Tag: US Nat’l Park

Chocolate Gravy and Possum Pie

On 20th March 2023

We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.
Katie Thurmes

Arkansas was never on our Roadtrippers plan for this trip. So, I had no pre- plans or ideas of what to expect or what to do and eat. When I did my brief research on what to eat in Arkansas, I found an article on what one should try while in the state; duck gumbo, cheese dip, Grapette soda, muscadines (type of grapes), deep-fried pickles, smoked meat, BBQ, tamales, watermelon, chocolate gravy, possum pie and last but not least the water from the hot springs.

As for the deep-fried Pickles, every state says that they created them, so not on my must try list. Now, the watermelon and muscadines were out of season. I tried very hard to find the chocolate gravy; which apparently is a chocolate type sauce made with flour and used as a breakfast treat on pancakes and such. I Also had no luck finding possum pie which apparently is like a chocolate mouse type pie dessert. I believe it is similar to the Mississippi mud pie. The one thing I could find is the water from the Hot Springs, found in the Hot Springs National Park…

Since the early 1800’s, these Hot Springs have been used by people seeking out the healing powers and properties of the springs. Known by some as the place “where crutches are thrown away”. In 1832 the US congress declared the Hot Springs in Arkansas as a protected area to ensure that everyone could have access to the health and healing benefits of the hot springs. By the 1900’s the Hot Springs was among the most visited health and wellness resort areas in the US. It wasn’t until 1921 it became a national park.

Unlike our Canadian Hot Springs in Banff, here they developed and built huge bath houses with individual bath tubs and stalls. There is only one such bath house in operation today. Now, I did not come here to have a bath, I came here to drink the spring water. There were a few areas that people could go and fill there bottles from the taps. The water from the tap was hot enough to make tea. The best part is that it was free! I am not a huge fan of hot drinks; so how was one to enjoy this hot spring water cold.

Of course, Superior Bathhouse Brewery. It is the only brewery in a national park and is the world’s first brewery to utilize thermal spring water as the main ingredient. Best of all it is served cold! Now I was tempted to try the beer bath; which is 18 x 4-ounce samples of their beer, which is equivalent to 4 pints. However, after that much beer I would be extremely wobbly on my feet and I did not want to be the one who needed to find those thrown away crutches because I was too drunk to walk.

What do Oil, Chili and Fruitcake have in common?

On 15th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Don’t count the days, make the days count.
Mohammad Ali

Day 74 of our journey; it is truly the beginning of our drive “north” to home. From Waco we are heading diagonally to the most northeast point in Texas. We decided to break up the 6 hours of driving with a few stops.

Do you pay attention to the bill boards on the side of the road that are advertising businesses? Well, for whatever reason today was the day we paid attention. There must have been at least 10 billboard signs telling us to stop at the historic Collin Street Bakery. Even though it was not on our direct route we did find ourselves taking the quick detour to Corsicana Texas, to check out the bakery.

Stop 1: What we learned along the way today is that Corsicana, Texas with a population of 25,000 is known as being one of the first oil discoveries west of the Mississippi. In 1894, while drilling for water, they struck oil. It then become Texas’s first oil boom town. It is also known for being home of the original Wolf Brand Chili. The recipe was developed in 1895 and sold in Corsicana during the oil boom. Till this date 128 years later they are still using the original recipe. No, I did not try the canned chili!

Now, to the reason for our stop; the bakery. Opened in 1896, this 127-year-old family-owned and operated bakery is home to the world famous, one of a kind, Deluxe Fruitcake. Really? Apparently, world famous, who knew? The company must be doing well as there is a news report about how one of their employees embezzled 17 million over 9 years. Imagine $17 million, selling fruit cakes. (That’s a lot of cakes) I am not a fan of fruitcake, however all their other baked goods looked amazing! 😊

So, to answer the question above, Oil, Chili and Fruitcake all started out in Corsicana Texas!

