A few hearty shrubs are the first appearance of non-human life near Blue Lake.

New Zealand for the Photographer
Travelers who love taking photos will come home from New Zealand with some of their best-ever images. Here are three places you shouldn’t miss if you want to take photos worthy of framing and hanging – and maybe even selling. Also included – a few basic gear tips.
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From nz2

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That's a big pack, dude!

As I was filling up my backpack for traveling to Iceland, all I could think about was a line from Monty Python’s The Life of Brian: “Is it too big? Is it too small?”

I never want to bring too much, but I also never want to get totally soaked in a random storm like I did in New Zealand.  And I actually needed a tent and sleeping bag this time – and a pair of running shoes since my wife signed us up for the Miðnæturhlaup, which is “Midnight Run” in Icelandic. I also had to bring stuff for hanging out in Reykjavik in addition to exploring the volcanic badlands.

Anyway, I ruthlessly put together a packing list of everything I took and evaluated whether or not I would bring it on my next trip (well, to a place with a similar climate, anyway). Some mainstays that always make it into the pack are ExOfficio underwear, my freakin’ awesome La Sportiva boots and my practically immortal REI convertible cargo pants, which continue ticking after nearly 5 years of use.

Anyway, here’s how all this stuff fared during two weeks at the 66th parallel. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to hit the cooler climates this summer.

• backpack (Kelty Coyote 4750) – A good backpack is a must. This one misses a few features that would be nice to have. Watch for an in-depth review.
• backpack cover (REI) – Didn’t use, but would be great in a heavier rain.
• tent stakes (MSR Groundhog, – Invaluable
• tent (North Face Rock 22) – Perfect tent for the conditions.
• sleeping bag (North Face Cat’s Meow) – Great performer. A must.
• pillow (therma-a-rest compressible) – Waste of space for backpacking. Should’ve just stuffed unused clothes into a pillowcase (like my wife did). This is good for car camping, though.
• 100-Ounce Camelbak bladder – Essential.
• cargo pants (The North Face) – Good for the long days exposed to wind and light rain.
• cargo pants (REI Ripstop) – Valuable, but better for drier conditions. See my REI Ripstop pants review.
• convertible cargo pants (REI) – I can always count on these. Good for just about anywhere.
• technical long-sleeve shirt (REI) – Essential.
• underwear (Ex Officio, 2 pairs) – Best travel underwear on the planet, no question.
• long underwear (Patagonia) – Great for the rainy days in Landmannalaugar.
• underwear (cotton) – Handy for the more civilized days.
• Primaloft jacket (First Ascent Serrano) – Always good to go, and super-compact. See my First Ascent Serrano review.
• rain jacket (Marmot) – Great for rainy hiking days.
• rain pants (REI) – I wouldn’t go anywhere rainy without them.
• long-sleeve tech shirt (Nike) – Very handy.
• cotton 3-quarter-sleeve t-shirt (Prana) – Comfy, but didn’t really justify the space.
• cotton t-shirt – Good for the plane. Barely used otherwise.
• hiking boots (La Sportiva Trango Trek) – Simply awesome boots.
• running shoes (adidas) – Did a 10K, so I really needed them.
• cotton button-down shirt – Barely wore it. Would leave at home next time.
• hat (wide-brimmed) – Very handy, especially for hiking in the rain.
• tech hat (Sweat Vac) – Essential.
• gloves (hardware store specials!) – Will get better gloves next time.
• hiking socks (REI, 2 pairs) – A great deal.
• hiking socks (Wigwam) – Essential.
• running socks (asics) – Great for the 10K
• socks (adidas) – Good for hanging out in running shoes.
• vegan jerky snacks (Primal Strips, about – Can’t ask for a better hiking snack. See my Primal Strips review.
• food (MRE packs, 3) – Not the tastiest or easiest to use, but worth bringing.
• GPS (Garmin Foretrex 301)  - I don’t travel without it.
• headlight (Petzl Tikka) – Barely used it, but I bring it everywhere.
• camera (Pentax K100D Super with three lenses) – Essential. But also bring a cleaning cloth.
• mp3 player (Creative MuVo) – Barely used. Will probably leave it home next time.
• various stuff sacks – You’ll never regret having stuff sacks.
• Space Bags – Could be sturdier, but still incredibly helpful to make the load small as possible.

