Listen- When was the last time you really gave yourself permission to just let go? Take off and just do whatever was coming next? Feel the sun and sand, cool breezes and smell the woods around you? Think about it…for just a moment. Has it been a while? Can’t really remember when? Can’t say for sure that you have?
So…. Just what am I up to? Why do I care if you find cool places to know about, feel some level of peace, experience a little happiness and maybe a touch of bliss? It’s because life is short, and each day, we are closer to the “shorter end” of it. Maybe I can inspire you to take that walk, maybe get on that bike, sit on a bench in a park and listen to the birds or just read what I write and go on mental journey.
Life is meant for SPECTACULAR adventures.
Let your feet wander, Your eyes marvel and your soul ignite.
Unknown
I’m planning on blogging about getting out and taking a good look at what’s there, finding a little adventure in our daily lives. Discussing fun places to visit and information about them in case you are encouraged to go. I plan on enhancing the adventure using photos I have taken in my travels. I want to suggest things to do, or maybe we can discuss making some great food and ideas for sharing it with family and friends?
I want to provide resources to places, things and events so you can look deeper into what is being presented, just in case it rings true with you. Looking to find some balance in life- feel centered, and the peace you can create being present in the here and now.
The wind is about to set you in motion……The clock is ticking.
This post is featuring: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
When in Vegas…. Usually so many things to do- but what if you wanted to get out of the noise and sites of the Strip, and go somewhere to explore, hike, bike, learn some history?
The striated Red Rock formations of gray carbonate rocks of the ancient ocean have been thrust over the tan and red sandstone in one of the most dramatic and easily identified
“Biking lets you come alive in both body and spirit.”
Gary Kline
Just out side of the “City that never sleeps” is one of the more amazing ecosystems in the state of Nevada, which was developed and protected by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Great example of the grey carbonate rock uplifting the famous red Aztec Sandstone
In 1988, The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Nature Conservancy and the Bureau formed a strategic partnership creating a 5,302-acre buffer zone by relocating the Summerlin housing development and safeguarding where the Visitor Center and beyond stands today.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area [RRCNCA] is located just a few miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses 195,819 acres within the Mojave Desert. There are 600+ types of plants, including Joshua trees and 15 special plants that can only be found within Red Rock Canyon. Over 100 bird species and more than 45 different kinds of mammals are located within the area.
Over the last 600 million years, Red Rock Canyon has changed from an ocean basin to a dry desert environment. These changes, in combination with harsh environment of the Mojave Desert, helped shape the dramatic and beautiful landscape of the Canyon.
Its distinctive and dramatic red rock formations, tinted red by iron oxide, provide a stunning backdrop worth venturing out to see. The dry environment offers ideal conditions for preserving historical artifacts. Here are some things you might see during your visit:
Depending on what time of year it is when you visit, you may need reservations to enter the Scenic Loop. A couple of years ago, they implemented a reservation system that you do online.
There are over 20 hiking and climbing trails along the scenic 13 mile drive through the 200,000 acres of the park, maintained by the Friends of Red Rock Canyon, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management.
The “trail” is actually the 17 mile paved, 2 way loop through the area. The tour group I went out with, does pick up and return ride to and from your place of accommodations, and they provided a well maintained eBike, sanitized helmet, snacks and water in your bike bag (big enough for your wallet too). There are several stops on the route to regather, have water and discussion about the immediate area you are in, including plant and animal life.
So, I’m a SUV RVing person now- Time to hit the road!
The big day had arrived!! I really had a hard time sleeping the night before, knowing I was leaving at 5AM to make it to the first of my planned stops, prior to reaching my first camp site at Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 449 miles away. The truck was ready the night before, and just the cooler had to be loaded- Hit the road at 5:05AM and watched the sun rise near the Michigan/ Indiana border. Since I am not a morning person, it was nice, once out of the morning work traffic, to watch the sky light up and a new day begin. This is the time of day I only use to witness as I was driving home from a 12 hour night shift at the hospital; the eastern skies glowing pinks and orange, turning to pale yellow and the blue sky exposing itself for a new day.
