Fountaineblue State Park a Biking Heaven with 31 miles of theTammany Trail running through Park

The main attractions of Fountainebleau State Park is its beach, which is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The park also features several hiking trails, bike paths, and horseback riding trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. **Only a short drive to New Orleans***

RV camping at Fountainbleau State Park offers a 108 RV campsites. These sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups, and washer and dryers. Advise: If living on top of your neighbor and alway risking the chance of drinking a little to much and entering the wrong camper. We recommend chosing the unimproved sites with NO water nor electricity for plenty of room, vegetation, and wildlife. We had a pesky raccoon continue to try and enter our campsite during dinner; however, we also had privacy.

Tent camping is another popular option at Fountainebleau State Park, with 116 tent campsites available. These sites are located in wooded areas and offer a more secluded camping experience. The campsites are equipped with fire rings, and picnic tables.

It can be a long walk from unimproved sites to bathroom..

There is No shared water unless you book an improved site.

Life is good in the woods!

The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile rail-trail that runs through St. Tammany Parish in Louisiana, connecting the cities of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, and Lacombe. We had bad thunderstorms which cancelled our plans to rent bikes in Covington and then ride to Abita Springs to explore using Brooks Bike Shop.

The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it ideal for cyclists of all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll pass through forests, wetlands, and historic towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore. There are also several trailheads with parking areas and restrooms, making it easy to access the trail from different points.

We recommend Abita Springs Mystery House

Wonder Often, Wonder Always.

Hiking Trails

  • Bayou Cane Trail – This 2.8-mile trail takes you through a dense forest and offers scenic views of Bayou Cane. We hiked this trail and loved it 😍
  • Live Oak Trail – This 1.2-mile trail is a loop trail that takes you through a beautiful live oak forest.
  • Alligator Marsh Trail – This 0.9-mile trail takes you through a cypress-tupelo swamp and offers views of the marsh and wildlife, including alligators.
  • Pine Hardwood Trail – This 2-mile trail takes you through a mixed forest of pine and hardwood trees.
  • Tammany Trace – This 31-mile rails-to-trails path runs through the park and is popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. We wish weather had allowed to bike on this trail.
  • North Spillway Trail – This 1.4-mile trail takes you along the edge of Lake Pontchartrain and offers scenic views of the water.
  • Nature Trail – This 0.6-mile loop trail is an easy walk through the park’s natural areas.

Visit the local parishes..

We particularly loved Abita Springs and lucked 🍀 upon a gumbo festival.

**Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

Why we recommend the Berkey?


Another of the highlights of Fountainebleau State Park is its Nature Center. The Nature Center is located near the park’s entrance, and it provides visitors with a variety of educational and interactive exhibits and programs related to the natural history and ecology of the park and the surrounding area.

It also features exhibits on topics such as wetland habitats, local wildlife, and the park’s history. It has a touch tank with live aquatic creatures and a bird observation area.

Recommend a drive over the longest continuous bridge in US-the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite

    Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

    Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

    Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


    Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping

    This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

    Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

    Our thoughts 💭 Fountaineblue State Park

    Fountainbleau State Park is a beautiful and tranquil destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, picnicking, biking,or camping, this park has something for everyone. So if you’re ever in the Mandeville area, we would recommend.

    Life is better by the camp fire”

    Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

    Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


    Products we love ❤️

    After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

    Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

    Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

    Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

    Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

     

    We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

    Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

    Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

    Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

    Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

    12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

    Shepard State Park

    Shepard State Park is a beautiful park located in Gautier, Mississippi, that offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. The park is situated on the banks of the Pascagoula River also known as the Sing 🎶 River. Legend tells how the friendly Pascagoula Indian tribe walked hand in hand ✋ into the Pascagoula River singing instead of fighting the hostile Biloxi tribe. On some nights it is said the death chants can be heard coming from river. We only heard owls 🦉 during our stay.


    One of the main attractions of the park is its camping facilities. The park has 28 RV sites, 10 tent sites, and several cabins that visitors can rent. The RV sites have water and electrical hookups, and the tent sites are located in a shady, wooded area near the river. The cabins are fully furnished and include air conditioning, heat, and kitchenettes.

    Camping is the answer. Who cares what the question is?

    The park also has several hiking trails that wind through the wooded areas and along the river. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk that runs along the riverbank.

    Life is like a camera. Focus on the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot.

    Trails to hike within the park

    • Yellow Trail: This trail is a 1.5-mile loop that winds through a wooded area and offers views of the Pascagoula River. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for all skill levels.
    • Blue Trail: This trail is a 2.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a wooded area and along the river. The trail offers views of several native plants and wildlife, including deer and birds.
    • Oscar Trail: We hiked this trail and highly recommend. This trail is a 3-mile loop that takes visitors through a wooded area and along the river. The trail is more challenging than the other trails in the park and includes some steep inclines.
    • Boardwalk Trail: This trail is a 0.25-mile boardwalk that runs along the riverbank. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding natural scenery.
    • Nature Trail: This trail is a 0.5-mile loop that winds through a wooded area and offers views of several native plants and wildlife.

    You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

    Things not to miss in Mississippi!

    **Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

    The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite
      Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

      Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

      Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


      Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping

      This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

      Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

      Our thoughts 💭 Shepard State Park –

      Overall, Shepard State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Whether you’re interested in camping, fishing, hiking, or just relaxing in the beauty of nature, this park has something to offer everyone. So, if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in Mississippi, be sure to check out Shepard State Park.

