Trailheaders: a blog about travel and hiking
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Top Five Tips for Visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2018
Maybe you found a flight deal to SJU, or you already had plans to visit before the hurricane. Maybe you want to help the economy recover after Hurricanes Irma and Maria wrecked the island in September 2017. Or maybe you want to visit the Caribbean from the U.S. without a passport. Whatever the reason, there’s…
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Green Sounds in Post-Hurricane Puerto Rico
Brown sounds are the happenings of a hurricane — sandy waves and sewage gush in the streets and rush down the mountains. Mud slabs and unforgiving boulders create a sound vacuum through humble hillside dwellings. Across this land covered in color and surrounded by turquoise Caribbean water, these sounds of dirt and destruction still echoed…
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How the 2018 U.S. Government Shutdown Will Affect Travel
They agreed to disagree… and for now, that means that the United States government is effectively shutdown until our legislature can agree about how to appropriate money. With more than 800,000 government employees furloughed, which operations will cease or slow? What does this government shutdown mean for travelers, foreign and domestic? Here are some ways…
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How to Honor MLK Through Travel
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s leadership in the U.S. civil rights movement and violent assassination have left an unparalleled legacy. His peace, passion and perseverance have changed the world and continue to influence us today. You can see how for yourself at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Then, you…
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Where to Donate to Puerto Rico’s Hurricane Recovery
First of all, thank you to everyone who’s reached out to me during this journey in Puerto Rico. I’m nearly done with my assignment, and every day has had its share of challenges and accomplishments. Anything I face pales in comparison with these survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, many of whom have been without…
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Posts from Puerto Rico
Until this summer, some of us might not have thought of Puerto Rico too often. Be honest — did “Despacito” get stuck in your head more than once as coverage of Hurricane Maria took over the news? It’s been well over a month since the hurricane made landfall on the island (September 20). It might…
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What to Bring Hiking in Colorado: Absolute Basics
Some people like to “hike light” with just what they can carry in their pockets. Others might be carrying enough for three days instead of three hours! Here is a guide to help you decide what to bring on a day hike in Colorado. There are the top three MUSTS and four more extremely, potentially…
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What to Do on Lake Erie: Peace & Conservation at Put-In-Bay, Ohio
Road-tripping on I-90 along Lake Erie between Chicago, Illinois and Buffalo, New York, there’s a place that is both peaceful and playful. It’s educational and entertaining. It’s vintage yet vivacious. It’s South Bass Island, home to Put-In-Bay township, Ohio. Whether a stop on a cross-country road trip or a destination of its own, it’s a…
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Traveling to Denver, Colorado to Hike: A Basic Guide
It’s no surprise that people want to travel to Colorado to hike. After all, the Rocky Mountains are world-renowned all year long, not just for snow skiing in the winter. People often say, in person or online, “I want to come to Colorado and hike. Where should I go?” Well, that’s a bit like asking…
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How to Thank a Park Ranger for World Ranger Day 2017
There are many types of park rangers performing a variety of duties on our public lands, but what they all have in common is working in service to the resources, wildlife and future generations. Today, July 31, 2017, is the 10th Annual World Ranger Day. I hope that we all reach out in some way…
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Don’t Be Soar-y For Not Knowing About Canada Day & Other Things I Learned In Montreal & Toronto
“Wow, these Canadians are so patriotic! There are flags and festivities all over the place,” I remarked to my friend as we surveyed Victoria, British Columbia from the ferry dock. It was 2003, my first time to Canada, and I was clueless about international travel. I was so clueless, in fact, that I didn’t even…
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Celebrating the Things That Didn’t Happen (Or Why I’d Rather Be in Pittsburgh Than Barcelona)
I was supposed to get married yesterday. Well, a decade ago yesterday, 07-07-07. But we didn’t go through with it, and I have no doubt that was the right choice because we were not the right choice. So, instead of celebrating my tenth wedding anniversary, I spent the day honoring The Things That Didn’t Happen.…
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Choosing Between Romance or Travel: Key Turn-of-the-Millennium TV Characters Help You Decide
Maybe you just met, but it’s been days, months, even years since someone piqued your interest like this. Or maybe you’ve known each other for years, and the spark just ignited. Unfortunately, it’s only hours before schedules split. You have a big trip or move planned, but there is someone special at home. Whether they…
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Six Things in Wyoming You Must See For Yourself
The U.S. state of Wyoming has some incredible sights, but let’s be honest about one thing. Depending on where and how you arrive, the scenery might not make for the fondest first impression. If you expect it to look like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort ski area all over the state, I have some bad news.…
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