Let joy keep you. Reach out your hands and take it when it passes by. —Carl Sandburg
Tucked away in the small town of Flat Rock, North Carolina, the Carl Sandburg Home is a national historic site that is truly a treasure.
It’s October, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is soaking in full autumn splendor. There are scenic outlooks and hikes around every corner, offering endless opportunities for leaf peepers of all levels.
For Halloween, nothing quite matches the eerie allure of Graveyard Fields. Although the name conjures up a creepy sense of mystery, its origin does not.
What do you get when you mix Tropical Storm Imelda with Hurricane Humberto? VACATION on the coast of North Carolina.
Countless lakes. So many of them. I've never seen so much water in my life. That’s life in Northern Minnesota—destination FAMILY.
The last time we visited Northern Minnesota was over 10 years ago. When Dave’s sister extended an invitation, we found ourselves pondering over time and arrangements. Then it struck us—why not embark on a spontaneous road trip? Pack the kayaks, paddle in Lake Superior, see something different—wing it. The prospect of the unknown was exhilarating.
360° views are something to be treasured, and North Carolina has a lot of them. However, if you’re looking for a hike that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, The Tennent Mountain/Black Balsam Knob Loop meets all the criteria.
Dave and I recently discovered a hiking trail that’s close to home: Bearwallow Mountain Trail—a peaceful 2-mile summit of a mountain bearing the same name.
First came the rain.
Dave: “Is there anything you need while I’m out? It looks like Clear Creek’s gonna overflow.”
Judy: “Nah, I’m good.”
Famous last words.
Life is nothing but transitions, some planned and some spontaneous. COVID-19, looming political chaos, and unexpected medical issues made the 1,200-mile journey to Canmore every summer less accessible and, unfortunately, challenging to manage. We had always dreamed of settling in one perfect location; now was our opportunity.
The long, unbearably hot summer was on its last fiery breath. For Dave and I, the final weeks of August and early September were a test of patience and well-planned happy hours. So, when the temperature started heading downwards, we hit the road.
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a quick getaway. Take, for example, when Dave’s brother Darrell texts and asks, “Hey, whatcha doing this weekend?” “Want to come down to Tucson?... Sure, you can bring Luci—no worries.” Dave’s response was ”ABSOLUTELY.”
Arizona was unseasonably wet and cold this past winter. As luck would have it, one Pacific low-pressure system followed another. Combine that with the rains of last summer's monsoon, and guess what happened? WILDFLOWERS.
There are still so many places in this great state to explore. Even after 30 years, it often seems Dave and I have only touched the surface.
Take, for example, Butcher Jones Recreation Site. Known for its lovely beach—tucked within the towering canyon walls of Saguaro Lake—it is an ideal spot for picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding. Unfortunately, the site can also be very crowded—a significant deterrent for most. Getting there early in the day is the key.
We couldn’t get enough of that Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve—so much so that we returned the following weekend. The Lost Dog Wash trailhead is yet another jewel in the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy’s crown. In addition to hiking and mountain biking, the seven-acre site’s amenities include public restrooms, shade ramadas, horse-trailer parking, and an accessible nature trail. Oh, and dogs are welcome—on a leash, of course.
Furry friend out for a hike.
Sunday, hike day, was cold and damp. Grey skies and heavy clouds lined the horizon. Yet, there was none of that familiar winter haze in the Valley—a bonus in anyone’s book.
Only the beginning.
The Lost Dog Wash Trailhead connects to over 17 miles of pristine desert. We took the counterclockwise route up Anazazi Spur to the Old Jeep Trail and then connected to the Lost Dog Wash trail.
Heading towards the saddle.
View from the ridge
From the saddle, we took a side trip to the Taliesin Overlook.
A view from the overlook
The 5.2-mile loop was somewhat rocky but moderate, with an elevation gain of about 520 feet—an ideal outing for a Sunday morning.
The wildflowers of spring will turn this hike from impressive to spectacular.
Just the beginning.
As Dave and I turn toward spring, we will miss our beloved Dota—who tragically left us in mid-February. Born on the streets of Houston, our grand dame’s travels spanned from Texas to Arizona to her favorite spot in the Canadian Rockies. Run free little one; we will always love you.
Tom’s Thumb, located in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, has always been one of our favorite hikes. However, many trails explore this vast, protected area. Gateway Loop Trail might become a new favorite.
Dave and I have had the Chiricahuas on our to-do list for as long as I can remember. Thankfully, Dave’s brother Darrell and sister-in-law Penny gave us the push we needed to make it happen. After all, how often can you visit an island in Arizona?
Our dear friend Margaret has a unique skill. Whenever she comes up, we see lots of wildlife—without fail. This time was no different, just, um...better.
Dave and I always thought that Mount Yamnuska was for climbers/scramblers only. We were mistaken. Let me tell you—this hike was the best discovery of our entire summer.
In the past, a hike to Lake Annette in Banff National Park was as simple as turning up Moraine Lake Road and following the signs to the trailhead. Then access, in our minds, became, well, challenging—or so we thought. Thankfully, we were mistaken.
The trail at sunrise.
The freedom to drive up to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake on a whim is no easy feat. Since most areas can no longer handle the masses that frequent every summer, shuttles and reservations are the new normal. However, Lake Annette Trail is outside the Moraine visitors’ lot, so the dilemma was, how do we get in?
With that in mind, Dave and I made a plan. Our strategy was to arrive at the turnoff before sunrise and, with any luck, get to the trail before the roadblock. The road was blocked; however, gaining entrance was as simple as asking—“can we get in to hike Lake Annette?” Yep, it was that easy.
We pulled into the small dark parking area and waited for dawn. Despite being bundled up, the early morning chill quickened our pace.
A colorful preview of what was to follow.
First crossing.
The hike to Lake Annette logs 7.1 miles (11.3 km) roundtrip, with a moderate elevation (1,300 ft, 400 m).
Sunrise magic.
The term scenic does not do this hike justice.
The second crossing.
Dave nearing the lake.
With lunch packed, we arrived at the lake just in time for breakfast. Dave and I decided the sandwiches could wait. Being first at the lake felt pretty darn special. We passed quite a few hikers on the way down, happily hiking without restrictions.
Lake Annette.
For spur of the moment hikers, this is a perfect way to explore the beauty of the Moraine Lake/Paradise Valley area—no shuttle required.
Like clockwork, Dave and I go hiking, and two days later, I’m angling about the next hike. This past week we were looking for something less arduous—one without scrambling or scree—a forest walk to Taylor Lake.