Great Basin National Park is definitely one of the overlooked national parks of the Continental US. It’s a bit out of the way – those coming from NorCal might have to take the “Loneliest Road in America” to get there…
Some of the Best Ancient Civilization Ruins at Pueblo Bonito
Probably one of the more memorable destinations we’ve visited on our travels is Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Culture National Historical Park. From the first time we saw a photo of it on the cover of our American Automobile Association Southwestern…
Climbing Ladders into Caves on Bandelier’s Main Loop
It’s not every day you get to climb a wooden ladder into the home of ancient American Indians. Maybe in Mesa Verde, on an official tour, or another tour with a guide or park ranger standing close by. But on…
Best Day Hikes in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley is a land of extremes – incredibly dry desert, mountains, bristlecone forests, cacti, sand dunes, wildflowers, canyons, old mines, and waterfalls, not to mention rich history, hiking options galore, and the bragging rights of “the lowest place in…
God With Us
We’re celebrating Christmas in less than another week. It’s a very exciting time around here; so many piles of packages, the Christmas tree in the living room, not to mention Christmas baking, opening Christmas cards, singing Christmas carols, and reading…
Incredible Rock Formations in the Valley of Dreams
Last week, I posted about our trek to and through the Valley of Dreams East. As spectacular as it is, even more interesting (to me, at least!) was the Valley of Dreams. It’s only about 1.25 miles down the…
Visiting the Valley of Dreams East
I’ve loved the rock formations in the Bisti area ever since my first visit in 2003. Somehow the ability to explore without trails, to discover rock formations – the first person ever, maybe – with no signs telling you what…
He Fills the Hungry with Good Things
I’ve been posting quite a bit about how people view the desert as a poor place to be – a place of dryness and unfulfillment; of heat and drought and sorrow. It’s true that the Bible talks about the desert…
Spiritual Killers in the Wilderness
To continue from last week… just because we are in a “desert” or on a “mountaintop” in our spiritual journey doesn’t mean that one or the other is easier or that one is less of an adventure. Everything we do…
Mountains vs. The Desert
Last week, I posted about remembering again how most people think of the desert and the wilderness as places to be avoided, metaphorically speaking. Our songs and sermons focus on getting out of the dry places, or at least…