Why I Need to Go To Moab This Fall

Posted on March 11, 2013 by alyssa

Some of the world’s most stunning red rock landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for events in Moab, Utah. Contrary to popular belief, this outdoor adventure destination has more to offer than mountain biking and whitewater kayaking. Small town hospitality meets resort town luxury in Moab.

If you’re looking to escape some heat and crowds, the fall season is a great time of year to visit Moab. In case you don’t have enough reasons to visit Moab already, here are a few more.

Plein Air Moab – October 4-12

Local and naturally known artists flock to Moab for an extended celebration of painting and drawing in the outdoors. All artists are required to create their masterpieces within fifty miles of downtown, and artwork is auctioned off to the public.

Book Cliff Archaeology – October 5-6

Join outdoor education center, Canyonlands Field Institute for a van tour into the unique Book Cliffs canyons. The canyon is located just north of Moab, and focuses on the archaeology, biology, and geology that formed the area’s dramatic landscape.

Banff Radical Reels Night – October 12

Watch this year’s best adrenaline-pumping films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival and get pumped up for your own adventures. This event is presented by the Friends of La Sal Avalanche Center and takes place at the Grand County High School.

Moab Jeep Jamboree – October 17-19

If you don’t have a Jeep, then don’t even bother showing up! This family-friendly event is a celebration of Jeep enthusiasts from around the nation. Trail ratings are generally 3-9 and new trails are added every year. Both experienced drivers and rookies are sure to enjoy this unique event, which includes six meals, trail guides, spotters, and prizes.

Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival and Film Fest – October 24-27

For its eighth consecutive year, Moab celebrates two of its biggest passions – bikes and the big screen. Movie screenings are featured Thursday and Friday nights and the races begin on Saturday. The festival wraps up on Sunday with a costume party, live music, and celebration at Moab Brewery.

Photo credit: bhenak via Flickr

Fleeing The Country When The Odds Are Against You

Posted on March 9, 2013 by alyssa

It was 4 AM on a Thursday morning at O’Hare International Airport. I had no trouble waking up at an ungodly time because in just a few hours, I would be playing with monkeys on a beach in Costa Rica.

I was the most obedient of travelers. I arrived at check-in an hour and a half before departure, I wasn’t carrying any liquids on board, and my passport was armed and ready for action. Surely, this will be an easy morning…no one else is up and going this early, I thought.

To get to O’Hare’s International terminal, you have to take this silly train shuttle from the main airport area. Construction workers thought 4 AM would be a great time to close the track. After a fifteen-minute wait for a train going the opposite direction, I rode the shuttle to the end of the line and back again.

Then came the security check-point line. For no apparent reasons whatsoever, the line refused to move even an inch. Although this wasn’t my first time rushing to catch a flight, it did remind me of a few helpful tips to get on a plane when the odds are against you.

Beg strangers to cut in line

It sounds sexist, but let the girl in the group do the talking. Hold your ticket in your hand and wave it around for dramatic effect. Practice your frantic demeanor ahead of time and start sweating, if possible. Using your sweetest voice, make your way up the line, one by one, convincing everyone to let you pass based upon your departure time.

Avoid fights with TSA agents

You’re in a hurry, but they don’t care. Explaining to a TSA agent that your flight is departing in ten minutes won’t get you anywhere. Even though you want to throw a fist through his/her face, this is generally an unwise choice. Fall in line with the herd of cattle and keep your mouth shut. There’s no way around it, and the alternative results in being hauled off by security guards AND missing your flight.

Split up to check out other security lines

If you have a travel companion, split up to see how the lines are moving at more than one security check point. Mention to your “line neighbors” that you’ll be right back so they won’t raise hell when you jump back in front of them later.

Use cell phones to decide on a line strategy

While split up, keep your cell phone handy to stay in touch with your travel companion about the status of each line you’re monitoring. If your line seems to be shorter or moving quickly, stand your ground and don’t leave it. By the time you run back to your partner to advise of your good fortune, that line will probably be worse than the other.

Wear good running shoes

Even if you’ve been perfectly prepared and arrive well ahead of your departure, unforeseen drama is lurking around every gate. Be prepared by wearing good running shoes, toting around a small carry-on backpack, and not being totally out of shape. You’ll have a much better chance of catching your flight and fleeing of the country if you’re not wobbling on stylish heels with a wheeled suitcase in each hand.

Exploring Idaho’s Ghost Towns on ATVs

Posted on March 7, 2013 by alyssa

Idaho is full of historic ghost towns, thanks to the Gold Rush and exhausted mining efforts in the 1800’s. What better way to explore the remnants of wealth-seeking western explorers than on an all-terrain vehicle!

