The Home of the Bighorn Sheep, Anza-Borrego

15 July 202319 April 2025

The Anza-Borrego Desert is one of my favorite places in Southern California to hike. Located about two hours east of San Diego, the Anza-Borrego is a perfect location to experience geological diversity as well as explore the flora and fauna of a desert environment.

First stop in Julian, CA prior to entering the Anza Borrego Park

Before reaching the entrance into the state park, I couldn’t resist a stop in charming Julian. This “one-horse” town is a welcome oasis from the long, uneventful drive from the city. Designated as a California Historical Landmark, it was once a thriving gold rush settlement in the early 1800s. My favorite place to stop is Julian Pie Company on Main Street and bring home a pie or two.

Apple trees were first brought to Julian when settlers arrived hoping to strike it rich with the gold rush. The fruit crops thrived in the fresh mountain air and Julian has since been known for its world-famous apple pies.

The origin of the park’s name, Anza-Borrego, is Spanish. Anza represents an 18^th century Spanish explorer who roamed the desert area and the word Borrego means bighorn sheep. It is the largest park in the state of California and I found myself a little lost at times, not only in its beauty, but within its wide open spaces.

There are close to 500 miles of dirt roads and over 100 miles of hiking trails. Since I was coming from San Diego, I entered the park from state route 79, passing through the Laguna Mountains.

My favorite part of the drive was watching the landscape appear in the twists and turns of my route. I pulled over to capture multiple peaks framed by the rocky hills rising up on each side of the road. The desert landscape showed only a hint of green even during my spring visit in March and I imagined that it would be extremely hot and unbearable during the summer months.

Because the park is named after the bighorn sheep, I was desperately hoping to see one. I imagined watching them climb the steep cliffs sure-footed and quick, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be found. The park is home to animals such as the kit fox, mule deer, coyotes, red diamond rattlesnakes, roadrunners as well as jackrabbits.

Approaching the exit of the park, I wondered what types of animals lived here during prehistoric times. With a little research, I learned that paleontologists and archaeologists have uncovered evidence of large birds, sloths and cheetahs, saber-toothed cats and camels.

I could spend hours at Anza Borrego and often found myself wanting to return for a weekend camping trip. I imagined the park full of exotic animals that once roamed these desert mountains. I was somewhat disappointed that during all of the times I have visited, I had not seen any of its spectacular wildlife. There was plenty of brown vegetation and it was such a welcome site to pass the red blooming ocotillo plant. Proof that life could have actually survived here.

Is there a location that gives you the opportunity to reflect and escape? Have you visited the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park? I would love to hear about your experience here if you would kindly leave you comment in the section below! Many thanks for reading about my lovely day at Anza and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Anza-Borrego State Park
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Telephone: 760 767 4205

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk; The visitor center is open seven days a week from 9AM to 5PM.
Amenities: Camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, historical/cultural site, picnic areas, parking
Scenic View: The vista point provides scenic views of the park.
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: February and March are the best times to visit to see the spring flowers. Cellular and internet service may be limited at times. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks and that you fuel up your vehicle before entering the park. Because this is the desert, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen as temperatures can be very warm.

Where to Stay:

Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main Street, PO Box 1856
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 0201

Where to Eat:

Julian Pie Company
2225 Main Street
Julian, CA 92036
Telephone: 760 765 2449

What to Eat:

Pie, lots of pie….

What to Read:

The Anza-Borrego Desert Region: A Guide to State Park and Adjacent Areas of the Western Colorado Desert, by Diana Lindsay and Lowell Lindsay
Anza-Borrego A to Z, by Diana Lindsay
Hiking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, by Bill Cunningham and Polly Cunningham
House of the Fox: An Art Mystery Set in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, by Cornelia Feye

Photo Guide for the Anza-Borrego Desert:

Font’s Point for a scenic overlook of the badlands
Borrego Palm Canyon for a lovely group of palms which can be reached by A-Z’s most famous hike.
Borrego Springs, a small town located inside of the park for the stars and unusual artwork by Ricardo Breceda
Native American artwork can be seen throughout the park and it is estimated that there are over 50 major art rock sites to include Pictograph Trail in Little Blair Valley.
Ghost Mountain to see writer Marshal South’s homestead ruins.
The wildflowers of spring

Julian Lodge, Bed & Breakfast

Evidence of Fire at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Bali, Indonesia: Landscapes, Lewaks and Lovina Beach

18 February 202222 September 2024

Another beautiful day in Bali and I was meeting up with my friend Wayan and his family to hike Sekumpul Waterfalls. The weather was calling for rain showers, so we decided to leave the house early to miss as much of the rain as possible. We entered the park and paid our admission in preparation for the hour-long hike to the base of its falls.