Stop 2: As we have mentioned before one of the biggest challenges, we have had on this trip is to find WIFI. Our campground for tonight Lake Tawakoni State Park (our last Texas state Park.). It did not have any, this meant we had to stop along the way for Steve’s meeting. A quick stop in a little town called Wills Point, served this purpose. A Very small town!

Stop 3 of this drive, we decided to stop in the town of Pittsburgh, Texas that is. What a quaint little town. We checked out the feed and seed shop which was actually had the Anvil Brewery in the back (of course it did 😊).

Final Stop, Wright Patman Lake. This Corps of Engineers campground was our home for the last two nights in Texas. ☹. This park was absolutely gorgeous; the flowers were in bloom and the sunset on the lake was lovely. Bonus – they had WIFI!

Oh, to be a kid again

On 2nd March 2023

Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.
Oscar Wilde

I have always had an adventurous spirit. I remember when I was a kid and my parents would take us to new places where we got to explore and try new things. My favorite was always trying new foods. I am so looking forward to trying new foods and seeing new scenery.

So today, entering New Mexico is a very exciting day. One of our first stops was Amigo’s Mexican Foods as it came highly recommended. We tried “authentic” Mexican food; tamales and gorditas. On this day we also drank New Mexico wine from Lacombe’s and Tularosa wineries. I even tried a green chili Cervasa (now that beer packed some heat).

One of the things is that New Mexico is known for is the White Sands National Park and general area which is in the Tularosa basin and covers over 275 square miles. In this area there is also the White Sands Missile Range. So, on our way through the area, we stopped at the missile centre as this highly secured area has a museum that they let the public in to see. Unfortunately, because of high winds it was closed today.

However, it was actually fortunate as because of the high winds the White Sands National Park was open as there was no missile testing today. They told us that this stark white dune field is one of the rarest landscapes on the planet. Also of note is there is only a handful of gypsum dune systems that exists in the world and White Sands National Park is the largest.

Fun fact – apparently astronauts can see these dunes clearly from space. For us today, it was like playing in the worlds largest sandbox. We climbed the dunes, rolled down the dunes and, because of the generosity of a couple of kids, we got to slide down them! Some of these dunes are up to 60 feet tall (18m). One of the rules of the park was not to collect the sand however, they never said anything about the amount of sand that was in our shoes or our pockets 😊.

A Change of Scenery

On 1st March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

The earth has music for those who listen.
William Shakespeare

The drive into New Mexico on the Historic US 80 was a pleasant change to what we have been used to seeing most of this trip. There was flat grassy plains that lead to the foot of the mountains. The golden color of the tall grass glistened in the sunshine as the wind blew it softly. I could envision horses running wild on this beautiful land. As much as I am intrigued by the desert, this scenery was absolutely stunning.

An interesting fact for you; in this area of southern Arizona, Geronimo, the last Apache Chief, surrendered on Sept 6^th, 1886. This day in history forever ended Indian Warfare in the U.S.

Our goal for tonight was to be close to the base of the Chiricahua National Monument on the New Mexico side. We were totally blessed, I mean really blessed, to find Rusty’s RV Ranch in Rodeo, New Mexico. This campground is just outside the park boundaries and it is a little piece of heaven. I loved it so much we stayed an extra day. Part of me wants to tell the world about it but the other part wants me to stay quiet about it so whenever we come back there will be room for us 😊. I know totally selfish of me.

Now, a friend of mine recently told me that she wanted to see some pictures of different scenery from our trip. I am glad to say today was the day! Our day in the Chiricahua Wilderness, took us into the Coronado National Forest and Cave Creek Canyon. This side of the park is entirely different to the area we visited before. This oasis of green trees, and a babbling brook full of water provided for some beautiful scenery today.

An American Icon

On 25th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Nature is where the soul is set free.
anonymous

Another recommendation from our California friends was the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. This park is located on the east side of Phoenix. Now one would think just the other side of the city shouldn’t take too long to get there. How wrong! Over two hours to cross the city. Yikes.

