North America

Most of the Walleighs’ North American travels have been within the U.S., especially traveling to the East Coast since their children went to college and now live there. They have managed to spend time in almost all states except for a few in the middle of the U.S.—and only Rick has been to Alaska. They’ve vacationed in Canada for skiing, toured the Rockies, and spent a few days in Ontario Province. Then in Fall of 2013 they drove in Quebec Province from Quebec City to Niagara Falls as part of a road trip that also extended across New York State.

Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Our four days in Victoria, the capital of Vancouver Island AND British Columbia (BC) gave us a feel for the history—human, geological, and cultural—of the southwestern-most province of Canada. Upon our arrival into Victoria, we checked into the historic Empress Hotel....

Backpacking in Sierra

Backpacking in Sierra

After a two-night trip in the Santa Cruz Mountains earlier this summer, in August, Rick and two friends went backpacking into the Sierras’ Desolation Wilderness for a few days. The lakes were still partially frozen and the trail was still covered quite a bit in snow....

Western New York in Autumn

Western New York in Autumn

The Walleighs’ 2013 road trip was with good friends with whom they had traveled in New Zealand.  In late September 2013 after traversing Quebec Province (go to Quebec or Montreal, etc.  for details on the Canada portion of this trip), they crossed the border into New...

Rick’s September 2013 Backpacking in the Sierra

Rick’s September 2013 Backpacking in the Sierra

In September 2013, Rick and his friend Jim spent 5 ½ days hiking 58 miles from North Lake to South Lake on the eastern side of the Sierras.  This well-known route is considered by many backpackers to be one of the most beautiful hikes in California.  About half of...

U.S. Snow Country–Winter 2013

U.S. Snow Country–Winter 2013

National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY. In January 2013, Rick and Wendy flew to Jackson, WY to spend a week with their son Adrian and his girlfriend Kallie.  While there, Wendy and Kallie visited the National Elk Refuge via sleigh.  It is truly amazing how:  large the elk...