A Guide To The Scenic Drives In Kings Canyon National Park

BY  Barsha Dec 16, 2022

The moment anyone hears Las Vegas, casinos, nightclubs, and sometimes weddings appear inside their heads. But haven’t we all been here, done that? But what most people aren’t aware of are the camping spots that Las vegas have in abundance. If you are sitting in Vegas right now, appeasing your camping cravings, then fear no more - stop the ‘free camping near me’ search! Because we are here to talk about all the free camping spots that Vegas has to offer - trust us, you won’t be disappointed. Keep reading to find out now!  7 Best Places For Free Camping Near Me In Las Vegas: As a camping enthusiast, it is only normal to google ‘free camping near me’ or something more elaborate like ‘free camping sites near me.’ But you are in Vegas, and search engines have too many search results for you. It does seem confusing, doesn’t it? In that case, why take the stress when you can save this article and come back when you actually need to make a decision? So without wasting any time, scroll down and read all about finding the best free camping spots near you in Vegas!  1. Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping: If you have been doing elaborate research on ‘camping spots near me,’ then you must have come across Lovell Canyon Dispersed Camping in the Spring Mountain National Recreational Area. Popularly called Mount Charleston, you will find this spot located in western Las Vegas.  The place is secluded and quiet - plus, the location also offers both scenic beauty and wildlife during the daytime. 2. Mack’s Canyon Dispersed: Another location in the Spring Mountains Recreation Area, Mack’s Canyon Dispersed, is perfect for families looking for scenic beauty and hiking trails. Since some of the scenic spots are located on different sides of the mountain, visitors can have a great time enjoying both the sunset and sunrise.  A crazy free camp, the area is perfect if you have been planning on disconnecting from technology and just experiencing the nature around you.  3. Jean/Roach Dry Lake: The Las Vegas ‘free camping near me’ google search might not tell you about the Jean Dry Lake, but we sure will - it's an ideal sport for everyone looking for something unique, something adventurous to do in Vegas, keeping aside other touristy stuff like casinos. This is basically the bed of a dried lake.  This dry lake is pretty well known as a popular spot for various high-end lifestyle shoots, but it can transform into a crazy runway for any off-roading vehicle lover.  4. Desert Wildlife Refuge: We absolutely love Desert Wildlife Refuge! It includes seven distinctive habitat zones and 6 mountain ranges that come with a few excellent camping spots. Both car camping and backcountry camping are allowed but make sure you are setting up 100 yards away at the very least, from both water development and the springs.  Forget about the many ‘free camps near me’ lists because once you enter the biggest wildlife refuge except Alaska, in the United States! You will find excellent hiking and bird-watching opportunities since the area is also home to more than 300 species of birds. 5. Sloan Canyon-Dispersed Camping: Sloan Canyon-Dispersed Camping is one area where camping is easily permitted though the same might be restricted close to the whole Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Site. This is the area where you can actually view more than 1700 different Native American works of art dating from ancient times.  If your purpose of doing the whole ‘free campsites near me’ search in Vegas is about finding a quiet place to chill, then Sloan Canyon is ideal for you - plus, it blends both solitude and cultural heritage.  6. Dispersed Camping North Of Logandale: On the northern part of Logandale, you will find dispersed camping spots. These are available right near the primary loop and at different primitive camping spots, too - and that too with different picnic tables. Moreover, the trails comprise hiking trails and even trails for off-roading vehicle enthusiasts.  In case you feel like hiking, then you can’t miss out on visiting the Native American petroglyphs. 7. Muddy Mountains Wilderness: There’s no other place in Las Vegas like Muddy Mountains Wilderness, but it is yet another spot that the ‘free camping near me’ search often misses out on! Both camping and backpacking are permitted here as long as you decide to stay away from both water sources and trailheads. Moreover, the landscape has so much to offer! From spectacular views of the beautiful Lake Mead to the vibrant views of the even more beautiful Mojave Desert, this landscape truly have several geological formations to startle you!  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the ‘free camping near me’ searches mentioned below. 1. Where Can I Camp For Free In Nevada? Ans: You can camp for free in Nevada in several places, such as,➊ Mack's Canyon,➋ Sacramento Pass,➌ Jarbidge Wilderness, ➍ Government Wash, and➎ Wilson Canyon. 2. Can You Camp Anywhere In Vegas? Ans: You can’t just camp anywhere in Nevada. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of camping spots in Vegas. There are several spots for you to pitch a tent, but at the same time, if you are looking for free places to camp, then you can do that too! 3. Where Can I Set Up A Tent In Las Vegas? Ans: You can set up tents in several places in Las Vegas, such as,➊ Red Rock Canyon Campground,➋ Arch Rock Campground,➌ Atlatl Rock Campground, and➍ Las Vegas Bay Campground. 4. Where Can I Sleep In A Van In Las Vegas? Ans: You can sleep inside a van in more than one spot in Las Vegas, such as,➊ Willow Beach,➋ Atlatl Rock,➌ Cathedral Gorge,➍ Red Rock Canyon, and➎ Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort. And It’s A Wrap! And that’s a wrap! What do you think? Do you need to search ‘free campgrounds near me’ or even ‘free camping near me?’ We don’t think so! We have managed to find the top free camping spots in Las Vegas for you! Now, all you have to do is actually make up your mind and visit the ones that are most suitable for you. In the meantime, tell us what you think about camping - don’t forget to share your past camping experiences in the comments below. Read Also: 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter Tripping In The Sin Strip Of Las Vegas – A Neon Flood

