Photo Blog with Waterfalls, Hiking, Outdoors, and other Adventures
Stopped briefly for lunch at one of the picnic areas without name on the map. Looking at the screen cap below of the official NPS map you would never know this one is called Live Oak. You also wouldn’t know there is a trail leading out to a lone ancient oak tree. Maps here could … Read more
For the first major hike today I drove outside the park & back in to the north-central most point at Fortynine Palms Oasis. Temps were starting to climb but overall today was beautiful and stayed around 80 degrees tops. Not bad for December, eh? The trail climbs sharply up the mountainsides right from the start. … Read more
Today I was on a mission to make the most of my time. Thankfully last night was freezing cold and winds gusted to 40mph which forced me to sleep in the rental and wake early. On the positive side I was awake well before sunrise and made my way to the Cholla Cactus Garden for … Read more
December 2018. Government shutdown looming. Geminid meteor shower coming. Vacation days left that need to be used. Booked some quick tickets into Las Vegas with no firm plans other than seeking adventure. The universe guided me down to Joshua Tree National Park. Pitched my tent at the Belle campground (which I was lucky to get, … Read more
Last Day in New Mexico for this trip. 9/22 is National Public Lands Day meaning it was time to get outside and stretch my legs. No better place than the Organ Mountains right in Las Cruces just miles from the house. My mom Sue wanted to see Dripping Springs and hit the trails with me. … Read more
Today was a bit more relaxed than typical. Did laundry & packed up my hunting gear for shipment which kept me in Las Cruces all morning. Headed out to Deming for lunch with Dad at Irma’s Restaurant which has some dynamite food (best chicken gorditas anywhere). Plan for the day was to check out the … Read more
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
Headed back towards Vegas to get cell reception for funeral arrangements & ended up not needing to cut the trip short. Was already past Pahrump so decided to stay close to Vegas. Camping was done for now but booked my best AirBnB to date (seriously if you’re solo check for a listing called “Vital Vegas”, … Read more
Several days into the trip and we finally made it to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. First stop was Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee and the infamous Appalachian Trail. Views here looking over the mountain range are normally quite amazing, however today Mother Nature had other plans. Driving up the 7 mile … Read more
After several weeks of travel and about 5,000 miles driven, I arrived in Las Cruces, NM and reunited with my family. Took one day off to rest and prepare for the elk hunt season. My Dad drew a bull tag for NM unit 34 which is located in the Lincoln National Forest. Based on intel … Read more