Point Reyes National Seashore: The Lighthouse

25 March 20253 May 2025

During a previous stay in San Francisco, I tried to reach the Point Reyes National Seashore to watch the sunset, but I had failed. Not anticipating the hour long, intense drive of switchbacks and winding roads, I knew I was not going to reach the lighthouse in time for the sunset. I was so disappointed and began the drive back in hopes to make this trek again in the near future.

A couple of months later, I found myself leaving from San Francisco driving north to Marin County. This is not a road for the faint of heart, but I was determined to make it this time, on time and with enough time to reach this spectacular view.

Having navigated through the challenging landscape, I turned into the entrance of the park. I was surprised to find that I was driving through private farmlands, but continued to stay on course. Posted signs clearly explained that the cattle farms were under the purview of the California government.

The roadway through the park continued until I finally arrived at the entrance to the park, a short distance from the lighthouse. The parking lot was practically empty with only a couple of cars and I noticed ahead there was a gate at the entrance to the lighthouse. I was confused but started my hike when I was welcomed by a herd of deer grazing alongside of the path.

I continued along the paved pathway noticing the spectacular view of the seashore to my right. Within a few hundred feet and around the bend, I noticed what appeared to be living quarters. Thinking that I may be trespassing on private property, I thought about turning back towards my car. At that time, a young girl was driving towards the house and mentioned that I was heading in the right direction to see the lighthouse.

It was turning out to be a great time to view the local wildlife. Within a few hundred feet, I noticed a hawk-like bird sitting on the power line.

As I edged closer towards the Point Reyes Light, I was reminded of why I love west coast sunsets. Having lived in Southern California, I couldn’t wait to head down to San Clemente pier each night to watch the sun disappear into the horizon. The reflecting colors of the sun through the cloudy sky creates a different experience each time.

Around the corner, I noticed a fenced off area and as I approached closer, there was a set of stairs leading to the lighthouse. While I had a great view through the fence, I wished I could have visited when it was open. I’m just not sure if I could handle a third attempt on those crazy roads, but it won’t be anytime soon.

Have you been to the Point Reyes National Seashore? Were you able to visit the lighthouse? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Telephone: 415 464 5100

Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Point Reyes National Seashore.
Hours: Open all year from 6:00AM to 12:00AM; Bear Valley Visitor Center is open (March through October) on weekdays from 10AM to 5PM and on weekends and holidays from 9AM to 5PM. From November to February on weekdays from 10AM to 4:30PM and weekends and holidays from 9AM to 4:30PM
Amenities: Lighthouse, visitor center, parking, camping, boat-in camping, ranger-guided programs, habitat restoration program, yoga classes, salmon spawning (seasonal)
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The road to reach Point Reyes National Seashore from San Francisco may affect those that are prone to car sickness. The length of the trip (1 hour each way) is long, so provide enough time if you are interested in watching the sunset. Bring plenty of water and snacks and ensure that your vehicle has plenty of fuel for the drive. You can take the hike to the lighthouse or an easier option to park near it and take the short trail. Summer is the best time to visit due to fog.

Where to Stay:

Tomales Bay Resort & Marina
12938 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1389

Where to Eat:

Saltwater Oyster Depot
12781 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1244

Did somebody say oysters? I was ready for about a dozen raw oysters on the half shell! As if that was not enough, Peter and I split the Shellfish Risotto….crazy amazing!

The First Metro Park in Columbus, Blacklick Woods Metro Park

27 November 202122 September 2024

Buttonbush Swamp

It was a sunny mid-March morning and I decided to hike Blacklick Woods Metro Park in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. With six trails, I wanted to hike back to the Nature Center that would eventually lead me to the Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve.

I began by parking near the Ashton pond where I picked up the Beech trail, a half a mile loop. I found a trail head for the 4.1 mile multipurpose trail a few minutes into the hike, leading me to a connector trail at the nature preserve. Once I met up with the half mile Buttonbush Trail, I was heading in the right direction towards the nature center.

