Outreach – Page 4 – Dinosaur River Expeditions

What are the best places in Utah to visit if you love fossils?

Posted on April 8, 2021 at 7:59 am.

Paleontologists have found fossils from many different species of dinosaurs across Utah. The state’s unique climate preserved this ancient record. It is still visible today if you know where to go looking for it. For suggestions on where to go and what you might find, keep reading as these enthusiasts share their discoveries.

Shawna Newman

Shawna Newman, Founder & Editor-in-Chief at Active Weekender.

Dinosaur National Monument

Without a doubt, Dinosaur National Monument is the best place in Utah (and the entire United States) for paleontology and fossil enthusiasts. There’s a good reason this [site] is the dinosaur capital of the world. You get to visit a quarry that used to be an active dig where the paleontologists found a bunch of dinosaur bones. It’s really quite awe-inspiring. I also love that you can get in a bit of hiking while checking out this cool landscape and seeing more fossils and petroglyphs.

For people who prefer to stay indoors, the BYU Museum of Paleontology is definitely an underrated attraction. Plus, it’s free, which is great for large families on a budget. It’s also really cool to see real paleontologists at work here.

Sarah Sherren

Sarah Sherren, Content Marketing Strategist at Best Company.

Museum of Ancient Life

I’m a Utah native and love exploring all around the state. Dinosaur National Monument is the number one place to visit if you’re looking for sheer fossil count. The Quarry located near Jensen, Utah, is a building built around a quarry of hundreds of visible dinosaur bones. The Quarry is very accessible and air-conditioned, which is nice during hot Utah summers. The rest of the park has other sites to see and explore, but nothing compares to this massive wall of bones.

Another fun place to stop is on the other side of the state in Delta, Utah. Here, visitors can search for trilobite fossils and actually keep the fossils they find! The success rate of finding trilobites here seems pretty high. There are also fossils for purchase if you happen not to find anything.

In addition to outdoor places, there are also a couple of museums of paleontology, notably Brigham Young University’s Museum of Paleontology in Provo, Utah, and the Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. These museums are only a 30-minute drive from one another and offer a look at all the ancient life found in and around Utah.

Bettina Staerkle

Bettina Staerkle is a travel expert and founder of The Next Trip.

20 Mile Dinosaur Tracks

For anyone interested in paleontology, visiting the 20 Mile Dinosaur Tracks in Utah is a must! They are located along Hole in the Rock Road near Escalante, Utah. This area has over 350 individual dinosaur tracks that have been preserved in the sandstone rock. What’s amazing is you can walk unrestricted amongst the very same places as the plant-eating sauropods once did over 150 million years ago.

Jude Boudreaux

Jude Boudreaux, Co-founder of Road Trips with Kids.

St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site

There are so many options it’s hard to narrow down a shortlist!

Dinosaur National Monument would be #1 on my list when the visitor’s center is open again. Hiking and outdoor activities are open now, but they [are not as impressive as] the massive interior wall.

The St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site would be my top recommendation with kids. They have amazing artifacts, life-sized models, working paleontologists, and great kid activities.

Dinosaur Tracks Trail in Moab has some of the most amazing tracks I’ve ever seen, and it’s a short hike of about two miles.

Kristen McCalla

Kristen McCalla is an avid traveler, hiker, and owner of ReadyGoHike.com.

U-Dig Fossils

Utah is a top destination for paleontology and fossil buffs. One of the best places to go in the state to look at fossils is Dinosaur National Monument. Here you can spot the fossils of dinosaurs that once roamed these lands.

If you’re looking to take home your own fossil souvenir, head to U-Dig Fossils near Delta, Utah. Here you can scour the freshly excavated shale to look for fossil trilobites. Anything you find you can keep.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors are not necessarily affiliated with this website and their statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.

Things to keep in mind when bringing kids to outdoor activities

Posted on April 7, 2021 at 11:01 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

The outdoors offers kids endless chances to explore and be adventurous, but it’s not always safe. And, in this age of high-tech entertainment and with a worldwide pandemic raging, our kids aren’t always anxious to get out past the front door. We asked adventurers to weigh in on some important things to consider when taking children into the great outdoors, and here’s what they had to say:

David De Haan

After spending most of his life on or near the water rafting, fishing, and sailing, David De Haan started the website Fantastic Kayaks, where he helps beginning kayakers with tips and advice.

Show them how fun being outside

First, start small and make it exciting. If your children love being inside, they may not enjoy outdoor activities as much as you expect them to. The last thing you want is to make them miserable. The goal is to show them how fun being outside is. Introduce them gradually and don’t force anything.

Another thing, find something they love and work with that. If you notice that the kids love the water, do activities that involve that. Take them swimming, canoeing, or paddleboarding. This will make it easier for them to want to be outside more. If you have no idea what they like, try different things and note their reactions.

My kids love the water and, fortunately, so do I. We got them started on watersports when they were young and they love it. They don’t need any persuasion to go outside.

Leo Young

Leo Young, Founder and Editor of OptimizedFamily.com

Keep in mind the safety and the balance of benefit over risk

In the ongoing age of the pandemic, there are several things parents need to keep in mind that we would never have dreamed about a year ago when bringing our kids to outdoor activities. Like for example:

How many people are going to be there? Will there be overcrowding? Will there be some kind of control over numbers?
Will social distancing/mask-wearing/preventative protocols be enforced/observed – particularly among the adults
How much contact will there be among the kids?
Where will people be coming from?
Will facilities be shared? Sanitized regularly?

As parents, we do not want our kids to miss out on the outdoor activities they enjoy as part of their childhood and need as part of their social development. But neither do we want to put them, ourselves, and our families at risk. What we should keep in mind first and foremost is safety and the balance of benefit over risk.

Lorie Anderson

Lorie Anderson, Parenting blogger at MomInformed.com.

Kids get cold easier

You can never bring enough layers. It’s better for them to be overdressed and have to remove layers than to be cold and uncomfortable. Always bring way more layers than you think you’ll need. Extra socks, hats, sweaters, and scarves can save a trip.

Short hair is easier to clean on the go
We keep my five-year-old daughter’s hair chin-length because it’s easier to clean while we’re traveling. I’m sure she’ll want to grow it out in a year or two when she starts thinking about those types of things, but until she asks, I’ll keep it short for the sake of our day trips.

When you have young kids, always be prepared to leave early if you have to
One of the realities of parenthood is that you don’t always get to stay for the entire event. You have to accept that before you go anywhere, especially outdoors. I’ve seen parents get very frustrated because they had to leave a picnic or BBQ due to a sick or tired kid, but it is what it is. As long as you manage your expectations and understand that you might have to leave before the event is over, you’ll always have a good time.

Piyushi Dhir

Piyushi Dhir is a businesswoman by profession and a writer by passion. Managing the care of 4 generations of her family has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on healthcare. Find her at Helpandwellness.com

Outdoor fun certainly needs some planning

Heading out for a day of outdoor fun certainly needs some planning when taking along your kids. Here a few points to keep in mind:

Weather conditions can make or break any outdoor adventure but even more so when you have your youngsters with you. During winter months make sure you pack spare clothing just in case they get wet, an extra layer for extra warmth, and a flask with hot chocolate for a warm sugary treat. During the hotter seasons, layer them up so you can remove or add layers as needed – remember kids can overheat much more easily than adults. Having strong sunblock is a must especially for all kids.
Kids are prone to slips and bumps. Having a first aid kit with you with all the basics is essential for peace of mind. Pack bandages made especially for kids with smiley faces, unicorns, or just brightly colored to help ease them back into the fun mood after a mini-accident.
When your kids are hungry it becomes the mission to find the nearest restaurant or cafe. Pack snacks in your backpack, or, for longer days out, make up a basket of food for a picnic. By preparing food beforehand, you will make sure you don’t have to halt the day early.

