Shaka Stories

[Transcript] Well, all right, we're going to follow the South Fork of the Kings River for the next few miles as we head to Grizzly Falls. This beautiful 80-foot waterfall is only a short walk away from the parking lot. And just in case you're wondering, no, there aren't any grizzly bears here in the park. Just black bears. Grizzlies used to be found throughout the Sierra Nevada, but...

[Transcript] Well, okay folks, we've been in Sequoia National Park for a little while now, but we still haven't seen any sequoias. Well, that's because they just don't live down here. So, to see them, we're gonna have to climb.  So, wave farewell to the foothills section of the park, because we're heading way, way up to the giant forest itself. Now, the road ahead get...

[Transcript] Welcome back! Did you enjoy the views at the overlook? Sure hope so. Now, as we make our way back down the mountain, have you ever wondered why there are so many sequoia trees in this part of the Sierra Nevada and not in other areas? You see, these giants prefer living about halfway up the mountain, between 5,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level or about 1,500 to 2,500 meters. This is a...

[Transcript] So far so good? Well, here's a little tidbit for you. Did you know that Sequoia is the second oldest national park in America? That's right. Now, you might know that Yellowstone was the first. It was established in 1872. But about that same time, settlers were showing up around here and cutting down the sequoias at an alarming rate. So, on September 25, 1890, President Benja...

[Transcript] We're on our way to our next stop, Panoramic Point Overlook, coming up in about 10 minutes. Just continue straight on this road, and when the road gets narrow ahead, be sure you watch out for other cars, and take it slow, okay? So, you might be wondering, what's so amazing about Kings Canyon anyway? Well, other than being a stunning corner of the Sierra Nevada, Kings Canyon&...

[Transcript] According to Hawaiian legend, the mighty god Maui not only fished up the Hawaiian Islands with his magic hook, but he also captured the sun. Whoa! Captured the sun! How did that happen? Well, just sit back and let me tell you the story. Legend has it that one day as Maui was preparing to go fishing, he noticed his mother Hina was very sad, unlike her normal cheerful self.  Curious and...

[Transcript] How's everybody doing? We're nearing the end of the loop road. Next up, Cadillac Mountain. As we head that way, the mountain isn't the only thing you'll want to look up to see. Peregrine falcons have made Acadia a home base. The falcons are about the same size as crows, with long pointed wings and black or gray lines on their bellies. An adult's head looks kin...

[Transcript] In about five minutes, we'll reach one of the best nature trails in the whole park, the Fossil Exhibit Trail. There, you can walk a quarter-mile boardwalk through 75 million years of geological history, and you'll see some of the unusual fossils found here at Badlands National Park. According to the park rangers, one of the questions they're asked most often is, are the...

[Transcript] All right, before we get any further, let's address the elephant in the room. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the only national park named after a person. And why is that? And why did Teddy, I mean T.R., get his own park? Hmm.  Well, sorry for the cliffhanger, but I'll tell you all about how this park came to be later in the tour. For now, let's talk a little about...

[Transcript] We're about to drive a long and lovely stretch of Custer State Park Forest. As we do, I want you to let your mind wander. Try to imagine what it must have been like to travel through these woods back around the year 1900.  You'd probably be traveling on horseback, right? What do you suppose you'd see? Lots of wildlife, sure. Perhaps a few mining camps? And definitely a...

[Transcript] So, who was Octave Chanute? And why is there a museum exhibit dedicated to him here in Marquette Park? Well, even though Kitty Hawk is famous for being the location of the first successful powered flight, the Indiana Dunes also hold a special place in aviation history. While the Wright brothers are often credited as the fathers of flight, Octave Chanute played a crucial role in their...

Alright, it looks like we're just about five minutes away from our stop at Salmon Cascade's overlook. So, let's talk salmon. This iconic symbol of the Pacific Northwest not only plays a vital role in native cultures, but also in the health of the ecosystem. As for the salmon themselves, well, they live quite a fascinating life. Let's dive into their story. The life of a salmon...

Now, as we're getting closer to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, we're nearing the home of Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, and volcanoes. Hawaiians believe that the island's volcanoes are all Pele's handiwork. Since we'll be in Pele's domain today, let me tell you a little bit about this goddess who is both to be feared and admired. According to ancient leg...

The audio tour takes us through the history and significance of White Sands National Monument, situated between Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range. Despite its tranquil appearance, the area has witnessed significant military activity due to its strategic location. Established in 1933, the monument predates World War II but found itself in proximity to military installations...

Hey there, look at that bridge. Can you see it poking out over the tree line? Maybe you've noticed, but they sure do love the New River Gorge Bridge around here. In fact, there's even an annual festival that celebrates its completion.  And it all started with one man's strong sense of adventure and the unbelievable lengths that he was willing to go for a thrill. It was August 17th,...

Explore the vast Chihuahuan desert in this immersive narrative, discovering its diverse reptilian inhabitants like the western diamondback rattlesnake and the fascinating Texas horned lizard. Delve into their unique adaptations and conservation challenges, all while marveling at the wonders of this harsh yet captivating environment.

Embark on a historical journey through the desert, where a man named J.O. Langford sought a cure for malaria in the Rio Grande's hot springs. Discover his tale of resilience, neighborly bonds, and the birth of a community as you traverse the rugged terrain of West Texas.  Explore the enduring legacy of Langford's discovery, preserved within the historic district of the National Park, whe...

The tour takes us on a geological journey through time, unraveling the origins of the vast white sand dunes in the Tularosa Basin. Set against a backdrop of ancient lakes, mountain runoff, and shifting climates, it paints a vivid picture of how gypsum crystals transformed into the dazzling sands we see today.  Through a blend of scientific explanation and storytelling, it invites us to contemplate...