My Top Four Favorite Campsites

If you've read anything on this blog at all you've realized by now that I love to camp. And not the lavish, high-end glamping, but the roughin' it down and dirty camping in a tent, preferably with no people, no showers, and amazing views. Just in case that wasn't clear, I've compiled a list of my favorite campsites and have laid them out below. Please keep in mind: this is a work in progress and I will update the list as I continue to find new, fantastic places to pitch my tent. Here are my top four favorite campsites, in no particular order:

My Spot, CO

My Spot has been a long standing campsite in our family, ever since we discovered it years and years ago on a family vacation. It was always the place I chose to camp any time I was asked to pick a spot, and I have many fond memories playing on the rocks near the cold mountain creek near Monarch Mountain in the central Colorado Rockies. The last time I was there we only stopped for a lunch picnic, but I would love to go back and camp again, just for the trip down memory lane.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cosby Campground, TN

Great Smokey Mountains National Park completely blew me away as a whole, but camping at Cosby Campground, as the only person on my entire loop, backed up against the forest and warned about the resident bear, I was in awe. Evening sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of leaves, and nights were darker than I thought was possible. Shining a flashlight around revealed the eyeshine of millions of forest bugs, and I fell asleep each night to the melody of a thousand crickets. Each morning I woke up to a tent covered in dew, and smelled the musty rain scent of a forest that is perpetually wet. I would love to go back to that park and get out into the backcountry, maybe try out the AT for a few nights!

Sea Rim State Park, TX

I'm a morning girl and a sucker for sunrises, and I'm not sure a slow sunrise over an ocean beach can be beat. I loved camping on the beach of the North Texas Gulf Coast so much that I went back a second time, and I wouldn't say no to several more trips per year. The sunrises linger on, from the first glimmer of light on the eastern horizon to when the sun finally gets her round face fully over the horizon, and even a little after as she continues to light up the low clouds like fire. Plus the fact that it's a relatively unvisited little park with five miles of deserted beach, and the ability to camp anywhere on the sand that you want as long as you're not on the tidal dunes and out of reach of high tide. Now that's my kind of park.

Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

This campsite right here is a bucket list item I can finally cross off! I have wanted to backpack into the tallest dunes in North America for years, and have stayed right on their skirts in the park's established campground, but never had the chance or the gear to actually hike into the dunes and pitch a tent. I have finally accomplished this goal, and slept soundly in the dead quiet night surrounded by mounds of sand. After climbing the dune ridge to catch the sunset (skypainting, when words are hard), and sitting outside my tent watching the stars unfurl into the Milky Way, of course. And waking up to glowing ridges and deep bowl shadows then next morning? Bliss.

Have I convinced you to tent camp a little more? Have I inspired you to take your own adventure, by yourself or with a friend, to a place where you can pitch a tent in a lovely place? Let me know if I have, and if you're at all interested in camping with me next time!

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Laughter Makes The World a Better Place

Do you know a person who can bring up laughter so deep you can't breathe as you wipe tears of mirth from your eyes? I do, and I'm lucky enough to be engaged to him. On a trip to San Antonio a few months back my sister, dad, Jared and I were eating lunch, and as usual Jared was making everyone laugh so hard we nearly choked on our food. At one point my sister said something and Jared's immediate response was "Did you even go to college??" Not only did we all lose it, but everybody at the table behind Jared, who until now had been peacefully enjoying their meal, all busted up laughing as well. Only then did we become aware that we were being loud and goofy, and a good many of our neighbors were listening in, and enjoying themselves as much as we were. For the rest of the meal we had eavesdroppers who would laugh along with us any time we cracked up; laughter really does make the world a better place.

Leave me a comment below and tell me who makes you laugh like no one else can.

A Snapshot and The Scoop: The Big Cave

This Hole-in-the-Wall is actually a lot bigger than it looks, as Callie and I discovered while we explored Palo Duro Canyon State Park last spring. We made the short trek to the cave and scrambled up the rockslide to the entrance. We rested in the cool shade, away from the April sun, before we scrambled up and around to the roof of the cave. We could see forever up there, and also discovered the "backdoor" to the cave, although it was quite a drop down to the cave floor. For Callie's first time scrambling loose rocks, she handled it like a champ! I don't think she's ever been in a cave before, and she just sniffed around a bit before plopping down to cool off. I love exploring with my dog!

