Wanders and Wonders

National Wildlife Refuges Anniversary

Posted on March 14, 2011December 8, 2011 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_519" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Tundra swans at Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge"][/caption] The U.S. National Wildlife Refuges system celebrates the 108th anniversary of its founding on March 14. President Teddy Roosevelt signed the law creating the first National Wildlife Refuge...Read More

Hawaii Volcano Eruption

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_504" align="aligncenter" width="327" caption="Molten lava splattering during Hawaii's Kilauea volcano 1986 fissure eruption."][/caption] Madame Pele has been putting on a spectacular show the past few days at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is a new phase of an eruption...Read More

International Year of the Forest

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Old-growth temperate rainforest, Olympic National Forest, Washington"][/caption] The United Nations has declared 2011 as the International Year of the Forest, with the objective to reverse the loss of forest cover, enhance economic, social and environmental benefits,...Read More

Oregon Coast and Kauai Coast Top-Rated

Posted on February 5, 2011January 4, 2026 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_491" align="aligncenter" width="327"] Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii[/caption] National Geographic Traveler magazine recently rated coastal destinations all over the world, with a ranking based on, among other things, environmental health and visitor experience. I am very pleased to find...Read More

Favorite Photos of 2010

Posted on January 23, 2011January 4, 2026 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_444" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Aspen trees, eastern Washington.[/caption] I've been inspired by the blogs of a number of photographers who've recently posted their top photos for 2010, so decided to add my own to the mix. Most of the photographers...Read More

The Enchantments – Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Posted on October 25, 2010January 20, 2013 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_419" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Alpine larch trees at Perfection Lake in The Enchantments.[/caption] On a beautiful early October morning I stood with a 40-pound pack on my back at the bottom of Aasgard Pass and exclaimed "O.M.G.!" Twice. Once for...Read More

National Wilderness Month

Posted on September 2, 2010July 28, 2025 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_411" align="aligncenter" width="420"] Wildflower meadow, Mount Adams Wilderness, Washington.[/caption] September is National Wilderness Month. I've had the good fortune to hike and backpack in several wilderness areas recently, and firmly believe that our federally designated Wilderness areas rank right...Read More

Bangkok and Chiang Mai named Best Cities

Posted on August 18, 2010December 8, 2011 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_405" align="aligncenter" width="343" caption="Young Thai woman in traditional costume at Siam Niramit in Bangkok."][/caption] The readers of Travel + Leisure magazine have voted Bangkok as their favorite city in the world. I had the opportunity to visit Thailand earlier...Read More

McKenzie Pass Highway

Posted on July 15, 2010February 20, 2026 by Greg Vaughn

[caption id="attachment_397" align="aligncenter" width="297"] Lava field at McKenzie Pass[/caption] The Old McKenzie Pass Highway, OR 242, has opened for the summer after snow plows were finally able to clear both lanes of the road. This part of the McKenzie Pass...Read More

Hamoa Beach, Maui

Posted on July 13, 2010January 4, 2026 by Greg Vaughn

Hamoa Beach on Maui's Hana Coast. Each year for the past twenty years, Professor Stephen Leatherman, aka "Dr. Beach", has named what he thinks are the best beaches in the United States. I don't think there's ever been a year...Read More