All-terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs and four-wheelers, are small, sturdy vehicles with low pressure tires and handlebars for steering control. Lots of local outdoor companies rent ATVs to visitors and very little experience, if any, is required to rent one.

Rental packages generally include helmets and pick up and drop off service. One company, Snowmobile and ATV Rentals (SAAR) , accepts reservations by phone or fax and charges $30 per hour for a minimal of two hours or $129 per day during peak season.

The Bayhorse Pacific Mine Loop is a great place to take your ATV out for a spin. This 15-mile loop will introduce you to the old mining town of Bayhorse and around the mountains where the Pacific Mine once produce silver ore.

Take a walking tour of the 1880’s era ghost town when you arrive in Bayhorse. The trail system is open to the public seven days a week from late-May to mid-October. Entrance fees are $5 per vehicle and parking and vault toilets are available on site.

Then follow the trail route uphill and through the switchbacks to check out the mine. You’ll also pass by a calm, flowing creek on your way back to Bayhorse on the return trip. Alternate route options are also available to make your trail longer or shorter.

According to Park Manager, Dan Smith, over 90 miles of trail are available for ATV excursions in the adjacent area as well. Nearby town, Challis, and areas of Custer County have designated streets and roads, which are open to ATVs as well. You’ll see old mills, charcoal kilns, mine tunnels, and other building remnants along the way.

Want to see what you’re getting yourself into before committing to an ATV trip? Check out this video from history buff, trail enthusiast, and Boise resident, Ernie Lombard, and decide your level of adventure!

Celebrate Caribbean Culture in Los Angeles

Posted on March 5, 2013 by alyssa

Island cuisine, colorful costumes, steel-band music, and creative crafts make the Los Angeles Culture Festival a truly authentic Caribbean experience. One of the festival’s most popular events is the “Back on the Boulevard” Parade. The parade starts on Hollywood Boulevard between Vermont and Cherokee Streets.

The theme of the 2013 festival is ‘Expressing the Colors of Culture and Freedom’. International Groovy & Power Soca Monarch Title Winner and Trinidad & Tobago native, Machel Montano, has been chosen to be this year’s Grand Marshal.

Even though Southern California is nowhere near the tropical islands, there is a large Caribbean population in the area. The festival lasts for six full days and features a variety of events to celebrate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Fiftieth Independence Anniversaries tributes will be made to The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the mecca of Caribbean Carnivals, and Jamaica, the birthplace of Reggae.

If you can’t make it to the islands, the L.A. festival is a great place to experience what you’re missing out on. ‘Caribbean Carnivals‘ take place annually throughout the region with focuses on folklore, religion, and tradition.

Other festival events include a calypso competition, yellow & white party, and arts gala. A paint and powder party, band performances, and craft fair will also take place on scheduled days. Join local filmmakers and aspiring actors for the Los Angeles Caribbean Film Conference and Festival on June 19th through 21st.

Regulaz Entertainment organizes the L.A. Culture Festival and sponsors the events that take place. Regulaz is a non-profit organization that supports the cultures of West Indian communities. By offering events like this festival and other arts events, the organization aims to educate Southern California about the rich Caribbean culture.

The festival is free to the public and kid-friendly. Volunteers are always needed to help with the production of the festival events as well. If you would like to volunteer your time, you can complete the festival’s online form, call the Caribbean Heritage Organization at 818-605-1478, or send an email to [email protected] for details.

Bay to Breakers: Not Your Average Footrace

Posted on March 3, 2013 by alyssa

Have you ever gone running next to a superhero? How about a school of fish? Or perhaps a gorilla? Bizarre costumes and a party atmosphere are staples of San Francisco’s Bay to Breakers footrace that takes place the third Sunday of May each year.

The popular West Coast event has been one of the world’s largest footraces for decades. The race became an annual even after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, as an attempt to lift the city’s spirits.

The 12k race course starts on Howard Street and turns up Hayes Street Hill near Alamo Square. After an exhausting incline, the course follows the panhandle, through Golden Gate Park, past the Conservatory of Flowers, and finally to Great Highway and Ocean Beach.

The 2013 race is scheduled for May 19th. Registration fees for adults cost $53 and child registration is $48. The fees include a cotton t-shirt, online training program, race bib with timing tag, and finisher’s certificate.

The starting line for the first corral is located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, which is less than a half hour from the San Francisco airport. Although no street parking is available at the start or finish lines, shuttle services are offered from several locations throughout the city.

Several costume contests are held during the event, including Best Overall Individual, Most Creative Group, and Best Be-Zazzled Costume. Prize shopping sprees are awarded from $50 to $1,000 for each category. A two-day health and wellness expo sponsored by Volkswagen will also take place on May 17th and 18th, which is free and open to the public.

