Article Archive

by Tracy CheneySurrounded by immense swaths of stark desert, three “island” environments rise into the sky above the searing lands of the southern continental U.S., each offering refuge to unique species of plants and animals. Far-sighted efforts have preserved these “islands” as national parks to protect the unique ecosystems evolved in isolation over … [Read more...] about Islands in the Desert: Solitude, Stillness, and Starry Nights

by Elaine Strom“Scenic 7,” the hushed pathway that twists and turns north and south through the Ouachita National Forest of the Ozark Mountains, is the breathtaking byway of central Arkansas.A misty morning drive along the byway at daybreak, dipping through hollows and rising to ridges, culminates in a scenic view of the Ozark Canyon in its surreal stillness. Cotton … [Read more...] about The Scenic Seven

by Gary Buffone“DON’T MAKE EYE CONTACT!” my fishing buddy shouted from a distance upstream.  An important reminder as I stared into the eyes of the advancing 10-foot brown bear that had quietly floated downstream to just a few feet from the tip of my fly rod.  As I quickly shuffled backwards in knee-deep water, I heard my friend’s second … [Read more...] about North to Alaska: The Beauty and the Beast

by Lori Allen Our guidebook forgot to mention that Shanghai is a madhouse. A warning for us rookie visitors would have been nice. It was my first time to Shanghai (and, in fact, my first time to Asia) and my husband and I were completely shell-shocked. … [Read more...] about Shanghai for Beginners