      Life is better by the camp fire”

      Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

      Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


      Products we love ❤️

      After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

      Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

      Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

      Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

      Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

       

      We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

      Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

      Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

      Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

      Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

      12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

      Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park ⛺️

      Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a hidden gem located in the Florida Panhandle. The park is only a $3 toll away from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Destin Florida and some of the whitest, crunchest sand I have ever seen or walked upon.


      One of the park’s main attractions is its beautiful bayou. Visitors can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the bayou’s calm waters.

      The bayou is also home to a variety of fish, so fishing is another popular activity.

      I knew my resilience would payoff, finally the clock in my car 🚙 is showing the correct time.

      The park is also home to a campground, which is a great option for us looking to spend a night or two surrounded by nature and these beautiful beaches. The campground offers both tent and RV sites, as well as amenities such as showers, restrooms, washer and dryers and a playground. We found most of the sites level and spacious.

      Robin states “I’m sexy and I tow it!!

      One of the unique features of this park is the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum. The museum showcases the history of the CCC and its work in creating many of the parks and public lands throughout the country during the Great Depression. Visitors can learn about the history of the CCC and see artifacts and photos from the era.

      Trails to hike within the park

      • Rocky Bayou Trail: This trail is a 3.5-mile loop that winds through the forest and offers beautiful views of Rocky Bayou. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for all skill levels. We hiked this trail and loved it.
      • Sand Pine Trail: This trail is a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through a sand pine forest. The trail offers views of several native plants, including wiregrass and saw palmetto.
      • Red Cedar Trail: This trail is a 1-mile loop that takes visitors through a red cedar forest. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for all skill levels.
      • Turkey Oak Trail: This trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a turkey oak forest. The trail is relatively flat and is suitable for all skill levels.
      • Jackson Trail: This trail is a 0.5-mile loop that takes visitors through a hardwood forest. The trail offers views of several native plants, including southern magnolia and American holly.
      • Sinkhole Trail: This trail is a 0.2-mile loop that takes visitors to a large sinkhole. The sinkhole is approximately 20 feet deep and is a popular spot for photography.
      • The park also has several multi-use trails that are suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. These trails are marked with yellow blazes and are open year-round. Visitors are advised to stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the park’s delicate ecosystems.

      ”As I think about all the people I have lost over my life, Maybe I should not have been a trail guide 😂 “

      **Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

      The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite
      Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

      Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

      Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


      Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I Don’t Need Therapy, I Just Need To Go Camping.”

      This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

      Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

      Our thoughts 💭 Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park –

      Overall, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the area’s natural and cultural history. The park is close to beaches, the trails are enjoyable, and the fishing 🎣 is good.This campground and park has something to offer everyone.

      Campers have s’more fun. 🤩

      Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

      Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


      Products we love ❤️

      After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

      Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

      Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

      Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

      Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

       

      We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

      Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

      Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

      Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

      Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

      12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

      Famous Apalachicola Oysters and Mack Landing Campground ⛺️

      No trip through Tallahassee, Florida on I-10 would be complete without a detour to Apalachicola. Oysters from this region are often referred to as “Appalachia cola” or “colossal” oysters because of their large size and unique flavor.


      One reason these oysters are considered among the best in the world is because of the nutrient-rich waters in which they are grown.

      Another reason these oysters are highly regarded is because of the traditional farming methods used by many Appalachian oyster farmers. Many of these farmers use sustainable and environmentally friendly methods, which can result in healthier and more flavorful oysters.

      Apalachicola oysters are so prized that they have been designated as a regional delicacy by the State of Florida. They are also protected under federal and state regulations, which help ensure the sustainability of the industry and the preservation of the unique ecosystem of the Apalachicola Bay.

      Our detour towards Apalachicola took us through the village of Carabelle,FL. One of the most interesting and unique attractions in Carrabelle is the world’s smallest police station. The station is located on US Highway 98 and is housed inside an old phone booth. The phone booth was originally used by a police officer who patrolled the area on foot. He would use the phone to call the station and report any incidents or crimes he encountered.

      Over time, the phone booth became a symbol of the town and was eventually converted into a police station. Today, visitors can stop by and take a look at the tiny police station, which is just large enough to hold a single person.

      Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it

      Our journey took us through Apalachicola on a Sunday. Many of the shops were closed; however, we found a restaurant called Half Shell and the oysters were delicious but the Bloody Mary’s topped with a pimento cheese sandwich and Hush Puppies was a meal 🥘 by itself. We highly recommend a visit to this restaurant.

      Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

      Things to do in Apalachicola

      • Visit the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve: This reserve is located on the Apalachicola Bay and offers visitors a chance to learn about the ecology and biodiversity of the area through interactive exhibits and educational programs.
      • Explore the Apalachicola Historic District: Take a stroll through the historic district and admire the beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture. You can also visit the John Gorrie Museum State Park, which honors the inventor of air conditioning.
      • Take a boat tour: Take a boat tour of the Apalachicola River and Bay to see the local wildlife and learn about the area’s fishing industry.
      • Sample the seafood: Apalachicola is known for its oysters, shrimp, and other seafood delicacies. Visit one of the many local restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal.
      • Visit the Apalachicola Maritime Museum: This museum showcases the maritime history of the area and includes exhibits on boatbuilding, navigation, and local fishing.
      • Attend a festival: Apalachicola hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Florida Seafood Festival and the Apalachicola Oyster Cook-Off.
      • Go fishing: The Apalachicola Bay is a popular spot for fishing. Hire a charter boat or rent some gear and try your luck at catching some fish.
      • Go kayaking: Explore the calm waters of the Apalachicola River by kayak. You can rent a kayak and explore on your own, or join a guided tour.
      • Visit St. Vincent Island: Take a ferry to St. Vincent Island, a pristine barrier island located just off the coast of Apalachicola. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the red wolf and the sea turtle.
      • Visit the Apalachicola Center for History, Culture and Art: This center showcases the art, history, and culture of the Apalachicola region through exhibits, programs, and events.

