Cibola National Forest – Quaking Aspen Campground

Quaking Aspen Campground - Campsite #2 is quite premium

Heading west from Grants, New Mexico on I-40 and absolutely loving the scenery as the sun fades on the day. Huge red sandstone cliffs are to the north of the interstate and I didn’t know at the time but this is the southern terminus of the Colorado Plateau. Most of this area is also Navajo … Read more

Jemez Falls

Jemez Falls - View from overlook through the trees

Camp was quiet and nearly cleared out on this mid-October Monday morning, and my feet are losing their soreness so it’s time to try another short hike. As far as short hikes go this one has a great payoff at Jemez Falls, the highest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains. The trailhead is very easy to … Read more

Jemez Falls Campground

Jemez National Recreation Area - Jemez Falls campground

Camp for tonight is at the Jemez Falls campground in the Jemez National Recreation Area. This is part of the Santa Fe National Forest in the Jemez Mountains, and borders on the Valles Caldera National Preserve. Being a Sunday night, camp is only about half full (if that). According to the posted signs there might … Read more

Pike National Forest Dispersed Camping

Pike National Forest dispersed camping – Idyllic campsite in the woods

My adventures for the day ended a bit early, but I didn’t get the best sleep last night and the drive back down the mountains felt like rushing things. I heard there were some good dispersed camping spots in the Pike National Forest so I decided to check those out. “Nice” is an understatement – … Read more

Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls - View of falls from small platform above

It was a chilly morning commute in the high 30’s as I left camp down in the canyon but I am not complaining. The sun is a fantastic golden blaze and skies are clear with a bit of haze offering a vivid glow to anything the light touches. I’m taking a short drive down state … Read more

WI Pipeline Off-Roading (June ’22)

Tacoma Off-roading - Overhead drone shot of the group (photo credit Camerasandcoffee of Tacoma World)

Back in summer of 2020 I bought a Toyota Tacoma with the intention of being able to explore deeper into places that my other cars & small SUVs wouldn’t allow. After over a year of maintenance, planning, and building it up I was able to join a group from the Tacoma World forums on a … Read more

Spring Brook Lower Falls & Rapids

Spring Brook Lower Rapids - The rocky rapids continue and so does the amazing autumn scenery

After visiting the beautiful Spring Brook Falls, I traveled just a short distance back up Spring Brook Road and parked in a wide spot on the shoulder. Thanks to my friend Bob at waterfallswisconsin.com I had been given intel of another possible falls/rapids downstream about a mile in a more remote part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet … Read more

Spring Brook Falls

Spring Brook Falls - Fourth falls (main) direct view long exposure

After my small detour at the Brunsweiler River, I drove just a bit further up Spring Brook Road, parked at a tiny spot that only fits two vehicles, and made my way through the woods to find Spring Brook Falls. Once upon a time there was a sign post at the trail head but the … Read more

Brunsweiler River Rapids at Spring Brook Road

Brunsweiler Rapids - End of the rock garden cascading down

I was having a great time driving through parts of the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest and nearing my next destination when I spotted something under a bridge and got sidetracked. The warm temperatures meant I had the windows down for fresh air, and as I crossed a bridge it struck me immediately: “I hear moving water!” … Read more

Trout Brook Falls

North Country National Scenic Trail - Bridge over Trout Brook Falls

Morning of October 2nd and it’s a bit overcast and dreary, but that makes for great hiking weather. Today we start with a teeny tiny “falls” found via hiking a nice gentle section of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Foster Junction, Wisconsin. The trail starts just off Kornstead and North York Road and … Read more