A Sunny Day on Mount Rainier

We only spent a few days in Seattle Washington. We got to Seattle around 4pm, and by the time we found our hotel the day was all but lost. Still the hotel we stayed at had a great staff. No matter how many questions we asked them we always received clear answers that made our stay and travels very comfortable. The hotel was the Best Western Plaza by the Green in Kent, Washington. The hotel is near two highways that make it very accessible to your nearest adventures.  Give them a try if you ever go to Seattle.

Day Two was open to anything we wanted to see. With great advice from the hotel front desk guy we set out for two places, Mount Rainier National Park and Snoqualmie Falls. Let me tell you we were very glad that we did! Al from the front desk of our hotel had the best suggestions.

We first set out for Snoqualmie Falls. The travel time was about a forty minute drive from our hotel. Not bad. Now we planned on staying there most of the morning. Hiking, taking some shots of the local area and such, but the trails were under reconstruction. I guess that area of the country had quite a bit of wash from the spring rains and trails needed some serious work. The only ares open to the public were the overlooks and the near by village. A shame to, because we really wanted to hike down to the falls and get some close ups. This could have easily take the whole day though. For that, I’m kind of glad the trails were closed. So we jumped back into the car and traveled to our next destination, Mount Rainier National Park.

Mount Rainier took some time to get too. The ride was a  little over an hour through some winding country. All in all it was a nice drive, just a little long. Now we aimed for the Paradise Inn and ranger station at the base of the mountain. About 5400ft above sea level. This place was awesome! Scenic views from all around. More day hikes then you can take in one day. It was 86 degrees the day we were there. Snow all around the trails. We hiked right up to Paradise glacier…in our shorts and t-shirts. We hiked to 7300 ft. It was simply awesome! We may have seen only one percent of the park, but we felt that this place was one of our better adventures. If we do it again, then we will probably be going there in mid August staying near Mount Rainier. I wouldn’t mind taking a week to hiking this park. Mid August is when all the wild flowers come out. Locals say it’s the best time to see Mount Rainier National Park.

If you find yourself near Seattle, Washington, USA, this park is a “MUST SEE”!!

 Snoqualmie Falls from the overlook.

Mrytle Falls

Carmen near some snow on the trail we hiked.

Jim, taking a cool break.

Hiking in the Rocky Mountain High

Actually the hikes aren’t that bad in Rocky Mountain National Park. Buses get you close to where you want to begin your hike. The rest is up to you. You can drive and park near those trails and camp grounds, but there are a limited number of parking spaces. So get up and go see this national wonder!  This park is awesome!

Words of wisdom though, if you are going to Colorado to specially hike in RMNP? Then stay in Estes Park or some where near it. Our hotel was on the south side of Denver. An hour and half drive to Estes Park. Estes Park, for those who don’t know, is the city at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park. Lodging seemed a little pricey, but you save in the cost of travel and time.

We only spent three days in the park. The first day was sunny and partly cloudy. The next two were over cast and raining. We went down four trails. Oh yeah, talk to the bus drivers! They can give you a better idea of maximizing your  hiking experience if this is your first time out in this park.

Bear Lake, a place my wife has always wanted to see. I thought this hike was relatively easy. From the station where the bus drops you off you at ten paces from the lake. The hike around is a little over a mile, but very scenic. We caught an access trail to Alberta Falls after we hiked Bear Lake.

Alberta Falls, the access trail from Bear Lake to Alberta Falls was moderate to strenuous. However, that’s my cup of tea….but not really Carmen’s. I think I could have spent all day on this hike. This hike made you work a little bit, but the scenic views and roaring water made the hike worth it. There were more waterfalls up the hill but we stopped at Alberta Falls. We were running out of daylight. Next time though! 😉

Sprague Lake, we experienced in the rain. Much like Bear Lake, it doesn’t take long to get to the trail or lake itself. Very scenic and a nice easy trail.

