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PLAN MY TRIP

One Adventurer's Lone Journey Against the Wind to See the National Parks.




In the golden glow of a San Francisco sunset, Jonathan Baker straddled a rented motorcycle with the goal of seeing as much of the nearby beauty as he could in the weekend, not knowing that the twist of the throttle would kickstart an odyssey—traversing the wonders of America's National Parks. From the breezy coastal lanes to the towering redwoods, those initial 48 hours became the overture to a journey etched in tire marks and the echoes of freedom.


Q: What inspired you to embark on this epic journey of visiting all the national parks on a motorcycle?


Jonathan: I was on a work trip in San Francisco and decided to rent a motorcycle over the weekend to check out a bit of the coast. I had always heard people talk about the PCH and had always wanted to see redwood trees. During the 48 hours I had the bike, I put about 900 miles on the engine because the scenery was so breathtaking I just couldn't quit riding. My next trips were planned around some National Parks around my home state of Utah, and from there the goal emerged to eventually ride through all of them.


What started as a weekend escapade trasnformed into an audacious goal—to traverse the nation, visiting every national park he could on his motorcycle.


Q: Can you share some of your most memorable experiences during this adventure?


Jonathan: Being on Kona during the eruption of Manua Loa was incredible. Talk about good timing! During one of the few nights the lava flow wasn’t hidden by the clouds, I rode up. Ash was hitting me in the face with the visor being up, and I was awestruck by the power and beauty of nature.


Q: Did you have a favorite national park that stood out from the rest, and if so, what made it special?


Jonathan: Kings Canyon really shocked me, mostly because I had never really heard of it before planning the trip. It had elements of Yosemite and Sequoia, all in one. I loved the smells of the pines and a small hike I did where I was able to observe a black bear play with her two new cubs.


Every adventure has its challenges and Jonathan's was no different. Between blown tires, broken chains, and raindrops pelting against his visor, the road wasn't just a source of joy; it was a testing ground, challenging not only his bike's resilience but his own.


Q: Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?


Jonathan: Flat tire, blown tire, broken chain, torrential rain and near-freezing Temperatures. Sometimes had to improvise, other times the only option was to call AAA.


On a motorcycle, nature isn't a distant tableau viewed through a windshield, it's an immersive experience. The smells, the temperature changes, the wind—it's not just a ride, it's a sensory feast. Exploring on his motorcycle created completely different experiences in each of the parks, even to those he had been to before.


Q: Traveling on a motorcycle is quite different from other modes of travel. How did it shape your experience and connection with nature?


Jonathan: On a motorcycle, the scenery isn't framed in by a windshield so everything just appears bigger. While you are on a bike you are literally outside in nature, noticing all of the temperature changes, different smells, and feeling the wind. I had driven through Yellowstone several times in a car, I was shocked the first time I drove through on my bike, at how different and new of an experience it was.


Each pit stop, each interaction, and each park became a chapter in the book of Jonathan's adventure. From the sprawling vistas of Carlsbad Caverns to the icy wilderness of Denali, each place imprinted itself on his memory. Jonathan became more than a tourist but started to dig deep roots into the fabric of his surroundings. These trips helped him realize that this journey was more than a bucket list; it became one of the most impactful decisions he has made in his life.


Q: Can you share a heartwarming or enlightening interaction you had with locals?


Jonathan: Once while filling up with gas, a older gentleman asked where I was from and where I was headed and explained that when he was younger he did a similar journey. He asked if he could pray for me and when I said yes, he put one hand on my head and one hand on my bike and said a prayer for me to be safe and to "ride with the angels." I didn't really know what that meant but I was touched by how much he cared about me, being a complete stranger. That was near Durango, Colorado.


The journey wasn’t just a perpetual ride; it was nights under starlit canopies, sometimes in designated camping spots, other times in the nooks and crannies that only a seasoned traveler could find.


Q: Did you ever camp within the national parks, and if so, what was it like to spend the night in these natural wonders?


Jonathan: Yes - during Covid one of the park rangers at Carlsbad Caverns said he wanted me to set up my bed on a scenic overlook so that I could watch the sunrise over the valley. It wasn't a designated camp spot, but he said he would be the only one on patrol that night and I had his permission. That was awesome. Also those bats are insane!

 

Q: Your story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. What advice would you offer to others considering a similar adventure? 


Jonathan: Make sure you have all the tools and skills you need to solve any mechanical issue you might face, especially if you are riding alone. Invest in AAA and carry a Satellite phone. Check in with friends/family or share your location so that people can follow you on your journey. Always carry some wet wipes and zip-lock bags in case of an emergency lol.


