Finding Inspiration in the Grand Tetons

23 March 202423 September 2024

The beauty of the Grand Tetons can hardly be explained in words. With its tall peaks, winding rivers, waterfalls and spectacular wildlife, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit here while making plans to explore Yellowstone National Park.

The sunlight glistened on Jenny Lake as I prepared to ride the ferry over to the south side. I would catch as soon as exiting the boat and venture towards Cascade Falls and Inspiration Point. From the top, there were spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area.

The wait was short and the ride most astounding. I heard the slight humming of the boat’s engine and the stirring of the water beneath. The fresh air was as intoxicating as the views from the small vessel that carried us across the lake. The crags and boulders appeared intermittently between the pines and provide the most beautiful reflection. The immense stature of the Tetons were noticeably present and grand and we arrived at our destination in a short time.

The moderate trail was broken in and we made our climb through the forest and over a large stream. Soon it was taking a more steep approach as we closed in on our final destination of Inspiration Point. The sounds of the falls in the distance challenged us to quicken our step and as we pressed on to the glorious view that we were about to witness.

We sat atop of the rocks overlooking the lake as a silence fell among us. It was a magical experience, so breathtaking that we could have stayed the afternoon taking in the scenery. It is no doubt, inspirational.

Have you taken the ferry to Inspirational Point? What other places did you visit at Grand Teton National Park? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

The Jenny Lake shuttle runs every 15 minutes for a cost of $9 roundtrip.

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

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 Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton 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 Grand Teton 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, 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: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
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. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

A Very Friendly Chipmunk

Incredible Vantage Point returning from Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Hike

Gorgeous views of Jenny lake from Inspiration Point

The Shuttle Stop

Hidden Falls

A Chipmunk Waiting for Snacks

A Magpie

Finding Solitude at Sylvan Lake

15 September 201815 September 2024

After a restful night, I woke up bright and early at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn in Custer, South Dakota. It was a perfect overnight stay where the hotel staff were friendly and helpful. At the breakfast bar, there was a large selection of food items and the dining area was very clean with modern furnishings. The hotel was centrally located (about 20 minutes) from the attractions I wanted to visit and I couldn’t wait to check out and explore.

It was Sunday morning and I wanted to visit Lake Sylvan to read my Bible and devotional before reaching my next stop, Deadwood. In awe of God’s creation, I started along the path where I could circle the lake, taking in the beauty of my surroundings. With my camera in hand, I captured the reflection of the rock formations on the water. The walking path continued along the banks with an additional route where one could walk the main thoroughfare for a shorter hike.

Sylvan Lake is one of five mountain lakes within the Custer State Park and is the one most visited. Used as a scene in “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, it is also popular with photographers and nature lovers. For those who like to fish, the lake is fully stocked with trout, crappies and perch and canoes and kayaks are available for rent as well. Although I could have stayed to enjoy a few of the amenities at Sylvan Lake, I came for the solitude. And as I finished my hour of devotions, I prayed for safety and began my drive towards Deadwood.

Have you visited Sylvan Lake while touring Custer State Park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading by post and Happy Travels!

For more information about Sylvan Lake and Custer State Park, visit South Dakota’s state park website at www.gfp.sd.gov.

For those of you that may be interested in my hotel evaluation at Custer, South Dakota, I have provided a very brief opinion of my experience at the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn located at West Mount Rushmore Road.

Hotel Information:

Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
310 W. Mount Rushmore Road
Custer, South Dakota 57730
Phone: 605 673 2275
Rate: 80.90 (AAA rate) + tax = 89.87 (includes $2 lodging tax)

Hotel Rating:

The hotel is a great hotel with friendly, helpful staff. There were great food options for breakfast including omelets, yogurt, hot oatmeal, cereal, toast, fresh fruit and danishes. The only fast food option in the area was Dairy Queen, but there were several places to eat along Mount Rushmore Road. Perfect location…about 20 minutes from each of the attractions. Very, very clean with modern furnishings. The television did not work that night, but I was too tired to watch it. I would highly recommend the Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn. There is also wi-fi service available as well.

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

Hiking the Sunken Gardens Trail at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania

23 July 201817 September 2024

Visiting my brother and his family over the Labor Day Weekend, my parents rented a camper for the drive to Butler County, northern Pennsylvania. They parked the RV at a campsite near Moraine State Park for afternoon hikes and fishing.

The Saturday before the holiday, we decided to hike the Sunken Garden Trail at the nearby state park. The hike is located on the southern side of Lake Arthur, one of the largest man-made lakes in Pennsylvania. Marked with blue blazes, there are three different trail options ranging between 2 to 3 1/2 miles.