The forests here are primarily made up of beech-maple trees and are perfect for bird-watching. There are a couple of swamps where boardwalks were created to bring an up-close, personal look at the plant and animal life in this type of environment. In addition to birds, deer and fox, other wildlife make their home in this fascinating preserve.

Blacklick Woods was the first of Columbus’ MetroParks, opening in 1948. First set among 113 acres, the park has grown to include picnic areas, a lodge and an 18-hole regulations course, making it, today, a 643-acre park. This is a perfect place to bring your family for an afternoon of animal watching.

At the nature center, I spent a few moments inside, watching the animals and birds enjoying an afternoon lunch of seeds provided by the park personnel. It felt warm and cozy inside as the temperature outdoors was still cool during the early spring months. The sun shone into the lodge casting shadows on the floor. Squirrels and chipmunks entertained us as they chased away the birds attempting to reach the feeders. I was taken back to my childhood when my family would visit the parks, the trails and the campgrounds throughout Ohio. I remembered the spring smells and the sounds of birds filling the air as I began my walk back to the pond and vowed to continue our family tradition. Such fond memories….

Do you have a favorite metro, state or national park that you love to visit? I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Many Thanks for reading about my afternoon spent at Blacklick Woods Metro Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Blacklick Woods Metro Park
6975 Livingston Avenue
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Telephone: 614 208 4247

Hours: The park is open from 6AM to 10PM April through September and from 6AM to 8PM, October through March.
Amenities: Trails, shelter and lodge rentals, biking, golfing, picnicking, nature centers and sledding
Scenic View: Views of wildlife from the nature centers
Length of Visit: Determined by the activities
Tips for Your Visit: During the winter months, the park offers sledding as well as cross-country skiing. Visit the Columbus Metro Parks website for information about the many parks in the area.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus Airport East
6305 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43213
Telephone: 614 322 8000

Where to Eat:

Barrel & Boar
8 N. State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614 300 5014

I started my meal by ordering the Carolina Hush Puppies served with honey butter. The pulled pork came with garlic toast and a choice of two sides, so I ordered the Mac & Cheese and the Creamy Cole Slaw which were phenomenal. I look forward to returning for brunch to experience the Bloody Mary Bar and another future visit for the Brisket Cubano.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

A Sunday Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

30 April 201921 September 2024

The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located off of M-109. The road was built by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who spent his childhood exploring the area. Great for driving or biking, the scenic route’s first stop is the Covered Bridge, which was also constructed by Stocking, adding additional charm to the drive.

Along the route are designated numbers that coordinate with the guided tour.

Stop number two is the scenic overlook of Glen Lake. The lake, divided in half by the M-22 bridge, is known as Little Glen to the south and Big Glen Lake to the north. The ridge that runs along the north side of Little Glen is appropriately named Alligator Hill as the outline of the alligator’s long snout can be seen near the bridge, to the right. Can you see it?

The Dune Overlook is our next stop and we exited the car to enjoy the scenic view. Stepping onto the platform, we were surrounded by water and sand. The beautiful blue of Lake Michigan could be mistaken for a Caribbean shoreline endlessly disappearing out into the horizon.

The nearby Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop through the sand.

Checkpoint five explains the ecological traits of the dunes including the flora and fauna, the effect of the weather and its soil.

Leaving the sand dunes, we entered the Beech-Maple Forest and an amazing panoramic view greeted us at marker number eight.

The landscape was created by glaciers carving their way through the land, leaving behind scenic inlets and incredible coves.

As our scenic drive was coming to an end, we approached our ninth stop and exited the car. Heading towards the platform, we learned that we were approximately 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Excellent visibility allowed us a gorgeous panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Dune.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon. In addition to exploring our surroundings, we learned so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes and its beautiful lakeshore.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? What activities did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my experience on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 4700

Where to Eat:

Joe’s Friendly Tavern
11015 W. Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5506

Michigan is known for its cherries, and this restaurant offered Empire wings sweetened with dark sweet cherries, so I had to try them!

Trailhead for the Cottonwood Trail

Nolan in the sand

Mammoth Springs, An Apocalyptic Fairytale

10 November 201817 September 2024

Arriving into Mammoth Hot Springs, there was a large crowd of visitors standing around the center of town. From a distance it was difficult to see what was taking place downtown, but as I drove closer, I noticed a large bull elk and his harem. Roaming the Parade Lawn were about twenty beautiful females.

The crowd began to push in and as they moved closer to the elk, a park ranger warned the group to move away from the herd. Clearly ignoring the warning sign placards, guests seemed to have forgotten that bull elks can become unpredictable when provoked and dangerous if startled. I thought it best to leave the potentially dangerous situation and decided to explore the Hot Springs of Yellowstone.

Situated at the north end of Yellowstone, Mammoth sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. One of the most photographed areas of the park, it is known for its multi-layered colors created by volcanic chemicals.

The orange limestone terraces glowing in the sunlight were bold in comparison to the white chalky substance. Created by algae and bacteria, there is a strong contrast between the colors that stand out from the rest of the scene. A continuous mist was rising up from the stepping stones as if to reach the sun and stars. Unlike the other features in the park, the view seemed as though I had just landed on another planet.

The scenes of the park took my breath away. A lone tree sprouted up from the white limestone against the blue sky creating an image that could only be painted by a surrealist. As if rising out of a fairytale book, I was sure that nymphs or sprites could appear at any moment.

Located on the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Springs is the New Blue Springs. Without one speck of blue to be seen, this monochromatic contrast with colors of white and orange would seem most likely to exist on planet Mars.

Approaching the last formations of limestone, I found this area to be one of the most unique collection of springs. Unequivocally unique in its design, they are one of the many reasons that four million visitors arrive in Yellowstone National Park each year.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park? What were the highlights of your trip? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave your experience in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking the time to read about my fabulous trip to Yellowstone National Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Yellowstone National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding and llama packing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers. It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Bighorn Byway Drive Towards Devil’s Tower

3 November 201817 September 2024

Traveling out west, I had finally reached Wyoming and decided to take the scenic route towards Devil’s Tower. My initial plan was to travel the Medicine Wheel Passage, but it had rained the night before and I was concerned that this would have an affect on the roads as US Highway 14A is not well paved. Instead, I decided to continue towards Devil’s Tower by way of the Bighorn Scenic Byway.

I refueled in Sheridan at the Holiday Stationstores for $25 and began my scenic drive through the Bighorn Mountains with a stop at Shell Canyon and Falls.

Climbing the mountain, I noticed a lookout and decided to pull over for a short break, taking in the scenic Blue Sky drive. Stretching my legs and walking towards the edge of the parking lot to take in the view, I happened to notice a small deer out of the corner of my eye. She was making her way down the hill so I slowly crept towards her direction for a closer look when I realized there was a young buck further down the slope. While keeping my distance, I stood still in the lot, taking in the beautiful moment before returning to my drive.

I was nearing the end of the byway when I noticed signs for the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. Thirty miles east of the town of Greybull, I was excited to make this stop to see the falls and explore the educational center.

Opening the car door, I immediately noticed the sound of the waterfall, Long before reaching the entrance, I was surprised to see a mist emanating from the cascade with a spray that was lightly covering my windshield. A donation box marked the start of the trailhead and within minutes, I was standing on the platform facing the falls. It was then that I realized I was too close to capture the falls it in its entirety as I had not brought the correct lens. I stood against the handrail with my eyes closed, feeling the spray on my face.

After a refreshing stop and a boost of energy, I continued along the interpretive trail. Rounding the corner and towards my left, a pathway opened up to a canyon Rock formations seemed to rise up from inside of the valley.

In the distance stood a limestone and dolomite rock feature known as Copman’s Tomb, the precipice was so named in memory of local settler, Jack Copman whose dream was to launch a glider over the side of the cliff. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete his dream, but locals have named this immense stone in Copman’s honor.

I had finally reached the end of the quarter a mile trail where I spent about twenty minutes. Not only was the trail a perfect break during my long journey towards Devil’s Tower, the mist from the falls provided me with a much needed car wash.