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs. In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there. History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii lifeonearth.com In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps. The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna. When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987. Recent History In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft. Incidents squarespace-cdn.com The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself. In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor's Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine. The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it. Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight. The Trail We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually. Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers. From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs. On The Stairs change.org We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them. We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one. Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge. At The Top squarespace-cdn.com At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit. The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes. The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it. The Guard Below .journeyera.com Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue. The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023. At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu. Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time. Alternate Route thatadventurelife.com The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation. Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else. Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy. Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure. Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek: 1. How Did The Stairway Come About?   The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since. 2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu? You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available. Wrapping Up The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes. Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!

BY  Barsha Dec 23, 2022

So you are here trying to find the best dog friendly cafe in Perth, Australia! The State Food Laws make things a little tricky since live animals are not really allowed to be anywhere close to the cooking area or even where the food is being prepared. But that can never stop dog owners from finding the perfect loophole - yes, outdoor areas! There are several dog-friendly cafes in Perth, Australia - you just have to find the best one. Keep reading to find out the information you were looking for! Top 10 Dog Friendly Cafes In Perth, Australia: Are you worried because you are confused with all the results you received from your extensive ‘dog friendly cafe Perth’ or even ‘dog cafe near me’ searches you started doing once you landed in Perth, Australia, with your little doggo? Don’t worry because we have done the excruciating research on your behalf!  So without wasting any time, scroll down and check out the best dog-friendly cafes located in Perth, Australia! 1. Slate Café: You don’t need to do any ‘dog friendly cafes near me’ search - just check out Slate Café! This beautiful café even organizes play dates for puppies on weekends - doesn’t that sound cute? It’s definitely worth a visit!  Review By Renee W: “Went here for the first time and was very impressed. A wonderful place for individuals, families, and dog owners alike. It has a great play area for kids and dogs, and it was lovely to see dogs on leashes happily sitting near their owners while dining in. Had a delicious almond chai latte. I would highly recommend it and am going to visit me again.” 2. Lot One Kitchen: One of our favorite dog friendly cafe and coastal eateries, Lost One Kitchen, might appear to be relatively smaller, but you know that size is just a number. And the place is huge in flavor. Plus, they have a relaxing vibe which makes this place even better!  Review By Victoria Appleby: “Loved this place! I booked (I would defo recommend booking this place is popular!) And we arrived early, the staff were super keen to help sort out a table earlier for us. The brisket burger was amazing! And my new favorite drink is the Carafe of sangria. I 100% go back, as it genuinely ticks all the boxes. Well done, and thank you!” 3. Union Kitchen: Union Kitchen is one of our favorite pet friendly cafes. Located in the beautiful Mindarie Marina area, you can enjoy some spectacular water views with your pets! And not just that, you will also find a menu exclusively curated for your baby doggo!  Review By Blake Donnelly: “We had the most amazing time! We took our dog down for dinner, which I was a little nervous about being night, and the staff were so lovely and treated us so nicely! Honestly, it was such a good night out the food was beautiful, and the customer service blew me out of the water. I love that they put so much effort into making your dog's night too! Thank you!” 4. Holly Rayes: This dog friendly cafe has everything we love - urban art, coffee, and, most importantly, dogs! Located in Bassendean, Holly Rayes boasts a charming artwork featuring Angus (the owner’s doggo) by none other than the famous Australian artist Anya Brock.  Review By Ladybird Vintage: “My friends and I have had a morning tea or late breakfast here a few times now. We love it; the service is amazing, and the girls always smile for us when bringing our orders. I love the food and the devious assortment of sweet treats. So glad we found you. Christine” 5. Flora & Fauna: Image Source: nashvilleguru.com If you visit Flora & Fauna, you might find it hard to believe that the food actually comes from the cafe’s pint-sized kitchen. But that’s the beauty of this understated and tiny dog-friendly cafe in Northbridge. And the place is not just dog-friendly, it has a vegan menu too!  Review By Asha Gill: “Finally tried this cafe and loved the food! I had the truffle mac & cheese and the strawberry shortcake pancakes; both were so delicious and full of flavor. I loved their outdoor seating, too; perfect vibes for perfect sunny weather. Overall, I will definitely go back to try their other dishes! Thanks for the amazing brunch!” 6. Brother Of Mine: While looking for the best ‘dog friendly cafes Perth,’ we stumbled upon Brother Of Mine, and it was love at first bite! From enjoying some of the most epic brunches here to gorging on delectable bang-up pancakes, the place is perfect for a visit with your pet!  Review By Trevor Carlsson: “Great vibe and even better food! The Brother of Mine (BOM) Beef Burger is the best I’ve had 👌😋😋 and well worth trying! There is lots of indoor and outdoor seating, which is also family-friendly. Staff is warm and welcoming - thank you, guys!” 7. Daisies: Daisies make you feel like it’s Summer throughout the year - yes, we are talking about the vibe! Don’t waste your precious time doing ‘cafe dog friendly’ searches. Instead, just save this article for future use - trust us, you won’t be disappointed!  Review By John Spears: “Always love Daisy's; great for a smoothie or sandwich. Remember back in 2002, getting sausage rolls from here in my apprenticeship when I worked around the corner? Always cute hipster chick on the lawn too!” 8. Third Wheel: Third Wheel is not just your usual super cute dog friendly cafe, but it also gives off a chilled vibe, much like it would feel if your friends decided to start a cute cafe in one of their backyards. Plus, it’s close to the beach, which only adds to the vibe of this cafe!  Read More: Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City Review By Saya B: “Dog friendly🐕 lovely seating area outside with blankets. Small cafe, the menu is very limited, but the sandwiches were so delicious! Flavors are not too strong and well balanced. The bread was amazing.” 9. The Cool Room: The Cool Room is located on the east of Freo - the name itself spells out the vibe of this pretty place. Formica tables, colorful umbrellas, and lots of plants give out a retro vibe - plus, the location has some great food! Review By Mark Taylor: “We visited this little gem as a family up from Rockingham for a good breakie. It was a small and cozy place with so much character. The staff/owner was very welcoming and friendly, and the decor was awesome. It felt very retro, and I think French Moroccan. The food was really tasty and amazing value for money, with great portion sizes. The bread they make is beautiful, like nothing I've had before. We'll be back; great place!” 10. Laika: Laika serves exquisite brunches accompanied by excellent coffee, which is reason enough to visit this cafe. On top of that, it is a dog friendly cafe, making it ideal for you to visit with your pet and sip on some excellent coffee.  Review By Christina M: “Recently added to my favorites. Every time I’ve been there so far, it’s been nice. The food is good, and so is the coffee, and the staff is friendly. I love the vibe inside and outside. Are young people friendly with a little basketball court which is nice if you’ve got young ones with you?” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to your ‘dog friendly cafe near me’ search in Perth, mentioned below! 1. Are Dogs Allowed In Cafes In WA? Ans: Dog owners in WA are allowed to bring their dogs and pooches to different restaurants and cafes that have outdoor areas. But, of course, this started happening once relevant changes were made to national regulations related to food hygiene.  2. Where Are Dogs Allowed In Perth? Ans: Dogs are allowed in several places in Perth, such as➊ Noble Falls Walk Trail in Gidgegannup,➋ Ellis Brook Valley in Gosnells,➌ Whistlepipe Gully in Kalamunda,➍ Lake Gwelup Reserve, and➎ Lake Goollelal in Joondalup. 3. Are Dogs Allowed In Cafes In Australia? Ans: According to the State Food Act, you cannot have animals in and around places where your food is being cooked and prepared. So, as a restaurant owner, you can have outdoor areas in your restaurant or cafe where visitors can bring in pets, especially dogs. The only exception to this law is applicable to all assistance animals.  4. Are Dogs Allowed In Perth CBD? Ans: Yes, Perth very much welcomes dogs. So as a dog owner, don’t feel like you can’t carry your pet to Perth in, Australia. Of course, this has become possible once proper food hygiene rules have been implemented in the city, and now it’s not an issue to carry your pet to pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, or cafes.  And It’s A Wrap! Andddd it’s a wrap on answering your ‘Perth dog friendly cafe’ query - do you like how compact we have done the research? We don’t like confusing our readers with too many options. Instead, we have some great options for our readers - try these out, and see for yourself. We will be waiting to hear your reviews of these places!  And in case you have past experiences with different pet-friendly cafes, then feel free to share them with us in the comments below! Read Also: How To Enjoy Your Night In Sydney Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Factors To Consider When Hiring A Boat In Sydney