Bierstadt Lake Trail, I loved Bierstadt trail! Straight up, long and it felt like you were on the edge of the world! A funny story about this trail…after stopping to catch our breath for the third time, a couple in their 70’s passed us. That’s right! They PASSED us!! They were great though. They have been hiking together for 45 years. We kept pace with them and enjoyed the “getting to know you” conversation all the way to the lake.

This place was fun, but you really need a month of hiking throughout the park to get the feeling that you did anything. We are planning a return trip in the near future!

Bear Lake

Mountain tops overlooking Bear Lake.

Bear Lake

Bear Lake

Alberta Falls

A lone Elk

Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake

Bierstadt Lake

An Artistic Side of Denver

The second day in Colorado we spent in Denver. This city has a lot of character to it.  We drove around spotting tons of artistic building and blocks. I think we both have a secret passion for geometrical design and architecture. Denver has a good mix between new and old structures. Even though our images are more of the geometrical design and newer side of construction, this city still has a renaissance feel of the early 1900’s. On one of our passes in downtown Denver we spotted a little pizza joint call Sexy Pizza. We never did stop and eat there. Traffic was heavy and we were running out of time. But that just gives us a chance to try it next time. 😉

We even stopped in the Denver Botanical Gardens and had lunch. We HIGHLY recommend going to the Denver Botanical Garden. This was one of the better botanical gardens we’ve been too.

Here are some the images we took.

A mighty stroll threw the Garden of the Gods

Our first full day in Denver Colorado we decided to drive south. To check out a little park on the west side of Colorado Springs. This park isn’t a state park or a national park. It’s actually a city park donated from a family back in 1909. It’s name, the Garden of the Gods is based on a group of massive land formations sprouting up from the ground making an interesting garden of sorts. Paved and unpaved trails stretching all throughout these gigantic land formations for you to walk around for days. Driving and biking makes it  easy to navigate through this park. We hiked for a little while on the trails, then drive to the next one. Making this park great for day hikes. We didn’t see any camp grounds, but there are plenty of spectacular places for picnics. There is rock climbing in the park, but you have to be a licensed rock climber to get close to the rocks. Here’s a link for more information, http://www.gardenofgods.com/parkinfo/index_113.cfm. I can only hope that these images help describe the beauty and enormous fun that is the Garden of the Gods.

My beautiful having a snack.

Top of the world.

I’ve never seen a tree show it’s butt before. 😉

My best Farside imitation. 🙂

Overlooking the rock formations and valley of the main area of the  park.

This shot here was taken from the railing at the parks information center.

This was a great day. Even when we sat to eat back at the park information center a huge deer came up and started eating a bush right next to us. He was no more than ten feet away. For more information on the park, http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1

The Giving Garden; The story of Lillian

There is a house that has a little garden in the front yard. In the garden there is a sign that simply says “The Giving Garden”. Anyone who walks or drives by can help themselves to what they need or would like from it. The owner simply wants to share with the her community. We want to share her stories with you….

July 21, 2011

On Tuesday I went out at 6:30am to water the giving garden and some other areas in the yard. I wasn’t paying attention to the driveway. Lots of people use it as a “turn around”. I was concentrating on the plants and the effects of the weather, bugs, weeds, growth patterns and everything else in the garden. At some point I turned around to find a woman standing, ready to talk to me. Her silver Volkswagen was parked in my driveway.

” What did I do now?” was the first thought though my brain.

She introduced herself and told me how one day she happened to be walking down the street and came upon my garden. We talked and exchanged garden ideas. I shared any dill I had with her. I always encourage everyone to try my edible flowers. Of course, most people are skeptical. We talked a bit more, then she left and I went back to my work. She, like the rest of us, is learning how to grow and cultivate in this world as much as any garden.

The next day she came to my door and gave me this card. I’ll be looking forward to seeing her again. 🙂

I have a great many blooms on the lemon cucumbers, and I am very anxious to try them.

~ The Gardener

P.S.