Making our descent down the switchbacks, we noticed the magnificent view of the rice terraces opposite the trail. Situated on the side of the hill, the layered crops grew among the staggered rows of palm trees. Our hike took us further into the depths of the valley as a fog began to blanket our path. Soon we could hear the faint sound of the magnificent waterfalls in the distance.

About halfway into the hike, a small detour led us to a café for a moment of rest and refreshments. Along the path I noticed a sign for Kopi Luwak coffee and I was curious to try Bali’s famous coffee. The island’s exotic coffee is unique in that it requires the assistance of the cute little luwak for processing.

The luwak, also known as the Asian palm civet, is a cute little cat-like animal from Indonesia that loves to eat coffee beans. The food passes through its digestive system and the partially digested remains are collected to complete the coffee making process. According to the Balinese, the combination of fermentation and chemicals from the luwak’s digestion is what gives the coffee its unique flavor. It is the most expensive coffee in the world where in the United States one can expect to pay $100 to $600 per pound. A cup of the Kopi Luwak was only $5 US at this cute little cafe.

Piping hot, I sipped on the Kopi Luwak with a little cream and sugar. I really liked the smooth taste and enjoyed that it was prepared perfectly and not at all bitter. After our coffee break, we gathered our belongings and continued our trek down the steep slope. The path led to the river below which we needed to cross over to reach the bottom of the falls. With the water reaching up to our knees, we carefully managed to find our foothold on the slippery rocks and made our way to the other side.

The sound of the falls grew louder and soon we could see the water crashing down upon the rocks. The children giggled as the thick mist tickled their faces and drenched their clothes. There was a small pool where we took a moment to swim beneath the falls and enjoyed the roaring sound of the water tumbling down the cliffs.

Already wet, a torrential rain moved in, taking us by surprise. We needed to begin making the journey back to our car before the water began to rise. Giving one last look towards the waterfall, we were overwhelmed by the surreal view in which the falls seemed to appear out of nowhere. This moment was worth every challenging step of our hike.

The rain did not let up and there was some flooding on the streets as we drove back to the hotel. Saying goodbye to Wayan and his family, I checked into the Lovina Water Garden Hotel and waited out the storm before taking a stroll around the property. I moved hotels to be closer to the little town of Lovina Beach with its row of restaurants and shops. It remained overcast but it was a beautiful part of Bali that was not crowded and overrun with tourists.

I took an afternoon walk to the beach, watching the locals pass by on their mopeds, sometimes three or four on one bike. Vendors were selling beautiful coral necklaces and children were playing in the streets.

I arrived at the beach where I noticed a tall, worn monument where people were congregating on its steps. The column in the center displayed a large dolphin at the top while there were four dolphins that surrounded the base of the pedestal. Lovina Beach is known for its large pods of dolphins and cruises transport passengers in the early morning and evenings to watch them frolicking around the sea.

Taking a closer look at the sculpture, it seemed as though the salt air had taken its toll on these figures. I wondered how long these dolphins had been standing here gazing out into the ocean. I thought about all of the people that had passed by the beach or sat at the base of its pedestal.

I thoroughly enjoyed the laid-back, charming beach town of Lovina and preferred it to the late-night crowds of Kuta. I wished I could have spent more time in this area, but tomorrow we will be leaving for Kuta for a couple of days before flying back to the states. What I love most about the north end of Bali is the solitude and natural beauty that inspires me to explore the world less traveled.