      You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

      We love to camp in National Forest. The price is great and no frills. Usually no water nor electric hook-up in Federal Forest sites. If a pit toilet 🚽 does not scary you away consider these campgrounds ⛺️. We stayed at Mack Landing for the night within the Apalachicola Forest. There were 10 sites and camp host was very friendly and helpful. The bugs were bad; albeit, for $8.50 a night no complaints.

      **Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

      The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite
        Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

        “Life is better by the camp fire”

        Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


        Products we love ❤️

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

         

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Stephen C Foster State Park

        Okefenokee Swamp should not be ignored on your trip through Georgia


        Stephen C. Foster State Park is a beautiful and tranquil nature preserve located in the Okefenokee Swamp of southern Georgia. The park is named after the famous American songwriter, Stephen C. Foster, who wrote several popular songs, including “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” and “Swanee River.”
        Important note if anyone from the State of Georgia Department of Transportation reads this: I was embarrassed by the amount of trash along the road on the Okefenokee Trail leaving Folstron toward the campground.

        The park covers over 80 acres of land and is located within the 402,000-acre Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The park’s main attraction is the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the largest blackwater swamp in North America. The swamp is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and over 200 species of birds. Visitors can explore the swamp by boat, canoe, or kayak and take in the breathtaking views of the cypress trees and Spanish moss that drape the waterways.

        We rented canoes for the day. We highly recommend!

        Observation: The water is so very dark.

        ~Camping is defined as paying a fortune to live like a homeless person

        *The park has 64 campsites, including RV sites and tent sites, as well as six cottages that can accommodate up to six people each. The cottages offer modern amenities, including a full kitchen and bathroom, air conditioning, and heating.

        The best things in life are the people we love, the places we’ve been, and the memories we’ve made along the way.

        In addition to the swamp, Stephen C. Foster State Park also offers a variety of other recreational activities. The park has several hiking trails, including the .25 Trembling Earth 🌍 boardwalk Nature Trail, which winds through a forest of tall pines and oaks. Easy trail we recommend.

        Visitors can also fish 🎣 in the park’s lakeand streams, or enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas

        Drive through the park

        **Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

        ~The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go~

        The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite

        THINGS TO DO

        1. Take a Boat Tour: One of the best ways to explore the Okefenokee Swamp is by taking a guided boat tour. The park offers a range of tours, including the Swamp Island Drive Tour and the Okefenokee Adventure Tour.
        2. Canoe or Kayak: Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks and explore the swamp on their own. We had a blast doing canoeing 🛶 the waterways. The park offers several water trails, including the Suwannee River and the Big Water Trail.
        3. Hiking: The park has several hiking trails, including the Trembling Earth Nature Trail, which we recommend which is a .25 mile loop trail that winds through a forest of tall pines and oaks.
        4. Fishing: Visitors can fish in the park’s lakes and streams. The park is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, bream, and catfish.
        5. Wildlife Viewing: The Okefenokee Swamp is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, alligator 🐊 snakes, 🐍 snakes, turtles, and over 200 species of 🦅 birds. Visitors can observe the wildlife from the park’s boardwalks, observation towers, or by taking a guided tour.
        6. Picnicking: The park has several picnic areas, including a covered pavilion and several tables scattered throughout the park.
        7. Camping: Visitors can stay overnight in one of the park’s 64 campsites or six cottages. The campsites offer modern amenities, including electricity, water, and sewage hookups.
        8. Stargazing: The park is located in a remote area, making it an excellent destination for stargazing. The park hosts several astronomy events throughout the year.
        9. Biking: Visitors can bring their bikes and explore the park’s roads and trails.
        10. Ranger Programs: The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, campfire programs, and wildlife talks.
        Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. The cost is $80. The state of Georgia offered us free daily admission and a discount on camping with the Lifetime pass. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

        Our thoughts 💭 Stephen C Foster State Park

        Overall, Stephen C. Foster State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor adventurer, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this park has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and range of recreational activities, it’s easy to see why Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of Georgia’s most beloved natural

        “Life is better by the camp fire”

        Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


        Products we love ❤️

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

         

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Julian Price Memorial Park & surrounding areas

        Blowing Rock and Boone NC are near and are great mountain towns 🏘 to explore and catch a football game from the Mountaineers!

