Avid Amiri and SL Mayor Erin Mendenhall at a fundraiser he threw at his home.
The Denali National Park and Preserve is a 60 acres wildlife reserve located in the Mountain ranges of Alaska. It is home to a diverse variety of plant and animal species including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and deer etc. The undulating lands and peaks surrounding the Denali mountain makes for a great hiking challenge – the reason why it is a must visit for hiking enthusiast across America.
To make the experience at the park more intriguing, the park is maintained as a trail-less National Park; allowing you to fully explore the small peaks, rivers, and valleys surrounding the Denali Mountain and the Mountain itself in utter cluelessness which is exciting as it is intimidating.
Seeing the Denali National Park and Preserve for the first time is usually a surreal experience. The park is a favorite vacation hiking location for a lot of people in the United States and Canada and is almost always full during the peak season of summer.
The Denali National Park and Preserve is divided into four campgrounds which have a strict camp maximum holding capacity at all times. The largest of the campgrounds is the Wonder Lake campground, closely followed by Tek and then we have the smaller campgrounds of Igloo and Sanctuary.
The Denali National Park and Preserves holds a special place in my heart. It is one place I go to find solitude and a little fitness. At my age (I am in my early forties), keeping fit and exploring places have become one of my life goals and my visit to the Denali National Park and Preserves is fulfilling on all fronts.
I have been to the park twice, first with a group of hiking buddies and the next was by myself, to explore the serenity I felt on my first visit.
Although the Denali National Park and Preserve is a trail-less park, there are topography maps of the area to guide you on your sojourn.
On the first day I arrived, I was able to secure a great camp spot at the Wonder Lake campground. Unlike the last time when we stayed at Savage outside the campgrounds and had to commute daily for the 3 days we hiked in the park, I was close to the hiking areas and was able to set out early, traveling “outbound” when most people are traveling “inbound”, allowing me to reach great day hikes easily. My prime purpose of staying inside the campgrounds was to get as much of the Parks’ experience as I could in the time that I was going to be there.
I would have loved a campsite allocation at any of the smaller campgrounds of Igloo or Sanctuary but as reservations are only made on site, at the time of my arrival, the campgrounds were filled up and there was no available space for me. Leaving me to resort to the Wonder Lake campground and boy! I was glad of the eventuality of my choice.
I had a fun time at the Wonder Lake campground of the Denali National Parks and Preserve. I had some time to myself to reflect on my life and times, and I also met some great people in the course of my hike, who made the experience even more memorable.
My camp spot had a great view of the surrounding Mt. McKinley and was easily reachable to great hiking sites particularly those of Polychrome and Stony Dome. I hiked through Primrose Ridge and Mt. Elison and was able to conquer the peaks of Polychrome and Stony Dome.
My experience at the park was great and I am sure yours would too. But if you are considering going on a trip to the Denali National Park and Preserve, I would suggest you take my advice below seriously.
When looking to go on the trip, plan to go during the summer times as the weather is often more pleasant and nicer as summer can get and also, the weather is more predictable at this time of the year (you don’t want to be hiking in snowy weather). There are also a few must-have items when hiking through the mountain ranges of the Denali National Park and Preserve. You should always have a compass (I learned the hard way), a Denali topography map, a hiking bag packed with supplies for at least 1 full day, a water purifier, stove, and camping tent should the need arise for you.
The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an American/Canadian conservation area located in Southeast Alaska west of Juneau. The area is comprised of 3,223,384 acres of wildlife conservatory and wilderness. Designated a binational UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the park is home to a diverse species of plants and animals.
The Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a beautiful sight to behold. The expanse of land, rivers, and lakes are a natural bio-diverse wonder. The landscape is breath-taking… imagine an endless sight of glaciers, windy lakes, and streams. Undulating lands, home to some of the most exquisite species. In the park you could find whales swimming gracefully, seals laying lazy on floating ice, moose grazing leisurely, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and wolverines.
This area is home to Native American Indians and I was told that early explorers, tried without success to conquer the land. Although the area is designated a conservation paradise, sport hunting is allowed in some parts of the park and at certain times of the year.
Although I have always wanted to see the park, going away for 7-days wasn’t a part of my plans at the time the opportunity presented itself. Never the less, I took reins of the chance and decided to go with the flow. I was a guest of a dear friend and the offer wasn’t something I could pass.