The card simple said ” It was so nice to meet you. Thank you so much for the “fresh” and “dried” dill you gave to me from your “cute” sidewalk garden. May you have a great day and good week. ~L”

Not quite Angel Falls

A few weeks back we went up to Lake Rabun to familiarize ourselves with hiking and some of the falls in that area. Minnehaha and Bad Branch were the two waterfalls that we saw that day. The other two falls we were going to see were Angel Falls and Panther Falls. Not to get confused with Panther Creek Falls which is further south than Lake Rabun. Both these waterfalls, Angel and Panther, are on the same trail. Kind of a two for one deal. You should note right now that when trekking to these falls, follow the street signs and map/ navigational directions to ANGEL Falls. Panther Falls is considered to be apart of Angel Falls trail. Beautiful as it may be, the signs lead to Angel Falls. But I digress….Angel Falls is off Lake Rabun Rd at the recreation area. When you turn into the recreation area it looks like a camp ground/ camper park there is a bulletin board to the right to pay for the CAMP park. It’s $14 to camp there. Follow the signs to the parking area at the beginning of the falls. There it’s $3 parking for the falls. Much better then the confusion that Carmen and I had at the entrance.

The trail is just under a mile, one way. It’s a slight incline to Panther Falls. Which is 600 yards before Angel Falls. So you may get tired quicker in the “getting there” part of this journey. However, the really neat aspect of the this trail is that it’s been somewhat landscaped. Stone steps, two benches one of them built of stone right into the side the hill, and several bridges.  It appeared that there was some flowers planted too, but there has been a lot of flood/ wash damage. Several large trees were up rooted and lying in the middle of the stream. There were many spots along the trail that had trees canopying over us. I can’t tell you how many times I thought it would be cool to landscape a hiking trail. And here it is!  Especially one that had so many twists and turns. Now I know some may say “That’s NOT hiking! It has to be in the woods with little to no trail.” I may like that idea, but I also liked this change of pace. This different thought of what one community has chosen for it’s falls was surprisingly nice.  I say this because I got the sense that Angel Falls has been kept up by the local community.

Angel Falls hike is great for beginners that have taken a few hikes already. The slight incline makes for a great workout. However, when we got to Panther Falls we realized that we were losing light too fast. So we turned around and headed out of the woods. A much shorter and quicker walk in that direction. The slight downward trek helped push the tempo and we reached the car fairly quickly. Angel Falls will have to be for another time.

Enjoy the images. These images are of Panther Falls and the stream/river leading to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Rocky Road to Stonewall Falls

Our Sunday drive was fantastic! Gorgeous skies, very little traffic and the ride always seemed to be heading down hill.  We even found a great little deli on the way. Annie’s at Alley’s is located just off old 441 in Lakemount GA. The people were very friendly and food fresh. Lots of art and antiques to gaze upon while you wait. Everything about the place was very welcoming. We are planning to stop by again during our next adventure. Try it sometime.

Even when we got to the gravel road that lead to the waterfall it didn’t seem bad. Then Carmen saw how narrow the roads were and stress level went up a notch. That wasn’t the only obstacle on this road either. Water wash from recent rains carved ruts in the road. Sudden drops and large rocks posed problematic and tricky maneuvering down this narrow rocky terrain. Eventually we made it to the waterfall, but I suggest driving a 4 wheel drive truck or SUV. Preferably something that is off the ground. You’ll drag the bottom of your car if it isn’t raised up. I’m so glad we took the truck. It had quite a work out that day. When it was all over there was a long silence and Carmen said with a calm voice “I love asphalt.” I looked right at her and we both laughed for several minutes. In my book, that was the tweet of the day from this trip.

This waterfall and camp ground is set up with mountain biking trails also. So if mountain biking is one of your hobbies, then this place is worth a look.  I understand trout fishing is big in these waters too. We spotted lots of polls, but no fish…..just some minnows.

Here are a few images from our little adventure.

 

Waterfall Hike: Isaqueena Falls

Today we headed to South Carolina and had a great cookout with the family to celebrate the 4th. While we were there, we decided to sneak a short hike in and see one of the great waterfalls around Oconee State Park. There are tons of trails in that area and we will be sure to go back and try some of the others out. Today’s hike was Isaqueena Falls.

