Denali National Park is located between Fairbanks and Anchorage and is home to the mega attraction, Mt. McKinley - North America's tallest mountain at 20,320 feet. Unfortunately McKinley is only seen about 25% of the time as this mountain creates its own weather and which means it and most of the park are covered in clouds the majority of the time. Come prepared to expect any type of weather anytime of year. But if you luck out and visit on a … [Read more...]
From African Lion Safari to….
My Saskatchewan friend was trying to find ways to give his family an enjoyable holiday. I did not hesitate in suggesting: If you have two days to spare, I have a great suggestion. For the first day take your children to the African Lion Safari and the second day to the Blackwood Creek Pioneer Village and, in between, visit a few children's entertainment centres. It will be a family vacation they will never forget! First book in at a … [Read more...]
The Land of Fire and Ice
I don't know how many times I have flown between Europe and North America and each time, about halfway over the North Atlantic, glanced down on a mysterious and rugged looking island. Big swaths seemed covered in glaciers. But not everything. It looked largely empty, but I could still make out clear imprints of humanity from thirty five thousand feet in the air. Mostly along the coastal lowlands, where the fields had a fresh green color. Just … [Read more...]
Crater Lake, Oregon – October 2006
Crater Lake Oregon - This stunning lake located in Southern Oregon is the 2nd deepest lake in North America, and is the 7th deepest in the world. It is self contained within the walls of a steep caldera and as a result there is no inlet or outlet. Excellent photography is available at the crater rim. Over 500 inches of snow falls in an average season so there is snow at the rim often until mid to late summer. Known for its spectacular blue … [Read more...]
The G.A.P Top 5: ‘Undiscovered’ Destinations
"These gems are all fascinating in their own right, and surprisingly undiscovered. Nicaragua is (according to some!) destined to become the next big thing in travel. I can't disagree, the great weather, beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and fantastic cities are just a hop away from North America, yet the destination remains relatively undiscovered. Further south, is a place I became enchanted with - Peru! The ancient, mystical site of Choquequirao … [Read more...]
Lawrence of Arabia Came this Way
To him, like to a number of other Jordanians to whom I had spoken, Lawrence and his Seven Pillars of Wisdom were still alive. His desert exploits, during the First World War, seemingly had not been erased from their minds. After visiting the fabulous rose-red ruins of Petra, we had picked up Ali on a tourist road, encircling this once lost Nabataean city. It gave us one last fantastic view of the breath-taking mountains cradling the … [Read more...]
Los Angeles, CA – Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo (part of the fringes of downtown Los Angeles) is home to the largest Japanese-American population in North America. Markets, hotels, Japanese shops and plenty of little restaurants can keep one occupied for some time. Best to ditch the car and explore by foot as geographically Little Tokyo is fairly small. During World War II when the Japanese that lived here were forcibly moved to internment camps such as Manzaznar in … [Read more...]
Its a Long Way to Tipperary
I was planning a solo trek through Iceland when my Father decided to invite himself along on my vacation. He further changed my mind and decided we were going to Ireland, a country he had wanted to see for quite some time. Being the ever-obedient son I gave in. With destination chosen, the hard part was going to be trying to figure out the logistics of creating a travel experience both of us would enjoy. This trip had to be as stress … [Read more...]
Niagara Falls–Is it Worth the Trip
For years Niagara Falls has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and Canada. Visitors from abroad and North America cannot seem to shake their desire to visit this dramatic aquatic spectacle. But why exactly? The falls are not particularly convenient to any major U.S. city (apologies to Buffalo), which means visitors to the US will need at least two days to fit in a visit to Niagara. Furthermore besides the … [Read more...]
Alaska & Canada Bicycle Trip Part II
Portland, Oregon - September 02, 2001 Victoria and the lower Forty Eight The planned few days off in Victoria turned into two weeks, thanks to the relentless hospitality of my friends Gil and Lynne Blair, both of whom I met on a cycling trip two years ago in Washington State. I am greatly indebted to them for providing me with thousands of calories, electric light, this thing that spews hot water (they call it a 'shower'), and teaching me … [Read more...]