The Perfect Time for an RV Trip to Acadia National Park

Monty June 19, 2013
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Picture of an Acadia National Park SignTraveling to Maine is a pleasure in itself, with gorgeous coastal scenery and historical sites to visit. But the best destination in Maine for those who love nature is Acadia National Park. This is a park situated on beautiful islands on the coast, with hundreds of species of birds, a wide variety of wildlife and plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family. This time of year is the very best time to visit, too!

You can explore the rugged coastline and the forests by taking the Park Loop Road. This is twenty-seven miles of incredible scenery and peaceful tranquility. You can then choose a park campground to stay in. There are two which accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Or you can park your RV in Bar Harbor at Hadley’s Point Campground and enjoy the quiet location and convenience of this lovely campground.

Acadia boasts some wonderful museums if you want to get some history education into your vacation. The Islesford Historical Museum is on Little Cranberry Island. This is a spot where you can learn the fascinating story of this island and its people. The Abbe Museum is in the Sieur de Monts Spring area and you won’t want to miss the exhibits there. You also don’t want to miss the main museum in downtown Bar Harbor.

Picture of the View From the Top of Cadillac Mountain

View From the Top of Cadillac Mountain

While in the Sieur de Monts Spring area you should stop at the Wild Gardens of Acadia. These gardens are open all year and will enthrall you with the many native species on display. The fact that it is free is an added bonus. Then head for Cadillac Mountain for some outdoor fun. This is the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard, rising 1,530 feet above sea level and overlooking Bar Harbor.

More fun awaits you in the park, with ponds and lakes for fishing and more than 120 miles of hiking trails. You will definitely want to get out into the forest. The best hikes are found on some of the carriage roads but you may want to take more strenuous trails. The Cadillac North Ridge Trail is four miles out and back and of moderate difficulty. The Cadillac South Ridge Trail is more strenuous and is 7 miles round trip.

Picture of Bass Harbor Head Light

Bass Harbor Head Light

If you love to visit lighthouses, you will find Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse offers magnificent views. You’ll discover the short hiking trails close by where you can get some exercise. Mount Desert Island is a wonderful place to spend some time while at Acadia National Park. Breathe in that fresh sea air and let your imagination do the rest.

Picture of the Shore Path in Bar Harbor Maine

The Shore Path

 

Bar Harbor is nearby and is well worth a visit. Spend some time in this quaint Maine town, grab a lobster dinner and relax. Once recovered from your earlier adventures in Acadia, you may take the Bar Harbor Shore Path. This is a short hike where you’ll get some great views of the harbor and island, as well as experience what Maine is all about.

This Acadia adventure gave you everything a vacation can be expected to provide – lovely scenery, a unique nature experience, historic sites and a new look at our lovely land. Come back another time for more!

Picture credits: All pictures are courtesy of Travel New England.

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Take an RV Trip over Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Monty June 17, 2013
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Picture of St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park

A trip to Glacier National Park offers the awe-inspiring beauty you have always dreamed of in a refreshing and unique vacation. Traveling in an RV to this wonderland of peaks and meadows is the perfect getaway for the whole family this summer. Wildlife is abundant, wooded slopes invite you into their depths for a nature hike and the fresh air stimulates and excites as nothing else can.

It is the Going-to-the-Sun Road that is the true adventure in a Glacier National Park trip. You get 50 miles of absolute gorgeous vistas and diverse landscapes. Lakes, glaciers, mountains’ majesty – the sights never stop. Glimpsing the mountain goats and bighorn sheep is a real thrill. You can’t forget your camera on this trip or you’ll end up buying another so you won’t miss a shot.

St. Mary Lake graces St. Mary Valley and you will want to stop and view Virginia Falls while here. The region around this lake has been the home of Native Americans for centuries. Stop at the St. Mary Visitor Center and get more education about the tribes who lived here and those that still exist. Many award-winning and amazingly varied performances happen at the visitor center throughout the summer.

You will find one of the Glacier National Park campgrounds will be just the place for you to make your base of operations while visiting the park. Different campgrounds take different lengths of RV motorhomes, so you can choose depending on the length of yours. The campground that takes the longest RVs is Apgar, accommodating those up to 40 feet long.

Of course, the park is named for the numerous glaciers here, and these glaciers are what formed the park as you see it now. They carved the bowls and created the moraines of today. The very heart of the park is at Many Glacier where you can get up close and see these magnificent wonders of nature.

If you want to get out and hike, Chief Mountain is the place to do it! Some of the trails are pretty strenuous, but you will find some are not so tough. To get to the mountain, you will have to cross Blackfeet land. There are tribal regulations in place, so be sure to find out what they are before you embark.

One breathtaking view after another is available at Logan Pass. This is the highest point in the park and you will most certainly want to make it to the top. The meadows are blooming with lovely wildflowers and you may even glimpse a grizzly bear. Two great trails are in the area that you can hike – the Hidden Lake and the Highline trails.