This is an AWESOME waterfall to go see! We LLLLOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEEDDD  this waterfall!!!!  The trail map lists this trail as 200 yards in to see the falls. Well, 200 yards in leads you to the observation deck with this view.

The view is nice, but you are viewing the waterfall through the trees from about 100 yards away. It’s pretty and those with any serious health issues I wouldn’t advise going any further.  However, if you are part mountain goat or just love impossible climbs, then there is a very STEEP dirt trail that leads straight to the base of the waterfall. The switchbacks are made out of rocks, dirt and roots. You need to be very careful here. Once you get to the waterfall though it’s totally worth it!  Enjoy 🙂

tallulah gorge state park

This past weekend we journeyed  into north Georgia to Tallulah Gorge State Park. We love this park. The hike down and up the stairs feels like death, but it’s worth every step. It’s a good hike to measure your endurance at the start of hiking season. When ever that may be for you. 🙂 We hiked the rim and down to the suspension bridge with our friends the Scobeys. We had a blast with them! I don’t think there was a single drop in conversation. The ironic part of this day, we are all photographers and we didn’t take a single photo. I think we just want to enjoy the day and the hike. We didn’t want to worry about composition and lighting situations. After a nice winter, it was great to get out and enjoy nature. Maybe next time we’ll take a couple of shots. 😉

A historical note for Tallulah Gorge State Park; two people have walked across the gorge on a tightrope. Professor Leon made it across on July 24th, 1886, and Karl Wallenda repeated the feat on July 18th 1970. Roughly an 800ft drop to the bottom. How would you like to try that as a weekend adventure?? Well you can’t. The tight rope towers are still in the landscape, but pushed over on their sides. I’m sure for safety reasons.

This park is fun and worth the time it takes to get there. Check the link for all the activities you can do at the park. The full moon tour sounds interesting. Check it out some time. 🙂

jim

Jim’s Top five

What are your top five travel destinations? Where would you go? Hawaii, Jamaica, a national park, or local park? Would it be a place that you’ve been already, or some place that makes you feel like you’re the first person to set foot on that soil? Is it somewhere exotic or somewhere popular? What are the top 5 places you would like to see before you die?

I think mine are pretty normal. They may change, but for now I’ll keep them as is. 😉

1. Machu Picchu,

I understand that in early spring the clouds are still floating around the mountain tops. They say it makes the ancient city pop out of no where as you climb to see it.

Machu Picchu

Image grabbed from the web.

2. Yosemite National Park,

I want to camp out along the same trail that President Roosevelt and John Muir did in this park. I have heard that after this camping trip President Roosevelt started creating national parks and lands. Something the past few administrations have all but abolished and destroyed. I would like to see it before its gone.  😐

Yosemite

This image was taken in 1942 by Ansel Adams.  An artist/photographer that is a strong influence to this modern age of photography.

3. Grand Canyon National Park,

Who wouldn’t want to see this one. I could put 20 images up and none of them would do it justice. That is one everyone needs to see for themselves.

Grand Canyon

Ansel Adams, Canyon de Chelly, Arizona, 1942

4. Ireland,

My family is from Kerry. I wouldn’t mind checking it out. I would like to take Carmen to a concert in Ireland.  🙂 We were 2 days off from seeing Pearl Jam in Hawaii a few years back. We didn’t know they were playing there until we got on the island. From now on we check the concert venues before we book a trip!!!

Ireland

5. Zion National Park,

Specifically Angels Landing trail and the Narrows. My wife and I went a few years ago, but were unable to walk Angels Landing because it was closed for winter clean up. We didn’t get to go the full 6 miles of the Narrows either. We really weren’t prepared for the Narrows. Next time we will be! 😉 I think it would be cool to camp there the next time too.

Zion

Right now Carmen and I are saving up for our next adventure.  Who knows where we’ll go next? That may be part of the fun. 😉

The real question is…What is your top five? Where would you like to go and why?? What have you seen in movies, magazines or on the web that made you think…”WOW! I want to see that for myself!” ???

Jim  🙂