Heading south on I-69 to the state line
Traffic going south was light, not like it is during spring break, so it was enjoyable, and using Google maps made it so I could look across the farm lands and enjoy the view, not wrestling a road map or sitting in a rest top or side of the road. This kind of driving is easy on the mind and allows for random thoughts and ideas to free flow in and out- it’s a peaceful feeling, driving and carefree- I like it a lot.
My first destination is one I had passed road signs on the highway heading back north to Michigan from the Florida panhandle, earlier in the year. It sounded interesting and being a nurse, I found it hilarious- so, my path is taking me to Uranus Fudge, Anderson, Indiana!…and it was everything I had hoped for! Not only tons of delicious fudge, but other candies, treats and funny T-shirts. All the staff were “in character”, and made the visit that much more funny! Grabbed some of my favorite flavors of fudge and back on the road, still chuckling over the experience!
The closer I got to the Kentucky border, the more signs I started seeing for the Mammoth Cave and other tourist stops in the area- and I have to admit, I was getting excited! The temps were nice for the middle of March- a balmy 71 degrees with windows partially down. I was thinking how wonderful it was going to be for hiking, bike riding, exploring and camping in general. After another 50 miles, I was off on the exit heading into the area for the National Park, which was still a distance away.
Early spring, March in Kentucky
And, just like that, the winding road drops you into the Mammoth Cave Campgrounds! Not many people were utilizing sites, and most were 5th wheel and RV campers, with a few tents scattered here and there. From the previous rains and spring thaw, there was a lot of standing water and mud…
My first campsite- Mammoth Cave Campgrounds March 16, 2023
As the sun set, temps were at 68 degrees- just wearing jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Compared to the wintery temps this spring thus far in Michigan, this was a heat wave! I had my site set up best I could with water off to the side, sat in my camp chair at the fire pit and was so happy to be on this journey, and glad for the info I obtained watching the website videos… because what I didn’t know, I was about to need it!
The “No Build” sleeping set up inside my Tahoe
First morning in camp was a chilly one. Light frost on the windshield and a crisp 48 degrees at 8AM- I ventured out of the Tahoe and made breakfast. I used a UCO 3 candle lantern as a burner and my Stanley 2 cup cook set to make hot tea, and enjoyed some yogurt with nuts and fruit in it. Eager to explore, I jumped on my bike and went to the camp grounds office to check in, since I arrived after 5PM the night before. The park ranger was concerned for me, due to my extra wet camp site, and she had me move to a drier site a short distance away.
UCO 3 candle burner has 5,000BTUs- Just place the Stanley mini pot on top to make tea, or if you want, you can place a soup can right on top and heat it up too.
Once that move was completed, I headed on bike to the Mammoth Cave National Park Rangers Station for the days tour information. I did not realize how booked up the different tours would become, and felt fortunate to get one of the last tickets available for that day. This is my first lesson on obtaining tour tickets- book on line, in advance to avoid disappointment! For good measure, I secured a second tour ticket for the next day.
My second camp site was a lot drier
The classic Mammoth Cave Tour passes by many historic areas that made Mammoth Cave famous, it not only explores the huge rooms that gave Mammoth Cave its name, but it descends to tighter places, deep inside the cave. This tour lasted about 2 hours and goes for 2 miles- down stairs, trails and crossings.
Entrance to Mammoth Cave- It was formed by a collapse from above the cave system itself
The cave experience was so much fun- I could have just pinched myself! I was taking in information on formation (underground water movement of the Green River for centuries) and was trying to imagine how the layers of rock gave way to spaces above the water. Learning about early explorers and uses for the cave were interesting, but learning about the area becoming a National Park is what amazed me! Having the foresight to set these lands aside and protect them, is just so fortunate for all of us so we can continue the “Awe” and enjoyment for generations to come.
Amazing structures
“It doesn’t matter if a cave has been in darkness for 10,000 years or half an hour, once you light a match it is illuminated.” ~
Paramahansa Yogananda
Years of water erosion created this
When I planned the trip, I didn’t realize towns were so far away (9 to 15 miles), and on winding, hilly, somewhat narrow roads. I had been thinking I could ride my bike to get dinner each night, but I ‘canned’ that idea. I grabbed some hot food from the small dinner on site and enjoyed not having to heat up some canned soup on my UCO lantern/ cook top/ mini stove.
As night fell, another camp fire and music, talking to my “neighbors” near my site and watching people walking and kids play- overall, it was a nice evening. But the reports of falling temps started coming in, and it wasn’t going to be as nice as it had been the night before. Discussions revolved around the below freezing temps, and I decided to grab another layer to put on and headed to the restrooms to get dressed. Others were there doing the same thing, and the talk was the same- We’re going to freeze tonight! I felt bad for the several groups of young people that were there camping in tents.
It became an uncomfortable night at about four in the morning- I had no idea it had dropped to 28 degrees!! There was heavy frost formed inside the truck from breathing and not having air flow to allow it out- it was unreal! My sleeping bag is not designed for temps this low, despite having an additional fleece inside. I did not think to plug in the heated blanket to the battery bank as I thought I needed an electrical supply to plug into, till too late.
Thick frost and ice coating the inside of my truck
Because it was so cold, my little UCO burner was of no help in warming the truck that long, so I started the engine and warmed myself up! My burner was struggling to heat the water for morning tea, and reports were now coming in from the rangers office; The temps for tonight were going to drop to 16 degrees- I needed a new plan, as I was not prepared for such drastic weather. So, the itinerary for the day was to eat something and to be on time for my scheduled tour, then get back that afternoon and finish breaking camp a day early and head south.
Names were added to the ceilings by the tour guides for a fee
The GOTH TOUR today did not disappoint, and I would encourage people to review the different options and tours ahead of going and plan for an enjoyable time- IN WARMER WEATHER!!! It may have been cold outside, but the internal temp of the cave stays consistent year around 54°F (12.2°C), so more comfortable than being outside.
Amazing- You need to see it with your own eyes!
Cavernous rooms
Here is a very informative vid about the cave formations! Very educational!
After the marvelous tour, I biked back to camp, finished packing up and checking out- started headed south to Hot Springs, Arkansas. I made some quick hotel reservations in an app, as my planned campsite would not be available till the following afternoon at three PM..
I think I could use a hot shower soak and good meal at this point…
I’m back on the road! Happy Travels!
NEXT: Heading to Gupta Gulch campgrounds, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Part #3 SUV-RVing!
*All photos are mine, unless indicated otherwise. kmphillips/ Imagine Imagery
So, what is this SUV RVing anyway? To be honest, I call it intentional freedom!
In the dead of winter in January of 2022, I was doing my usual channel surfing and watching YouTube videos- mostly music or gardening, when this site pops up in the listings about traveling and camping in your SUV! I thought about it for two seconds, and decided to watch to see what this was about- I had an SUV and wanted to know what I was missing out on.
I think I watched four vids that night till early in the morning, by a young man named Tristan, who was describing adventures he does in beautiful, remote areas of the western United States, and how he would sleep, make food, hike, plan routes….and show these wonderful areas I had never seen or visited. It was like being there, as he talks to the viewers like you are actually there, experiencing the trip with him. I was hooked!
Fast forward, it’s mid autumn of 2022, and I had already planned a trip out west, but decided instead of flying and renting a car for 2 weeks, I would use my SUV as my hotel on wheels, and make a 3+ week get-away, driving to my destinations! I decided to leave a week ahead of time, and take my time going south, and have alternate routes planned for home. Planning various routes to places I wanted to travel, and destinations to stop at along the way, started consuming my time! I would be staying extended time at the two condos I had already reserved- one in Alto, New Mexico and another in Sedona, Arizona.
“If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”
Steve Jobs
……and that is when the Big Picture came into focus- I was going to try and see as many National Parks as I could along the way!
Over the next two months, I watched more videos learning tricks and what gear was working well for different situations……..and I located Tristans Facebook page and joined. People from all over the world were there posting pictures and describing their experiences; what works for them/ what doesn’t. You can post a question and at least 30 people are eager to share an answer and will respond back. Link to the Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/groups/564382617485903
Preparing to ‘build out’ my Tahoe- Sleep platform, storage underneath, Tarp awning for shade/ rain protection and window covers
Christmas was now over, and 2023 was approaching. My gears were turning fast! Drawings plans for how I would arrange the back of my Tahoe for sleep, store clothing and camping supplies- a cooler, water, tarps, folding chair- was getting exciting! I started to buy items to “build” my unit and get ready for my mid March departure! I was determining to do my “build” by not removing parts of my truck- like seats, or not creating a wooden platform that would be too heavy to remove and then, have to be stored somewhere…..
The excitement of ordering supplies and going to Big Box Stores, and wandering the isles getting ideas was fun- things were starting to come together when I realized I could build a sleep platform out of plastic shelving units! Temporary- removable, could disassemble for storage, reusable! I was determined to make this solution work, and I bought a shelving unit and put it together in my basement, using each shelf side by side to create a platform- and there it was! Sleeping bag and air mattress fit on it, and clothing, shoes, bike gear could be stored underneath- now to see it fits in the back of the truck…..
Trial build in the basement
…and, it did and didn’t so much.
Uggh… Way too high, putting me with my face inches away from the roof of the truck. Sleep platform too wide- no room to put your legs over the side to dress, or move to get to other items. I was back to the drawing board!! Long story short, I got a narrower set of shelves, aligned them lengthwise creating leg room, and cut the legs off with a circular saw, creating breathing room from the Tahoe roof liner. I was well into my restructuring, then purchased a slimmer thickness sleeping mattress used for hiking, and there it was!! My set up was ready to be tested out- and it was late February and temps were in the mid 20’s! So, one night, I decided to just give it a go, and parked in my garage with my truck decked out for a trial run…. and I lasted 5 freezing hours!
Looking great!
Over the next few weeks, I fine tuned what was needed to stay warm sleeping, borrowed a battery pack as I decided I might need a heated sleeping blanket, plus charging my phone, interior and bike lights, and just making sure equipment was ready. The storage of items was well planned, and I’m thinking it might be about time to hit the road!
Packed and ready to leave. That bike cover was useless.
Happy Travels!!
NEXT BLOG: Part 2- Starting my 7,500 mile trip in my Tahoe, SUV-RVing!
*All photos are mine, unless indicated. kmphillips/ Imagine Images
How far do you have to go to explore? How far do you have to travel to feel “away”? How far must you drive to have a great adventure?
Are you willing to be a tourist in your own town?
Lansing River Trail- Popular multiuse trail, connecting multiple areas in the greater Lansing community
Wonder if I told you, going just outside your front door might be far enough? So many options available nearby, you just have to know where to look. No need of getting in your car and driving across the state! I know this blog trends about what is out there, but what is near you is impressive too. Cool stuff can be local enough to go on foot, bike or bus!
Where are the special places of your town, you have heard of, but have not experienced? How do you find such hidden gems? Start by asking your friends to give you at least 2 places they feel are unique or special they have been to, that they think you have not, and may like. An instant list will be started just asking that on your social media page.
“If I could travel the world, I would start it by visiting my home town.”
Unknown author
Mural expedition- Most of these can only be seen on foot or bike!
Think about the small business you will see for shopping and lunch- skip the chains stores and restaurants, chances are, these locations will be going out of their way for the chance to provide a great shopping and dinning experience. Is your town big enough for a welcome center? If so, might want to start there and see if they have brochures for ideas about the area, or go into a hotel and ask the front desk or concierge for ideas on where they send out of town visitors asking for points of interest. Also, consider your local team/ franchise- many play various days of the week- see if they have a game coming up or a match to go to.
Michigan Vietnam War Memorial, on the Hall of Justice promenade. Lansing, Michigan .
Searching for local activities, parks and programs available, consider the following:
Hiking at a local favorite- The Ledges Park, Grand Ledge, MI
GOOGLE– Yes, just Google the name of your city and see what happens! Chances are, there could be a list that populates within that search, making it easy to find more information related to parks, zoos, flowering gardens, boardwalks, skate parks, beaches, museums, pathways and public spaces. Start there!! More options will also be available, but if you are in a smaller town, try entering your neighboring town or city to expand the options.
WIKIPEDIA– Never know what you will find in these listings, but they usually include a description of the location and population, and offer insight to what there is to find.
Urban lavender farm- Sixteen Sprigs, Lansing, MI
PARKS AND RECREATION– City Parks and Recreation web sites offer multiple activities, including group programs such as dance, art, music- but also, free to low cost programs near you.
FACEBOOK– Yep! Join a Facebook page that is about getting to know your city or State- A lot of these are out there, and everyone seems to like to tell you about their last daytrip drive to a park or museum that may give spark to doing a visit yourself.
Night ride to Michigan State University East Lansing, MIchigan
Getting there- Once you have some ideas, consider transportation needed to get to these locations. Let’s see what transportation is available to create your best experience.
Lansing, Michigan- Silverbells in the City
WALKING: This forms of travel gets you places a car can’t get to easily.
WALKING TOURS: Walking tours and maps are available on city or library web pages. These may include botanical gardens, loops and trails.
BUS: Hop on and ride the whole route! Riding through parts of town you do not go to, now can be seen without having to drive and be distracted- and you can hop off along the way. Most bus transportation systems have routes posted on their web pages.
BIKE/ SCOOTER: Ride a bike- many cities are well prepared and have wonderful infrastructure to get you from here to there- and parking is not a real problem. Get a bike route map or try an app.
Get around town on your bike and go places cars can not!
GUIDED TOURS: Many bigger, touristy cities have scheduled tours- some narrated by locals from history clubs and service organizations, offering guided tours by transportation, where points of interest and local history are explained. I have gone on a few- here are some samples of what may be out there:
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: I tried 2 tours- One was a bus taking our conference group out over the Golden Gate Bridge to Twin Peaks and by the harbor area. The other was an open tram ride past Ghirardelli Chocolate, Lombard Street, China Town and the corner of Haight/ Ashbury. Locals that love their city narrate the tour with historical facts and information on places of interest and locations known for great eats.
Birds-eye view up Michigan Avenue from the state capitol
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Ride on the double-decker bus passing the “Welcome to Vegas” sign, riding the “strip” past the Bellagio Fountains and through the city lit up at night! When I visit, I never rent a car, it is so congested there- so I go on foot… and at times, bus and Uber it is!
SAVANNAH, GEORGIA: Open air (window coverings in cooler/ wet weather) transportation driving past the beautiful, ornate homes- some established in the early 1800’s, Forsyth Park & Fountain and the Riverfront area.
Scrapfest, Old Town, Lansing, Michigan
Guided tours are the best way to see multiple locations, with destinations blocks away from the other, without the hassle of driving yourself… plus, once you see interesting places on the tour, you know where to focus your attention and time.
Things to consider taking with you and think about traveling light!
BACK PACK/ TREASURE BAG– Foldable, for putting your treasures in!
CAMERA/ PHONE- Take your camera- take photos of buildings, flowers, signs, YOU- doing things and experiencing new places.
SNACKS/ WATER- You know what you like!
ID/ MONEY- Obviously. Also, for safety sake, alert a trusted friend or family member and let them know you are out and about- Just a safe practice.
Have you started to plan your sightseeing itinerary yet? Drop a line and let us know how your travels ’bout town are going!!
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