The children were more excited about the hike than the adults, but their energy made it just as fun for us. Pointing out cattails, tiny orange flower and tall trees, no one was in a hurry to complete the easy nature walk.

After a short distance, we crossed over a small bridge.

We were surrounded by thick trees enjoying the shade.

On a few occasions we would catch a glimpse of the lake.

Colorful flowers bloomed along small sections of sand where the waves from the lake lapped the shoreline. A man and his two children had brought fishing poles in hopes of catching Walleye, Crappie and Largemouth Bass.

From here we noticed Pleasant Valley Beach on the opposite side of the lake. A family or two had set up blankets and lounge chairs as a couple of children were wading in the shallow end.

We approached the marshy area and heard a couple of frogs croaking under the vegetation. Just across the marsh, we could see the boat dock and parking areas so we knew it wouldn’t be long until we had finished the hike.

Overall, we had a wonderful hike at the Sunken Garden Trail with the children and had worked up an appetite, so it was time to return to the campground to make some lunch.

Have you visited Moraine State Park and hiked the trails? 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 our family day at the park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Moraine State Park
225 Pleasant Valley Road
Portersville, PA 16051
Telephone: 724 368 8811

Where to Stay

Smith Grove Camp Grounds
1085 Herman Road
Butler, PA 16002
Telephone: 724 285 3600

Where to Eat:

Reclamation Brewing Company
221 South Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
Telephone: 724 790 4370

Loved their pizza and beer mac-n-cheese!

What to Eat:

Pierogie Pizza

Wandering Walden Pond

22 December 201716 September 2024

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat:

Boston Baked Beans
Cape Cod Potato Chips
Chop Suey Sandwich at Salem Lowe Restaurant
Clam Chowder
Fluffernutters – sandwiches made of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff
Fried Clams
Griddled Blueberry Muffins
Hoodsie Cups – cups of vanilla ice cream with a paper lid
Lobster Rolls
Necco Wafers
Roast Beef Sandwiches at Kelly’s Roast Beef

What to Read:

Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer
In the Heart of the Sea, by Nathaniel Philbrock
The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, by Jerome Lawrence

Browsing the shores of Walden Pond

Cute Lifeguard On Walden Pond

Walden Pond Beach

The forests of Walden Pond

More Glimpses of Walden Pond

Hotter Than Hale, Our Michigan Vacation – Day 1

6 October 201531 August 2024

Each year, it becomes more and more difficult to find a vacation home that will accommodate our growing family. With nine adults and four young children, we would need some extra space and rooms for sleeping.

My parents found a place on Long Lake in Hale, Michigan for the second week of July. Since it would be part of the hottest time of the year, we wanted to be near a lake where we could swim and fish as well.

Leaving from Columbus, Ohio, we made a quick stop in the adorable village of Frankenmuth and had finally arrived in Hale towards late afternoon. We stopped at the grocery for some items that we would be using for the week and learned that the weather had been extremely hot. So hot, in fact, the cute little town of Hale could not keep their ice cream cold. We realized that there was no other place hotter than Hale.

After unpacking, we checked out the pontoon boat that we would be using for the week and found the firepit where we would later make s’mores. It had been a long day of travel, so we found our rooms and slept in until the next morning.

Reflections on Long Lake were our early morning views from our back yard. There were geese, rabbits, chipmunks and the sound of frogs that kept us entertained.

I decided to walk close to the rental home with a trail around the perimeter of Long Lake.

Happy Gunnar kept us entertained posing for photos and enjoying his toys.

While Erika liked to pose on the balcony.

We had finished unpacking and settled into the house after breakfast. The kids were eager to blow up the inflatable pool for a late morning swim.

We were able to distract the children for a little while when we promised them a ride on the boat. Everyone was excited to cruise along the lake, find a great swimming spot and a place for to fish.

Long Lake is 4.5 square miles with an average depth of 26 feet. With 88, 272 feet of shoreline, its maximum lake depth is 88 feet. Surrounded by beautiful homes, Long Lake has been a vacation spot for many residents of Michigan. Nearby, there are thousands of acres of white pine, oak, ash, cedar, maple and beech trees, providing lumber throughout the state as well as Ohio, New York and Canada. Lumbermen were known to haul wood across Long Lake transporting to various locations.

After we docked the boat, the kids were excited for another swim in their kiddie pool, so we watched them until it was time for dinner. Of course, Bennett was the last one out of the pool.

Erika snuggled up with Daddy after a long day of vacation.

Gunner hung out with grandpa, while

Grace played one of her games.

Bennett finally came in from the pool and dried off before dinner.

We played a few games before bed and it was time to watch the sunset over the lake. What a fun day packed with watersports and we’ll be ready for another activity-packed day tomorrow.

