Travel Activities Archives - Page 9 of 105

Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes

How to Get to Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes

Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes are located in the Cloud Peak Wilderness portion of the Big Horn National Forest near Buffalo, Wyoming. The lakes are accessed via Trail #65 from the West Tensleep Trailhead.

There is a large dirt parking lot, pit toilets, and a few picnic tables at the trailhead located at the end of West Tensleep Road. West Tensleep Road is a very popular camping area. Free, designated sites line the road and are available on a first come first served basis. There are also a few basic campgrounds.

So far, the hike to Mirror Lake and Lost Twin Lakes has been my favorite of the season. It definitely earns FIVE STARS on AllTrails. Somehow, I doubt it will be topped, but I have many more hikes in Wyoming to complete.

HAPPY HIKING!

Happy Hiking: Sherd Lake Trail

Sherd Lake Trailhead is located off Circle Park Road in the Cloud Peak Wilderness of Big Horn National Forest near Buffalo, Wyoming. Normally the moderate, 3.5 mile roundtrip hike leaves from a small dirt parking area with a pit toilet.

Currently, due to all the precipitation in Wyoming, Circle Park Road is closed at the entrance gate off Highway 16. The closure adds 4.5 miles to the hike, though much of the additional distance may be covered via a connector trail after walking a mile down the road.

HAPPY HIKING!

Things to Do in Buffalo

The small town of Buffalo, Wyoming is located nine miles east of the Big Horn National Forest in Johnson County, Wyoming. It is just large enough to provide all the amenities when exploring the area. Buffalo features a historic downtown as well as a slew necessary travel businesses on Hart St which intersects with I-90.

Buffalo’s colorful history includes Indian Wars, Cattle Baron Wars, and outlaw activity. Though it might be best known as Durant in Absaroka County in the Longmire Series written by Craig Johnson, who lives on a ranch in nearby Ucross. A&E and later Netflix aired a combined six seasons of the Longmire mystery series based in Buffalo and Johnson County.

Things to Do in Buffalo

There are many things to do in Buffalo, from visiting outlaw hangouts, to fishing, camping, climbing, horseback riding, and strolling through the quaint Buffalo Historic District. Below are a few things you will find when visiting Buffalo.

EXPLORE!

Grouse Mountain Trail and Ice Caves

My first 24 hours in Wyoming were a little rough. I drove through two hailstorms. While looking for a camp spot, I got stuck in the mud and had to get a tow from some nice cowboys. And finally, Annie cut her paw and lost her brand-new bear bell on our first hike to Grouse Mountain and Ice Caves. But, after waking up to a magnificent sunrise, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and spotting deer, pronghorn, and grouse during the first two hours of my hike, I’m quickly reminded why I venture into the wilderness. #thatsWY

HAPPY HIKING!

Happy Hiking: Climax Canyon Trail

Anytime I come through Raton, New Mexico, I simply just think of it is the place to get gas between Colorado and Texas as there is a long stretch of road without facilities. Raton, in fact, has more to offer than just gas, particularly its surrounding hiking trails.

The last time I stopped near Raton for more than just gas was twelve years ago on my first road trip across the USA. I explored Sugarite Canyon State Park to the Northeast of Raton. This time, I took Annie to stretch her legs in Climax Canyon Park on the west edge of town.

HAPPY HIKING!

Epic RV Journeys: Exploring America’s Scenic Byways

Many people ask why I roam the USA, and how I pick my next destination. This guest blogger piece about exploring America’s Scenic Byways in an RV takes the words right out of my mouth. Couple these scenic drives with chasing 70 degrees, and that is how my first year-long journey across the USA began twelve years ago. What perfect timing for this article coinciding with my next road trip through Wyoming. Stay tuned!

Epic RV Journeys: Exploring America’s Scenic Byways

The sensation of having the open road beneath your wheels, the comfort of having your own mobile living space, and the joy of uncovering the hidden gems of America; are the life of an RV traveler. It’s a lifestyle that many have encapsulated as the epitome of freedom. This isn’t just about seeing America; it’s about experiencing America in the most intimate and personal way.

