Roam Spring 2023

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Featuring “High Flying” talking all about air travel on page 8

Also featuring “Top Tropical Getaways in South America” on page 14!

Also read “Austin’s Acclaimed Attractions” on page 22!

Featuring “5 Lesser Known National Parks” on page 28!

By: Aadhya Chagarlamudi, Leonor Hayden, Joseph Li, and Sadie Neil
your vacation of a lifetime!
Ezine 2023 Spring

A Letter From The Editors

Dear Readers,

We hope you enjoy this magazine we have put together. Consider traveling to the locations we recommend as we picked these out just for you! It is our goal as the authors of the magazine to provide you with the most optimal places to visit on vacation. From tropic paradises to the stunning national parks, we’ve listed some places that you’ll never forget. After reading finishing the magazine, you will acquire a strengthened understanding and desire for travel. Thank you for reading Roam.

Sincerely,

Roam Spring 2023 3

Sadie Neal

Sadie Neal is a freshman at LASA High School. She enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family.

Aadhya Chagarlamudi

Aadhya is a freshman attending LASA High School. She is part of the school Science Olympiad, and Sports Medicine team.

Leonor Hayden

Leonor is currently a student at LASA High School. Even though she hates running, she is part of the cross country and track club.

Joseph is a 2026 graduate at LASA High School. He is in the school’s band. He plays the saxophone and has participated in multiple performances.

Joseph Li
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Table of Contents

Roam Spring 2023 5
Can you Escape a Bear Attack? Best Seat in the House Top Tropical Getaways in South America Tropical Places & Zodiac Signs Austin’s Acclaimed Attractions Create your own Hot Dog Variant Five Lesser Known National Parks High Flying 7 11 25 29 23 19 17 13 Roam Spring 2023 6

High Flying

An Examination of Air Travel Today
Leonor Hayden
Roam Spring 2023 7
Delta airplane flying between two skyscrapers

AAirplanes have revolutionized the way we travel, connecting people and places like never before. From short domestic trips to intercontinental flights, these flying machines have made it possible to cover vast distances in a matter of hours, shrinking the world and opening up new horizons. With their sleek designs, powerful engines, and advanced technologies, airplanes have become a symbol of human ingenuity and achievement, inspiring awe and admiration among millions of people around the globe. Whether you’re a frequent flier or an aviation enthusiast, there’s no denying the incredible impact that airplanes have on our lives and our planet.

In the 1960’s the airline industry was reshaped completely. Air travel became more accessible to the public so more people began to fly and travel itself became less exclusive. Flying has become a common occurrence for millions of people all around the world. For many, it is an opportunity to travel long distances quickly and efficiently, whether for business

or pleasure. Although flying on an airplane can be an exciting and thrilling experience, it can also be daunting for some, especially those who have never flown before.

The first step is booking your flight. This can be done through travel agencies or directly through the airline’s website. Depending on the airline, there are many different variables that are factored in to decide the where, the when, and the price of the flight. When booking your flight, you will need to choose your departure and arrival destinations, as well as the dates and times of your travel. Be sure to compare prices as they will vary depending on the airline since people generate the prices, not machines. You might also need to select your seat on the plane during the booking process or closer to your departure date. Some are first come first serve while others will assign seats at random. It all really depends on the airline.

Once your flight is booked, it’s time to prepare for your trip. This may involve packing your luggage, arranging transport to and from the airport, or obtaining any

necessary travel documents such as a passport or visa. It is also important to arrive at of your flight. Jay Hayden, a consistent flier says to arrive at least 2 hours before departure to allow enough time to check in and for you to go through security.

When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check in for your flight. This involves presenting your travel documents. Everyone has to bring their boarding pass and ID but depending on exactly where you’re traveling to, you might need a valid

passport too. Then you may need to check your luggage and proceed through security screening. This may involve removing your shoes, belt, and any metal objects from your pockets before walking through a metal detector or body scanner. Your carry-on luggage will also be scanned for any prohibited items.

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“To arrive at least 2 hours before departure”

Once you pass security, you will enter the airport’s departure lounge. This is where you can relax and wait for your flight to board. Many airports offer a range of services and amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and lounges to make your experience more comfortable.

When it’s time to board your flight, you will need to present your boarding pass again to the airline staff and proceed through the gate. Depending on the size of the plane and the number of passengers, boarding may be done by zone or group. Otherwise, it may be a free-forall. Once you board the aircraft, you will need to stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments and take your seat. The flight attendants will provide a quick safety briefing and demonstrate how to use the seat belt, oxygen mask, and other safety equipment.

