The Joshua Tree and this special park have been a iconic feature in music, film, and television over the years, but it is also one of the most unique and beautiful parks you can visit in the United States. In todays episode our virtual podcasting road trip continues as we head south to the desert and explore the stunning flora and geology that make this park special. I share the story of my first visit to the park, and I talk about the difference between a national park and national monument.

This park has been described as the “crown jewel” of the National Park System by the one of the most famous naturalists and outdoorsmen John Muir. In todays episode I share what my first experience was like in this breathtaking place, some of my favorite hikes and views, and some insider tips for fellow backpackers/backcountry campers. I also talk a little bit about the historical importance of Yosemite to the national park system, and why the park has so much to offer geologically.

Breathtaking bluffs, beautiful beaches, and the ever present sound of the great pacific ocean are a few of the many reasons to visit Point Reyes National Seashore. The first stop on our virtual podcasting road trip around the western united states, we head north from San Francisco to the only National Seashore on the Pacific Ocean. In this episode I share some of the history of the park, the flora and fauna you can expect to see, where to hike, and I break down what to expect from camping in Point Reyes.

The open road, breathtaking National Parks, and endless wilderness are a few of the things that make the United States a special place to visit. The next section of the Moore to Explore podcast will be focusing on the american road trip, and will take us on a podcasting tour of many of the best and finest wild places in the American west. If you grew up here but never explored the states or you have never known where to start when planning your trip to the United States then this is the podcast for you!

This is the last and personally most important episode of the European section of the Moore to Explore podcast. Obviously in these trying times travel for fun or to learn or expand your horizon is no longer possible. So todays travel review is my love letter to a city that has inspired me, and one that I dream of someday returning to. So dig into this lengthy and in depth review of one of my favorite places I have ever lived, Berlin, Germany.

The final chapter in my first journey to Europe comes to a close. I record one final #patchat from my parents home in California. I look forward towards another season of commercial salmon fishing in Alaska and the excitement/dread that it brings up for me. I also reflect on my last week in Germany, castle hunting in the Rhine valley, and saying goodbye to all my new friends in Berlin. Finally I talk about saying goodbye to the person who brought me to Germany, my partner, and how hard that always is.

As my final week in Europe approaches I reflect on my time, and how badly I would like to stay. I also talk about the luxurious life of train travel, and a new creative endeavor I have been pursuing. I break down my return to Switzerland to visit the picturesque town of Lucerne and to dance late into the night on a shipping boat in the river Rhine in Basel. I also reflect on some interesting things I learned about Swiss culture on my second trip to visit my friend in her home country.

A whirlwind week of celebrating the first of May, getting to explore Berlin with one of my best friends, and visiting the beautiful city of Potsdam. In this episode I break down the protest vs the party in Berlin’s famous May Day celebration, and talk about a delightful experience at a heavy metal bar. I also discuss my friend and I’s journey out to Potsdam, and our ill fated Saturday morning attempt to get into the infamous Berghain.

One of the most historically and culturally significant places in the world, London is the subject of this travel review. In this episode I talk about the city’s early start as a part of the Roman empire, and share some interesting facts including about some of the wildlife that calls the city home. I also discuss the one thing that stood out as both quintessentially London AND a personal highlight of my time in the city. In addition I break down some of the major tourist spots.

The beauty of meeting strangers and the freedom to wander wherever you like were juxtaposed against the loneliness of traveling alone during my trip to Amsterdam. I discuss this experience as well as give an in depth play by play of my time in both Amsterdam and London. I talk about my image of Amsterdam in my head as a part of my stoner bucket list, how inspiring it was to visit a city with such a strong bike culture, and my first ever mugging experience.