        Julian Price Campground: A Nature Lover’s 😍Paradise in North Carolina

        North Carolina is known for its stunning landscapes and scenic beauty, and Julian Price Campground ⛺️ is no exception. Located in the heart ♥️ of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this campground is a nature lover’s paradise and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

        We loved this campground.. if nature becomes to much then head into Blowing Rock 🪨 or Boone NC 😊

        ~Camping is defined as paying a fortune to live like a homeless person

        Nestled along the shores of Price Lake, Julian Price Campground is a popular destination for campers, fishermen 🎣, hikers 🥾, and outdoor enthusiasts. I did not bring my fishing pole but I will next time. With its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains this campground is a photographer’s camera 📸 dream come true. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, Julian Price Campground has something for everyone. ***What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!***

        One of the highlights of Julian Price Campground is its location. It is situated within the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most famous scenic drives 🚗 . The Blue Ridge spans over 469 miles but in my opinion the section between Asheville and Blowing Rock NC is the most scenic 🔭and breathtaking to explore. This means that you’ll be surrounded by stunning views and natural beauty throughout your drive and stay. Whether you’re driving, hiking, driving or simply relaxing 😎, you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in nature.

        ***Why don’t oysters share their pearls? Because they’re shellfish!***

        Linville Falls just a short drive and hike from the campgrounds

        In addition to its stunning location, Julian Price Campground also offers a variety of activities for visitors. From fishing and boating on Price Lake, to hiking and exploring the surrounding forests (we drove down the road to Linville Falls), a quick trip into Blowing Rock NC, Grandfather mountain spark and suspension bridge 🌉there’s never a shortage of things to do.

        One of the most popular trails in the area is the Boone Fork Trail, a 5.5-mile hike that takes you through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

        Below is pictures from our hike to Linville Falls

        **Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life**

        In terms of camping facilities, Julian Price Campground offers a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. From traditional tent camping to RV sites. The campground also offers amenities such as showers, toilets, and picnic areas, making it an ideal choice for families and groups.

        ~The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go~

        The campfire is the most important part of camping. It’s far more than just a source of heat or light, it’s the heart of a campsite

        THINGS TO DO

        1. Hiking: The park offers over 25 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Price Lake Loop Trail and the challenging Boone Fork Trail.
        2. Fishing: Price Lake is a popular spot for fishing, with a variety of fish including trout and bass.
        3. Camping: The park has two campgrounds, one of which is open year-round. Both campgrounds have restrooms and showers. One of the parks in located on Lake Price and the other is across the road.
        4. Picnicking: There are several picnic areas throughout the park, including one at Price Lake with tables and grills.
        5. Canoeing and kayaking: Price Lake is a great place for canoeing and kayaking, with rentals available at the park’s concession stand.
        6. Wildlife viewing: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a variety of bird species.
        7. Scenic drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the park, offering beautiful views and access to other nearby attractions like Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls.
        8. Photography: The park is known for its stunning natural beauty, making it a great place for photography.
        9. Horseback riding: The park offers horseback riding trails, as well as a horse campground for overnight stays.
        10. Skiing and snowboarding: In the winter, nearby ski resorts like Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain offer skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
        11. Visiting nearby attractions: There are many nearby attractions to visit, including the charming town of Blowing Rock, the historic Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, and the scenic Linville Gorge Wilderness Area.
        Support our web site by purchasing one of our t-shirts

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. The cost is $80. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

        Our thoughts 💭 Julian Price Memorial Park

        The Smokey mountains are a magical place and Julian Price Memorial park is a diamond 💎 within this paradise. We loved the park and would go back. Although the park is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we did not find the traffic noise was annoying nor noticeable. One can be as lazy or busy as you wish and we offer this campground a Two 👍 thumbs up. 😃

        “Life is better by the camp fire”

        Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


        Products we love ❤️

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

         

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Edisto Beach State Park

        Live Oak campground at Edisto Beach

        Edisto Beach State Park is one of four state parks in South Carolina located on ocean. I’m going to argue this is the best state park in South Carolina on the ocean. The park is approximately 50 miles from Charleston, SC making day trips to the Holy City very convenient. Beware coming back late at night as the two lane highway is known to be haunted with ghost 👻 and the Lizardman.

        camp fire 🔥 on the marsh

        Edisto Beach State Park is nestled within a sleepy 😴 town that begs for families to come and enjoy the sun and fun. 🤩 The State park has 120 campsites 🏕 and is divided into two campgrounds. The first is located right on the beach. These sites are very close to each other; although, a short walk to beach 🏝. We stayed at the Live Oak campgrounds about a mile and half away. We loved the privacy offered to each site and there is nothing more beautiful than the sun 🌞 set over the marsh in SC. It’s magical not to mention all the hiking trails and fishing 🎣 opportunities.

        At the live oak campgrounds the hiking trails are a great escape from the blistering heat. Most of the trails are short and friendly to novice and experienced hikers.

        Local secret: Edisto Beach and the surrounding area offers what many believe to be the best fishing anywhere.

        Hiking trails within Live Oaks campground


        The mysterious 4,000 year old shellmidden along side the tidal basin
        – we could not find but the search was worth it!

        CAMPGROUND TRAIL

        Length: 0.3 miles
        Type: Hiking and Biking Trail 
        Difficulty: Easy 
        Description: This trail will take you from the campground to the Scott Creek Trail.

        SCOTT CREEK TRAIL

        Length: 0.7 miles
        Type: Hiking and Biking Trail 
        Difficulty: Easy 
        Description: The Scott Creek Trail takes one through the maritime forest offering views of the marsh from three boardwalks. The Scott Creek Trail connects to the Spanish Mount Trail.


        SPANISH MOUNT TRAIL

        Length: 1.7 miles

        Type: Hiking and Biking Trail 

        Difficulty: Easy 

        Description: One of the earliest Native American shell mound sites in South Carolina can be found at the western terminus of the Spanish Mount Trail.


