Blog
Sequoias, Motorcycles and Other Stories
One fun story I had the opportunity to write recently was on giant sequoias and how they are responding—and could respond—to the effects of climate change. It turns out that scientists disagree, which is always interesting. New research suggests that big trees such as the redwoods and sequoias could be extra sensitive to changes in precipitation and temperatures. Other scientists believe that at least individual trees will be more resistant than other species, which haven't weathered the centuries like these giants. Check out my story,…
Two New Stories in National Parks Magazine
My latest feature story for National Parks magazine is about someone I had never heard of: Chiura Obata, an Asian-American painter who helped bring an understanding of Eastern art to the West in the early 20th century. The story, "Wood Blocks and Watercolors," appears in the summer issue. I love writing stories like this. Obata was not only a remarkable artist—he created woodblocks and watercolors of Yosemite that still look fresh and modern today—he was also an exceptional man. He was a lifelong teacher, a…
Are Print Guidebooks Dead? Kind Of.
Travel guidebook companies have had a rough time in the past few years. Sales of print books have plummeted, while online competitors and apps have mushroomed. No doubt, things are changing quickly, which means companies like Lonely Planet and Rough Guides have to adapt fast to survive. The surprise? This is all good news for us. There has never been more great travel content available online, in books, and on apps for cheap or free. Check out my latest story ("Detour Ahead") in the August…