Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

Ice Cave Trail - View of the ice inside the cave

There’s good reason why I prefer not to plan my solo road trips. Yes, there are times when the chaos ends in sub-optimal results. Other times though, you get to do things you wouldn’t normally see otherwise. Case-in-point: Upon leaving El Morro my only destination was “head east back towards ABQ”. I had no idea … Read more

Big Spring Creek (2022)

Big Spring Creek - Spring water cascading down the rocks

My turkey hunt was going nowhere fast today. After striking out at Governor Dodge State Park I fueled up, took a short midday nap, and drove around in search of new public lands with favorable terrain. Along the way I ended up at a familiar destination at Big Springs Fishery Area in Highland, Wisconsin. Here’s … Read more

Tuzigoot National Monument

Tuzigoot National Monument - View of the pueblo

Continuing the Arizona cultural tour around the Coconino National Forest area, my next stop is at Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale. It’s a relatively small National Monument geographically but still worth a visit if history and archaeology interest you. For this location escpecially it is crucial to see the visitor center. There are many artifacts … Read more

Joshua Tree National Park – Arch Rock

Joshua Tree - Arch Rock Nature Trail

Still overcast this morning so no sunrise views.  Took a short drive south from the campground to check out the Arch Rock Nature Trail.  Parking at the Twin Tanks backcountry trailhead makes this a short bit longer than signs indicate. The trail first crosses flat desert and is mostly unspectacular.  This section is only about … Read more

Kohler Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sandhill Crane on Cordwalk south section

Had to work late Friday which bombed my plans to camp for the first time of the year.  Instead, took a day trip to Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  Located directly on the Lake Michigan shoreline, this is actually two parks managed as one unit with portions protected as State Natural Areas.  With only … Read more

Richard Bong State Recreation Area – Blue Trail

Richard Bong State Recreation Area - Wolf Lake from the blue trail

The Milwaukee/Chicago corridor isn’t known much for it’s hiking, but luckily a shorty drive from my home west of I-94 provides a small glimpse of wilderness.  Shockingly though, aside from one brief disaster of a camping trip in 4th grade Boy Scouts, I have never hiked here.  The Dude can no longer abide.  On an … Read more