Thinking about taking a road trip over Labor Day. Want to keep it cheap (hence the road trip rather than flying somewhere). Would take off of work on Friday September 2nd and return home on Monday September 5th so ideally a drive that can be made in one day (say 15 hours or under). Early September so hoping weather won't be an issue at the time. Leaving from/returning to Milwaukee.
Have it more or less narrowed down to (in order of most to least impressive Google images...):
Badlands
Theodore Roosevelt
Great Smoky Mountain
Shenandoah
Wind Cave
If anyone doesn't mind commenting on any of the above places, or has any other suggestions as to places that can be made into a 1 day drive and pretty cheap from Milwaukee in early September, that would be greatly appreciated.
It really depends what type of vacation you are looking for. The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful that time of year. I would recommend the Townsend area in Tennessee (avoid nearby Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge; they are very crowded).
Shenandoah is also extremely beautiful. You can find some remote areas; we've stayed along some creeks in that area and you could really hide from the world, without being too far away from civilization.
Be sure to take a ride down Skyline Drive. There are some great hikes along that route and a nice campground.
I've never done the others.
What is your goal? Are you taking girlfriend/wife/kids? What is your ideal vacation?
Quote from: forgetful on July 06, 2016, 11:43:08 PM
It really depends what type of vacation you are looking for. The Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful that time of year. I would recommend the Townsend area in Tennessee (avoid nearby Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge; they are very crowded).
Ahhh. You are right on. We go every September for a couple weeks and always stay on the Townsend side.
Wades, if you are into hiking, you can't beat the Smokies. There are hundreds of trails. And as Forgetful said, avoid Galtlinburg and Pigeon Forge (Wisconsin Dells on steroids). From the Wisco/Illinois border, it is about an 11 hour drive. If you decide on this, go on line and find a cabin rental in the Townsend area. Lots to choose from and really beats staying in a motel. Can find a one bedroom in the $120 range. Most have hot tubs as well.
Shenandoah is a little closer. Again, lots of nice trails. Drive the full length of the Park and head about 20 miles east to Charlottesville, VA and visit Monticello - well worth it. The lodges in the park are probably booked by now, so you would have to get a motel room at one end of the park or the other.
Badlands are closer too. Then go another 60 miles or so to Custer State Park. Best view of Mt. Rushmore is from the park - long distance, but you get a much better perspective than actually visiting. You can also find bison and wild donkeys driving through Custer. And if you watched Deadwood when it was on HBO, you can go another 30-40 miles north to get there. Nice little town. Great cemetery there if you like walking uphill.
Wade, you also may want to consider Voyagers National Park in Northern Minnesota. It's part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and extremely rugged and very beautiful. The NPS, State of Minnesota and the regional governments have deliberately worked to keep this area very rugged/primitive to preserve something of what Midwest once was. Voyagers is not especially well known
Warning: If you go here, take a lot of mosquito repellent. The mosquitoes in Minnesota, besides being the state bird, show up on aircraft radar they're so big.
Another place that's not a national park but probably should be is the Brule River State Forest in Douglas County. It's a small river that flows into Lake Superior and a wonderful canoeing river.
Quote from: forgetful on July 06, 2016, 11:43:08 PM
Shenandoah is also extremely beautiful. You can find some remote areas; we've stayed along some creeks in that area and you could really hide from the world, without being too far away from civilization.
Be sure to take a ride down Skyline Drive. There are some great hikes along that route and a nice campground.
I've never done the others.
What is your goal? Are you taking girlfriend/wife/kids? What is your ideal vacation?
I have been to Shenandoah recently after a visit to Charlottesville and it was beautiful, but did not have the time to spend really exploring it.
My Seton Halls friend and his family, just drove the Skyline Drive (a very slow drive) 2 weeks ago, and took a picture of a bear right on the side of the road minding his own business.
As someone who has traveled on holiday weekends before, expect traffic to be much worse than you thought. Especially if you go out east. If I were you, I would consider going the weekend after Labor Day.
I highly recommend Squirrel Tail Park just outside Charlotte.
Never heard of it? Of course not. It's a little community park that doesn't offer much to see or do.
But it offers the opportunity to hang with me and Mrs. MU82, and the first round is on us!!!!
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 07, 2016, 08:47:38 AM
As someone who has traveled on holiday weekends before, expect traffic to be much worse than you thought. Especially if you go out east. If I were you, I would consider going the weekend after Labor Day.
Traffic on any summer weekend in the Boston to DC corridor. Ouch!
Quote from: dgies9156 on July 07, 2016, 07:10:54 AM
Wade, you also may want to consider Voyagers National Park in Northern Minnesota. It's part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and extremely rugged and very beautiful. The NPS, State of Minnesota and the regional governments have deliberately worked to keep this area very rugged/primitive to preserve something of what Midwest once was. Voyagers is not especially well known
+1
As a kid, our family vacations mostly rotated between the Smoky Mountains and Dinney World. I would not recommend the former unless - as Brandy mentioned - you want the southern version of a Wisconsin Dells vacation; however, if tourist traps are your cup of tea, my recommendation is to go off grid and visit the Canadian Dells, a/k/a Niagara Falls.
Seriously, the Smoky Mountains are simply Wisconsin Dells with a Waffle House, and Niagara Falls is Wisconsin Dells with a Tim Horton's. And we all know that Tim Horton's >>>>>>> Waffle House.
Seriously though... if you've never been, it will take you less time to drive to Buffalo than eastern Tennessee (about 9 hours), and Niagara Falls is a national park (well, a "National Heritage Area," whatever that means) though with the caveat that the "good" part is on Canadian soil... which by the way the exchange rate, though slightly recovered from it's February trough, still has the USD trading very favorably to the CAD. And did I mention they have Tim Horton's? Do the touristy thing for half a day, then drive north into Niagara wine country... sure it's no Napa or Sonoma, but it's beautiful country with decent wineries (and craft breweries). Best part... Labor Day ain't no thang north of the border... you'll pretty much have the place to yourself on Sunday. Stay at the Sheraton downtown and get a room that faces the falls (with a window that opens or "balcony"). Take in the only 100% non-smoking casino (and sportsbook) in North America outside of Chicago. Grab a dozen at Tim Horton's. Drink the beer (it's like moonshine).
And if you do take my advice, don't cross in Detroit... the 403 can be spotty on Friday afternoons until you're well past Hamilton and you'll lose an hour trying to decide between bridge and tunnel. Actually, if you want to give yourself a small break and really take the road less traveled (literally), take the 6:00a Lake Express Ferry across to Muskegon, cross at Sarnia, and you'll make it through Hamilton just before 4:00p when things start getting squirrely.
Since you are leaving from Milwaukee, on the Friday of Labor Day weekend, and returning on Labor Day, I would avoid the Chicago area traffic and simply head west. You can drive from Milwaukee to the Badlands in about 12 hours. From there I would recommend Custer State Park, and then drop down to Wind Cave. Boring drive until you get to the Badlands, but it's less stressful than heading south or east, and a heck of a lot to see in a short period of time.
Rent a Harley.
Even though I tried to be hilarious in my earlier post, I am finding this discussion to be interesting, so keep 'em coming everybody.
We have been to only a few national parks, with Grand Canyon #1 in my book, followed by Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. We definitely want to visit more. We only live a few hours from the Smokies now and certainly we should get there, so I like the perspectives about that.
Niagara Falls definitely has its schlocky surrounds, but the Falls themselves are spectacular to behold. The boat ride is an amazing experience. If I were going again, I'd want to spend as much time as possible in Canada just because it's different from all of those Rust Belt U.S. cities one has to pass through. Although I will say that if everybody in the family likes rock, the HoF in Cleveland is pretty cool.
Quote from: Benny B on July 07, 2016, 09:57:37 AM
As a kid, our family vacations mostly rotated between the Smoky Mountains and Dinney World. I would not recommend the former unless - as Brandy mentioned - you want the southern version of a Wisconsin Dells vacation; however, if tourist traps are your cup of tea, my recommendation is to go off grid and visit the Canadian Dells, a/k/a Niagara Falls.
Seriously, the Smoky Mountains are simply Wisconsin Dells with a Waffle House, and Niagara Falls is Wisconsin Dells with a Tim Horton's. And we all know that Tim Horton's >>>>>>> Waffle House.
The North Carolina side of the Smoky Mountains is beautiful - and last I checked, not tacky at all. You are painting with a pretty broad brush there, my friend. You can go as tacky or as natural as you want there -- just like you can go eat a bunch of fudge, slide down water slides, and ride go-carts in Wisconsin Dells, or get a little bit out of town and enjoy the natural beauty.
We stayed once at an amazing place in Bryson City, North Carolina, called the Hemlock Inn. You can get breakfast and dinner included, and the food is incredible. There are homemade biscuits at every meal, and when we were there, they served vegetables they had picked from their garden that morning. Here is the view from the porch - and not a souvenir stand in sight, I might add.
(http://www.hemlockinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fall-colors-1024x685.jpg)
Quote from: Sir Lawrence on July 07, 2016, 10:41:54 AM
Since you are leaving from Milwaukee, on the Friday of Labor Day weekend, and returning on Labor Day, I would avoid the Chicago area traffic and simply head west.
+1
By the time you'd get through the Chicago area, you might very well already be to the Badlands or Voyageurs.
Quote from: Benny B on July 07, 2016, 09:57:37 AM
As a kid, our family vacations mostly rotated between the Smoky Mountains and Dinney World. I would not recommend the former unless - as Brandy mentioned - you want the southern version of a Wisconsin Dells vacation; however, if tourist traps are your cup of tea, my recommendation is to go off grid and visit the Canadian Dells, a/k/a Niagara Falls.
Seriously, the Smoky Mountains are simply Wisconsin Dells with a Waffle House, and Niagara Falls is Wisconsin Dells with a Tim Horton's. And we all know that Tim Horton's >>>>>>> Waffle House.
Seriously though... if you've never been, it will take you less time to drive to Buffalo than eastern Tennessee (about 9 hours), and Niagara Falls is a national park (well, a "National Heritage Area," whatever that means) though with the caveat that the "good" part is on Canadian soil... which by the way the exchange rate, though slightly recovered from it's February trough, still has the USD trading very favorably to the CAD. And did I mention they have Tim Horton's? Do the touristy thing for half a day, then drive north into Niagara wine country... sure it's no Napa or Sonoma, but it's beautiful country with decent wineries (and craft breweries). Best part... Labor Day ain't no thang north of the border... you'll pretty much have the place to yourself on Sunday. Stay at the Sheraton downtown and get a room that faces the falls (with a window that opens or "balcony"). Take in the only 100% non-smoking casino (and sportsbook) in North America outside of Chicago. Grab a dozen at Tim Horton's. Drink the beer (it's like moonshine).
Benny, you are right about the Smokies
IF you stay near Gatlinburg. It is a completely different experience on the Townsend side of the park. Give it a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Another great area is the Finger lakes area of NY. Dozens of wineries and great hiking trails around Ithaca and Watkins Glen.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 07, 2016, 07:22:21 AM
I have been to Shenandoah recently after a visit to Charlottesville and it was beautiful, but did not have the time to spend really exploring it.
My Seton Halls friend and his family, just drove the Skyline Drive (a very slow drive) 2 weeks ago, and took a picture of a bear right on the side of the road minding his own business.
Skyline is actually part of a great drive - the Blue Ridge Parkway. My wife and I did it in April from Shenandoah to Asheville NC. Peaceful and lots of things to see on the way.
If you are talking National Parks, I would also consider Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. They have a lot of great tours, including one where they turn all the lights off and all the participants carry oil lanterns - just like they did in the 19th Century when tours first started.
If you have the time (and a reservation), the Wild Cave Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They only take a handful of folks at a time for a 6-hour trip through part of the cave the general public doesn't get to see - a lot of crawling on your belly, wriggling through tight spaces, etc. It requires some advance planning (you have to have hiking boots, gloves, etc.), but it is so worth it.
wadesworld didn't mention camping but we have camped in the Pisgah Nat'l Forest in the Smokies and loved it, can't recommend any hotels.
We have camped out in Custer State Park near Rapid City and the Badlands, that was also a great time. And of course there is the fabulous Wall Drug nearby offering free ice water.
If going to Mt. Rushmore, I highly encourage anyone to time your visit to that evening's monument lighting ceremony, frickin' incredible patriotic moment. As also mentioned, Boot Hill Cemetery above Deadwood is kind of neat. We missed getting tickets for one of the tour buses (sold out) going there so we just drove up on our own and ended up arriving at the same time so we crashed the group to hear the guide's spiel for free.
Even closer to MKE would be Mammoth Cave in KY, I don't think there is too much else in the area so the only activities would be to take a few of the different tours offered. The cave is pretty incredible.
Isle Royale in Lake Superior is cool for hiking and by then the black flies shouldn't be too bad.
Quote from: Benny B on July 07, 2016, 09:57:37 AM
As a kid, our family vacations mostly rotated between the Smoky Mountains and Dinney World. I would not recommend the former unless - as Brandy mentioned - you want the southern version of a Wisconsin Dells vacation; however, if tourist traps are your cup of tea, my recommendation is to go off grid and visit the Canadian Dells, a/k/a Niagara Falls.
Seriously, the Smoky Mountains are simply Wisconsin Dells with a Waffle House, and Niagara Falls is Wisconsin Dells with a Tim Horton's. And we all know that Tim Horton's >>>>>>> Waffle House.
Seriously though... if you've never been, it will take you less time to drive to Buffalo than eastern Tennessee (about 9 hours), and Niagara Falls is a national park (well, a "National Heritage Area," whatever that means) though with the caveat that the "good" part is on Canadian soil... which by the way the exchange rate, though slightly recovered from it's February trough, still has the USD trading very favorably to the CAD. And did I mention they have Tim Horton's? Do the touristy thing for half a day, then drive north into Niagara wine country... sure it's no Napa or Sonoma, but it's beautiful country with decent wineries (and craft breweries). Best part... Labor Day ain't no thang north of the border... you'll pretty much have the place to yourself on Sunday. Stay at the Sheraton downtown and get a room that faces the falls (with a window that opens or "balcony"). Take in the only 100% non-smoking casino (and sportsbook) in North America outside of Chicago. Grab a dozen at Tim Horton's. Drink the beer (it's like moonshine).
And if you do take my advice, don't cross in Detroit... the 403 can be spotty on Friday afternoons until you're well past Hamilton and you'll lose an hour trying to decide between bridge and tunnel. Actually, if you want to give yourself a small break and really take the road less traveled (literally), take the 6:00a Lake Express Ferry across to Muskegon, cross at Sarnia, and you'll make it through Hamilton just before 4:00p when things start getting squirrely.
I last visited Niagara Falls two years ago and the Canadian side is eons less schlocky then my first visit 25 years ago. As Benny indicated there is of course a giant Tim Horton's in the center of downtown. The boat ride on the Canadian side is no longer called Maid of the Mist and is now called Hornblower Cruises and you can buy your tickets ahead of time on the web. A dozen years ago my Ontario friends introduced my wife and I to the Niagara-on-the-Lake area north of Niagara Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a quaint historic town 25 minutes drive from Niagara Falls with plenty of good restaurants and without the tourist horde. You can visit a public park on Lake Ontario and spy Toronto across the lake. The bonus is there are 40-50 wineries you can visit in and around the land between N-o-t-L and NF with farm stands selling peaches, plums, cherries, etc. The area is known for it's Ice Wine.
They tried to spruce up the American side by building an Indian casino and a Hard Rock Café, but it's still extremely schlocky. The New York State Park is worth visit as you can stand right next to where the water goes over and you can take the elevator down and walk on the cliff next to one of the falls.
And on the Canadian side, your cell phone still picks ups the USA signal so you don't have to worry about foreign cell charges.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 07, 2016, 12:33:22 PM
If you are talking National Parks, I would also consider Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. They have a lot of great tours, including one where they turn all the lights off and all the participants carry oil lanterns - just like they did in the 19th Century when tours first started.
If you have the time (and a reservation), the Wild Cave Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They only take a handful of folks at a time for a 6-hour trip through part of the cave the general public doesn't get to see - a lot of crawling on your belly, wriggling through tight spaces, etc. It requires some advance planning (you have to have hiking boots, gloves, etc.), but it is so worth it.
Yeah, I was going to mention Mammoth Caves as an honorable mention. These other parks probably offer better views and scenery, but Mammoth Caves is a great weekend trip without a lot of fuss. If you leave super early Friday and miss the Chicago traffic, the trip is easily less than 7 hours. It's close to the highway and has decent facilities. It has a lot of Devil's lake-type views with bluffs over looking a river.
When ever I travel south (either to Nashville or to the gulf coast) I try to break up the drive and stop here for a quick run and hike. They have showers so you can hop back in the car 2 hours later and feel refreshed.
How was the Wild Cave Tour? Was it hard or can anyone who is in decent shape do it? Is it a type of thing you can show up solo, or is it better to have a partner?
Head to Branson MO heyna
Quote from: martyconlonontherun on July 07, 2016, 01:07:04 PM
Yeah, I was going to mention Mammoth Caves as an honorable mention. These other parks probably offer better views and scenery, but Mammoth Caves is a great weekend trip without a lot of fuss. If you leave super early Friday and miss the Chicago traffic, the trip is easily less than 7 hours. It's close to the highway and has decent facilities. It has a lot of Devil's lake-type views with bluffs over looking a river.
When ever I travel south (either to Nashville or to the gulf coast) I try to break up the drive and stop here for a quick run and hike. They have showers so you can hop back in the car 2 hours later and feel refreshed.
How was the Wild Cave Tour? Was it hard or can anyone who is in decent shape do it? Is it a type of thing you can show up solo, or is it better to have a partner?
Glow and I did back when we were much younger, and yes it is hard. I wound up with huge bruises on my legs. Fortunately, our next stop was a B&B that had huge clawfoot tubs in the rooms, and I had a nice soak. There is a requirement that you can't be more than 42" in the hips or chest, or else you will get stuck - even though Glow met the requirements, we still had to unwedge him from a particularly tight spot. It is not for the casual tourist.
There will a group of you (I believe the normal group size is around 8), so going solo is fine.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 07, 2016, 01:30:04 PM
Glow and I did back when we were much younger, and yes it is hard. I wound up with huge bruises on my legs. Fortunately, our next stop was a B&B that had huge clawfoot tubs in the rooms, and I had a nice soak. There is a requirement that you can't be more than 42" in the hips or chest, or else you will get stuck - even though Glow met the requirements, we still had to unwedge him from a particularly tight spot. It is not for the casual tourist.
There will a group of you (I believe the normal group size is around 8), so going solo is fine.
Sounds fun. I'm closer to a child's XL than an adults XL so I should be fine with the size requirements.
Another easy suggestion would be Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Headed up there tomorrow and is 5 hours from Milwaukee. (Bonus is you can stop at Lambeau on the way).
-Camping is $5 per person per night.
-Kayaking
-Hiking
-Beaches
-Bluffs
-Boat Tours
-Remote (No cell service in the Eastern Half of the 42 miles of park)
-Cliff diving - If you are brave and stupid, they were people jumping from what looked like 40+ feet. There were some safe places to jump off from about 10 feet, which was good enough for me.
It was the main setting in Kid Rock's Born Free music video as noted on all the billboards in the area.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu3rsha1ZtI
(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000lb2eqmXggx8/s/650/650/Pictured-Rocks-National-Lakeshore-Spray-Falls-58.jpg)
Wades, Marty has a pretty good suggestion, especially if you don't mind camping. Easy drive, and you might consider a night in Marquette, less than an hour away, great town that time of year.
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
I do love Mammoth Cave. Been there 2 or 3 times now, there's always something new to do there.
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
+1. Found this out when the Mrs. and I went hiking with my parents over Memorial Day weekend. It's actually an inter-agency pass, so it's good for
any fed land that charges a day use fee; NPS, USFS, BLM, etc. My old man was so happy that he was done renewing his annual Northwest Forest Pass that he forgave the sweet, apologetic ranger for correctly inferring his age (he turned 62 in March.)
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
Outstanding stuff here!
I so agree about Rushmore and the Badlands. The kids liked climbing around at Badlands, but it was nothing special. Rushmore ... SOOOO overrated. I also agree about Lake Louise. Canada has some beautiful areas like this.
Great tip about 62+. I'm not there yet but I will be buying a pass shortly after I turn that age.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 07, 2016, 12:33:22 PM
If you are talking National Parks, I would also consider Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. They have a lot of great tours, including one where they turn all the lights off and all the participants carry oil lanterns - just like they did in the 19th Century when tours first started.
If you have the time (and a reservation), the Wild Cave Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They only take a handful of folks at a time for a 6-hour trip through part of the cave the general public doesn't get to see - a lot of crawling on your belly, wriggling through tight spaces, etc. It requires some advance planning (you have to have hiking boots, gloves, etc.), but it is so worth it.
Thanks for this about Mammoth, chick. We've passed the signs but never considered going. On your recommendation, I think we'll give it a try next time through if we have time.
Also thanks for your recommendation on the NC side of the Smokies. My wife is having foot surgery in two weeks, so we won't be able to go probably till next spring, but it sounds like a must. I mean, it's less than 3 hours away from us -- better do it before we move again!
Quote from: MU82 on July 07, 2016, 03:34:50 PM
Outstanding stuff here!
I so agree about Rushmore and the Badlands. The kids liked climbing around at Badlands, but it was nothing special. Rushmore ... SOOOO overrated.
Exactly. The best view for Rushmore is from an overlook in Custer State Park. Gives a great perspective on size since the view is from a few miles away. Binoculars give an outstanding look and, best of all, you get to avoid the tourists (and the parking fee).
And Custer is one of the finest state parks in the country. There is also a unique cave by it's southern border. No water in the cave makes for a completely different look.
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
I'm so envious of this trip. When life settles down some more I'll have to do something similar.
Two other places you may want to consider:
1) The North Shore of Minnesota -- Pretty rugged, Maine-like coast along Lake Superior north of Duluth. Easy hiking, cycling, hiking and outdoor activities if you like. Isle Royal National Park can be reached from Grand Maraies, MN. Isle Royal is quite a rugged and natural place. Took my Dad up the shore last spring and even the Minnesota State Troopers (in their Crimson Cruisers) are pleasant. Good long-weekend, Labor Day type trip from Milwaukee, Chicago or Minneapolis.
2) Fall Creek Falls State Park -- Near McMinnville, TN off Interstate 24. Tallest waterfall in the east. Not sure how rugged it is anymore but used to be Hillbilly USA country and really off the beaten path. Like everything else in Middle Tennessee, it's probably been developed, has an 18-hole golf course and a Ritz Bubba Hotel.
Quote from: forgetful on July 06, 2016, 11:43:08 PM
Avoid nearby Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge; they are very crowded.
Unless homage to Dolly Parton is your thing and goofy tourist traps make you go bonkers. If they do, try the Dells. It's a lot closer and less aggravating.
Another very nice trip is circling Lake Superior, we did this years ago camping in the Porcupine Mts. then Sleeping Giant near Thunder Bay and finished at Wawa. You could add a stop at Pictured Rocks on the way back as well.
Some fantastic scenery on the north shore of Superior.
Quote from: MU82 on July 07, 2016, 03:36:38 PM
Thanks for this about Mammoth, chick. We've passed the signs but never considered going. On your recommendation, I think we'll give it a try next time through if we have time.
Also thanks for your recommendation on the NC side of the Smokies. My wife is having foot surgery in two weeks, so we won't be able to go probably till next spring, but it sounds like a must. I mean, it's less than 3 hours away from us -- better do it before we move again!
My pleasure. One more bit of advice: Make reservations for the tours before you go. The good ones fill up fast, especially the Wild Cave one. There is also a pretty nice campground there (very wooded, nice amount of space between sites) if that is your thing.
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
I was playing around with google maps and noticed I was playing the "for an extra 3 hour drive you could go to this national park" game and couldn't believe there were that many parks. What was your time in the car versus actually outside? Do you think it was worth it or better to find 2 parks and make most of your time there?
