Natalie O'Connor

Looking to escape the hustle of San Francisco, but don't want to commit to an entire day on the trail? When setting out for this morning hike, be prepared for about 1.5 hour hiking adventure (longer if you stop for extra photos) and a 20 minute commute from San Francisco.   This hike is recomended early morning for several reasons: Fewer people on the trail & fewer people looking for a pl...

Hosmer Grove is the closest drive-up campground to the Haleakalā summit. Camping at 7,000 feet you should be prepared chill, fog, and rain during the evening and morning. Nighttime temperatures can drop close to freezing while daytime highs average around 50-60s.As soon as you turn onto Highway 378, be prepared with a full tank of gas, plenty of food, and all of your overnight supplies. The twi...

Uruguay's summer coincides with the winter months in the United States, which is one of the reasons why you should take this jaunt early in the morning. The second, is the people watching. The break of dawn signifies the end of the party scene in Uruguay and as you run along the bar lined coast in the wee hours, expect to see drunken make-outs and sunrise serenades.I suggested a starting at Mue...

GPS service in densely wooded areas on the Vineyard is hard to come by, so plugging in Menemsha Hills Reservation before getting on the road is advised. Traveling down N Road, you'll find an unmarked gravel road located between Turtle Cove and Trustees Lane. A short 400 meter drive will take you around to a small parking lot and the trailhead. Signage and maps clearly mark the area. Totaling j...

This old Naval Base is now home to, well, almost nothing. As a weekend volunteer trip, myself and about 50 others got a little dirty creating 3 new campsites for you and your friends!During the day, the island has hikers exploring everywhere, but the preserve closes upon sunset and it's just you and your closest friends!Entering the island, you're greeted with haphazard signs directing you to t...