And when you explore America’s scenic byways, the journey becomes the destination. Life on the road is truly an art; every journey is a unique masterpiece. The thrill of the new, the charm of the unexpected, and the delight of returning to your familiar yet always surprising sanctuary on wheels are the symphony of the RV traveler’s soul. It’s about immersing yourself in America’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and charming small towns, painting memories with every mile.

So, as you embark on your next adventure, remember – it’s not just about where the road takes you, but also about the stories you weave, the connections you make, and the horizons you broaden along the way. Buckle up, rev that engine, and prepare to fall in love with every twist and turn of America’s picturesque byways. With the freedom of the open road and the comfort of your RV, the world is truly your oyster.

HIT THE ROAD!

Top Things to Do in Dominica

Dominica is the youngest island of the Lesser Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean. With its lush, mountainous rainforest and variety of a rare flora and fauna, Dominica calls itself the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Adventure awaits those who visit the 290 square mile island. Below are some top things to do in Dominica.

History of Dominica

But first, lets it explore its history, because that will explain why the culture leans French, but the driving is English style on the left side of the road!

Dominica was first settled by the Arawak in the 5^th century. They were later displaced by the Kalinago in the 15^th century. Christopher Columbus sailed by the island on a Sunday in 1493, and as a result called it Dominica, latin for Sunday.

The Spanish had little success colonizing Dominica. Consequently, the French claimed it in 1632, though they did not establish a permanent settlement until 1690 when woodcutters from the neighboring French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe began harvesting trees.

The French ceded Dominica to Great Britain in 1783 under the Treaty of Paris after losing the Seven Years’ War. For nearly the next 200 years, the British ruled Dominica until it granted the island independence in 1978.

Despite the more recent and longer reign of the British, the culture is predominately French Creole, though Dominica’s official language is English.

Today, Dominica draws global interest not only for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes but also for the Dominica citizenship by investment. Launched in 1993, this initiative allows individuals and their families to gain citizenship in Dominica by making an economic contribution to the nation.

EXPLORE!

Places to Eat in Dominica

Have you worked up an appetite after hiking to Boiling Lake or SCUBA diving in Dominica. Fear not, there are many excellent places to eat in Dominica. The water is drinkable, the food is fresh, and there is quite a variety from local cuisine to fancy French. Just beware that most places are closed on Sunday and Monday, so plan accordingly.

Below is a list of places to eat in Roseau that we enjoyed while visiting, some popular among the locals and some catering to the tourists.

SIP AND SAVOR!

Diving Dominica

Dominica is one of the best places to dive in the Caribbean. Known as the nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica features a variety of dive sites. Its underwater topography mirrors the dramatic landscape above. Canyons, pinnacles, and steep walls of pristine corals and sponges provide homes to magnificent marine life. Seahorses, frogfish, electric rays, eels, and turtles are just a few of the special underwater creatures found at the dive sites in Dominica. There are even underwater hot springs!

The SCUBA diving in Dominica takes place in three marine reserves. The marine section of Cabrits National Park is located in the north, the Salisbury Marine Reserve is on the west coast, and the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve is in the south.

GO DIVING!

Hike to Boiling Lake

Those who know me, know I have logged countless hours hiking from my daily, morning walks along the Northshore of Lake Grapevine, to 486 miles of the Colorado Trail, to numerous “14ers” which are all considered hard due their 14,000 feet in altitude. The hike to Boiling Lake in Dominica, the second largest in the world, ranks as one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever completed. It is also harder than you’d expect for a trail topping out at 3,243 feet.

After reading some reviews on AllTrails as well as a few bloggers’ descriptions, I expected to being slogging through ankle deep mud and forging knee-deep rivers like the Crested Butte to Aspen Hike in Colorado, but fortunately the hike to Boiling Lake was not that bad.

That said, with all the ups and downs, the 8.1 hike to Boiling Lake gains a decent amount of elevation along some steep 39% grades similar to hikes in Vail, Colorado. Also, many times, the hike requires short scrambles with 3 to 4 points of contact. Additionally hot temperatures and high humidity as well as slick terrain from daily rains can make the trek daunting, relative to most island hikes. Good shoes are a must!

HAPPY HIKING!