During the flight, you will have the opportunity to enjoy various in-flight amenities such as meals, drinks, and entertainment. You can also get up and move around the cabin although it is recommended to stay seated as much as possible, especially during turbulence.

When on a plane it is very normal to have some anxiety. Hayden says to “Quietly focus on something in front of the seats or count to 100. Just simple stuff like that. Not much you can do when you’re not in control of the plane.” He says that doing simple things like this can help make your flight more enjoyable for you. As you approach your destination, the flight attendants

will provide instructions for landing, including how to prepare for landing and what to do in case of emergency. When the plane has landed, you will need to gather your belongings and get off the plane. Depending on your destination, you may need to go through customs and immigration before exiting the airport and continuing your journey. Flying on an airplane is a convenient and

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efficient way to travel long distances. Though the process of booking a flight, checking in, and going through security can be daunting, it is important to remember that airline staff are there to assist you and ensure your safety. With proper preparation and a positive attitude, flying on an airplane can be a fun and enjoyable experience.

Airplane leaving the gate and getting ready to take off.
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View from an airplane window.

No window seats: you don’t want to have to ask to get by someone for the bathroom

Not close to the bathrooms: Six row buffer at least because noisy/smellthey’re

Closer to the front: Food is served front to back so you’ll get food faster if you sit near the front

Those six leftover seats are your best option!

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B E S T S E A T I N T H E H O U S E

Have you ever wondered where the best seat on a plane is?

In the 1960’s the airline industry was reshaped. More people began to fly and travel became less exclusive. In current times, there are less flights so airlines have added more seats per plane. This causes major discomfort depending on where you sit. Here is a look at the most comforterble place to sit so you are able to enjoy your flight.

Not the very front: They seat front to back so you’re more likely to get a row to yourself if you sit in the back section

L E O N O R H A Y D E N
https://www.airlinequality.com/info/finding-the-best-seat/
Roam Spring 2023 12

Top Tropical Getaways in South America

What are the 5 best tropical places in South America?

SImagine taking a plane to anywhere in the world. Where would you go?

Would you go to a place with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, or lush rainforests? How about a place with all three? South America is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse tropical destinations in the world, and should be a favorite among travelers seeking

adventure and relaxation alike.

Geoff Manchester, co-founder of Intrepid Travel said “the least amount of people visit Central and South America”.

The five best travel destinations in South America are listed as follows.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Known as the “Marvelous City” (Cidade Maravilhosa), Rio is one of the most popular

tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. Located on the southeast coast of Brazil, the city boasts some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, including the famous Copaca-

Splash! Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro Machu Pichu! A beautiful view of the Machu Pichu Mountain!
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In addition to its beaches, Rio is also home to many cultural landmarks and attractions such as the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, which overlooks the city from the top of Corcovado Mountain.

and visitors can experience this firsthand by attending a samba show or visiting one of the many samba schools throughout the city. The food in Rio is also a highlight, with a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine available throughout the city. You shouldn’t leave this wonderful place without trying a few of the cultural delights such as barbecued meat, cachaça, or pão de queijo.

Cartagena is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande Beach. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene is another draw for visitors with many bars, restaurants, and clubs located throughout the city.

Other must-see sights include the colorful Selarón Steps, the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood, and the Rio Carnival which is held annually and is one of the biggest and most famous festivals in the world.

Cartagena, Colombia

Located on the coast of Colombia, Cartagena is a beautiful colonial city with a rich history and culture. The city’s old town, known as the walled city because of the giant wall constructed to protect the people from foreign invasions, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historic landmarks such as the San Felipe Castle and the Palace of the Inquisition.

One of the highlights of Cartagena is its food scene, which is a mix of Caribbean and Colombian cuisine. Visitors can try local dishes such as ceviche, arepas, and empanadas, as well as fresh seafood from the Caribbean Sea. Another must-try is the city’s famous street food, such as fried plantains and coconut rice.

One of the best things about Rio is its lively and vibrant culture. The city is known for its samba music and dance,

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most unique and bi

Fly! Iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking the city. Time to Party! Lights in the city during the carnival
“cheap, and such an amazing experience”
Streets in Cartegena! One of the many beautiful streets in Cartagena. Beach fun! Peep a sunrise at Bocagrande Beach! Tasty! Colorful street fruits on the streets of Cartagena!
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ologically diverse destinations in the world. The islands are home to a variety of exotic wildlife, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Blue-Footed Boobies, a type of bird which can be seen up close on guided tours and hikes.

