I read An Outdoor Journal looking for a quote because former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said I could in his letter, and then I hesitated writing this review because… how to “critically assess” this? Here’s my description of it: An Outdoor Journal, a collection of hunting, fishing, and other personal reminiscences, is that rare bird: … Continue reading Book Review: An Outdoor Journal
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More Trash Talk
To continue the tradition established last year of starting the year with an interesting and vital link, Campfire Tales presents Earth's Oceans Foundation, which strives to address the issue of plastic polluting our oceans. I like the Foundation's website for the layout and wider selection of videos, although their Facebook page is more "current."
Petroglyph National Monument
If you are ever passing through Albuquerque, New Mexico with a few hours to kill and the urge to hike, try Petroglyph National Monument. There are several trails of varying difficulty (primarily due to their length), and... Aw, who am I kidding? The reason to go to Petroglyph is to see petroglyphs: There. Now where … Continue reading Petroglyph National Monument
Death Valley Day Trip
In a post about Leadfield, there are written directions about the one way road, but maybe you are more of a visual learner. The above map shows the entrance to Titus Canyon Road at the top center, directly below Rhyolite (more to come about Rhyolite, but this should get you started). Other helpful hints, courtesy … Continue reading Death Valley Day Trip
Sign Off: California vs. Chicago Vacations
Unable to decide between California or Chicago vacations, and waiting for the universe to send you a sign? Good news! Campfire Tales is here to help, just as with International Parks. Having both roamed across California AND visited Chicago in the past year, here are the "signs" that guided my trips. First, the ONLY California … Continue reading Sign Off: California vs. Chicago Vacations
Landscape Flags
Hear me out, okay? Most flags are... boring. Go ahead, look up the flags of the world. Prove me wrong! I'll wait <yawn> here. Why hasn't anyone given flags a makeover yet? I guess dull, solid stripes ARE easier to reprint and reproduce. But are they inspiring? Also, this is 2019! We have the technology … Continue reading Landscape Flags
Book Review: What’s the Difference?
"Children's book review? Come on, Camp Host Chad! Is this a tardy April Fools joke? Are you kidding us?" Not kidding. I bought What's the Difference? by Emma Strack in a Yosemite National Park gift shop for an adult friend who loves Jeopardy! Loves loves it. Watches it every night religiously. He enjoyed this book. … Continue reading Book Review: What’s the Difference?
Spain: Sagrada Familia Ceiling
Previous Sagrada Familia Posts: Introduction Outside Inside
Spain: Sagrada Familia-Inside>Out
Now, if you'll kindly look up as you enter, you will notice... Seriously? You don't need me. You need the Audio Tour for this place. I don't endorse Audio Tours normally. (I'm not against them. I find them... limiting. "Look here. Look there. Absorb this. Absorb that.") However, this is my first point. The audio … Continue reading Spain: Sagrada Familia-Inside>Out
Spain: Sagrada Familia-Outside>In
Can you believe I forgot to tell you about this place? Would someone please turn on the lights? Thank you. Much better. OK, there are two things I want to highlight before we go in, both about story. First, every detail here tells a story. At first glance -- it's impressive and interesting, but then … Continue reading Spain: Sagrada Familia-Outside>In
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