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Then I paused. The MREs all come with this little self-heating thing. I decided to check with the authorities. I wrote to Delta Airlines, which we’re flying from Phoenix to JFK, and Icelandair, which will take us the rest of the way. I explained my plan, and specific that I’d have the MREs in checked baggage. Here are their answers.

Icelandair (Response time: about 30 minutes)
Hello,
These will be ok in your checked bags.
Regards
Icelandair

The Verdict: This is my kind of communication: prompt, succinct, totally unambiguous. Lacking any flowery stuff, but I know where I stand.

Delta Airlines (Response Time – About 24 hours)

Thank you for contacting Delta Air Lines.

Your SkyMiles number has been added to your reservation. The mileage
will be automatically credited to your account after travel has taken
place.

The Transportation Security Administration has revised the list of
acceptable items that will be checked at security checkpoints.

For the latest information on what is and is not acceptable for both
carry-on and checked baggage please go to the Transportation Security
Administration website at: www.tsa.gov

Again, thank you for writing. We appreciate your selection of Delta and
will always welcome the opportunity to be of service.

Sincerely,

Remy Ferns
Online Customer Support Desk

The verdict: Courteous, but not really all that informative. And it’s definitely a long way to say “I don’t know.”

I heeded Remy’s advice and hit the TSA’s website. And to no surprise, it didn’t specifically mention MRE ration packs. So, I e-mailed the TSA via its online contact forum. How’d it do?

TSA (Response time: about 10 hours – not bad at all)

This item is not on the prohibited items list. However, this list is not intended to be all-inclusive. A screener may determine that an item not on this list is prohibited.

Additionally, keep in mind that security screening at foreign airports is beyond TSA jurisdiction.  Travelers must go through different clearance procedures when crossing international borders.  Passengers and their baggage are also screened for security according to standards established by the Government of that country. As a sovereign entity, that country may establish its own security requirements for airports and air carriers that are not necessarily the same as those required in the United States.

Please visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.

The Verdict: Woah. I’m printing this out and keeping a copy with me. It’s not specifically forbidden, but a screener having a bad day can really bollocks up my eating options while I’m backpacking. This will be in checked baggage, so I’m reasonably sure it won’t be a problem. Wish me luck! Though the message is still a bit ambiguous, the response was swift and not written in horrible bureaucratic prose. I’m fairly impressed. I’ll be even moreso if my MRE packs come through, and the TSA decides to make a firm call on whether they’re prohibited.

Many thanks to The Cranky Flier, Brett Snyder. He took a stab at answering, but it wasn’t something he’d run across before: “That’s a good question.  Heating elements are usually not permitted, but I’m not sure exactly what is in the pouch itself.”

He also provided a link to Icelandair’s policies.There wasn’t anything covering it, but he gave it the ol’ college try. If you haven’t already, you should read his blog – especially if you still think flying is fun like I do.

UPDATE: American Airlines has a half-definitive answer for its own policies:

Self-heating meals are not approved for onboard use.

Fine, and I understand. But why not extend the question a few feet downward into the cargo area? Not very bright.

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Five more Arizona state parks got a reprieve from being closed because of the state government’s empty pockets.

At its May 19 meeting, the State Parks Board voted to keep the five parks open after reaching finance and management deals with local communities, according to a state parks press release. The parks affected are Tubac Presidio State Historic Park, Alamo Lake State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, Picacho Peak State Park and Red Rock State Park. The press release also highlights the financial help from donors, organizations and businesses. Similar deals will keep a total of 23 parks –originally slated to close– open into the next fiscal year.

That means this is a reprieve, not a full pardon. But the move is hardly worthless. Every deal the parks board inks to keep the parks open gives the state a little financial breathing room. That could buy just enough time for the state government to find the funds to keep these valuable assets open. The alternative would be allowing the parks to fall into disrepair.