This park is named after the fabled lost gold mine. It is located in the Sonoran Desert. We decided to do the Siphon Draw Trail ; a 4-mile hike with a 1000-foot elevation change that winds its way into a canyon. I know we have a thing for canyons. The trail started in the Tonto National Forest and continues into the Superstition Wilderness. I love these names. After seeing three or four people being carried out because they twisted their ankle, we decided not to do the additional 2 miles further into the canyon.

Now, when I think of Arizona, I think of the iconic Saguaro (sah-WAH-row) Cactus in the desert. You know the tall and thin cactus with arms silhouetted against the sky. The ones you always saw in the old westerns. I am told that while the Saguaro Cactus is the icon of the American west; it only grows in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona.

Lucky for me I am in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona 😊. So, one thing I really wanted to see while I am here is the Saguaro National Park. I have always loved the distinctive look of the Saguaro with its arms turned up against the sky.

What I have learned today, beside that the Saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert, it is also the largest cactus in the United States. An adult Saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age. It may weigh between 3200-4800 pounds, and can grow to between 40-60 feet tall. Interestingly enough it is an extremely slow growing cactus; a 10-year-old plant may only be 1.5 inches tall. They only start to grow their arms when they are 50 – 75 years of age. Also, there average life span is probably 150-200 years of age.

Now you know why they are they are the iconic picture of the American West.

Are We Blessed?

On 23rd February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Expect the unexpected, and when ever possible be the unexpected.
Lynda Berry

Our furthest point west, Joshua Tree National Park, California! Established in 1936; this park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge. The Mojave Desert is the western part of the park at elevations above 3000 ft. The Colorado desert is the eastern half of the park which is below 3000ft.

An interesting fact, is that I kept wondering why the vegetation was so incredibly varied in different parts of the park. Apparently when you see the wild-armed Joshua tree, which is actually a species of Yucca, you are in the Mojave Desert. The higher elevation and the only area the Joshua tree grows.

Here we are looking forward to some good California sunshine and warmth. Now, depending on how you look at it we can consider ourselves really lucky or really unfortunate as we had snow!! We stayed at the higher elevation in Black Rock Campground😊.

Our first night had high winds with gust up to 80 miles/hour. You know it’s bad when you are getting weather alerts in emails and texts from the park! It was so bad, we thought Winnie was going to tip. Both mornings we woke up to snow; which most people say is rare. Since there is more storm weather coming through, we cancelled our third night and got a refund the day to boot!

We did get to explore all the park we wanted to. We hiked the Hi-View Trail and nearly blew off the top; the things we do for a picture. We drove the scenic loop with many stops along the way to discover and of course take pictures. The Keys View was a scenic overlook that had a view of San Bernardino Mountains; the Coachella Valley, and the San Andreas Fault.

We were intrigued by some of the rock formations and the shapes of the Joshua Tree. We truly enjoyed Indian Cove and the nature trail there. Although all these were great to see and do, my favorite part of the park was the Cholla Cactus Garden (lower elevation). Even in the rain and snow, this was a beautiful park. So every time I hear the song “ It never rains in southern California” I will always think of the snow.

Thank you to our California friends who suggested coming here. Would I go back you ask? In a heart beat.

Sound The Alarm

On 15th February 2023

It’s not the place you travel that makes it worthwhile, it’s the people you meet along the way.
Anonymous

well, we decided to forfeit our 3 days at Chiricahua because of the cold and snow and off we headed further west to find warmth.

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was our new destination.

The park campground was immersed in the unique rugged wonder of the Sonoran Desert. We decided to do the South Puerto Blanco Road. It was only a 7-mile drive; however, the road was so rough and Winnie is not a four-wheel drive, it took us over 2 hours to drive it. All along this drive there were many signs about illegal immigration and smuggling and to avoid contact if encountered. Oh yes to call 911 if you needed help.

When we got to the trail head, we were the only people here and we were very uncomfortable about leaving Winnie unattended. Not to mention that we did not have any cell service! So, we had lunch, took a few pictures and turned around.

One thing we did get to see was the Wall. This structure is 30 feet high made of metal and seemed to go on forever. I had always heard of it but didn’t realize they actually built it. This must have been an enormous project, the manpower and the resources required; not to mention the destruction of the local environment. We were so close we could have touched it. However, out of fear of setting off some alarm we decided to only take a picture from the camper. (Us daredevils you know 😊)

We did manage to do a couple of trails closer to the campground. The Desert View had beautiful views and impressive stands of the organ pipe cactus. The other was into the old Victoria Mine; where the old mineshaft and ruins of the mine store still remained. It was at Organ Pipe that we met a lovely couple from California; Kristie & Sara. They gave us a lot of travel tips and encouraged us to head to California… Stay tuned…

Missed Opportunities

On 3rd February 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 2023

I realized something on the ride. I realized if I wait until I am not scared to try new things then I will never try them at all.
Marie Sexton

Fear can rob you of great opportunities. I feel today we missed out on a great experience. One thing to do that was suggested by many people was to cross into Mexico at the Boquillas border crossing. From here you are to take a row boat ride across the Rio Grande (for a small fee), then check out one of the two Mexican restaurants for a burrito and a beer. Still not sure why we didn’t. (Irrational fear that it was unsafe).

We did however take the hike into Boquillas Canyon and walked along the Rio Grande. We met up with some Mexicans who had crossed the Rio Grande on horseback; to sell their crafts, and even Chicken Tamales! They were all extremely friendly, polite and not pushy. I talked myself out of buying the chicken tamales. Because of fear; how was it cooked, is it kept cold in that saddle bag? Maybe it was the fear of breaking the law! Really Jo?? Who would ever know : you eat the evidence! These friendly people are only trying to make a living!

The one thing I am extremely grateful for is that I did not listen to that man from Michigan who put the fear of God in me to not come to this park. I am so grateful for every Texan that we met that encouraged us to come here; that it was safe, and it is an opportunity that we should not miss.

This has been the most SPECTACULAR week that anyone could imagine. For anyone coming to Texas we highly recommend a trip to this magnificent park called Big Bend. As the postcards say around here, this is Texas’s gift to the nation.

Give a Hoot!

On 2nd February 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 2023

Life is a hoot. Get you some of it. Be careful. Be courteous. Be Kind.
Capt. Billy L Sandifer

At 4:30 this morning we were rudely awakened by the cry (hoot) of an owl! Really? If only he could have started the coffee!

Well, another night of rain. I had to check and make sure we didn’t float down the river. Today’s destination is the third part of Big Bend, The Rio Grande Village.

Since there was a hint of blue skies, I was heading back to Santa Elena Canyon. All the while singing “Blue Skies from now on” . Can’t a girl dream?

It was here that we got to put our feet in the Rio Grande! It was very unique as this is he border of Mexico! The left side of the canyon belongs to Mexico and the right side the US. So, we stayed to the right.

Once again, we are traveling the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This time it is 15 degrees, blue skies and NO ICE! It is so amazing what one can see when it is clear. The drive is appropriately named as it was truly scenic.

Our adventure for today was a nice (2.5 mile) hike to the Homer Wilson Ranch and Red Rock Canyon. This canyon is a series of red rock pinnacle formations. Apparently, the surface of these volcanic rocks has oxidized to give it it’s reddish tinge. It is this red color that showed off the geological features of the rocks as they literally glowed when the sun hit the canyon walls. The interesting thing is that this is not one of the top hikes in the park; but it definitely should be.

One thing for sure; the mountains and the desert combine for some “Awe” inspiring beauty that one cannot describe or capture digitally.

It is not just the scenic beauty of this place that makes it so special. It is also the people you meet and talk to along the way. Today we met a young couple from Nova Scotia, Nic and Beck. We truly hope they continue on their amazing journey. It is their sense of wanderlust for adventure that reminded me of the younger version of Jo and Steve.

Rain, Rain Go Away!

On 1st February 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 2023

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
Ralph Waldo Emmerson

Today we head south to Cottonwood Campground. It is now day two of rain. However last night there was FREEZING RAIN. It was extremely mind boggling to see ice on the cactus and other desert bushes. Ice & cactus just doesn’t seem to go together!

We drove the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in the rain and fog. (Here’s hoping the trip back will be clearer!) We stopped at Tuffs Canyon. If it wasn’t for the road sign, we would have driven right by it. Apparently “Tuff” refers to the white rock made of compressed volcanic ash particles. This short hike was supposed to be an easy one. However, because of a recent canyon wall crash there was a little bit of rock climbing to be done. (Note that this canyon has since been closed due to more rock falls!)

It was an eerie experience walking through the canyon with its towering walls on both sides. I must say, it was much easier to walk the floor of the canyon than to look down into it from the look-off viewing platforms. (Remember I have a fear of heights) We even found a very bright blue purple flower; our first bit of color in the desert.

In the late afternoon the rain stopped so we took advantage of this and headed to Santa Elena Canyon. There were still many spots on the road that were flooded. You would think that the desert would suck that water up! Our plan was to do the Santa Elena Canyon Trail hike. The trail crosses the Terlingua Creek (which is usually dry). However, after two days of rain the water was very high. So, no crossing for us.

One thing for sure we were up to our ankles in mud. Anything for a picture! We will try again tomorrow if the sun is shining.

Challenge Accepted

On 30th January 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 2023

Traveling is about finding those things you never knew you were looking for.
unknown

The Lost Mine Trail is the number one trail in Big Bend National Park. The lack of parking is the number one limiting factor to people not doing the trail. According to one Park Ranger it is their way of limiting this access. Now, when you are driving a 24 foot RV that is definitely more challenging! Challenge Accepted!

Today’s hike was up to an elevation of 7550 ft. It would be a 1100 foot elevation, 5 mile hike ( ̴ 8km). Took us 4 hours to complete; too many photo stops 😊. The trail itself was well maintained and a fairly easy walk except for the elevation change. You start in a treed area with some shade, then at the 1 mile mark you break out to the most beautiful & breathtaking view you can imagine. These views kept getting more spectacular as you climbed to the summit. This was an extremely satisfying feat. Even with my irrational fear of heights I too, enjoyed the view from the top!

I am soooooo glad we accepted the challenge and found a parking space. Of course Steve’s mad parking skills played a big part in this.

Davis Lake

On 8th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
SAINT FRANCes dE sALES

Mile Marker 243.1 : This absolutely serene setting was our first 2-night stay.

After eight days of constant driving, we needed a day to chill, and be a little silly. The morning sunrise was majestic… How does it get better than this?

A Walk Back in Time

On 7th January 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 2023

A generation which ignores history has no past – and no future.
Robert A Heinlein

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through 3 states (Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi) and 10,000 years of history. It commemorates the most significant highway of the Old Southwest.

Because of road closures and detours we picked up the Trace at mile marker 302, in Alabama thereby unfortunately missing the Tennessee portion. This history-rich area transports you back in time. At mile marker 269.4 we stopped at the Old Trace and Confederate Gravestones. This was a short walk to unidentified graves of 13 Confederate Soldiers. A somber remembrance of the past…

We did manage to take in some fun history when we took a little detour to Tupelo, Mississippi, the birth place of Elvis Presley. Anything for a photo op.

After a two-night stay in Davis Lake (see separate post) we continued south on the Trace. We took a short but pleasant stop at Kosciusko Welcome Centre at mile marker 160. Then to my favorite part of the Trace, the Tupelo-Baldcypress Swamp Boardwalk (mile marker 122). This 20-minute boardwalk is full of trees, water and reflections; it has a subtle beauty that I found very soothing.

We veered off the Trace just north of Jackson City and headed west to the Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora, Mississippi. This was an even further walk back in time; 36 million years!

OMG – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

On 6th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 2023

The mountains are calling and I must go.
John Muir

We had planned on stopping in Gatlinburg to try out the recommended brewery. However, it was busy!!! Worse than Pigeon Forge and Jo couldn’t get out of there fast enough. So, off exploring the park we go.

Now you know how people always reference dogs being distracted by a squirrel. The drive was like that; every time you turned around you were captivated by another spectacular view, your head was on a swivel. There were a lot of OMG look at that…and That…OMG isn’t that beautiful. Even in the middle of winter there was a beauty to be found. The Kodak moments were abundant to say the least. Thank goodness for digital.

We walked the Kephart Prong Trail and found calmness in the sounds of the cascading river rapids flowing by. We dared to traverse over a very narrow foot bridge, okay a log to cross the river (over came the fear and did it anyway). Stopped at Newfound Gap elevation 5046 feet and grabbed the picture of the state lines sign. We climbed 165 stairs to view the Mingo Falls, highest in the park. We hiked the Three Falls Loop (3.5km) in Deep Creek. The falls were all full because of the recent rain they just had. Juney Whank Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Tom Branch Falls.

The park exceeded all of Jo’s expectations. I believe Steve enjoyed driving the narrow windy roads…..maybe not, but he did enjoy the park.

This was a 2 day adventure with a quick overnight in Ela, North Carolina. After a quick stop in Bryson City North Carolina (very cute town) we headed back into Tennessee. The next stop was the Tansai Brewery in Chattanooga as a Harvest Host for the night.

The Shenandoah Valley

On 3rd January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Adventure is worthwhile in itself
Amelia Earhart

Well, after that nerve-wracking drive yesterday a change of plans was definitely in order. We are taking a different route. Even though I said I would NEVER drive the I-95 again after yesterday, we had to take it to get to the I-66. We are heading to the Shenandoah with plans to take the Skyline drive.

Okay a question to all of you. Would you Pay $30 to drive the 105-mile Skyline Trail? I would guess YES! Next question; would you pay $30 to drive 5 miles of the Skyline Trail….. I would guess NO! Apparently, the Trail is blocked from recent storm damage so now you know why there is no pictures from the drive.

However we did decide to take Hwy 340 south which took us down the Shenandoah Valley. The drive was spectacular and the scenery was breathtaking. The drive was also a much slower more relaxing pace for Steve. Only one state and one map required for today; Virginia!

Now in true Jo and Steve fashion we found a local brewery in Lexington VA, Devil’s Backbone. We tried their “Crabcakes & Football” a Session IPA, and a “Spill the Tea” Golden Ale. And a take out pack of their “Naughty or Nice” IPA to try later.

After another long day our home for tonight was Douthat State Park. A lovely quiet spot in the Allegheny Mountains of Virginia.

Big Cypress National Preserve

On 8th February 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

Boondocking at Monument Lake Campground gave us a chance to explore Big Cypress. We attempted a back-country bike ride but we should’ve had the Swamp Buggies that the Park Ranger referred to.

It pays to stop at the Visitor Centres along the way and this one was no exception. We not only learned about trail options, we observed alligators (again) but this time eating and also in abundance were may more birds and all just outside the Visitor Centre itself. The pink Roseate Spoonbill was right at the vending machines!

Everglades – Days 3 & 4

On 1st February 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019, Places We've Been

Flamingo Campground – Bug Country!

Today we headed deeper into the Everglades to the home of the crocodiles and mosquitoes! The drive was only 38 miles but it took us over 4 hours, as we stopped to hear the whispers of the park at almost every trail along the way.

Flamingo was quite different from Long Pine. Much more commercialized and a heavy focus on water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking & boating in general. The campground too was a total contrast with simply open fields and pull-thru sites and not a pine tree to be found!

We arrived at check-in only to be advised our site wasn’t quite ready due to an incident requiring the removal of our neighbour by helicopter. So, off to the Marina we went which was located next to the temporary visitor center. This area was hit really hard by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and it’s just now beginning to recover. Many trails were not yet open or passable, especially on bike.

The days here were spent once again with a lot of biking and a little walking, with the Snake Bight trail as our bike highlight. Although Momma Jo wouldn’t use the word “highlight” (see the video here). Here we saw more birds but also the endangered manatees and of course the dreaded crocodile. On the first sighting of the crocs, all hopes were gone for the kayak/canoe rental that Steve was pushing for.

The nights were a different story, as the Gnats or “no-see-ums” were definitely seen by us, as we had an invasion into Winniefred on that first night. We’re still not quite sure how these little flying pests got into the RV but for a while there it seemed like a scene from “Invasion of the Ants!”. A couple across from us from Windsor had mentioned the bugs came out pretty bad at dusk and only afterwards did we put 2 and 2 together with the fact that our new friends closed things up pretty tight just before dusk. In hindsight it must have been hilarious watching us chase and swat this horde of pests that never seemed to end! Lesson learned : Close the sunlight… Not the easiest sleep as we dreamt of bugs, not sheep or lollipops.

Everglades – Day 2

On 31st January 2019

In Florida 2019, Places We've Been

Nike Missile Site HM-69

Today’s first bike ride was to Hidden Lake followed by a return visit to Royal Palm for more Kodak moments. BTW, for those of the digital generation, Kodak was once the world’s leading film & photographic company.

In the afternoon we took the guided tour of the Nike Missile Site HM-69. This walk through history guided by Park Ranger Leon was right up Steve’s alley and really painted a picture of life in the US leading up to and during the Cuban Missile crisis time period. The insight from Leon and the words of John F Kennedy really brought to life how those in the US lived during the Cold War and how close the world came to Nuclear War!

It is insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization.
John F kennedy – 27 October 1962

This day was capped off by another campfire with Susan & Ed where we met new campers, Levi & Elisa, from Saskatchewan. Once again the stargazing through the tall pine tress was simply amazing and another great ending to a perfect day.

Everglades National Park

On 30th January 2019

In Campgrounds, Florida 2019

To see the Everglades you need to see it with your eyes closed. It is one of the National Parks that whispers at you. It’s understanding and finding the beauty in the diversity of the ecosystems.
PARK RANGER LEON HOWELL

Long Pine Key Campground

This was the first night of our planned 5 nights of boondocking (i.e. off-grid & no services). An early morning bike ride guided by Park Ranger Olivia. Her enthusiasm for the diversity of the park’s ecosystems was contagious and made us want to explore even more of this wonderful park on our own!

This was the most stunning day, as we biked through the various pine groves; with the long pines reaching for the sky, the green foliage, finger palms and burnt tree trunks provided a picture that brought tears to our eyes, OK… Momma Jo’s eyes.

We had met our neighbours (Sue, Ed & Harry) the night before, and at their campfire they recommended the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails as great areas for bird & alligator sightings.

Anhinga & Gumbo Limbo Trails

This afternoon we biked to the Royal Palm Visitor Center to explore these trails. Sure enough the ‘gators were out soaking up the heat of the sun and the bird life was spectacular providing many Kodak moments!

Lesson Learned : Take the road less traveled through the back country to the Research Station road, NOT the Main Park road. Too many big rigs for Momma Jo’s liking!

Today’s travels were over 30 kms on the bike and a few more on foot. We passed on the campfire and slept very well under those long pines reaching to the starlit sky! Today’s adventures will be cherished for many years to come.

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén

Check out our new Videos page!