Has there been a country that has inspired you to veer off the beaten path? One that has led you to explore parts of the country that you might have otherwise missed? I would love to hear about it! Let me know by leaving your experience in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my Bali adventure! Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sekumpul Waterfalls
Tejakula, Lemukih, Sawan, Sudaji
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, 81171 Indonesia

Admission Fee: 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Potential Transportation Costs: There may be an additional cost to travel from southern Bali to the north. Drivers are a great investment and most of them also know the area so well that they double as guides.
Hours: Daily, open 24 hours
Amenities: Food and Drink Stalls, Gazebo, Trekking Guide
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the waterfalls while taking the path to the base of the falls. Meet the lewak on the property!
Length of the Tour: Minimum of 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend at the base of the falls
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and if you plan on exploring the base of the waterfall, water shoes are also recommended. The trek can be slippery, so be aware of the conditions of the trail. My driver took me to the entrance and was my guide for the hike and I paid the nominal fee. I also learned that there is another trailhead which starts across from the Lemukh Village registration sign for those that do not want to pay the approximate $1.50 fee.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden Hotel
Jalan Binaria, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng
Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152 Indonesia

Where to Eat:

Seyu Japanese Restaurant
Jalan Binaria, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng
Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152 Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 41050

The restaurant is located in Jalan Binaria (Dolphin Statue Road) only a half a minute walk from the Dolphin Statue towards Angsoka hotel. Free wifi, they deliver as well as offer free transportation in the Lovina area.

I ordered a Bintang, Bali’s local beer and quite a few pieces of sushi and the spicy tuna roll. The fish was amazingly fresh! For dessert, I ordered the banana split and it tasted just like home.

What to Eat:

Babi Guling: Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
Bakso Soup: Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
Gado-Gado: A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
Nasi Goreng: Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
Pisang Goreng: Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
Sate Ayam: Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
Spring Rolls: Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

Git Git Waterfall
Mount Batur
Sekumpal Waterfalls
Tamblingan Lake
Twin Lakes Viewpoint

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

Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner, Ohio

29 September 20191 January 2025

Located in Butler County, Ohio, Hueston Woods was a family favorite for summer vacation camping. An hour and a half drive from Springfield, we would leave shortly after our father finished his work day with plenty of time to put up our tent and settle in for the evening.

The next day we would wake up early, enjoy a breakfast cooked over an open fire and then hike off our morning meal. The park offers 12 miles of trails with the longest measuring just over 2 miles. Our favorite hikes included animal sightings and a creek where we could search for crawdads. We would also search for firewood and kindling for the evening’s fire.

Although we did not own a boat, we would pack a picnic and make a trip down to the marina. On sunny days, boaters would drop off their boats, park their trailers and enjoy a day on the lake. We would also find fishing holes in the nearby coves in hopes of catching our dinner of bluegill and catfish.

On a recent visit to Hueston Woods, I noticed the beautiful covered bridge over Four Mile Creek. I couldn’t remember the bridge from our days of camping and soon learned that it was completed in 2012 to replace the previous metal bridge. The covered walkways attached to the bridge allows visitors to pass through safely.

Nearby, Historic Hopewell Church is listed as a stop on the Underground Railroad trail. Dating back to 1808, the original log church was replaced by the current brick structure in 1825. The nearby Hopewell Cemetery is the final resting place for local church attendees who died during the Civil War. Nearly 1000 locals are buried here.

Overall, my favorite memory of Hueston Woods, was the reception of my aunt and uncle’s wedding. They had met while attending the University of Miami of Ohio, so this was a perfect place to celebrate. I will never forget that it was the first time, at the age of nine, that I accidentally drank the spiked punch at the reception. I promise, it was only one sip.

Have you visited Hueston Woods near Oxford, Ohio? What memories do you have of visiting this great Ohio state park? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347

Where to Stay:

Hueston Woods State Park
6301 Park Office Road
College Corner, OH 45003
Telephone: 513 523 6347

Where to Eat:

The Bagel Shop and Deli
119 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
Telephone: 513 523 2131

Hours: Sunday and Monday from 8AM to 12 AM and Tuesday through Saturday from 8AM to 2:30AM
Tips for Your Visit: The lines can be long when the local bars close, so plan accordingly.

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

Our Last Day in Hale

3 November 201531 August 2024

Shelly, Izzy, Erika and Gunnar would be leaving for home today and we were sad to see them go. It was an overcast day with large billowy clouds so we packed up a picnic lunch and started out for Lumberman’s Monument. Overlooking the Au Sable River, we arrived at the 14-foot statue and visited the visitor’s center before setting out for a hike.

Grace and Bennett were snuggled safe on the backs of their Mom and Dad, taking in the scenic views and eating snacks.

