Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Exploring The Superior Wilderness Of Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale is the largest island in the vast Lake Superior. The land mass is more than 45 miles at its longest point and nine miles at its widest. It is also surrounded by around 400 smaller islands. These isles make up the Isle Royale National Park, established on April 3, 1940.

Image source: nationalparks.org

In 1976, the park was designated as a National Wilderness Area to preserve its natural conditions. And in 1980, because of its wondrous ecosystems, it was also made an International Biosphere Reserve. 

People can still visit Isle Royale National Park, although they have to ride a sea vessel or a float plane to do so. 

One of the most enjoyable things to do in the park is to appreciate its unadulterated flora and fauna. Because there is limited human intervention today, several wildlife mammals can roam freely in the place. The park is known for its wolf and moose populations. There are also plenty of birds that can be spotted there, particularly loons that let out their magnificent call on the coastal waters. Different species of wildflowers and berries are littered all over the forests that are also home to conifers and deciduous trees. 

There are campgrounds for those who want to stay the night. And if they are lucky enough, they can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Image source: 1photo1day.com

Dwyer and Associates support the protection and preservation of the U.S.’s national parks. Read more about these wonderful places here.

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Rugged Beauty: Having a Good Time At The Badlands National Park

Mount Rushmore is just one of the many magnificent sights that can be found in South Dakota; another is the Badlands National Park.

Image source:whatmattersnews.com

Formed by eons of deposition and erosion, the 242,756-acre land boasts of sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires and painted gullies that preserve the past in layers of colorful sediments. The park also has the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the country.

Visitors can have a good time in the Badlands via different activities. For one, there is a number of hiking paths of varying difficulties, which means that people of differing hiking skill levels can enjoy and explore the trails and monuments that are millions of years in the making. Most trails reward those who can finish them with grand views of the park. The journey itself can also be satisfying because of the presence of numerous species of flora and fauna that reside in the park.

Image source:106group.com

Visitors can also revel in history as many fossils have been dug in the paleontologically rich park since the middle of 19th century. Remains of prehistoric creatures are abundant in Badlands, which tourists can learn more about through guided fossil trails on the several boardwalks sprawled across the park.

Humanity should do its best to protect the planet’s biodiversity, which is why Dwyer and Associates fully supports the initiatives made to preserve the country’s national parks. Read more about these natural wonders by following this Twitter page.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Three fun facts fans should know about the Canes

The Miami Hurricanes is known for having passionate fans and for producing some of the best football players in the U.S. For those who are only getting to know the team and its rich history, check out these three fun facts about the Miami Hurricanes: 

Image source: Miami.edu

The distinctive "U" logo 

These days, the logo can be seen as a giant bling proudly hanging on the neck of whoever won the turnover chain. However, the distinctive logo was decided by Bill Bodenheimer, a Miami designer to make the university stand out from other schools that have the initials UM. U also launched slogans such as "U gotta believe" and "U is great." 

Sebastian the Ibis 

Those who attend the University of Miami can always spot the beloved mascot Sebastian the Ibis hanging around the campus aside from being present during games. But why did the university choose the ibis as its spirit animal? It is said that the ibis is the last bird to seek shelter whenever a hurricane is approaching to warn those around. 

Orange smoke 

As they enter the field, the football players run through smoke as a way of exciting the fans. In the ‘50s, fire extinguishers were used to create the smoke. While the setup and the equipment used to produce the smoke has changed since the 1950s, the tradition remains. And the team still looks cool while they enter the stadium. For sports lovers, knowing about their team's traditions makes them more than just fans. This makes them feel that they are friends who are willing to support their team no matter what. 

Image source: Communitynewspapers.com

For updates on collegiate sports and the Miami Hurricanes, follow this blog for financial advisor Patrick Dwyer.

The Smoky Mountains: An American natural wonder

The Smoky Mountains, a national park found along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most popular natural spots in the entire United States. In fact, it had more visitors than any other park in the country in 2015. The Smoky Mountains got its name for the Cherokee, who called it the Land of Blue Smoke and is visited by over 10 million people yearly. 

Image source: NPS.gov

The park itself is 815 square miles and has over 900 campsites. The Smoky Mountains park extends from the Pigeon River in the northeast, all the way down southwest to the Little Tennessee River.

There are plenty of places to visit within the Smoky Mountains. One of the most well-known is the Cades Cove, which is a valley unlike any other. The beauty of Cades Cove is considered to be a national treasure and is beloved by almost every visitor who has set foot in it. 

Other places hikers would find heavenly in the park would be the Clingsman Dome, which is in by itself, a place to behold. And the trek would be just as interesting with the seven-mile trail off Newfound Gap Road. In fact, the Newfound Gap Road as well, which stretches for a little over 30 miles has a lot of picture-worthy locations for nature lovers. 

These sites are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg that is the Great Smoky Mountain Park. 

Image source: National-park.com

Dwyer & Associates believes that the dwindling levels of biodiversity can be addressed, in one way or another, through the preservation of national parks. Subscribe to this blog to learn more about how to save the environment.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Playoffs-bound: The 2017-18 Miami Hurricanes basketball team

It seems ages ago that the Hurricanes got both the ACC regular season and tournament championships, led by the triumvirate of Durand Scott, Julian Gamble, and Shane Larkin.That was, of course, just four years ago in 2013. This year, coach Larranaga hopes to replicate that solid UM showing, with a team that should push the school into the Sweet Sixteen and maybe higher.

Image source:onefootdown.com


With the return of Bruce Brown and the arrival of freshmen Deng Gak, Chris Lykes, and Lonnie Walker, we might be witnessing the team’s most solid lineup in more than a decade. Brown could have easily entered the NBA draft and landed as a first-round pick, but the now-sophomore star will bring an average of almost 12 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. UM should be getting another ACC player of the year.

Though Gak will most likely require some time to adjust to the Canes system, the two other freshmen should immediately contribute on the floor. Lykes is ranked 46th in the 2017 Recruiting Index. While Walker, provided he stays healthy, is seen as the most impactful, 12th-ranked player to don the Canes uniform.

Image source:caneswarning.com


Yes, the team’s former star Davon Reed has joined the NBA, but three good rookies should be enough to compensate for this loss. Keep in mind, too, that the player roster is mostly intact with Dewan Huell, Ja’Quan Newton, Ebuka Izunda, and Anthony Lawrence, Jr. providing firepower and stifling defense.

Barring any catastrophic health issues, it shouldn’t be a surprise if this year’s Canes team make it into the Final Four. And maybe even bring back the glory of four years ago starting this November.
Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who avidly supports the Miami Hurricanes basketball and football teams. For more Canes news, follow this Facebook page.

Monday, September 18, 2017

Mt. Rainier National Park: A Winter Wonderland

Winter is coming – and that means visitors can once again enjoy the winter activities in Washington’s national parks. For instance, here are some of the places in Mt. Rainier National Park people can go to during the winter:

Image source: visitrainier.com

Crystal Mountain summit

Atop Crystal Mountain, there are sweeping mountain views that tourists can enjoy while filling themselves with delectable food from the Summit House restaurant. Even the ride to the top in the Mt. Rainier Gondola is a great experience on its own.

Paradise snow play area

Families visiting the national park can bring the kids to the well-known snow play area at Paradise. There, people of any age can have fun sledding down the slope as squeals and laughter fill the cold air.

Oak Creek Wildlife Area

For nature lovers, there are daily winter-feeding activities in Oak Creek Wildlife Area. The place is actually one of the best locations in the entire U.S. for elk watching. Additionally, bighorn sheep are also fed at the nearby Cleman Mountain Feeding site.

Image source: visitrainier.com

Mount Tahoma Trails or White Pass

Those looking for more physical activities can head to Mount Tahoma Trails as there is expansive space for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and skate skiing. An alternative location for these recreations is the White Pass Nordic Center.

For more discussion on U.S. national parks, follow this Dwyer and Associates Twitter page.

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

On The Defensive: How Michael Pinckney Has Leveled Up His Game

The University of Miami Hurricanes’ football team has yet to lose a game this season. They have won all six games, so far, boosting their chances of winning their first-ever Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championship.

