#i spent 1.5 of those hours lost in a desert... i think this was before i really understood english so i could not figure out what to do | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

neighbourskid · 4 years

Text

We Were Voyagers!

(original date: 26 March 2017)

Wanderlust is a feeling I experience every single day of my life.

And it makes sense. Because the voyager, the traveler, the seeker of new worlds, that is in my blood.

I'm a quarter Italian. My grandma, my nonna, came from Italy to Switzerland when she was in her twenties. Her ancestors came from South America to Italy. Apparently, in that quarter Italian, there's some Native American in there as well. Inca, if I remember correctly.

The explorer is in my blood.

My nonna's brother emigrated to Australia. My cousin lives in Dubai with her husband – who's from England – and kids. My uncle's lived in various places all over the world and has just recently moved back to Switzerland after having lived in the Netherlands for a long time. His husband is from a country in South America (I can't remember which one, but they speak Spanish not Portuguese) and studies in Spain. The rest of my immediate family is scattered all over Switzerland.

The traveler is in my blood.

That need to go out and see has been planted within me from the beginning. I have always loved seeing new things, exploring, travelling, learning from my experiences.

One of my first games that I played, was Pokémon Sapphire. And I loved it so much. Because in its essence, it is not about collecting all the monsters, beating all the other trainers, winning in the Top 4 and becoming champion. In its purest essence, Pokémon games are about a kid going out into the world they live in and explore it. See all there is to see. Travelling across the lands and just taking in different places and cultures.

When my brother got the Gamecube for his birthday, one of the games we played most besides Mario Kart was a game I still think is the best game Nintendo has ever created: Super Mario Sunshine. Mario games have always had that exploring in it, too. But Sunshine had those fantastic worlds. The islands, the sea, the exotic landscapes and stories. The amusement park, the hotel, the marina, the village on the hills. It had that essence of exploring new worlds. It wasn't about necessarily the Mushroom Kingdom anymore. It was a holiday destination. A resort to relax and recharge. And it was so beautiful, it is so beautiful. I still love it with all my heart, and I wish so bad that I could forget how the different worlds look like and what the levels are about so that I could experience that wonder again, that excitement of seeing new worlds, new things.

When I was about... five, my Dad got a PlayStation 1 from a friend. One day we bought the Lilo&Stitch game, and just like in the movies and the tv show, the voyager in me rejoiced. Lilo&Stitch is such a beautiful concept. That little Hawaiian girl, who's so lonely because she is different, and the otherworldly escapist who's never really known what it meant to belong— these two get to explore and experience this world they live in, in so many different and beautiful ways. And I just loved that show and that game. I just recently watched the first movie again, and I tell you I basically wept throughout the whole 1.5 hours of that movie. Because it just touched me. There's so much longing in me for such adventures.

I just now watched Moana for the first time. I cried the first time after like maybe five minutes. I lost count how much I teared or choked up, or actually cried. When I first heard the soundtrack last year, I knew exactly that this movie would turn out to be that way. That it would be for today's kids what Lilo&Stitch has been for me. It has that exact essence that Lilo&Stitch has. That longing for more, that need to find yourself out there in the world. Figuring out who you are. "We were voyagers!" Moana screams again and again after her grandma shows her the ships of their ancestors. That just resonated so much with me. It's such a beautifully done movie and I'm tearing up again just thinking about it.

Wanderlust is part of who I am. I was raised on all these stories about travelling, finding yourself on your adventures. Discovering new places, exploring new worlds.

Lilo&Stitch. Pokémon. Super Mario. Brothers Bear. For God's sake, even Over the Hedge. Harry Potter. I mean, it's all about Harry discovering an all new world to him. And then Pirates of the Caribbean came along. Lord of the Rings. And also the NBC show Heroes, which was all about figuring out who you are in this world. It never left me.

There's this song by a Swiss musician called "Children of Columbus" and in its chorus he sings:

They are the children of Columbus They are the sons of Magellan And they are buying their freedom With the way over the Ocean

This song never fails to light up my longing for adventure and going out there, going over the ocean and seeing the world.

