Wave Cave [Failed]

Wave Cave fail - Views from the Carney Springs trailhead

My afternoon was mostly a failure but still got to enjoy some cool scenery. Second and final stop was at the Carney Springs Trailhead for a failed attempt at hiking to the Wave Cave in Gold Canyon, Arizona. The drive to get here is down well maintained dirt roads and weather looked good all the … Read more

Hartman Creek State Park – Deer Path Trail

Hartman Creek State Park - Deer Path Trail views of foliage across Allen Lake

October 2019 has rolled around. After taking the bulk of my time off during the July 4th week to maximize days away from work, I find myself left with some additional vacation left to burn. Work and life got a little busy so I didn’t really plan anything. The remainder of my adventures will be … Read more

Catfish Days @ Trempealeau, WI

Trempeauleau, WI - James Allen Reed statue

While on my way back to camp at Perrot State Park, I was surprised to find a summer celebration in downtown Trempealeau, Wisconsin called the Catfish Days Festival. Nothing was waiting for me back at camp and I’ve learned to never pass up a good catfish sandwich so I stopped to check things out for … Read more

Kinnikinnic State Park

Kinnikinnic State Park - Scenic Overlook of Kinnikinnic River Delta into St Croix River

More intermittent rain today but not enough precipitation to stop my plans. Next up was some hiking at Kinnikinnic State Park in River Falls, Wisconsin. To be honest I didn’t know much about this park before visiting but afterwards it’s easy to see why it’s a special place. From the far west parking area I … Read more

Big Falls (Seymour) from West Shore

Big Falls (Seymour)

In the length of time it took to consume a burrito the storms rolled by permitting me one last waterfall before the days end. Before we get there, please enjoy these gratuitous shots of the dramatic clouds over farms in the Eau Claire area. I had trouble deciding which version of this photo to share … Read more

Gibraltar Rock

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

Our short ferry ride across Lake Wisconsin was specifically because it’s the fastest way to reach Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area from the north.  This is also a section along the Ice Age Trail. The trail is mainly pine and cedar but has a wide variation depending on where you are.  Trails today were quite … Read more

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area - Views Across the Wisconsin River

Another quick, short hike with extremely rewarding views is at Ferry Bluff State Natural Area.  Recent rains had water levels high and bugs were mildly annoying but if you hike fast enough there’s no issue. Another view looking the other direction across the Wisconsin River.  Some of the best scenery in the state right here.  … Read more

Joshua Tree National Park – Lost Palms Oasis

Joshua Tree - Lost Palms Oasis Trail

From Mastodon Peak I continued on the trail to Lost Palms Oasis.  This is an in/out trail going about 3 miles each way. The trail winds through many different types of landscape – hills, sandy washes, patches of rocks, and just about everything in between. Damages from flash flooding in October has blocked off the … Read more

Meyers Falls

Meyers Falls - Looking Upstream

Florence, Wisconsin is packed full of waterfalls and rapids.  From Big Bull Falls in my previous post I drove to the next river over and found 2 more in the same area.  The first of these is Meyers Falls. From the small parking area, you only have to walk down a small hill maybe a … Read more

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Covered in Clouds

Against my best efforts today was a bit of a bust.  Yesterday I got caught in a speed trap in Carlsbad which requires a mandatory court appearance (seriously?!).  Delayed my morning and ruined any chance of a decent hike.  I’m not a fan of this town and don’t plan to return.  Back on the road … Read more