hikes
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Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails, Costa Rica
The second planned outing in the region was a hike at Arenal National Park but after discussing choices with the resort’s concierge and looking at reviews, we decided to head to Arenal Observatory Lodge and Trails. The price was better for our family of 6, at $15 per person for a day pass instead of $25 (and they let our youngest in for free) and there were more trails and viewpoints. We were welcome on the road to the lodge by a coati which was very exciting since we had not seen one until then. We saw him (or a friend) when we left too. We paid our fee at…
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High Shoals Falls, GA
The same day we visited Hamilton Gardens in Hiawassee, GA, we drove about 20 minutes away to visit High Shoals Falls. We had seen pictures of the pretty falls so we knew we would enjoy the hike. The dirt road up to the fall hike trailhead was very manageable and there several parking spaces. Since the first week in June was still fairly cool for Georgia and the hike had lots of tree coverage, it was a very pleasant hike. Hiking with children ages 5 to 16 also insures that we are not walking too fast. The hike is 2.6 miles total (in and out) and starts high up going…
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Fire Creek Falls and Recreation Area
Our Airbnb host had emailed me a list of activities nearby before our trip and this spot caught my eye as she said we could tube down a natural water slide. In anticipation of this possibility, I had packed some river tubes we had, as well as our pump which could be plugged in the car to inflate the tubes quickly and effortlessly. We also packed water shoes for everyone. Fire Creek Falls was about 20 minutes from our rental and we enjoyed it so much the first time, we returned for a second afternoon of fun. To get a decent view of the falls, you must cross the river…
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Sweetwater Creek State Park and Casual Hike Attire
This past Saturday was a fun but exhausting day. I started my morning with a 9 mile run with my friends at 6 AM and this particular run was a difficult one as there were many hills. I came home to make my boys some banana pancakes and we decided that since there were no sports activities that we should do something as a family. We decided to hike. Did I really want to hike after that run? Not really, but it was a beautiful day and we decided on a hike that was somewhat of a short drive from home at about one hour. Sweetwater Creek State Park is…
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The Blowing Rock, NC
On Sunday afternoon before the snow started, we decided to go on a little excursion. The Blowing Rock was only about 15 minutes from our rental and is the oldest attraction in North Carolina. The Blowing Rock overlooks the Johns River Gorge and is 4000 ft above sea level. “The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.” We were able to observe this with the snow flurry that were coming up toward us instead of down. So we actually got to observe what is described…
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Morning Run Sunrise Beauty
One of my favorite things from my Saturday morning runs is when we are able to catch the sunrise. Some days in the winter, it is too dark other days, it is too cloudy. Most Saturdays though, we are rewarded on our runs with the beauty of God’s creation. Of course, getting to exercise is a reward too as well as spending time with my friends. I think this might be my favorite picture: my friend took it by getting real low by the tall grass. It reminds me of the beach and the colors of the sunrise were absolutely gorgeous. I am always amazed at how the sky can…
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A Hike at Stone Mountain Park, GA
We hadn’t visited Stone Mountain in quite a while so I took advantage of meeting up with a new Instagram friend nearby to plan a hike. Now, going up Stone Mountain on the hottest week of the start of summer might not have been the best idea but we came prepared with water, snacks and gatorade. We also made sure to wear hats and wear sunscreen. We also make sure to walk in the shade as much as possible. For the first part of the hike, we were able to do that by sticking to shade of the pine trees. Stone Mountain boast the largest exposed mass of granite in…
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Tips for Hiking With Kids: Spruce Flat Falls
You would think that with all of the hiking we do on vacations and on the weekends that we would be experts about hiking with our kids. We have hiked with them since they were babies, first in carriers and then a combination of carrier and walking until around age 4 when they walk all of the way. On this hike at Spruce Flat Falls, we encountered some difficulties with extreme crankiness that could have been easily solved with my number one tip! Tip #1 Bring snacks and water! This is the only hike where we left both in the car and it was not a happy mistake: the complaining…
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Recap: Hiking Outfits for the Great Smoky Mountains
I packed a variety of comfortable clothes for our spring break and put together my outfits by rolling them in my packing cubes. It took less space and made getting dressed easier. I did purchase a few things on this trip and I will share those items soon. Here is a recap of what I wore and which activities we did on those days. This is what I wore when we hiked Laurel Falls Branch except that this sweatshirt is a souvenir sweatshirt I picked up in Townsend on the way back. We spent the evening by the river and made a fire. I did not attempt to fish as…
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Cades Cove: Great Smoky Mountains
I think this was my favorite nature outing of our spring break. It mixed history, views and wildlife and I plan to come back next trip since you never know what animals you may encounter. Cades Cove is a 11 mile one way loop in the Smoky Mountains near the entrance in Townsend, TN. There are historic buildings you can visit, many side stops where you can pause your car and take pictures of the scenery and depending on which part of the day you visit more or less wildlife to observe. We went on a rainy and windy afternoon since I knew we would spend most of our time…