I'm such a water person, you know. Apparently I was born in the bathtub. And I kinda always blame it on that, but I'm such a water child. Being at the beach makes me so incredibly happy. I've said this before, but in that atmosphere at the beach, I think I could get the most horrendous text or call and I would just shrug it off. In that atmosphere I just feel so content and okay. Nothing bad can happen to me. It's so peaceful. I'm always very drawn to bodies of water. When I visit my dad I have to take a train that goes by two big lakes. That scenery always calms me down. I hate it so much that we are landlocked. That I don't have direct access to the sea. That I have to go to France or Italy or Spain or Germany to see the ocean. I wish I would live closer to it. So that I could just go out in the evenings and sit in the sand and stare out at the horizon.

I'm so dependent on sunlight. I've realised this just lately. This winter was hard. I always felt so crappy and depressed and just sad. And then February came around and we had the first really, sunny day again. And I was instantly so happy. Then March came around and it got warm. I've spent every possible second in the sun. Studying out on the terrasse, eating lunch outside. It's not even April yet and I already have a tan. A visible tan. And it drives me so much. Sunshine gives me so much energy.

I'm drawn to the beach. Every single day of my life. I feel like Moana. Everywhere I go, I am always drawn to the shore. To water.

I've lived outside of this little village for a little while when I was probably two or something. I can't remember, really. But other than that I have always lived in this village. I moved four times within this village, but I'm still here. And I tell you, there are days where I just want to pack everything together and just leave. I have seen it with this village. I can't stand being here any minute longer. Then on other days I am content here. I know that I can leave someday – and I will leave someday – but it's okay that it isn't right now. I'm okay with that. Sometimes.

Sometimes I feel like we've missed our shot at being explorers. The world has been discovered. There's nothing new under the sun, as they say. Of course, a lot of our oceans have yet to be explored and space travel is well underway, but it's not open to everyone. I feel like Columbus must've had it so easy. His horizon wasn't finished yet. There were things to be found, to be explored. He was able to get on a ship and just go and look what's out there.

We can't just get in a rocket ship and try exploring new worlds out there in the vast universe. It's not as easy as getting a crew together, getting a ship and then going out on the sea, There's so much more at stake.

But I still want to go and explore. Because I haven't seen the world yet, even if it's been discovered. I haven't discovered it for myself. I haven't explored countries, gone on adventures in the outback, have never seen a jungle in real life. I haven't been in a rainforest or in a desert. But I want to. So badly.

Christopher Columbus. Juan Ponce de León. Ferdinand Magellan. James Cook. John Glenn. Neil Armstrong. Their blood is my blood. Their thirst for exploring new worlds, travelling into no man's land, boldly going where no one has gone before; that thirst is my thirst. My desire. My longing.

My ancestors were voyagers.

So why shouldn't I be?

#blog post #import from old blog #moana #voyagers #travelling #exploring #present me @ past me: hey maybe using fucking colonisers isn't the best analogy but y'know do whatever #personal

0 notes

aowanders-blog · 6 years

Photo

New Post has been published on https://aowanders.com/american-summertime-adventure-travel-destination/

American Summertime Adventure Travel Destination

CHOOSING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

America is filled with families traveling around the country looking for summertime adventure travel destinations. From the classic American road trip to annual family vacations. Summertime adventure travel destinations are in no short supply. From tourist towns to iconic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes America will overwhelm you with adventurous destinations. Whether your a visitor or a resident these summertime adventure travel destinations will enhance any vacation.

#gallery-8 margin: auto; #gallery-8 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-8 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-8 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Majority of Americans are unaware of these secret summertime adventure travel destinations, and anyone can find a well known tourist town. Just follow the crowds, but these summertime adventure travel destinations can only be found right here on your favorite adventure travel blog. In no particular order here are a few of my favorites, and if you think something should be added to the list leave it in the comments below.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #1

FLY GEYSER

Probably the most amazing thing in Nevada is an accidental creation located North of Reno. So cancel your Vegas plans and Hoover Dam helicopter tours because just outside of Gerlach, Nevada is a small geothermal geyser. Located on private land known as Fly Ranch Geyser its not open to the public, and is owned by the burning man cooperation. Who bought it in 2016 with plans to open it up to artists and visitors someday. While the Fly Geyser sits on private land its highly visible from route 34, and the erupting discharge from this summertime adventure travel destination can be seen from miles away.

