Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Camping, Colorado, Curecanti National Recreation Area, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Hiking, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, United States

Colorado Parkin’ Day 1 – Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Curecanti National Recreation Area, & Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

May 20, 2023 It is just about time for an adventure! After a few years of driving incredible mileage across Wyoming to go to Yellowstone, it dawned on me to maybe spend that same time driving to southern Colorado and knocking out the National Park Service units down in that area. Outside of some trips… Continue reading Colorado Parkin’ Day 1 – Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Curecanti National Recreation Area, & Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Colorado, Hiking, Oklahoma, Texas, United States

Presidential Adventure 23: Day 3 – On Top of Oklahoma on Black Mesa

Chasing the highpoints of each state are definitely something I do not seriously chase, with only Panorama Point (Nebraska) and Mount Washington (New Hampshire) checked off on my list. Much like the Colorado 14ers, I've taken a very non-serious approach... I'll do them, but they're not my focus of outdoor and adventure activities. Yet, despite… Continue reading Presidential Adventure 23: Day 3 – On Top of Oklahoma on Black Mesa

Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Hiking, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, Texas, United States

Presidential Adventure 23: Day 2 – Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Palo Duro Canyon, & Route 66

The second day of this year's rendition of the President's Day weekend adventure came as I stirred awake about 6:30am after a fitful night's sleep in the hotel. With a jammed packed agenda, it was quite alright I suppose, as we needed to start early. I quickly dressed, and we waited in the lobby for… Continue reading Presidential Adventure 23: Day 2 – Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Palo Duro Canyon, & Route 66

Capulin Volcano National Monument, Colorado, Hiking, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, New Mexico, Texas, United States

Presidential Adventure 23: Day 1 – Capulin Volcano National Monument

I guess this is a start of a tradition, as this was the second year in a row I headed out of state chasing new National Park excitement over Presidents Day weekend! This year I got the crazy idea to make a big loop down to Amarillo, Texas. I don't think most people seek out… Continue reading Presidential Adventure 23: Day 1 – Capulin Volcano National Monument

Camping, Hiking, Mount Rainier National Park, National Parks & Monuments, State Parks, Olympic National Park, United States, Washington, Waterfalls

Whirlwind Washington – Part 2: Hurricane Ridge, Point Wilson, Mount Rainier, and Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Time to wrap up talking about my busy week and a half I spent in Washington in May 2022! (Yes, I blogged these incredibly after the fact, and I do not even have an excuse!). You can read Part 1 here, which covered fun stuff like the Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. Let's first talk… Continue reading Whirlwind Washington – Part 2: Hurricane Ridge, Point Wilson, Mount Rainier, and Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge