Category: Outdoor Recreation & Hiking
Backpacking, Check!
November 11, 2012 by Cynthia Baum · 8 Comments
All 8 of Us! We did it! We took the kids and all our gear and went backpacking yesterday for our very first time. Between freezing temperatures and over 50-pound packs, I am surprised we had as much fun as we did! The kids had a ball and we enjoyed a moderate to easy hike (little elevation gain). We set out for the East Fork on Lion Canyon Trail in Rose Valley, California, around one in the afternoon. With lots of rest stops and frequent changes in our riders, we ended up just upstream from West Fork at the base of a waterfall by nightfall. The trek to East Fork normally entails a relatively easy 2.5 mile hike– with four kids who all needed to be carried (for most of the way), it was anything but easy. On top of that, the camp spots were full since apparently a lot of other campers were out to enjoy a cool fall backpacking trip on their Veterans Day too. Not only were there no spots left at East Fork, there was also no water (contrary to what we had heard). So we had... [Read more...]
First Time Backpacking
November 10, 2012 by Cynthia Baum · 5 Comments
I am about to embark on a whole new world of outdoor adventures. As an avid runner, bicycle rider, and hiker, I have been fairly active for most of my life. The one thing I haven’t tried thus far is backpacking. I ran my first full marathon a year ago, which sadly left me injured for most of this last year. Being unable to run, hike, or even bike has not been easy for me. Just in the last few months, I have started back to biking, hiking, and even running short distances. My husband and I recently decided to go backpacking for a short 2.5 mile hike-in, camp overnight, followed by that same distance out. Some friends of ours go on backpacking trips with their kids and invited us along with them. I am not too worried since the distance seems doable for me. It’s the weight we are carrying on our packs that is most troubling. For one thing, we are carrying two kids and their stuff as well. Our youngest weighs about 35 pounds and the other is 47 pounds. So you can... [Read more...]
Scuba-Certified in One Weekend?!
November 4, 2012 by Cynthia Baum · 2 Comments
Have you ever felt the jaw-dropping sensation of fear and excitement at the same time? Ever dream of what it would feel like to swim with sharks? If you are one of those people who is always up for a new adventure, try getting your Scuba Diving Certification! It is something that you can do over a period of time or you may opt to clump the classes and dives into one thrilling, action-packed weekend and just go for it! I, of course, chose the latter option. For my husband’s birthday, I decided to surprise him with a weekend away for the two of us to get scuba-certified together (something we have both always talked about doing one day). I found a great deal online (http://www.yelp.com/biz/badass-diving-rancho-cucamonga) and was able to get private lessons with a skilled PADI Scuba Dive Master for us. Just a short, picturesque drive away from one the best dive spots in California is the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, where you can park your RV at one of their premier... [Read more...]
A Lovely Fall Campground
October 31, 2012 by Diane Berry · Leave a Comment
One lovely October weekend, we happened upon the Columbine Canyon near Red River, NM. To access the trailhead for our hike, we had to hike through the Columbine Canyon Campground, one of the loveliest, natural forest campgrounds we have ever seen. Regular readers of this blog will know I am a fan of the simple, rustic natural forest campgrounds as a rule, but this was one of the best I’ve seen. Located between Questa, NM and the “wild west” town of Red River, NM, the Columbine Canyon campground is located in the heart of the Kit Carson National Forest, providing all of the peace and tranquility anyone can imagine. All sites are paved and spacious. Made up of a total of 27 sites, the entrance to the campground contains a small circle of 8 large, perfectly flat open sites easily accessible to big rigs, but with limited shade and privacy. No hookups are available and the facilities are rustic. But the ambiance cannot be duplicated. Columbine Canyon Campground Entrance The remainder... [Read more...]
What To Do On A Beautiful Saturday in Fall?
October 28, 2012 by Diane Berry · 1 Comment
One beautiful Saturday in early October we were looking for a way to spend some time outdoors. We were headed up to the small “wild-west” community of Red River, NM, later that day as they were holding their Oktoberfest Celebration but we wanted to find a hike to enjoy the beautiful color and mild weather before reaching Red River. On our way north, we passed by a lovely wooded area called Columbine Canyon. Noting there was a trailhead sign, we stopped and checked it out. We walked through a lovely campground to find the trailhead. Listed as a five mile trail (actually 5.3 miles in length), we began following the path as it wound through the forest and crossed the same creek (Columbine Creek) a number of times. The first four crossings were covered by lovely wooden bridges but we were warned that for later crossings, we would be on our own. However, as we came to these sections, for each some kind thoughtful soul had strategically placed rocks or logs so every transition, even that... [Read more...]