Q: What kind of preparation and planning went into a multi-year road trip to visit all the national parks?


Jonathan: I really only had to plan about 10 days at a time, and a lot of the planning was just figuring out the order of the parks that I wanted to hit. I never planned on where I would sleep or what I would eat, but would figure it out as I went. Usually I'd sleep next to the bike and just eat gas station food. The most planning I had to do was when I went to the east coast and had to store the bike in a storage unit for a month so I could fly home for a few months and go back to work before continuing that leg of the journey.


Jonathan had to push boundaries to accomplish this huge feat, it became a delicate balancing act. With only two weeks of vacation per year, this meant pushing his limits--riding for 12 to 14 hours to maximize park time and see them all.


Q: How did your journey impact your perspective on conservation and the importance of preserving these natural spaces?


Jonathan: I've always been a big proponent of conservation, these trips just made me appreciate the natural spaces more than ever. Wish there could be more law enforcement to keep people on trails and away from wildlife.


Each park had its own character, a unique piece in the mosaic of America's wild beauty. From the grandeur of Rainier to the misty allure of Olympic, each stop was its own adventure.


Q: What Parks would you go back to see again?


Jonathan: Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite (smells) Smoky Mtns, Glacier, Olympic, Acadia, Death Valley.


Now, as the dust settles, Jonathan has a new chapter to write. A chapter that involves sharing the wonders he discovered with family and friends.


Q: What's next on your adventure bucket list?


Jonathan: Take family and friends to the national parks to enjoy them together now.



One mile, one park... these moments add up and the numbers underpin this epic tale. What would it look like to traverse the nation, visit every national park, and live the dream of the open road?


Miles:

  • Over 12,000 miles traveled

Hours on Motorcycle:

  • Over 155 hours logged

Hotel (when used):

  • approx. $125 a night

Fuel:

  • At $5,000 for fuel, with 250 fill-ups at 40 mpg

Food:

  • Approximately $3,000 for food, a mix of gas station snacks and canned goods

Motorcycle:

  • A KTM 1290 Super Adventure R

Supplies:

  • Tools for the bike, a satellite phone for connectivity,pannier, and essentials like wet wipes and zip-lock bags



Jonathan's journey wasn’t just about visiting parks; it was about getting to know America, intimately. Each park, each town, each interaction contributed to a deeper understanding of the country he calls home.


From the Bay Area's cool breeze to the epic heights of the Smoky Mountains, from the fiery spectacle of a Hawaiian eruption to the deep crevices of the Grand Canyon, Jonathan's journey was a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure, resilience, and a love for the open road. Much of the experience Jonathan gained can't be taught/learned any other way than going out and becoming apart of it.


His motorcycle, more than a mode of transport, became a conduit connecting him to the pulse of America. As his wheels traced the contours of the land, Jonathan's epic adventures continue to echo through the canyons--a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most profound stories are written not with pens and paper but with the hum of engines and the winding roads of the great American landscape.







Follow for more of Jonathan's epic adventures.

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Jul 23, 2024

THE FEAR OF NOT BREATHING


A firefighter battles the King fire along Highway 50 in Fresh Pond, California. PHOTOGRAPH BY NOAH BERGER, REUTERS


THE STORY


In the midst of an inferno, a courageous team of firefighters stood firm, their faces hidden behind masks, their breaths shallow and strained. As they confronted the wrath of the blazing wildfire, fear quietly crept into their hearts, like an uninvited guest casting shadows in the night.


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Among them, a firefighter named Jake grappled with a familiar dread. The acrid smoke filled his lungs, making each breath a battle against the choking haze. The searing heat licked at his skin, a constant reminder of the formidable adversary they faced. The symphony of crackling timbers and roaring flames played in his ears, echoing the raw power of nature unleashed.


In the midst of chaos, Jake contemplated the delicate dance between fire and forest, a dance older than time itself. It was a dance of destruction and renewal, of nature's fury and her relentless drive to rejuvenate. The firefighters around him held their ground, not as adversaries of the inferno, but as guardians of a greater equilibrium.

As they toiled against the blaze, Jake's mind wandered to the debate that raged within their community—the art of controlled burns. Some argued that nature should be left to follow its course, that fire was a necessary force of rejuvenation. Others advocated for intervention, for the preservation of homes and habitats.


Yet, in that moment, such debates felt distant and inconsequential. The urgency of their mission, the gravity of their responsibility, brought clarity to their purpose. The firefighters, in their unspoken unity, were driven by a shared commitment to protect and preserve. They understood the delicate balance between letting nature take its course and safeguarding the lives and lands entrusted to them.

