The Backpack Almanac Archives
Even though I grew up here, Idaho continually knocks my metaphorical socks off with how pristine and beautiful it is, especially if you’re willing to travel a little off of the beaten track. Blue Lake is one of those pristine beautiful places that is more well known but still manages to feel secluded and magical – and it’s only a two hour drive from Boise. Getting there was so easy; directions… Read More
I don’t own a telephoto lens because: They’re expensive I’m a klutz My backpack is heavy enough without a whole bunch of camera equipment in it Luckily for me there’s an easy way to get clear, close up pictures! I learned this trick on my first trip to Alaska, when we visited Potter Marsh; we could see a young bull moose waaaaaay in the distance but I couldn’t get a clear picture… Read More
The Harding Icefield Trail is an 8.2 mile round trip trail in Kenai Fjords National Park outside of Seward, Alaska. At only 4 miles to the end of the trail, hikers might assume that it is an easy hike; it’s not. Travelers gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation with each mile, putting this day hike firmly into the “strenuous” category. I am putting this hike into our success bucket, because we kicked… Read More
I’ve lived in Boise for most of my life, and only just recently hiked Stack Rock for the first time. I had no idea just how huge and imposing the actual rock is, and the hike to it is a perfect example of what hiking in the Boise National Forest is all about. The Trailhead The trail starts about 45 minutes up Bogus Basin Road, just after mile marker 13. There is… Read More
“Ok Backpack” I said as I fastened the clips and tightened the straps on my 65 liter bag “I’ll see you on the other side. Be safe” With a final check and one last pull to tighten the straps, I kissed the tips of my fingers, rested them on the top of my bag and let out a deep breath before turning from the counter. As I headed for security, I chanced… Read More
Komodo and Rinca are the two largest islands in Komodo National Park. They are home to a plethora of wildlife, including komodo dragons, wild boars, monkeys, water buffalo, deer, flying foxes and hundreds of bird, lizard and snake species. I’m going to preface this by saying that our experience was more of a nature walk than an actual hike. In touristy places like Indonesia, there is a give and take – we… Read More
Pulau Padar (Padar Island) is the third-largest island in Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, after Komodo and Rinca Islands. It’s famous for the breathtaking views it provides of the Komodo archipelago. For those willing to wake up early, the sunrise from the top of Padar Island turns the entire horizon into a fiery orange blaze. As the sun rises, the mirrored water softens to reveal pristine turquoise bays and beaches with three distinct… Read More
When our dogs see their backpacks, they have a tendency to freak out a little. After a long winter of casual walks and backyard fetch games, getting into the mountains and exploring is the only thing they want to do! Luckily for us, spring is here and although Idaho has a tendency to throw surprise two-minute snow flurries our way, we are getting our supplies ready and brushing up on our wilderness… Read More
If you look up Camel’s Back Park or Hull’s Gulch, you’ll be shown pages upon pages of all the great activities you can do around this part of Boise. It’s not a secret that Camel’s Back Park is a popular spot; it’s placement in Boise’s historic North End near Hyde Park is enough to make it a great place to spend an afternoon, enjoying a game of ultimate frisbee, slacklining in the… Read More
Check out Vacation Chronicles: Anchorage, Alaska for more info about things to do in AK! Seward is a small city located in the Kenai Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination thanks to its position; fishing, hiking, sightseeing, whale watching, etc. are all easily accessible, while the small town feel keeps the wild vibe of the state in tact. We took a day trip here and it was the perfect combination of outdoor activity… Read More
The Backpack Almanac 