Have you had the opportunity to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway or stop by Shell Falls? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Bighorn Scenic Byway and Shell Falls! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

For more information about the Bighorn Scenic Byway, visit the Bighorn National Forest website at http://www.travelwyoming.com/article/big-horn-scenic-byway.

Summer’s End at Custer State Park: The Wildlife Drive

13 October 201817 September 2024

Dark clouds appeared overhead as a storm began to roll in at Custer State Park. Uncertain if the weather would put a damper on my afternoon, I continued on with my plans to explore the Wildlife Drive. Known for its amazing animal sightings, I was looking forward to seeing bison, burros or even a mountain goat.

Custer State Park is both a state park and wildlife reserve. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, it is named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer providing a home to many wild animals on its 71,000 acres. The park is most known for its large Bison population of 1500, its prairie dog towns and burros. Other animals residing in the park include elk, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountain goats, big horn sheep, pronghorn and mountain lions.

Here are some of the amazing sites I had the opportunity to see while exploring the Wildlife Drive at Custer State Park.

Fisherman Ponds

Views from the Lookout

Groundhog

American Bison

Prairie Dog Town

White-Tailed Deer

Wild Burro

Spectacular Landscape

Nearby attractions I was not able to visit included the Crazy Horse Memorial, Jewel Cave National Monument and Wind Cave National Park, but one day, I hope to make it here.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Custer State Park? Did you drive the Wildlife Loop Road? I would love to hear about your adventure if you kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Custer State Park
13329 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD 57730
Telephone: 605 255 4515

Don’t miss the Wildlife Loop Drive for the opportunity to see the park’s wildlife up close in their natural habitat.

Admission Fee: Weekly Park License: $20 per vehicle, $10 per motorcycle, motorcoach license: $3 per person per visit.
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Visit the website for the hours of the Visitor’s Centers.
Amenities: Hiking, biking, bird watching, camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, scenic drives; buffalo auction and buffalo roundup
Scenic View: The Wildlife Drive provides opportunities to see a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Drive slowly through the Wildlife Loop and be cautious of animals crossing the road. Take the drive early in the morning in the late afternoon for best viewing opportunities. Do not feed the animals and maintain a safe space between yourself and the animals.

Where to Stay:

Custer State Park Resort
The Blue Bell Lodge
Telephone for Reservations: 888 875 0001

While I spent the night at the Blue Bell Lodge, there are several other properties around the park to book as well.

Where to Eat:

Ruby House Restaurant
124 Winter Street
Keystone, SD 57751
Telephone: 605 666 4404

I wanted to visit a place with an Old West feel that served steak and I came to the right place! The Bourbon Ribeye was fantastic!

So many other options along Mt. Rushmore Road.

What to Eat:

Buffalo: A meat substitute for beef which is much healthier to eat.
Chokecherries are a Native American cherry that is made into jam, preserves, butter, wine, jelly and sauce. Wojapi is a chokecherry sauce.
Dakota Martini is made of three-fourths beer and one-fourth tomato juice
Fleisch Kuchele is a meat pie originating from Germans who lived in Russia. The dough is filled with meat and onions, then deep fried until the pastry is hot and flaky.
Hot Beef Commercial, also known as hot beef sandwich, beef combination, hot beef combo and hot beef combination. This is a sandwich made of real mashed potatoes and chunks of seasoned roast beef sandwiched between two pieces of white bread and smothered with homemade gravy until it floods the plate.
Indian Fry Bread is the state bread of South Dakota, a recipe of the local Indians.
Indian Tacos are made with a specially spiced beef and beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, onion, black olives and house made picante sauce on the top.
Kolache is an amazing Czech dessert made from pastry and filled with fruit filling such as apple, cherry, lemon, apricot, prune and strawberry.
Kuchen is German for cake and in South Dakota, visitors can enjoy this pastry filled with custard and fruit.
Lefse is a flat potato bread coming from Norwegian-American origin and served with butter
Mocha Cakes, also known as Blarney stones, are square or rectangular blocks of light and airy white cake. Frosted on all sides with vanilla buttercream, they are rolled in lightly salted crushed peanuts for ideal flavor and texture.
Pasties are savory hand pies.
Tiger Meat is South Dakota’s answer to steak tartare.
Wasna is a buffalo and berry dish passed down by the Lakota Indians.
Zebra Donuts are marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts that is fried, dunked in sweet glaze and hand-dipped in homemade chocolate frosting which feeds 15.

