Stay Alive and Unhurt In Visiting National Parks

Above, Yellowstone's bears are best seen from a safe distance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The frequency of moronic actions by tourists in Yellowstone National Park (and in some other national parks) seems to be on the rise.

Encounters between tourists and wild animals sometimes turn deadly. Also, not following the rules by staying on designated boardwalks can literally get one in to hot water. Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan is in trouble for going off a designated boardwalk near a hot water feature. He is to go to trial over this.

RV Travel has some tips on how not to become a tragic "statistic".

They begin with:

A highly popular social media site, TouronsOfYellowstone, brings home the antics of “stupid” Yellowstone National Park visitors. Scores of film clips show human beings showing far less sense than “dumb animals.” How many times do visitors need to be reminded that bison don’t want to be ridden, bears fiercely guard their cubs, and moose on the loose are dangerous? Want to stay alive and unhurt while visiting the parks? Stick around—we have a few tips. 

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Misinformation Called "Hogwash"

Above, a geothermal hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a lot of scammers out there. For the past ten hours, I have been dealing with counterfeit "silver" coins that I purchased. 

Scams now come in all shapes and sizes.

There's a story about Yellowstone National Park with misinformation being bandied about the park being closed due to an alleged "imminent eruption" of the park's caldera. It is totally bogus.

Oregon Live posted:

Did you hear that Yellowstone National Park is closed? Well, it’s not.

At this point, any time we start a story with ‘did you hear...’ it’s a pretty safe bet that the thing you heard is online misinformation. That’s definitely the case with this one.

It’s true that Yellowstone did close areas last summer due to historic floods in the park. But the current claim circulating online -- that park officials have “closed down the park” due to a rising “volcanic uplift” -- has nothing to do with the very real floods back in June. Also, it isn’t true on any of the facts -- the park remains open, and there are no current signs of any “uplift.”

Claims about an imminent eruption of Yellowstone’s supervolcano pop up online pretty regularly -- and it’s easy to understand why. The Yellowstone caldera has erupted in the distant past, with global consequences, and modern scientists do monitor it for signs of volcanic activity.

That does not, however, mean an eruption is expected any time soon.

It seems that some people have nothing better to do than to spread misinformation and scam people.

To read more, go here. 

Vacation Trip Planning Coming Together

Above, the Durango train preparing to depart Durango Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With gasoline prices high into the mesosphere (that's the layer just above the stratosphere), I had to cancel my original plans of heading up into eastern Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota for a summer vacation trip. Instead, the vacation will be in Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake in New Mexico. At least I can afford the one tankful of gasoline (maybe a half more) that it will take for the round trip. Navajo Lake is along the way back from Durango.

Jessica, my former roommate in Tarzana, is flying down at the end of the month, so we're both going on this trip.

I made the last campground reservation yesterday and lucked out. There were only two sites available, so I got my reservation in just in time.

All that remains to be done is to buy our tickets for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for our round-trips to Silverton. Anything else we'll do we will just "wing it".

We may do some river rafting on the Animas River and hit a hot springs spa. We'll see.

Top 10 Things To Know About Yellowstone

Above, stay on the boardwalks while visiting thermal hot springs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As we are a month away from the onset of the summer vacation season, many will be heading to Wyoming and Montana to visit Yellowstone National Park.

There are things to know about Yellowstone that people should be aware of and Explore Big Sky has ten of them. These are for the protection the park and for visitors.

They begin with:

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – On March 1, 150 years ago, Yellowstone became America’s first national park for all to enjoy. Within Yellowstone’s 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain half the world’s active geysers and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

Follow the top 10 things to know to enjoy your visit and protect the park today and for the next 150 years!

To read more, go here. 

Stupidity of Tourists At Yellowstone

Above, since Yellowstone is not a petting zoo and bison are very
dangerous, I used a zoom lens for this shot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Every so often, a story would pop up about some Bozo tourist at Yellowstone National Park doing something incredibly stupid.

Sometimes, their stupidity is rewarded with fatal results at worst and sometimes it is rewarded with residency in jail for a spell at best.

On this topic, TravelPulse has posted an article which begins with:

Here’s my Public Service Announcement of the Week for tourists. It’s free by the way.

Dear Tourists,

Yellowstone National Park – or any other area open to the public that is also home to wildlife – is not a freakin’ petting zoo at the County Fair. So stop trying to touch or feed or take a photo or, worse, a selfie, next to a bison or a bear!