The Galapagos Islands are also known for their sustainability and conservation efforts. The islands are both a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Efforts are being made to protect the fragile ecosystem and wildlife of the islands.

From the beaches and rainforests to its volcanoes and wildlife, there’s no shortage of activities to do and see in this South American gem.

In addition to its wildlife, the Galapagos Islands also have some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in the world. Visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the underwater worlds, which are home to a menagerie of marine life, such as sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is an alluring country, offering travelers a range of experiences. When asked about the most underrated travel location in South America, Denise Sablone, Senior Vice President of Product and Delivery at Collette Tours, says that it was “Costa Rica. Okay. A lot of people don’t go there and just kind of it’s not one of the like, the big countries”.

This makes no sense, due to the wonderful aspects that make this place such a desirable destination.

Sonja Ryan, a travel connoisseur, says that Costa Rica has “tons of beaches and it was very cheap,” making it a great place to travel when on a budget.

Ryan gives another tip for touring this magical place, “I would try to avoid touristy places if you can”. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both,

Cutie! A cute Blue-Footed Boobie just having fun! Swim! A peek of an adorable sea turtle! Sunrise! A beautiful sunrise on a beach in Costa Rica.
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“Tons of Beaches and it was very cheap”

Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianopolis is a beautiful island city off the coast of southern Brazil. It’s known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and laid-back vibe. The island has over 40 beaches to choose from, each with its own unique features. You can go surfing at Praia Mole, kiteboarding at Campeche Beach, or simply relax on the white sands of Joaquina Beach.

One of the most popular activities in Florianopolis is hiking. The island has several trails that offer stunning views of the coastline and surrounding hills. You can hike up to the top of the Morro da Cruz hill for views of the city, or explore the trails of Lagoa do Peri State Park.

Florianopolis is also known for its food. The city has a mix of Brazilian and European influences, so you can find a range of delicious dishes in the local restaurants. Seafood is a specialty here with fresh fish caught daily. You can also try traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada, a stew made with black beans and meat, or pastel de camarão, a fried pastry filled with shrimp.

Whether you’re looking for history, culture, nightlife, or simply a beautiful place to relax, these five tropical destinations in South America offer something for everyone. Manchester describes South America as “cheap, and such an amazing experience”. From the colonial charm of Cartagena to the stunning beaches of Florianopolis, you’ll find plenty to explore and enjoy in these amazing cities.

Sandy! Feel the sand at this Costa Rican Beach! Lava! Go through history at this Costa Rican Volcano! Dive! Take a dive at Joaquina Beach!
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Night Swim! Stunning Beach in Florianopolis!

Tropical Places Tropical Places

Have you ever wondered what tropical place corresponds with your sign?

Aries Libra Leo

Punta Cana is every adventurer’s dream, which is right up every thrill seeking Aries’ ally. Try your hand at snorkling, parasailing, ziplining, or just enjoy the views!

Every harmony-loving Libra will love the smooth blend of sand and ocean in world-famous Los Cabos. The aesthetic is great, and this place would be the perfect getaway.

Leo loves a good party, even better if it’s on the beach. Cancun is the perfect spot for spotlight-loving Leo, where they can party and meet new people!

Capricorn Sag Scorpio

As the CEO of Zodiac, Capricorn knows what they want and won’t settle for less. That’s why the luxurious Marigot beach, and all its world class resorts are a perfect match for Capricorns.

There is so much to do in action-packed Montego Bay, that Sagittarus will have fun adventuring. With their adventurous spirit, there is no way they would get bored.

Secretive Scorpio loves a hotspot all to themselves. Since this is one of the lesser known beaches on Maui, they would be able to sunbathe in peace.

Punta Cana, Dom. RepubLic CanCun, Mexico Los Cabos, Mexico Pa’ako Cove, Maui Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sources: https://www.elitedaily.com/lifestyle/zodiac-sign-tropical-beach-vacation-personali ty-match/amp https://www.allure.com/story/zodiac-sign-personality-traits-dates
Marigot, St. Lucia
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& Zodiac Signs & Zodiac Signs

Bahamas that swim on the shore.

Pig

Quirky Aquarius loves to stray off of the beaten path. Pig Beach in the Bahamas has all the white sand beauty of other Bahamian beaches, but with the bonus of wild pigs

This super social sign loves meeting new people and Miami Beach is thriving with them. On top of the beaches, Gemini can have fun and restaurant hop here!