Photo Guide for Custer State Park, South Dakota:

Use a telephoto lens for capturing animals far away in the distance.
Explore the Wildlife Drive for opportunities to see wildlife
Take a Jeep Safari tour to gain closer to access to the amazing wildlife in the park
Take your photos at dawn and dusk for excellent time to see wildlife.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Road Trip on the Bighorn Scenic Byway

1 September 201816 September 2024

Are you a fan of road trips? I absolutely love the energy that comes from driving the open road. I’m also guilty of stopping by every Welcome Center for a few brochures and pulling over to check out the “Scenic View” for a few photos.

I was ready to tackle the 58 mile drive known as the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Met with waterfalls, canyons, forests and open fields, my heart began to race as I traveled west into unexplored territory. There is a freedom of taking to the highway and exploring the pure beauty of the Western United States.

The weather was perfect for taking the route along US 14, flanked by Powder River and Big Horn basins. I was heading towards Greybull and had mapped out a few stops along the way checking out some recommended points of interest.

Without any stops, my drive time would have taken about an hour, but the scenery was so spectacular, I couldn’t resist frequent stops to take photos. While the detours added an hour to my trip, I was certain I would reach my hotel before nightfall. Shortly into my drive I approached the Bighorn Basin looking west where I could see the Yellowstone Plateau in the distance. If I had more time, I would have loved to have spent more time to camp, fish or even pick up a hike or two.

The highway passed a wide range of geological formations and landscapes. As I drove through a small section of the scenic byway, I could see there had been a recent fire. From mountain tops to meadows, there were craggy rock outcroppings that added to the fascinating roadside scenery.

The red rocks seemed to increase the further I drove. Roadside signs along the way documented the elevation as I began to reach the crest of the Bighorn Mountains. Posted signs warned me of falling rocks and wildlife crossing the road.

The mountains in the distance took on a shade of royal blue against the subtle earth tones of the rocks. The drive brought me through a thick forest. Random openings through the trees allowed me a short glimpse of the afternoon landscape. The branches and leaves were a great protection from the sun, casting shadows on the road ahead of me.

The valleys began to open up ahead so I stopped at a scenic overpass to stretch out my legs. As soon as I exited the car, I quickly noticed a doe in the tall grass. She ignored me as she went about eating the grass at the edge of the roadway. Not at all aware that I was there, with her white tail flitting about to swat flies, she headed down the steep slope gently with each step. I slowly followed her for a few feet and in the short distance from where she was standing, there was a buck and a smaller deer at his side. I smiled to myself and was incredibly thankful for another unexpected surprise along my journey.

The road continued to climb and in the distance was a large rock-like structure known as Copman’s Tomb. Copman was an explorer who loved spending time in Shell Canyon and had wished for his ashes to be scattered over the mountain when he died. Having reached an elevation of 8,875 feet, I finally approached Shell Canyon Falls. Here I had planned to visit the interpretive trail and hike the falls.

I parked the car and left a small donation at the trailhead. It was a welcome sight to stretch my legs and enjoy a quiet hike. Shell Falls was a short walk from the parking lot and I could hear the sound of the water crashing against the rocks long before reaching the viewing platform. As I approached the 120-foot plunge, the mist refreshed my skin from the heat of the sun.

Although the Bighorn Scenic Byway had come to an end, there was an endless number of spectacular sights from this point until I reached my final destination. So as the day drew to a close, the sun’s reflection made the reds a bit redder and the oranges a radiant glow. It was a wonderful end to a perfect day of travel and I would be ready to start tomorrow morning, once again hitting the open road.

