ROAD TRIP: WISCONSIN TO YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (Part 1 )

                                                

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in the US state of Wyoming, is a place of unparalleled beauty and stunning natural wonders. It is a destination that offers something for everyone, making it an ideal choice for a family vacation. Recently, my family embarked on an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone, and it exceeded all our expectations.

A road trip is an exhilarating way to explore new places and create lasting memories. Our journey from Wisconsin to Yellowstone National Park included stops at Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Red Lodge Montana, breathtaking Bear Tooth Pass, and a few quirky places in between. Our hope is that we inspire you to embark on your own adventure.

Bayfield Ice Caves

 

Bayfield, Wisconsin is home to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Under the right conditions, the beautiful mainland sandstone sea caves are turned into stunning ice caves in the winter by the wave action of Lake Superior.

Mammoth Cave National Park

EXPLORATION OF MAMMOTH CAVE

This past summer I had the opportunity to take a course that has been on my bucket list for sometime. Exploration of Mammoth Cave is a Karst Field Studies course offered through Western Kentucky University. This five day course covers the history, explorers, cave wars and discoveries of the World’s Longest Cave. Participants spend 6-8 hours a day underground exploring undeveloped passages and tourist trails that have been closed or never opened after construction.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Plitvice (PLEET-veet-seh) Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest National Park in Croatia. It includes 16 turquoise colored lakes, joined by hundreds (at least it seemed like that number!) of waterfalls that run through a karst landscape (in other words, limestone and caves...lol). Walkways and hiking trails wind around and across the water: an electric boat links the upper and lower lakes.

Ireland

 

Ireland had never really been on our radar, but it WAS on the radar of our besties, so to Ireland we would go! When we began planning our trip, we discussed in great detail the type of tour we wanted to do and, being a group that likes to be On Adventure we decided on a tour, but not just an ordinary tour. While a big ole coach bus would get us to the typical sites, which we wanted to see, but we wanted to see and do some things that weren’t as typical on a tour and do that in an active way. Chosen by National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2013 as one of the Top 50 Tours of a lifetime, the Vagabond 8 Day Wild Irish Rover Tour was the tour we ultimately selected and it did not disappoint!

Desert Hikes

 

During our visit to Indio, California we had to get some hiking in, there are so many opportunities in the mountains, the desert and just outside of town. So we narrowed it down to three hikes during our stay, "The Slot" in Anza-Borrego State Park, East Indio Hills Badlands and Tahquitz Canyon. Each of theses hikes has its challenges but all  three are so incredible beautiful and scenic you won't want to miss them.

As always be prepared wear sturdy hiking boots, bring plenty of water and snacks, sunscreen, first aid supplies and let your friends or family know where you are going and when you expect to return. Finally, check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately and make an informed decision on whether to enter a slot canyon. Flash floods can be deadly if there is rain in the forecast or miles away, save the hike for another day.

Desert Art

Winter in Wisconsin was getting old so we decided to jump in the car and head west, no pulling the teardrop RV as it was buried in snow, we would be staying with friends this time. Four days and seven states later we arrived in Southern California. There is a lot of desert, mountains and canyons to explore in the Palm Spring area, so exploring we went. First stop the town of Borrego Springs, located approximately 86 miles south of Palm Springs. 

SEDONA, ARIZONA

Stop five of our epic southwest road trip, with our teardrop trailer, was Sedona, Arizona. From Williams we headed east on I-40 towards Flagstaff to south AZ- 89A. This hour and and a quarter drive takes you through Oak Creek Canyon. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular scenic drive of switchbacks descending the canyon river gorge. Please keep your eyes on the road as traffic can slow down near Slide Rock State Park and at trailheads. If you are pulling a big rig or are not very confident towing through switchbacks you can stay on I-17 south and come through Oak Creek to Sedona. Traveling in this direction will take an hour and a half. Definitely, come back and drive this National Scenic Byway once you settle into a campsite and unhitch your trailer.

Grand Canyon South Rim and Williams, Arizona

 

From Page, Arizona we headed south on US-89 towards Flagstaff, then west on US-40 to Williams. Williams is the gateway to Grand Canyon National Park and home to the Grand Canyon Railway. It is also the last town on Historic Route 66 to be bypassed by US-40, which occurred in 1984.

PAGE, ARIZONA

Stop three of our epic southwest road trip was Page, Arizona. Page is located on the border of Arizona and Utah and a stones throw from the south shore of Lake Powell. It is an easy two hour drive from Monument Valley, via US-163 and US-98. Page is fast becoming an outdoor enthusiasts playground like Moab, Utah. Page offers water sports, hiking, slot canyons, breathtaking scenery and even a golf course. Established in 1957 as a work camp during the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam, the town consisted of housing and "church row," the highest concentration of churches per mile in the world. Workers back then and visitors today can choose from 12 different denominations.