Quote from: martyconlonontherun on July 07, 2016, 04:19:52 PM
I was playing around with google maps and noticed I was playing the "for an extra 3 hour drive you could go to this national park" game and couldn't believe there were that many parks. What was your time in the car versus actually outside? Do you think it was worth it or better to find 2 parks and make most of your time there?
We did the trip in 10 days. My original plans were to go on a solo trip for a little longer time and play it by ear as to how long to stay in an area. I happened to mention it to a fishing buddy last year and he became obsessed. He called me 3 weeks ago and said, "Lets do this next week." We literally put it together in 2 days. We stayed in a motel in South Dakota the first night, then camped the rest of the trip. My buddy made camping reservations in the national parks, thank God because we wouldn't have gotten in otherwise. This meant we had a driving agenda each day, and didn't have the flexibility I had wanted. We pretty much drove 300-400 miles per day, but since we got an early start each day we arrived at our next stop early enough to see some sights. Coming home from Lake Louise was the hardest part. After a short diversion to British Columbia just to say we went there, we drove 600 miles across Alberta to Regina, Saskatchewan and stayed at a hotel there, then another 600 miles the next day across Manitoba to Park Rapids, MN and stayed at a buddies house, then 400 miles the next day to Wausau to return the rental car. I was kind of sad that we didn't get to spend more time like I had originally planned, but now I'm kind of glad I did it this way. It was kind of a sampler. Now that I've seen the Badlands and Mt Rushmore I can cross them off my list, and 2 days in Yellowstone was enough to see what I wanted. Next time I'll head straight to Glacier and spend 2 or 3 days there, then head to Lake Louise for a few days. I think I'd like to bring a bike (although a biker was mauled by a grizzly in Glacier a couple days after we were there) and maybe my kayak, and next time I wouldn't drive back through southern Canada. The scenery was boring, speed limits were lower than in the US (and I couldnt use my radar detector) and gas was more expensive.
Quote from: brandx on July 07, 2016, 12:21:41 PM
Benny, you are right about the Smokies IF you stay near Gatlinburg. It is a completely different experience on the Townsend side of the park. Give it a try - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Another great area is the Finger lakes area of NY. Dozens of wineries and great hiking trails around Ithaca and Watkins Glen.
Sure... if you stay away from the city parts, nature is awesome. But that can be said about anywhere in the country (well, except Florida and Texas anyway). But after a day or two in the wild, most of us are going to a steak dinner and/or indoor plumbing w/two-ply toilet paper, and that typically necessitates a visit to the city (touristy) parts.
I absolutely agree with the Finger Lakes, however. While not a national park, it's the perfect combination of picturesque rural countryside, alcohol and modern convenience without the patronizing subservience to annoying tourists. Back in the pre-TSA days, my carry-on on the return flight was a single cardboard box with as many bottles of wine that I could stuff into it.
Quote from: Benny B on July 07, 2016, 05:23:34 PM
Sure... if you stay away from the city parts, nature is awesome. But that can be said about anywhere in the country (well, except Florida and Texas anyway). But after a day or two in the wild, most of us are going to a steak dinner and/or indoor plumbing w/two-ply toilet paper, and that typically necessitates a visit to the city (touristy) parts.
I absolutely agree with the Finger Lakes, however. While not a national park, it's the perfect combination of picturesque rural countryside, alcohol and modern convenience without the patronizing subservience to annoying tourists. Back in the pre-TSA days, my carry-on on the return flight was a single cardboard box with as many bottles of wine that I could stuff into it.
We always rent a cabin just outside of Townsend - just a couple miles to the edge of the Smokies. We also do most of our own cooking - we go with another couple and take turns cooking - so we are eating pretty good while there. There's nothing better than hiking 10-12 miles up and down a mountain and then coming back to a hot tub and steak at the cabin.
And, you are spot on about the Finger Lakes area. Alcohol, hiking and not a preponderance of tourists because of the area involved. The State Park at Watkins Glen is one of the most picture-esque of anywhere in the country, including the West.
Quote from: brandx on July 07, 2016, 05:33:57 PM
We always rent a cabin just outside of Townsend - just a couple miles to the edge of the Smokies. We also do most of our own cooking - we go with another couple and take turns cooking - so we are eating pretty good while there. There's nothing better than hiking 10-12 miles up and down a mountain and then coming back to a hot tub and steak at the cabin.
And, you are spot on about the Finger Lakes area. Alcohol, hiking and not a preponderance of tourists because of the area involved. The State Park at Watkins Glen is one of the most picture-esque of anywhere in the country, including the West.
Brandx, seems like we take very similar vacations.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 07, 2016, 04:10:46 PM
My pleasure. One more bit of advice: Make reservations for the tours before you go. The good ones fill up fast, especially the Wild Cave one. There is also a pretty nice campground there (very wooded, nice amount of space between sites) if that is your thing.
Thanks for the info. We are, however, past the "camping is fun" stage and much prefer a bed. I'll blame my old wife. It can't be me who's old!
Great stuff. Have definitely learned to turn to Scoop when it comes to travel recommendations.
I think we'll take the traffic issue over Labor Day into consideration and probably head out west. It sounds like Custer > Badlands, so probably focus more on that but would like to maybe stop at the Badlands the travel day out West.
Will definitely have to look into some of the parks mentioned in MN down the road. For now I will be getting enough of the watery nature setting in Eagle River in August, so I think the goal was to get to some mountains and see maybe more wildlife.
Glacier is definitely on my bucket list but unfortunately doesn't fit the timeline this time around. Have heard it's amazing. Have heard great things about Teton as well. Would also love to get out to the Arizona/Utah area at some point but don't think that will happen for the next couple years. Antelope Canyon looks incredible and I have heard some opine that it is better than the Grand Canyon.
Thanks again for all the information. Big help.
Quote from: forgetful on July 07, 2016, 06:57:06 PM
Brandx, seems like we take very similar vacations.
It does. We love getting away from everything. A couple years ago when the gov't shutdown, we were in Townsend. Only the main entrances to the park had security keeping people out, so we used the back entrances and did some of the more used trails that we always avoided. It was great seeing no one for four hours.
Next year we hope to do a similar trip as MU82.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 07, 2016, 07:50:59 PM
Great stuff. Have definitely learned to turn to Scoop when it comes to travel recommendations.
I think we'll take the traffic issue over Labor Day into consideration and probably head out west. It sounds like Custer > Badlands, so probably focus more on that but would like to maybe stop at the Badlands the travel day out West.
Will definitely have to look into some of the parks mentioned in MN down the road. For now I will be getting enough of the watery nature setting in Eagle River in August, so I think the goal was to get to some mountains and see maybe more wildlife.
Glacier is definitely on my bucket list but unfortunately doesn't fit the timeline this time around. Have heard it's amazing. Have heard great things about Teton as well. Would also love to get out to the Arizona/Utah area at some point but don't think that will happen for the next couple years. Antelope Canyon looks incredible and I have heard some opine that it is better than the Grand Canyon.
Thanks again for all the information. Big help.
Wades, let us know how you liked it.
wades, make sure you have Bruce cranked up and ready to go on your streaming device as you approach the Badlands!
Enjoy your trip. In the future when you consider MN, keep in mind Voyagers National Park. All water and islands. Moose, bear, Eagles, etc. Weve had bears in our boat while having lunch on Cutover island. You can get super nice houseboats, some come with hot tubs. Plenty of islands to beach on and spend the night. Also a decent smattering of resorts where you can resupply or stop in for a meal and cocktail.
I can even mark up a map for you of some darn good fishin holes.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 07, 2016, 09:51:29 PM
Enjoy your trip. In the future when you consider MN, keep in mind Voyagers National Park. All water and islands. Moose, bear, Eagles, etc. Weve had bears in our boat while having lunch on Cutover island. You can get super nice houseboats, some come with hot tubs. Plenty of islands to beach on and spend the night. Also a decent smattering of resorts where you can resupply or stop in for a meal and cocktail.
I can even mark up a map for you of some darn good fishin holes.
How much does a houseboat typically run? That sounds like an awesome trip
How far is that from the Canadian border?
Quote from: Coleman on July 07, 2016, 10:03:12 PM
How much does a houseboat typically run? That sounds like an awesome trip
How far is that from the Canadian border?
http://www.voyagaire.com
Great thread and great advice from Chick. I am pretty well traveled through the US National Parks and have many thoughts but will try to be very brief with one.
IF someone chooses the South Dakota group I'll add one little hidden gem, especially if you are into military history:
https://www.nps.gov/mimi/index.htm
Entering the command/control bunker and later staring down a silo at the end of the world is a pretty powerful experience.
Quote from: martyconlonontherun on July 07, 2016, 01:07:04 PM
Yeah, I was going to mention Mammoth Caves as an honorable mention. These other parks probably offer better views and scenery, but Mammoth Caves is a great weekend trip without a lot of fuss. If you leave super early Friday and miss the Chicago traffic, the trip is easily less than 7 hours. It's close to the highway and has decent facilities. It has a lot of Devil's lake-type views with bluffs over looking a river.
When ever I travel south (either to Nashville or to the gulf coast) I try to break up the drive and stop here for a quick run and hike. They have showers so you can hop back in the car 2 hours later and feel refreshed.
How was the Wild Cave Tour? Was it hard or can anyone who is in decent shape do it? Is it a type of thing you can show up solo, or is it better to have a partner?
Depending on how small your group is, it can be a ball buster. I was 29 years old and it absolutely kicked my butt (but in a good way). Our group was chick, me, an army ranger and our guide. We got to places in the cave that our own guide had discovered and were among the first 50 or so to EVER get there. But I love stuff like that. They also do (did?) an 'Intro to Caving' kind of 'lite version' of Wild Cave that I did with my son when I was about 45. Also extremely cool and demanding with plenty of climbing, crawling, etc. Both begin with a claustrophobic hole test. Fail that and you are out for obvious reasons.
Quote from: jsglow on July 08, 2016, 08:17:52 AM
Depending on how small your group is, it can be a ball buster. I was 29 years old and it absolutely kicked my butt (but in a good way). Our group was chick, me, an army ranger and our guide. We got to places in the cave that our own guide had discovered and were among the first 50 or so to EVER get there. But I love stuff like that. They also do (did?) an 'Intro to Caving' kind of 'lite version' of Wild Cave that I did with my son when I was about 45. Also extremely cool and demanding with plenty of climbing, crawling, etc. Both begin with a claustrophobic hole test. Fail that and you are out for obvious reasons.
Yep, it was pretty cool to see places that only our guide knew about. But then it got to be a little creepy when he started talking about his obsession with Debbie Gibson and realizing that no one would be able to find us if he really broke bad.
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
Been to 'em all. Spot on. Will add that small national parks/monuments aren't all created equal. I could spend weeks in Yellowstone while a couple hour visit to Mt. Rushmore is plenty. Consider SW South Dakota (including Devil's Tower in WY) as a group. Take in 2/3 in a day on the way to Yellowstone perhaps beginning the day in Rapid City and ending the day in Gillette, WY. Beats the heck out of an overnight at a Days Inn in North Platte, Nebraska.
Travel was one of the gifts my parents gave me as a kid. We never maxed the miles but chose to enjoy the trip along the way. If you choose to do it, try not to burn out the youngsters.
When our kids were grade/middle school age, we did two separate 10 day western loops. But started with a flight to 'get there'. Rented a car for the 10 days. First was Arizona/SW Colorado/Utah flying into Vegas. Second was Montana/Wyoming/northern Utah flying into Salt Lake. Both were about 2000 mile loops over 10 days. All good. Happy to share any thoughts about any NP out there.
Quote from: jsglow on July 08, 2016, 08:17:52 AM
Depending on how small your group is, it can be a ball buster. I was 29 years old and it absolutely kicked my butt (but in a good way). Our group was chick, me, an army ranger and our guide. We got to places in the cave that our own guide had discovered and were among the first 50 or so to EVER get there. But I love stuff like that. They also do (did?) an 'Intro to Caving' kind of 'lite version' of Wild Cave that I did with my son when I was about 45. Also extremely cool and demanding with plenty of climbing, crawling, etc. Both begin with a claustrophobic hole test. Fail that and you are out for obvious reasons.
"Caving?!?"
What a sad world we live in where literally literally means figuratively and people can no longer use the term spelunking.
Quote from: Benny B on July 08, 2016, 09:06:05 AM
"Caving?!?"
What a sad world we live in where literally literally means figuratively and people can no longer use the term spelunking.
I guess that's just people spelunking in to the politically correct.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 08:21:52 AM
But then it got to be a little creepy when he started talking about his obsession with Debbie Gibson and realizing that no one would be able to find us if he really broke bad.
Indeed, that would have been a real Foolish Beat.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 08:21:52 AM
Yep, it was pretty cool to see places that only our guide knew about. But then it got to be a little creepy when he started talking about his obsession with Debbie Gibson and realizing that no one would be able to find us if he really broke bad.
Debbie Gibson is playing a free show on the New Haven Green on Saturday July 30.
BYOB
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on July 08, 2016, 09:22:03 AM
Debbie Gibson is playing a free show on the New Haven Green on Saturday July 30.
BYOB
I am sure Chester will be in the front row.
Yes, that was his real name. He was also slightly cross-eyed. I am not making that up.
Quote from: MU82 on July 08, 2016, 09:09:40 AM
I guess that's just people spelunking in to the politically correct.
After that miserable fail of yours trying to be funnier earlier, I didn't think you could possibly be any dumber, but then you go and do something like this...
(http://www.sharegif.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3-04Dumb-and-Dumber-quotes.gif)
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise.
It is on my bucket list to visit the bolded on a trip to Alaska on a Harley, unfortunately my employer does not offer more than 2 weeks vacation so that will wait until retirement for a 6+ week trip.
Quote from: Waldo Jeffers on July 08, 2016, 10:14:07 AM
It is on my bucket list to visit the bolded on a trip to Alaska on a Harley, unfortunately my employer does not offer more than 2 weeks vacation so that will wait until retirement for a 6+ week trip.
2 weeks? yuck. I'd be looking for something new ASAP.
I get 5 weeks plus 9 company holidays.
Quote from: Coleman on July 08, 2016, 10:44:53 AM
2 weeks? yuck. I'd be looking for something new ASAP.
I get 5 weeks plus 9 company holidays.
Let me guess: Either a government job, a bank job, or an NFP.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 11:27:25 AM
Let me guess: Either a government job, a bank job, or an NFP.
Or retail.
nm
Quote from: Waldo Jeffers on July 08, 2016, 11:55:54 AM
2 cheap-ass brothers, started here in 1981, max time off is 12 vacation and 6 sick days.
Freight consulting/auditing service.
You haven't been able to convince them to change the vacation policy, and you have continued to work for them for 35 years.
At this point it is your own fault that your vacation time sucks.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 11:27:25 AM
Let me guess: Either a government job, a bank job, or an NFP.
Nope, nope, nope
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 12:54:11 PM
You haven't been able to convince them to change the vacation policy, and you have continued to work for them for 35 years.
At this point it is your own fault that your vacation time sucks.
It sucks but thankfully vacation isn't the sole consideration for working there. It is what it is hence the bucket list.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 11:27:25 AM
Let me guess: Either a government job, a bank job, or an NFP.
My wife is an RN -- no union; this is N.C. after all! She gets 30 days of PTO (personal time off) per year (that includes sick time, but she's never sick). Most of her other benefits are substandard -- including her health plan, ironically -- but the time off is very good.
I was a newspaper journalist and had 4-5 weeks vacation time ever since my fourth year in the business.
My daughter was a Starbucks manager until last year; she had 4 weeks of vacation.
My father was an electronic engineer at Olin in CT. He had 4 weeks for as far back as I knew, and had 6 by the time he finished there. And that was 30 years ago! My brother was at IBM; 6 weeks vacation by the time he was finished.
In other words, it's not that crazy to have 4, 5 or even 6 weeks of vacation. Certainly don't have to be a government employee.
Quote from: MU82 on July 08, 2016, 01:37:42 PM
My wife is an RN -- no union; this is N.C. after all! She gets 30 days of PTO (personal time off) per year (that includes sick time, but she's never sick). Most of her other benefits are substandard -- including her health plan, ironically -- but the time off is very good.
I was a newspaper journalist and had 4-5 weeks vacation time ever since my fourth year in the business.
My daughter was a Starbucks manager until last year; she had 4 weeks of vacation.
My father was an electronic engineer at Olin in CT. He had 4 weeks for as far back as I knew, and had 6 by the time he finished there. And that was 30 years ago! My brother was at IBM; 6 weeks vacation by the time he was finished.
In other words, it's not that crazy to have 4, 5 or even 6 weeks of vacation. Certainly don't have to be a government employee.
I was speaking more about the 9 holidays. Most company don't give you off for more than the basic 6.
I worked at a place once where if a holiday fell on a weekend, you didn't get any time off at all. If Christmas was on Saturday, you worked until 5:00 on Friday and were back at 8:00 on Monday. And yes, for that and many other reasons, I started looking for another job within six months of starting there.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 02:00:43 PM
I was speaking more about the 9 holidays. Most company don't give you off for more than the basic 6.
I worked at a place once where if a holiday fell on a weekend, you didn't get any time off at all. If Christmas was on Saturday, you worked until 5:00 on Friday and were back at 8:00 on Monday. And yes, for that and many other reasons, I started looking for another job within six months of starting there.
I should clarify, it is 5 weeks of PTO, not "vacation," (Like MU82's wife's situation). It includes sick days and vacation together. No need to lie about being sick to take a day off. But I just work from home when I am sick, so I never take sick days.
9 company holidays are New Years Day, MLK, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day,
If it falls on a Saturday we get Friday off. If it falls on a Sunday we get Monday off.
Publicly-traded, Fortune 500 technology company.
It's kinda what Marquette does with students. They don't differenciate between sick days and just not going to class. Every student gets the equivalent of 2 weeks to miss for free. So for example, if your class meets 3 times a week you get to miss 6 classes. If it meets 2 times a week you get to miss 4 without punishment.
So essentially, no difference between a sick day or a "personal" day.
Quote from: ChitownSpaceForRent on July 08, 2016, 04:05:12 PM
It's kinda what Marquette does with students. They don't differenciate between sick days and just not going to class. Every student gets the equivalent of 2 weeks to miss for free. So for example, if your class meets 3 times a week you get to miss 6 classes. If it meets 2 times a week you get to miss 4 without punishment.
So essentially, no difference between a sick day or a "personal" day.
I would prefer personal days as well, as I never get sick, either. We have sick and vacation where I am now, but I guess the upside is that the max balance we can carry before it stops accruing is pretty generous, and we can cash out unused vacation at 100% and sick at 50% when we leave. I recently cut a $50K check to someone who was retiring.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 04:11:40 PM
I would prefer personal days as well, as I never get sick, either. We have sick and vacation where I am now, but I guess the upside is that the max balance we can carry before it stops accruing is pretty generous, and we can cash out unused vacation at 100% and sick at 50% when we leave. I recently cut a $50K check to someone who was retiring.
That is the one nice thing about separating vacation from sick days, usually the sick days will continue accruing throughout the years, and can be used for a nice long parental leave or a huge check when separating from the company.
I can only carry over a max of 1 week of PTO per year.
On topic: Seems like most folks do their national park visits via personal vehicle. We're planning a 2 week RV convoy with 2 other families next year through Yellowstone and various other stops tbd. I'm in the 'afraid i'm going to drive my family off the cliff, only go 30 mi per hour, or have the toilet explode' mental state and am trying to get the families to do more of a car and hotel experience vs RV. Anyone have any experience with RV's? and suggestions on how to approach this?
Off topic: i assume the vacation approach for anyone in 'business management' in the connected world is the same i've experienced from self employed to Fortune 50......really not concerned with how much time you take out of the office because a) nobody over middle management abuses vacation time and b) whenever you are out of the office - vaca, travel, sick, etc. - you're connected and keeping up with what's transpiring regardless.
Quote from: MU82 on July 08, 2016, 01:37:42 PM
My wife is an RN -- no union; this is N.C. after all! She gets 30 days of PTO (personal time off) per year (that includes sick time, but she's never sick). Most of her other benefits are substandard -- including her health plan, ironically -- but the time off is very good.
Nurses and other health care employees as a whole, have average healthcare at best. It's because they are very high utilizers.....easy access. High use of meds too.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 06:24:53 PM
Nurses and other health care employees as a whole, have average healthcare at best. It's because they are very high utilizers.....easy access. High use of meds too.
My daughter works for Aurora Healthcare as an RN and she has great insurance - much better than mine, and I have a Blue Cross plan.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 07:11:35 PM
My daughter works for Aurora Healthcare as an RN and she has great insurance - much better than mine, and I have a Blue Cross plan.
My wife had a very good health plan at Children's Memorial in Chicago. We miss it.
Here in Charlotte, there is a monopoly -- it is by far the biggest hospital system in the state and one of the biggest in the nation. They actually just got sued for forcing crappy, overpriced, no-choice health insurance on their employees. The case is in federal court right now.
Raises, when offered at all, are in the 1% to 2% range for nurses -- and even doctors. Administrators and upper management ... well ... they get 10% and 15% and 20% raises on top of huge annual bonuses.
Why? Because they can, of course. They have "platinum" health plans, too.
The freakin' H.R. director has a 7-figure salary. She got paid just over $1 million 4 years ago and is now just over $1.3 million. It's shameful.
But I digress ...
Quote from: naginiF on July 08, 2016, 04:32:50 PM
On topic: Seems like most folks do their national park visits via personal vehicle. We're planning a 2 week RV convoy with 2 other families next year through Yellowstone and various other stops tbd. I'm in the 'afraid i'm going to drive my family off the cliff, only go 30 mi per hour, or have the toilet explode' mental state and am trying to get the families to do more of a car and hotel experience vs RV. Anyone have any experience with RV's? and suggestions on how to approach this?
Off topic: i assume the vacation approach for anyone in 'business management' in the connected world is the same i've experienced from self employed to Fortune 50......really not concerned with how much time you take out of the office because a) nobody over middle management abuses vacation time and b) whenever you are out of the office - vaca, travel, sick, etc. - you're connected and keeping up with what's transpiring regardless.
Does anyone in the group have RV/camping experience? If not, I'd recommend against it or immediately build that skill with a more local trip first. FYI, chick and I have owned travel trailers for many years. I actually enjoy teaching folks to camp. But if you've never emptied a black/gray tank before your trip will end up like Chevy Chase's Vacation. If you do choose to RV, rent a smallish Class C. Don't tow if you aren't experienced at it.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 06:24:53 PM
Nurses and other health care employees as a whole, have average healthcare at best. It's because they are very high utilizers.....easy access. High use of meds too.
My dad is a doctor. There's usually two different tiers.... Physicians and everybody else (physicians plans might also include some executives, not just doctors). Physicians plans are excellent Cadillac plans with almost no out of pocket expenses, provided you stay in-system. The other plans are hit or miss.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 06:24:53 PM
Nurses and other health care employees as a whole, have average healthcare at best. It's because they are very high utilizers.....easy access. High use of meds too.
Ah .... no.
Quote from: brandx on July 08, 2016, 07:54:44 PM
Ah .... no.
My guess is the opposite is true because they are more likely to have a healthy lifestyle.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 08, 2016, 08:10:18 PM
My guess is the opposite is true because they are more likely to have a healthy lifestyle.
It's not about their lifestyle. It's about their utilization. They have easy access, and use more.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 09:12:12 PM
It's not about their lifestyle. It's about their utilization. They have easy access, and use more.
I can't help but think that easy access actually reduces health costs in the long run. My daughter works on a floor where a significant number of folks are in the hospital because they either couldn't or wouldn't get routine healthcare - kidney patients who blew off their dialysis appointments, diabetics who don't monitor their sugar levels, heart patients who don't take their meds.
Wasn't easy access to medical care the linchpin in the Obamacare argument that it would actually save money?
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 09:12:12 PM
It's not about their lifestyle. It's about their utilization. They have easy access, and use more.
Why easy access? They still go to a doctor's office just like anyone else. They still have to go to a pharmacy if they need meds like anyone else. Certainly, the nurses I know (a lot of hem since my wife is a nurse), are less on meds than the average woman.
Quote from: brandx on July 08, 2016, 09:29:17 PM
Why easy access? They still go to a doctor's office just like anyone else. They still have to go to a pharmacy if they need meds like anyone else. Certainly, the nurses I know (a lot of hem since my wife is a nurse), are less on meds than the average woman.
Why easy access? They work in healthcare. They walk across the hallway, and they are seen. I speak from first hand experience
Also, many, not all, are high utilizers of meds. Especially for depression.
I have great admiration for healthcare professionals. Trust me. They just utilize more caiuse it's easier to access.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 08, 2016, 10:01:53 PM
Why easy access? They work in healthcare. They walk across the hallway, and they are seen. I speak from first hand experience
Also, many, not all, are high utilizers of meds. Especially for depression.
I have great admiration for healthcare professionals. Trust me. They just utilize more caiuse it's easier to access.
I get what you are saying, but I don't see it here. Doctors offices are all in the different clinics - not in the hospitals where they work.
I also disagree with the meds for depression comment. Women, in general, have a very high usage and I don't see nurses using more than the population at large.
Quote from: brandx on July 08, 2016, 09:29:17 PM
Why easy access? They still go to a doctor's office just like anyone else. They still have to go to a pharmacy if they need meds like anyone else. Certainly, the nurses I know (a lot of hem since my wife is a nurse), are less on meds than the average woman.
Does your wife know that you're looking in her coworkers' medicine cabinets? And what the hell are you doing in your wife's coworkers' bathrooms?
Chili 83 is spot on.... those who work in health care are much more apt to seek care for minor stuff that most of us would at least wait to see if it goes away after a day or two. It's common sense... these people are being exposed to God only knows what, and their best defense is to get checked out immediately.
From national parks to Obamacare gripes!
Quote from: wadesworld on July 08, 2016, 11:04:11 PM
From national parks to Obamacare gripes!
Who's talking about Obamacare?
Quote from: brandx on July 08, 2016, 10:59:06 PM
I get what you are saying, but I don't see it here. Doctors offices are all in the different clinics - not in the hospitals where they work.
I also disagree with the meds for depression comment. Women, in general, have a very high usage and I don't see nurses using more than the population at large.
My comments aren't a knock of health care. Because they know more about procedures and have easy access, they use it more. Which makes the cost of insurance higher.
Example....we had a surgeon who got trained in venous ablation. Once the staff learned he was certified, many of them signed up for the procedure.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 08, 2016, 11:04:11 PM
From national parks to Obamacare gripes!
Cripes people. Don't any of you know how to start a freakin' thread? This had been interesting until......
May wanna hang out at McGovern Park. Chance ta check out some major hoops talent on da asphalt on probably spot BeeJay droolin' over some 14 year old point guard, ai na?
In before...
Quote from: wadesworld on July 08, 2016, 11:04:11 PM
From national parks to Obamacare gripes!
We just want you to be healthy enough to enjoy your trip.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 09, 2016, 06:51:53 AM
My comments aren't a knock of health care. Because they know more about procedures and have easy access, they use it more. Which makes the cost of insurance higher.
Example....we had a surgeon who got trained in venous ablation. Once the staff learned he was certified, many of them signed up for the procedure.
We'll agree to disagree on this.
Quote from: real chili 83 on July 09, 2016, 06:51:53 AM
My comments aren't a knock of health care. Because they know more about procedures and have easy access, they use it more. Which makes the cost of insurance higher.
Example....we had a surgeon who got trained in venous ablation. Once the staff learned he was certified, many of them signed up for the procedure.
Having worked in healthcare for 30+ years, my experience is COMPLETELY different from yours. While there certainly are some high-utilizers within the healthcare field, most people are aware enough of disease risks and preventive options to remain among the healthier (and lower-utilizing) crowd. They also tend to be more aware of the risks of procedures and medications, and do whatever they can to avoid them. There certainly are exceptions - I'm always amazed when I see doctors and nurses who smoke, overeat, seek meds/procedures, etc. - but those are the outliers in my experience.
Quote from: jsglow on July 08, 2016, 07:32:59 PM
Does anyone in the group have RV/camping experience? If not, I'd recommend against it or immediately build that skill with a more local trip first. FYI, chick and I have owned travel trailers for many years. I actually enjoy teaching folks to camp. But if you've never emptied a black/gray tank before your trip will end up like Chevy Chase's Vacation. If you do choose to RV, rent a smallish Class C. Don't tow if you aren't experienced at it.
Thanks Glow. Just the confirmation I wanted to hear. Of the three families only one has RV experience and they are a) the most "let's see what happens, i'm sure we can figure it out" people i know which is good and bad and b) they are Aussie's here on work visa's so i don't know what sort of health plan coverage or vacation schedule they are used to back in Australia ;).
The trip is their idea as they are trying to do the "most American" things they can for their time here so i'm trying not to be a downer - we'll plan a mini excursion prior to the big trip.
Quote from: naginiF on July 09, 2016, 08:47:00 PM
Thanks Glow. Just the confirmation I wanted to hear. Of the three families only one has RV experience and they are a) the most "let's see what happens, i'm sure we can figure it out" people i know which is good and bad and b) they are Aussie's here on work visa's so i don't know what sort of health plan coverage or vacation schedule they are used to back in Australia ;).
The trip is their idea as they are trying to do the "most American" things they can for their time here so i'm trying not to be a downer - we'll plan a mini excursion prior to the big trip.
A resourceful Australian with a can-do attitude is typically the sharpest arrow in a quiver. The only one sharper is Stephen Hawking, but I wouldn't trust him at the wheel of an RV for different reasons.
Don't be a downer and enjoy yourself an adventure. How many people drove RVs off cliffs last year? You're not going to die as long as you use a little common sense; the worst thing that can happen is that you'll have an awesome story to tell forever.
Quote from: Benny B on July 08, 2016, 11:02:12 PM
Does your wife know that you're looking in her coworkers' medicine cabinets? And what the hell are you doing in your wife's coworkers' bathrooms?
You ever try to buy Oxy on the street? Much cheaper getting it this way.
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Nothing like it
Yosemite is the best overall.
Good to see the same 2 or 3 dlckheads making this political, complaining about salaries, life not being fair. Nothing changes. Same 2 or 3, every time.
Great job.
Quote from: warriorOregon on July 10, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Nothing like it
Yosemite is the best overall.
I need to get to both. Never been to either. Very high on the bucket list. I hit two brand new ones (to me) this year in Great Sandunes in Colorado and Great Basin in Nevada. The former might be the newest lower 48 NP.
Couple more quick comments about the RV thing. While it truly is a wonderful adventure, it's best experienced at a slower pace than the traditional car/motel alternative. So instead of 500+ miles followed by a 2 star Super 8 (especially on the boring part) you might get 350 miles with time for camp set-up. That works wonderfully if one is committing 3-4 weeks, not 10 days.
Right now every Spring and Fall I one-way drive between our two homes ostensibly to 'store' our convertible for the winter out in Vegas. (One way SWA ticket for other half of trip.) Each time I take a different route and catch the sights along the way. But I do have to be a little careful about weather. Our little convertible is definitely allergic to snow! I find a pretty nice pace at about 4-5 days. 3-4 nights but have done it in as short at 3/2.
Check out national forests instead of the parks. Way less crowd and a bit more rustic
Quote from: GWSwarrior on July 10, 2016, 02:58:07 PM
Check out national forests instead of the parks. Way less crowd and a bit more rustic
I absolutely love national forests but they are, well, how do I say it? Forests.
(But my absolute favorite place to camp.)
Quote from: jsglow on July 10, 2016, 03:36:01 PM
I absolutely love national forests but they are, well, how do I say it? Forests.
(But my absolute favorite place to camp.)
Obviously you can't see the forest for the trees.
Quote from: warriorOregon on July 10, 2016, 12:26:26 PM
Good to see the same 2 or 3 dlckheads making this political, complaining about salaries, life not being fair. Nothing changes. Same 2 or 3, every time.
Great job.
Hey Jamie.
Now....in before the lock.
Quote from: warriorOregon on July 10, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Nothing like it
Yosemite is the best overall.
Chicos, Bandon Beach or Cannon Beach?
Quote from: GWSwarrior on July 10, 2016, 02:58:07 PM
Check out national forests instead of the parks. Way less crowd and a bit more rustic
Especially if you are into camping and hiking. Solitude!
nm
Quote from: jsglow on July 10, 2016, 03:36:01 PM
I absolutely love national forests but they are, well, how do I say it? Forests.
(But my absolute favorite place to camp.)
Olympic. Best of both worlds.
A few years back, I read a study about a guy trying to find places with the least amount of noise pollution. His lowest measurement in the U.S. was taken somewhere on the peninsula. Ergo, science proves that Olympic is the most pristine of all the national parks.
Fair warning, if you go hiking in Hoh or Quinnault, bring five changes of clothes. It's not called "temperate rainforest" for nothing.
Quote from: warriorOregon on July 10, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Nothing like it
Yosemite is the best overall.
Agree 100%! Looking straight down some 4000 ft into the valley from Glacier point without any railing is not for the faint of heart. Then there are the giant redwoods.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on July 11, 2016, 09:03:23 AM
Agree 100%! Looking straight down some 4000 ft into the valley from Glacier point without any railing is not for the faint of heart. Then there are the giant redwoods.
Our daughter lives in Seattle. Next summer, we hope to fly into San Fran and drive up the coast to her. Redwoods, Oregon Coast, etc. If that trip actually is gonna happen, I might be right back here asking for advice!
Quote from: brandx on July 09, 2016, 10:11:42 PM
You ever try to buy Oxy on the street? Much cheaper getting it this way.
Are you raiding your wife's coworkers' cabinets or your wife's coworkers' teenage daughters' cabinets?
(http://pics1.ds-static.com/prodimg/532076/300.jpg)
Quote from: MU82 on July 11, 2016, 09:13:59 AM
Our daughter lives in Seattle. Next summer, we hope to fly into San Fran and drive up the coast to her. Redwoods, Oregon Coast, etc. If that trip actually is gonna happen, I might be right back here asking for advice!
+1. I think my next big trip will be either Memorial or Labor Day of next year, going from Yosemite up to the Portland area (or from Portland down to Yosemite). I did Seattle to Portland to San Fran last year but didn't make a lot of stops along the way. I'd like to do Yosemite up to Crater Lake then over to Bandon Beach, Smith Rock,
Multnomah Falls,
Cannon Beach and Oneonta Gorge. (Bolded spots are ones that we made it to last year)
Quote from: wadesworld on July 11, 2016, 09:43:50 AM
+1. I think my next big trip will be either Memorial or Labor Day of next year, going from Yosemite up to the Portland area (or from Portland down to Yosemite). I did Seattle to Portland to San Fran last year but didn't make a lot of stops along the way. I'd like to do Yosemite up to Crater Lake then over to Bandon Beach, Smith Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cannon Beach and Oneonta Gorge. (Bolded spots are ones that we made it to last year)
Last fall my fiancee flew into Seattle, rented a car, went ot Willamette, tasted pinot, attended a family member's wedding there, did a day in Portland eating and hitting breweries, got up and went out to Bridal Veil falls (short hike) and hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls (slightly longer, but mostly a lot of elevation gain), spent another night in Portland then got up and drove to Mt. Ranier, hiked, and continued on to spend a couple days in Seattle and flew home.
Hiking around Mt. Ranier was awesome. I wish we had more time to go further up, but we were pressed for time. Multnomah Falls was *busy* but as you hike up the crowds thin out more and more. Bridal Veil was more or less empty, and was definitely worth it.
We wanted to do Crater Lake, but a lot of it was closed due to wildfires.
Last spring we did Arizona. Flew into Phoenix, borrowed a friend's car, drove up to the Grand Canyon, drove along the South Rim Road to the east, did a very small amount of hiking, watched the sunset from Desert View Watchtower (totally worth it). Then we drove up to Page to crash, woke up to watch the sunrise over Horseshoe Bend (absolutely worth the early morning), and did Antelope Canyon. Then we drove back, watched the sun set on the Grand Canyon again (actually twice more, because we saw it set then went a lookout to the west that was higher elevation and saw it happen again). Then back to Phoenix for Spring Training and a hike of Camelback Mountain.
That was one of the best trips of my life, we need to get into shape and take a couple days hiking down into the Canyon, which we didn't get a chance to do because of the fast pace of the trip. Make you hit Grandview Point and Desert View Watchtower if you're on the South Rim.
Antelope Canyon was awesome, but crowded. You need to buy tour tickets ahead and depending on what time you go you may not see the "sunbeams" that are so famously pictured.
Horseshoe Bend was spectacular. I put my front foot and the front foot of a tripod on the edge of a cliff that was a 100% fatality of we fell, the pictures are spectacular.
Camelback was great too. Some crazy people run it, like at a jog. That's a great way for me to fall off the mountain.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 10:00:19 AM
Last fall my fiancee flew into Seattle, rented a car, went ot Willamette, tasted pinot, attended a family member's wedding there, did a day in Portland eating and hitting breweries, got up and went out to Bridal Veil falls (short hike) and hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls (slightly longer, but mostly a lot of elevation gain), spent another night in Portland then got up and drove to Mt. Ranier, hiked, and continued on to spend a couple days in Seattle and flew home.
Hiking around Mt. Ranier was awesome. I wish we had more time to go further up, but we were pressed for time. Multnomah Falls was *busy* but as you hike up the crowds thin out more and more. Bridal Veil was more or less empty, and was definitely worth it.
We wanted to do Crater Lake, but a lot of it was closed due to wildfires.
We did not do either Ranier or Hood when we were out there. We couldn't even see Hood when we were in Portland, but had an awesome view of Ranier from our hotel.
We did the hike up to the top of Multnomah Falls as well. We weren't planning on it (we got into Portland mid afternoon and were only staying the night before continuing on our drive to San Francisco), but the signs said something like up to the bridge was 0.5 mile and to the top of the falls was 1 mile or something, so we went to the bridge and it took very little time, so we thought, "Hey, the sign said it's only twice that far to the top of the falls, we might as well continue on!" We definitely did not pace ourselves like most people did going up the falls, and were definitely winded when we got to the top.
Never heard of Bridal Veil. Will have to look into that. Thanks.
Last summer did Colorado,
Drove the main road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn't have time to do any hiking though. Highly recommend it and I want to get back to do some hiking there.
We drove to the top of Pike's Peak, which was pretty neat. I feel bad for my rental car, which was definitely not the finest mountain-driving vehicle ever made.
Keefe, we stopped by USAFA, which is absolutely breathtaking. I have no children at the moment, and besides MU, USAFA is where I want them to go. The Cathedral is show stopping. The area is gorgeous. We watched a promotional video about students there, and it seems like the finest education to be had. It's a 100% must see spot.
We drove through the Garden of the Gods, which was pretty neat too. Got some great barbecue around there too, but I can't remember the place's name. It was a total dive. Delicious.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 10:07:05 AM
Last spring we did Arizona. Flew into Phoenix, borrowed a friend's car, drove up to the Grand Canyon, drove along the South Rim Road to the east, did a very small amount of hiking, watched the sunset from Desert View Watchtower (totally worth it). Then we drove up to Page to crash, woke up to watch the sunrise over Horseshoe Bend (absolutely worth the early morning), and did Antelope Canyon. Then we drove back, watched the sun set on the Grand Canyon again (actually twice more, because we saw it set then went a lookout to the west that was higher elevation and saw it happen again). Then back to Phoenix for Spring Training and a hike of Camelback Mountain.
That was one of the best trips of my life, we need to get into shape and take a couple days hiking down into the Canyon, which we didn't get a chance to do because of the fast pace of the trip. Make you hit Grandview Point and Desert View Watchtower if you're on the South Rim.
Antelope Canyon was awesome, but crowded. You need to buy tour tickets ahead and depending on what time you go you may not see the "sunbeams" that are so famously pictured.
Horseshoe Bend was spectacular. I put my front foot and the front foot of a tripod on the edge of a cliff that was a 100% fatality of we fell, the pictures are spectacular.
Camelback was great too. Some crazy people run it, like at a jog. That's a great way for me to fall off the mountain.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 10:12:16 AM
Last summer did Colorado,
Drove the main road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn't have time to do any hiking though. Highly recommend it and I want to get back to do some hiking there.
We drove to the top of Pike's Peak, which was pretty neat. I feel bad for my rental car, which was definitely not the finest mountain-driving vehicle ever made.
Keefe, we stopped by USAFA, which is absolutely breathtaking. I have no children at the moment, and besides MU, USAFA is where I want them to go. The Cathedral is show stopping. The area is gorgeous. We watched a promotional video about students there, and it seems like the finest education to be had. It's a 100% must see spot.
We drove through the Garden of the Gods, which was pretty neat too. Got some great barbecue around there too, but I can't remember the place's name. It was a total dive. Delicious.
I'm hating you right now. These sound like awesome trips with a lot of places on my bucket list.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 11, 2016, 10:13:26 AM
I'm hating you right now. These sound like awesome trips with a lot of places on my bucket list.
Sorry. This summer (wedding-related stuff) has had lots less National Parks, or really lots less of pretty much everything.
Hearing everyone talk about the South Dakota spots, has me itching to drive out there though. Maybe in spring.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 11, 2016, 09:43:50 AM
+1. I think my next big trip will be either Memorial or Labor Day of next year, going from Yosemite up to the Portland area (or from Portland down to Yosemite). I did Seattle to Portland to San Fran last year but didn't make a lot of stops along the way. I'd like to do Yosemite up to Crater Lake then over to Bandon Beach, Smith Rock, Multnomah Falls, Cannon Beach and Oneonta Gorge. (Bolded spots are ones that we made it to last year)
Sounds cool.
We'd really like to do Yosemite, but I don't think we'd have time on this trip.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 11, 2016, 10:11:01 AM
We did not do either Ranier or Hood when we were out there. We couldn't even see Hood when we were in Portland, but had an awesome view of Ranier from our hotel.
We did the hike up to the top of Multnomah Falls as well. We weren't planning on it (we got into Portland mid afternoon and were only staying the night before continuing on our drive to San Francisco), but the signs said something like up to the bridge was 0.5 mile and to the top of the falls was 1 mile or something, so we went to the bridge and it took very little time, so we thought, "Hey, the sign said it's only twice that far to the top of the falls, we might as well continue on!" We definitely did not pace ourselves like most people did going up the falls, and were definitely winded when we got to the top.
Never heard of Bridal Veil. Will have to look into that. Thanks.
Wades, there's a number of waterfalls off of the old highway. I'm guessing you pulled straight into the Multnomah parking lot off of I-84. If you get off at the exit for Corbett (coming from Portland), you'll get the spectacular view from Crown Point before driving by dozens of waterfall options: Latourell, Bridal Veil, Horsetail, and my personal favorite, the sparsely-visited Elowah Falls.
BTW, do
not do this on a holiday weekend. I took my wife and some friends out to Willamette wine country over Memorial weekend. Traffic at Multnomah Falls was so bad that I let them out 1/2 mile from the falls. By the time I got there in the car, they had hiked to the falls, milled about for 15-20 minutes, and were waiting at the curb to hop back in.
If you only hit up one mountain, I'd recommend St. Helens. An hour off of I-5, you get a great view of the three highest peaks in the Oregon/Washington Cascades (Rainier to the north, Hood to the south, Adams to the east) and an incredibly unique ecology due to the relatively recent eruption 36 years ago.
Has anyone done both Madeline Island and Mackinac? How do they compare?
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 10:07:05 AM
Last spring we did Arizona. Flew into Phoenix, borrowed a friend's car, drove up to the Grand Canyon, drove along the South Rim Road to the east, did a very small amount of hiking, watched the sunset from Desert View Watchtower (totally worth it). Then we drove up to Page to crash, woke up to watch the sunrise over Horseshoe Bend (absolutely worth the early morning), and did Antelope Canyon. Then we drove back, watched the sun set on the Grand Canyon again (actually twice more, because we saw it set then went a lookout to the west that was higher elevation and saw it happen again). Then back to Phoenix for Spring Training and a hike of Camelback Mountain.
That was one of the best trips of my life, we need to get into shape and take a couple days hiking down into the Canyon, which we didn't get a chance to do because of the fast pace of the trip. Make you hit Grandview Point and Desert View Watchtower if you're on the South Rim.
Antelope Canyon was awesome, but crowded. You need to buy tour tickets ahead and depending on what time you go you may not see the "sunbeams" that are so famously pictured.
Horseshoe Bend was spectacular. I put my front foot and the front foot of a tripod on the edge of a cliff that was a 100% fatality of we fell, the pictures are spectacular.
Camelback was great too. Some crazy people run it, like at a jog. That's a great way for me to fall off the mountain.
Love it. I've been to Phantom twice in my life on the mules and have hiked both Plateau Point and Skeleton Point off the south rim. Fewer than 10% set foot below the rim. Fewer than 1% ever get to the river. Count our family in both groups.
Quote from: jsglow on July 11, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
Love it. I've been to Phantom twice in my life on the mules and have hiked both Plateau Point and Skeleton Point off the south rim. Fewer than 10% set foot below the rim. Fewer than 1% ever get to the river. Count our family in both groups.
Absolutely. For the love of God, don't make the effort to go all the way to the Grand Canyon, only to give it the Clark Griswold treatment.
(http://junkgypsyblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/giphy.gif)
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 10:12:16 AM
Last summer did Colorado,
Drove the main road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Didn't have time to do any hiking though. Highly recommend it and I want to get back to do some hiking there.
We drove to the top of Pike's Peak, which was pretty neat. I feel bad for my rental car, which was definitely not the finest mountain-driving vehicle ever made.
Keefe, we stopped by USAFA, which is absolutely breathtaking. I have no children at the moment, and besides MU, USAFA is where I want them to go. The Cathedral is show stopping. The area is gorgeous. We watched a promotional video about students there, and it seems like the finest education to be had. It's a 100% must see spot.
We drove through the Garden of the Gods, which was pretty neat too. Got some great barbecue around there too, but I can't remember the place's name. It was a total dive. Delicious.
Rocky Mountain is a great place for hiking. Plus you get the added tingle on some of the trails knowing you are in prime cougar country.
Southwest Colorado is also fantastic. Black Canyon is outstanding and the Million Dollar Highway is maybe the most stunning road in the country.
My favorite, though, is the Moab area of Utah. National Parks and plenty of empty roads to drive on. Plenty of unmarked indian ruins to explore if you keep you eyes open.
Quote from: jsglow on July 11, 2016, 11:43:24 AM
Love it. I've been to Phantom twice in my life on the mules and have hiked both Plateau Point and Skeleton Point off the south rim. Fewer than 10% set foot below the rim. Fewer than 1% ever get to the river. Count our family in both groups.
A friend of ours just posted something along the lines of saying that hiking out of the canyon was harder than a marathon (she's done both), which means I've got some work to do. I'm in okay shape, but nowhere near what I need to be.
Quote from: brandx on July 11, 2016, 11:58:53 AM
...
My favorite, though, is the Moab area of Utah. National Parks and plenty of empty roads to drive on. Plenty of unmarked indian ruins to explore if you keep you eyes open.
I may need to hit you up for suggestions; Utah is on our short list. I really want to hike Angel's Landing in Zion, but the fiance is balking at the heights. I've heard nothing but good things about all of the Utah parks.
Quote from: MU82 on July 11, 2016, 09:13:59 AM
Our daughter lives in Seattle. Next summer, we hope to fly into San Fran and drive up the coast to her. Redwoods, Oregon Coast, etc. If that trip actually is gonna happen, I might be right back here asking for advice!
LXXXII, just ax Crash, hey?
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 12:07:25 PM
A friend of ours just posted something along the lines of saying that hiking out of the canyon was harder than a marathon (she's done both), which means I've got some work to do. I'm in okay shape, but nowhere near what I need to be.
Is she a runner though? Walking hiking 26 miles is way harder for me than running 26 miles. The time on your feet and the constant change of footing is rough. I'm built for distance on flat services, where other people are just better at hiking.
Quote from: warriorchick on July 11, 2016, 11:52:24 AM
Absolutely. For the love of God, don't make the effort to go all the way to the Grand Canyon, only to give it the Clark Griswold treatment.
(http://junkgypsyblog.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/giphy.gif)
Funny you should post that because I'm renting a car a day before the rest of my friends get to Vegas and plan on driving down there and coming back in one day. I know its going to be 4+ hours each way and then you have to add time since the map is just to the park and probably not the area you ultimately want to get at. I would probably only have 3 hours at most down there. Is it worth it or should I just do a shorter trip to red rock/hoover dam, etc
Quote from: brandx on July 11, 2016, 11:58:53 AM
Rocky Mountain is a great place for hiking. Plus you get the added tingle on some of the trails knowing you are in prime cougar country.
Southwest Colorado is also fantastic. Black Canyon is outstanding and the Million Dollar Highway is maybe the most stunning road in the country.
My favorite, though, is the Moab area of Utah. National Parks and plenty of empty roads to drive on. Plenty of unmarked indian ruins to explore if you keep you eyes open.
We accidentally almost hiked our dogs to death on the Bear Creek trail outside of Ouray. Ridgway state park is fantastic pace for camping in that area. Have also driven up Pikes Peak only to find a blizzard (in July) and power outage up at the top.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 12:07:25 PM
A friend of ours just posted something along the lines of saying that hiking out of the canyon was harder than a marathon (she's done both), which means I've got some work to do. I'm in okay shape, but nowhere near what I need to be.
It's extremely hard but incredibly satisfying. Plateau Point is the longest day hike the rangers will allow you to do. It took me 12 hours round trip in 2008. I was 47 at the time.
The best part is slowing coming up on the folks from below that have come short distances down from the rim. Many ask how far you went and congratulate you on the accomplishment. Some walk along with you for a short while. It's a special feeling in a very special place. My next goal is to do some overnight backpacking on a multi-day trek down there. Better get to it. Not getting any younger.
For another 'must' hike that difficult but far from an ordeal I'd recommend the hike up the slickrock to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. A religious experience.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 12:09:52 PM
I may need to hit you up for suggestions; Utah is on our short list. I really want to hike Angel's Landing in Zion, but the fiance is balking at the heights. I've heard nothing but good things about all of the Utah parks.
Did it this winter baby. Well, up to Scout's Landing at the start of the chains. There was snow and ice up there and going further would have been a deadly mistake, even with crampons. But I'll be back and finish.
Also hit Canyonlands this year in the Needles section. Would have liked to hike to the Green/Colorado confluence but my schedule prevented it. That would be a very cool backpack overnight trip. I did hike a mile down the trail to get a little taste.
Quote from: martyconlonontherun on July 11, 2016, 12:35:42 PM
Funny you should post that because I'm renting a car a day before the rest of my friends get to Vegas and plan on driving down there and coming back in one day. I know its going to be 4+ hours each way and then you have to add time since the map is just to the park and probably not the area you ultimately want to get at. I would probably only have 3 hours at most down there. Is it worth it or should I just do a shorter trip to red rock/hoover dam, etc
You can certainly go the the native american glass overlook thing. Maybe that's an option (although expensive.)
Grand Canyon Village is 275 miles from downtown Vegas, about 4.5 hours. If you were to leave at 7a and plan to get back in the evening it is possible, but not recommended. One night in either Williams or Tusayan at a modest motel makes it an enjoyable trip.
Quote from: jsglow on July 11, 2016, 02:25:21 PM
For another 'must' hike that difficult but far from an ordeal I'd recommend the hike up the slickrock to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. A religious experience.
A great hike in either early morning or dusk. There is a really silky feeling to the air even when it is in the 90s in the early evening.
Quote from: jsglow on July 11, 2016, 02:51:57 PM
Also hit Canyonlands this year in the Needles section. Would have liked to hike to the Green/Colorado confluence but my schedule prevented it. That would be a very cool backpack overnight trip. I did hike a mile down the trail to get a little taste.
That is a great area. Most of the tourists are concentrated in the northern section of the park and don't want the long drive to get to the southern part.
Some great rafting in the area as well - especially if you go before summer.
Quote from: brandx on July 11, 2016, 05:07:45 PM
That is a great area. Most of the tourists are concentrated in the northern section of the park and don't want the long drive to get to the southern part.
Some great rafting in the area as well - especially if you go before summer.
Or the even most remote southwest side. That's where that guy had to cut his arm off with a penknife just to free himself and survive. Now THAT's crazy. I like solitude more than most but to not be within 75-100 miles of another human being separated by extremely rough terrain? Um, no.
While we're throwing bucket list things out there:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm
(http://trans-americas.com/gallery/Airstream/35_Toroweap/39-05.jpg)
You've got to earn the view at Toroweap Point.
But realistically, I'll do a lot of other things long before I get out there.
My old RA (and best man) who is the best traveler of anyone I know responded to me when I got back from my Arizona trip all excited "Arizona? Utah laughs at Arizona. Think Horsehoe Bend was cool? Try Goosnecks, it's two Horseshoe Bends."
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/2009-08-20-01800_USA_Utah_316_Goosenecks_SP.jpg/600px-2009-08-20-01800_USA_Utah_316_Goosenecks_SP.jpg)
I really want to do a few weeks in Utah.
Quote from: jficke13 on July 11, 2016, 09:21:20 PM
My old RA (and best man) who is the best traveler of anyone I know responded to me when I got back from my Arizona trip all excited "Arizona? Utah laughs at Arizona. Think Horsehoe Bend was cool? Try Goosnecks, it's two Horseshoe Bends."
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/2009-08-20-01800_USA_Utah_316_Goosenecks_SP.jpg/600px-2009-08-20-01800_USA_Utah_316_Goosenecks_SP.jpg)
I really want to do a few weeks in Utah.
My favorite state to vacation in.
Quote from: brandx on July 11, 2016, 10:58:43 PM
My favorite state to vacation in.
Please don't go and do anything rash, but I agree with you 100%. Where else can you fly into a major airport and be on the slopes of one of six world-class ski areas within 45 minutes. Then there's summer... holy crap (pun intended), is summer great in Utah for anyone who loves the outdoors. Hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, cow tipping, monogamous Mormon watching.
And what other state in the nation can make a grown man feel like a teenager again and enjoy the thrill of having to sneak around just to have a few beers.
Quote from: Benny B on July 12, 2016, 09:36:59 AM
Please don't go and do anything rash, but I agree with you 100%. Where else can you fly into a major airport and be on the slopes of one of six world-class ski areas within 45 minutes. Then there's summer... holy crap (pun intended), is summer great in Utah for anyone who loves the outdoors. Hiking, biking, climbing, kayaking, cow tipping, monogamous Mormon watching.
And what other state in the nation can make a grown man feel like a teenager again and enjoy the thrill of having to sneak around just to have a few beers.
Agreed. Utah rocks. And one doesn't have to be Les Stroud to be able to enjoy it. Each of the Big 5 offers something different. And in winter, God created Alta and let mere mortals think up the rest.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 11, 2016, 10:11:01 AM
We did not do either Ranier or Hood when we were out there. We couldn't even see Hood when we were in Portland, but had an awesome view of Ranier from our hotel.
We did the hike up to the top of Multnomah Falls as well. We weren't planning on it (we got into Portland mid afternoon and were only staying the night before continuing on our drive to San Francisco), but the signs said something like up to the bridge was 0.5 mile and to the top of the falls was 1 mile or something, so we went to the bridge and it took very little time, so we thought, "Hey, the sign said it's only twice that far to the top of the falls, we might as well continue on!" We definitely did not pace ourselves like most people did going up the falls, and were definitely winded when we got to the top.
Never heard of Bridal Veil. Will have to look into that. Thanks.
Bridal Veil falls is on the right of this photo of Yosemite Valley. I took this picture 42 years ago on our honeymoon.
Quote from: muwarrior69 on July 12, 2016, 10:17:42 AM
Bridal Veil falls is on the right of this photo of Yosemite Valley. I took this picture 42 years ago on our honeymoon.
I think there's more than one "Bridal Veil Falls." The one I was referring to is in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon state, east of Portland, near Multnomah Falls.
decided to retire in Tahoe area. 30 minute drive from Reno and great skiing. summertime is a gas. free concerts at resorts like Squaw on Tuesday,Wednesdays concerts in Truckee and Thursday is Truckee Days . days spent hiking and fishing the river for cutthroat . too many trails to count and all include phenomenal views of the Sierras. all in a couple hours drive to Napa or SF. Had a steak dinner at a casino and my martini was $4!
Quote from: elephantraker on July 13, 2016, 10:56:26 AM
decided to retire in Tahoe area. 30 minute drive from Reno and great skiing. summertime is a gas. free concerts at resorts like Squaw on Tuesday,Wednesdays concerts in Truckee and Thursday is Truckee Days . days spent hiking and fishing the river for cutthroat . too many trails to count and all include phenomenal views of the Sierras. all in a couple hours drive to Napa or SF. Had a steak dinner at a casino and my martini was $4!
Nationals was in Reno one year when I was coaching and everyone was complaining about it going into the week. I thought it'd be a bad city to host, but it was awesome. Went to Tahoe 2 or 3 days. Know some people who flew into San Francisco early and saw that area for a day.
Quote from: wadesworld on July 13, 2016, 11:21:14 AM
Nationals was in Reno one year when I was coaching and everyone was complaining about it going into the week. I thought it'd be a bad city to host, but it was awesome. Went to Tahoe 2 or 3 days. Know some people who flew into San Francisco early and saw that area for a day.
It's no secret here that Benny loves Reno. Even took my wife there on my last trip, drove up to Tahoe on a Friday afternoon, had some great meals, no lines at the airport. Sure, downtown gets a little scummy in places, but the same can be said about any major city. The metro area is much nicer than one expects, and it's the perfect launching pad to just about anywhere on the west coast.
Also, it's the only place I've ever seen a pregnant lady - not just a bump, her water could have broken at any moment) who, judging by her skin-tight, hot pink, one piece (with titanium coated lycra, apparently), appeared to be a stripper or dame de la soiree and was holding a "Lost my job, please help" sign on the freeway offramp. I didn't know whether to feel bad or laugh, because it was actually so ludicrous that it seemed like it was being staged. If not for the fact that Reno 911 is no longer being filmed, I would have sworn they were filming a cut-away scene for the show.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on July 07, 2016, 08:47:38 AM
As someone who has traveled on holiday weekends before, expect traffic to be much worse than you thought. Especially if you go out east. If I were you, I would consider going the weekend after Labor Day.
Post of the year.
Quote from: warriorOregon on July 10, 2016, 12:25:18 PM
Crater Lake in Southern Oregon. Nothing like it
Yosemite is the best overall.
Who the eff is "Milo?"
Quote from: wadesworld on July 22, 2016, 04:10:15 PM
Who the eff is "Milo?"
You must REALLY be bored as phook at work today! ;) Taking your own thread and tempting the rare 'double superbar thread lock'? I put the early line at 'locked by midnight'.
Quote from: naginiF on July 22, 2016, 04:37:39 PM
You must REALLY be bored as phook at work today! ;) Taking your own thread and tempting the rare 'double superbar thread lock'? I put the early line at 'locked by midnight'.
I just honestly don't know. Does Chicos aka JamesTV have a nickname?
Quote from: wadesworld on July 22, 2016, 05:25:07 PM
I just honestly don't know. Does Chicos aka JamesTV have a nickname?
A racist misogynist who was banned from Twitter for being racist and misogynistic.
Who is this brand new Sccop member that's supporting him? And why is he injecting into a post about national parks?
Speaking of which, Shawnee in far downstate Illinois is underrated.
Quote from: Pakuni on July 23, 2016, 10:49:24 AM
A racist misogynist who was banned from Twitter for being racist and misogynistic.
Who is this brand new Sccop member that's supporting him? And why is he injecting into a post about national parks?
Speaking of which, Shawnee in far downstate Illinois is underrated.
It's okay. I'd avoid in the heat of summer. And as a camping destination doesn't hold a candle to the Chequamegon-Nicolet. I know I have a Wisconsin bias but the lakes of northern Wisconsin are superior in every way.
Heading to Rocky Mountain NP tomorrow AM for 9 days. Figure to get the kids and wife the 1st and 2nd 14'ers this year. I've been training the 9 and 7yr olds here in KC where, hopefully, the 108 heat index will offset some of the altitude.......not so sure about Ms. naginiF.
Disclaimer: we're staying in a townhouse not camping.
Quote from: naginiF on August 04, 2016, 07:22:44 PM
Heading to Rocky Mountain NP tomorrow AM for 9 days. Figure to get the kids and wife the 1st and 2nd 14'ers this year. I've been training the 9 and 7yr olds here in KC where, hopefully, the 108 heat index will offset some of the altitude.......not so sure about Ms. naginiF.
Disclaimer: we're staying in a townhouse not camping.
Awesome. I hope to hit RMNP later this year. Probably been 45 years since I was last there. I was up in Estes Park two years back but it was early November already and I couldn't drive over the top, especially in my little convertible. Turned south and did the entirety of Peak to Peak Hwy, top down, heater on.
Quote from: mr.MUskie on July 07, 2016, 02:48:37 PM
I just got back last week from a 4,600 mile roadtrip to a bunch of national parks. We hit the Badlands, Mt Rushmore, Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier. We also went north into Canada to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. My thoughts...
Badlands. Interesting to see, but having seen them, I wouldn't go out of my way to see them again. They're called the Badlands for a reason. Not "pretty". Had dinner in Deadwood. Nice place to hangout for a couple of hours.
Mt Rushmore. Wanting to see this was what prompted the trip. Maybe that raised expectations, but while looking at it, I felt like if you've seen a picture of it you've seen Mt Rushmore. Also didn't like that although it's free to see, parking there (private company) is $11. There may be free options, but when you just pull in you find yourself at a cashier with cars behind you and no escape.
Yellowstone. Beautiful. Huge. Old Faithful. We saw lots of elk, antelope, big horn sheep and hundreds of bison. Also a few bears. Had dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Pricey, but good. The air was kind of thin and humidity was super low, which made hiking a little difficult. Going down was ok, but coming back up...ugh.
Tetons. A short drive from Yellowstone and well worth it. Snow covered mountains, beautiful scenery.
Glacier. Spectacular! Take a ride up the Going To the Sun road. My favorite part of the whole trip. One breathtaking view after another. Glaciers, valleys, rugged snow covered peaks. I thought my camera was going to overheat. I'm already making plans to go back here.
Lake Louise. Breathtakingly beautiful area. Fantastic scenery. The ski lift is open during the summer to take you up the mountain for fabulous views. We saw 2 grizzlies on the way up. Tip: they charge $32 for the chairlift. For an extra $3 you can have a buffet breakfast, so go early. Saw several moose here. Had a big one one walk out of the brush and pass less than 10 feet from us. Debated whether to run, but he didn't seem fazed by the group of people with cameras.
En route, we also made made stops at Wall Drug and the Devils Tower (Close Encounters). Diversions to break up the long drive.
A tip for oldsters: if you're 62 or older you can get a National Parks pass for $10. It's good for life. The regular pass is $85/yr. It gets you into the parks for free (most were around $30 to get in) and also cuts your camping fee in half.
Maybe my favorite NP. Great hiking, horseback riding and just plain incredible scenery. We did it in very early June. When we arrived Sun Road wasn't plowed quite all the way but one could get to the alpine visitor center from the east.
Reason we went in early Spring was to do a 3-day high water flow raft trip on the Flathead that forms the western border of the NP (national forest on other side so quite remote). Anyway, we show up at the outfitters (happy to share name, PM me) and we're surprised to find that we're not part of a larger group. It's simply the four of us (our kids were maybe 14 and 12 at the time) along with our two guides and two rafts (one for us and one for provisions and gear). So for 3 full days and two incredible camping nights running excursion style we covered the same water you all saw in the movie The River Wild with Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon. Absolutely incredible in every way including fabulous meals each day expertly prepared for us along the way. Truly a memorable experience. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
I visited St. Louis before reunion and made the visit to the top of the Arch. Very cool! The grounds around the Arch are a National Park and are a complete mess right now as they are being reconstructed, however the outline of the final layout is visible that will definitely make it more seamless to downtown and welcoming to walk around.
I bought a "passport" book in Washington DC a few years ago where you get an ink stamp in the book at the Ranger Station/Gift Shop of any National Park.
Quote from: MU Fan in Connecticut on August 05, 2016, 07:06:48 AM
I visited St. Louis before reunion and made the visit to the top of the Arch. Very cool! The grounds around the Arch are a National Park and are a complete mess right now as they are being reconstructed, however the outline of the final layout is visible that will definitely make it more seamless to downtown and welcoming to walk around.
I bought a "passport" book in Washington DC a few years ago where you get an ink stamp in the book at the Ranger Station/Gift Shop of any National Park.
Love The Arch. My dad's side of the family is from that area. My aunt loves to tell the story of how she was there at the construction site when they put the final piece in at the top. They had started on each end at the bottom. I found a home video of it on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41lMeWCVZ6I
I figure I should put in a vote for Mesa Verde (https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm) near Durango, Colorado. I'm partial to the Durango area, and MV is one of the best attractions in the area. It has some incredible ancient cliff dwellings. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do. And make sure it's near the top of the list. You won't be sorry. When I went "back home" with my wife and kids -- their first time there -- this was one of our first stops.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 05, 2016, 02:08:54 PM
I figure I should put in a vote for Mesa Verde (https://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm) near Durango, Colorado. I'm partial to the Durango area, and MV is one of the best attractions in the area. It has some incredible ancient cliff dwellings. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend adding this to your list of things to do. And make sure it's near the top of the list. You won't be sorry. When I went "back home" with my wife and kids -- their first time there -- this was one of our first stops.
Yep,been there 2-3 times. During my Spring trek this year I took the first tour of the year at Balcony House. Timed my Vegas departure accordingly. Note that Spruce Tree House remains inaccessible because of structural issues. Mesa Verde is a wonderful one day stop.
Here's a little hint on your trip there. Next day head just a bit east and do the Durango narrow gauge train up to Silverton. Great trip.
Quote from: jsglow on August 05, 2016, 05:44:29 PM
Yep,been there 2-3 times. During my Spring trek this year I took the first tour of the year at Balcony House. Timed my Vegas departure accordingly. Note that Spruce Tree House remains inaccessible because of structural issues. Mesa Verde is a wonderful one day stop.
Here's a little hint on your trip there. Next day head just a bit east and do the Durango narrow gauge train up to Silverton. Great trip.
Yea, the train is fantastic. I grew up in Durango, so I know the train very well. It used to be much more affordable, and we rode it whenever out of town friends came to visit - which was often.
As a kid, the train's whistle was part of the soundtrack of our summers.
Quote from: StillAWarrior on August 05, 2016, 06:30:20 PM
Yea, the train is fantastic. I grew up in Durango, so I know the train very well. It used to be much more affordable, and we rode it whenever out of town friends came to visit - which was often.
As a kid, the train's whistle was part of the soundtrack of our summers.
Very cool. This year coming back I traveled US-160 east hitting Great Sand Dunes on the way. I hadn't traveled that route since 1968 during my parents first trip out west. Road was clear but the snow was still several feet deep at Wolf Creek Pass.
For those wanting a taste of our National Parks but lacking the time to venture far from home... John Muir, essential the father of the National Park system, emigrated from Scotland with his family to a farm in central Wisconsin between Montello and Portage, which, as luck would have it, just so happens to be Marquette County.
http://www.johnmuir.org/wisconsin/
http://vault.sierraclub.org/john_muir_exhibit/geography/wisconsin/fountain_lake_farm.aspx
Wades, how was the Labor Day weekend trip?
Quote from: Sir Lawrence on September 06, 2016, 04:42:16 PM
Wades, how was the Labor Day weekend trip?
It was great, thanks for asking. We left after work on Thursday, stopped in Sioux Falls, and then finished the drive to the Badlands by about 12:30 PM Mountain Time on Saturday. We drove out to where there weren't any formal trails and hiked around on our own, climbed up a few of the mountains? mounds? whatever they're called. Then we drove up to the Saddle Pass Trail and climbed up the mountain that that goes through and took the Medicine Root Trail until it met up with the Castle Trail and looped back around. That part of the hike was about 5 miles. Finished up there around 6:45 and grabbed some pizza at a bar in Interior. Then we drove to Interior and got a hotel room (we were planning on camping that night but it was pretty windy).
Saturday we went to Custer State Park and drove through it up to Sylvan Lake. We took Harney Peak Trail through Custer and the Black Hill forest up to the overlook, which (little did I know) is the highest point in North America east of the Rockies. The drive to Sylvan is pretty awesome (especially right when you get in Custer and there are bison causing traffic jams). And Sylvan Lake is awesome. Hiked up there starting at about 12:15 PM (probably should've tried to get there earlier as it was hot and sunny and a lot of the forrest is being killed off by bark beetles so there isn't a ton of shade on the hike. Walked around on the giant rocks up there, ate some lunch up there, and got back down around 3:45 PM. Walked around Sylvan Lake, went to the lodge and had dinner (delicious buffalo tenderloin), drove over to Crazy Horse to see it was $33 to enter and turned around. Went over to Mount Rushmore to say we did it ($11), saw it, started raining after 10 minutes, and decided to start our drive home.
Forecast had rain all Sunday and it had started raining as we finished with Mount Rushmore, so we drove until 1:30 AM and stopped near Sioux Falls again. Went to Lake Okaboji, stopped in LaCrosse for dinner, and got home Sunday evening.
Not sure if I liked the Badlands or Custer better. I had more fun climbing around the mountains/mounds at Badlands, but I think the views at Custer were better. But you can't really go wrong with either. Definitely worth the trip.
Quote from: wadesworld on September 06, 2016, 06:13:01 PM
It was great, thanks for asking. We left after work on Thursday, stopped in Sioux Falls, and then finished the drive to the Badlands by about 12:30 PM Mountain Time on Saturday. We drove out to where there weren't any formal trails and hiked around on our own, climbed up a few of the mountains? mounds? whatever they're called. Then we drove up to the Saddle Pass Trail and climbed up the mountain that that goes through and took the Medicine Root Trail until it met up with the Castle Trail and looped back around. That part of the hike was about 5 miles. Finished up there around 6:45 and grabbed some pizza at a bar in Interior. Then we drove to Interior and got a hotel room (we were planning on camping that night but it was pretty windy).
Saturday we went to Custer State Park and drove through it up to Sylvan Lake. We took Harney Peak Trail through Custer and the Black Hill forest up to the overlook, which (little did I know) is the highest point in North America east of the Rockies. The drive to Sylvan is pretty awesome (especially right when you get in Custer and there are bison causing traffic jams). And Sylvan Lake is awesome. Hiked up there starting at about 12:15 PM (probably should've tried to get there earlier as it was hot and sunny and a lot of the forrest is being killed off by bark beetles so there isn't a ton of shade on the hike. Walked around on the giant rocks up there, ate some lunch up there, and got back down around 3:45 PM. Walked around Sylvan Lake, went to the lodge and had dinner (delicious buffalo tenderloin), drove over to Crazy Horse to see it was $33 to enter and turned around. Went over to Mount Rushmore to say we did it ($11), saw it, started raining after 10 minutes, and decided to start our drive home.
Forecast had rain all Sunday and it had started raining as we finished with Mount Rushmore, so we drove until 1:30 AM and stopped near Sioux Falls again. Went to Lake Okaboji, stopped in LaCrosse for dinner, and got home Sunday evening.
Not sure if I liked the Badlands or Custer better. I had more fun climbing around the mountains/mounds at Badlands, but I think the views at Custer were better. But you can't really go wrong with either. Definitely worth the trip.
Sounds like it was a blast. Very envious.