What better way to begin our winter southern adventure than a stop in one of our favorite state parks, Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Much of the swamp is covered with thick peat deposits. The early Native Americans named the area Okefenokee which means “land of trembling earth” because they felt the movement of the peat beneath their feet as they walked.
There were deer in the campground every day. One day we took a walk on the boardwalk nature trail near the marina and watched an egret searching for food.
White Tailed Deer in the OkefenokeeEgret in the Okefenokee
The Okefenokee Swamp is one of North America’s most unspoiled natural wilderness areas. According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge web page, “the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within the refuge boundaries.
We always enjoy going out in a boat to explore the swamp. On our last visit we enjoyed our ranger guided boat tour so much we decided to go on another tour. While waiting for the tour to begin we wandered around the boat ramp and discovered Mama gator Sophie lounging by the ramp with some of her babies hanging out nearby.
Mama Sophie by the boat ramp with her babies nearbyYoung alligatorsYoung alligatorsYoung alligator
As we rode through the man made canal into the swamp we spied more young gators on the bank enjoying the warm day.
Young alligators on the bank
A large gator checked us out as we exited the canal into the swamp.
Alligator in the Okefenokee
After a few days of cloudy skies and chilly days the sun was starting to warm things up. The warmer weather brought out plenty of wildlife.
Okefenokee SwampCormorant in the OkefenokeeAlligator in the OkefenokeeAlligators enjoying some warm weatherTurtle in the swampHanging out in the Okefenokee
The water winds through ancient cypress trees and water lilies.
Beautiful day in the OkefenokeeCypress Trees in the Okefenokee
Snow and ice storms are rare in coastal Georgia. The last time we had snow that stuck was a few days before Christmas in 1989.
The freezing rain and snow that came through on January 3, 2018 caused road and bridge closures. Schools were out and government offices were closed. Coastal Georgia was transformed into a winter wonderland.
Marsh GrassSnow on the deckSnow covered palm frondsIcy Dogwood TreeIcy Muhly GrassIcicles in JanuarySnow and ice in JanuaryMarsh GrassIce covered salt marshPalm FrondsEven the boat cover was covered with iciclesSnow covered walkway over the marsh
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next state in my series is
Washington
Washington became the 42nd state on November 11, 1889. The Capital is Olympia.
Our first journey through the state of Washington began when we crossed the state line from Idaho heading west. After a quick night in Spokane we drove across the plains of south east and central Washington. On both sides of the highway were fields of sweet corn, alfalfa, potatoes and spearmint. Later in the day the flat land changed to rolling hills. We stopped at the Columbia River Gorge for a look before crossing the river.
Columbia River GorgeColumbia River Gorge
After another quick stay at a campground outside of Seattle, we drove through Olympia and began our journey on Hwy 101 to the Olympic Peninsula. For many miles we traveled along the Hood Canal before arriving in Port Angeles to explore Olympic National Park.
Hood Canal beside Hwy 101
A drive to the top of Hurricane Ridge was the first thing on our agenda. It was sunny when we started the ascent up the winding road but it wasn’t long before the snow started coming down. When we arrived at the top the snow was deep and there were snow boarders and cross country skiiers enjoying the snow. The view of the mountains was spectacular.
Driving through snow on the road to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National ParkHurricane Ridge in Olympic National ParkDeer beside the road on the way to Hurricane RidgeOn the way back down we stopped for a view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca with Canada on the other side
Another day we drove by Crescent Lake on the way to the Hoh Rain Forest. When we arrived at the National Park entrance we were disappointed to find it closed. After making a few purchases at a small store a few miles from the entrance we found out there was a trail head just outside the park so off we went to explore the trail. There had been a big storm the previous year and there were many trees down.
Crescent LakeHiking in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National ParkHoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington
After our hike, we passed by a field with Roosevelt Elk on the drive back to the campground.
Roosevelt Elk in Olympic National ParkRoosevelt Elk in Olympic National Park
Dungeness Harbor was nearby so one night we went for dinner at the Three Crabs (the restaurant is now closed). There was a great view of the New Dungeness Lighthouse and were able to watch the sun go down.
New Dungeness LighthouseSunset at Dungeness Harbor
Leaving Port Angeles in our rear view mirror we continued our journey through Washington on Hwy 101. As we drove south along the coast we caught our first glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. Hoping to find a parking space big enough for our truck and fifth wheel, we turned off the highway into a parking area at Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park. Success! It was a little tight but there was space to park and turn around to get back to the highway. After going down a short path to the beach we enjoyed our first walk beside the Pacific Ocean.
Our first view of the Pacific Ocean was Ruby BeachRuby BeachRuby Beach
We continued down the coast to our next stop, Cape Disappointment Sate Park on the Long Beach Peninsula. It quickly became one of our all time favorite state park campgrounds. Our site was spacious with with a path behind the site. Inside the state park there were trails to explore, beautiful beaches, two lighthouses, magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean from high atop cliffs, and a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The first order of business to walk down the path and we were thrilled to step out onto a beautiful beach with a view of the North Head Lighthouse.
I loved this view of the North Head Lighthouse as we walked out on the beach from the trail behind our campsiteA short trail behind our campsite at Cape Disappointment State Park led us to this beautiful beachSunset at Cape Disappointment State ParkHigh above the Pacific Ocean at Cape Disappointment State ParkBoat washed up on the beach at Cape Disappointment State Park
Lewis and Clark first spotted the Pacific Ocean while in the area and there is evidence of the their presence in and around the state park. We learned a lot about their journey at the excellent Interpretive Center in the state park.
Lewis and Clark monument on the McKenzie TrailLewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific Ocean near here and camped in the area
We explored some of the nearby towns and beaches on the Long Beach Peninsula. We ate our fill of local seafood at some of the restaurants in the area. Blondie loved running on the dog friendly beaches.
Blondie loved the dog friendly beach at Long Beach
We loved the two lighthouses at Cape Disappointment State Park.
North Head LightCape Disappointment LighthouseCape Disappointment Lighthouse
Our first Washington adventure ended when we crossed the Columbia River into Oregon. Several years later we returned to Washington on our return trip from Alaska. After a couple of nights in Orroville just south of the border from British Columbia our route took us past more beautiful scenery and the Grand Coulee Dam.
Driving along in northern Washington after our trip to Alaska in 2013Near the Grand Coulee DamGrand Coulee Dam
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. We have not visited Vermont so the next state in my series is
Virginia
Virginia became the 10th state on June 25, 1788. The Capital is Richmond.
Scenic mountain drives, a Sunday jam session at Floyd Country Store, Claytor Lake State Park, Natural Bridge, and a movie location are a few of the places we have visited in Virginia in recent years.
There are many spectacular views along the Skyline Drive which runs through the entire length of Shenandoah National Park.
Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia has some magnificent views and interesting rock formations.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
Butterfly and wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Rocky Knob picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway from overlook at Rocky Knob Visiter’s Center
The movie “Dirty Dancing” was filmed at Mountain Lake Lodge.
Mountain Lake Lodge, Virginia
Before we had our fifth wheel we drove through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
Claytor Lake State Park has been a frequent camping destination since we have been RV’ing and is one of our favorite state parks with a beautiful lake, trails, and wildlife.
Trail at Claytor Lake State Park
Deer in the campground at Claytor Lake
Seeing the Natural Bridge requires either a walk down many steps to a paved path or taking a shuttle drive down the hill to the beginning of the path. Either way it is worth it to see this amazing natural formation.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Small waterfall beside the trail at Natural Bridge, Virginia
Welcome to the next post in my series highlighting states we have visited throughout the years. I hope you will enjoy coming along for the ride!
I will be featuring the states alphabetically. The next state in my series is
Utah
Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896. The Capital is Salt Lake City.
As we drove through Utah exploring national and state parks the scenery was spectacular. There were red sandstone cliffs and hoodoos, multicolored striped mesas, white cliffs, red slick rock, arches and balanced rocks, canyons carved by river water, and twisting narrow highways with steep grades.
We had our first views of Utah as we entered the state from the southern border with Arizona.
Red Canyon
Our first Utah destination was Bryce Canyon National Park. After setting up camp at Ruby’s Inn we headed to Bryce to take an afternoon drive through the park. Just a few overlooks later our drive was cut short as the rain started coming down. By the time we got back to our campsite the rain was coming down in buckets. With better weather the next morning we returned to Bryce for some more views of the red sandstone formations called hoodoos.
Bryce Canyon National Park
Rainbow Point, Bryce Canyon National Park
Natural Bridge, Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
As we traveled on scenic Utah Highway 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey we stopped for lunch at Kodachrome Basin State Park.
Henry and Blondie are standing at the base of this hoodoo in Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin State Park
After lunch we continued to Torrey. The narrow highway climbed upward with several 8% and a couple of 10% grades. We were both happy when we arrived at Sand Creek RV Park safe and sound. There were no other campers in the park and our site had a great view of red cliffs and mountains.
The next morning we left the camper in the campground to make the 20 mile round trip scenic drive through Capitol Reef National Park.
Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
Capitol Reef Petroglyphs
Traveling on Highway 24 from Torrey to Moab the scenery changed from red cliffs to all white cliffs to grey and gold mesas near a town called Luna Mesa.
Driving through Luna Mesa on Highway 24 we felt like we were on the moon
Portal RV Park in Moab was our home for a few days while we toured Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and enjoyed several Moab restaurants.
We made several visits to Arches National Park and went on a few short hikes. I have a terrible fear of heights and was hesitant to do the Delicate Arch hike because there is a section where the trail is very narrow and high above ground. I am very happy that I didn’t let my fear keep me from making the hike that was the highlight of our visit to Arches.
Henry standing under Delicate Arch
Petroglyphs at the bottom of the Delicate Arch trail
There were many other arches and formations in Arches National Park that we saw as we toured the park and walked on many short trails.
Three Gossips at Arches National Park
Balanced Rock at Arches National Park
Arches National Park
Double Arch at Arches National Park
One of the Elephants on Parade at Arches National Park
Arches National Park Landscape Arch
Dead Horse Point was a short drive from our campground in Moab. The view from one of the overlooks provided a spectacular view of the Colorado River and the deep canyon.
Dead Horse Point State Park
We arrived at Canyonlands National Park just as the afternoon storms were rolling in.
Rain over Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
Of all the Utah parks we visited, Zion is my favorite. Maybe it’s because we had this view from our campsite beside the Virgin River in the Watchman Campground. Or maybe it’s because our first night we watched the moon rise over Watchman.
Moon rising over Watchman in Zion National Park
Or maybe it’s my favorite because of the beauty of the park. To hop on the shuttle for a ride through the canyon all we had to do was take a short walk from our campsite to the Visitor’s Center. One day we took Blondie on a four mile hike on the Pa’Rus trail beside the Virgin River. Another day we took a ranger guided shuttle tour through the canyon in the morning and drove through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel to the East entrance after lunch. The landscape changed on the other side of the mountain and we discovered a herd of Big Horn Sheep.
Blondie takes a dip in the Virgin River
Virgin River in Zion National Park
Zion National Park
The Narrows in Zion National Park
Menu Falls at Zion National Park
Three Patriarchs in Zion National Park
Checkerboard Mesa in Zion National Park
Big Horn Sheep in Zion National Park
Big Horn Sheep in Zion National Park
Our adventures in Utah continued as we towed our fifth wheel through the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel to our next destination, Gouldings Lodge and Campground in Utah near Monument Valley which is in the Navajo Nation Reservation in both Arizona and Utah.
John Wayne’s Cabin at Goulding’s from “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon”
View of Monument Valley from Goulding’s Lodge and Campground
The elemental effects of nature on the earth are evident all over the state. Water and wind created these magnificent formations on the earth.
Wandering Dawgs 