        What is a Shellmidden? Signs of early settlements directly associated with villages, as a designated village dump site. Shells and bones 🦴 and other refuse.

        Alligators 🐊 can be found in Edisto but give them their space and one should not have any issues. Small children and dogs should be extra cautious

        Close by the state park are grocery stores, restaurants, water and bike rental companies to make camping as Boosie as possible. We grabbed some chicken wings at McConkey’s Jungle Shack and would recommend.

        Our backyard at Live Oak campground ~ tide is coming in

        THINGS TO DO

        • Fishing Information:  Enjoy surf fishing or fishing in the salt marsh for flounder, whiting, spot tail and other species.
        • Fishing:  Yes 
        • Saltwater Fishing:  Yes 
        • Boating and Boat Access:  A boat ramp and courtesy dock is located on the western boundary of the park which offers guest access to Big Bay Creek. 
        • Boating:  Yes 
        • Boat Ramp:  Yes 
        • Wireless Internet Access:  Complimentary wi-fi is available for park guests near the office area and in the wi-fi room located adjacent to the office. The wi-fi room includes a sitting area and restroom.
        • Picnic Area and Shelters:  Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis for family or other group gatherings at no charge.
        • Park Store/Gift Shop:  A small retail area is located in the Ranger Station and includes tshirts, caps and limited gift items.
        • Picnic Shelters:  Yes 
        • Swimming:  Swimming is permitted in the Atlantic Ocean at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty.
        • Bird Watching:  The best area for bird watching is along the trails in the park. Water fowl can also be spotted along the beach or marsh areas.
        • Geocaching:  Geocaching is permitted. Several geocaches are located on the park. For more information visit the official geocaching website.
        • Biking:  Yes 
        • Birding:  Yes 
        • Interpretive Trails:  A series of short, mostly level trails wind through Edisto Island’s maritime forest of live oak, hanging Spanish moss, and palmetto trees. During your walk you may see white-tailed deer, osprey, or alligators, and may even catch a glimpse of the wary bobcats.
        • Hiking:  Yes
        The low country of South Carolina is worth a visit

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks


        Another South Carolina treasure (Charleston area)

        The Angel Oak Park is located on Johns Island where you can find what is known as “A Lowcountry Treasure”. The Southern Live Oak tree is a historical site and focal point of one of the City of Charleston’s public parks. It is considered to be the largest Live Oak Tree east of the Mississippi estimating to be 300 to 400 years old.

        Check the website for times of operation as we showed up and the park was closed 😆

        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The National Park Pass will also allow access to all the national monuments. The cost is $80. If you plan on being in any of the National Parks more than three times within a year then you will save money. The pass will sometimes allow discounts to camping in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility which can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. “I googled my symptoms… turned out I just need to go camping”

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market.

        Our thoughts 💭 about Edisto State Park

        I called Edisto a sleepy 🥱 hamlet but let me be clear the secret 🤐 of this town is out. The beach and town can get very busy with tourism and locals alike. I still believe even in busy times one will find this state park enjoyable. Definitely place this state park on your to Do list. “Life is better by the camp fire”

        Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.


        Products we love ❤️

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refrigerator so coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday  so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you  Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Wrong Side of Grand Canyon or Was It? And DeMotte Campground

        Trip taken August 2020

        How can this view be wrong? North Rim Grand Canyon.

        We had almost completed ✔️ our visit to Utah’s Mighty 5 (reviews at this link) and our plans were to venture into Arizona and boondock on Lake Powell and go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. However, the heat was so hot 🥵 and we don’t use generators so we decided to scrap the South Rim but I still wanted to see the Grand Canyon for the first time. In between Bryce Canyon and Zion, we took an excursion to the North Rim. Wow 🤩! Rookie mistake we did not plan enough time to explore this area adequately. The North Rim of the GC sits at 8,000 feet 🦶 compared to the South Rim at 7,000 🦶 which makes temperatures much cooler. We experienced 80s during the day and 50s at night. It was a relief 😅 from the heat.

        Pro Tip When planning a long country time it is important to be prepared to venture off your route as unexpected fires, flood, storms, snow, and pandemics may make destinations dangerous or impossible to reach. Don’t be disappointed 😢 because there is plenty to see in this big USA. We were forced to cancel the state of California; albeit, Idaho and Montana easley filled in the gaps.

        The crowds were much smaller. Of course, we did explore during the pandemic 😷 so this could have skewed our perspective. Park rangers say, the North Rim is 1/10 less crowded than the South Rom. I also felt the tourist attractions were non existent so the camping experience was intensified. The road to the North Rim transversed open valleys and forest 🌳 which had me pondering 🤔 whether any settlers became lost heading West and traveled the same roads we were on only to find a big hole called the Grand Canyon in their way? It gives a new meaning to Gilligans Island character “Wrongway Feldman”

        The North Rim is best visited by couples and outdoors-minded families seeking a quiet getaway. Out-of-park lodging is also more scarce than at the South Rim so we stayed in the National Forest 🌳 Delmotte Camp ground. Twenty minutes outside the gates of the North Rim.

        Grand Canyon North Rim Visitor Center – The North Rim Visitor Center is located next to the parking lot for Grand Canyon Lodge and has park information, maps, exhibits, ranger programs as well as a bookstore. This is a good place to start when exploring the North Rim.

