102-Year Old Reaches Mount Fuji Summit

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While some of us baby boomers are facing the problems associated with entering senior citizen status, one Japanese man did something that set a new record. He didn't age stop him.

At 102, he climbed to the summit of Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji.

Fox News reported:

A 102-year-old Japanese man has set a new record by becoming the oldest to summit Mount Fuji.

Kokichi Akuzawa began his ascent on Aug. 5 along with his 70-year-old daughter Motoe, his granddaughter and her husband and friends, according to The Associated Press.

Akuzawa told AP he's impressed that he climbed so well, sharing that it’s better to climb while he still can.  

"I was really tempted to give up halfway through," he said. "Reaching the summit was tough, but my friends encouraged me, and it turned out well. I managed to get through it because so many people supported me."

To read the full story, go here. 

12 Incredible Outdoor Adventures In the American Southwest

Above, the "Three Sisters" in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that I've lived in the Southwest for seven years, I appreciate the diversity of the region. There's plenty of places to see and things to do.

OutdoorHub has posted a list of 12 "incredible outdoor adventures in the American Southwest." Of the 12, I've done three of them.

They begin with:

America’s Southwest region displays stark contrasts in nature and unforgettable beauty waiting to be explored. Whether you are an ardent climber, hiker, camper, or just a soul longing for solitude in the wild, the Southwest region offers a perfect outdoor paradise for memorable adventures. This article will show you 12 incredible outdoor adventures to experience in the American Southwest Region.

To see what they are, go here. 

Hiking & Camping In Black Bear Country

Above, a black bear at Yellowstone Bear World. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In view of my last post of a bear incident near Aspen, Colorado and that summer camping season is almost upon us, I thought it would be a good idea to post the following from the American Bear Association.

It is about hiking and camping while in bear country.

They begin with:

Hiking & Camping in Black Bear Country

Recreational use of parks and wilderness areas is increasing. Tolerance and an appreciation for the unpredictable nature of resident wildlife is increasingly important. Negative encounters are often a result of human carelessness rather than an aggressive act by the animal. This is especially true with bears. Most bear “attacks” are caused by surprising a bear and usually can be prevented. Understanding bear behavior and recognizing bear sign are important when hiking or camping in Bear Country. 

Before the Trip

Plan ahead – be prepared. Contact the local wildlife agency or park headquarters for information about the area wildlife, hiking/camping procedures and precautions as well as for any current bear activity areas.

• Familiarize yourself with bear behavior and signs.
• Avoid packing odorous food and nonfood (fragrant cosmetic, toiletries, etc.) items. Use bear-proof containers, doubled plastic bags or airtight canisters to seal in odors.
• Bring extra bags for leftovers and for packing out garbage, if necessary.
• Pack a flashlight and binoculars.
• Avoid taking a dog or keep it leashed.

 To read more (a lot more), go here.

 

Ultimate Guide To Monument Valley

Above, Monument Valley's West Mitten. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Being a resident of the northwestern sector of New Mexico, it affords me easy access to places in and around the Four Corners of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. 

Above, John Ford Point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One place that's an easy three-hour (or so) drive from home is Monument Valley Tribal Park. I have been there four times, two of which has been within the past three years.

For those who may be wondering about where to go for a spring or summer vacation, Monument Valley should be placed high on the list. There are hotels and campgrounds for extended stays. I have stayed at two area campgrounds: Goulding's Lodge Campground and Monument Valley KOA.

Above, my RV at Goulding's Lodge Campground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Mygrandcanyonpark.com has posted an "ultimate guide" to visiting Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. 

It begins with:

Monument Valley Tribal Park, an iconic landscape of breathtaking beauty, has for centuries stood as a testament to the Navajo Nation’s culture, traditions and connection to the earth.

It is a place where nature’s wonders take center stage. The sandstone buttes, in hues ranging from warm oranges to deep reds, create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. Whether you plan to embark on a guided tour, traverse the scenic drives, or venture on foot to embrace the solitude of this ethereal landscape, Monument Valley Tribal Park promises an unforgettable experience.

Find this park in the very rural southeastern portion of Utah. It’s located just north of the Utah-Arizona border, off Hwy. 163, between Kayenta, Arizona and Mexican Hat, Utah. You’ll definitely want to add this park to your agenda if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon, or Utah’s eastern parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Just past the border, turn east onto Monument Valley Road, which takes you towards the visitors center and into the park.

Above, Ear of the Wind arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Monument Valley, go here. 

Mt. Fuji Light Rail Line To Transport 3 Million Hikers Annually

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The big symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, may be getting a new rail line to the Fifth Station on the mountain.

Yamanashi Prefecture is proposing a double-track rail system to bring hikers to the mountain.

