Nature and Conservation | The Zesty Traveler

Northern Cascades National Park

by The Zesty Traveler | Jul 28, 2013 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

: Northern Cascades National Park Wildflowers

: Northern Cascades National Park in Washington.

One of the least visited of the National Parks is the Northern Cascades. Located in northern Washington State just over two hours northeast of Seattle, it is certainly one of the more secluded though surprisingly easy to get too…provided of course the snow has been cleared! (more…)

Old Ironsides

by The Zesty Traveler | Nov 6, 2011 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

: Old Ironsides (USS Constitution) in Boston, MA.

: USS Constitution Officers Quarters in Boston, MA.

: Inside Old Ironsides in Boston, MA.

We landed in Boston, MA and decided to cruise around the city for a little bit since it was my first visit. We didn’t want to spend too much time in town though because we had a cabin waiting for us in Bar Harbor. So we circled Boston Commons which is beautiful and if I have the chance to revisit the city I will certainly spend some time enjoying the park. My target for this trip was centered on the USS Constitution. (more…)

Muir Woods National Monument

by The Zesty Traveler | Apr 9, 2011 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

: Muir Woods along the primary, easy trail. Redwood Creek runs through the park.

: Redwoods circle of life in Muir Woods National Monument.

: A perspective shot courtesy of my brother so you can see just how large the Redwoods are in Muir Woods.

First off I will let you know that it is $5 per person, not per vehicle, to enter the park (free for kids 15 and under). Worth. Every. Penny. Muir Woods is magnificent. Surrounded by Red Wood trees, the primary trails are paved and fairly level. The paved path includes 3 bridges that cross the Redwood Creek where Coho Salmon come to spawn. There are a couple trails that take you off the beaten path and throughout the surrounding terrain. (more…)

From the Road: Alcatraz

by The Zesty Traveler | Aug 8, 2010 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

Alcatraz is an infamous (or perhaps notorious) island operated by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. You can of course tour the island and facilities and who wouldn’t want to?! I was advised and just about everything you read about Alcatraz tours will also advise you to buy your tickets early. (more…)

From the Road: Benziger Vineyard

by The Zesty Traveler | Jun 30, 2010 | Nature and Conservation, Parks and Recreation

When we left Beltane Ranch our first stop was Benziger Vineyard. It is a beautiful vineyard with impressive landscaping, most if not all of which is part of their sustainable agriculture process. Benziger practices biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming methods. They are a family oriented vineyard with several generations involved in various stages of the process. (more…)

From the Road: Condors

by The Zesty Traveler | Jun 18, 2010 | Nature and Conservation

We spent a good deal of time not only looking down while in the Big Sur region but also up to the sky. We were hoping to catch a glimpse of a Condor. Within Andrew Molera State Park is The Ventana Wildlife Society Research and Education Center, established in January 1992. We stopped in to learn a little about these creatures and learned they weren’t what we expected. (more…)