Tezels on the Road
Our Road, Our Story
Mark & Alicia Tezel — retired explorers sharing travel stories, trail adventures, national park wisdom, and the places that shape us.
▶ Just Released · Ranger PamPaw Podcast · April 15, 2026
S1E5 — What I Wish Every Park Visitor Knew
Leave No Trace with nuance, why rules exist, and how visitors really help parks — delivered with ranger candor by a nearly four-decade National Park Service veteran.
Explore What We Do
Stories, trails, podcasts, and park encounters — all in one place.
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Travel Blog
Trip stories, photos, and reflections from cruises, road trips, and adventures near and far.
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Ranger PamPaw
Park stories, behind-the-scenes insight, and ranger wisdom from 35 years in the National Park Service.
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Tuesdays on the Trail
A video series exploring scenic hiking trails across national parks and historic landscapes, one trail at a time.
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First Encounters
Exploring the National Park System — one first visit at a time. Stories from parks seen through fresh eyes.
Now Exploring
🌍 2026 Travels
Follow along as we explore the world in 2026 — a Southern Caribbean Cruise, Big Bend, Chicago, and more adventures on the way.
Latest from the Road
Our most recent stories, episodes, and trail adventures.
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Shedd Aquarium & Heading Home: Chicago 2026
The final day of Chicago 2026 — a lazy morning, coffee in bed, checkout from the Hilton Chicago, an amazing afternoon at the Shedd Aquarium, and a late-night flight home to San Antonio. What a trip!
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Pullman National Historical Park
I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure what to expect from a national park sitting squarely inside one of America’s great cities. But Pullman stopped me in my tracks. Stand on the corner of 111th and Cottage Grove and the whole story presses in on you at once: the brick rowhouses still occupied, the clock…
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Indiana Dunes & a Chicago Night Out
A full day at Indiana Dunes National Park — hiking the Dune Succession Trail, the Bally Homestead, Century of Progress homes, and the Great Marsh Trail — followed by deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s and a Wednesday evening at the Adler Planetarium.
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Chicago 2026 — Day 6: The Chicago Riverwalk
After a lazy morning recovering from the Gala, Alicia breaks free from the conference and we enjoy a relaxed afternoon stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, soaking in the city’s stunning architecture before a quiet evening packing up for Indiana Dunes National Park.
Mark & Alicia Tezel — lifelong explorers, national park advocates, and storytellers. Meet the Tezels →
