United States

How To Get To: The Channel Islands National Park

Julio Moreno California 2 Comments
How To Get To: The Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Park is one of the least visited parks in the US, despite being so close to Los Angeles. I have a hard time blaming anyone though, since the trouble of even figuring out how to get there gave me a bit of a headache. 300,000 people take a look at the Visitor Center every year but a mere 10% actually go to the islands. Bare with me here as I will repeat myself a lot so that you only read the section that applies to you. Useful numbers, websites, prices, and pictures at the bottom.

 

I. A Day Trip to the Channel Islands

Step 1: Look for any advisories on the National Park Service official website for the Channel Islands. Certain islands can close without warning for a number of reasons, and this would be on the main page. Alternatively, you could also call the visitor center and ask them at (805) 658-5730. For example, at time of writing, Santa Barbara and San Miguel islands are both closed. Read more →

Hiking and Kayaking in Isolation: Channel Islands National Park

Julio Moreno California , 7 Comments
Hiking and Kayaking in Isolation: Channel Islands National Park
Scorpion Harbor from above.
Scorpion Harbor from above.

You want to disconnect for a while. Your idea of relaxation is far away from crowds where you can go on hikes, kayak a while, and maybe even see a few shooting stars. While I highly recommend the National Parks, many of the more popular ones can become crowded if you go during peak season. What you need to find is a place where few venture. You need to look no further than the Channel Islands National Park, just an hour off the coast of Los Angeles. Read more →

Chaco Culture

Julio Moreno UNESCO World Heritage Site, United States , , , 2 Comments
Chaco Culture

Pueblo KivaVisited: Mar. 2014

Site Type: Cultural

Inscribed: 1987

Background and Opinion:

Visiting the Chaco Culture National Historical Park is probably not the first UNESCO World Heritage Site that comes to mind. Do you know how I know? Only one hundred and twenty three of you guys bothered to come. That is correct 123!

Pueblo Bonito

Okay, it is time to start making some sense. Chaco Culture NHP gets, on average, a miniscule 123 visitors per day, one of the lowest for a National Park Service land and World Heritage Site which prompted National Geographic to rank it in its Top 10 Underappreciated National Parks. I must say that its lack of people definitely contribute to the wonderful experience that comes with visiting this amazing place.

 

A top view of the Pueblo Bonito Great House.
A top view of the Pueblo Bonito Great House.

What Exactly is Chaco Culture? Read more →

Eating America #5 – Cowgirl Cafe #2 (American Style Breakfast)

Julio Moreno Eating America , 0 Comment
Eating America #5 – Cowgirl Cafe #2 (American Style Breakfast)
California Style Breakfast - Cowgirl cafe 2
California Style Breakfast

If there is one comfort food that I just can’t life without, it is an American style breakfast. Before I found an acceptable and nearby American-style breakfast near my apartment in Korea, I ate that disgusting Mcdonald’s Deluxe breakfast with a huge smile on my face. After all, something was better than nothing. Read more →