Kyodo News reported:

A proposed light rail transit service connecting the foot of Mt. Fuji to its 5th station would be capable of transporting 3.36 million passengers annually, a recent report by a local government showed.

Yamanashi Prefecture is proposing a double-track line operating two-car trains every six minutes for 10 hours per day to disperse the summer influx of tourists while reducing vehicle emissions, according to its interim report.

The line would run along the Fuji Subaru Line, the toll road to the 5th station that serves as the starting point to one of the mountain's most popular hiking trails.

The prefecture projects capital investment would total 148.6 billion yen ($970 million), deeming it optimal for the prefectural government to construct the tracks while a private company operates the trains.

Assuming 3 million passengers per year at 10,000 yen per person, the transit system is expected to yield a profit of 184.8 billion yen for the prefecture and 420.7 billion yen for the operator over a 40-year period, according to the report.

To read more, go here. 

Man Attacked By Grizzly in Grand Teton National Park Survives

Above, Grand Teton National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A man hiking in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming was attacked by a grizzly bear.

Fortunately, he survived the attack because the bear activated a can of bear spray on herself. The bear was protecting her cubs, by the way.

RV Travel begins their article on the attack with:

A hiker in Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park was miraculously saved this past week when a grizzly bear used bear spray on itself!

Shayne Patrick Burke, a disabled Army Reserve veteran, described his encounter with a grizzly bear in Grand Teton National Park as “the most violent” experience of his life. On a hike to photograph owls, Burke spotted a grizzly cub and was soon attacked by its mother. 

To read the full story, go here. 

National Parks Traveler To Stay In Business

Above, low clouds in Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some good news showed up in my email news feed this morning.

National Parks Traveler news site will stay in operation.

They wrote:

Just months after it looked like the National Parks Traveler would cease after 18 years due to insufficient funding, readers, listeners, sponsors, and underwriters have provided enough financial support to keep the news organization in operation. 

Our readers and donors look to the Traveler for daily journalism on issues, science, exploration, travel, and park news. No other news organization focuses solely on national parks and protected areas, resulting in a unique blend of editorially independent coverage that led to an outpouring of support when it looked like the site would go dark at the end of June.

We’re not completely out of the woods, but the support will enable continued news coverage while we work to further solidify the Traveler’s financial footing. If you can help with that, please drop us a line.

To read more, go here. 

Rockfall Near Zion's Weeping Rock

Above, Weeping Rock from the trail. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a name I hadn't heard or thought of for quite a while. Weeping Rock.

The Weeping Rock trail at Zion National Park is one I've walked several times. The last time was around 2000 with my mom and daughter.

According to the St. George News, there was a rockfall yesterday near Weeping Rock.

They wrote:

SPRINGDALE — At approximately 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, Zion National Park received a report of rockfall near Weeping Rock. Park rangers immediately responded and encountered a dust cloud on the road.

According to a press release on Nov. 14, the dust interrupted shuttle bus service until about 5 p.m. Shuttles returned to normal operations thereafter.

To read more, go here. 

How Many NPS Websites Are You Familiar With?

Above, the Colorado River carving the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National Park Service (NPS) websites come in handy for trip planning and general information. As it turns out, there are many NPS websites to peruse. Chances are, many people aren't even aware of them.

National Parks Traveler has posted an article on, "How many NPS websites are you aware of?"

It begins with:

There are more National Park Service websites than you can possibly imagine. Really. You'll find no site map on the agency's main website, so there's really nothing you can do but hunt and poke and stumble around to see what's out there.

After 18 years of the National Parks Traveler, I continue to run across new ones. Let's take a look at some of them that you might not be aware of.

To read more, go here.

5 Must-Do Activities In Yosemite

Above, driving through the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are physically fit (for some of the suggestions) or are adventurers, there are many things to see and do in Yosemite National Park.

Men's Journal has a list of 5 "must-do" activities while in Yosemite. 

They begin with: 

Yosemite National Park is a natural wonderland that draws millions of visitors each year. With its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, Yosemite offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. But, what should you do? We'll explore five must-do activities that allow you to experience the park's beauty and adventure to the fullest.

To see what they are, go here. 

Recreation Industry Nearing The Trillion-Dollar Mark

Above, at the Ouray, Colorado KOA Kampground. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We are bearing down on the end of the summer vacation season. The Labor Day weekend is the unofficial end of the summer vacation season, which is only a week away.

But people still will head out on the road during the autumn season.

According to The Daily Item, the outdoor recreation industry is nearing the trillion-dollar mark.

They begin with:

With many Americans turning to the outdoors for a personal slice of Heaven, the outdoor recreation industry is pushing toward the trillion-dollar mark. People are seeking places to get outdoors, enjoy nature, relax, and reset. Along with modern amenities, RV Travel and #vanlife are helping drive America’s $862 billion outdoor recreation industry.

