“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” – John Muir
Happy New Year. Here's hoping that we all survive the chaos that will likely be 2025. I think I'll need daily doses of nature for my sanity. 
National Parks backpacking Dreaming about backpacking in Canada's National Parks? Summer reservations open on January 17th - depending on the park. For a full list of opening dates check out the Parks Canada website. Remember to set up an account before reservations open online. Pick backup dates, avoid weekends, and have a plan B for an alternate backpacking trip. Insanely popular backcountry hikes and therefore campgrounds include those on the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park, the Skyline and Tonquin Valley Trails in Jasper National Park, Egypt Lake in Banff National Park, the Lake O'Hara campground and campsites that access the Mount Assiniboine area in British Columbia. If you don't score a reservation, don't throw up your hands in despair. Create a request on Schnerp OR on Campnab and they will automatically start searching for early cancellations.
New blog posts Why You Need to Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park in Nevada
Back in the fall John and I spent a week in Nevada. One of the highlights was a hike in Cathedral Gorge State Park. Short slot canyons, cathedral-like spires and desert landscapes are the big draw. Also, inky black night skies and stars galore. You only need a few hours to visit, but there is a campground if you want to stay to catch the night skies.
10+ Best Backpacking Trips in Banff National Park For those of you keen on a backpacking trip in Banff National Park, I've penned a post on what I think are the 10+ best backpacking trips. Some are one nighters, while others are up to five days long. Reservations for backcountry campsites open in Banff National Park on Monday, January 27 at 8 AM MT. Best early season - Glacier Lake or Lake Minnewanka Best for wildflowers - Egypt Lake in July Only campground you book by phone 24 hours out - Paradise Valley Perfect one nighter - Sunset Pass + Sunset Lookout
The Island Walk in PEI - 5 Days from Kensington to St. Peter's Bay In late September my old friend Jo and I spent 5 days hiking The Island Walk on Prince Edward Island. We covered about 120 km of the 700 km. The highlight - a glorious 10-km section of walking on Brackley Beach all the way through to Dalvay by the Sea merits a 10/10. However, there is also a lot of highway and Confederation Trail walking which will suit some but not all of you. Be choosy in which sections you opt to hike. On the upside enjoy charming accommodation and lots of fresh seafood.
January reads
Before you fly to England (even if you're in transit) As of January 8, 2025, Canadian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK for less than six months. You must travel to the UK with the passport used for your ETA application. The visa application is online and reportedly you should do it at least three days before you fly. It's good for two years and for visits of up to six months. It costs 10 pounds. What I'm reading now I just finished A History of Canada in 10 Maps by Adam Shoalts. He brought the early explorers to life in a way no history teacher ever did. I learned a lot and looked forward to reading every night. I'm just starting Where the Falcon Flies: A 3400 Kilometre Odyssey from My Doorstep to the Arctic - also by Adam Shoalts. My husband couldn't put it down but said he couldn't relate to the self-imposed hardships like no bathing for a month and living on bars. The book was a finalist for the Banff Mountain Book Competition for Adventure Travel.
Travel contests The Weather Network is running a contest where the winner receives 2 Air Canada round trip flight tickets to any of Air Canada's Florida destinations. A dose of warm sun sounds pretty good right now. Enter to win the Transformative Better Days Solii Retreat in Kaslo, BC. It includes an all expense paid retreat from February 6 - 9th in a private king suite tucked between the Purcell Mountains and overlooking Kootenay Lake. It also includes $500 for flights and a $500 gift card. Will not be for everybody.
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