hiking – Free Range Life

The Volcanoes of Hawaii, Part 2: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

By Rachel Puryear The beautiful Hawaiian islands are known for their warm tropical weather, beaches, abundant rainforests, and laid-back culture – but did you know that these islands are home to some pretty magnificent volcanoes, too? Hawaii’s two national parks both showcase these volcanoes fantastically, and this post will cover Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on…

The Volcanoes of Hawaii, Part 1: Haleakala National Park

By Rachel Puryear The beautiful Hawaiian islands are known for their warm tropical weather, abundant rainforests, and laid-back culture – but did you know that these islands are also home to some pretty magnificent volcanoes, too? Hawaii’s two national parks both showcase these volcanoes fantastically, and this post will cover Haleakala National Park, on the…

Choosing Travel Vehicles for Large and Tall People

By Rachel Puryear If you’re a large or tall person, you know how challenging it can be to literally try to fit into a world that isn’t always designed for those with your size gifts. RV’s, campers, and travel vehicles, though, tend to be – in a word – small spaces. Everything in camping vehicles…

Water Dog Lake Park in Belmont, California

By Rachel Puryear Okay, initially, I checked out this park in part because of its name – I imagined dogs of all kinds swimming around in the lake, and just enjoying themselves. The day I went actually didn’t have very many people or dogs there, but it’s a peaceful and pretty local park nonetheless. Also,…

Boondocking? Your Guide to Being Well-Prepared

By Rachel Puryear Bookdocking (parking and camping in a travel vehicle without hookups for power, water, and sewage) is the ultimate way to experience van/RV life – parked somewhere out off the grid in beautiful nature, self-contained, and free to move around on your own terms, and schedule. Truly living the dream! Sure, campgrounds have…

Towing and Roadside Assistance Options for Van Life

By Rachel Puryear It’s happened to all of us at some point – having your vehicle break down can put a damper on a day, or a good time. We all need a little help on the road sometimes. Luckily, there are towing and roadside assistance services out there to come to the rescue should…

Great Basin National Park

By Rachel Puryear Far out in the remote Nevada desert, a short distance off America’s Loneliest Highway, is an awesome natural wonder – the Great Basin. Great Basin National Park offers stunning views of the Great Basin, as well as some amazing caves! Plus, it’s an International Dark Sky Park, meaning that the nighttime offers…

Bedwell Bayfront Park’s Great Spirit Path in Menlo Park, California

By Rachel Puryear You’ve probably heard of Stonehenge in the English countryside – but have you also heard of the Bay Area’s “Stonehenge by the Bay”? Bedwell Bayfront Park features the Great Spirit Path, also known as Stonehenge by the Bay, where you can get a great hike with amazing views, while also seeing stone…

Taylor Mountain Regional Park in Santa Rosa, California

By Rachel Puryear California’s Sonoma County offers a famously diverse array of beautiful landscapes. Within one set of county lines, you can visit beaches, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and more. The area also offers plenty of wonderful parks to explore. One lovely such mountainous park is Taylor Mountain. If you’re ever in the area, be…

Awesome Snowy Forest Images

By Rachel Puryear In the chilly depths of Winter, there is a quiet beauty – snow blankets much of the world, and wraps many forests in an icy splendor. Thank you, dear readers, for reading, following, and sharing. Here’s to awesome Winter wonderlands. If you enjoyed this post, please “like” and subscribe, if you have…