MONUMENT VALLEY AND BEYOND

Monument Valley was our second stop on our epic southwest road trip through Utah, Arizona and onto Southern California. The drive from Moab to Monument Valley is just under three hours via US-191S and US-163S. On the way you will pass beautiful Wilson Arch and Mexican Hat Rock. We enjoyed Navajo Tacos at Twin Rocks Cafe in Bluff, Utah. If you are pulling an RV, like we were, there is plenty of parking for your rig. Don't forget to stop at Mile Marker 13 to snap a picture of the spot where Forrest Gump stopped his run, in the movie of the same name. So you can get that perfect shot, pull-outs are available on both sides of the road. Don't forget to look for traffic before stepping out!

MOAB, UTAH

 

Moab, Utah is know for it's amazing red rock formations, hiking, biking and off-roading opportunities as well as its proximity to Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Additionally, three National Parks ( Zion, Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef ), beautiful State Parks and several National Monuments are a day-trip away.

Asheville, North Carolina

 

Asheville located in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful city with plenty for the outdoor enthusiast to do. From driving the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Downtown Art District this beautiful city has something for everyone.

BOND FALLS

 

Bond Falls Scenic Site is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is 4 miles east of Paulding, MI on US-45.  If you prefer GPS coordinates: N46° 24.528', W089° 7.974' 

MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK AND FERN DELL GORGE

Mirror Lake State Park is located in the Wisconsin Dells (#waterparkcapitaloftheworld) area off of Interstate 90/94. When heading to Mirror Lake State Park, I always look forward to the bridge on the Interstate that crosses Mirror Lake. As you drive by, you get a glimpse down the sandstone bluffs to the serene lake far below. 

CAVE POINT COUNTY PARK DOOR COUNTY, WI

During our weekend getaway to Door County, WI we stopped at Cave Point County Park and were treated to spectacular frozen cliffs and ice-covered foliage! Cave Point County Park is located off of State Highway 57, right next to Whitefish Dunes State Park. To get there take State Highway 57 northeast from Sturgeon Bay roughly 10 miles, at Clark Lake Rd turn right and then go approximately 3.5 miles and look for the sign to Cave Point.  When you hit the fork in the road, Whitefish Dunes State Park will be to the right and Cave Point will be straight ahead. A fee is not required to visit or park at this gem. Restrooms are also available to the visitors.

WITCHES GULCH WISCONSIN DELLS

Slot canyons in Wisconsin?? Yes!! Wisconsin is not Utah but we proudly boast about two slot canyons. Witches Gulch and Cold Water Canyon are both located in the Water Park Capital of the World, the Wisconsin Dells. Before the water parks became the major attraction of the Dells, it was renown for its natural beauty. H.H. Bennett made the Dells famous with his landscape photograph and if you venture past the waterparks and shops you can enjoy the same beauty he photographed.

FONFEREK'S GLEN LEDGEVIEW, WI

Fonferek's Glen is located in the Town of Ledgeview, WI and is part of the Brown County Park System. This gem can be found just south of Green Bay, WI off of I-43. Exit at County MM and head west. Take MM to Memory Lane. Turn right into the parking area. 

CHERNEY MARIBEL CAVES COUNTY PARK

Cherney Maribel Caves County Park offers caves, crevices and hiking trails. The park is located in Maribel, Wisconsin off of I-43 North, south of Green Bay. Take I-43 North to exit 164, turn right on WI-147, turn left on the first cross street - N. Parker Dr. Watch for the park sign on the right.

The Wisconsin Speleological Society (WSS) has worked in the park for a number of years to restore the caves by removing the glacial sediment from the cave passages. The WSS also offers cave tours through Maribel New Hope Cave and the Tartarus Cave system, which includes Tunnel Passage, Split  Rock Cave and Staircase Cave. These caves are gated to protect cave formations and bats. Smaller caves are located along the bluff and are a great way to introduce children to caving. Bring flashlights, knee pads and I recommend a hard hat. Public Tours of  the gated caves occur every 3rd Sunday from May to October from 9am-3pm.

COVACURE TREKKING POLES GEAR REVIEW

The two of us love to hike but we both have some minor knee issues - old sports injuries - so we thought we would give trekking poles a try. After reading a ton of reviews and comparing prices we settled on Covacure trekking poles. The lifetime guarantee, carrying case and free replacement service for the removable rubber tips and snow/mud baskets sealed the deal (it also helped that the poles are almost the same color as our Jeep!). The carbide tips under the rubber tips are replaceable if you wear them out, use them on snow and ice with the snow baskets.

These poles are made of light weight carbon fiber and are very sturdy and easy to adjust. The measurements on the poles help you adjust them to the right fit every time. Adjustable gripping straps prevent you from dropping the poles and keep your hands in a comfortable position.

Our hiking adventures have included water crossings, slippery rocks, muddy trails, dry creek beds, leaf covered forest floors, and sand and snow. The removable rubber tips allow you to use these poles on a variety of terrains.