Time outside

According to the American Express global travel trends report, 68% of people prefer traveling where they can be outdoors and get mental clarity. And with end-of-summer and fall weather on the horizon for much of the U.S., cooler temperatures are a time Americans look to for a weekend getaway, hiking, camping, and leaf-peeping to escape the hustle and bustle of the work week.

To read more, go here. 

Black Bears Are Scaling Yosemite's Half Dome

Above, Half Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Black bears inhabit Yosemite National Park in California. They're pretty much everywhere. Campsites in Yosemite Valley each have a bear-proof storage bin for campers to use.

Recently, evidence of a black bear at the top of the park's Half Dome was recently found.

From the Spokane, Washington The Spokesman-Review:

Climbers who summit Yosemite’s Half Dome can expect panoramic views of the national park’s luscious valley – but now park rangers say they might also spot traces of black bears, or even the animal itself.

Park rangers recently found evidence pointing to the presence of a black bear at the top of Half Dome, Yosemite officials said. The animals are natural climbers and, unlike people, do not need 425 feet of cable to scale the quartz rock formation’s 46-degree angle.

“This observation serves as a good reminder that bear safety applies EVERYWHERE in Yosemite,” park officials said on Facebook. “For the safety of people and animals alike, keep your friends close and your food closer.”

Yosemite officials reminded visitors to keep smelly objects like food or sunscreen locked away in lockers or canisters. On the trail, hikers should keep backpacks and other items within reach lest they be ransacked by bears or the Half Dome ground squirrels.

Bear encounters are not uncommon in Yosemite, which is home to an estimated 300 to 500 black bears. The animals usually cause property damage or snatch food. People are rarely injured, and no one has died of a bear attack in Yosemite, according to the park service.

 

Above, a North American black bear. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

National Forest Week

Out here in McKinley County of New Mexico, every week is "National Forest Week", provided the weather permits. Since our community abuts the Cibola National Forest, we make great use of it for recreation.

But there's an official National Forest Week. 

According to the National Forest Foundation:

July 10-16, 2023

Celebrate the incredible 193-million-acre National Forest System and all the benefits it provides to the public.

FOREST MODE

This year’s theme invites the public to consider what Forest Mode looks like in their life. Whether it is a thrilling whitewater adventure, a quiet evening by the campfire, or a rugged trek on backcountry trails, there are countless ways people find their Forest Mode. Anytime you visit a National Forest, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly to ensure these places stay healthy for future generations.

For more information, go here. 

Best National Parks To Visit During Winter

Above, the Great White Throne at Zion National Park in Utah. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People generally visit national parks during the peak summer season, but there are some national parks that are welcoming to visitors during the winter.

Deseret News has posted a list of the best national parks for winter visitation. I have been to about half of them on the list.

They begin with:

You don’t have stay to holed up inside all winter. This is the best time of year to get some hikes and nature in at some of the nation’s most iconic national parks.

Here’s a list of some of the best national parks to visit during winter.

To read more, go here. 

TheTravel: Guide To Lake Havasu City

Above, jet-skiing and boating on the lake are favorite pastimes. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who want to get away from it all, consider a vacation stay at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

I've been there several times as a friend is a resident there. I'm starting to know my way around town (uh, somewhat). I was there most recently during Christmas.

TheTravel has posted a guide to vacationing in Lake Havasu. They mention several hotels, but they omitted RV camping at the lake. There's plenty to do. One of things to do is taking a hike. I was going to use that as the title of this blog, but it is too suggestive and people may get the wrong Idea. (Read the article and you'll see why.)

But it is worth looking through.

They begin with:

Arizona is home to numerous tourist hotspots, but one of its hidden gems waiting to be discovered is Lake Havasu City. Nestled in the depth of the Mohave Desert, this sprawling resort community offers a mix of unending sunshine and big shiny waters. While some consider it to be in the middle of nowhere, Lake Havasu is only three hours away from its more famous counterpart, Phoenix, or about two hours away from Las Vegas.

A relatively young city, Lake Havasu was established in 1963 after attracting miners speculating for gold and silver and serving as a military recreation site. But thanks to industrialist Robert McCulloch and his vision, the city has come a long way from its mining days to become a bustling vacation destination with popular historical landmarks, incredible natural landscapes, and endless outdoor adventures. Fancy exploring this diamond in the rough? Here is the ultimate guide to Lake Havasu City.

 To read more, go here.

Things To Do In Monument Valley

Above, a view of the Mittens and Merrick Butte at sunrise. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never been to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park or for those who have but were unaware that there of things to do there, the following will be your cup of tea.

I was in Monument Valley in October and took a sunrise tour of the 17-mile loop.

Travel2Next has a list of 20 things one can do in Monument Valley. It has something for everybody.

They begin with:

Monument Valley is one of the most famous and iconic places in the United States. The valley is inside the Navajo Nation, meaning it is protected and owned by the Native Americans who live there – they have their own laws and customs and even their own president. The towering rock formations, known as mesas and buttes that dominate Monument Valley have become famous through films set in the Wild West, such as The Lone Ranger, How The West Was Won and Stagecoach, directed by John Ford, who gave his name to one of the valley’s most famous locations.

Monument Valley receives thousands of visitors annually, even though it can be tricky to reach. It is spread across the Utah and Arizona border, around a 6.5-hour drive from Las Vegas or three hours from Flagstaff. The area is breathtakingly beautiful and offers plenty to do, such as the Monument Valley loop, which encompasses all the major sights, and outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and stargazing.

To read more, go here. 

Woman Dies During Hike At Zion National Park

Above, the Narrows at Zion National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A tragedy took place in Zion National Park on Wednesday when a couple who were hiking overnight in the Narrows experienced hypothermia. 

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

A woman hiker is dead and her husband is recovering after being injured during a 16-mile overnight hike at Zion National Park in Utah.

Zion National Park shuttle drivers reported that visitors found an injured man and a non-responsive woman in the Narrows on Wednesday morning, according to a news release.

Zion rescue team members found the man on Riverside Walk. He was taken to the Zion Emergency Operations Center. Farther up the Narrows, rescuers found a non-responsive woman near the Virgin River. First responders administered emergency aid, but they determined she was deceased.

The 33-year-old man and 31-year-old woman, a married couple, had started their permitted 16-mile trip through the Narrows from the top-down on Tuesday. The man told rescuers that they became dangerously cold overnight and experienced symptoms consistent with hypothermia.

 To read more, go here.

10 Most Underrated National Parks

Above, Lassen Volcanic National Park's Devastated Area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When people think of national parks, they usually think of Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. There are plenty more out there that don't get as much attention or visitors.

Yahoo posted an article list of the ten most underrated U.S. national parks. Of the ten, I have visited two of them: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Petrified Forest National Park.

They begin with:

Whether you're exploring your home state solo, taking a cross-country road trip with friends, or embarking on a family vacation halfway across the country, visiting one of America's national parks is a great way to get some fresh air in the wide open while marveling at the natural beauty and wildlife all around you.

So, it makes sense that as travel picks up again this year, many Americans are itching to get out and explore more of these protected lands. According to a 2020 survey commissioned by the National Park Service, most survey respondents said the last national parks they visited were Yellowstone National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park.

But the truth is, there are so many other hidden gems across the U.S. that are ripe for adventure—and some of them you can traverse in just a day. So, if you're looking to beat the tourist crowds while exploring nature, be sure to add the following underrated U.S. national parks to your travel itinerary. 

To read more, go here. 

Hike Along The Rim Of A Dormant Volcano

Above, the Phantom Ship in the smoky haze. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have been to Crater Lake National Park three times, the last time being five years ago during my Great American Eclipse trip. One time, my parents and I hiked down to the water. That was enjoyable, but the hike back up was something else. It was a good thing I was 19 at the time and handled it okay.

While the trip to Crater Lake was enjoyable, it was slightly marred by wildfires in the area. The smoke from those fires settled inside the crater, giving it a hazy look.

Only In Your State has posted an article on hiking around the rim of Crater Lake.

It begins with:

There’s nowhere on Earth quite like Crater Lake, and here in Oregon, we are immensely proud to call it ours. There are many ways to experience this extraordinary national park in Oregon, from cruising the 33-mile-long Rim Drive that encircles the lake to chartering a boat that journeys through its pristine waters. Our favorite, however, is the old-fashioned way: on foot. Clocking in at an easy (and flat) four miles, the Discovery Point Trail is one of the most accessible and popular treks in the park, and it allows adventurers to literally hike along the rim of this magnificent dormant volcano in Oregon.

To read more (and see plenty of photos), go here.

12 Things To Do In Yosemite, Besides Hiking

Above, the bottom of Yosemite Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who have never visited Yosemite National Park and those who have, finding things to see and do while in the park is not difficult.

To help those who are clueless on things the park has to offer, The Travel has listed 12 things to do there besides hiking.

They begin with:

Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited attractions in the United States with over 3 million yearly visitors. The park is most famous for its magnificent waterfalls and lots of hiking trails. While hiking is a popular thing to do here, there are other amazing things one can do to enjoy an amazing adventure at the park and these are some of the most popular ones not to miss out on.

To read more, go here.