Oregon – Day 3 – Crater Lake

Day 3 was mostly spent at Crater Lake.  I like to relax on vacation by demanding that we wake up in time for sunrise and go to take pictures.  In light of this, we got up early to head to Watchman overlook with our coffee, but finding clouds there, backtracked… Continue reading

Oregon – Day 1 – Portland

It started with a notion that Portland, Oregon would be a nice city to visit.  With the house search happening, the notion was not receiving much commitment nor planning.  But, since the house dealings were all in order and there wasn’t really anything for me to do but wait, Janet… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 4

Smoky Mountains Day 4 itinerary: 6:30 – got to Cades Cove (sunrise) Drove two loops around Cades Cove Started hiking Middle-Prong trail Turned back due to rain Stopped at “The Sinks” Returned to hotel – nap 4:30 – Chimney’s Trail 7:00 – return to trailhead Bear sighting Drove through Gatlinburg… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 3

Smoky Mountains Day 3 itinerary: Slept in (forecast of rain) 11:30 – stopped at NOC for a hat 12:00 – Alum trail to Mt. LaConte 7:00 – return to trailhead Return to hotel, made dinner Went to Morton Overlook for sunset It was supposed to rain on Saturday, so we… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 2

Smoky Mountains Day 2 itinerary: Stupid early – drive to Clingman’s Dome Nap in Clingman’s Dome parking lot 9:00 – Hiked to Clingman’s Dome Continue down the Appalachian Trail Fail to find Siler’s Bald 4:30 – return to Clingman’s Dome lot Returned to hotel Day 2’s itinerary really only had… Continue reading

Smoky Mountains 2015 – Day 1

Smoky Mountains Day 1 itinerary: 9:30pm (CT) – depart Chicago (Midlothian) Drove through the night 8:30am – arrive in the Smoky Mountains Stopped at Sugarlands visitor center Headed to Ramsey Falls (+ coffee) 10:20 – started hike 12:15 – arrived at the fall 1:15 – start descent 3:30 – return… Continue reading

Tetons & Yellowstone — Badlands National Park

On the up-side, the campground in the Badlands had showers.  On the down-side, they were cold.  We did a variety of shorter trails on the second day. Cliff Shelf Trail – a shorter loop following a boardwalk through juniper trees with a geologic slump. Door Trail – a three quarter… Continue reading