A couple of summers ago I visited Glacier National Park and hiked to Red Eagle Lake. I’d already put on a lot of miles before that 17-mile day. The mosquitoes were relentless at the beginning of the hike and I had a lot on mind. Basically, I questioned myself for heading out. When I got to this bridge, it felt …
Calling Utah home and more good news
Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be. ~ Joseph Campbell I love my new home state. From skiing to rock climbing, Utah worked its way into my heart over several visits and now I’m thankful to be a resident. After nearly six months in Salt Lake City, …
Explore the Gambia: Nature Opportunities
African destinations continue to be a popular choice for holidaymakers looking for a little more adventure than the typical short haul summer spots, and with Gambia flights from flythomascook, you can enjoy what this west coast country has to offer for less. While the stunning coastline and beautiful weather provide much of the appeal for a visit to Gambia, it’s …
Finding a clear view: Butler Fork to Mount Raymond
It is not the eye that understands, but the mind. ~ African proverb A rocky knife-edge rose up ahead of me like the spine of a large monster. Okay, I’m being a little dramatic because I really don’t like heights. I stood there alone, wondering if this really was the trail to Mount Raymond. “Seriously, what the….?” I muttered under …
7 signs you’re obsessed with hiking
The first clue I had a problem was that, after two months, I hadn’t unpacked any boxes because I was waiting for a rainy day – not fully comprehending I had moved to a desert. Then there was the issue that I had no social life. After moving to Salt Lake City I noticed that, now that I had a …
Wildflowers overtake Alta Ski Area – photos document colorful invasion
An invasion of plant life dressed in bright uniforms of red, purple, yellow, pink and white took over the Alta Ski Area this summer. A contingent of hummingbirds and bumblebees provided additional support to the assault… Okay, I’ll stop with the silliness. “Stunning, vibrant, and off the rails,” are a few of the terms I’ve heard used to describe the …
Solo expression: Challenge Buttress
Rarely do we get to express ourselves as purely as we’d like to but when it does happen, it’s truly a thing of beauty! Recently, many things have been put into an intricate perspective for me and I am continually learning how grow with them. It seems all too often we get trapped in a negative space when others aren’t …
Christmas Ski Holidays: Top Five Festive Options
It may still be the summer but it’s scary how quickly Christmas can creep up on you and if you want this festive season to be an unforgettable one, you could consider one of the all inclusive ski holidays that are available to book online at the moment. The mountains are a perfect choice for a family holiday during the …
Photo escape: Solo climb swing
The outdoors has long been my place of solace, the place where I go to work through emotions or simply revel in gratitude. Typically, I need to be solo to reap those benefits. The Active Explorer’s new climbing contributor, Brandon Aegerter, has also expressed a need for solo time in his post Climbing: From personal challenge to a way of …
Photo escape: A smokey sunset in Millcreek Canyon
Fires near Salt Lake City have filled the valley with an unpleasant haze recently. Last night after dinner, my friend and I drove to the top of Millcreek Canyon, mostly to correct he fact that I had never been there. To our surprise, the visit was timed perfectly to catch a sunset made more dramatic by smoke in the atmosphere. …