Nature

Meadows, lakes, snow and granite are the enduring elements of California's John Muir Trail, which leads through 211 miles of some of the world's most beautiful alpine wilderness.

Great Walks of the World

The fact that people opt to walk today tells us there is something virtuous and irresistible in the plodding of one foot forward after the other

This scene from Lake Wanaka captures much that is great about New Zealand, like the Southern Alps and the country's many gleaming lakes.

New Zealand: What’s Hot and What’s Not

From Stewart Island in the south to the Surville Cliffs in the north, New Zealand is a country almost as geographically diverse as the United States

Caravans cram this campground in Akaroa in a scene typical of New Zealand. Cyclists and hikers, when camped among such fleets of vehicles, may wish for a patch of privacy somewhere in the nearest forest—if only there were access.

Free Camping in New Zealand: Don’t Bank on It

Wild camping isn't just a pleasure; it's a necessity for many cyclists

Visualization of California's statewide citrus production volumes.

Designing the Perfect Fruit

How a tiny, seedless fruit becomes the iPhone of the produce aisle

The author facing off with the edge of the world, where the gray and blustery waters of the Southern Ocean meet the rocks of Curio Bay, in the Catlins.

Halfway to the Bottom of the Earth: The Catlins

To see this place on a globe, home of the world's southernmost tapas reastaurant, one must lift it upward to expose the underbelly of the planet

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President Obama to Speak At Groundbreaking for African American History and Culture Museum

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Smithsonian's newest museum, scheduled to open in 2015, will feature Obama, Laura Bush and others

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Archivist Michael Pahn Free Associates Among the Smithsonian’s Music and Film Collections

On a search through the Smithsonian archives, Pahn follows one tradition after another to find that music is the connective thread that binds many cultures

Ryan Monger (at left) set out for Costa Rica in 2004 looking for waves. There, on the beach, he found something much better.

Love on the Road

Traveling does seem to facilitate encounters—especially between like-minded people searching for similar things

One of thousands of properties destroyed by the February 22, 2012 Christchurch earthquake

Shattered: Christchurch After 10,000 Earthquakes

The abandoned boulevards and blocks of condemned buildings look like a scene from an unhappy future

Indulge and educate yourself at the Power of Chocolate Festival this weekend.

Weekend Events Feb 10-12: Mourning, The Power of Chocolate Festival, and the Emerson String Quartet

This oversized replica reminds passersby that sandflies could be a lot nastier than they are.

New Zealand’s Darkest, Bloodiest Secret: The Sandfly

Kiwi recommendations for stopping the biting beasts: DEET, geranium leaves, garlic, rancid bacon, Marmite, Vegemite. Does anything really work?

How much is the Hope Diamond worth? Ask Smithsonian.

How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers

From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll find an answer

The author's bicycle patiently poses in a land of "beauty, heartbreak and challenge" in the Molesworth wilderness.

Questing for Calories in New Zealand’s High Country

There is something liberating in running out of food. Concerns about rationing are out the window and the world is simplified into a foraging playground

The Black List features portraits of fifty African Americans who are influential in their fields, such as Chris Rock.

Celebrate Black History Month with the Smithsonian

From Kenyan storytelling performances to Black Power film screenings, February on the Mall is buzzing with Black History Month events

A recent study indicates that ancient peoples in Peru were eating popcorn.

Ancient Popcorn Unearthed in Peru

New discoveries indicate people were eating our favorite movie snack far longer ago than we thought

Congolese artist Sammy Baloji combines images of past industry with modern photographs in a patchwork of memory and regret.

Remembering “The Beautiful Time” at the Natural History Museum

Congolese artist Sammy Baloji challenges his nation's collective memory with collages that meld the past and present, on view at the Natural History Museum

Pauline Symaniak, shown here before Volcan Lanin in Argentina, has been pedaling around the earth for 18 months. Much of New Zealand has failed to amaze her.

New Zealand: Too Orderly, Tidy and Tame?

After leaving her job and home to bike around the world, a cyclist finds New Zealand a little too comfortable

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Curators, Scientific Adventurers and Book Worms to Watch in 2012

Our top ten picks from the Smithsonian Twitterati and blogrolls

Andrew, bundled against the blazing sun, releases a big brown trout.

Catch and Release: A Wicked Game?

Fishing is an effective means of bringing people to the water's edge o admire the ecosystem and consider the value in preserving it

Andrew Bland casts for trout during a moment’s peace between passing power boats and jet skis on Lake Wanaka. Mount Aspiring stands in the background, untroubled by the commotion.

Hunting Trout in Haunting Waters

Andrew was sullen, silent and soaked to the skin after spending eight hours in the rain standing in a river waving a stick

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