Although Bay to Breakers has been notorious for drunkenness and public nudity, alcohol and floats are not permitted and laws will be strictly enforced. Volunteers are always needed for both the expo and the race and all volunteers receive an event t-shirt as well. To register to race in the event, to volunteer, or to get costume ideas, visit the event webpage or send an email to [email protected].

How to Escape the Crowds at Yellowstone

Posted on March 2, 2013 by alyssa

As one of America’s most popular outdoor destinations, Yellowstone National Park attracts millions of visitors every year. Despite the park’s beautiful setting, it can be hard to find solace and experience the peacefulness of nature. Here are just a few ways to get away from long lines, loud kids, and annoying tour busses:

Visit in the fall

Summer vacations are over and the kids are back in school. Plan you trip around the first week in October to see the foliage explode with color. Lodging rates are lower at this time than during the summer months, wildlife is more prevalent, and trails are less crowded.

Take alternate driving routes

Alternate routes, like the Grassy Lake Road, are often less congested with traffic. You should ensure that your vehicle is equipped to handle the terrain on these routes before starting your drive. You should also collect relevant maps or a GPS with good reception in case you lose your way off the beaten path.

Hike backcountry trails

There’s no better way to experience the true spirit of Yellowstone than in the backcountry. Check out the Bechler River area and the Thorofare region for a truly wild outing. The Bechler River runs along the southwest section of Yellowstone and is home to over half of the park’s waterfalls. You can hike for 30 miles in any direction without ever reaching a road in the Thorofare region. Hikers should always check in with a nearby ranger station to obtain necessary permits, collect maps, and provide contact information in case of emergency.

Try Cross-country instead of downhill skiing

If you’re planning a trip during the winter months, you’ll probably want to try out some of the nearby skiing options. Jackson Hole and Grand Teton Resorts are consistently crowded and expensive at pretty much all times. For a more laid back skiing experience, give cross-country a try. Jackson Hole has become an increasingly popular center for cross-country skiing on a varied landscape. Nordic centers offer beginners with rental gear and trail recommendations. More advanced skiers won’t get bored with the incredible cross-country routes in the surrounding mountains.

When Customs Forms Get Too Personal

Posted on March 1, 2013 by alyssa

If you’ve ever traveled out of the country, you’ve probably had to fill out a little piece of paper that looks like this:

What’s your occupation?

Are you two family?

Where are you staying at your destination?

Are my responses truly essential in ensuring national security? Really, Border Protection….REALLY?!

A couple weeks ago, my boyfriend and I took a trip to Costa Rica. When we booked the trip around Thanksgiving, I had no idea what a milestone it would turn out to be.

After a 6+ year career in the legal field, I finally called it quits. My heart hadn’t been in it for a long time and the nagging feeling that I should be doing something else somewhere else had gotten too much to bear.

On Wednesday at 5:00pm, I bid my emotional goodbyes to the long-time co-workers I cared to say goodbye to. On Thursday at 2:30am, I was on my way to the airport to start the must-procrastinated next chapter of my life.

I didn’t allow myself any time to let my huge decision sink in. I didn’t want to lose momentum with my new-found motivation. I didn’t want to look back and have any regrets.

The plane landed in San Jose, Costa Rica just after noon on Thursday morning. I stared at the blank customs declaration form the flight attendant had given me.

What IS my occupation?

ARE we family?

And where ARE we staying, anyway?

I scribbled down “writer,” “no,” and “TBD San Jose.” For the past two weeks, I have been pursuing my new career as a full-time freelance writer and it’s going great. For years, I’d been describing myself as a “paralegal”. It was both strange and exhilarating to describe myself as a “writer”.

Although I consider my boyfriend to be family, we are technically not in the eyes of the border patrol. Another awkward and invasive question, in my opinion.

Throughout the trip, we pursued a “winging it” approach. Things had been too planned out lately and we craved spontaneity. We only booked one hostel for nights #2 and 3 in the Arena Volcano area and just figured the rest out along the way. After strolling the streets of San Jose for awhile, we stumbled upon a $10/person hostel above a bus station. More on this in upcoming posts.

While customs forms are simply a nuisance for most people, mine really made me think. A silly government form made me consider my new-found career, my awesome relationship, and the overall tone of the adventure we were just beginning. So thank you, Border Control…I’m finally getting my life figured out and I’m glad you noticed.

*Stay tuned for lots more Costa Rican adventure goodness!

South Dakota’s Falls Park: A Glimpse into History

Posted on February 28, 2013 by alyssa

South Dakota’s scenic Falls Park has been a celebrated recreation center for over 150 years and an important part of the region’s history. Today, the 123-acre park has an average 7,400 gallons of flowing water that drops 100 feet over the course of the falls each second.

Falls Park is conveniently located near the Foss Field HLE airport and accessible for visitors.These are just a few of the historic sights you can take in while visiting this beautiful area.

Queen Bee Mill

Opened in 1881, this seven-story mill was built so that farmers could avoid shipping costs to Minnesota and Wisconsin. As one of the most advanced mills of its time, the Queen Bee Mill once processed over 1,500 bushels of wheat each day. However, the mill was closed a mere two years later, due to inadequate wheat and water supplies. The remains of the mill continue to be a popular sightseeing attraction to this day.

Light and Power Company Building

This historic 1908 building once held powerful hydroelectric and coal-fired steam generators. The generators were used until the 70’s, which the Falls Overlook Café took over. Both indoor and outdoor seating are available at the café, which has a nice selection of ice cream treats.

Horse Barn

Although the builder and purpose of this historic site is unknown, locals believe that the barn used to hold horses that worked at the stone quarries or that it was part of a local creamery in the late 1800’s. In more recent times, the horse barn has been home to an arts center for local artists to exhibit and create works of art.

Falls Park Open Air Shelter

This popular area of the park is home to the local farmer’s market and is often used for large picnics and special events. The shelter has electrical and water service, as well as a designated parking lot.

Just off of I-90, Sioux Falls is easy to navigate and you can reach any destination in the city within 15-20 minutes. On your way to visit the South Dakota landmarks of Mount Rushmore and The Badlands, make a stop at Falls Park for an afternoon of relaxation and a glimpse into the history of this beautiful land.

Sharing Colorado’s Native American Heritage

Posted on February 26, 2013 by alyssa

With over 50 of the nation’s award winning Native American artists showcasing their pottery, jewelry, and artwork, you can spend the whole weekend at the Tesoro Annual Indian Market and Powwow. The festival celebrates its 13^th year and takes place on Saturday, May 18^th and Sunday, May 19^th.

Set in beautiful Morrison, Colorado, the Festival is easily accessible from downtown Denver, Lakewood, Englewood, or Littleton. In addition to the crafts for show and sale, the festival features dancer exhibitions, drummer competitions, and a veteran honor ceremony. Tesoro’s Indian Market and Powwow has grown each year to include more and more performers and artists from Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Although Native Americans once composed a majority of the population in Colorado, they now only make up about 1.2% of the state’s total population. This fact makes the remembrance and preservation of the Native American heritage more important now than ever before.

The festival kicks off both days at 10:00am with a Gourd Dance and a ceremonial entrance. Through planned and impromptu demonstrations, Native American artists will share their arts and crafts with visitors and respected experts will judge art submitted in the festival. An inter-tribal contest Powwow will take place in the valley below The Fort each day. Dancers and drummers will share their heritage through competitions of Traditional, Shawl, Fancy, Grass and Jingle dancing.

There are nine contest categories for several men’s and women’s age groups, with prize money ranging from $25 to $200. Adult admission to the event is $6, but seniors get in for $3 and children under 12 are free. The festival organizers suggest bringing your own chairs and sun protection, since the event takes place outdoors. This event is family-friendly, open to the public, and parking is free.

To learn more about this and other similar events, visit the Tesoro Cultural Center website or contact the program director, Carolyn Doran at 303-839-1671. The event’s venue, The Fort, is a historic replica and true celebration of the West, complete with Southwestern décor, native foods, and local wines. During your visit to Morrison, you can also take a short drive to Red Rocks State Park and Amphitheater to check out one of most amazing views that Colorado has to offer.

Support Offshore Wind Energy Efforts to Save Endangered Turtles

Posted on February 25, 2013 by alyssa

While drastic climate changes along our Atlantic coast are enabling residents to enjoy longer summer vacations, recent weather phenomenons are threatening the endangered loggerhead sea turtles who call this region home.

Rising Atlantic temperatures are causing fewer eggs of the turtles to produce males. Rising temperatures bias the sex ratio of turtles towards females because temperatures during incubation determines the sex of the egg. The loggerhead turtle species are already producing an approximated 90% female species due to temperature increases.

If this trend continues, entire populations of turtles along the southern coast will be entirely female. Even with very slight temperature increases of a couple degrees, no males turtle will be born in this region at all.

It’s no secret that the fossil fuel industry is funding initiatives to prevent the growth of clean injury. However, to ensure that loggerhead turtles and other species in the region are preserved, we must ensure that offshore wind plays a major role in the energy future along the Atlantic coast.

Sign the below petition to encourage the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to speed up efforts to develop offshore wind energy, ensuring the survival of some of our most treasured species.

*Please sign the petition on Force Change.

Alyssa v. Nature

Where the nature outside collides with the nature inside