        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The cost is $80. If you plan on being in any of the National parks more than three times you will save money. The pass will also allow you access to the National Monuments and sometimes discounts in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility we can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. 

        Bright Angel Point is a short hike with great views and steep drop offs.

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

        We highly recommend hiking Bright Angel Point, the most popular viewpoint on the North Rim, is accessed from a steep, paved trail which begins near Grand Canyon Lodge. The hike is only a quarter-mile from the lodge area and is often the first scenic viewpoint that visitors experience after their arrival at the North Rim. Take your time if you are not used to higher elevations. Acrophobia can be a bitch!

        Amazon Launchpad Holiday Gift Guide

        Most visitors expect clean air and clear views in parks. Unfortunately the day we visited there was a lot of haze in the air as Grand Canyon National Park (NP) is downwind of air pollution from coal-fired power plants in the Four Corners region, nearby mining, urban farming and industrial pollutants from Mexico and California.

        Visibility effects on views at the Grand Canyon:

        • On most days, reduction of the average natural visual range from about 175 miles (without the effects of pollution) to about 140 miles because of pollution
        • On high pollution days, reduction of the visual range from about 120 miles to below 90 miles

        Beautiful 🤩 hike to Bright Angel point
        Incredible views along the trail
        Looking over the precipice can give one the chills

        If we could have a do-over, we would have done Mule Rides at the North Rim

        Mule rides are offered from the North Rim. These rides do not descend to the floor and the Colorado River but are shorter and more available to book than the South Rim mule rides. Minimum age is 10 years old and maximum weight allowance is 220 lbs. North Canyon mule trips can be booked at https://www.canyonrides.com/grand-canyon-mule-ride/

        There are 3 mule trips:

        1. One-Hour Rim Ride – This tour lasts approximately one hour traveling along a rim trail. It is the perfect tour for a those that want a quick fun experience of riding a mule. The cost is $45 including  tax.
        1. Three Hour Ride to Uncle Jim’s Point – A little more extensive, this mule ride departs the North Canyon Lodge and follows the Ken Patrick Trail to Uncle Jim’s Point. A wonderful tour of the North Rim! This mule ride is $90 including tax.
        1. Three Hour Ride to Supai Tunnel – Descend down the North Kaibab Trail on the back of a sure-footed mule until you reach the Supai Tunnel, 2300 feet below the rim. A popular way to get below the rim and take a mule ride together. The Inner Canyon Mule ride is $90 including tax.

        We only had a day at the Grand Canyon so after Bright Angel 😇 trail and the visitor center we launched onto a day of scenic driving….

        Grand Canyon North Rim Scenic Drive – The remote quiet beauty of the North Rim can be appreciated on the Scenic drive. Along the route, there are pull-outs and viewpoints to see Point Imperial and Cape Royal. The drive usually takes a half a day if you enjoy short walks and photo opportunities. Point Imperial is approximately 11 miles or 20 minutes from the visitor center and Cape Royal is 23 miles or 45 minutes. There is a second, unpaved road that leads to Point Sublime, about 20 miles west of the visitor center ~ Do not miss this drive!

        Cape Royal for lunch
        steps away from picnic tables

        Half way through our drive we found this picnic 🧺 table next to Grand Canyon. What better way to enjoy a turkey sandwich 🥪 with this view.

        View point along the drive to Cape Royal


        A walking stick or Trek poles and proper shoes will make a hike in the Grand Canyon more enjoyable. We can not count how many people we passed who were struggling on some of these trails.

        Imperial Point

        Hiking at the North Rim

        The National Park Service posts serious warnings to all hikers about hiking from Rim-to Rim or Rim-to River in one day. The inner gorge temperatures, lack of water and difficulty of the trails tax even the most experienced of hikers. Dehydration, injuries, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very common for hikers that are not prepared for this extreme environment. Do not attempt a one-day Rim-to-Rim or Rim-to-River-Return in one day for your safety.

        Cape Royal Trail – An easy trail with the most sweeping, grandiose view of the Grand Canyon? What more could you want! The trail starts at the end of the paved Cape Royal Road and is less than a mile round trip. Although the magnificent vista can be seen from the car, the short walk opens even more breathtaking views. We highly recommend this short easy walk.

        Demotte Campground – located within the North Kaibab Ranger District just 7 miles north of the entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.  It has 38 single family campsites with tables and cooking grills. There is no group site. The 38 single family campsites can accommodate tents, trailers and small motor homes. However, no utility hookups are available.

        Half of the sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and the other half are available with reservations. Reservations can be made through the Recreation.gov website or via telephone at 1-877-444-6777.

        No Hookups but the nights have chill at this altitude

        We took advantage of the “first come, first serve” option and had no issues getting a site on a Friday in August. It was a bit surprising to me. There were actually quite a few open sites. People came after dark and still got a site. It is always fun to watch people set up their RV in the dark. The sites were decent with enough space to not be right on top of one another. The bathrooms didn’t smell horrible. There’s a store across the street with lots of things in case you forget something.

        Recommend a stop 🛑 by the visitor center

        Quick link to Grand Canyon Website

        Robin love 💕 to cook 👩‍🍳 and her favorite accoutrement is this fish spatula from Amazon also check out her recipes within the webpage. All tried and delicious 😋 while on the road.

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market


        We are often asked do we have travel insurance and the answer is NO except for car and RV insurance. I was reading Money Magazine and found this article.