This multi-colored geothermal geyser is the result of an accidental drilling operation in 1964 that was never properly capped, and is constantly building upon itself. Depositing minerals and multi-colored algae from its gushing geyser, and discharging water into 40 terrace pools across 74 acres. Its an amazing adventure to see if your in the area, and far away from hordes of people.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #2

THE LOST SEA

Tennessee a state bubbling with history, adventure and stories dating back from the beginning of America. Is home to one of the best kept adventure secrets in the country. In fact its been rediscovered three times in the history of mankind. Deep under the mountains of Tennessee lies The Lost Sea first discovered by settlers in the 1820s, and then again by confederate soldiers in 1863. Shortly thereafter The Lost Sea disappeared until 1905 when Ben Sands a 13 year old boy wiggled though a muddy cave opening to rediscover this lost adventure treasure of Tennessee.

The visible part of The Lost Sea is 800 feet long and 220 feet wide, but the true extent of the lost sea is unknown. Over 13 acres of the The Lost Sea have been mapped out, but no one has ever found the end of the lake. If your looking for a unique summertime adventure travel destination take a peak at the Craighead cavern cave system between Sweetwater & Madison Tennessee.

#gallery-9 margin: auto; #gallery-9 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-9 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-9 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #3

FORT JEFFERSON

Florida attracts millions of travelers from around the world. With its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters & adventure friendly weather Florida has something for everyone. My brothers been threatening to move their for years for reasons that have nothing to do with travel & adventure, and I’ve been secretly praying its only a bluff. If he chose the Keys though I might even help him pack. Besides all of the usual adventure options available in Key West Florida Fort Jefferson is probably the most unique adventure travel option.

This massive unfinished coastal fortress is located on the Garden Key within the Dry Tortugas National Park, and requires a mandatory visit from anyone in this neck of the country. Its the 2nd largest fort in America made up of over 16 million bricks and its not even finished. Add that to its in a tropical destination instead of the dreary mountains of Virginia its a must see, and most visitors spend hours discovering this summertime adventure travel destination.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #4

CYPRESS SWAMP

#gallery-10 margin: auto; #gallery-10 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-10 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-10 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

I am sure the first thing that came to mind when you read cypress swamp was Louisiana or alligators, but this summertime adventure travel destination is located in Southern Illinois. The cache river state natural area is located just outside Belknap Illinois, and spans just under 15,000 acres. It may be alligator free, but I can’t promise its mosquito free. The 1.5 mile round trip Heron Pond loop trail is the centerpiece of cache river state natural area.

A floating boardwalk zig-zagging through the cypress swamp keeps your feet dry while providing VIP views. Observing this ecosystem from the boardwalk is a truly unique adventure. Complete with amazing photography opportunities to capture the 1,000 year old ecosystem. Highly recommend this adventure, and as an added bonus the ancient beauty of the Johnshon Shut-ins is only a couple hours to the West.

The Johnson Shut-Ins can be best described as a natural waterpark complete with slides, pools & Jacuzzi’s. It’s an obstacle course through cascading streams, deep pools, and shallow pockets carved out by volcanic stone through the Black River. Johnson’s Shut-Ins state park is the Ozarks best kept secret, and is a measly 8,600 acres in Reynolds County. Its a great day trip adventure thats never overcrowded, and a perfect adventure combo with the Cache River State Natural Area.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #5

NORTH SHORE

In the heart of “Iron” Country in Northern Minnesota there’s a 154 mile stretch of waterfalls, woods, pebbled shorelines, small towns big on heritage, communities rooted in tradition and genuine neighbors sharing commanding views of Lake Superior called The North Shore. Starting in Duluth and ending at Grand Marias. The North Shore. is home to some of the most beautiful landscape Minnesota has to offer.

