Adventure Travel Photography Blog
During an overnight visit to Sarasota, I was looking for a nearby, natural setting to walk my dog, since most beaches in Florida are not dog friendly. Google Maps showed a place called Celery Fields Park a short drive away.
It seemed like an odd name for a park, so I decided to check it out. I’m not sure why it piqued my interest so much, as I can’t stand the taste of celery. Just hearing the word gives me shivers!
EXPLORE!
The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a 110-mile linear park which spans from the Gulf of Mexico to St John’s River. It’s 70,000 acres features 300 miles of trails for paddling, biking, hiking, horseback riding and multi-use activities.
HAPPY HIKING!
Maryland has a bunch of fantastic towns and cities to visit, but one thing that’s not always celebrated about this state is its nature! Even the fully paid-up members of the city slicker club will struggle to resist the charms of Maryland’s natural beauty. There’s birdwatching, hiking, boating, exploring, and a little bit of eating thrown in for good measure. So, if you’re in the mood to get some of that fresh air in your lungs then look no further.
EXPLORE!
Spending a long weekend in Philadelphia doesn’t just mean the opportunity to take plenty of great photos but is a chance for you to experience a place that has a distinct role in American history. If you’re looking for a long weekend, Philadelphia provides a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and more than a few culinary delights. So, here is a little guide to help you make the most of your time:
EXPLORE!
Adventurous travelers need exhilarating destinations that can cater to their high-octane demands. Fortunately, across the United States of America, there are endless opportunities to enjoy thrill-a-minute vacations that will take your breath away. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, water sports connoisseur or are just looking to try something new, here are three of the best Stateside destinations to keep in mind when adventure calls.
It had been many years since I had visited Gatlinburg during my road trip across the USA. I finally returned to see the synchronous fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The spectacular light show only took one night, so my friends and I found many other things to do in Gatlinburg for our three day June getaway.
Gatlinburg is a small mountain town in eastern Tennessee with a population of approximately 3,500. The popular vacation resort town is known as the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the United States.
EXPLORE!
The Alum Cave Trail is an extremely popular hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is located 11 miles southeast of Gatlinburg and the drive on curvy scenic roads in the parks takes about 30 minutes.
Due to its popularity, the parking area at the trailhead fills up by 7am. If you are not an early riser, you can go around 2pm to get a spot as the parking lot clears once the early birds finish up.
HAPPY HIKING!
Synchronous fireflies are a species of lightning bugs that blink synchronously during their mating ritual. There are only a few places in the world to see synchronous fireflies, and one such place are the Jake’s Creek and Little River Trailheads near Elkmont Campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Every year around the third week of May to the third week of June, depending on the temperature and soil moisture, the synchronous fireflies mate for 2-3 weeks. During this period, the males fly around flashing in unison while trying to attract females that remain stationary on the ground. The females return their signal, and the males fly down to mate, sometimes fighting with others.
LOOK INTO THE LIGHT!
Well, it had been thirteen years since I last visited Carlsbad Caverns National Park as part of my year long road trip around the USA. My first visit was in haste because I wasn’t sure I was allowed to leave my dog Petey in VANilla and didn’t want to break the rules on Federal property.
My second visit to Carlsbad Caverns National Park came after spending three days in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Without my crazy dog Annie in tow, I had a more leisurely visit.
I stopped in the Visitors Center in the late afternoon as the tours were ending to find out about the bats and the following day tour options. I learned in late April, I didn’t need a reservation for bat viewing or a cave tour if I came first thing in the morning. That said, I should have purchased the tickets the prior afternoon when there was hardly a line!
DESCEND INTO DARKNESS!
McKittrick Canyon Trail is a popular hike in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. As the name suggests, it is located in the McKittrick Canyon Area of the park whose gates are open between 8 am and 5 pm MOUNTAIN time. Mountain is capitalized because there is a chance your watch is wrong!
With limited hours and hot temperatures in the summer, I recommend hiking the McKittrick Canyon Trail in the spring or fall since early starts are not possible.
With two historic cabins, a grotto, the notch, and ridge, the challenging 21.3 out-and-back trail affords hikers many options. During my visit, I hiked only 7 miles which highlights the Pratt Cabin, the grotto, and the Hunter Line Shack.
HAPPY HIKING!