I was going on a cruise boat that is expected to pass through the park with special highlights and events in Alaska proper. Princess Cruise offers one of the best cruise service through Alaska with a view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
I was told that the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise is one of the best ways to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I have heard a lot of stories about this magnificent wonder of the world and was looking forward to seeing and experiencing it in all of its beauty and splendor.
I had made prior bookings on the “North to Alaska” Seattle roundtrip for Princess Cruise and when the moment came, I took a flight out to Seattle from Las Vegas to get started on the journey with great anticipation.
The experience was more fascinating in real life than it was in any of my imaginations. I was picked up from the airport by the Princess cruise’s airport transfer service and ferried straight to the ship. I made all the necessary registrations and was settled comfortably in my cabin.
To the ship, I could live here for a long time and this is no exaggeration. I loved the energy, décor and the food. The staff were courteous and the crowd was simply wonderful.
There was so much to see and do on the trip but the major highlight wonder of the whole Alaska cruise itinerary, in my estimation, is the Glacier Bay National Park.
In confirmation of the advice, I had received, the cruise ship in addition to all the fun activities lined up for your entertainment, is the best way to see the Glacier Bay National Park. I was thrilled by the activities son board and marveled by the sights along the way, particularly the view of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. On my trip, I was lucky to have caught the sighting of a rock or mountain formation (don’t know the one exactly) break off and dump into the sea – the white thunder as they call it was phenomenal.
I was told that behind those towering peaks was a large network of caves. The thought of which excited me and spiked the explorer instincts in me.
There was an eye full of attractions on our trip, crossing the park and at Alaska. I was privileged to visit the Alaska Sled Dogs shed at the Musher’s park, and the Alaska College Fjord – home to five tidewater glaciers (those that terminate in water), five large valley glaciers, and dozens of smaller ones, that created a crisscross of cascading water that starts to resemble frozen waterfalls resembling mountain snow draping the granite landscapes.
All 16 glaciers were named after Ivy League schools by the explorers who first navigated this area. There were several other activities such as whale fishing, dances, and competitions to further spice up the trip. In all, I wasn’t quick to disembark on our return to settle.
I will be making this trip again and I hope I would see you on board.
While Utah is home to some incredible outdoor space and National Parks, I encourage travelers to consider making the trip up to Montana to visit Glacier National Park. I recently did this sojourn myself and was well rewarded by some awe-inspiring scenery and amazing hikes.
In particular, I recommend Glacier as this is a very easy trip for residents of Salt Lake and introduces some remarkable scenery apart from the red rock and sandstone we are accustomed to with many of the National Parks here in southern Utah. There are several direct flight options from Salt Lake International to Glacier Airport in Kalispell, Montana. From there it is easy to rent a vehicle and head to the parks West Entrance to begin your adventures.
In particular, I suggest the many hikes and lookout points of the popular Going to the Sun Road and strongly recommend the eastern side of the park and the Many Glacier areas. Stay at the Many Glacier Hotel and awake the following morning to hikes that you can embark on directly from your hotel. Prepare yourself for jaw dropping snow melt waterfalls and crystal clear lakes.
I especially suggest staying at a few different lodges in various parts of the park to get a sense for unique scenery in each area and also to gain access to the different trails and hiking options. They are well managed, reasonably priced and offer evening lectures from park rangers as well as high-quality dining.
While there were once a recorded 150 glaciers at the park there are now only 25 and it is estimated that by the year 2030 even those will be gone. Therefore, don’t delay, I highly recommend taking the time to make the visit to enjoy the majesty of Glacier National Park. I have included some pictures I took that provides a visual sense of the breathtaking scenery.
While this blog is dedicated more toward outdoor recreation, the vigorous lifestyle, and the various sports I enjoy like hiking, biking, skiing, kitesurfing, I thought to take a post in order to shed some light on Maui dining options or at least what I have learned of dining on the island over my travels. I am the first to admit I am not much of a foodie but am certainly always on the lookout for good healthy food that is also filling and flavorful. I am generally not very price sensitive but am looking for quality ingredients that are fresh and if possible vegetarian based. There is no shortage of these options on Maui. Most travelers to the island come prepared to spend quite a bit of money and indulge at some of the marquee restaurants that are concentrated around the hotels and resorts in Hawaii. The west and south side of Maui have no shortage of such options. Be forewarned, however, that Maui is one of the most expensive places for fine dining in the United States. These menus can be extremely pricey and not for every traveler. Moreover, dining at the hotels themselves (i.e. room service, cafes, or casual dining options) offer very unremarkable food at high prices.
First, let me say I think the best option for travelers is to resist the temptation and eat in. There are quite a few short term vacation rental options all over the island and the vast majority of these come equipped with full kitchens so one can cook and dine at the rental. There are a slew of great grocery stores on Maui including natural options like Whole Foods. There is also a Costco a few hundred feet from the airport in Kahului that has a wide selection of grocery products at the equivalent of mainland prices. You can also find many local items they have included to their inventory with fresh fish options like Opah and Ono. I have seen dragon fruit, rambutan, and various other fresh fruit options as well. I would encourage travelers to stop in upon arrival and load up on provision for their trip. Certainly things like snacks for the car rides as well as breakfast and lunch items can be purchased at the Costco and for many traveling the Maui on a budget this will be a significant cost reducer. (As an aside, the Costco is also the only one I have seen in the chain that includes a ahi tuna bar in the store.)
For those intent on eating out, what I generally suggest is for travelers to spend some time traveling to the North Shore in order to experience some of the restaurants and dining options. These restaurants will be substantially less expensive and offer some incredible culinary options. In fact there is a food culture rapidly growing on the North Shore with smaller, more intimate restaurants that are generally owner operated that offer some amazing dishes.
One enclave of great restaurants is in the Haiku Marketplace. My favorites includes Colleens which offers a variety of options at reasonable prices. The menu can be described as American fare, and the options range from $15 upcountry beef burgers to $30 fish specials. I would strongly suggest looking at the daily special options as the difference in price is negligible but my feeling is they provide daily specials as good as many of the entrees one would find at the trendy resort restaurants.
The Haiku Marketplace is also blooming its own outdoor food scene with food trucks and kiosks that offer some great options as well. Prices are very down to earth and outdoor seating is offered so one can dine al fresco. I suggest this options for folks looking for good food without spending a lot of time on their meal.
The other North Shore options you don’t want to miss is Maui Kombucha, a small hole in the wall eatery that offers raw food options that are true culinary ambrosia. While they are famed for the probiotic drink they brew at their location (claimed to have essential amino acids and possibly even anit cancer properties) I would strongly suggest looking at their food options as well. Look for their Hawaiian Toast and the salads they offer with fresh local ingredients. You also can’t miss with their hearty filling soup options as well.
I also suggest exploring the many dining options that are centered in Paia. This spans the range – from great pizza to locally made gelato to Mexican and Mediterranean food. It is always fun to go explore these options and one typically can’t go wrong as the competition in this small town to attract diners can be fierce. Happy Hawaiian dining!
For those that want to spend some time engaged in water sports in Hawaii, Kanaha on Maui’s North Shore is a great option. Apart from the incredible trade winds that create world class conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding, the beaches are spectacular and offer outdoor showers, public restrooms, picnic tables and lightly populated beaches.
I would recommend this area for those beginners looking to enjoy some kitesurfing on their trip. While this sport offers a steep learning curve, once you have picked up the basics it is well worth the effort and one can spend countless hours careening along the water enjoying the sport. There are no shortage of outfits that offer private lessons and many are concentrated at Kite Beach. Just keep an eye out for the vans and converted milk trucks.
If you are looking for a break from the beach and on the lookout for some adventure, the Hana Highway on Maui, Hawaii is an incredible spot to visit and offers far more than just sightseeing. Apart from the fact that you experience a very authentic Hawaii in this area, you will have a chance to take a respite from the tourist crowds as well. I recommend the bamboo hike, which is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the “Commando Hike”.
This hike combines the some incredible features including hiking through a dense bamboo forest which opens up to some jungle streams and waterfalls. The hike is accessible right after the single lane section of the Hana Highway with the blind corner.
While I wish I could be more specific to readers, this hike is not labeled (few things on the Hana Highway are) and there is no signage. Therefore, this description is the best I can provide. Please note, it is also across from the rainbow eucalyptus grove off to the side of the road which is generally a spot where many folks pull over, stretch their legs and take pictures.
