tree branches.
Traveling America By Van: Some Thoughts On Traveling Out West
This piece gives some travel tips we've picked up in our so-far month on the road. Don't be in a hurry! You can spend your time driving, or you can get out of the car from time to time and walk. By stopping often, you can see more in better detail, and meet more interesting people. People you meet are either fellow travelers or locals. Either way, they have interesting stories and information that can enhance your trip.
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: Bad-Tempered Snapping Turtles
The common snapping turtle has a well-deserved reputation for being bad-tempered. When handled by humans, they hiss and attempt to bite anyone trying to move or lift them. That bite can be quite dangerous, too, since their powerful jaws can amputate careless fingers.
Traveling America By Van: Carlsbad To White Sands
Since reading about it as a child, Carlsbad Caverns has been on my list of must-see travel destinations. The chambers, the stalactites and stalagmites, and especially the bats, they were compelling! It took sixty years, but I finally made it there last week.
Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Fishing Sets New Diversity Marks
Fish don’t care who the human is at the other end of the lure or bait they are thinking about biting. They’ll bite (or not) whether the angler is young or old, male or female, white, Asian, Black or any other race. So why doesn’t the demographics of people who go fishing in the United States match the demographics of our country?
Wildlife Watching Wednesday: The Acrobatic Red Admiral
One of the sure signs of springtime is the sight of the red admiral butterfly. Every year around this time our yards and gardens are invaded by colorful and fast-flying butterflies, and one of the most acrobatic is the red admiral.