Have you been to Hale, Michigan? Stayed on Long Lake? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my family vacation to Hale, Michigan and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Relax on the lake…swimming, boating fishing

Where to Stay:

We went through VRBO to find this lovely lake house in Hale, Michigan.

Where to Eat:

Long Lake Bar & Grill
5002 E. Main Street
Long Lake, MI 48743
Telephone: 989 257 2017

Dock your boat at Long Lake Bar & Grill and enjoy some hamburgers and fries. Check out Uncle Kracker’s “Smile” video which was filmed in this area.

What to Eat:

Better Made potato chips
Biggby Coffee
Chipati – pocket bread stuffed with salad
Detroit-style pizza where the toppings are under the sauce and loaded with cheese
Hummer – drink made with kahlua, rum and ice cream
Pasty – pastry shell with savory fillings
Vernor’s Ginger Ale

Exploring Central Costa Rica

1 December 201431 August 2024

We spent a couple of days hanging out on the beach, cooking fresh seafood and making daily trips to the grocery store. It was time for us to travel inland towards the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and spend a night at Tabacon Hot Springs. Our route took us northwest up the coast where we would make a quick stop in Jaco before making the trek towards our first stop at the waterfall. We crossed the bridge saying goodbye to the alligators before stopping at the market for some road snacks then hopped on route 34 passing quaint little coastal towns along the way.

La Fortuna was an impressive 200 feet tall and we couldn’t wait to see one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls. The roar of the falls could be heard before we reached this magnificent cascade. This spectacular force of nature is one of the most popular sites in Central America. It didn’t take us long to descend the steps to the rocky base but took note that somehow we would have to make our way back the way we came down.

We had packed a picnic, so we found a space to admire the waterfall and the incredible mist that called us to take a swim. I couldn’t help but test out the water, but even in the tropics, I was surprised the water was so cold and decided against jumping in.

It was difficult to break away from this magical spot, but we wanted to hike up to the Arenal Volcano where we would find several viewpoints and scenic lookouts. The national park is the second most visited in the country and for so many reasons. This was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but it has remained dormant since 2010. The last time Arenal exploded was 1968 which destroyed the towns of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo. At the time of my visit in 2006, there were rumors that the top could blow off at any moment, but we decided not to let that stop us.

I was pleasantly surprised that there were only two trails and that they were so short with the maximum length measuring 2.1 miles. Hikers can pass through lava beds from blasts from the volcano’s past and capture scenic views of Lake Arenal.

While the hike in the park has a beautiful scenic area we decided to visit the Arenal Observatory for views of the volcano and lake. Both were stunning, impressive and worth the detour.

Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake measuring 33 square miles. There are a wide range of activities that revolve around this large, man-made body of water such as boating, windsurfing, hiking, biking and of course spectacular fishing. Arenal is known for its guapote, a local fish with sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. I was surprised to learn that the ancient villages of Tronadora and Arenal are actually below the current lake, while newly built hotels around the volcano offer spectacular views and luxury accommodations.

It was getting late and we stopped at the Tabacon Hot Springs before checking into the Thermal Resort & Spa for the night. Sitting under the grandeur of Arenal Volcano, this gorgeous hideaway is the perfect location for exploring and experiencing the natural pools of Costa Rica. Visitors are not required to stay at the resort to enjoy a day of pampering and can book a day pass. While the Resort and Spa are family friendly, the Shangri-La Gardens is more private and accommodating for an adults-only experience.

The thermal spa was perfect for soothing our muscles after a long ride in the car and the luxurious bed was the perfect spot for an amazing night’s sleep, and what a restful night it was.

Have you visited Costa Rica? What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country? I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my journey through central Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

La Fortuna Waterfall
Alajuela Province
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2479 9515

Admission Fee: 18 US dollars to enter
Hours: All year around from 7AM to 5PM
Amenities: third party tours provide more details; check Viator for more information
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The busiest time is midday and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive in the morning.

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal
Arajuela Province, Costa Rica

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291

Admission Fee: No charge to visit the hot springs at the resort.
Hours: Check with the resort for hours of operation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bathing suit for enjoying the hot springs.

Where to Stay:

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291

Where to Eat:

Jaco:
Los Mahi Tacos de Cholo
Centro Commercial Urena, Local 3
Avenida Pastor Diaz Diagonal a Calle El Bohio
Jaco Central, Jaco, Garabito Municipality
61101 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8741 0562

La Fortuna:
Spectacolar Cantina
Meters west from La Fortuna Church 125
Arenal Volcano National Park
La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8569 7676

What to Eat:

Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Read:

It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
Oro by Cizia Zyke
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano