Adventures of Bill and Crystal: A Journey Since 2018
Since their first meeting in October 2018, Bill and Crystal have shared a love for the outdoors, embarking on countless adventures together. This page captures every memorable moment—from challenging hikes and scenic campsites to dancing in slot canyons and exploring hidden trails. Each post unveils a new chapter in their journey, reflecting their joy in discovering breathtaking landscapes and making memories along the way. Join them in revisiting these stories, and see what keeps their adventurous spirits alive year after year.
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Thanksgiving in Vermilion Cliffs: Wandering a Desert of Stone, Sky & Silence (Part 2)
Part 2 carries us deeper into Vermilion Cliffs—wandering White Pocket’s swirling sandstone, discovering ancient rock art, standing above Wrather Canyon, watching California condors soar, and celebrating Thanksgiving beneath a sky filled with stars and desert silence. Read more
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Thanksgiving in Vermilion Cliffs: Wandering a Desert of Stone, Sky & Silence (Part 1)
Snowy Colorado passes, starlit desert skies, and a tiny campground straddling the Utah–Arizona border. In Part 1, we trade winter for sandstone, camp in the San Rafael Swell, and settle at Stateline Campground on the edge of Vermilion Cliffs—quietly setting the stage for the adventures still to come. Read more
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Yoho: Where Rivers Meet & Journeys End (Day 9-10)
The journey from Jasper to Yoho National Park unfolds amidst breathtaking landscapes, with valleys, towering peaks, and roaring rivers. Highlights include Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, capturing a blend of beauty and adventure. This ten-day trip reflects the lasting memories that travel inspires, signaling both an ending and a new beginning. Read more
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Jasper: Rain, Spirit & Sunset (Day 8)
Rain and mist gave way to sunlight as we explored Jasper. From Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, Medicine Lake to Pyramid Island, the day offered wildlife, waffles, sacred stillness, and golden sunsets—Jasper in all its moods. Read more
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The Icefields Parkway: A Journey Through Ice and Time (Day 7)
Some roads are more than just a way to get from one place to another—they’re journeys in themselves. The Icefields Parkway, stretching 145 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper, is one of those roads. Said to pass by more than 100 glaciers, it promised a day of wonder. And it delivered. Read more
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Moraine Lake: Where Autumn Meets the Sky (Day 6)
On a crisp morning, Moraine Lake was icy blue beneath golden peaks. Bill and I embark on a journey up to Larch Valley, where autumn blazed gold against turquoise waters, and ended with a curious pika—a day painted in colors only the Rockies could create. Read more
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Lake Louise – Tea, Trails & Timeless Views (Day 5)
Lake Louise shimmered turquoise beneath its glaciers as Bill and I hiked to Lake Agnes Tea House. From Mirror Lake to the Devil’s Thumb, blueberry cobbler to Steller’s Jays, this day was about slowing down and savoring Banff’s alpine heart. Read more
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Banff National Park – First Glimpses of the Rockies (Days 3-4)
The journey through Canada leading to Banff National Park, a stunning introduction to the Rockies. Exploring iconic sites like Johnston Canyon, Silverton Falls, and enjoying Canadian treats like BeaverTails marked an unforgettable first day filled with natural beauty and adventure. Read more
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Yellowstone National Park – Geysers, Canyons & First Miles North (Day 1-2)
Our Canadian Rockies adventure began in Yellowstone, where Bill and I shared Old Faithful for the first time. From geysers and waterfalls to bear sightings and canyon views, this was the perfect start to our 10-day journey north into Canada. Read more
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Backpacking to Mirror Lake: 3 Days in Rocky Mountain National Park
Three days in the Rocky Mountain National Park brought moonlit skies, mirror-like lakes, hidden alpine ponds, and star-filled nights. Between storms and sunshine, we found beauty in every step—a backcountry escape that left us both humbled and renewed. Read more
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Where the Water Hides: A Hidden Falls Adventure in Wyoming’s Granite Wilds
Winding through pine forests, granite boulders, and creekside bridges, this hike to Hidden Falls in Curt Gowdy State Park delivered cool waters, quiet wonder, and a touch of wild magic—another unforgettable chapter in our Western Wanderlust journey. Read more
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Trail to the Tundra: Ute Trail to Milner Pass + Alpine Ridge Views
We hiked from alpine tundra to subalpine forest on Rocky Mountain National Park’s Ute Trail, with sweeping views of the Never Summer Mountains, Forest Canyon, and Poudre Lake. Bonus: a summit hike up Alpine Ridge with Rawah Wilderness vistas. Read more
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 