I would surmise this is about 15 to 20 minutes from mile marker 1 at the outset of the Hana Highway. The bamboo hike is certainly not for the faint of heart but it is not a dangerous or technically challenging hike either. I would rate this largely a beginner to intermediate hike although I would not suggest it to children.
During periods of intense rain the waterfalls on this side of Maui can really be breathtaking and this is a location where you can see several in succession and also swim in the pools they create. Be aware that there can often be muddy conditions so be prepared to get some dirt and mud on your feet. I typically perform this hike in flip flops.
I would also suggest wearing shoes that you expect to get wet. Remember also that the mud on Maui has a heavy mineral content and has earned the honorific “Maui Mud” for its ability to stain clothes a dark brownish hue. Therefore, don’t wear or bring items that you want to protect. I would also recommend bringing your own water on this hike.
A 12-16 ounce water bottle should be enough to suffice given the length of the hike which is about 2 hours in totality. There will be portions of this hike as well that require some climbing and the final push will require swimming through some pools to access Angel Fall which is the final waterfall of the adventure. If you are up for some climbing, swimming and hiking this hike is a must do when in Hawaii.
There are some great outdoor hikes and activities directly in Ogden, Utah that offer quite a bit of family fun. In particular, these include the Riverview Walkway Trail, the Ogden Botanical Garden and Dinosaur Park. Due to the fact that these are all within direct walking distance of one another, it is easy to enjoy all of these attractions in a single morning or afternoon. My suggestions would be to park in the parking lot for the Ogden Botanical Gardens (there is always plenty of parking and it is free).
This is accessible by heading south off of 12th Street onto Monroe for a couple blocks. From there, one can walk through the gardens and enjoy the many flower species and varieties that are on display and fastidiously attended to. I would also suggest strolling through the various tree varieties as well.
These are labeled with genus species and common name information. This is a great place to teach children about horticulture and for them to learn firsthand about the many indigenous tree and flower varieties in the area. The Ogden Botanical Garden is easy to explore and opens up the Riverview Walking Trail which is a biking, running or walking trail that is a double lane asphalt path. Dogs are welcome on the trail and the trail runs alongside the Ogden River. Therefore, dogs have a source of water and one can enjoy the pleasant sounds of running water.
The trail is largely shaded and is open to the public at no cost. As you reach the east side of the trail there is an elaborate outdoor play area for kids with swings, climbing bars, slides etc. There is also covered picnic and outdoor bbq areas. If one continues east along Park Blvd (an easy short walk from the playground) you will reach the George Eccles Dinosaur Park which offers life sized prehistoric giant displays and is great fun and education for kids. This is an incredible offering in Ogden with over 100 dinosaur sculptures on display. Many are robotic and brought to life with state of the art sound. For more information on park I suggest visiting: http://www.dinosaurpark.org/.
August 2017 Picture Update
n my view the most stunning portion of the hike to Malan’s Basin, is stopping at the summit of Malan’s Peak. The peak provides majestic and panoramic views and is the true reward for making the 2000 ft elevation uphill charge. However, for those interested in the history I would also suggest Malan’s Basin which is a short 20 minute downhill hike from Malan’s Peak. You will know you are there because of the bronze placard commemorating the location.
The basic also boasts a small stream for fresh water for any pets. This water would need to be filtered before it is fit for human consumption. The basin is also a favorite spot for campers and evidence of camp fire pits abounds. From the basin you no longer have any views of the city but can look up to the one towering peak of Mount Ogden up above.
This is easy to identify because of telecommunication equipment and an antenna tower. While it is possible to make the final leg of the hike to Mount Ogden, I have never identified the trailhead. On one occasion I ran into another hiker that conveyed they located the trail but it was heavily overgrown. He claimed that transgressing the trail would require a machete to cut back the foliage.
I am not sure about this but do know that if one has made the ascent to Malan’s Peak, dropping into Malan’s Basin below is a good idea. There are also some interesting tree and root formations. The shade on the Peak is non-existent as you basically stand atop craggy rock but as you make the descent to the Basin you will enjoy additional tree cover.
Note, at this elevation it is not unusual to be almost level with hawks and even eagles and you can spot them as they circle directly overhead.