The Arizona Republic mentioned that businesses and organizations from the small town of Apache Junction helped stave off Lost Dutchman State Park’s closure. From hikers to Harley-Davidson riders, they contributed about $26,000, the story said. The park provides essential –and convenient– access to Siphon Draw, which leads to the iconic Flatiron area that provides some grand views of the Valley. It also provides routes linking to the Superstition Wilderness. It’s arguably the most rugged and scenic areas flanking the metro Phoenix area. Being the epicenter of legends involving the infamous Lost Dutchman Gold Mine doesn’t hurt its cache, either.

Like Lost Dutchman, Pichacho Peak is one of the more visible and even iconic parks. It looms over Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. During a recent trip there, I ran into a local man who was collecting signatures for petitions to keep the parks open. I’m not certain that petitions with no funding will do any good, but it speaks to the enthusiasm Arizonans have for their state parks. Not just anyone would spend a day in the sun hoping for a few people to drive up and sign a petition.

The board has also enacted some clever cost-saving measures, such as creating 5-day schedules for some parks. Fort Verde State Historic Park, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, Tonto Natural Bridge State Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park are closed every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Homolovi Ruins State Park, Jerome State Historic Park, Lyman Lake State Park, McFarland State Historic Park and Oracle State Park remain closed. Lyman Lake State Park, though, is scheduled to re-open May 24.

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The skies over Europe are starting to open again after a dismal week courtesy of the erupting volcano in Iceland under Eyjafjallajokull (adding “glacier” after that is redundant, by the way, since “jokull” is Icelandic for glacier).

But the interruption in air travel is a perfect illustration of how travel insurance can be more than just another expense. A few weeks ago, I started chatting with travel insurance expert and Gustey.com writer Bryant Abel about some of the ins and outs of travel insurance. Here’s a confession – I previously dismissed travel insurance out-of-hand as being another industry preying on people’s tendency to “what if?” ourselves to death. I’ve since changed my tune because of some input from other travelers I consider smart - and Bryant’s expertise helped, too. Plus, the flight delays to Europe caused by the ash cloud gave me food for thought.

I had some questions for Bryant, and here’s what he had to say:

1. What sorts of problems can travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance can cover a number of “problems” that incur when you travel. The primary helping hand comes in the form of lost baggage, trip cancellation, medical care overseas, and embassy or evacuation care in case a global emergency were to take place. These are just a few, but the main ones.

2. What are the three most popular types of coverage?

The most popular coverage is individual trip protection. This can range from $30 to $100 and covers most things like trip cancellation, baggage loss or delay, emergency medical care, accidental death and 24-hour assistance. The second-most popular would be family coverage which is cheaper per person, but involves coverage for 3 or more people. The plan provides very similar to the above individual plan. The third (and gustey’s favorite) is probably the adventure travel insurance plans. These plans cover things like mountaineering, aviation, hang gliding and everything in between. The emphasis on this plan is geared toward accidents, and the same as above.

3. Obviously, since you’re in the travel insurance business, you’d like to sell policies to everyone possible. But what three types of travelers really need it most?

Though we like to think everyone should get travel insurance, travelers that definitily should get travel insurance are adventurers (backpackers, etc…), worldwide travelers (people that travel often and to remote parts of the world, and people who are going to a destination that could be dicey. People in this category would consist of mission trips, third-world countries, etc.

4. Let’s say I’m traveling business class from LAX to Tokyo for two weeks. What would I spend on insurance, from the very bottom tier to the most-premium policy?

The very bottom tier will run you about $30. It is safe to say that $30 will cover the basics, like lost baggage, and delays. The most premium package are corporate packages. But for an individual who wants a very large travel life insurance policy it can run them into the high hundreds. Most premium policies land in the $150 – $200 range.

5. When a traveler is researching insurance providers, what are some good tips for ensuring that they’re choosing a legitimate company?

Most sites will note if they are certified. For instance, if a company in Canada is CITC certified, they will be legit. Legitimate companies in the U.S., will be state regulated. “Real” insurance companies are backed by one or more regulated underwriters that are insured and should be financially healthy. Ambest.com is a great place to go to see current insurance ratings to see if the company is a reputable travel insurance underwriter.