Love, Richie

See, it’s that time of year again. Yellowstone and our other great national parks are about to be overrun by visitors who have been aching to travel for two-plus years.

That’s a good thing. Travel and tourism is always a good thing.

Yet the stupidity of some of these people is a bad thing. A very bad thing. And it can’t just be blamed on the current state of events in the world. That would be low-hanging fruit, given the enormity of the amount of existing idiocy.

To read more, go here. 

Woman Receives Thermal Burns From Yellowstone Hot Spring While Retrieving Dog

Above, a Yellowstone National Park hot spring. Phto by armand Vaquer.

Sometimes it is just not worth bringing pets along while on vacation.

A woman trying to retrieve her dog received thermal burns from a Yellowstone National Park hot spring.

According to ABC 4 News:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (ABC4) – A 20-year-old woman is suffered thermal burns after attempting to retrieve her dog from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park Monday afternoon.

Park officials said the incident occurred in the area of Fountain Flat Drive, south of Madison Junction.

The woman’s dog reportedly jumped out of the car after the woman and her father stepped out to look around. When the dog ran into Maiden’s Grave Spring, the woman followed suit to retrieve the dog, Yellowstone National Park said in a Facebook post.

The woman’s father then pulled her and the dog out then drove to West Yellowstone, Montana for help.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone Still Rumbles Beneath The Surface

Above, one of Yellowstone's many hot springs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park sits atop a huge super volcano, which is still active. If it weren't for this super volcano, the geysers, hot springs and other features would not be thrilling visitors today.

Wyoming Public Media has an article on what lies below the surface at Yellowstone National Park.

They begin with:

Yellowstone National Park is famous for its hydrothermal activity. Geysers like Old Faithful and Steamboat have delighted tourists and fascinated scientists for years. But a lot is still unknown about the hydrothermal features that make the park so unique.

Much of the landscape of the park was formed by hydrothermal explosions. These are similar to geysers except that in addition to water and steam, they also spew out pulverized rock and mud from the area, creating large craters that are usually filled with lakes and surrounded by raised rims. This explosion of material leaves an unmistakable fingerprint that researchers can look at to learn more about the events that left it.

To read more, go here. 

Forbes: "America's Most Dangerous National Parks"

Above, one of the many hot springs at Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

National parks are beautiful and draw thousands of visitors. But they also can be dangerous if one isn't careful.

One of the most bizarre deaths took place about a couple of years ago when a man went off a marked trail in Yellowstone National Park and fell into a pool of boiling volcanic water. The heat and the acidic waters virtually dissolved the victim.

Forbes has an article on "America's Most Dangerous National Parks".

They begin with:

Beautiful but dangerous? America’s National Parks, which entered their second century in 2016, have long been a natural choice for visitors. Yet since 2010, more than a thousand people have died from misadventure at U.S. National Parks.

The National Parks are a treasure not just for Americans, but for all citizens of the world. During Black History Month, for example, the National Parks Serss are celebrating 20 years of preserving  Black history. But the well-loved parks can prove dangerous to visitors who don’t take danger seriously, like teetering on a peak for the perfect Instagram.

Outforia, an outdoor publication dedicated to inspiring people to get outside, enjoy nature, and recreate responsibly, recently researched and tracked down the deadliest US parks. And while Outforia published The Ultimate Guide To Winter Camping and How to Get A Job In the Outdoor Industry, they apparently do “ real” journalism too. Outforia filed an FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to get the National Parks Service to disgorge the gory details of visitor fatalities.

To read more, go here. 

Yellowstone National Park Expands With New Thermal Area

Above, one of many thermal areas of Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Further evidence that the world is ever-changing comes from Yellowstone National Park, where a new thermal area has been discovered.

KPAX reported:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — Yellowstone National Park is creating a new thermal area. 

The new thermal area is so deep in the back-country it took satellites to spot the signs of the area. 

Jeff Hungerford, a Yellowstone National Park geologist, said the main signs they see are heat and carbon dioxide. 

But it emerged slowly, revealed in aerial and satellite photos over 15 years. 

Dr. Mike Poland, the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientist in charge said, “this is a new thermal area that's really still developing.” 

There is an area where trees and other plants have been killed by high temperatures and chemicals boiling up from underground near Tern Lake.

To read more, go here. 

Old Faithful: Drinking and Geysers Don't Mix

Above, Old Faithful geyser erupting. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's been a spate of reports of yo-yos walking up to Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park lately. The latest is about a guy who had been drinking and fell into thermal water at the geyser.

