Charming Adventures

Jasper, BC Canada: WildLife and a WildStorm

At the north end of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park is the embodiment of Canadian charm.  And what could be more charming that a cuddly grizzly bear, up close (but not too close) and personal (but not too personal)?!  Thanks, Yogi, for sauntering on by!   This picture shows the grizzly’s distinctive shoulder hump … but this...

Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada: C’est Magnifique!!

Canada has two official languages, English and French. Unfortunately, Philip has taken this to heart and generally speaks in English, but with a swarmy French accent (think: Pepé Le Pew after a two-day bender). But I won’t let this dampen my enthusiasm for our beautiful neighbor to the north! As we drive the 144-mile, world-renowed Icefields Parkway, I...

Roadside Montana: The Wacky, The Wild, The Wonderful

As we book it north through Montana at warp speed to get as far from Arizona heat as quickly as possible, certain roadside attractions just cannot be passed by! BANNACK STATE PARK GHOST TOWN Bannack (near Dillon, MT) is one of the best preserved ghost towns in Montana and is rich in history.  Over 50 buildings are still standing, each with a story to tell...

Havasupai, AZ: Wading in Waterfalls/Candles in the Canyon

The Lucky Charm was not involved this time, but we did feel very “lucky” indeed to venture down into the Grand Canyon on the occasion of my 49th birthday.  How could you not feel glad to be alive when surrounded with beautiful sights like Havasupai Falls? The Havasupai Tribe are the native people of this portion of the Grand Canyon, with the hiking...

Cottonwood, AZ: Horsin’ Around at Dead Horse

Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to stay at a place named “Dead Horse”?  Sales experts around the world shudder at this marketing faux pas, but we were intrigued.  Why is it dead?  And like Michael Jackson or Prince, why was its death so noteworthy as to be commemorated over 423 acres of prime real estate with naming rights and a gift...

Picacho Peak, AZ: Feeding Ostriches and Risking Death

Ahhh, spring break!! The annual celebration of fresh air, shirked responsibilities, and family bonding.  The perfect time to leave our cares behind and spend some time with our busy teens — namely, son Max and his girlfriend Lili. We extolled all of the RV’s luxurious virtues, only to get the reply, “But we want to camp in a tent.” Whaaat...

Mesa/Usery Mountain, AZ: New Year, New Destination in Our Own Backyard!

In the past, we’ve driven thousands of miles to get to beautiful RV camping spots, but for three days around New Years Eve 2015, we stayed close to home at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa, AZ.  Our favorite travel companions, the Weed Family, joined us for the occasion. It was really nice to forgo a longggg drive and park our rig just 27 miles away...