6. This is your free spot to offer a tip, suggestion or helpful bit that I didn’t ask about. Fire away!

I would suggest that people look into travel insurance before traveling. We have heard from a myriad of people who have been lost with a pack of gum because of situations beyond their control. All of us (well, most of us) wouldn’t drive without car insurance. We feel it is a similar concept with a greater misconception. You don’t necessarily want to pay $50 bucks more for a trip to Cabo, but we like to think it is a good idea.

Bryant writes for Gustey.com and loves to talk about travelling insurance, funny travel tips and everything in between. You can follow the Gustey Travel Blog on Twitter, too.

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California Pacific plans to fly E170s jets like this one. Photo by Adrian Pingstone

There’s some good news coming for Arizona travelers who like the occasional quick getaway to Southern California: The Cranky Flier reported that a new airline called California Pacific (which sounds a bit more like a railroad) is hoping to begin service to various spots throughout California, Arizona, Nevada and eventually into Mexico.

That’s great for us Arizona types, because one of the proposed routes is from Phoenix to Carlsbad’s Mclellan-Palomar Airport. I love this idea because my destination is usually Carlsbad, anyway. I’ve had enough of San Diego proper. I don’t really care about Sea World or Old Town – or even the Gaslamp District. This will save travelers 35 miles, some navigation and traffic hassles. I would imagine it will also benefit travelers by giving them a chance to go a little further north than they otherwise might. So a potential little tourism boost for the northern towns, too.

It seems California Pacific is angling more for business travelers. Fair enough, but I have a feeling it’ll also hit a decent vein of tourism ore, too.

Also cool – California Pacific will fly the Brazilian-made Embraer 170. It’s a nifty little plan with no middle seats. And it actually looks sleek and modern. Yeah, that sort of thing is actually kind of neat to me!

I’m hoping to hear more about California Pacific. I don’t know which airport in the Phoenix area will be its base. I’m definitely hoping it’s not Williams Gateway. That would shoot a nifty plan right down, since I’d rather drive from Lindbergh Field to Carlsbad than from central Phoenix to east Mesa. At least the drive to Carlsbad is kind of nice, traffic aside.

At the moment, the California Pacific Web site doesn’t have much. But be sure to visit The Cranky Flier post that I linked to in the first paragraph, especially if you want a bit of aviation geekery, like debating runway length and class configurations.

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Maricopa County parks like McDowell Mountain Regional Park are still open - and awesome! (Those are the Superstition Mountains in the background)

The Arizona State Parks Board’s decision to close many of its parks has had an unexpected consequence: Some Arizona residents mistakenly believe the Maricopa County Parks are closing. I’m guessing they think the parks are managed by the state, or perhaps that the same budget pressure affecting the state parks are trickling down to the county parks.

According to Dawna Taylor, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, park staff members are fielding questions about closures. Though the department’s general fund budget has experienced a 62 percent cut over the last two years, it has no plans to close parks. Still, the perception could take away from the parks’ bottom line.

“Our annual pass sales are down at some of the parks, and we have had quite a few park visitors who are considering purchasing annual passes ask if we’re planning on keeping our parks open,” Taylor said.

The parks staff recently issued a press release to remind the public that county parks are still open.

“Out of respect for our sister agencies, we’ve tried to avoid touting the fact that all of the county parks are still open for business. However, we’re discovering that our silence is feeding rumors that we’re closing and further confusing visitors,” R.J. Cardin, director of the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department Director, said in the press release.

The department has reduced its staff size and delayed some capital improvement projects. Otherwise, the county parks open and ready for visitors.

From my perspective, that’s a welcome piece of news. As a mountain biker, I consider the county parks a far more valuable asset than the state parks. I probably make 10 visits to Maricopa County parks for every one visit to a state park. That’s not to say the state parks aren’t excellent, too – it’s just that county parks have some of the best biking and hiking trails, and they’re clustered close to the metro Phoenix area.

Another shot of McDowell Regional Park, with Four Peaks in the background.

Statewide, though, many other people depend on state parks – for their livelihood as much as the recreational opportunities they present. Five towns even made a deal with the state to manage some state parks for 1-3 years. That may be long enough for the state government to get back on its fiscal feet and take over the park management in the future. Local management of these lands would stop them from falling into disrepair and from being closed to visitor. Other towns are in talks to see how they might be able to make similar plans to keep other state parks open (most notably Lost Dutchman State Park, Picacho Peak State Park and Red Rock State Park).

Unfortunately, several state parks have already closed have already closed. A complete list is available at the link above.

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Yes, you can see something as cool as Lassen Peak - for free! Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting a national park, I’ve got a tip for you: Do it during National Park Week April 17-25. The U.S. government is waiving fees at more than $100 national parks. At Grand Canyon National Park, that’ll save you the $25 per car entrance fee. At Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico (which always rocks my socks off), you can keep $6 per person (who’s 15 or older) in your pocket. At Lassen Volcanic Park in California, that’ll put $10 per car back in your pocket. (NOTE: Not all national parks charge entrance fees)

Lassen, by the way, sounds like a real sleeper of a national park. I mean, 150 miles of hiking trails, ACTIVE goethermal areas, lava domes and cinder cones? Sounds like a bit of New Zealand plunked down right in the States. I really need to get there.

I know our federal government can give us a few things to complain about. But let me tell you, the national parks are not one of them. There are national parks for just about everybody – all abilities and interests. Find yours at the U.S. National Parks Web site!

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But New Zealand, stop whispering “come back and finish driving the Thermal Explorer Highway and climb Mt. Ngauruhoe again and go Schweebing – you know you want to!” in my ear. You’re really not helping.

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A United A320 lands at Sky Harbor. (Photo by and courtesy of David J. Transier)

You know Southwest: It’s a perky, courteous brand with few frills – but not a lot of hidden costs. US Airways gets unfairly demonized. I’ve flown it many times, and had only one hiccup over the years. It’s not great, but it’s not the flying snake pit it’s made out to be.

Still, I didn’t want to fly either for a recent trip to Denver for skiing. Why?

1. Air Miles – I’m starting to collect a good number on my Continental OnePass account. That’s also the one that has the most potential value for international flights.
2. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal Four – T4 is the lunatic asylum from which Southwest and US Airways fly. Parking is awful, which drives us over to East Long-Term Parking, which requires a bus ride. It’s laid out awkwardly, and security lines are frequently a mixed martial arts cage fight.

Continental, on the other hand, flies out of the sedate, compact Terminal 2. Is it old and outdated? Yes to the former, no to the latter. Unless you think it’s not cool to be able to walk from long-term parking to check-in within moments.

My wife booked the flights through Continental.com (CO 6498, an Airbus A319, and CO6491, an A320), and soon discovered a surprise: The flight was a code share, and we’d actually fly on United Airlines (one of Continental’s partners in the Star Alliance, along with Air New Zealand!). I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve seen travelers really slam its international service, but I didn’t see much about domestic flights. Of course, Twitter is aflame with travelers seething at United. Either way, I figure it had to be better than American Airlines! Fortunately, the code share situation didn’t deprive me of using Terminal 2 since that’s where United plops, too. Here’s the low-down:

CO 6498 – Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Denver, CO (DEN) on Wed., Feb. 17, 2010
CO 6491 – Denver, CO (DEN) to Phoenix, AZ (PHX) on Sun., Feb. 21, 2010

United surprised us in a pleasant way. Both flights were absolutely dead on-time. The cabin crews were extraordinarily pleasant – some crew members even demonstrated a Southwest level of personality. Both aircraft were immaculate, and probably hadn’t been flying long. The seats were comfortable, too: I’m pretty sure they were the slimline type because I felt like I had a little extra legroom (for new readers, I’m 6’2, 195. I take up some room!). Checked bags were $25, not unreasonable especially considering the low fares.

The United terminal at Denver International Airport was outstanding. And DIA had the fastest baggage claim I’ve ever seen. The airport is designed in a line, with all terminals connected by a fast tram system. All terminals share a common check-in and baggage claim area. Brilliant! Unfortunately, it’s too late to bulldoze Sky Harbor and use DIA as a template for the way a real international airport should be designed.

Based on what I learned from these flights, United is a smart bet for future flights. I’d fly United again in a second, especially since it’s teamed up with Continental. Good job!

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