No one loves a lush background like earthy Taurus and Oahu’s beaches would surely deliver. Plus this luxury loving sign can just bliss out on tropical beaches.

aquarius Gemini Taurus Pisces Cancer Virgo

Puerto Rico kets from near the beach.

Tender Pisces appreciates a step back from the world, and San Juan’s stunning ocean and beaches make the perfect backdrop for a restful vacay. They will also love little trin-

With lush scenery, and tons of coves to explore, privacy loving Cancer will feel right at home in Tulum. Plus, this place is known for amazing food and breakfast.

Costa Rica is one of the most eco-friendly places to visit, which warms every earth loving Virgo’s heart. With all the fresh produce, they will be living their sustainable

dreams.

Oahu, Hawaii MIami Beach, Florida Tulum, Mexico White Tail, Mexico San Juan, Beach, The
https://www.elitedaily.com/lifestyle/zodiac-sign-tropical-beach-vacation-personalihttps://www.allure.com/story/zodiac-sign-personality-traits-dates
no further! Roam Spring 2023 18
Look
Acclaimed Attractions A Short Itinerary With Plenty Of Places To Go A view of Austin from Congress Ave. George Miquilena crowding may and visitor. is places relaxation S
Austin’s

tepping into Austin, you are met with a busy and bustling city at work. Large amounts of people are everywhere, crowding the streets and stores.. This may seem frightening, uncomfortable, and claustrophobic to an unsuspecting visitor. Just northeast of the city however a quiet but admirable area. An area with places that will grant you the peace and relaxation you deserve.

Turning onto West 35th Street, a collection of four of the most interesting places in Austin awaits. The first one of these Camp Mabry, the third-oldest active military installation in the state. This area is around 375 acres large and is home to tons of military vehicle displays, both indoor and outdoor. There are all sorts of them including helicopters, fighter jets, and tanks. Some of them can be seen in the big field alongside the highway with a large red track that visitors can jog around on. Many more are found inside of the Texas Military Forces Museum which contains plenty of exhibits, artifacts, and more. If someone happens to visit on the right day, Camp Mabry may be hosting a reenactment of a battle in a former war. Costuming, gunfire, actual planes and more are displayed in these events, so feel free to drop by.

One of the most unique parks and historically significant parks can be found on this road, and it’s called the Mayfield Nature Preserve. Recognized as an official historical landmark, this park houses a cottage surrounded by luscious gardens and pools filled with all sorts of different creatures like turtles or fish. Most notably and what the park is most known for, this place is home to an abundance of peacocks which originate from the 1930’s that roam around all over the park, sometimes sitting in trees or on the roof of the cottage. Visitors will stop by all year round to snap

photos of these majestic creatures, and in the right season, the peacock chicks can be seen waddling around with their parents. The park itself is surrounded by the Mayfield Nature Preserve which is a set of hiking trails untouched by the concrete bases of humanity. Allison Mayfield purchased the cottage all the way back in 1909 and the park has been deteriorating for years on end, but luckily there is a group dedicated to restoring the park. For this article, I’ve interviewed Blake Tollett who is the head of the Mayfield Park Community Project. Blake has been deeply involved in this organization for quite some time now.

“When I moved to Austin in 1973 to attend graduate school at the university I briefly lived in the neighborhood and subsequently bought a home in the neighborhood in 1977. As time and opportunity permitted I became involved in volunteer organizations such as West Austin Neighborhood Group and the Friends of Deep Eddy Pool. Those associations led me to become a member of the Mayfield Park-Community Project (MP-CP) back in the early 2000s of which I am currently the leader”.

“MP-CP’s function as a volunteer organization focused on the rehabilitation of and advocacy for the park’s historic cottage and gardens is to me a legacy project”, Roam Spring 2023 23

S
A howitzer displayed inside Camp Mabry. Leonardocognoscenti

The group is dedicated to restoring the cottage to its former glory as close as possible while also improving the quality of life around the park, “Mr. Gutsch and his assistant Mr. Arredondo did all of the extensive masonry at the park by themselves

over probably several decades. Their work was ambitious but unfortunately somewhat lacking in experienced masonry techniques. As their rock work deteriorates over time MP-CP works in coordination with the Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) to do repairs and reconstructions as necessary. In addition to masonry projects, MP-CP does garden projects such as the recent installation of a small specimen rose garden and the rehabilitation to their period of historical significance of the lily ponds” .

Along with being a very nice park, it also helps combat the dread of the concrete city looming somewhere over the horizon.

“The Austin metro area encompasses more than one million folks and we are the 11th largest metro area in the country. The two acres inside the historic rock walls, the cottage and gardens, as well as

the contiguous 21-acre preserve make Mayfield Park a much needed respite for both residents of as well as visitors to the city”.

Directly next to Mayfield is a bizarre park owned by The Contemporary, filled with all sorts of strange and admirable sculptures.

“Laguna Gloria is unique because it is an outdoor art space on the water; it also boasts a 100-year-old historical villa. It has many unique natural features, and original contemporary sculpture scattered throughout its 14 acres. No other art space is quite like LG”. A single step into the park will leave you surprised as a gigantic metal sculpture looks as if it’s made out of aluminum foil towers over you. This specific sculpture is titled “looking up” and was created by Tom Friedman in 2015. All sorts of these pieces of art are found all over the

A peacock stands on a bench in Mayfield Park. Austin TX Gov
“The original founders of MP-CP, Mary J Kaiser, Barbara Watt and Karen Cannatti believed this historic property was worth their time and treasure to preserve for the citizens of Austin, and their legacy continues”

18 acres of the park, all with their own plaques where you may read the context behind the piece. For this park, I’ve interviewed the Administrative Manager for the Contemporary Austin Art School. This park hosts a very large variety of art classes ranging from all sorts of different levels to choose from.

“We offer classes for all ages in painting, drawing, sculpture, metalworking, ceramics, weaving, papermaking, screen printing, printmaking… I recently took a Mosaic class that I really enjoyed”. Although the park is mostly quiet and empty, it attracts many visitors over time. “Depending on the day of the week, anywhere from 50 to several hundred people come every day between visitors, students, events, rentals, etc. There are between 50-150 students that come to class every day”.

The admin states that

It’s not just the art or the classes that’s there to enjoy, but also the abundance of life. Colorful flowers bloom everywhere while large trees provide lots of shade throughout the area.

Last, for a wide, extensive view of the city, Mount Bonnel is the most ideal

place to visit. Citizen Steve Li claims that they “love to stop by and take in the view”. From up there, a large portion of the city can be seen in distance while the river flows near the bottom with some houses near the shores. There are all sorts of spots alongside the cliffside trails to admire the beauty of the river, so feel free to snap a few photos.

These places will give you the most ideal vacation experience in Austin and bring out the beauty of the city. Hopefully, you now have some sort of idea of how to spend your time in Austin. Be aware that these are not the only fascinating places in Austin as there are many more scattered all throughout waiting to be discovered, and it’s up to you to get out there and explore.

A view of the river from Mount Bonnel. Ameer Attia
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“Laguna Gloria is a special place for a lot of people. Taking a walk around the grounds is very peaceful and calming and inspiring. Students come to take classes here to be inspired and influenced by the beautiful abundant flora, and many people choose to get married at Laguna Gloria every year”.
Roam
The villa featured in Laguna Gloria. National Register of Historic Places
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Five Lesser Known National Parks

Hidden Gems Across the United States

2023 25
Acadia’s flora with a view of the Atlantic Ocean Courtesy of Ralph Lake
Roam Spring

Birds are chirping in the trees, leaves crunching from an unknown animal as you take a deep breath, filling your lungs with fresh, unpolluted air. You’re standing at the crest of a steep hill, but the long climb to the top is worth it when you glimpse the sprawling acres of earth laid before you. That hill you just climbed is only one of the hundreds that can cover this national park’s land.

National parks and monuments are designated areas of territory or land where visitors can come from miles around to experience their beauties. The problem is, the majority of these visitors travel to more well-known parks, leaving the other 50+ parks in the dust. Due to their popularity, these famous parks are far more crowded.

Five deserve just as much attention as these more popular parks. It is perfectly fine to visit any of the other famous parks but if you don’t have an allure for large crowds of tourists, you should try these next couple of National Parks. There’s Acadia National Park in Maine, home to incredible coastlines. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is where you can find numerous dormant and active volcanoes all over the island. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park have hundreds of tall, beautiful sequoia trees. Glacier National Park is in Montana with around 2 dozen active glaciers on the property, so they’re still in the process of moving around. Lastly, Katmai National Park has not only flora but also fauna; a large population of bears that live throughout the park.