Candace Helton

Candace Helton, Operations Director at Ringspo.

Prepare a master list for outdoor activities

As a mom of two, I know that outdoor activities are very important for our kids to develop independence, social skills, and self-confidence as well. However, with the pandemic happening, it’s become harder for our kids to participate in anything outdoors. So, here are my tips:

Brief your kids about some rules. Before going out, make sure you talk to your kids about following the physical distancing rule. Also, remind them to be more mindful of the things they touch outside, and always carry their own hand sanitizer as well. More importantly, make sure your kids know that they have to keep their masks on at all times. While you may assume that your kids might already know the rules or if you’ve discussed them before, it’s still better to have a short briefing before you actually go out. This way, their minds are refreshed on the do’s and don’ts.
Choose low-risk activities. When choosing what activities to do outside your home, go for those that don’t involve a lot of people. Personally, I recommend going fishing, hiking, or taking a picnic in your yard. Other activities you can do include biking, boating, or drive-in movies.
Prepare a master list for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities with your kids require planning. And since you’ll be doing it multiple times, it’s good practice to have a pre-written list of things to do and bring before the activity. That way, you don’t have to constantly remind yourself of everything you need to do before your kid goes out. It gives you peace of mind and it can also reduce the prep time you need beforehand since all you have to do is follow the list.

Abby Hao

Abby Hao, Head of Marketing at Wellpcb PTY LTD.

Make it fun and engaging

Parents need to be very wary about a lot of things when taking their kids to outdoor activities. A few tips parents should take in are:

Ensure that they are in less crowded places to ensure proper social distancing.
Ideally, they should be free to explore their surroundings but at a distance where you can keep a close eye on them.
If you take them sporting, always ensure that the kids wear the respective gear required in the sport. The safety gear may entail footwear, helmets, foot paddings, shin guards.
If it’s cycling, then you need to make clear the traffic rules. They should include observing traffic lights, avoiding the sidewalks, and looking out for cars making turns or leaving driveways.
When going camping, you should ensure that you’ve carried extra clothes and blankets just in case the weather gets chilly. Also, essential to have with you is a first-aid kit, proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, and food and water.
When you take them swimming, ensure that they always have on life jackets even when you don’t plan on letting them get in the water. Accidents happen, and a kid may fall inside a pool or wander off into the ocean waters.

While these activities need to be safe for your children, you should also make them fun and engaging to be a part of at the same time.

Simon Elkjær

Simon Elkjær, Chief Marketing Officer, avXperten.

Always guarantee the safety of the place

A few things to keep in mind if you bring your child out to play is to always guarantee the safety of the place you’re going to and keeping an emergency kit within your reach. As the pandemic is still very much among us, I wouldn’t recommend taking your kids out but you can enjoy the sun from your backyard. Before you bring out your kids to play, make sure that your backyard is a clean and safe space to play in. Double-checking beforehand helps minimize the chances of your child getting hurt or other emergencies.

It’s also best to keep an emergency kit within your reach at all times. Doing so will let you respond quickly and more efficiently. If emergencies occur, parents and guardians should keep a clear mind in order to give the children the care they need.

What are outdoor enthusiasts missing out on if they don’t have a guide with them?

Posted on March 19, 2021 at 1:44 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

Outdoor enthusiasts have a natural desire to explore new places and see new sights. While many destinations are easy to navigate with elementary outdoor skills, it is not hard to find yourself in over your head. Hiring a guide on your next trip offers countless benefits. Keep reading to see what outdoor experts have to say about those benefits.

Brady Fraser

Brady Fraser is an outdoor writer and enthusiast at Two Trailbirds. He loves all activities, from hiking, to snowboarding, to rock climbing, but is primarily a backpacker. He has thru-hiked the John Muir Trail and spends as much time as he can backpacking local trails in the Northwest.

Tips and tricks

Speaking as a backpacker who pushed through the “figuring things out” stage long before ever trying any kind of guided trip, I can say that the biggest things non-guided adventurers are missing out on are accelerated learning and a sense of direction. When you first decide to [follow in the footsteps of] your favorite Instagrammer and go backpacking, it can be challenging because you don’t even really know what backpacking is. Having someone with a deeper understanding by your side to “guide” your experience can help you get a feel for not only how to do it but how to appreciate it. They’re great at making new and difficult experiences feel more comfortable, which ultimately will give you more opportunity to appreciate them and more confidence when you set out on your own.

Another seemingly obvious thing, though one that doesn’t become truly apparent until it happens for you, is just how much a guide can accelerate your learning. You can learn tips and tricks in one session with a guide that would have taken you dozens [of trips] to figure out on your own. Even simple things like picking a campsite, setting up a tent, or filtering water can be daunting to a newbie. A guide will make them easy. All of this adds up to better experiences for you in the future and at a much, much faster pace.

Those are the big things that I think people are missing out on if they don’t have a guide.

Bertie Cowan

Bertie Cowan here founder of Effortless Outdoors, an avid hiker, camper, and a lover of everything outdoor-related.

Valuable photo opportunities

As a seasoned hiker, I never recommend hiking alone and always advise taking a guide if the hike will be challenging, you are in an area you don’t know, or don’t have a companion. Here’s why:

Taking a guide when you don’t have a companion will means you can share the experience. It’s a great feeling to reach the focal point of the hike, maybe staring down at an expansive forest. That feeling is vastly better if you have someone to share the experience with. Certainly, if you are alone, you will miss out on some valuable photo opportunities and will need to settle for a few quick selfies instead.
Some hikes can be quite a challenge to the point of being dangerous if they are beyond your ability or experience level. Taking a guide with you means you can draw from his knowledge of the area and experience. The guide can offer alternatives to a route that would be impossible for you to pass. Hitting a vertical wall with only hooks to hold onto may be well beyond some hikers’ abilities, and this is where having an experienced local guide with you really does pay off.
Without in-depth knowledge of the hike, you will find that you miss out on seeing a lot of the local wildlife. An experienced local guide will know where to find or to look for wildlife through the seasons. The guides’ knowledge of nesting spots, grazing areas, and watering holes is really invaluable.

Mike Miller

Mike Miller, Editor in Chief at Wilderness Times.

Interesting details

No matter how much thorough planning and research you do, once you get out into the wilderness, it can be difficult to navigate unfamiliar terrain. If you want to make sure you see all the highlights and hidden gems a place has to offer, it’s a really good idea to go with a guide.

The beauty of having a guide with you is that, unlike you, they know the terrain. It’s like the difference between wandering around a new city you’ve never been to before by yourself and having a local show you around and take you to all their favourite spots.

With a guide, you won’t waste any time getting lost or staring at a map trying to figure out which way to go. Saving this time will maximize the amount of activity you can fit into a day.

The main thing, though, is that you won’t miss anything special. An experienced guide will be able to direct your attention to far more interesting details than you’re unlikely to uncover on your own.

Alexandra Vidak

Alexandra Vidak, the General Manager of Adventure Dubrovnik, an outdoor adventures company that currently hosts the #1 (Tripadvisor) ranked kayaking experience in the world.

Information! Context! Confidence! The caveat?

Over the past decade, we’ve seen so many outdoors enthusiasts who are adrenaline junkies. They’re addicted to the thrill of novelty, and they voraciously feed off of new experiences, but just as many people we host are cautious travelers. They crave that new experience but may not have the confidence to venture off on their own.

Some people are just passing through and only have a few hours to take in the sites. As fun as it can be to go guideless, they just don’t have the time to get lost trying to find a hiking trail or paddling through unknown seas.

The obvious perk [to having a guide] – The information! The history! The stories! Guides are literally knowledge incubators. A good guide will have completed an activity multiple times before hosting guests. A great guide will have entertaining stories to back their experience!

All else aside, whether you happen to be traveling with partners, friends, or solo, sometimes it’s just nice to have the company and a unique perspective.

Luke Herrmann

Luke Herrmann runs the YouTube channel & the blog for the Stop Fishing Start Catching brand that’s focused on helping fishermen improve their techniques.

Outdoor knowledge and methods

While the majority of outdoor enthusiasts believe they don’t need help and their skills are sufficient to be successful, which I’m not disagreeing with, but there is something you miss out on by not engaging with a guide.

Depending on where you are exploring the outdoors, the people of that culture or area may have a totally unique way to do certain things (whether that’s fishing, hunting, etc.). For example, I’m sure an outdoor enthusiast can visit Virginia and hook themselves up on a big catfish just fine. However, would an outdoor enthusiast be knowledgeable about other methods of catching catfish, such as noodling?

While an outdoor enthusiast can have a great time without a guide, there is the potential they’ll miss out on so much more by not engaging the guides and experts in that specific region. Most outdoor enthusiasts I know are continually trying to learn, and you are shortchanging yourself by not soaking up as much information as possible from as many sources as possible.

Harpa Gretarsdóttir

Harpa Gretarsdóttir is a marketing representative at Icewear, she has been working in the fashion and retail industry for over 7 years, and specializes in marketing, social media, and PR.

Guide’s inside perspective of the area

If an outdoor enthusiast wants to get under the skin of a country and experience it fully, they would be wise to have a guide accompany them. Otherwise, they will miss out on the guide’s inside perspective of the area/country whilst exploring. This insight includes food, visually stunning routes, and maybe even some local survival techniques. Likewise, safety is a concern as they will not have a guide’s experienced knowledge of the landscape and weather conditions to call upon if accidents happen. Iceland, for example, is full of dangers. You can explore the rugged nature further [with a guide who] will keep you safe, whether on a volcano, near a geyser, or far up on a glacier. The weather on a glacier can change rapidly, and cracks can hide under the seemingly harmless snow, leaving inexperienced people in grave danger.

Not commissioning a guide also limits the fun of communicating with a resident. Language learning can unlock a true understanding of a country’s heritage, or in our case, Iceland’s volcanic and rugged terrain and how this plays into folklore and history. The knowledge you’ll receive from a guide is worth any money you exchange for their time. A pile of rocks along the route of your hike could actually be a key milestone in the journey of a country’s hero. You may also miss secret paths and caves. It’s always worth using experts where possible.

Tim Denman

Tim Denman is the Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at ServGrow.

Knowledge and experience

I personally believe it is better to have a local guide to guide you on treks because they know the land more than your TripAdvisor site. This is vital knowledge and experience from people who have explored these forests and lands more times than you’ve traveled there. So, why waste time trying to find something yourself when they can guide you directly to it while giving some fun history behind it. Not to mention, most guides have certifications in providing proper medical care in the event of an accident. Don’t risk your life [because of] your pride. Time is money. Make the most of your vacation. Be safe and trust the locals. They live there; you don’t. Support the land in supporting those who take care of it.

Lance Wilkins

Lance Wilkins, Founder and editor of Calloutdoors.com

Experiences

Whether you’re spending time outdoors on a fishing trip, hunting trip, or even a simple hike, there is no one who has the experience and area knowledge like a captain, outfitter, or guide, respectively. A guide’s job is to enhance your experience and help you to truly immerse yourself in all of the things that you’ll inevitably be exposed to. From fauna and flora to site history, a guide is the best way to tap into the heart of the area you’re exploring.

We hope you’ll visit us at Dinosaur River Expeditions and experience this exquisite part of the country with the help of our experienced guides. Our guides know the waterways and terrain backward and forward and have spent many years traversing them. They can help you stay safe and learn about the back stories and hidden wonders of this area that you may miss out on otherwise.

How do you mentally prepare for white water rafting?

Posted on February 26, 2021 at 10:46 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

When it comes to extreme sports, there’s a fine line between excited anticipation and fear. You’ve probably heard a host of things about the exhilaration of white water rafting, and maybe it’s on your bucket list. But if fear creeps in the closer you get to hopping in the raft, breathe deeply. It’s normal to be afraid of the unknown, but you can overcome. We asked people with rafting experience to share their tips for staying calm, cool and collected as you approach your big adventure.

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson, Founder and director of Festoon House.

Knowledge is comfort

When it comes to white water rafting, knowing the basics, and even some advanced points, is your best bet if you want to become mentally prepared. If you know the levels of the sport, the different river types, clothing guidelines, safety instructions, and if you have an experienced guide, this will lessen your anxiety once you’re already there.

Acknowledge the feelings
If you have pre-trip anxieties, acknowledge them but know that you’re going to feel better once you’re actually in the experience. As you board the boat and start the sport, your fears will be replaced with awareness and readiness. So it’s okay to be scared at first, but if you’re really anxious, taking anti-anxiety meds might help.

Don’t forget to listen to your guide
Having someone experienced is important in white water rafting, especially if you’re a beginner. To mentally prepare yourself, talk to your guide beforehand and ask about his or her experiences. This will also give you some comfort. Plus, when you’re already in the water, having a guide helps a lot in terms of safety and technique.

Make sure you’re focused
Do not take any alcohol or drugs before doing this sport. It’s extremely important that you give your undivided attention to ensure safety and reduce risks.

Torben Lonne

Torben Lonne is an entrepreneur, dad, scuba diver, and ocean lover who is deeply concerned with how we are treating our planet. He runs Divein.com, an online magazine about scuba diving and how we can all make a positive difference for the environment.

Enjoy the experience

Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of going on your first white water rafting trip. It may seem frightening as you imagine rocks everywhere and the force of the water tossing your dinghy like a balloon through the water. For many people unacquainted with white water rafting, the prospect might seem scary, but it is well worth the experience.

The good news is that most destinations that offer white water rafting are perfectly safe, including for entire families. I’ve been fortunate to go white water rafting a few times, and it was hours of exhilarating fun. The first thing you need to remind yourself when mentally prepping for a white water rafting trip is that the [raft] is actually made of strong materials and resistant to bumping against rocks. So forget the idea that it’s a balloon ready to pop at any moment since it would be almost impossible for the [raft] to pop during the average white water rafting expedition.

Second, it’s all mind over matter, since most of the fear will pass once you get in the water. The sheer excitement of rushing through the water and maneuvering around will occupy your mind, leaving no room for any fear. Remember that you always have a life vest, and the tour guides are trained to handle any emergencies. For them, white water rafting is a daily routine, and you should feel confident that they know what they are doing at all times.

Overall, just try to enjoy the experience, and the fear will pass. Everyone should try white water rafting once in their lives, just make sure to heed all safety precautions on your trip.

Simon Elkjær

Simon Elkjær, Chief Marketing Officer, avXperten.

Know what to expect

I have a love for extreme sports, and I know that some might get anxious and scared about the idea of white-water rafting. One of the best ways you can mentally prepare yourself for white water rafting, or for any new activity for that matter, is by knowing as much as you can about it before the said activity or trip.

Knowing what to expect will help you set realistic expectations and quell any possible myths you have [heard] about the sport. With that being said, it’s important to check information from experts, not get too ahead of yourself and listen to the guide who’ll be accompanying you. Though some may say what you don’t know won’t hurt you, when it comes to situations like this, it probably might hurt—a lot!

Holden Harris

Holden Harris, Founder and editor at PeachTown.org.

Create an emergency plan

People sometimes have anxiety about white water rafting due to the risks and dangers involved, but there are ways to handle this. Creating an emergency plan is one of the best ways to make sure you’re ready for the experience. Knowing what to do if things go wrong can help you feel safe and secure.

John Frigo

John Frigo, Digital Marketing lead at BestPriceNutrition.Com.

Keep in mind you’re in good hands

We had a rafting place next to us so we walked over there one day and had such a great time. [We] wound up going a couple of times.

I’ve rafted once or twice in the past but don’t have a ton of experience and nobody else in my group had rafted. They typically run 3 different routes with various difficulties. We were going to go on the tamest one; however, they were only running the most intense one the day we called due to water levels. After a bit of chatter about whether we should still go, we ultimately decided to go, most of us being a bit nervous.

It wound up being a ton of fun and wasn’t as scary as we anticipated. I think one thing to remember is most of these places, the reputable ones at least, have highly trained guides who have gone on some pretty crazy rivers around the world, they live for the raft and do it day in and day out. They know exactly how to navigate the river safely so keep in mind you’re in good hands. Make sure to listen to their safety speech. Know what to do if you fall out, how to react, how to float, how to get rescued back into the boat, and you’ll be fine.

Why do kids seem to love dinosaurs so much?

Posted on February 26, 2021 at 7:22 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

People from all over the world are drawn to our rafting adventures through Dinosaur National Monument. The monument boasts over 1,500 dinosaur fossils exposed on a cliff face in the exhibit hall. But what draws people—especially young people—to these mysterious creatures from many millions of years ago? We crowdsourced this question to try to get to the heart of the allure. Read on to learn more.

Alex Thompson

Alex Thompson, Founder and director of Festoon House.

Dinosaurs are cool creatures.

They’re big, they’re scary, and they have cool names. But aside from that, dinosaurs also get to do what they want — and that’s one of the reasons why many kids like them. They’re like the ultimate fantasy and they’re living the dream. Dinosaurs don’t have to follow any rules, they don’t have bedtimes, and they don’t have to eat their veggies before they can eat their dessert. For kids, that’s a pretty bad-ass way to live life.

Kids get praised when they say something about dinosaurs.

When kids mention dinosaur names like Brachiosaurus and Velociraptor, they often get praise from adults. They get things like, “You’re a genius!” or “That’s really impressive!” This reinforces their interests and makes them want to know more about dinosaurs.

Dinosaurs are magical yet real at the same time.

Kids love stories and they love fictional characters. But with dinosaurs, kids know that they existed millions of years ago. So while they see cool pictures and animations of dinosaurs, the fact that they were real definitely sparks their interest.

Mark Coster BSc Ph.D.

Mark Coster BSc Ph.D., Owner and Chief Editor of STEM Toy Expert.

Names are music to a child’s ears

Everyone has seen it. A 5-year-old girl can barely talk in longer sentences but has no problem rolling those big, complicated names off her tongue. They are not just “dinos.” One has to be specific, even if it takes five minutes to spell a name. The mouthfuls such as Micropachycephalosaurus, Huehuecanauhtlus, Propliopithecus, and of course, everyone’s favorite T-Rex – those are music to a child’s ears!

This unbelievable devotion is a result of multiple factors. Ancient, long-extinct species that roamed the earth millions of years ago, some of them bigger than whales, others more ferocious than sharks – what’s there not to love? But it seems there’s more to this passion than just the story of small, bad guys and their big, gentle counterparts. Kids typically love animals because they let them explore the world in an empathetic way. Dinosaurs take this love one step further because they have to do with the deep past that none of us got to see personally.

A child that gets into these majestic creatures can really become an expert, rattling down all the names and periods. Envisioning their features, habits, struggles, and surroundings is so much fun. Plus, it opens up room for other important conversations: what kind of natural world they lived in and how it was different from today’s world. All of that instills a child with confidence and brings their enthusiasm to an even deeper level.

Moreover, with all those fascinating fossils and skeletons, who can say they weren’t real? Lying at the intersection of science and mystery, dinosaurs grow into a symbol of power, freedom, and passage of time. A child can’t articulate it, but they can still feel and admire it!

Janet Ruth Heller, Ph.D.

Janet Ruth Heller, Ph.D. taught English and American literature, composition, creative writing, linguistics, and women’s studies courses for 35 years at 8 colleges and universities. Find her at Janetruthheller.com

Dinosaurs are unusual, large, and powerful

Children like dinosaurs because such creatures are unusual, large, and powerful. Children are small and lack power in our society, so they get attracted to dinosaurs, which are the opposite.

Also, children get a lot of exposure to dinosaurs in the media. There are television shows about dinosaurs, such as PBS’s The Dinosaur Train. There are also movies about dinosaurs, such as the Jurassic Park series. Such media get youngsters interested in dinosaurs.

Museums often have displays of dinosaurs. When I was growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my father would often take my siblings and me to the Milwaukee Public Museum, which had re-assembled dinosaur skeletons. We could imagine what these creatures looked like when they were alive.

Uneaka Daniels

Uneaka Daniels is a 30-year veteran teacher who has taught kindergarten to 4th grade. She currently is a Reading Specialist who enjoys sharing all kinds of books with her students. Find her at Theuniqueblogger.com

Dinosaurs are mystical creatures

Children seem to love dinosaurs so much because there are animals they have never seen and have a mystical appeal to them. The pictures that they have seen of dinosaurs usually show large animals set in environments such as forests and on bare land.

Once they are able to touch replicas of these animals or visit museums such as the Smithsonian [National Museum of Natural History] in Washington D. C. they become totally infatuated. Dinosaurs give them an opportunity to use their imagination to create an unknown world with these animals.

What outdoor activities make great dates for adventure-loving couples?

Posted on February 9, 2021 at 5:06 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

RNature has a way of bringing couples together. No interruptions, no distractions. Just the beauty around you and a chance to focus on your loved one. We asked outdoor lovers to weigh in with their favorite outdoor activities for couples. Read on for ideas, and make sure that you check out our whitewater rafting adventures, too. The thrill of the trip against the backdrop of the stunning Dinosaur National Monument will bring you closer and help you create a treasured memory.

Max Alderman

Max Alderman, Co-founder of Scubanerds.com. He is an avid traveler who has traveled all over the world and fell in love with scuba diving.

Scuba diving

With 51% of Americans admitting they are terrified of sharks, what better way to get over your fears [than scuba diving] alongside your lover. There is nothing more romantic than getting outside of your comfort zone and getting over your fears together. It is important that you pick a dive operator with a stellar background, as the conservation and protection of the sharks are fundamentally tied back to the operator that you go with. It is also important to make sure that you are completely calm before going down to swim with the sharks, as they can sense fear. This is a great way to calm down your partner, and let them know that you are in this dive together. It will allow you to show a different side of yourself that your partner would not typically see in the day-to-day workings of your relationship.