Image source: youtube.com

The team’s offense has been good, with quarterback Malik Rosier orchestrating the offense like a well-oiled machine. Miami’s rushers and receivers have given the team an average of four touchdowns per game.

On the other end, the defense has been terrific, particularly in late-game situations. The defense is led by linebacker Michael Pinckney, who has already racked up nine tackles on his way to two conference Linebacker of the Week awards and a Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week recognition.

Even during his high school years, Pinckney was already turning heads with his skills and potential to be an all-world defender. A Miami native, he had dreamt of playing for the Hurricanes and had committed to the university while he was still in the ninth grade.

In his first season for the team in 2016, he surpassed the high standards that fans and analysts had for him, with some already considering him as one of the nation’s best linebackers.

This year, he has improved even more because of two things. Firstly, he plays with a chip on his shoulder because of so many people outside the city of Miami doubting the Hurricanes’ status as one of the best college football teams in the U.S. Secondly, he has built a strong relationship with his teammates and staff, because he understands what he is supposed to do and has earned the trust of everyone around him with his commitment to fulfilling his defensive duties.

Image source: stateoftheu.com

Patrick Dwyer is a Miami-based financial advisor who loves watching the Hurricanes’ football and basketball teams. See more news and updates about University of Miami’s sports programs by following this Twitter page.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Top 5 Reasons to See the Beauty of Yosemite

Local and foreign travelers marvel at the grandeur that is Yosemite. Families and groups of friends drive and hike miles just to witness its beauty. From its towering waterfalls to the elegance of its wildlife, Yosemite is not a place to miss.

Image source: huffingtonpost.com
The Yosemite Valley Floor Tour: Not a fan of hiking? No problem. This tour lets individuals enjoy nature without having to feel exhausted from all the walking and hiking. A two-hour open-air tram tour introduces the park to its visitors in an excellent way. The tour is perfect for those who would want to relax.
Waterfalls: With five waterfalls measuring to a thousand feet or more to boast of, Yosemite gives its visitors choices of trails to see them. From easy hikes to challenging ones, travelers can decide which path to take to see a specific waterfall. With melted snow from the mountain, they’re best to see during late spring.
Starry skies: At night, Yosemite lets travelers see the wonders of the skies through guided astronomy walks, and nighttime bike tours. These tours are offered during the summer.
Wildlife: Spotting animals in Yosemite won’t be a surprise as there are over 400 species present in the park, including reptiles, fish, amphibians, mammals, and birds.

Image source: rvcoutdoors.com
Camping: Living among the wildlife and experiencing the beauty of nature through the sound of the falls and the sparkle of the stars are among the reasons why camping in Yosemite is quite an experience. Whether camping with a bunch of people or wanting to spend a cozy night with just a few friends, Yosemite will never disappoint.
Dwyer and Associates advocates the preservation of the planet through conservation of national parks. For more articles on the grandeur of national parks, click here.

Friday, August 11, 2017

Photography and National Parks: A Perfect Union

National parks in the United States have been a staple destination of nature and wildlife photographers for over a century. A huge part of the appeal is that national parks are protected and preserved, and so they stay pristine and as close as they can to when they first came to existence.

Climate change, sadly, has changed the appearance of several national parks over the past few decades. This is both a warning and an invitation to photographers since they have to hurry to catch the waning beauty of some parks, while given the chance to document these cataclysmic changes.

On the side of the parks, the more photographers who come and shoot in them, the more promotion and exposure they get. This added social awareness makes for more people willing to participate in their protection. This creates new campaigns, and newer ways to send word that parks have to be preserved for future generations.

A huge plus is that national parks reward photographers with health advantages that only national parks can give. The pollution-free air is enough to relax the lungs of a photographer, and all that hiking will surely give them a good work out. Finally, going through these parks can be stress-relieving on both the body and mind, as is photography.

Image source: marcadamus.com
Dwyer and Associates care a lot about the environment, which is why they are doing all they can to help preserve our national parks. Learn more about the different national parks in the United States by subscribing to this Twitter account.