The Voice of Travel, Adventure and Arizona Mountain Biking
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.
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!
Dont want to go to the cinema? Watch Movies.