Exploring and being adventurous as a couple is what keeps the spark alive, and there is nothing more thrilling than having a 13ft great white shark brush past you and your partner. You will always remember “that day you went shark diving”.

Tatiana Sorokina

Tatiana Sorokina is an award-winning travel blogger at Family Road Trip Guru.

Treasure hunting

Treasure hunting in line with the theme of the evening: “You are my treasure.” Depending on location, it can be tide pooling, searching for rare seashells, diamonds and other beautiful minerals, and hunting in various state parks and beaches famous for those activities, such as Diamond Crater State Park, etc.

Michael Humphreys

Michael Humphreys, Founder & CEO of Z Grills Australia.

Go somewhere you’ve never been before

Basically, any outdoor activity that involves a couple working and moving together is a great [couples activity]. Some examples include kayaking, mountain or wall climbing, paragliding, jet skiing, and hiking. Still, this will depend on what kind of activities the couple can do and prefers.

When doing some blood-pumping activities, try to go somewhere new instead of going to the usual spot where you’ve been going. Why not go scuba diving in another country or climbing a mountain you’ve never trekked on? This adds more to the excitement!

Bertie Cowan

Bertie Cowan, Founder of Effortless Outdoors, an avid hiker, camper, and a lover of everything outdoor-related.

Horseback ride along the beach

When I am not off on one of my adventures I am home planning for the next one. Here are a few suggestions for dates for fun-loving adventurers like myself:

There is nothing more romantic than being alone with your significant other on the water. Renting a canoe and heading off downstream armed with a blanket is the perfect way to spend the day. Take along a portable grill and enjoy hot food cooked on the fire served with a glass of champagne.

Camping under the stars sparks romance in every heart. Take a nighttime hike to find your perfect location. Set a fire, curl up and share toasted marshmallows.

If you are not far from the sea, try sharing a horseback ride along the beach. Bareback riding would make the date even more special. For those not familiar with riding, you will definitely need to soothe aching muscles with a couples massage afterward.

Laurel Robbins

Laurel Robbins is an avid hiker and founder of Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel.

Gourmet mountain-top picnic

I’d recommend adventure-loving couples do an easy hike to a mountain with panoramic views. Then, have a gourmet mountain-top picnic to reward their efforts and to take in the stunning scenery. My favorite mountain-top picnics include olives, chocolate-covered strawberries, home-made chocolate in heart shapes, and a small bottle of champagne to celebrate, all of which easily fit in a backpack. It’s an easy way to make your hike feel more special. It’s also a great way to surprise your partner.

Kate Moore

Kate Moore is a travel blogger at ParkedInParadise.com

Spend the weekend in a camper van conversion

Renting a camper van conversion for the weekend is the perfect way for couples to experience the outdoors and grow closer in a tiny home.

Campers allow you to park overnight right next to nature so you can be the first ones to hit the trails in the morning. You get an awesome camping experience, while still going to sleep in a comfortable bed. In the morning, you can brew coffee in the camper kitchen and relax in the secluded outdoors.

My husband and I have gone on many camper van dates. I love the fact that you don’t have to pay for a separate hotel and car rental, and you can even spend the night at some amazing outdoor locations for free!

Campers are fully mobile, so you can explore the city or National Parks during the day and settle down beneath the stars at night.

Matt Bailey

Matt Bailey is the co-founder and video host of MustDoCanada.com.

Ice Climbing

For those in Canada or any winter destination, frozen waterfalls are always popular to see. They’re beautiful and unique, like something out of the movie “Frozen.” But for those seeking adventure, why not make it a date and hire a guide to climb them.

In the Canadian Rockies, there are all sorts of frozen waterfalls that are popular for climbing, and the guides make it safe and comfortable. It’s hard work to make it to the top but with a harness, you’re safe to take stops and rest as you climb. It’s a great way to have an adventure, be in nature, and see some incredible ice formations in one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. Afterward, warm up with a hot chocolate or a bottle of wine next to the fireplace.

Anupama Singh

Anupama Singh, CEO of Fabulously.

A good plan and preparation

There are many ways to celebrate [your relationship in the outdoors]. You just need a good plan and good preparation for it. Let’s look at some of the things you can do to add adventure and excitement to your celebration of togetherness:

Plan for a bike ride in the daytime. You can choose a beautiful sunset location and have a bike ride with your partner to reach the destination.

You can choose to stay in a tent at night and enjoy the warmth together.

You can visit a romantic hiking destination together

You can go for a long drive without deciding the destination

These outdoor activities will make your time together exciting and memorable.

Jeanine Romo

Jeanine Romo is a solo world traveler who loves outdoor adventure. She is a podcast host, travel blogger, and content creator. Find her at Lewildexplorer.com

Hike to a secluded hot spring

One outdoor activity that will be a great date for adventure-loving couples is to plan a hike to a secluded hot spring. They can bring a beverage in a non-glass container and enjoy nature. If they are spending the night nearby, they can enjoy the springs at night, under the stars. This is a romantic and memorable activity that anyone can enjoy, even with the cold winter weather.

Critical Supplies to Take When River Rafting

Posted on December 12, 2020 at 5:15 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

River rafting is a prime way to reconnect with nature, spend time with loved ones away from distractions, and inject adventure into your life. The difference between a good trip and a bad trip, however, ties back to preparation. Before you head out on the water, read these tips from people who have learned from experience (and sometimes regrets) what not to forget.

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette, Chief Editor at Mom Loves Best.

Here are a few essentials

River rafting is a great opportunity for parents to spend some time with their children in an outdoor setting away from electronics. I took my own children recently on a river rafting trip with another family, and I learned I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was.

Our trip was supposed to be four hours, but so many things went wrong that the entire trip actually lasted just over six hours. We had a few essentials with us, but there were other things we should have brought as well. Here is what I recommend having on hand:

Water

Water is essential, especially if you’re out in the hot sun or your trip is an extended one.

Sunblock

You might think you won’t need sunblock if your trip is going to be shorter, but you should still bring a bottle. Your trip may not go as quickly as planned or you may be splashed more than anticipated, leading to your sunblock wearing off faster. Ideally, pick one that’s eco-friendly.

Phone

Bring your phone with you in a water-proof case. You never know when you might need it in case of emergencies.

Snacks

Having some food on hand can make everyone happier. Plus, it can keep your energy up for navigating down the river.

Life jacket

You may think you’re too cool to need one, but you’re wrong. Everyone should wear a life jacket.

Sunglasses

These can stop you from squinting the whole time you’re on the river. You’d also be smart to buy a cord, like Chums, that help your sunglasses stay attached to you.

Simon Hansen

Simon Hansen, Founder and Homebrew Expert at homebrewadvice.com, a company dedicated to providing quality content on the art of homebrewing and winemaking.

Don’t forget the sunscreen

What most people forget to bring when doing outdoor activities such as river rafting is sunscreen. Contrary to what people think, simply not being exposed to sunlight doesn’t mean that one’s safe from the risks of sunburn and UV light exposure. Sunlight bounces off of surfaces such as ice and water. Forgetting to apply sunscreen before river rafting means more than just getting a bad and uneven tan, you risk being exposed to harmful light as well.

Bob Hoffmann

Bob Hoffmann, editor-in-chief at BonfireBob.com, a blog focusing on camping, fishing and the great outdoors.

