Sun shining on the ocean

Queer Voices: Open Waters

Posted inUS, Voices of LGBTQ Travelers
Necessity drove my decision to swim across the Hawaiian โ€˜Auโ€˜au Channel. Six months into the pandemic, I craved a sanity break from hunker-in-the-bunker mode. The prolonged isolation had induced an existential quandary: was the enormous time spent on my writing worth the effort?ย 
Kayaks on the beach with the Colorado River in the background

Kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove: Everything You Need to Know for a Half Day Tour

Posted inUS
Kayaking to Emerald Cove was the highlight of my Las Vegas trip, but finding all the logistical information to actually plan my Lake Mead kayak trip was rough. I know how frustrating it can be to plan trips when you don't have the answers. Especially when it comes to planning a day trip from Las Vegas by car. I've put together this helpful guide to kayak Lake Mead Emerald Cove so you don't have to research the way I did. It's packed with everything I wish I knew ahead of time!
A bicycle with loaded panniers in a field with mountains in the background

Unengendered Terrain – LGBTQ Essay Contest Winner

Posted inUS, Voices of LGBTQ Travelers
Caro Tyner shares their first bike packing trip in this story, which took first place in our LGBTQ essay contest, themed on firsts. Before my first bikepacking trip, I impulsively grabbed the razor in my childhood bathroom, which had probably sat idle for years, and took it to my pits. Iโ€™d been fixating on the damp, sweaty hair under my arms when I woke up, and I didnโ€™t want to deal with it on the road.ย ย  As I dried off, the bare skin in the mirror left me a little queasy. I hadnโ€™t shaved in years, and the sudden loss made me worryโ€ฆ Do I look less queer?
How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

How to Find Petoskey Stones: Tips + Where to Look

Posted inUS
While driving from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, my wife and I made a rockhounding stop at Petoskey State Park. Since it's widely advertised as the best place to find Petoskey stones, I figured all the good ones would be picked over. But within half an hour of searching the shoreline, we had a couple dozen small, smooth Petoskey stones perfect for turning into jewelry. That day sparked my continuing fascination with these fossilized coral treasures unique to Michigan. In this blog post, I want to share tips from my Michigan road trip for spotting Petoskey stones. I'll cover what exactly Petoskey stones are, what to look for when hunting for them, and where the best place to find Petoskey stones is.
Pile of rocks by lake shore

Rockhounding Michigan: A Beginners Guide to Great Lakes Rock Hunting

Posted inUS
When I set out on a road trip to Michigan, I really didn't know what I'd find. So it was a total surprise when I learned that Michigan's lake shores had more than pretty views, they had a secret trove of minerals and fossils waiting to be discovered! I've always loved collecting rocks and shells, and it turned out that the unexpected highlight of my trip was rockhounding Michigan. As an avid outdoors enthusiast who stumbled upon rockhounding in Michigan, I'm thrilled to offer a beginner guide you to looking for fossils in Michigan and the Great Lakes. So read on to discover common types of rocks in Michigan, where to find them and recommended tools.
Onteora Lake covered I snow in winter.

A Local’s Guide to Lake Onteora Trails in Kingston NY

Posted inUS
Lake Onteora has some of the easiest and most accessible hikes near Kingston, New York. It's located up Route 28 just three miles west of Kingston, within the Bluestone Wild Forest. As a Kingston local, I've hiked each of Lake Onteora's trails multiple times, from water snowshoe treks to summer blueberry picking hikes. So read on for all the Onteora Lake Trail details and my favorite locals' tips to make the most of these accessible hikes near Kingston, NY!
Best State Parks in California

12 Best California State Parks to Visit This Year

Posted inUS
California has some of the most epic National Parks out there. But did you know it is also home to hundreds of beautiful state parks, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences? Add these 12 best California state parks to your travel bucket list to explore some magnificent landscapes!
Great National Parks in Nevada to Visit

Great National Parks in Nevada to Visit

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National parks in Nevada may be some of the state's best kept secrets. Also, Nevada is one of the most LGBTQ friendly states to visit! Discover the best things to do at national parks in Nevada and the best time of year to visit. You'll also learn where to eat and where to stay that's LGBTQ friendly!
Rocky outcropping at Slabsides

Hudson Valley Hiking at Slabsides

Posted inUS
Planning a Hudson Valley hiking trip and searching for the perfect day hike? Slabsides is an approachable hike near Kingston, NY that's beginner friendly, kid friendly and dog friendly. Here's a hiking route that takes you to the best spots at Slabsides, including my recommendation of where to eat after your hike.