In the unyielding face of danger, Jake marveled at the bravery that burned within his fellow firefighters. They stood together, an unwavering bastion of hope amidst the chaos, their resolve forged by the solemn duty to defend what was precious. In their quiet heroism, they embodied the spirit of countless men and women who had confronted fire's relentless advances throughout history.


As the flames were finally quelled, and the scorched earth lay still, Jake and his comrades took a moment to survey the charred aftermath. It was a bittersweet tableau—a testament to the destructive power of fire, yet also a harbinger of nature's resilience. The scars would heal, and life would return, perhaps in different forms, but with an enduring vitality.


No grand pronouncements were made, no speeches delivered. Instead, the firefighters shared a silent bond, knowing their efforts had served a higher purpose. They had danced with the flames, confronting their fears, and emerged not as conquerors but as guardians of the delicate web that connected us all.


Their story, like the wisps of smoke that rose and dissipated, would remain etched in the annals of courage. For in their valiant battles against fire's fury, they reminded us of the intricate tapestry of life and the immutable truth that sometimes, in facing our greatest fears, we discover the strength to preserve what matters most.



 

WHY IT MATTERS


In recent years, wildfires have become increasingly prevalent, wreaking havoc on our forests and ecosystems. These fiery battles against nature's destructive force often lead to devastation, leaving behind scars that take years, even decades, to heal. However, it is essential to comprehend the role of wildfires, the need for controlled management, and the significance of seeing the bigger picture in preserving our natural landscapes.


The Scope of Destruction:

Wildfires leave a trail of destruction in their wake, consuming vast expanses of forest and grasslands. The scale of damage caused by these infernos is staggering, with millions of acres scorched, countless trees reduced to ash, and a significant impact on wildlife and biodiversity. The economic consequences are also substantial, with billions of dollars spent on firefighting efforts and post-fire rehabilitation.


The Purpose of Fire:

While wildfires are often associated with devastation, it is crucial to recognize their ecological role and the natural processes they facilitate. Fire plays a vital role in renewing ecosystems, clearing out dead vegetation, and stimulating new growth. Many plant species even rely on fire to trigger the germination of their seeds. Fire helps maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem by creating open spaces, releasing nutrients back into the soil, and promoting biodiversity.


Controlling the Flames:

Wildfires can quickly spiral out of control, posing threats to human lives, property, and communities. Firefighters are the courageous individuals on the front lines, battling these infernos to protect lives and limit the damage. Controlling wildfires through strategic firefighting efforts is crucial to safeguarding human safety and minimizing the destruction of vital habitats. However, there are differing opinions on whether every fire should be extinguished or if allowing some fires to burn naturally, under controlled conditions, can be beneficial in the long run.


The Big Picture:

To truly understand wildfires, we must adopt a broader perspective. It is essential to consider the historical context of fire in our ecosystems, recognizing that fire has been a natural occurrence for millennia. The suppression of fire over the years has disrupted natural processes, leading to an accumulation of fuel and more intense fires when they do occur. By embracing the bigger picture, we can make informed decisions about managing wildfires, striking a balance between human safety and the health of our ecosystems.


Fire Statistics in the United States:

Over the past decade, the United States has experienced a significant number of wildfires, each leaving its mark on the landscape. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the U.S. Forest Service, here are the number of wildfires in the United States over the past 10 years:

  1. From 2011 to 2020, the U.S. experienced an average of approximately 58,000 wildfires per year.

  2. The total number of reported wildfires during this period exceeds 580,000.

  3. The year with the highest number of wildfires within this timeframe was 2015, with over 68,000 fires reported.

  4. In 2020 alone, there were approximately 58,000 wildfires reported in the United States.

  5. The acreage burned by wildfires varies each year. However, on average, wildfires in the U.S. burn millions of acres annually.

It is important to note that these statistics are subject to annual variations, and the severity and extent of wildfires can vary greatly depending on factors such as climate conditions, human activities, and land management practices.


These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing wildfire management and finding sustainable solutions to protect our forests and communities.


Wildfires are a force of nature that we must comprehend and respect. While they bring destruction, they also have a vital ecological role. By acknowledging the importance of controlled management and balancing the needs of human safety with the health of our ecosystems, we can work towards a future where wildfires are understood, mitigated, and harnessed for the benefit of our natural world. Together, we can protect our forests, promote biodiversity, and ensure the resilience of our ecosystems in the face of fire's fierce embrace.



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