Ted Stout worked at numerous national parks for over

32 years. He believes that the best part about these national parks is the experiences themselves. When visitors come from all around, he said “they can learn about these special places and also have a great time visiting some really spectacular scenery.” Once you start traveling to all these individual parks, you can’t stop, they’re all so beautiful that there might not be one that triumphs all others.

PULL QUOTE HEREPU

Ralph Lake has been a visitor at all sorts of national parks throughout his lifetime. He’s visited Acadia National Park several times in the past; so due to his past experiences with the National Parks, Lake has incredible insights into the differences between parks. The majority of his visits have been in summer and fall because Acadia National Park isn’t normally visited in the winter due to the snowfall.

He said, “The season I liked the best is in October because the color change is spectacular.” In fall, the leaves on all the trees begin their change from green to orange. It is a magnificent piece of nature that is outstanding to witness if you’re lucky enough to visit the right place at the right time.

The coastlines of Acadia National Park are not beautiful,

Roam Spring 2023 26
“The season I liked best is in October because the color change is specatcular.”

sandy beaches. Instead, they have rocky, uneven shores which can draw in some people even more. Lake is one of them, claiming that even though there are “few beaches because of the rocky coast,” he’s still drawn to it because he “liked the rocky coastlines of Maine and the Northwest.”

Hawai’i Volcanoes

National Park is another exceptional option to visit. This park is home to numerous volcanoes, as said in the name but also beautifully diverse wildlife. Although the place itself is well-known, due to its remoteness the park isn’t widely visited. This distance is one of the main negatives of the park itself because just visiting Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can be expensive when working in the price of taking flights to and from. Distance aside, this park has an incredibly distinct range of plants and animals alike.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is in California. The park is home to massive sequoia trees that stretch towards the sky. These trees can live for over 1,000

years and the trunks can be over 20 feet in diameter. But this park is better known than the others so the crowds could be larger.

Katmai National Park is up in Alaska. But location aside, this park is rich in wildlife and scenery due to the famous bear population and sprawling forests. Speaking of bears, they are a popular part of Katmai National Park because of their vast population and dependency on Sockeye Salmon. Rebecca Nourot is a District Interpreter at this park. District Interpreters are throughout every single national park and they help out any visitors who need it. If you want to know the best place to watch the sunset or the fastest hiking trail to use, you go to Rebecca Nourot.

When asked about what visitors enjoy doing, she said, “Bear watching and fishing are the most popular activities for visitors.”

Brown bears on the lookout for a meal in Katmai Park
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Courtesy of NPS Photo

because of their famous fat bear week. Their fat bear week is a competition between all the bears on the property; creating a bracket with all the fat bears that eat a ton right before hibernation begins, people can vote on who they think is the fattest bear until one remains. They also have almost 4 million acres of land that’s open for anyone to hike or camp in, but if you’re experienced and brave enough.

Glacier National Park is closer to Austin than Alaska because it’s in Montana instead. As the name suggests, it has several glaciers all across its acres of land. These glaciers are still active so they are steadily moving around. This park is also home to a wide range of animals such as bears, wolves, deer, and many species of birds. Glacier National Park also contains large meadows and valleys filled with flowers and

plants that have grown after a glacier moved through. With over 50 national parks across the country, the task of deciding exactly which one to visit can be daunting. But whether you visit Katmai or Craters of the Moon

National Park, try to follow Stout’s advice to “have a great time visiting some really spectacular scenery and learning about history as well.”

Waterfall near Katmai Bay Courtesy of NPS Photo
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Volcanic eruption in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Courtesy of Unsplash

Can you escape a bear attack?

If encountering a wild bear, the most crucial thing is identification.

Brown Bears

Features:

Small, round ears

Footprint in straight line

Curved side profile

Longer claws

Hump between shoulders

Lighter coloring (brown bears can be darker)

If being attacked:

Leave your pack on - this protects your back

If the bear attacks you, kick and hit the face and muzzle

Do not climb a tree

Remain still until the bear leaves

PLAY DEAD and stay calm

Information provided by the National Park Service and BearSmart
Roam Spring 2023 29

Sometimes you can’t tell if you’ve found a black bear or a brown bear in the wild but here are some key features so you don’t end up dying by bear attack.

Black Bears

Features:

Prominent, pointer ears

Arched footprint

Smaller/no shoulder hump

Darker coloring (black bears can be lighter)

Straight/simple side profile

If being attacked:

Shorter claws

Leave your pack on - this protects your back

If impossible to escape, kick and hit the face and muzzle

DO NOT PLAY DEAD

Try to escape to a secure place - like a car/building)

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