Spooky Hikes in Washington State
October 26, 2012 by Melissa A. Trainer · Leave a Comment
If you live in Washington State and are interested in doing some spooky hikes, check out this informative list from the Washington Trails Association. The list features ten haunted hikes and highlights some of the regional history with each trail. If you aren’t interested in haunted hikes, then check out the Association’s other offerings, which feature everything from hiking basics and hiking with kids to ranger station information and tips from fellow resources. And, if haunted hikes are far too creepy for your soul, check out their more peaceful list which highlights Foliage Hikes! Photo from Mount Rainier National Park –Melissa A. Trainer
50 Things We Love About Texas
October 23, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 5 Comments
1. Texas Hospitality 2. Paso Del Rio, or River Walk, the Jewel of the City (San Antonio) 3. Fresh from the Gulf shrimp and oysters When in the Clear Lake/Galveston area we head for Rose’s in Seabrook for a supply of shrimp. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved 4. Exploring the pine and hardwood forests of the Piney Woods of East Texas 5. Saying howdy 6. The Alamo 7. Texas’ wide open spaces 8. Hiking Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, north of Fredericksburg 9. Tex-Mex, especially in far South Texas 10. The way small-town drivers wave to everyone they pass 11. The timeless beauty of Presidio La Bahía near Goliad, and its rural setting 12. Stopping for lunch at almost any small-town BBQ joint and sitting elbow-to-elbow with folks you have little in common with except that you all love good ‘cue 13. Blue Bell Ice Cream. Wow! 14. The wind-swept, dynamic rippling sandscapes in Monahans Sandhills State Park is one-of-a-kind 15. Stopping for kolaches at a small-town bakery 16. Driving... [Read more...]
2012 National Parks Fall Foliage Guide
October 8, 2012 by Rex Vogel · Leave a Comment
As summer comes to a close, the bright blues and greens that characterize the sunshiny season are replaced by a deeper, more vibrant palette. But there are so many destinations to choose from, each with their own unique rainbow of fall colors. The National Park Foundation (NPF) wants you to get outdoors and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular seasons in your national parks. In announcing the 2012 National Parks Fall Foliage Guide the NPF says, “These parks boast exceptional fall colors, however they represent only a few of the national park sites where foliage lovers can enjoy the spectacular spectrum of the season’s palette.” The list below includes information on region-specific flora as well as estimated timing on the peak of their colors: Nez Perce National Historical Park (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington) Peak foliage times range across the rivers, canyons, prairies, and mountains of this park which overlaps four states. The short-grass prairies of White Bird Battlefield... [Read more...]
Best Kept Secret in Camping: Maricopa County Parks & BOGO
October 4, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 1 Comment
One of the best kept secrets in the World of RVing is campgrounds located in county parks! But where are they, and how do you find them? A delightful end to another day in paradise at Usery Mountain Regional Park. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved Sometimes they’re located in Woodall’s and Trailer Life Campground Directory. Often times they’re not. County parks are often relatively small and off the beaten path. But if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, do some bird watching, hike a near-by trail, or do some great sightseeing, it might be well worth seeking out some of these neat spots. A county park system worth checking out is Maricopa County Regional Parks in Arizona. The parks circle the Phoenix metropolitan area and all are within a 45-minute drive from central Phoenix. And unlike Arizona State Parks, no Maricopa County park has been closed or has suffered cutback in services. With 10 regional parks totaling more than 120,000 acres, Maricopa County Regional Parks... [Read more...]
Top Fall Color Hotspots in National Forests
September 26, 2012 by Rex Vogel · 2 Comments
Fall colors are about to burst all over the country and the U.S. Forest Service wants you to get outdoors and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular seasons in your national forests. “Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to plan a trip to see the beauty of your national forests,” said Tom Tidwell, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service in an agency news release. “As tree experts, we have incredible resources on our website to help you plan a great adventure this fall season.” From coast to coast, state and local economies are boosted because of the fall season and for many rural communities, fall color tourism is a major source of revenue. Hotels, restaurants, and local shops rely on the influx of dollars generated by fall visitors. For example, the New England area receives an estimated $8 billion in local revenues annually due to fall activities. Throughout the Midwest, millions of visitors hit the road to enjoy the sights. In the West, the mountains provide destinations filled... [Read more...]