Thermos flasks

I would have to recommend bringing a proper Thermos flask that can latch on to your backpack for quick access at all times. Even if you are surrounded by water while rafting, it’s always good to stay hydrated. You can also fill up the flask in small streams and always have a water supply for the day.

Thermos flasks are also good to keep your coffee hot during the morning chill when you wake up after a night of camping, or to keep your soup warm later at night. So I would recommend bringing a Thermos for its versatility for both rafting and camping afterward, not to mention it’s more eco-friendly than bringing plastic bottles.

Best National Park Destinations For Kid-Friendly Family Trips?

Posted on February 12, 2020 at 7:09 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

The first national park was created in 1832. Now, there are 61 of these gems across the country, and they can make the perfect vacation spots for kids who are eager to move and explore.

Deciding which of these parks to visit can be a challenge. To help you narrow down the choices, we asked travel lovers to tell us about their favorites. Read on to learn what they had to say. (Spoiler alert: If you want to travel outside of the U.S., you’ll even read about a hidden jewel of a national park in Montenegro.)

Sarah and Paul Heer

Sarah and Paul Heer are a husband and wife team of travel bloggers who love all things Arkansas. They eat local, shop local, stay local and love to share their adventures in the Natural State. Find us at Arkie Travels.

Hot Springs National Park

Come enjoy the nation’s first national park, Hot Springs National Park, centrally located in the heart of the United States in Arkansas. Also called the Nation’s First Resort, Hot Springs was founded by gangsters and was once frequented by Babe Ruth who hit a 500-foot home run there during an exhibition game in the spring of 1918.

From Mid-America Museum to Magic Springs, it’s the perfect destination for families. Built in 2018, the Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House within the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden at Garvan Woodland Gardens is a sight to behold and a wonder to children.

See the history of the hot springs on Bathhouse Row at the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum. You can even see the steam coming off the water in little caves and streams just off the main road! Bring an empty jug with you and fill it at the thermal water jug fountain…it is odorless, colorless, tasteless and has been certified to drink when it arrives at the surface of Hot Springs Mountain.

Plan on driving up the mountain or taking the trail to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Hop in the elevator and enjoy 144 miles of panoramic views of the National Park.

Looking for peace and quiet? Spend the weekend camping in the natural beauty of Lake Catherine State Park. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Hot Springs, there are camper, RV and tent spots available, as well as yurts. Don’t miss out on ziplining at Catherine’s Landing and the Fall Creek Falls trail.

Hot Springs National Park has a wide variety of entertainment for both kids and their parents…give your family an experience you’ll never forget in the Natural State.

Simon Hansen

Simon Hansen | Founder, Blogger, and Homebrew Expert at www.homebrewadvice.com

Grand Teton National Park

The reason why the Grand Teton National Park is one of the best national parks the United States has to offer is that it offers a wide range of activities ranging from hiking, biking, skiing, and many more. Besides these activities, it’s also a great place to learn more about history and culture since it offers fun educational tours that kids will truly gain insight from. Going to Grand Teton gives you the chance to bond with your kids while also molding them to be happier and more socially conscious members of society.

Jovan Radnic

Jovan Radnic is a travel expert for the country of Montenegro. He works for Meanderbug, a social venture aiming to preserve Montenegrin villages through sustainable rural tourism.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park, Montenegro. This is one of the last three large virgin forests in Europe, and it is located in Northern Montenegro. The glacial lakes, lush forest, and rustic mountain huts that are known in Montenegro as katuns offer an escape from tourist hotspots.

The park is actually one of the [least] known areas in Montenegro. Its hiking trails are diverse and kid-friendly, leading through many of its enchanting wonders.

Kristen Surowitz

Kristen Surowitz is a former Marketing Coordinator and current stay-at-home mom to two girls under the age of three. When she’s not chasing two toddlers around, she writes about family travel and entertainment for her parenting and lifestyle blog.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is a great destination for families, even those with little ones in strollers. When navigated correctly, you can see amazing views of the canyon and walk an entirely paved path. The paved route begins at the Visitor’s Center and takes guests down the “Trail of Time” along the South Rim.

Having a stroller with us for this trip was a blessing. We were able to pack our lunches and bring extra water, and extra layers, without having to carry anything. After you visit Grand Canyon National Park, extend your stay in nearby Flagstaff, AZ. Drive down the famed Route 66 and visit the Lowell Observatory for even more family-friendly options.

Lauren Keys

Lauren Keys runs the personal-finance and travel blog, Trip Of A Lifestyle, with her husband Steven Keys. Together, they write about their adventures, and how they make them work financially to encourage others to get out and explore.

Adventure and open spaces

For little explorers, Badlands National Park, just an hour from affordable accommodations in Rapid City, South Dakota, would be a great destination. There are plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities inside the park, including a prairie dog town and packs of big-horned sheep. However, the most exciting part is the hikes, which offer opportunities to discover fossils!

For children that need to burn more energy, a trip to Yosemite might be your best bet. It’s less than an hour and a half from Fresno, California (home to two other fabulous parks: Kings Canyon and Sequoia), so there are plenty of places to stay and eat in town and even in the park (especially in Yosemite Village). In the park, there are so many ways to have fun in Yosemite Valley. There are hiking and biking trails (some of which take you safely to the base of a waterfall), swimming, and many guided tour options.

For older kids, a trip to Canyonlands and Arches outside Moab, Utah, might be more their speed. Lots of adventure and open spaces for biking and riding ATVs through the rugged terrain.

Shawna Newman

Shawna Newman currently lives in Las Vegas where she gets in lots of great hiking at Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park. When she has time, she visits National Parks in a quest to visit each one in the U.S. Find her at www.activeweekender.com

Badlands National Park

I think Badlands National Park is a great choice for a kid-friendly trip. The park has tons of wildlife that you can see on the scenic loop from the comfort of your car, which is perfect for those tired little ones.

The fossil lab in the visitor’s center is a great way to make the trip both educational and fun for the kiddos. The visitor center also has junior ranger activity books for children.

And if the family is into hiking, the Fossil Exhibit Trail is accessible for all ages. It’s an easy boardwalk trail that has some cool fossil replicas and information about animals that used to roam the area.

Older kids can enjoy the short and easy Window Trail, which rewards you with a nice view of an eroded canyon.

Lindsey Steck

Lindsey Steck is a marketing and communications associate for Visit Pensacola. A Pensacola native, Steck enjoys hosting dinner parties, traveling as much as she can and NFL football. She moved away for a brief period following college and soon returned after realizing why people vacation and retire to the coast.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

The ethereal stretch of shore and gulf along the Gulf Islands National Seashore captivates all ages. Families often spend long days digging in the sand, running in the waves and exploring the many trails and boardwalks throughout the park. From dolphin fins skimming the emerald gulf surface to ospreys dipping in and out of sight, the beach provides a simple, natural place to connect and explore.

Pro tip: Bring a bike. There are trails to Fort Pickens and there’s nothing like the drift of sea breeze to carry you. At Fort Pickens, you can roam the halls of a 19th-century war fort, see expansive views of the island and even go fishing on a nearby pier. A short drive off the island, there are loads of family-friendly free and low-cost activities. The world’s largest National Naval Aviation Museum, Historic Pensacola, and the Pensacola M.E.S.S. are a few.

Christian Antonoff

Christian Antonoff is a Marketing Manager at Excel Template. He has worked as a journalist and is passionate about music, concerts, and coffee. In his spare time, he loves to travel and attend art exhibitions.

Pick the right destination

As an uncle, I love to take my nieces on various trips or organize fun activities for them. Traveling with children can be pure joy, especially if you pick the right destination. Across the U.S., you can find great spots to go hiking.

Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a little less known than its neighboring Yellowstone National Park, but it’s no less beautiful. Majestic peaks nestled among green meadows and little winding trails are some of the things kids and parents alike will enjoy.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Smoky Mountains offer miles of unprecedented beauty with their lush forests. The park has many hiking trails, most of which are easy enough for kids as well.

Glacier National Park

I have always loved Montana for its wild spirit and endless miles of rich forests, not to mention the many lakes the state is famous for (apart from mining and David Lynch). The park offers a great variety of trees and animals that the kids could learn about too.

Shenandoah National Park

With its 500 miles of hiking trails and nearly 80,000 acres of designated wilderness, Shenandoah National Park is a hiker’s dream come true. Kids will love the great outdoors there, as well as the many plants and animals they’ll encounter.

Mike Miller

Mike Miller, Editor-in-Chief, Wilderness Times

Rocky Mountain National Park

The #1 place I have to recommend is Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). As a native Coloradoan, this is hands down my favorite spot in the state.

Not only is it absolutely beautiful, but it’s HUGE. This park has everything you need, from hiking, climbing, fishing, horseback riding, whatever! My favorite thing to do is hike one of the longer trails up to the hanging lakes. There are a few lakes in this park nestled in the mountains that offer spectacular views once you scale to the peak.

What’s epic about this park is that it’s mountainous and forested. Head west and the land starts to look like Utah, with all the red rocks and canyons. RMNP, on the other hand, is green as can be.

For camping, they have four campgrounds that are car-friendly. Call ahead for reservations, or consider picking up a permit to camp in the woods.

Before you camp, stop in the nearby town of Lyons. We like Smokin’ Dave’s for BBQ and The Stone Cup for coffee and breakfast bites. This fun mountain town has something for everyone.

Craziest White Water River Rafting Destinations and why?

Posted on December 20, 2019 at 3:51 pm.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

If you love a good adventure, white water rafting may be right up your alley, but not all rafting destinations are created equal. Some are unforgettably thrilling. We asked experienced rafters to weigh in on what they think are the wildest rafting destinations out there. If you’re up for a stomach-dropping adventure, you can get some Bucket List ideas from their responses:

Yoann Bierling

Yoann Bierling is a 34-year-old Frenchman who is passionate about travel. With 4+ years on the road, 55+ countries visited, 650+ flights, 1000+ hotel nights, all self-organized, traveling is his way of life. He completed his first year-long world tour this year and is currently preparing the next one. You can find him here: wcifly.com/en/home

One of the craziest white water rafting destinations is the Mamoni River close to Panama City. You’ll start with a nearly two-hour trip in the local rainforest, driving half of that time on dirt roads in the middle of the jungle and feeling like nobody has been there for a while. When you reach your departure point, it will feel like no other rafting adventure: no base camp and only a little space between the trees to inflate the raft before going on the water.

And then, you’ll get that unique feeling that I never experienced before—even after having been on rafting trips in many countries. It is the feeling of being alone in the middle of the jungle, with no phone signal, miles away from any other living soul that could hear you in case of any issue. In my case, it was only the four of us: myself, another tourist, the guide on the inflatable raft, and another guide on an inflatable kayak.

Every turn felt surprising, as even the guides didn’t know how it would go, not having being there for several days, and the river rapids shifted depending on rocks and water level. We stopped halfway for a lunch right in the heart of the jungle. We ate a few sandwiches on the spot in a place where we could turn our raft upside down on the river banks to use as an improvised table. It was probably my favorite lunch ever, nearly alone in the middle of the jungle, far from civilization, all while having an awesome rafting day.

Hamish Broughton

Hamish Broughton is an independent travel writer and photographer from the United Kingdom. A self-confessed travel addict, Hamish is the creator behind the popular travel blog mytravelfix.com, where he writes passionately about his mis-adventures from around the world.

The Kicking Horse is a 22 km stretch of river that offers some of the wildest white water in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by jagged mountains and pine forests, the river is achingly beautiful. However, as the name suggests, rafting down its crystal turquoise waters isn’t always a tranquil experience. While there are plenty of calm sections, Kicking Horse offers some of the wildest and craziest white water that I have ever experienced – the kind that tosses you around like a rag doll on a bucking bronco until your bones feel like silly putty.

Still, though, as I kitted up at the basecamp of the Wild Water Adventures, I was blissfully unaware of the surprise that was in store…

The weather had been fair. It hadn’t rained in a few days, but the water was running strong, spurred on by the glacial meltwater coming down from the mountains. It was cold. Very cold. As I stepped into the raft, I remember seeing the excited, smiling faces of the other adventurers, and I was eager to experience the adrenaline that would soon wash over us. We set off, and after completing some of the fairer sections, we were all in high spirits.

Just as I was beginning to get into the swing of things, our guide pulled us into the bank and asked us to disembark. We clambered up the muddy bank using wet, knotted rope to keep us steady. A path led us up and above the river and out into a clearing. As we neared the bank, the noise began to build. As we approached the cliff edge, the water was deafening. What had once been a calm pool now gave way to a raging torrent of seething white

And there it was: The Terminator, a gigantic breaking wave of water, rising up from the river’s seething surface six feet in the air before crashing back in on itself and repeating the process.

“We’re going over that thing?” I remember asking. The slow nod from the guide was clear – yes. Now, I’ve been white water rafting in rivers all over the world from Slovenia to Laos, but I’d never seen a single obstacle look more menacing and impassable than The Terminator. Gingerly, though, we clambered back into our rubber rafts and shakily pushed off back into the eddy.

As we floated around the meander, the familiar rushing sound of broken water began once more. It must have been a class 5 at least. We started to tear through the rapids, being tossed this way and that. There, right in the center, was The Terminator. We were heading straight for it. It seemed even more gargantuan than it did from the bank. We would flip the raft for sure! “Surely, there’s no way over that,” I remember thinking.

As we came close, everyone in the raft braced for impact, as if they were waiting for a heavy stone to be dropped on them from a great height. Then, right at the last second, our guide flicked his ores and steered us into a hidden current that swept us blissfully past Terminator and onwards down the rapids, unharmed. He’d known it was there all along! An audible sigh emanated from the raft. We all genuinely thought we were goners.

Kicking Horse River is the spiritual home of many white water adrenaline junkies, and it’s easy to see why. I never came so close to the watery disaster as I thought I did when faced with The Terminator (despite the obvious wind-up from our guide). It was truly a crazy experience. Should you go to Kicking Horse yourself, watch out. The Terminator will still be there waiting for you! I think I’ll stick to my paddleboard from now on.

Melanie Musson

Melanie Musson is a writer for Insurantly.com. She lives in Montana and has rafted several great stretches of white water.

Bear Trap Canyon Madison River. There are a couple of distinctive features about this stretch of white water that makes it crazy and awesome. The river flows out of Ennis Lake and funnels through a deep-walled canyon. The “kitchen sink,” a class IV (or higher, depending on flow) rapid, is the highlight of the run and will get your adrenaline running.

Another feature that makes this stretch of white water crazy is that it’s so secluded. You may not even see another raft, and there aren’t any paralleling roads. Cliffs rise on both sides of the river and wildlife abounds. Big horn sheep and mountain goats frequent the area, as do bears.

