167. Zion National Park: Cathedral of the Desert

Travel with Johnny Mac to the majestic sandstone corridors of Zion, where thousand-foot cliffs create nature's most dramatic cathedral. Discover how to navigate this increasingly popular park like a pro, from securing permits for the heart-pounding Angels Landing hike to wading through the cool waters of The Narrows slot canyon. Learn the best times to visit for fewer crowds, where to find hidden gems beyond the main canyon, and how to capture those postcard-perfect photographs.Also check out Episode 38 of Travel is Back, to hear John's audio on-the-ground at Zion in 2022.

Step into a land of bubbling mud pots, clockwork geysers, and vast wilderness as Johnny Mac explores America's first national park. From the iconic Old Faithful to the technicolor Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's geothermal wonders reveal the powerful forces beneath our feet. Discover the best wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley, where wolves, bears and bison roam free, and learn how to navigate this massive park without getting caught in tourist crowds. Johnny shares the perfect itinerary to experience Yellowstone's diverse regions, from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to peaceful backcountry lakes, and explains why this remarkable landscape continues to capture America's imagination nearly 150 years after its protection.

Journey with Johnny Mac to the rugged coast of Maine, where granite mountains rise dramatically from the sea. Discover Acadia National Park's unique character as the first place in America to see the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain, explore historic carriage roads built by the Rockefeller family, and find hidden coves along the park's dramatic shoreline. Get insider tips on the best lobster shacks, scenic hiking trails, and how to experience "the quiet side" of Mount Desert Island like a local. From thundering ocean waves to peaceful forest paths, Acadia proves that sometimes the most profound wilderness experiences come in compact packages.

Travel to the southernmost city on Earth with Johnny Mac as he visits Ushuaia, Argentina's gateway to Antarctica. Experience Christmas at the edge of civilization at the Ushuaia Brewing Company, ride the historic "End of the World Train," and discover the pristine wilderness of Tierra del Fuego National Park where the Pan-American Highway finally reaches its conclusion. This remote outpost, reminiscent of Ketchikan, Alaska, offers breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, and the magical golden light of Patagonia. Join us for this penultimate stop before our journey continues to the frozen continent beyond (those episodes coming later this year).Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   

Step into the passionate heart of Argentina with Johnny Mac as he explores Buenos Aires, the essential gateway to Antarctica and Patagonia. Discover a metropolis where European elegance meets Latin American soul, where tango was born, and where the rhythm of life runs on its own unique schedule. From the historic neighborhoods and vibrant markets to the city's complex political past and football obsession, this episode reveals why Buenos Aires demands to be experienced, not merely passed through. Join us for an exploration of a city that refuses to be defined by a single story.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   

TRIP IDEAS:  Best one is the Black Cab Tour to Belfast!  Link to all: vi.me/3ULrcJoin Johnny Mac as he shares his favorite Irish experiences before leaving the Emerald Isle behind. Discover the emotional impact of Belfast's Black Cab tours exploring "The Troubles," the breathtaking beauty of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway, and Dublin's local gems beyond the typical tourist trail. Johnny reveals why The Brazen Head became his go-to pub, what it's like experiencing St. Patrick's Day in its homeland, and settles the age-old question: does Guinness really taste better in Ireland? (Spoiler: it does, but "Smitticks" might be the real revelation).Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!   

TRIP IDEAS:  Best one is the Black Cab Tour to Belfast!  Link to all: vi.me/3ULrcHead with Johnny Mac into Northern Ireland, where spectacular beauty coexists with complex history. Explore Belfast's transformation from industrial shipbuilding powerhouse to vibrant cultural hub while thoughtfully engaging with the city's divided past. Marvel at the hexagonal basalt columns of Giant's Causeway and discover how fantasy became reality at Game of Thrones filming locations throughout the region.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed! You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!

TRIP IDEAS:  Best one is the Black Cab Tour to Belfast!  Link to all: vi.me/3ULrcJourney with Johnny Mac along Ireland's dramatic southern coastline! From the iconic Ring of Kerry with its panoramic mountain views to the colorful Dingle Peninsula with its ancient archaeological sites, discover Ireland's most spectacular landscapes. Explore vibrant Cork City, Ireland's "real capital," and dive into Kinsale's renowned food scene, where fresh seafood and innovative chefs have created Ireland's culinary hotspot. Get practical tips on avoiding crowds, finding authentic local experiences, and capturing the true essence of Ireland's southern treasures.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed! You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!

TRIP IDEAS:  Best one is the Black Cab Tour to Belfast!  Link to all: vi.me/3ULrcDelve into Ireland's stone sentinels with Johnny Mac as he uncovers the complex histories behind Ireland's most iconic castles. From Blarney Castle's famous stone and forgotten defensive innovations to the Rock of Cashel's dramatic presence on the Tipperary landscape, explore how these structures shaped Irish history. Learn the real stories of Bunratty and Kilkenny Castles - not just as tourist attractions but as centuries-old witnesses to Ireland's colonial past, rebellions, and cultural transformations. Perfect for history enthusiasts seeking to understand Ireland beyond the postcard images.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed! You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!

TRIP IDEAS:  Best one is the Black Cab Tour to Belfast!  Link to all: vi.me/3ULrcJourney along Ireland's spectacular northern coast with Johnny Mac! From the bohemian streets of Galway to the rugged beauty of Connemara, and from the majestic Cliffs of Moher to the otherworldly Burren landscape, discover the natural wonders of Ireland's west coast. Get practical tips on driving the coastal route, finding traditional music sessions, and experiencing the best local food and craft scenes. Plus, learn when to visit popular sites to avoid crowds and capture the perfect photos.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visitcaloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed! You also get 20+ other shows on the network ad-free!