July 4, 2023, was a fantastically radiant day in sunny Spokane, Washington. It was also a day off of work, and just happened to be the day before my 20th wedding anniversary. I decided to introduce my beautiful bride to some of my wonderful childhood memories by taking her on an adventure down the Little Spokane River. It was especially nice since the kids were staying with the grandparents for
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS | More
In the 1930’s, a husband and wife team of conservationists purchased over 400 acres of desolate, charred land in south Pierce County, Washington. Fast forward 80 years (and factor in the meticulous planning, fastidious nurturing, generous donating, and fortuitous timing), and today, people of all ages can visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. In this episode, your fearless field guide Erich Ebel takes you on a tour of the park that’s
We learn about the history of the land, speak with naturalists about the newest hands-on learning area, and take a tram ride through the wilderness. But there are dozens more animals and attractions worth checking out along the park’s myriad trails and pathways.
This story begins in the majestically-forested foothills near Mount Rainier. Dr. David and Connie Hellyer purchased land there in 1937, and lived on it for over 40 years. In 1971, the Hellyers donated their land to the Tacoma Metropolitan Parks District, with the explicit intent to create a conservation habitat that the public could enjoy. After four years of diligent fundraising and planning, Northwest Trek officially opened its doors on July 17, 1975.
On my weekly trail run today, I spotted three garter snakes basking along the side of the path. Each was about 12-16 inches in length and had the familiar yellow stripes running the length of their black bodies. I stopped when I saw the first one because I wanted to see if it was alive (i.e. poke at it with a stick). It was, but quite lethargic as it awaited the
No offense, but Valentine’s Day caters to the ladies. Just look around any store you’ve been in since Christmas…flowers, chocolate, hearts, champagne, stuffed animals, cards, jewelry, and more. But if you’re looking for a unique, attractive and useful gift for your husband or boyfriend this Valentine’s Day, look no further than gear from American Expedition. That’s not to say that ladies won’t be interested in the vast collection of wildlife-adorned
I got an e-mail recently from a team of brothers who are traveling around the country documenting the wondrous scenery of America’s 59 National Parks. Their first stop? Right here in Washington, in one of my favorite places…Olympic National Park. Their video is a culmination of a month’s time spent videoing some of the most incredible parts of Olympic National Park. It’s a dazzling 4 minute short film that takes
In a split second, I knew it was a bald eagle as it shot by about ten feet overhead. I had never been that close to one in flight before. The unmistakable white markings, yellow beak and talons and gargantuan wingspan that easily distinguished it from the more common ravens and falcons in Ocean Shores were clearly visible just before it disappeared over the roofline as quickly as it had materialized.