According to NBC News:

A 48-year-old man suffered severe burns at Yellowstone National Park after falling into a hot spring at the Old Faithful geyser. 

Rangers were called to the Old Faithful Inn on Sunday after Cade Edmond Siemers, a U.S. citizen who resides in India, suffered severe burns to a significant portion of his body, the park service said. Siemers told rangers that he went for a walk without a flashlight and tripped and fell into the thermal water. 

Rangers found evidence that Siemers may have been drinking alcohol at the time, according to the National Park Service. 

When they went back to the scene Monday, authorities found Siemers' shoe, hat, and a beer can along with footprints leading to and from the geyser.

This guy got off lucky. A tourist was killed about three years ago when he fell into a hot spring and the heat and chemical composition of the water dissolved him.

To read more, go here. 

GaijinPot: Atami Onsen

Above, Atami Castle is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are staying in Tokyo while visiting to Japan, they should consider an excursion (either a day trip or an overnighter) to Atami to partake in a good soak in the onsen hot springs.

The ride to Atami is about an hour long via shinkansen. The town is notable to kaiju fans as the location used for the end of 1962's King Kong vs. Godzilla, where the two monsters demolish Atami Castle before plunging into the ocean.

Above, an outdoor rooftop hot bath overlooking Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

GaijinPot has posted an article on Atami onsen.

They start it with:

If you’re itching for a quick getaway from the hustle of Tokyo, don’t fret – the onsen (hot spring) town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is closer than you think. It’s located on the Izu peninsula, a scenic bit of the mainland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean, just over an hour southwest of the metropolis. 

Atami is a cultural landmark with healing waters where Japanese – including Edo Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa – have been visiting for over 1,000 years. The town’s sulfate and salt-rich hot springs are great for relaxing the entire body and healing minor aches and pains. 

Even if you don’t have an entire weekend to spare, there are excellent onsen resorts in the city that accommodate day-trippers, too. There are some gorgeous ocean-side hot springs to check out and a few attractions along the way. Let’s explore…

To read more, go here. 

New Thermal Activity Emerges In Yellowstone

Above, one of Yellowstone's hot springs. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The world is constantly changing, and that goes for Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

New thermal activity has emerged in Yellowstone that is fascinating scientists. Yellowstone is a super volcano that is still active.

According to The Epoch Times:

Scientists said they have discovered new thermal activity in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming that is about the size of four football fields. 

Speaking with Wyoming Public Media, United States Geological Survey researcher Greg Vaughan said that the “area used to be covered by trees and now it’s an area where there’s a bunch of dead trees, bright soil and it’s a hot spot.” 

He uses satellites to track thermal areas that measure heat being emitted from the ground.
The hot and corrosive hot spot has been “been sneaking up on the park for the last 20 years,” he told the New York Times.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Ryokan Guide

Above, a room at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are considering a vacation in Japan, they should seriously consider staying at a ryokan instead of a hotel for a truly "Japanese experience".

I have stayed a four ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one of them.

Japan Cheapo has a useful ryokan guide that includes information on booking, etiquette and what to expect.

They begin with:

What is a ryokan? 

The official translation for ryokan is a “Japanese-style inn”. Originally, they were mainly located along the ancient road that connects Kyoto and Tokyo, the Tokaido Highway. Samurai and merchants traveled this route and were in need of accommodation. While the word “inn” might evoke images of medieval, rather rough wayside accommodation for travelers on horseback, ryokan are far from it. On the contrary, they range from mid-end to luxurious.  

What sets them apart from a minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed & breakfast, is the level of service and facilities. You can usually expect tastefully decorated rooms, a dining room (either shared or private), common rooms or a lounge, and most important, several onsen (hot spring) baths. There are usually both private onsen for rent (kashikiri) and shared public ones separated by gender, as well as other appealing points to the property, like a beautiful Japanese garden.

Above, the men's bath at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Savvy Guide To Best Izu Peninsula Hot Spring Towns

Above, filling up the soaking tub at Atami Shinkadoya hot spring ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Immortalized in several movies, including King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and Lost In Translation (2003) (in a brief shinkansen scene), Atami is just one of several hot spring towns on the Izu Peninsula that is within easy reach of Tokyo by train.

