Now that my newest national park title is released (www.barrierfreeolympic.doc), it’s time to sit back and reflect on my time in Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades national parks. Even though these Washington state gems contain some pretty rugged terrain, they also boast a veritable treasure trove of accessible trails, attractions and lodging options. And although it’s hard to pick just one favorite, here are my top five accessible travel finds in Washington’s national parks. Continue reading
Category Archives: Road Trips
Great Road Trip Resource!
If you’re headed to Arizona or New Mexico in the near future, be sure and pick up a copy of RoadTrip America Arizona and New Mexico: 25 Scenic Side Trips, before you hit the road. As someone who has logged a lot of miles in both states, I can absolutely tell you that author Rick Quinn really hit it out of the park with this title. Continue reading
Great Winter Deals at Lake Quinault Lodge
Lake Quinault Lodge
If you’re looking for a heck of a winter hotel deal, then look no further than Lake Quinault Lodge. Located just outside of Olympic National Park on the south shore of Lake Quinault, this Northwestern Washington lodge is offering rates that start at a very affordable $87, from now until April 30, 2018. Continue reading
Proposed National Park Fee Increases
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve most likely heard about the proposed peak season fee increase for 17 US National Parks. The National Park Service recently announced this increase, and cited that the additional funds are needed for repair, upkeep and improvements to the national parks. That said, it’s still a proposed increase, and if adopted it will only be effective during the peak seasons of these parks. The peak season fee at the following parks will increase to $70 under his proposal. Continue reading
Access Upgrades Abound in Glacier National Park
The accessible Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park
If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably heard about the wildfires in Glacier National Park. Yes, it is smoky here, and some days are certainly better than others, but with the wildfires near my home in the Sierras are producing quite a bit of smoke too. The firefighters are doing a good job of protecting the historic structures in the park, none of which are immediately threatened. The did lose Sperry Chalet, but that was in a remote area of the park, and quite difficult to protect. A small portion of the park is closed near Lake McDonald Lodge, mostly as a precautionary measure, and to give firefighters unfettered access should the need arise to actively fight the flames near the park’s lakeside properties. Continue reading
Hitting the Road Again
Well we’re off on another road trip adventure to do some research for my next book. And although this trip won’t take us as far as we usually venture, it will require an extended stay near the national parks that we will be covering – Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Continue reading
Head to Harbor Freight for a Portable Wheelchair Ramp
Affordable heavy duty wheelchair ramp from Harbor Freight.
Photo by Jerry O’Brien
Harbor Freight has been a part of my life for a long time. If you’re not familiar with this bargain hardware giant, they have everything from tools and hardware to tarps, fountains, paint and a whole lot of things I can’t even identify. Truth be told I once saw a small windmill at our local store. Continue reading
Hot off the Press – My New Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Book!
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my latest accessible travel title – “Barrier-Free Travel; Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers”. I had a great time researching this book – partly because I grew up in the area and I have fond memories of exploring Yosemite with my dad, but also because I now live close to the parks. And after 40 years of writing travel I’ve finally penned a book about my home turf! It’s about time. Continue reading
Can $1 Really Make a Difference?
Ruby’s Inn near Bryce Canyon National Park
Have you ever checked into a hotel, only to be asked if you wanted to donate $1 to a local organization to help make needed tourism improvements? This usually happens in or near national parks, and I always end up checking the box that obligates me to cough up an extra buck to help out. But I often wondered how much money really ends up directed to the local organizations, and – more important – did my dollar really make a difference? Continue reading
Great Route 66 Resource
As an author I’m particularly critical about travel books, as I know what kind of in-depth research it takes to produce a good one. And gladly Drew Knowles does too, as his Route 66 Adventure Handbook is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to explore the Mother Road. Continue reading