Category: Places of Interest

Introduction to Lava Beds National Monument

I’ve settled into my new home for the next few months at Lava Beds National Monument. This is a harsh, extreme environment that has been impacted by two major Northern California wildfires in the last two years – the Caldwell Fire in the summer… Continue Reading “Introduction to Lava Beds National Monument”

Pacific Northwest Series

While I continue to have limited cell service, I’ll post sporadically until I have better connectivity!! I used up all my hot spot cell data two weeks ago and have been very limited until today! We have spent the better part of the last… Continue Reading “Pacific Northwest Series”

Coastal Bush Lupine

I found this gem growing on the banks near the Point Reyes Lighthouse in Point Reyes National Seashore. In early March, this plant was just beginning to bloom. It was a foggy, misty day and the flowers and foliage were covered with water droplets!… Continue Reading “Coastal Bush Lupine”

Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Adventure

From the Davis Mountains State Park in Texas, we drove two full days to arrive for a brief stopover at the Escapees Saguaro Co-op Campground in Benson, AZ. Our one-night stopover at the Las Cruces Overlook Rest Area was restful and surprisingly quiet! We… Continue Reading “Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Adventure”

Davis Mountain State Park

After leaving Big Bend National Park, we decided to stop over at the Davis Mountains State Park in Fort Davis, Texas before heading west towards Arizona. We love this state park and the surrounding area. It’s a great place to hang out for a… Continue Reading “Davis Mountain State Park”

Big Bend Revisited II

Day 3 On Day 3 of our brief visit, we decided to do a short hike into Tuff Canyon and then head into the town of Study Butte for fuel and groceries. Tuff Canyon Trail is a short walk down into the canyon formed… Continue Reading “Big Bend Revisited II”

Rain Clouds and Cholla in the Desert

The Teddybear Cholla is one of my favorite desert plants! It literally glows in the landscape – especially in the early morning and early evening light. The other day the skies clouded up and we actually got a sprinkling of rain in the Arizona… Continue Reading “Rain Clouds and Cholla in the Desert”

Seminole Canyon State Park, Texas

Our 4 night stay at Seminole Canyon State Park near Comstock, TX was a spur of the moment decision. Sometimes that proves to be the best way to travel! My idea was to take two days/one night to travel to a new location from… Continue Reading “Seminole Canyon State Park, Texas”

Mandeville Bike Ride

On Christmas Eve day, we decided to ride the Tammany Trace bike path towards the small lakefront town of Mandeville, Louisiana. The ride from Fontainebleau State Park to the center of the village was only 2.77 miles one way. It is a fairly level… Continue Reading “Mandeville Bike Ride”

New Orleans in a Day

Our original itinerary for this current road trip did not include a visit to New Orleans. I was planning on spending a few days at a Florida national seashore and then heading west on I-10 driving straight through the city of New Orleans without… Continue Reading “New Orleans in a Day”