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.

        Products we love ❤️

        Paid ads-we recommend

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refridgerator do coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday 🍰 so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you 😍 Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Great Basin National Park

        Trip taken August 2020

        The rugged beauty of the Great Basin National Park

        We left Las Vegas August 10, 2020 and our plans were to head towards Idaho. Now the drive across the Great Basin is a lonely road. There is over 400 miles of vistas and high deserts to transverse Nevada on this 2 lane highway (US 93) and be aware reflections off the pavement and the wide-open country can greatly hamper distance perception resulting in some bizarre passing/not passing decisions. However, your journey will be reward by visiting one of our most under appreciated national parks. Hello!! Great Basin National Park 😀.

        Pro Tip Stock up on extra drinking water to bring in your car. Literally it is 100s of miles between towns and if you have car troubles you do not want to combine issues with thirst and dehydration.

        Driving US 93 from Las Vegas to Great Basin NP beware of wild horses and desert elk

        Great Basin National Park – At an elevation over 13,000, Great Basin is an adventurers dream come true. Spelunking in the Lehman caves, driving the scenic Wheeler Peak road, angler fishing 🎣 the streams, hiking one of the many trails, observe & be amazed by the bristlecone pines (oldest living organize on the planet 🌎)and as the sun sets one can not imagine the star gazing. This is irrefagablely one of the most beautiful places in the world.

        Pro Tip – Plan your visit during an upcoming meteor shower. We were present for the Persiod Meteor shower August 13, 2020 and never in my life did I witness as more amazing displays of astromomical wonder. We counted 28 shooting star.

        Great hike to one of the alpine lakes called Stella Lake.

        Wildlife is abundant in this high desert 🌵 as this big rattlesnake decided to crawl through our camp ground at cocktail 🍹 hour.

        Once you see a Bristlecone Pine that is over 3200 years old, it is surreal to be in its presents

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

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        Most do within the GreaT Basin National Park – I have never felt so innocent and young until I stood before a 3,200 year old tree. (No this is NOT a misprint). The bristlecone pine found within the Great Basin NP are the oldest organism on the planet and were here when Mesopotamia and Egypt 🇪🇬were just forming villages and communities. These odd twisting pines have a beauty that made me intimidated standing in it’s presents. These lone pines live in habitats that are harsh and the bark is resistant to insects. After the tree dies the remains will likely last another 1,000 years. I never thought 💭 I could be so amazed by 1 tree.

        Methuselah standing watch over the great plains for over 3200 years. Wow!
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        The hike to the interpretive center at the Bristlecone Pines grove is a moderate hike of 4.5 miles but the experience is so worth the calories you will burn.

        Hiking to the Bristlecone pine grove

        You can add another 1 mile to your hike and witness Wheeler Glacier which is the Southern most glacier in the US. This is also called the Bristlecone pines glacier trail. You have already done the toughest part so if you can walk just a little more to see the glacier, you will thank me.


        We also decided to add a few more miles onto the hike and see the alpine lakes Teresa and Stella; albeit, in August these are more like a puddle.

        Stella Lake


        A walking stick or Trek poles and proper shoes will make a hike in the Great Basin NP more enjoyable. We can not count how many people we passed who were struggling on some of these trails.

        Stella Lake – we can not see our reflection in running water. It is only in the still waters we can see.

        Lower Lehman campground – We camped among the lush green vegetation which hugs Lehman Creek and we secured our RV within earshot of clear mountain water which has tumbled 3000 vertical feet from the lakes and snowfields of the high Snake Range. There are 11 campsites and No electric hookups. Naturally landscaped with red-barked water birch, aspen and white fir a stroll through this sky island ecosystem provides for great bird-watching or a cooling dip in the stream while placing you just minutes from spectacular Lehman Caves. We paid $20 a night and the bath 🛁 houses were clean.

        One of our favorite camping sites across the USA.

        The scenic 12 mile Wheeler Peak drive is open June to October weather permitting and is a must do. There is a limit of single cars no greater than 24 feet but there is an area available to leave your rv if you are not staying in one of the 6 campgrounds.

        One of the overlooks on the Wheeler Peak Drive

        Lehman Caves was on our to do list but with Covid raging in August 2020 this was closed. Check the National Parks webpage for updates; however, there is so much available to do that this should not discourage you.

        Quick link to Great Basin Park Website

        Great stream next to Campground
        We highly recommend trek poles or walking sticks.


        Drone flying around Lower Lehman campground (sorry but windy so very shaky)

        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The cost is $80. If you plan on being in any of the National parks more than three times you will save money. The pass will also allow you access to the National Monuments and sometimes discounts in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility we can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. 

        This Bristlecone pine is over 2,500 years old. Great interpretive center- This tree is NOT old but young for a long time

        Robin love 💕 to cook 👩‍🍳 and her favorite accoutrement is this fish spatula from Amazon also check out her recipes within the webpage. All tried and delicious 😋 while on the road.

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market


        We are often asked do we have travel insurance and the answer is NO except for car and RV insurance. I was reading Money Magazine and found this article.

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.

        Products we love ❤️

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        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refridgerator do coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday 🍰 so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you 😍 Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.