Leave me a comment below and tell me if you like exploring little caves as much as I do, or would you rather just see them from the car?

A Day Among the Canyons

Gratified. At the beginning of June I took Callie on yet another adventure, this time to Caprock Canyons State Park in the West Texas high plains. After my customary drive through to get to know the park and identify trailheads where I want to hike we parked at the lot for the northern backcountry camp area. It was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and hot. Even the short mile and a half hike to the area we were assigned to camp in was almost too much for both Callie and I, and we were desperate for shade. I found a site situated below a small hill that sat about eight feet above a dry wash, nice and flat, but no shade. No trees in sight. The most we could hope for was the sun to set quickly and dip behind the canyon cliff to the west, bringing cool respite with it.

The canyons of Caprock Canyons State Park

In the mean time, I set up the tent quickly and we ducked into it, hoping for a little shade even if there wasn't much breeze (or none at all.) It took us both a while to cool down, and we spent the hottest part of the afternoon napping, as well as reading and writing a little. Only after 6pm did the sun hide behind the canyon cliff, and I decided to poke my head out of the tent and take Callie for a walk. We trudged back the way we came until we found a side trail that I knew would take us up to the top of the cliff that I had sheltered the tent next to. It wasn't easy, with a 600 foot elevation gain in less than a quarter of a mile, I had to stop to catch my breath multiple times even in the cool shade of evening. Callie, of course, handled the scramble way better than I thought she would, and often paused to wait for me, looking over her shoulder at me struggling like "what?" When will I stop being surprised at how well the dog adventures??

Sunset over the canyons

Finally we managed to make it to the top, and caught the first bit of sunset glowing over the canyons. We wandered around up top for a bit, watching the sun sink lower and the shadows grow deeper, before scrambling back down and heading back to camp for dinner. A ranger on horseback arrived at our site at the same time we did, and I was so happy I had Callie on leash; I don't think she's ever seen a horse before and wouldn't quit growling! I'm not sure if she was growling at the stranger or the horse, but I didn't discourage her. When I'm camping alone, I want my dog to sound ferocious. I just swung her up into my arms and let her continue as the ranger explained he was just checking on everybody for the night, and might be wandering around a little later to make sure things stayed quiet. He wished me a good night, and trotted away (that was the last I saw of him, though I was happy to know they patrolled the park regularly.) I proceeded with my camp dinner, and settled in for the night. I slept like one of the rocks I was surrounded by, lulled by the sound of coyotes howling in the canyonlands. Morning started early for us, and we were packed and back on the trail before the sun was truly up; we had several miles of trail to hit before we went home, and I was anxious to start. We first walked through a shaded canyon, still cool with pre-dawn mists that the sun hadn't yet burned away. We found flowing water in a stream at the bottom, and both Callie and I spent some time enjoying splashing around in the cool water.

Our sun-baked trail

All too soon we started climbing. Up, up, up, another 600 feet in less than a quarter of a mile, and Callie got several compliments from other hikers when they witnessed her jumping boulders that were three times her size (seriously, when will I stop being surprised by her??) A short, flat walk with amazing viewpoints greeted us at the top, then back down not so much of a trail as a steep washed out gully full of tumbled rocks to the next canyon's bottom. Here we paused a bit at Fern Cave, a shaded oasis set into the box canyon's end that actually had seep springs running from it, before continuing on the last several sun-baked miles. By the end of the trail Callie had taken to veering toward any shaded spot she could find, even if it wasn't big enough for both of us, and if it was big enough she flat out stopped and rested before wearily getting back to her feet and moving on. At one point, less than a mile from the trailhead, my car, and air conditioning, we came across a muddy red puddle filled with warm water. Callie stopped, looked at the puddle, looked at me, then back at the puddle. It couldn't have been more clear that she was asking permission to get into the water. I took her leash off and said "go ahead," and she all but belly flopped into the shallow water. She lay there up to her neck in the dirty red water until she had cooled herself down, then sprung back onto the trail, spraying muddy red water everywhere, and would have sprinted to the end if I hadn't leashed her. At least the dog knows how to reenergize! The rest of the trail passed quickly, and I blasted the a/c as soon as I reached my car. Once again my white-dog-turned-red passed out on the seat next to me as I drove the slow hours back home.

