Canada: Banff NP
Banff was birdier than Jasper. I found my trails and I found my people. While Tomas explored the city, I spent most of my time between the Fenland Trail and the Cave and Basin Marsh Loop Trail. Serenading me on the trails were Yellow Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Sora, Common Yellowthroat, and I chanced into a…
Kennewick to Astoria
The next day was not like the previous. The winds howled and overcast skies moved in. Jen, Jacob, and I checked on the Snowy Owl in the early morning, but this time it was far off in a distant farm field. We watched for a bit until she flew to another field. And was subsequently harassed by a Northern Harrier. She didn’t seem…
Alaska By Land – Denali Part II
We saw five grizzly bears from the shuttle bus on the way towards our unit. Intimidating, much? We prepared for such encounters as best we could before setting off into the backcountry. Hiking in Denali has a few requirements. Contrary to Pacific Northwest training to walk single file along trails, Denali hikers are to spread out, preventing new trails…