A Travel, Hiking & Lifestyle Blog
If you’re looking for a roadside attraction that perfectly captures the quirky side of Texas, look no further than the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. The iconic installation features classic Cadillacs that are buried nose-first in an open field. It’s a bizarre sight that has been attracting visitors for over 45 years. After seeing pictures […]
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On one of our journeys through the panhandle of Texas, we spent 3-days at Caprock State Park. The 15,000-acre park is a scenic canyon with a classically rugged west Texas landscape. We visited this area in late February. The temperatures were in the low 30-degrees at night and the 60s during the day. The desert-like […]
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At the heart of Custer State Park lies 14-miles of winding pavement called the Needles Highway. Built in the 1920s, the road is an engineering marvel that’s located within the South Dakota Black Hills. Known for its three narrow tunnels, steep climbs, and hairpin turns the 2-lane road offers park visitors an unforgettable driving experience […]
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Nestled inside the stunning Custer State Park and the Black Hills of South Dakota, Sylvan Lake offers visitors an opportunity to experience nature at its best. The pristine lake is surrounded by towering granite cliffs and lush forests, creating a breathtaking backdrop for nature lovers. After a long hike to Black Elk Peak, a swim […]
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Hiking the Black Elk Peak Trail is considered by many to be the best hike in Custer State Park. The 7.5-mile loop starts near Sylvan Lake and winds its way through the Black Forest Wilderness area. At the summit, hikers stand on a 7,242-foot granite mountain that is the highest point in South Dakota. Perched […]
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Many of the best places we visit come from recommendations of people we meet while on the road. The Lower Cathedral Wash in Lee’s Ferry, Arizona is a perfect example of an astounding hike we would not have found on our own. This adventure had no major technical challenges, but scrambling and careful decision making […]
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When we decided to visit the White Sands National Park, I was less than excited. I don’t know why. Fortunately, my attitude changed for the better when we pulled into the parking lot by the visitor’s center. I instantly found the white sand landscapes intriguing. The visitor’s center was not open when we arrived, but […]
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After spending the morning at Carlsbad Caverns, we decided to hike the Slaughter Canyon Cave trail in the afternoon. The trailhead is about 18-miles south of the caverns but still inside the boundaries of the national park. Interestingly, we learned about this hike from a total stranger who we met at the Carlsbad Cavern National […]
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Our van Alice is nimble on pavement, but she can get bogged down quickly in less-than-ideal conditions. Before visiting the area, I wouldn’t have even considered driving her through sand for a South Padre beach camp out. After spending three days on the island and assessing the risks of getting stuck, we decided to go […]
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The fun thing about being on the road is stumbling onto the unexpected. These moments can be highlights of any road trip in our van. The impromptu wedding in the Flint Hills of Kansas was one of those times for us. While traveling west on I-70 we decided to stop at an overlook and watch […]
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On a morning that Gail had a two hour conference call, I had some time to kill. Instinctively, I grabbed my camera and went for a walk. A half block later, I found the Pelicans of Padre Island and all the entertainment I needed for a while. Walking along a pier on the bay side […]
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When in the planning stages of an upstate New York visit, our friends encouraged us to include the Finger Lake area in our travel plans. This was good advise. Of all the places to visit and discover in the area, the Buttermilk Falls State Park Gorge was one of our favorite destinations. Buttermilk Falls State […]
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Being in nature puts me in the best frame of mind and hiking is my favorite activity. I love the challenge, the physical pain and the vistas that hiking provides. The best treks for me have a reward at end like a waterfall or a lake. However, standing on a mountain ridge or peak is […]
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