Fern Cave, a little oasis on the trail

What I'm listening to: Over Hill by Howard Shore

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Cooling Off with (Wo)Man's Best Friend

Last spring Callie and I explored Palo Duro Canyon State Park, located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. We spent two days seeing all that we could see, and took some time to cool off in the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River at the bottom of the canyon. Callie splashed through the cool water, dunking her muzzle underwater and chasing leaves and sticks flowing downstream. She was so fun to watch, and was obviously delighted with herself whenever she caught what she was chasing. I never thought I'd like having a small dog (especially a terrier) but this dog is one of the best hiking/adventuring partners I've ever had!

Leave me a comment below and tell me about an adventure you've had with (wo)man's best friend!

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Digging for Diamonds

Did you know you can actually dig for diamonds here in the United States? Because you totally can! There is a small state park in Arkansas called Crater of Diamonds and no joke, you can dig for diamonds. They come in all sizes, from tiny quarter carats to giant 5 carat rocks, and can be clear, yellow or black in color. For real! Once I found out about the park I just had to make a pitstop, and spent more than an hour digging in the dirt along with hundreds of others, hoping to get lucky and find a real diamond. Alas, no such luck for me, but that won't stop me from going back and trying again!

Leave me a comment below and tell me if you've ever heard of this state park, and whether or not you've dug for diamonds yourself! Did you get lucky?

My Top Five Favorite Places in the United States

By now, you've probably gathered that I travel. A lot. Every chance I get. So it's only natural for me to have a few favorite places, right? After a lot of reflection I've listed out my top five favorite places in the States, places I find myself thinking about a lot, or else returning to time and time again. Please note: This list is a work in progress. I will update it as I visit more and more places that I come to love!

Chesler Park/The Joints, Needles District Canyonlands National Park, UT

This list wouldn't be complete without Chesler Park/The Joints trail. Red and white rock spires completely surrounding a meadow of sagebrush and grasses, and not a living creature in sight, except the occasional bird wheeling in the sky above. What's not to love? Next time I go back I'll be camping among those spires. Read about my last trip here.

Grand View Point, Island in the Sky District Canyonlands National Park, UT

I could sit up on the cliff overlooking those canyons for hours and never get bored. Just a short walk down the trail away from the often crowded viewpoint affords you peace and quiet and astounding views, all to yourself. Be up there before sunrise or stay until after sunset to see the canyons burn and the sky light up with gold. If you look closely at the photo you'll see a faint line tracing the outline of the canyon near the white rim. That road is over 100 miles long, and I would absolutely love to drive it and camp down there a few nights. Once I get my jeep, I will! To read more about this location hit the "Canyonlands National Park" link in the word cloud to the left of this post.

Brown’s Canyon National Monument, CO

The newly designated national monument used to just be a recreation area, mostly for thrill-seekers wanting to run the world-class white water rapids in rafts or kayaks. I've visited this canyon numerous times, alway within a raft, but only this last year did I run through it as a national monument, and I got even more of a kick knowing this piece of river will always be protected. The new status is very well deserved! Read my report on the latest rafting adventure here.

Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, CO

I challenge you to find me a better place that combines sand, water and mountains with a deliciously comfortable climate. I bet you can't. Medano Creek is seasonal, meaning it only flows until all of the snow is melted from the mountains that it springs from, but while it lasts the water runs clear and cool. This life-giving water is what makes life around the dunes possible, and is what helps keep the dunefield itself stable. I've lost track of how many times I've had the pleasure of visiting this park, but I never tire of it. I was just at this park but haven't had a chance to write up my time there, so until then read this post about my last visit!

Upper Virgin River/Zion Canyon, Zion National Park, UT

This park is one of the most visited parks in the States, and for very good reason. The Zion river cut a deep, winding canyon right into the slickrock country surrounding it, and continues to carve away at the rocks as it makes its way out. From above the waters of the river appear to be the most peculiar color of blue, and are cool to the touch if you decide to go wading. The Narrows, an easy up-river walk or a difficult canyoneering trip down-river, are a popular destination for almost every person who visits the canyon. Visit during the off season (say, January) and you'll get the entire park almost to yourself. I've visited several times, and I think winter in the park is my favorite, although I do love refreshing myself in the river after a day in the dry desert heat. Hit this link to check out my latest adventure on the Zion River.

