Dave and I, like countless others, spent the summer enjoying Widow’s Bay, a creepy, dark comedy set in a small Martha’s Vineyard-esque town.
A bit of googling led us to the film locations, some of which were along our route. Depending on how obsessed you are with the series, you could easily spend the day checking off the site list. But that kind of treasure hunt wasn’t on the agenda. We stopped for pastries in Gloucester (on the location list), then headed to Rockport (also on the list) to visit Halibut Point State Park.
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.
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.
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.
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, Dave and I have avoided Banff's Lake Minnewanka. Memories of crowded parking lots, shuttles, and tour buses have always discouraged us from exploring the area. That is until we decided to hike the Minnewanka Lakeside Trail to Alymer Pass Junction.
Sunrise in the Superstitions—hmmm, it sounds like a song title from the 70s. And to think this rugged wilderness is 45 minutes east of metro Phoenix—the Crown Jewel of Apache Junction.
By September, memories of why we live here started to surface. An unexpected early taste of Fall arrived, and once again—we pulled on our hiking boots and stepped outside for some genuine morning walks.
With a little research and patience, it is possible to hike in Sedona and avoid the influx of visitors. Enter Thunder Mountain Trailhead, part of the North Urban Trail System in Sedona. The mission that day was a Birthday mission, one which Dave, Margaret, and I chose to accept.
Stands of Aspen. Nirvana—especially for desert dwellers. However, the moment is fleeting—so make sure you plan well. Usually, Dave and I would have had our fill of fall in Alberta. Alas, —2020, has changed so many things. Thankfully, the beauty of fall is attainable only two hours from home.
We saw vultures. Not close-up, mind you, but we saw them hovering around the peak—hence the name fit perfectly.
Saturday was a hike day. So, Dave, Margaret, and I took the opportunity to do a little exploring in our own backyard.
For many, Sedona is the place to be. This little town is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, art collectors, and spiritual advisors. It can also be pretty congested. However, a little patience and timing can pay off in a big way.
In the desert, one can see forever. From almost every vantage point in Phoenix, the iconic Four Peaks come into view. During winter, the peaks are often snow-capped, providing a glimpse of seasonal splendor from our sunny confines.
Our exploration of hiking trails northwest of Phoenix continues. Last week we hiked to the saddle of Governor’s Peak, located just up the road from the historic Castle Creek Hot Springs in the Hell’s Canyon Wilderness. The trail begins just beyond a cattle guard—five miles past Lake Pleasant on Castle Rock Springs Road.
Holidays and hiking go together. Every winter, clear blue skies, and warm sunshine beckon all who wish to enjoy the desert in all its glory. It is just way too perfect for staying indoors.
I must say, our timing was impeccable. The forecast called for rain. Not just a drizzle mind you, a downpour, full of raging washes, flooded interstates, and general mayhem. With the prospect of three days of flash flood watches rapidly approaching, Dave and I decided to enjoy the sunrise with a view of Phoenix from South Mountain Park, followed by an early morning hike.
The Wave is an other-worldly desert phenomenon located in Coyote Buttes North, about 44 miles from Page, Arizona. It was a hidden treasure coveted mostly by locals until July 22, 2009, when Microsoft featured it as their Windows 7 desktop wallpaper. The Waves popularity grew exponentially, making it a much sought after destination. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is challenging to get a permit to visit. You have to win the lottery—the online lottery for Coyote Buttes North, that is.
The summer of 2017 was hot, windy, and dry. Add a lightning strike and a 300-year-old spruce forest to the mix, and you’ve got fire.
