The rolling landscape leading to cliffs and sharp inclines reaching down to the ocean reminded me of the Irish landscape I often saw in movies when I was growing up, or the English coastline in movies depicting Robin Hood’s return to England. That being said, there is a much wider range of habitats than just ocean coastlines in Point Reyes…

As I was growing up I often heard mention of Lake Tahoe, whether it was in movies or from people vacationing. The beauty was touted by many, and there seemed to be a draw to the area. That stuck with me, and then I had the opportunity to pass through the area on a bus on the way home from…

A barren textured black landscape of the Craters of the Moon National Monument turned out to be a totally fascinating place to visit, a theater showing the resilience of nature. On the sides of the lava hills, in what looks like black pea gravel, a surprise of small pink dwarf monkey flowers were popping through, naturally spaced as if purposely…

Driving through the Grand Tetons is a treasure in itself, even without stopping, hiking or checking out the views. The snowcapped craggy mountains create a glorious backdrop and border for the chain of alpine lakes at their feet, and the Snake River winding through the tree-lined channels adds even more beauty. Of course I had to stop, hike and breathe…

Geysers, mountains, rivers, falls, lakes, wildlife. A huge variety fills the roughly 50-by-60-mile rectangle that crosses the Continental Divide and makes up Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, was established in 1872, even before the surrounding states became part of the Union. Driving into the park through the east entrance, one would never know a great volcano…