It really should be no suprise to anyone that locations in Utah and Colorado feature on this list. Even though I am currently located in East Texas, some day I WILL move to Colorado, if nothing else just to be closer to the places that have such a hold on my heart. I'm not there yet, but I will be. But for sure when we retire!

Have I convinced you to visit any of these amazing locations yet? If my numerous blog posts about them haven't convinced you, would the promise of me meeting you there do so instead?

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Hidden Waterfalls in the Ouichita Mountains

Back in March I spent some time exploring the Ouichita Mountains in central Arkansas, which happened to only be about a four hour drive from my house. I always research before my trips, and when I was planning this one I discovered pictures and descriptions of a hidden, off the beaten track place called Little Missouri Falls, not too far down a forest service road close to the Oklahoma border. I knew I needed to find this place and see it for myself! I turned off a (fantastic) mountain highway onto an equally fantastic forest road and bounced my way along, staring out the windows at the forest just beginning to wake up after winter. I was so busy staring that I drove right past the falls, but as I passed I noticed the pull out and turned around. I'm glad I did! The falls were taller than I expected, with a good flow of water cascading over the gray slate mountainside. The pool at the base was icy cold and clear, with a sandy bottom that I'm sure makes a great swimming hole during the heat of the summer. At the time, however, it was partly cloudy and only in the upper 40's, so I had no intention of taking a dip. Maybe someday I'll go back and camp during the summer. You won't be able to keep me out of there if I do!

Leave me a comment below and tell me if you knew about Little Missouri Falls, or did I just let you in on the secret?

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Water Crossings + Little Cars

I know I have a tendancy to take my car on roads that I really shouldn't, especially since I don't have a four-wheel drive vehicle, but you all know I can't help myself when I see a good bad road. I must admit that I do get a little nervous, however, whenever I come to a stream crossing. Even when the water is only a few inches deep and isn't flowing very strong I still hesitate before I cross, and always scout it before committing. The last thing I want is to get swept downstream after foolishly crossing a stream in a two-wheel drive vehicle. Not that that wouldn't be a great story to tell (assuming I lived to tell it) but I'd rather not take the risk. Even in a bigger behicle I get nervous. It's just one of those thing I have to deal with, and it obviously doesn't stop me!

Leave me a comment below and let me know if this is a rational reaction, or do you think I'm being silly?

A Walk Above the Canyon

Affable. Back in April I took a trip to Palo Duro Canyon with Callie to go backpacking and hiking in the second largest canyon in the States. Early in the morning after a night of camping through thunderstorms in the remote backcountry canyon, Callie and I set off on a 16 mile trail that would take us from the canyon bottom, to the cliffs above, and back. The trail actually wasn't all that hard, and only in a few places did it become moderately difficult due to steepness. Callie handled that trail wonderfully, and I couldn't be more proud of her for her first weekend truly adventuring with me. She kept up, and sometimes had more energy than I did!

The Rock Garden, on the Rock Garden trail

The morning started off cool (it was the beginning of April, so mid-spring in Texas), but sunny and clear, and we kept up a good pace all the way to the top of the cliffs. More than 600 feet in elevation gain, and Callie took to it like she'd been doing it her whole life. We meandered through giant rocks strewn about by an ancient landslide, pausing every so often for a drink and photo opportunity. We weren't in a hurry, which is the best way to be. We'd get to the top when we got there, and I had no desire to speed our objective along. Most of the time Callie was in front of me, though always within eyesight and usually within reach. I often saw her turning back to me, pausing while I caught up to where her four paws took her easier than my two.

Trail atop the cliffs

By the time we crested the cliffs clouds had moved in, shuttled by a brisk wind that sent me digging for my jacket. We explored the clifftop, meandering on crisscrossed footpaths along the edges until we came to a wide track. Following it, we wound our way over the grasslands above the deep canyon, moving ever closer to a sharp point overlooking the rugged backcountry canyon we had camped in the night before. The clouds thickened and the wind picked up, finally pushing me to seek shelter beneath the clifftops on the way back.

An overlook of Palo Duro Canyon. See the green strip of river at the bottom?

The climb down by the same trail was chilly, but less so once we got out of the wind. The sun never showed herself after that, and we even felt a few chilly rain drops once we arrived at the car. I was relieved at our timing, and glad that we had started so early in the morning to see the sun lighting up the canyon walls. We left Palo Duro Canyon happy and tired, with Callie passed out on the seat next to me. She slept the whole way home.