        Valley of Fire State Park

        Trip taken August 2020

        The Valley of Fire is a brilliant, colorful spot located in Nevada, just one hour from Las Vegas. Filled with panoramic vistas, hiking trails, petroglyphs, and stunning red and pink rock formations, the Valley of Fire makes an excellent day trip from Vegas. Warning: We ventured into this paradise in August and temperatures reached around 110. Everyone states it is a dry heat but I will tell you it is very uncomfortable 🥵 so we canceled most of our planned hikes and just drove through. Pro-tip plan your arrival times with temperatures that will match your activity level. You are in the desert 🌵

         

        Crossing the desert is almost as enjoyable as reaching the destination

        What does it cost to visit? An entrance fee is charged per vehicle at $5 upon entering Valley of Fire State Park. This fee is collected at the fee booth or at self-pay stations. Camping: Additional fees are charged for the use of camping areas and are payable at the campgrounds.

        A photo sign is erected at one of the entrances/exit to create your own postcard

        Road warriors need to pass the time when on the road. I highly recommend the Audible books 📚

        Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

        Why is it called Valley of Fire 🔥? In the 1920s the name was coined by an AAA official traveling through the park at sunset. This person purportedly said that the entire valley looked like it was on fire; hence the name.

        The beauty of the Red Rocks 🪨 will dazzle you almost 😅 like the Vegas strip

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        Driving through the Valley of Fire is the easiest way to enjoy the view. Pink, red, and orange sandstone rocks create amazing vistas that you can see from your car. The main road, Mouse’s Tank Road, curves its way through these rocky formations, creating beautiful views.

        Fill up with water – it gonna be a hot one

        World-renowned for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone, Valley of Fire State Park contains ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years.

        “If you find a path with no obstacles then it probably leads nowhere” Frank Clark

        A Visitor Center provides exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park and nearby region. We highly encourage a stop 🛑 within the Vistor Center. Pro-tip – very cool exhibits and the A/C is worth a recharge.

        Magic of the desert can best be seen in the shadows

        The park is open year round and the sunrise and sunset in the desert 🏜 will have you wanting to stay longer.

        Parking lot of visitor center

        I love the desert and it’s incomparable sense of space – Robyn Davidson

        We were hoping to see herds of mountain goats 🐐 but the hot 🥵 had them taking shelter

        Did you know a mountain goat is not a goat?

        8 facts about Mountain Goats

        We highly recommend driving through this state park. If the weather is agreeable then hike some of the many trails offered. One can spend a couple hundred in Vegas or leave with a couple hundred memories from the Valley of Fire State Park.

        OMG 😳 this is real life. All who wonder are not lost

         

         

        Robin love 💕 to cook 👩‍🍳 and her favorite accoutrement is this fish spatula from Amazon also check out her recipes within the webpage. All tried and delicious 😋 while on the road.

        This site contains paid advertisements. By clicking the links it does not cost you any extra money as the seller pays Travelswithgg a referral fee. We will never place any links without 100% satisfaction of a product we use.

        Traveling across the country is challenging enough to not have to worry about ones drinking water. We carry with us the Berkey water filtration system which we consider one of the best on the market

         

        Money saving tip: Buy the annual national parks pass. The cost is $80. If you plan on being in any of the National parks more than three times you will save money. The pass will also allow you access to the National Monuments and sometimes discounts in the National Forest 🌳. There’s also discounts for seniors which can be applied against camping threw out America. Other discounts apply so please read the eligibility we can save you more money. We estimate we saved over $600 in park fees. 

         

        Quick link to Valley of Fire Website

         

        Drone flying is fast becoming a hobby of mine. After much research I purchased the Mini from DJI. I am very satisfied but still an amateur having a blast. Check out our drone videos within the blog which we hope you will enjoy.

        Products we love ❤️

        Paid ads-we recommend

        After 12,000 miles on the road and hundreds of miles hiking 🥾 throughout America, our Merrells have withstood all types of terrain and although they may be dirty, the quality is outstanding and are ready for the next 12,000.

        Being on the water is very therapeutic and lots of fun. Space is always our issue so the inflatable kayak was our answer. Easy to inflate but we did buy a battery 🔋 pump to make life easy. We have kayaked the lakes of Montana, Idaho, Arkansas, Minnesota, South Carolina, Arizona and the Intex has not let us down.

        Robin’s favorite outdoor cooking utensil

        Great personal usb fans. Perfect for warm dry camping nights

        Our Retro Jr offers only so much space so to expand the cooking area, Robin loves this easy to put up table from Lifetime. No issues after multiple setups and break downs.

        We enjoy a good cup of coffee ☕️ and one of our favorite cafes offers a pour over. ( How to make the best pour over coffee) If you are still making coffee in a pot break the yoke of social conformity and consider alternatives to a drink of the gods (coffee) every morning. This Insta Pot has been a godsend to our travels.

        Campers are for the most part very honest and friendly people. However, pulling GG through a city and leaving her to go explore can make one feel uneasy 😬 so this easy locking 🔒 system was our solution.

        Our teardrop does not come with a refridgerator do coolers are our life blood. We needed to keep our food cold for days on end and these coolers did the trick.

        Grand daughter had her first birthday 🍰 so the best gift was to start her love of camping. Love you 😍 Bridget.

        Traveling over 12,000 miles in a Teardrop trailer one realizes space is an issue. We highly a roof rack to aid in carrying more items ie inflatable kayak, life jackets, oars, and etc.

        12,000 miles on the road, one of my best purchases was my Costa sunglasses 🕶. The glare from driving is gone and the polarized lenses intensified the colors of my surroundings.