While millions flock to the National Parks of the West for their summer vacations to fight for elbow room those that choose the adventures of The North enjoy peace, beauty & inexpensive travels. I spent a week here discovering The North Shore.: hiking up rivers to find secret slot canyons, listening to waves crash on artist point, finding more waterfalls then presents on Christmas, photographing breathtaking autumn landscapes, wandering ski resorts, enjoying hot tubs with nobody else & watching wildlife stroll around without a care in the world. It left a lasting impression that urges me to make it an annual tradition. Plus its the perfect area to utilize my Free Camping Guide.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #6

HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE

This Texas gem is the only one that is going to make my summertime adventure travel destinations list. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a collapsed grotto with blue-green water surrounded by amazing limestone rock formations and a 50 foot waterfall. Perfect for escaping the desert heat and enjoying an off the beaten path adventure. Beware though in the summer months the locals are well aware of its existence. I recommend going in the fall and as late in the day as possible.

I went there late in the day on a September weekend and had the whole place to myself. Its only 23 miles west of Austin Texas so I’m sure this was more of a rarity then normality.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #7

HAPPY CANYON

#gallery-11 margin: auto; #gallery-11 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-11 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-11 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

If Happy Canyon were more accessible it would easily be more popular than Antelope Canyon. Which makes this an ideal summertime adventure travel destination, and one of my all time favorites!! Everything about this slot canyon is my definition of adventure travel. Its breathtakingly beautiful, challenging, rewarding, frustrating, & extremely remote. Its so off the beaten path there is all of 3 websites on the internet with information.

There are about five different ways to get to this trailhead, and each presents its own unique adventurous challenge. Between a long hike with a rappel; a multi-day hike with little access to water; floating an intermittent river; hiring a bush pilot for a back country landing; or a long sketchy remote difficult drive are your only options to access this canyon. Happy Canyon is located just outside of Hanksville, UT on Poison Spring Canyon Road. Once onPoison Spring Canyon Road its a 2 hour vehicle creeping 16 miles back to the trailhead which is an old mining road.

Besides access timing is your next challenge. The Utah sun is not forgiving so I would recommend to leave before sunrise or late in the afternoon. This way you can use the cliff wall to the West to keep you in the shade. Either choice is going to have you hiking and driving in the dark in unfamiliar terrain 10 miles away from the nearest human with no cell service. Bring lots of water, and my recommendation would be a late day start with an overnight stay to leave at first light.

#gallery-12 margin: auto; #gallery-12 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; #gallery-12 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-12 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #8

WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK

If I told you I knew a place with alien like stone formations, cavernous pathways that were dark & damp with rare plants and eerie isolation you would probably think I was describing a place out of a movie rather than a summertime adventure travel destination. But this is exactly what you will find in upstate New York at the Watkins Glen State Park. Although small and isolated this hanging valley has a way of invigorating the soul & breeding inspiration. Watkins Glen should be a world class attraction.

Instead its a national treasure secretly tucked away in upstate New York. Away from the busy city and bustling activity the 1.5 mile Gorge Trail will awaken your sense of wonder & take you back in time when dragons ruled the skies. The Gorge Trail will transform the world you know into the world that was. Its an adventurous experience for all ages, and highly recommended.

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #9

LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

About 1,200 miles North of Seattle there’s an island called Ketchikan that goes by the nickname K-town. Situated in the Tongass National Forest and next to the Misty Fjords Ketchikan is an outdoor playground bustling with wildlife. Its great for bear viewing adventures with black bears, brown bears and Grizzly bears. Especially when 5 million salmon every year make their way back to this remote island town in Southeast Alaska. Being the first stop on the cruise ship routes of the summer K-town is full of adventure tours & off the beaten path ideas.

Grab a float plane to the glaciers. Take a ferry out to the underwater submarine base to do some whale watching. Zipline through the canopy with Bald Eagles. Ski Brown mountain in July or buy some souvenirs from the old brothels of K-town. Visit the high jewelry stores of main street. Kayak across the passage to an island covered in 3 feet of moss. Spend the night watching the northern lights hover over this majesticall little island paradise. Ketchikan is a true summertime adventure travel destination that everyone should check out.