Bright orange cliffsides hover over the established campground in the park

What I'm listening to: Mirkwood by Howard Shore

A Snapshot and The Scoop: "Balanced" Rock

I visit a lot of places, and at almost every one if there is one rock formation perched on top of another rock, it is named "Balanced Rock." Now, for the most part that's ok. I still maintain the the true Balanced Rock resides in Arches National Park, UT, but some others can also lay claim to that name. This particular Balanced Rock, however, shouldn't. Located along a remote trail in Hot Springs National Park, one eroded boulder (kind of) sits on top of another eroded boulder...except you can't really tell. Unless I was totally looking at the wrong rocks (which is possible) I just couldn't see how it was balanced at all. It was just a rocky outcropping on the side of a mountain, with a view that would be obscured whenever the trees were fully leafed. Maybe I missed something, but I wasn't that impressed.

Leave me a comment below and tell me if you've ever seen Hot Spring's Balanced Rock. Did I miss something?

A Snapshot and The Scoop: Up We Go

Back in the middle of March, just when spring was beginning to show it's presence, I made a trip to Hot Springs National Park. After finding out there was an observation tower, I knew I needed to climb it! I took those metal stairs along the right side of the tower all the way up, past the indoor observation room to the outdoor deck above it. What a view! I could see way out over the rolling hills of southern Arkansas, and deep into the Ouichita Mountain Range through central Arkansas. It was definitely worth the climb!

Leave me a comment below and tell me if you climb observation towers, or do you prefer to stay at ground level?

The Third Annual Father-Daughter (and Jared!) Trip

Appeased. It's not very often that I get to go on a trip with my family any more, and with Jared's job it's difficult to get time off together to go anywhere, but somehow we managed to get my sister, dad, Jared and I off of work at the same time and actually went somewhere together. Dad and Lisha came down from Nebraska and picked Jared and I up with the intention of visiting Houston, NASA, and the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, Houston was pretty much under water at the time due to heavy rains and we had to make alternate plans, so we chose to go to San Antonio for a long weekend instead. Everyone in my family has been to the Riverwalk through downtown San Antonio, but Jared hasn't, so we made the executive decision to spend the majority of our time below street level (and not having to drive) while there.

Me, my sister and our dad

Our trip south started with a five hour drive, which actually went smoothly. We made a side trip to Longhorn Cavern State Park, the cave that I visited by myself in February but wanted to share with my family. Making that side trip marked the first time I'd visited a cave with Jared, and the first time in a long while since I'd been in a cave with my family, so I was very excited! I made a beginner mistake, though, and wore a dress on a cave tour. To be fair, my sister wore something similar as well, but I've never worn anything other than hiking clothes and good shoes into a cave and I felt stupid wearing a sun dress and flip flops. Let me tell you though, I was definitely a lot more careful about where I put my feet!

Dad, Jared and my sister head into the cave

We finished the drive to San Antonio once finished with our cave tour and after checking in to the hotel we made the short walk to the river. I've written about the Riverwalk before, here and here, but this time around was a lot of fun just because I got to take Jared around and eat/drink/shop with him! Our trip coincided with the last weekend of Fiesta, just like last year when I visited Julia and Mark, so we got in some good vendor shopping as well. (Side note: the stone called Larimar is GORGEOUS; Jared bought me a larimar ring and I love it!!)

The Alamo

Now, in all of the times I've visited San Antonio I've never been able to visit The Alamo. For one reason or another it's either been closed or I didn't have the time to make the stop. This time, though, we all wanted to go, so made the two-block walk shortly after it opened and entered a sort of oasis in the middle of the city. Within the stone walls the courtyard was full of gardens. Giant oak trees spread their shade over the throngs of people on the paths that wound between flowerbeds overflowing with tropical plants. The stark white stones of the mission and outbuildings shone in the morning sun, and popped among the greenery that surrounded them. We went through each building slowly, learning the history that goes much deeper than "Remember The Alamo." It was definitely a humbling experience, and one I will never forget.

Our trip to San Antonio was fun, and in true Father-Daughter trip fashion had elements of history in it. This ended up being our third Father-Daughter trip, and having Jared there made everything just that much better. He sure knows how to get everyone laughing! I can't wait for our next Father-Daughter trip; I wonder where we'll end up next time...