Above, the hilltop Atami Castle from the town's harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my 2015 trip to Japan, I spent an overnight stop in Atami at the Atami Shinkadoya hot spring ryokan and enjoyed the hot tub on a private terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Savvy Tokyo has an article guide on the "best" hot spring resort towns on the Izu Peninsula. Atami is the first one discussed.

They begin with:

Are you suffering from freezing fingers and aching bones this winter? Feeling a bit under the weather? Luckily, you’re living in a country that has the perfect antidote to cold bodies and the winter blues: dipping your entire body in a mineral-rich onsen (hot spring). 

Onsen towns are scattered across the length and breadth of the Japanese archipelago but if you’re looking for a quick day trip away from the noise and steamy crowds of Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is probably your best bet. 

Located just about 100 kilometers southwest of the capital city, the Izu Peninsula has always been a favorite getaway for Tokyoites, particular writers, artists, surfers and scuba divers. One of the best things about the peninsula is that it’s almost completely surrounded by water so in most cases, you can get a double whammy — an onsen soak with an ocean view — and of course, Mt. Fuji at nearly a hand-reach distance. Without further ado, here’s our official onsen guide to the bubbling hot spots of the Izu Peninsula.

 To read more, go here.

Onsen Towns Near Tokyo

Above, a view of Atami from a patio deck of a ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a winter trip to Japan, but are mainly staying in and around Tokyo but want to try out a Japanese onsen (hot spring) resort for a good soak, Tokyo Cheapo has some recommendations.

They start out with:

Japan has more hot springs than anywhere in the world, so it’s the perfect place to warm up this winter with a good soak. Lucky for you, there are plenty of onsen towns near Tokyo to dip your toes into, as well as some a little further afield for your travels. 

Probably the only thing that makes winter in Japan bearable is the prospect of sinking into a hot, steaming onsen so relaxing you forget the 20 other naked people around you—if only temporarily. There are plenty of baths in Tokyo, including the mega Oedo Onsen Monogatari, but for a real escape, head to one of the resorts to enjoy a mini-break that’ll leave you sloth-like in your levels of relaxation.

To read more, go here.

News From JAPANiCAN

Hotels   Ryokan   Tours   Deals

Top Picks         Shuhoukaku Kogetsu Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi A new Japanese-style resort inn. There are beautiful views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from all rooms, gardens and open-air baths.   from JPY 33,704   Book     Yoshiike Ryokan Hakone, Kanagawa Immerse yourself in centuries of tradition with a stroll through Yoshiike Ryokan's sprawling Japanese garden, and enjoy the attention to detail that went into its creation.   from JPY 21,914   Book     Momijiya Bekkan Kawa no Iori Takao, Kyoto A peaceful, old ryokan located deep in the mountains of Takao, known as Kyoto's inner parlor. Enjoy the sweeping view of autumn leaves all to yourself in the open-air bath.   from JPY 24,155   Book     Bosenkan Gero, Gifu A majestic Japanese garden will welcome you upon entering the lodging, which you can enjoy together with the beautiful river and mountains in a tranquil atmosphere.   from JPY 5,653   Book

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Yellowstone Microbes Basically Live In Acid

Above, a Yellowstone National Park hot spring. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

An interesting discovery was made in Yellowstone National Park which provides clues on the origins of life on Earth.

Science Alert reported:

Scientists have found a new lineage of microbes in the famously hot and acidic spring waters of Yellowstone National Park in the US, a discovery that promises to teach us more about the origins of life on our planet. 

These single-cell organisms, from the archaea domain of life, seem to thrive in the thermal springs of Yellowstone where iron oxide is the main mineral. 

Because the surface of Mars is made up of the same sort of materials, the researchers have named the lineage Marsarchaeota.

The conditions inside the springs of Yellowstone are thought to match the conditions on the early Earth, and that's why these Marsarchaeota microbes can be so helpful – they can show us how organisms sparked into life, and what role iron oxide may have played.

To read more, go here. 

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Toya Sunpalace Resort & Spa Lake Toya, Hokkaido Located on the shores of Lake Toya, all rooms of this hotel offer a beautiful view of the lake in all of its seasonal beauty. Soothe your body in the hot spring while enjoying the exquisite view.  Twin Room from JPY 16,567Book Hotel Mahoroba Noboribetsu, Hokkaido A resort hotel with the largest open-air bath in Japan, and four different types of springs with a grand total of 31 different baths. Enjoy the dream-like atmosphere during your stay.  Japanese-style Room + Dinner & Breakfast from JPY 24,075Book

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