The sandy trail followed the edge of the Au Sable with stunning views of the surrounding water and trees.

We hiked through lush fern-filled forests where we spotted squirrels and chipmunks.

Grace had fun picking up small pinecones from the nearby fir trees.

It was time for lunch, so we found a place to have a picnic.

Grace was happy to sit on her Daddy’s shoulders so she could have a perfect view.

Grandpa posed for pictures.

It was our last moments to explore Hale, Michigan and its nearby surroundings. We thought it would be fun for one last evening on the lake and to have a small campfire for making s’mores.

After a quick swim, we took the pontoon around the perimeter of the lake to enjoy the scenery for our last night on vacation.

The sun was beginning to set and with a perfectly built campfire, we sat around and talked about the highlights of our vacation.

We laughed about how hot it had been in Hale and began planning our next adventure.

I’m not sure if Grace had more fun making s’mores or eating them.

We toasted the remaining marshmallows before putting out the fire and preparing for bed. The last night was a great way to wrap up such a relaxing day before our long drive back to Ohio.

Have you visited Hale, Michigan or Long Lake? What was your experience? 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 Michigan vacation 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

Five Reasons You Should Visit the Grand Canyon This Summer

18 August 201431 August 2024

2016 is a special year for the United States National Park Service as they celebrate their 100^th anniversary. What better way to commemorate this milestone than to visit one of their amazing parks this year?

Maybe you should consider The Grand Canyon National Park located outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. This is one of my favorite parks to visit in the US for several reasons, but here are my top five:

The Winding Colorado River, Grand Canyon

The Scenery and Landscapes
How could I even begin to describe the awe that comes from viewing the Grand Canyon? It seems unimaginable that the power of one river, the Colorado, could carve out something so beautiful over a long period of time. With a length of 277 miles and stretching 18 miles wide, this geological phenomenon attracts close to 5 million visitors each year.

April Snow on the Grand Canyon

In addition to the enormity of the canyon, the layer upon layer of color is the perfect backdrop to a kaleidoscope landscape. The park is divided into two sections, the North Rim, reaching heights of about 1,000 feet over the South Rim. This difference in elevation means that the North Rim’s temperature is colder and access to this section of the canyon is limited during the winter season. During one of our visits in April, there was evidence of a recent snowfall.

Depending on the weather, the South Rim is typically open all year round while the North Rim is generally open mid-May to mid-October.

The Fabulous View of the Colorado River, Grand Canyon

History
The Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years with its first settlements erected by the Native Americans. Known by the Indians as “Ongtupqa”, this was a holy site and pilgrimages were made to this canyon and its many caves. One of the most interesting sites of Indian habitation is located at Nankoweap Creek where ancestral granaries can be found along the Colorado River. Fast forward a few hundred years and the area would eventually be visited by the Spanish and later the Americans. It would one day become a preserve established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and then declared as the 17^th US National Park in the year 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson.

Desert View Watchtower

Driving or Tram Tour
Many of the buildings, sites and attractions are located on the South Rim and are easily accessible from Grand Canyon Village. The park provides a tram on the grounds which is also very convenient, stopping at the major sites. Here are some of the points of interest on the South Rim.

There are several structures on the South Rim that were designed by Mary Colter to include Bright Angel Lodge, Hopi House, Lookout Studio and one of my favorites, Desert View Watchtower.
Considered the most luxurious of all of the Grand Canyon hotels is the El Tovar Hotel. It was designed by Charles Whittlesely and completed in 1905 in the style of “National Park Rustic”.
Verkamp’s Curios was a popular place to pick up souvenirs and local arts and crafts. It was reopened in 2010 as a visitor center dedicated to the history of the Grand Canyon Village.
Buckey O’Neill Cabin is the “longest continually standing structure”, built in the 1890s. It is currently open as a popular guest house requiring reservations many months in advance.
Kolb Studio was built by two brothers in 1904 as a photography studio on site. The structure became an art gallery after Emery Kolb’s passing in 1976.
One of the most interesting buildings that remains in the park is the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is said to be one of the last log cabin train stations ever built in the US.

You can also choose to drive the route yourself which will allow you ample time to enjoy the attractions at your own pace.

Stairs Leading down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Hiking

Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities within the Grand Canyon. There are several trails that follow the rim of the canyon as well as take hikers deep down into the gorge, reaching the Colorado River. In addition to the strenuous activity of hiking, there are other factors to consider before hitting the trail, such as altitude and weather. Temperatures can reach over 100° F down in the gorge during the summer months and can fall way below freezing in the winter. Hikers must be aware of such effects as sunburn, dehydration and hypothermia.

Plants and Animals
If you are a lover of plants or animals, the Grand Canyon is your paradise. According to Grand Canyon National Park, there are “approximately 1,737 known species of vascular plants, 167 species of fungi, 64 species of moss and 195 species of lichen found in Grand Canyon National Park”. I agree that the plant life is a very important part of the Grand Canyon’s ecology, but I have a greater interest in the wildlife and I am overwhelmed by the number of species that make the canyon their home. Within the park and its environs are an abundance of mammal species. In addition there are birds, fish, amphibians as well as reptiles. Here is an abbreviated list of some of the animals that have been found in the canyon:

· Abert’s squirrels	· Feral burros	· Red squirrels
· Antelope squirrels	· Gray foxes	· Ringtails
· Beavers	· Mountain lions, rare	· Rock squirrels
· Black bears	· Mule deer	· Shrews
· Bobcats	· Muskrats, rare	· Spotted skunks
· Coyotes	· Pocket mice	· Tassel-eared Squirrels
· Desert bighorn sheep	· Porcupines	· Weasels
· Elk	· Raccoons

It is always appropriate to remain cautious should you encounter one of the wild animals at Grand Canyon. Do not feed the animals and stay far enough away to ensure your well-being as well as the animal’s safety.

Although the Grand Canyon is not the deepest canyon in the world, it certainly is spectacular. From hiking to driving, rafting to camping, there are so many other ways to explore this amazing national park. And just when you think you have exhausted all possibilities of things to do, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of this magnificent gorge by helicopter. With its colorful landscape and fascinating geology, it is one of the most interesting of all of the National Parks in the United States.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon? What is your favorite activity? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my visit to the Grand Canyon and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

Admission Fee: $35 per vehicle for seven days; $30 per motorcycle for seven days; $20 per individual (biker, hiker, pedestrian) for seven days; Annual pass for Grand Canyon only: $70
Hours: The South Rim is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The North Rim is closed during the winter, so check the sites website for the most recent information.
Amenities: Shuttle system, picnicking, hiking, camping, guided tours, ranger programs, river trips, mule trips, backpacking
Scenic View: Sunset and sunrise from most anywhere in the canyon are spectacular, but the website provides a great list of stops for enjoying sunrise and sunset. ;
Length of Visit: Several days
Tips for Your Visit: The park’s website has a few suggestions such as bring an extra set of keys in the event you lock yourself out because it could be a long wait for a locksmith. Major car repairs in Flagstaff or Williams, Arizona. Keep your gas tank full as the closest gas station may be quite a distance. Finally, carry plenty of water in your car, especially during the summer months.

Where to Stay:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

There are several hotels on the South Rim to include Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Maswik Lodge. There is also an RV park, Yavapai Lodge. For reservations, contact 888 297 2757. If the onsite accommodations are full, there are several hotels surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Phantom Ranch offers dormitories and cabins who are exploring the Grand Canyon by mule or by hiking. Reservations are made through Grand Canyon National Park Lodges via an on-line lottery 15 months in advance.

Where to Eat:

Grand Canyon National Park
PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023
Telephone: 928 638 7888

For a list of restaurants and groceries at The Grand Canyon, select the following link: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/restaurants.htm

What to Eat:

Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig. This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
Tamales!

What to Read:

The Emerald Isle: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin
The Exploration of the Colorado River and the Canyons, by John Wesley
Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon, by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers
The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
I am the Grand Canyon, by Stephen Hirst

Photo Guide for the Grand Canyon:

South Rim Viewpoints: Yavapai Point
Mather Point
Desert View Drive
Shoshone Point
Yaki Point
Grandview Point
Navaho Point
Desert View Watchtower
Hermit Road
Horseshoe Bend
Bright Angel Point
Point Imperial
Cape Royal
Toroweap / Tuweep
Havasu Falls
Best places to watch the sunset:
- Lipan Point
- Navajo Point
- Yavapai Point
- Toroweep
- Point Imperial
- Cape Royal