#gallery-13 margin: auto; #gallery-13 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-13 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-13 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATION #10

GRIZZLY LAKE

Millions of people flock to Yellowstone National Park every summer. This summertime adventure travel destination is filled with wildlife, landscape, mystery & exotic beauty. Unfortunately millions of these only get to see the beauty of this area from their vehicles. In fact most don’t even know there are two National Parks right next to each other. My favorite being Grand Teton National Park. It is breathtakingly beautiful, and home to one of most famous ski resorts in the world. From world class fly fishing to world class skiing this little secret caters to both summer and winter time visitors.

There are so many places I could send you to in this area, but Grizzly Lake is spectacular!!! It starts out at Jenny Lake, and takes you passed hidden falls. You’ll travel up to appropriately named “inspiration point”. Where you can lay out on the rocks and overlook the entire valley below. From there you will wind and turn upwards until hopefully spotting the cairn. Where you need to break right to drop into this hidden little valley surround by towering granite backdrops! With a gorgeous lake all to yourselves. Well unless you encounter the mamma bear and cubs we did as we entered into this hidden oasis. Its about a 14 mile hike and worth every step. We stayed for 3 days, and wish I could have stayed for a lifetime.

#gallery-14 margin: auto; #gallery-14 .gallery-item float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; #gallery-14 img border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; #gallery-14 .gallery-caption margin-left: 0; /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

SUMMERTIME ADVENTURE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

There are a lot of places that could of made the list of Summertime Adventure Travel Destinations. Especially from someone who has traveled in the way I have, but these truly are some of my favorite gems. They make me giddy whenever I get a chance to go back for some summertime adventure. Travel Destinations are what you make of them, and who make them with. I would love to hear about your favorite summertime adventure travel destinations.

0 notes

starwolf57 · 7 years

Text

When I learned the week my grandkids had their spring break and Adam could get time off, I started making plans to head west for a few days camping with them. Gayle would once again need to fly out and meet at the destination, since she can’t take 3 weeks off from work. Adam could pick her up and with the grandkids, drive out to wherever I would be.

Aria and I set out to move the RV to a campsite in Joshua Tree National Park. Most of the sites in the park are first come, first serve as the reservable sites were probably booked since they opened the time period up for reservations. I made alternative plans to stay at Lake Perris Recreation Area, if I failed to find a camping spot in Joshua Tree National Park.

I thought if I arrived mid-week, I would have a better shot at finding a site. This gave me a small window of time to prepare the RV and get it de-winterized. I was up for the challenge.

The route to take would be crucial if I wanted to make my mid-week target. Denver was still getting snow and Oklahoma had high winds predicted. I decided to take the winds over the snow, as I figured the winds in Oklahoma probably were blowing through Kansas too. The mountain areas of New Mexico and Arizona, were predicted to have nighttime highs in the low to mid 30’s, while the desert could be in the upper 80’s. I decided to pack clothes for all types of weather. Not the best decision since I packed too many shirts. One of these days I will get the mix of clothing types correct.

My streak of leaving later than planned remains unbroken. This resulted in getting to the campground in Missouri much later than planned. As in the past, I made a reservation for the first night’s camp, so I wouldn’t need to worry about finding a spot. The first night I was able to rearrange some of the things I hastily shoved into any available cabinet to get myself started on the trip. Note to self – when somebody offers to help get things loaded into the RV, don’t be stubborn. I probably would have been closer to my planned departure time if I had accepted Gayle’s help.

My drive time goal is to drive about 4 hours then stop for the night. In reality, I always extend the drive time when I need to arrive at a destination by a specific date/time. On my journey west, I extended my drive time to 6-8 hours. Eight hours of battling wind, is exhausting. The only day that came close was to my 4 hour plan was the day I arrived at Joshua Tree National Park. I would have made it about 45 minutes earlier, but the last 1.5 miles to the exit was backed up due to construction traffic.

Day two saw me staying overnight at a Cracker Barrel. They welcome RV’s to stay overnight in the parking lot. I took advantage of this and had a nice dinner. This was the last time Aria saw soft green grass. Day three found us in Edgewood, New Mexico at the Wild West Animal Reserve & Zoo. I found this gem via Harvest Hosts. Basically I had another free night of camping. Louis, in the office was very friendly and we chatted for a while. I arrived too late to tour the zoo. But did purchase a couple of animal finger puppets. They locked the gates at 6 pm and opened in the morning at 8. Aria and I had the parking lot and what appeared to be a frisbee golf area all to ourselves. I set up the grill, threw on a steak and enjoyed a beer to start off a very peaceful night.

At this point I had another route decision to make. I could avoid most of the mountain driving by heading south on I-25 from Albuquerque and try to make it to Tucson or I could take the mountain route and try to make it to Phoenix. Tucson was the longer route and would take an hour longer to get to Joshua Tree National Park. I chose Phoenix. Knowing that I may be dry camping for the next week, I found an RV park to dump my tanks and enjoy electricity for a night. It was 55+ community RV park north of Phoenix. The park was nice but I had to switch down to the 30 amp service as the 50 amp on my power post kept shutting down my EMS (electric management system). Aria also searched for grass, found something similar and came back covered in burrs. I spent most of the night, pulling them from her fur.

When I finally got to the park, I saw plenty of spots to set up on the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land outside the park. This would be my fallback for the next two days if I couldn’t find a spot in the park. About a half mile into the park I lost all cell signal. I found a spot, but not at my choice campgrounds of Belle or Jumbled Rocks. My 3rd choice was the Cottonwood campground where I snagged site 4B in Loop B. I was able to back Tortoise into it, so I paid my registration fee, set out a couple of chairs and headed back towards the park entrance to find cell service.

I called Gayle to give her the news and sent both Gayle and Adam a text message of where to find me, Aria and Tortoise. I also modified my Lake Perris reservation. I left the last two days on the reservation, in case the family grew tired of Joshua Tree. My water and power conversation plans may impact their desire to camp with full hookups more than tiring of the park. I am sure that Aria would like to see green grass again.

Site 4B is not level however the view is grand. Most of the sites in the campground are not level. This is due to the campground being built on a hill. It is the oldest of the campgrounds in the park. The best I could do at leveling is to have a slight list towards the passenger side. Aria woke me each day about sunrise. Mornings are chilly and on Friday, after opening my door, it didn’t want to close. I pulled in the slides and retracted the levelers. The door still would not close. Since I couldn’t drive the RV with the door open I decided to wait for Adam to arrive. He could drive me to the park entrance where I could get to a cell signal and call for repair. I releveled Tortoise as best I could and found I was able to shut the door again. I am not sure if it was the cold, or the leveling, but was relieved that the door closed again. As the day warmed up, the door became much easier to close. If anybody has had this issue, please let me know.

Walks with Aria are fun. She is a trooper and appears to like to pose for pictures. However after every walk, I need to wash her paws as the road turns them black with dirt/grime.

Adam, Gayle and the kids arrived later than I thought they would. However once there Adalie & Hayden took the time to give Adam the tour & rules of Tortoise. It was as if they had never been gone since their first journey a year ago.

The weather for this trip was very nice; cool nights and warm days. No extremes that kept us from hiking and enjoying every day. The hiking trails at Joshua Tree National Park are not difficult. Most are well-marked. Only one allows dogs, so Aria was confined to hiking around the campground and on the roads. The kids seemed to enjoy each trail for about 1.5 – 2 miles before they were ready to head back to camp. If a trail rocks the kids could climb on, the longer we went on the trail. As we walked, I would hear about the rock formations and what the resembled. Many, I was told resembled butts. We did run into this one that I was told looked like a loaf of sliced bread.

Within the park there are a variety of landscapes. All desert in form, but the rock formations vary in different sections of the park. Some are rounded, like they were poured out and solidified. Others appear to have been picked up and placed one atop the other. Then you come across massive piles that look like some bulldozer just pushed all the rocks into a pile. The kids liked the rounded boulders to climb on.

Besides rocks, there are plenty of plants and wildlife to see. Hayden seemed to always find some bush or cactus to run into. Adalie & Hayden found plenty of critters and plants to complete their Junior Ranger badge requirements.

The Oasis of Mara trail is behind the main visitor center. It is the only trail that allows dogs, but Aria stayed at the RV. The day we went turned out to be the hottest of all the days. This trail is paved which only reflected the heat back upwards. Although informative, this trail was the dullest one we walked. The first trail we partially did was the Mastodon Peak trail. We made it about a 3rd of the way before the kids wanted to turn back. The kids were troopers as this was the 2nd most difficult trail in the park. Had we only gone a bit further, we would have come across one of the many mines in the park. Adam, Hayden and I did walk up to the summit of the trail, where I could see all the way to the Salton Sea. It was also one of the rare times that I got a cell signal. My phone went crazy dinging as many text messages were received. The Lost Palms Oasis trail was rated as the toughest in the park. We again hiked the trail for about 1.5 miles before the kids were tired. I went on a bit further thinking that I would stop at the next rise. But when I got there, another rise was on the horizon. I turned back to join my family after reaching the point where the Mastodon Peak trail met up with the Lost Palms Oasis trail. The Baker Dam trail was a loop about 1.5 miles long. Of the trails we took, this was the prettiest.

Near the end, you can view petroglyphs from ages long gone. I wonder what they people thought as they carved the images into stone. Did they tell a story like I am here? I’m guessing that my story wont be around as long as theirs.

The family liked the park so I cancelled the reservation at Lake Perris Recreation Area and we stayed the entire time. We did change to the site (2B) next to ours when it became available. It was a bit more level.

I enjoyed the park. I could spend much more time exploring this national park than the week I was there. I think the campground hosts thought of me as a long-term resident. Most people only stayed a night or two. For those looking for an available site, I would suggest getting to the campground by 10 AM. That seemed to be the best time to find the perfect campsite. By noon the choices become limited. April was the perfect time to visit the park. It was neither too cold nor hot. Also, it is probably the best time to view the various blooms of the park. See Full Bloom – Joshua Tree National Park for various pictures. I am sure I will return for another visit.

Joshua Tree National Park When I learned the week my grandkids had their spring break and Adam could get time off, I started making plans to head west for a few days camping with them.

#California #Hiking #National Park #Pictures #RV #Wildlife

0 notes

conniefornia · 7 years

Text

Eu amo Brasil

BRAAAAAAAAAAA-SILLLLLL!!!!!!!!! <3 You stole a piece of my heart. Forever. While it would have been incredibly cool to go to Paraguay, the extra five days in one of the coolest countries on the planet was surely worth it.

PORTO ALEGRE:

I came here after a night bus from Uruguay, spent the day walking around town with Jade, lost my external charger at the tourist office only to have our neighbor return it, missed the night bus to Iguacu... but thankfully got a new one. With day one in Brasil down, Jade and I were surely happy to be in a land of credit card accepting supermarkets and cheap endless fruit. :)

FOZ DO IGUACU:

This is better than Niagara Falls. Avicii probably pictured this place when he sang “sun is shining and so are you!” The rainbows are the cherry on top of an already amazing view. Here are some pics to ~relive~ the magic.

FLORIANOPOLIS: I chose to come here for Christmas and it was surely worth it. The hostel held a Brasilian BBQ dinner for all the guests and it was all I wanted for Christmas... to be surrounded by good people in a good place with good food. While I don’t really dig the hot Christmas feel, I very much loved my backpackery Christmas and Brasil 2016 redeemed Australia 2013.

On top of that, I had a Floripa Squad of my own while here and that made the time in Floripa that much more special. I’ll hold a special memory for them all when reflecting upon dancing in Santa hats at the gringo club, trivia and Heads Up on the night of Christmas over ice cream, and walking back from the nude beach together. All of this of course only led to the day where we were with each other for 12 hours busing south, hiking on a “free walking tour with Daniel,” to end up at beautiful and nearly deserted Laguinho do Leste, risking our lives to hike up in high winds to the lookout, hike back down then out as the sun already set and the rain and lightning came strumming down. I think this is one of those days where you go back to 100% if you could travel back in time. :)

CURITIBA:

Aside from Rio, Curitiba is the second place I have known about the longest when it came to Brasil. I remember taking an Environmental Studies class back in the summer of 2012 at De Anza and hearing about this model city within Brasil renowned for its urban planning and environmental efforts. I came here as a stopover before heading to Rio in NYE with only 1.5 full days but it was worth the pitstop to see some nice greenery.

RIO (Part 1):

I’ll start by saying that I did the hottest hike of my life on my first full day. This picture is a bit deceiving... smiles on the outside, but sweat on the inside.

NYE here = amazeballs. I don’t care how much I paid, I don’t care that I slept in a 12 bed dorm with 3 tier bunk beds, I don’t care how sweatastic it was during the day... I care that I came, I care that I saw, I care that I lived.

I want to thank all the Aussies who adopted me in Rio, Daniel & Emily, and the Walk Family for making the experience special. I wouldn’t want to jump seven times in the waves of Copacabana with anyone else but you all.

SAO PAULO:

A nice break after the chaos of New Year’s. Some cool street art, awesome Asian food aka sashimi aka thank you Liberdade aka I am not Japnese or Brasilian so I am sorry for confusing you, and some cool chicas! What I mean is while I was in Rio for NYE, I met three girls from Sao Paulo, became friends with them, and rideshared with them back to Sao Paulo. How awesome is that? I hung out with them on my last night here in samba hipsterville and it is incredible how you can connect to people that you have only known for two days. I love traveling in South America frankly for the moments like this one. Jennifer, Milena, and Lara... eu sou de São Paul, mano!!! #VIDALOCA.

PARATY:

If you thought that the downpours in DC or Vietnam were something worth noting, then please note that the downpours in Paraty can be disastrous. “I remember this one time” in Paraty coming back from Trinidade with Raoul, Alex, and two other chicos and it flooded like nobody’s business. Luckily we were in our swim gear and could deal with the walk back to the hostel even though water came up mid-thigh. At one point an ambulance came by us and along with it came a huge push of water that lifted up and relocated street cars. #thatshitcray.

But aside from that unreal moment, Paraty was the place where I came to terms with where I was in my backpacking journey. Rio for NYE was for a very long time meant to be the finale of my SA trip, but after delaying my return flight for weeks, I knew the time I would spend in Brasil post-NYE would be on a decline for sure. I ran into both my Daniel’s (from TDP Fam and Floripa Squad) here (as fate would have it) and seeing them both here by chance sealed the deal for me that the end was nearing. I knew moving forward that I would not run into anyone else I met pre-NYE and I accepted that. In that regard, Paraty launched the end of my goodbye week. So for my last night in town I treated myself to a good ol’ Western-priced dinner at Thai Brasil, one of the best eats I have had in all of SA, and left the next morning knowing I was inching closer to the end.

ILHA GRANDE:

One would think that after so many beach towns in Brasil one would think about going somewhere else for a change... but Ilha Grande is NOT to be missed. Do you hear me? This place is 10/10, would recommend.

I went to the most popular beach, Lopes-Mendes, even on a rainy day because I could not not go. I found myself on a boat tour with my two Aussie friends Leslie & Nicola and we made friends with the two Brasilian families in rear who sat with us. I ran into friends from Paraty like Daniel, Carolina and Lisa, the British guy who was on my Caipiboat, two families from my tour boat earlier that day, people from my hostel in IG.. it was awesome. The two things that made Ilha Grande even better? One, the drumline lookalikes who brought music to life in the streets and then retreated into the local church at the end and emerging as if it was a typical evening. And two, my sweet darling burger man who made the bombest burgers in all the land for 10 reals with all the fixins’!!! Big love, IG.

RIO (Part 2):

The last free hostel breakfasts, the hike to and view from Christ the Redeemer, reuniting with the Walk Family and making new friends, drinks and laughs at the Samba street party, Lapa and its beautiful steps minus all the shadiness, Copacabana without all the tourists, the search for that perfect hangover burger, Ipanema and its vendor charms, a kilo restaurant experience, Brasil friendship bracelets lost and rebought, and a final passionfruit caiprinha on the beach with a friend.

Thank you for everything that you are and that you give, Brasil. Eu te amo. <3

0 notes