Colorado
An American state in the Rocky Mountains, renowned for its breathtaking beauty, abundance of outdoor activities, and a contagious spirit of adventure.
Saram 사람
Welcome to Colorado Saram, the travel blog of John Buckley, a Colorado native and lifelong traveler. Born and raised in the ski resort town of Vail, I worked in resort PR before a travel bug bit. This led to a ski season in New Zealand in coordination with a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.
That year abroad changed my life’s trajectory, eventually leading me to consider South Korea a second home. Through many years of international travel, I’ve always kept my Colorado roots close to the heart.
My goal is to use my passion for international outdoor adventure to serve as your guide to:
Colorado-Inspired Travel Adventures in Asia & Beyond
Getting Off the Beaten Path
Yangon Township, Myanmar
Heading into the Himalayas
Annapurna Circuit, Nepal
Teaching a New Colorado Saram to Ski
Vivaldi Park, South Korea
Dog-Friendly Travel
Jeju Island, South Korea
Fresh Tracks
Latest Blog Posts
Year-Round Trekking and Camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-Do: Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, Samyang Ranch, & Sanneomi Ranch
In 2024, I explored Gangwon-Do’s diverse outdoor offerings through dog-friendly adventures at Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, and Sanneomi Ranch. This guide captures my experiences in both summer and winter, highlighting the best of Year-Round Trekking and Camping in this stunning South Korean province.
Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch provided incredible landscapes and memorable trekking opportunities, each showcasing the region’s natural beauty in different seasons. My summer camping experience at Sanneomi Ranch added another layer to our adventures, offering a perfect blend of comfort and nature.
While I also considered Samyang Roundhill Ranch, its no-dog policy meant I couldn't include a personal account. However, it remains a notable option for those without furry companions.
Join me as I delve into these scenic spots and share insights on making the most of your outdoor experiences in Gangwon-Do.
High 1 Resort: The Ultimate Year-Round Guide to One of South Korea’s Premier Outdoor Destinations
Planning a ski trip to South Korea? Look no further than High 1 Resort, one of the country’s premier destinations for winter sports enthusiasts.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from finding accommodations, navigating the slopes to understanding the Korean ski and snowboard culture.
Whether you’re visiting in winter or exploring the resort’s summer offerings, High 1 has something for everyone.
Discover expert tips on where to rent gear, how to maximize your après-ski experience, and what summer activities you won’t want to miss.
Plus, I’ll share my personal experiences and insider advice to help make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to hit the slopes? Dive in and start planning your adventure at High 1 Resort!
Untethering from WiFi in Vietnam: A Traveler’s Guide to Airalo eSIM Cards (2024)
For a two-week trip to Vietnam in summer 2024, I decided to purchase my first eSIM card.
Prior to this experience, I knew very little about what eSIMs were, how to buy and activate one, and what to expect once I set foot abroad and attempted to put my phone to use without the need to connect to wobbly airport WiFi.
The following is a guide to the setup process and everything I learned along the way.
Embracing Sobriety: Reflections on My First Year Completely Alcohol-Free
As I celebrate my first full year without alcohol, I look back on the journey and reflect on all the positive changes its absence has brought to my life.
Without minimizing its power, the hold alcohol had on my life feels released. I have no desire to go back to it.
Although it may always be lurking over my shoulder, I rarely even think about it anymore.
I don’t hold any grudges towards it; it gave me some of the best memories of my life. However, it became unsustainable.
They say the opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference. And that’s where I choose to place alcohol for as long as I can.
I just don’t need it anymore.
Drive in South Korea: A Complete Foreigner’s Guide
South Korea has a remarkably affordable and well-run public transportation network, making it relatively easy to get around without a car, especially in the major cities.
However, whether you are traveling in South Korea for a short time or living there long-term, having the ability to drive a car can make traveling around the country much easier.
It opens up difficult-to-access parts of the country and allows you to explore much deeper and get off-the-beaten-path.
Ruffwear Front Range vs. Switchbak, Singletrak, and OneTigris: Dog Pack Review
The review explores the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack, which was trail-tested with my Border Collie, Winnie. Although pleased with the sturdiness and design, I reflect on the fact that a more compact option like the Ruffwear Switchbak may have been more suitable for my dog and our lack of deep backcountry adventures. I delve into additional alternatives such as the pricier Ruffwear Singletrak, which offers hydration bladders, and the
more economical OneTigris Dog Pack.
Exploring Jeju Island: A 5-Day Dog-Friendly Adventure Itinerary
In summer 2023, we packed up the family car in Daegu, South Korea and traveled to Jeju Island by ferry. This is a dog-friendly, 5-day itinerary of our adventure.
Smooth Sailing: An In-Depth Guide to Jeju Island Ferry Travel
If you’ve decided to visit Jeju Island, South Korea, you’ll soon confront a crucial question: How do I get there? Unless you’re an Olympic swimmer, you essentially have two options: fly or take a ferry. I share my personal experience and explain why opting for the ferry might be your best choice. I’ll also guide you through the process, including how I brought my own car and dog along, to help you decide if Jeju Island Ferry travel is the best option for you.
Trail Map
Content Navigation
Boards
International Adventures on Boards
Boots
International Adventures in Boots
Beaches
International Adventures in Sand
Paws
Dog & Pet Friendly Travel
South Korea
Life and Travel
AF Life & Travel
Exploring Life and Travel in Sobriety
The story begins in Colorado
A hike in Borneo leads to a new path
A ski season in New Zealand broadens my horizons
Korea becomes a second home.
Colorado Saram is born.
Are you a Colorado Saram?
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”