Were you ever surprised by nature while traveling a scenic drive? I would love to hear about your experience! Kindly provide a summary in the comments below so that I can hear about your adventure! Many thanks for reading about my adventurous drive out West! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Shell Falls and Canyon is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, mid-May through mid-September. For more information, visit the website at https://www.wyomingtourism.org/travel-resources/detail/Shell-Falls-Wayside-Bighorn-National-Forest/7957.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Shells Canyon

The Moon Appearing over Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

More of Shell’s Canyon

Beautiful geological features at dusk

Exiting the Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

Rock formation from the sideview mirror

Springtime in Sharon Woods, Metro Park, Columbus

11 August 201616 September 2024

It was a beautiful weekend and my mother had come to meet me in Columbus for a visit. I told her about the great wildlife that I had been seeing lately at Sharon Woods and she wanted to come along to see it for herself. We are both nature lovers, so it only made sense that we should wake up before sunrise and head out for an early morning walk along one of the paved trails at the park.

It was a foggy morning and just as we were pulling into the Sharon Woods, we noticed a deer and her fawn to our right. They were so close to our car and did not seem to mind, so I thought I would exit my car and take a couple of photos. Slowly inching closer for the perfect shot, it was then that the mother gave me a hearty snort and a signal from her hoof warning me to keep my distance. Realizing that she was not too pleased, I returned to my car hoping that I had taken some great pics.

Within minutes, the fog was lifting and we managed to stay on point with our hike which was not going to take much time. We stopped to listen to the sounds in the trees and to identify some of the plants, insects and animals along the way. The vibrant colors of butterflies landing against the greenery and blooms were a sign that spring had finally arrived.

With each step, the musical sounds of the birds were coming towards us at every direction and we were surrounded by blue jays, orioles and cardinals. The male cardinals were easy to find with their bold red colors and we could see the females resting on the tree limbs nearby.

Schrock Lake was full of activity with ducks and geese paddling and chasing each other along the shoreline. We found a front row seat on a nearby bench along the dock and watched the signs of spring before heading back to the trail.

We had just returned to the walking path when we encountered a wild turkey and her chicks. This was the first time I had ever seen them at Sharon Woods, so I was happy that I had brought along my camera. I’ve hiked many of the Columbus Metro Parks and Sharon Woods is one of my favorites, just for the simple reason to experience its wildlife.

Do you have a favorite Metro Park in Columbus? I would love to hear where you like to spend time outdoors, so if you would leave your story in the comments, section, that would be great! Many thanks for reading about my day at Sharon Woods and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sharon Woods Metro Park
6911 Cleveland Avenue
Westerville, OH 43081
Telephone: 614 315 5520

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Daily from 6:30AM to 10PM from April through September and from 6:30AM to 8PM from October through
Amenities: Park programs, trails, shelters, biking, fishing, picknicking, and sledding
Scenic View: Early morning and dusk, there are several types of animals that roam the park.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours or more depending on the activity

Where to Stay:

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Columbus Downtown
50 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Telephone: 614 228 4600

Where to Eat:

Yanni’s Greek Restaurant
6196 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, OH 43231
Telephone: 614 890 4775

I had a light lunch here ordering the tzatziki sauce with pita bread.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
North Market: A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
The Thurman Cafe: The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village. There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant: While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read:

Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus:

Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
Columbus Museum of Art: the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
Everal Barn and Homestead: landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
Frank Fetch Park: gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
Franklin Park Conservatory: beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
Gantz Park: barn, beautiful trees,
German Village: brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
Grove City: brick roads, small town, shopping area
Hayden Falls – wooden walking path, waterfall
Historical Village of Hilliard: a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
Inniswood Metro Gardens: gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
Ohio State University: campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
Park of Roses in Clintonville: various types of rose gardens
Riverfront Park: city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Schiller Park: gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
Scioto Mile: city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
Scioto Park in Dublin: statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
Short North: restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
Topiary Park: depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo