Waterfalls – Wandering Dawgs

Wandering Around America One State at a Time – Tennessee

July 28, 2017July 27, 2017Posted in Nature, RVing, State Parks, Tennessee, Tourist Attractions, Wandering around America, Waterfalls, WildlifeTagged America the Beautiful, bear, Cades Cove, Chattanooga, Graceland, Jack Daniels, Old Stone Fort22 Comments

State 38:

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

Tennessee

Tennessee became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. The Capital is Nashville.

Elvis, BBQ, Blues and the Mississippi River in Memphis. Country music, The Grand Ole Opry and camping beside a lake in Nashville. The Tennessee Aquarium and other attractions in Chatanooga. Waterfalls near Crossville. Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Sevierville. Waterfront camping at J. Percy Priest and Normandy Lake. Touring a famous distillery in Lynchville. These are just a few of the things we loved in Tennessee.

Before our RV days, the Opryland Hotel was our home base in Nashville for a night at the Grand Ole Opry, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs as they played the Vanderbilt Commodores, and a night at the Wild Horse Saloon.

20031017Opryland-Hotel-(8) — Atrium at the Opryland Hotel

20031018Wildhorse-(4) — Line Dancing at the Wild Horse Saloon in Nashville

On our way home from our first RV trip out west we spent a couple of days wandering around Memphis. We toured Elvis’ Graceland, ate our fill of ribs at two different restaurants, listened to blues at B. B. King’s BBQ and Blues on Beale Street, and strolled along the scale model of the Mississippi River at Mud Island River Walk.

20060908Graceland-(47) — Elvis’s grave at Graceland

20060908Graceland-(52) — Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis

20060908Graceland-(70) — Elvis Presley’s Pink Cadillac

Riverwalk on Mud Island in Memphis

Beale Street in Memphis

BB King’s BBQ and Blues Club in Memphis

While wandering near Crossville we discovered two waterfalls.

20090810Ozone-Falls,-TN-(1) — Ozone Falls near Crossville

We enjoyed the campground at Old Stone Fort Archeological State Park and have camped there twice. Both times we hiked beside the Big Duck River to see the waterfalls.

20100623Old-Stone-Fort-(2) — Campers cross this bridge to get to the campground at Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park

20070405Old-Stone-Fort-SP-TN-(14) — Waterfalls on the Big Duck River in Old Stone Fort State Park

One November we traveled to Sevierville to take in the beautiful fall colors and scenery of Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Cades Cove in Great Smokey Mountains National Park

John Cable Grist Mill at Cades Cove

Fall in the Great Smoky Mountains at Cades Cove

Horse pasture on Cades Cove drive

Millstones at Cable Mill

A mama bear and her cub were hanging around the picnic area when we stopped for lunch in the park. Mama kept a close eye on her cub as he searched for a bite to eat. When the rangers chased them off the cub scampered up a nearby tree.

20081105Cades-Cove-(63) — Mama bear watching out for her cub at picnic area in Cades Cove

20081105Cades-Cove-(53) — Bear cub at picnic area in Cades Cove

20081105Cades-Cove-(70) — The cub escaped to a tree when the rangers chased them away

Seven Points Corps of Engineers Campground in Nashville is a favorite of ours. Seeing this sunset from our campsite was a great way to end the day.

20090811Seven-Points-Site-23-(11) — Sunset over J. Percy Priest Lake at Seven Points COE Campground

In Chattanooga the Tennessee Aquarium was a highlight of our stay.

The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga

The penguins were my favorite at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga

We chose a waterfront site at Barton Springs TVA Campground as our home base for taking a tour at the Jack Daniels Distillery in nearby Lynchburg.

Blondie enjoying our site Barton Springs

To read previous posts about the states featured in this series just click on the state name: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota

Wandering Around America One State at a Time – South Carolina

July 15, 2017July 15, 2017Posted in Lighthouse, RVing, South Carolina, State Parks, Wandering around America, WaterfallsTagged America the Beautiful, beach, Charleston, Hunting Island Lighthouse, Hunting Island State Park, Lake Wateree State Park, Oconee State Park15 Comments

State 36:

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 never been to Rhode Island so the next state in my series is

South Carolina

South Carolina became the 8th state on May 23, 1788. The capital is Columbia.

For most of my life I have lived about 30 minutes from the Georgia/South Carolina state line. We’ve crossed the Talmadge bridge from Savannah into South Carolina many times to travel the beautiful lowcountry roads for day trips to Hilton Head, Bluffton or Beaufort. We’ve also enjoyed may boat ride in the waters around Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head Island.

Haig Point Lighthouse, Daufuskie Island

Harbor Town Lighthouse, Hilton Head

Before we started our RV travels we made a couple of weekend trips to Charleston. When we weren’t browsing the booths at City Market or enjoying one of the many great restaurants we wandered the streets admiring the antebellum homes with their beautiful gardens. Our walks would usually end up at the Battery where we strolled along the promenade by the seawall and explored the waterfront park.

1997Charleston-Rainbow-Row — Rainbow Row in Charleston

1997Charleston-Batterywatermark — Charleston Battery

1997Pineapple Fountain — Pineapple Fountain in Charleston’s Waterfront Park, The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality.

1997Charleston Battery — Charleston Battery

Henry and I have fond memories of the days we took our children tent camping in Hunting Island State Park so we planned a trip there in our fifth wheel. The Hunting Island Lighthouse is located in the park and the beach is just a short walk from the campground.

The Hunting Island, SC Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in South Carolina which is open to the public

The Beach at Hunting Island State Park Campground, SC

A narrow paved road winds through the campground at Hunting Island State Park, SC

One year the mountains of the South Carolina Upcountry were a great place for a getaway from the August heat of coastal Georgia. Our home for a few days was Oconee State Park, located about 30 minutes from the Georgia state line in one direction and the North Carolina state line in another direction. Scenic drives near the campground took us to waterfalls, unfinished tunnels and swimming holes.

Lake at Oconee State Park

Old mill at Oconee State Park

Issaqueena Falls

Blondie wanted to swim at Bull Sluice

Bull Sluice on the Georgia/South Carolina line is a popular swimming hole

Whitewater Falls

The Stumphouse Tunnell was never finished

Columbia is the capital of South Carolina and the home of the University of South Carolina. We’ve been there for concerts, football games, and to see our grandson play in a soccer tournament. On RV trips it is sometimes a convenient place to spend the night when traveling to another destination.

20121006GA-vs-SC — Georgia fans in red and South Carolina fans in garnet at Williams-Bryce Stadium

On one of our RV trips we enjoyed stopping at Little Cedar Creek Campground. The park is a nice county park in Ridgeway, South Carolina and we had a great meal at the Old Town Hall Restaurant.

Old Town Hall in Ridgeway, South Carolina

Lake Wateree State Park was another enjoyable place to spend a couple of nights. The park is a popular destination for families and boaters.

Lake Wateree

Along the edges of Lake Wateree behind our campsite

And how could we resist stopping at South of the Border on Interstate 95 just south of the North Carolina state line?

20170113South-of-the-Border-(1) — South of the Border

Wandering Around America One State at a Time – North Carolina

June 20, 2017July 9, 2017Posted in Historic Sites, Lighthouse, North Carolina, RVing, Tourist Attractions, Wandering around America, Waterfalls, WildflowersTagged America the Beautiful, Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cataloochee, Great Smoky Mountains, Outer Banks, Scenic drives18 Comments

State 30:

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

North Carolina

North Carolina became the 12th state on November 21, 1789. The capital is Raleigh.

From the Great Smokey Mountains to the Outer Banks, there is a lot to explore in North Carolina. Waterfalls and beaches, hikes and scenic drives, mountains and racetracks, wildlife and wildflowers – these are just a few of the things that make North Carolina memorable.

Back before our RVing days we wandered around the Outer Banks seeing the lighthouses and beaches, visiting the Wright Brothers Monument where they took their first flight, and taking the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke. Another ferry took us from Ocracoke back to the mainland where we visited Bath where the pirate Blackbeard once lived.

Hatterras Light

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Wright Brothers Memorial

Ocracoke Island Ferry

Hatterras Beach

If you love waterfalls, you won’t be disappointed in North Carolina.

Waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Dry Falls

Tom Branch Falls

Juney Whank Falls

It doesn’t get any better than a campsite with a beautiful view. Our campsite at Campfire Lodgings in Asheville was perfect for hanging out after hiking or touring the fabulous Biltmore Estate.

20090807-3Campfire-Lodging-(5) — Blondie taking a break at our campsite at Campfire Lodgings in Asheville

20090807-2Biltmore-Estate-(4) — Biltmore Estate in Asheville

20090806Sunset-(5) — Sunset at Campfire Lodgings in Asheville

I felt as if I had gone back in time to Mayberry as we wandered around Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy.

Andy Griffith Statue in Mount Airy, NC

Wally’s Service Station in Mount Airy, NC

Andy and Opie on the water tower in Mount Airy, NC

Downtown Mount Airy, NC

We ended our tour of the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the winner’s circle.

20100514Charlotte-Motor-Speedway-(32) — In the Winner’s Circle at Charlotte Motor Speedway

One of the hikes we made was on Whiteside Mountain in the Nantahala National Forest.

20070817Whiteside-Mountain-Nantahala-Natl-Forest-(22) — Whiteside Mountain in Nantahala National Forest

Whether it’s the leaves showing their fall colors or the flowers showing their brilliant blooms, the vibrant colors of the North Carolina mountains change with the seasons.

20071006Blue-Ridge-(8) — Fall Colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Tiger Lilys at Mabry Mill

Rhododendrons along the Blue Ridge Parkway

North Carolina Wildflower

Swallowtail and Wildflowers

Jewel Weed

Rhododendrons

We explored Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mingus Mill in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Cherokee.

Mabry Mill, the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mingus Mill in Great Smokey Mountains National Park

And if it’s wildlife you’re looking for, try visiting in the fall where you might see the bugling elk in Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

Bull Elk Bugling in Cataloochee Valley

Bull Elk in Cataloochee Valley

Two young male elk lock antlers in Cataloochee Valley

Wandering Around America One State at a Time – New York

June 15, 2017July 2, 2017Posted in Historic Sites, Lighthouse, New York, RVing, State Parks, Tourist Attractions, Wandering around America, WaterfallsTagged Cave of the Winds, Golden Hill State Park, Lake Ontario, New York City, Niagara Falls, Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse9 Comments

State 29:

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 never been to New Jersey so the next state in my series is

New York

New York became the 11th state on July 26, 1788. The capital is Albany.

A few years ago we camped in Niagara Falls, Canada. After exploring the Canadian falls we made a day trip into New York where we had close up views of the Bridal Veil Falls and got soaked as we walked along the decks on the Cave of the Winds Tour.

20080613Niagara-Falls-Canadian-Side-(45) — Bridal Veil Falls as seen from Canada

20080614Niagara-Falls-American-Side-(64) — Niagara Falls USA

You will get wet if you take the Cave of the Winds Tour!

20080614Niagara-Falls-American-Side-(39) — You can’t get much closer to the falls that this

20080614Niagara-Falls-American-Side-(24) — Up close to the falls on the Cave of the Winds Tour

Walked under the American Side of Niagara Falls in New York — That’s Henry waving from the Hurricane Deck

Our next stop in New York was Golden Hill State Park. Although the park is located about thirty miles by water from Niagara Falls the drive is a little bit longer. This peaceful state park was exactly what we needed after the excitement of Niagara Falls. Where else can you have a view of a lighthouse and one of the great lakes from your campsite? We enjoyed touring the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse and Blondie enjoyed swimming in Lake Ontario. The highlight each day was watching a gorgeous sunset over the lake.

Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse overlooking Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario at Golden Hill State Park

Blondie swimming in Lake Ontario at Golden Hill State Park

We could see the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse from our campsite at Golden Hill State Park

Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse at Golden Hill State Park

Sunset at Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse at Golden Hill State Park

I recently returned from a fantastic Mother-Daughter Weekend in New York City. We did all the things on our bucket list and much more. The best part of the weekend for me was seeing the city with my beautiful daughter.

Statue of Liberty

The Lake in Central Park West

The Palm Court at the Plaza Hotel

Empire State Building

Times Square

Lower Manhattan

Statue of Liberty

Wandering Around America One State at a Time – New Hampshire

June 5, 2017July 9, 2017Posted in Historic Sites, New Hampshire, Wandering around America, WaterfallsTagged America the Beautiful, Brick Store, covered bridges, Harman's Cheese, Sabbaday Falls, Scenic drives, White Mountains18 Comments

State 27:

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 is

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of the original 13 colonies and became the 9th state on June 21, 1788. The capital is Concord.

Before we began our RV adventures, during an early spring trip to New England we traveled along some scenic back roads in New Hampshire. Instead of spending the nights in RV Parks, we spent our nights in inns along the way. We came across three historic covered bridges as we wandered through the beautiful countryside.

014New-Hampshire-(3) — Covered Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire

014New-Hampshire-(4) — Covered Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire

014New-Hampshire-(8) — Swiftwater Covered Bridge

015White-Mountains-(36) — Covered Bridge in Jackson, New Hampshire

We picked up some New Hampshire cheese at Harman’s Cheese and Country Store in Sugar Hill and fudge and other goodies at the Brick Store in Bath.

014New-Hampshire-(7) — The Brick Store in Bath, NH

There was spectacular scenery as we drove along the Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains. A hike on snow and ice beside a partially frozen creek was worth it for a close up view of Sabbaday Falls.

White Mountains

We took a scenic drive on the Kancamagus Highway

Hike to Sabbaday Falls

We took a hike in the snow and ice to Sabbaday Falls

Sabbaday Falls