Mikael Uusitalo

Mikael Uusitalo is the founder of Swedish outdoor marketplace Thrillism.com

Spring in the Swedish Laplands offers some of the best conditions there are for white water rafting. The snow is melting, and the rivers are filled with wild water travelling down the barren alpine fells.

Some of the best ‘forsränning’ can be experienced in the Kukkola white water. Kukkola is part of the Torneå River located in Haparanda in the very northeast of Sweden.

The Kukkola white water is the crown jewel of the area called Torneå. It offers 3.4 kilometers of white water in cultural surroundings where fishermen have worked for thousands of years and the reindeer roam free.

Landia Davies

Landia Davies was born and raised in South Africa. Landia is a nature-loving African travel writer with a lively sense of adventure. Her passion for the wild places and animals of Africa inspires her to keep exploring, learning and giving back. Find her at africanbudgetsafaris.com

The wildest one-day white water rafting adventure in the world—that’s what they call a day of running rapids on the mighty Zambezi River downstream of Victoria Falls. Prepare to run more than 20 rapids in a single adrenalin-pumping trip down Batoka Gorge, where you’ll take on high-volume Grade 5 rapids with spine-chilling names like Boiling Pot, Oblivion and Stairway to Heaven.

This is one of the craziest white water rafting destinations in the world because it is powered by about 1,000 to 5,000 cubic metres of water per second pumping over the 108-metre drop at the 1,700 metre-wide Victoria Falls!

The real cherry-on-top is that you’ll be able to combine white water rafting at Vic Falls with bungee jumping or a micro-light flight or helicopter ride or skydiving and plenty of other epic adventure activities around the largest sheet of falling water on earth.

Richard Jeng

Richard Jeng is an adventure traveler, expat and digital nomad from Taiwan. He documents his journey exploring the beautiful country with his blog, biglittleisland.com

For me, it has to be Xiuguluan River in Eastern Taiwan. Though the rapids are manageable, what makes it crazy are the stunning views through the mountainous jungle. The route cuts right through the coastal mountains of the country, and the scenery is mouth-dropping. Definitely one of the most memorable moments of my life.

Best Dinosaur Fossil Destinations Across The Country And Why?

Posted on November 12, 2019 at 11:03 am.

Written by Dinosaur River Expeditions

Ever wish you lived in the Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous periods? If so, a trip featuring dinosaur fossils may be the perfect getaway. We asked dinosaur and travel lovers to share their favorite spots for seeing and learning about these fossils. They shared the following:

Tyler Callantine

Tyler developed his love of the Utah and Colorado rivers from his grandfather, an avid river rafter. He and his wife Jennifer own Dinosaur River Expeditions, a whitewater rafting company based in Vernal, Utah. Together, they have more than 25 years of river guide and rafting experience.

You can’t miss Dinosaur National Monument, which is a national park that straddles the Utah/Colorado border. On the Utah side is the Quarry Exhibit Hall, which is built over the famous Carnegie quarry. You can see 1,500 dinosaur bones encased in the side of the cliff. We’re talking allosaurus, apatosaurus, stegosaurus, etc.

Kids will love the Junior Ranger program and the great hands-on exhibits, including one that allows you to touch dinosaur fossils dating back 149 million years.

This makes a great vacation destination because it is near so many wonders of the West. You can take beautiful hikes and see ancient petroglyphs created by Native Americans. On the Colorado side of the monument, you can hike Harper’s Corner and take in breathtaking views of canyon country.

You can go boating on Utah’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir. And if you’re a thrill lover, you can book a whitewater rafting trip on the Yampa River or the Green River through the Gates of Lodore (some of the best rafting in Colorado).

Lauren Williams

Lauren Williams is the owner and founder of Casual Uncluttering LLC. She recently visited the Stonerose Interpretative Center and Eocene Fossil Site

Stonerose is an under-appreciated gem: both a very rich fossil site which has supported some superb research, and just a fantastic place to take fossil enthusiasts of any age because it allows public digging for an extremely modest fee. Hunters are even allowed to keep up to three of their finds a day if those finds are not of scientific value.

There is always someone on hand to help you identify your discoveries, and the staff tries its absolute best to offer consolation prizes to anyone who doesn’t find something – there’s a basket of freebies by the door for any disappointed little kids. They also hope to comfort those whose finds are “confiscated” in the interest of research – you may well have the discovery named after you. The only downside to the site is that it’s unable to stay open year-round – the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Stonerose is located in the tiny, charming, quirky town of Republic, WA, very close to the Canadian border, in Ferry County, which is a fantastic birding, fishing and hunting area of the state. There’s great antiquing nearby, the classic County Fair, and one of the best car museums I’ve ever visited (including LeMay in Tacoma, which is world-famous).

Jose Santamaria

Executive Director

Jose Santamaria is the executive director at Tellus Science Museum. He has collected fossils all over Georgia, the Southeast and Midwest. Many of the specimens he has collected are on exhibit at Tellus Science Museum. He is currently working on the book Fossils of Georgia with several colleagues.

In Cartersville, Georgia, just north of Atlanta, make plans to visit Tellus Science Museum. The 120,000 square foot Smithsonian Affiliate museum features eye-popping fossil exhibits, including an 80 foot-long Apatosaurus, a full-size T-rex skeleton, a collection of some of the fiercest dinosaurs to roam the southeastern United States like an Appalachiosaurus, and even a nine-foot wide Megaladon jaw (for a shark larger than a school bus).

Those with different sensory processing skills can have a fun and interactive learning experience during Quiet Mornings at Tellus. Museum admission includes fossil-digging, so grab a brush and wipe away sand to uncover fascinating fossils of all shapes and sizes.

Will Hatton

Founder/CEO

Will Hatton – Writer, and hustler Adventurer and vagabond. Master of the handstand pushup. Conqueror of mountains, a survivor of deserts and crusader for cheap escapades. Will is a founder of hoteljules.com and has been on the road for nine years, travelling to far-flung lands on a budget.

New York City really does have it all. The American Museum of Natural History has two fantastic halls as part of the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing. These halls more than fulfill fanatics’ dinosaur dreams.

Showcasing more than 100 types of dinosaur fossils and models, from the infamous T-Rex to the lesser know, but no less fascinating, Apatosaurus. A dinosaur for all tastes. Accompanied by supporting and informative dinosaur boards, you can enjoy the sights and learn all at the same time.

There is Discovery room with a small dinosaur dig to cater to the kids too.

Valerie Stimac

Valerie Stimac is a San Francisco Bay Area travel blogger (valisemag.com) and writer who focuses on astrotourism, including stargazing, eclipse-chasing, and traveling to see the aurora.

Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park protects an amazingly well-preserved collection of prehistoric mammal fossils from roughly 12 million years ago, including species of rhinoceros (in North America!) and horse that are now extinct. It’s an active dig site where you can watch archaeologists and archaeology students working to remove layers of ash and reveal the fossils underneath. Ashfall Fossil Beds is located about three hours’ drive from Omaha, Nebraska, or two hours from Sioux City, Iowa.

Tatiana Sorokina

Tatiana Sorokina is a busy mom with two wonderful kids and a husband who absolutely LOVE to travel. Tatiana is the owner of familyroadtripguru.com.

Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana is one of the best places to see fossils in the U.S. This park has the world’s most accessible Devonian age fossil beds which you can touch and hike through along the Ohio River.