The largest lake in Glacier National Park is Lake McDonald. You will find plenty of outdoor fun at this lake, particularly hiking. The best trails here are the Trail of the Cedars and the Avalanche Lake Trail. Once you enjoy the spectacular views you can move on along Going-to-the-Sun Road to the end, but your trip will never end because you’ll carry memories of it with you forever.

Picture credits: The picture of St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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An RV Adventure along the Salmon River on a Scenic Trip

Monty June 14, 2013
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Picture of the Salmon River

The Salmon River

An RV trip along the Salmon River provides an excellent vacation, a way to enjoy the Salmon River Scenic Route in a unique manner. You will be creating a vacation to remember. And this is the perfect time of year to travel this gorgeous byway, too. June is a great time to move along this river road and gaze out into the wilderness to enjoy watching the wildlife. You can carefully navigate the two-lane road and find the peace that only the Idaho backcountry can provide.

Begin your adventure in Stanley, Idaho. This is a mecca for outdoor recreation, such as rafting, biking, horseback riding and fishing. The community is filled with friendly folk who will answer your questions and point you to the best eateries. Here you will also find guides if you wish a guided fishing trip or other exciting excursions.

You will take Idaho 75 out of Stanley and head for the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park to visit a special place where history comes alive. Naturally, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside in the forest and find recreational fun. Don’t forget to stop at the Custer Historic Mining Town, a ghost town within the historic area. There are a number of buildings from the mining era. Stop in the gift shop and pick up some mementos.

Another sight to see is the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center. Try your luck at the gold panning station and enjoy the many museum exhibits. You can really get the feel of earlier times when you watch the audiovisual programs offered. Those of all ages enjoy those! Not far away you can also visit the Challis Bison Jump Site which is a fascinating place indeed.

When you reach Challis, Idaho you may want to stay awhile. More outdoor adventures await! Fishing is marvelous and the clear and flowing Snake River gives you the ideal fishing environment. You can take off and hike to the higher mountain lakes if you desire, or you can fish right near town. Hook some cutthroat, brook or rainbow trout. Challis is also a birding paradise and you’ll see sandhill cranes along the river and watch as bald eagles fish the cold waters. The Pioneer RV Park in Challis is the ideal place to stay while you visit. They have lots of space and full hookups.

In Salmon, Idaho, stop at the Lemhi County Historical Museum. Get a new understanding of the American West as you tour the museum and see the numerous artifacts. You will get tastes of the Shoshone culture, the gold mining days and aspects of ranching in this area. There are a number of photos coming from the Chinese people who arrived here when gold was discovered.

The Tower Rock Recreation Site should come next on your itinerary. This is where Lewis and Clark camped and you may feel their spirits in the forest greenery and the blue skies above. Trout fishing is great here and you can catch steelhead and trout. You will even find RV sites, and although there are no hookups, it is an amazing place to camp in an RV.

A must-see is the Tower Creek Pyramids, a site that Lewis and Clark visited in the early 1800s. The geological formations viewed by Clark were spelled “pirimids” in his journal. Sit on the banks of Tower Creek and have a picnic. This is a spot to shed all cares and get back to nature.

William Clark’s Reconnaissance is a three-paneled interpretive sign along the byway. You will find it fascinating to stop and read the history of Clark’s observations and what the Down River Reconnaissance was all about. Even though you are nearing the end of this adventure, sometimes the beauty of the area takes you suddenly by surprise and you think seriously about moving here.

The final stop on this trip is the Lost Trail Pass which is located at the far north end of this wonderful Salmon River Scenic Byway. This is right on the Montana border and soars 6,995 feet above sea level. Spectacular views of rocky cliffs and forested hills make this a place to stay for a little while and enjoy.

This scenic route offers so much in the way of beauty and the presentation of some of the natural wonders of our world. To experience it all again, drive back the way you came for a new viewpoint. And come back soon to do it all over again.

Picture credits: The picture of the Salmon River is by Fredlyfish4 at the English language Wikipedia. It is from the Wikimedia Commons and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Take a Thrilling RV Trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Monty June 12, 2013
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Picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall

Blue Ridge Parkway in the Fall

North Carolina and Virginia offer some gorgeous sights for the RV vacationer. The best route for enjoying the views is the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is really no better way to experience these Eastern forests, mountains and blooming flowers. Attractions are numerous and just waiting for your visit.

Traveling north on the byway begins in Asheville, North Carolina. Tour the art community and discover some amazing history by seeing the Biltmore Estate, a 250-room French Renaissance chateau. And if you love to wander garden trails go over to the North Carolina Arboretum. You will see a bonsai collection there that will have you yearning to learn that art.

Take your time as you head north on the parkway. The overlooks allow you to gaze out on the diverse landscapes of the Great Smoky Mountains. When you reach Spruce Pine, North Carolina, stop at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals to look over the hundreds of minerals and gems that were found in this area. Kids with you? They will love the interactive displays at this museum, but so will the grownups.

You will most certainly want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while here. The outdoor recreation in this park has no equal anywhere else. The rushing rivers and panoramic views serve to remind us of the fragility of our natural world and urge us to get out and enjoy it anytime we have the chance. You can hike, bike and fish here until your heart’s content.

Take a guided tour of the Linville Caverns when you reach Marion, North Carolina on your journey. This is an attraction you won’t want to pass up as you are getting the unique opportunity to explore the inside of a mountain! Then you will continue on into Virginia to stop at the Natural Bridge. Hike the Cedar Creek Nature Trail. Be sure to begin conversation with the staff at Monacan Indian Village to find out what life was like here more than 300 years ago.

You will find all kinds of options for RV camping as you travel the Blue Ridge Parkway. Plan ahead and scope out where you’ll stay as you move south to north. Each RV park is unique and all have great amenities.

The best time of all awaits you in Shenandoah National Park. Take Skyline Drive for some breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss any one of the incredible overlooks. And don’t forget your camera! Cascading waterfalls in the park are a favorite and many come just to see them.

There is really no end to all the outdoor recreation, marvelous wilderness views and wildlife you can enjoy in Shenandoah National Park. You would think that this is the perfect ending for a perfect vacation. However, one more thrill is ahead. In Front Royal, you can stop to get a guided tour of the Skyline Caverns. This has been a wonderful adventure and you are welcome back again any time for a fun RV vacation.

Picture credits: The picture of the Blue Ridge Parkway is by the National Park Service.

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A Spring Adventure to North Carolina Outer Banks

Monty June 10, 2013
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Picture of the Outer Banks from Space

NASA Picture of the Outer Banks

A wonderful adventure for those who love the ocean, history, cultural exhibits, and gardens – the list goes on. An RV vacation to the North Carolina Outer Banks provides it all. Relax to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean pounding the shore, the quiet nights and the calm sunny days. The northern beaches of the coast and the fascinating islands all give a visitor an experience that can be found in no other place. RV Camping is plentiful, too, on the Outer Banks, and you have a wide choice of campgrounds that will accommodate RV motorhomes.

The outdoors enthusiast will love checking out Cape Hatteras National Seashore. You can beachcomb for shells of incredible variety, birding is the best, and paddling the inlets is an opportunity to see all sorts of wildlife. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is a must-see while you are here. You can climb to the top if you are ready for an extremely strenuous climb, much like climbing the stairs in a twelve-story building. Within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore you’ll find four campgrounds, all accommodating RV motorhomes.

Learning about wildlife is always a great thing, and you can find out so much about our natural world at the Outer Banks wildlife refuges. At Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge in Nags Head, you can wander the trails and see upland, wading and shore birds. Salt Flats Trail and North Pond Wildlife Trail are ideal to get into the natural environment and watch wildlife in their normal habitat. Would you like to see larger wildlife? At Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge you may spot some black bears, wolves and you will definitely see some alligators.

Picture of Jockey's Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is a wonderful destination for hiking on some self-guided trails. You can witness some of the tallest sand dunes in the U.S. here. A wonderful place to get away from it all! Try your hand at hang gliding here as well! Now is your chance! Kite fliers, here is the ideal place to practice your hobby!

The Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods Preserve is a maritime forest where you can hike on a trail that fits your level of ability. There are hikes that are easy and some that are strenuous. Choose the best one for you. This barrier island contains some unusual animal and plant life. Then be sure to stop at the Wright Brothers National Memorial to discover where Wilber and Orville Wright had their first successful flight. At the visitor center you can see some historic displays and other exhibits and educational movies.

The Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is one spot that visitors make it a point to see when traveling the North Carolina Outer Banks. At the north end of Roanoke Island, this park illuminates the early drama of the Lost Colony, and you will love to see all the many sights available here. The mystery of these lost colonists is still not solved, but perhaps you may get an idea as you tour this park.

Explore Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo if you love the Elizabethan period, or even if you don’t really know what that is. This 16th century garden commemorates the lost colonists. In fact, this is where those colonists lived before they disappeared forever. Enjoy the beautiful camellias, hydrangeas and other native plants.

Now for a unique time at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This is a family attraction which lies on the island and provides a view into what life was like for the early settlers. Be sure to see the Island Adventure Museum and the Elizabeth II sailing vessel which shows how those settlers traveled to this land. The ship is a representation of one of the seven ships that traveled from England to the New World in the late 1500s.

Another fascinating attraction is the George Washington Creek Boat Shop, a working boat shop where you can see for yourself how boat construction is accomplished. You must also stop by the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and gaze out to sea as the early light keepers did so long ago.

An RV trip along the Outer Banks is certainly something to experience. It is an adventure those of all ages can enjoy. The sparkling Atlantic Ocean, the sandy beaches and crashing waves are only one small part of North Carolina’s coastal wonders. You will want to come back again to enjoy all the Outer Banks has to offer.

Picture credits: The picture of the Outer Banks is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain. The picture of Jockey’s Ridge State Park is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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Travel to San Bernardino for an RV Vacation Experience

Monty June 7, 2013
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Picture of Lake Arrowhead in San Bernardino County, CA

Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County, CA

An RV vacation this spring or summer to San Bernardino offers a lot of outdoor fun as well as many activities for city lovers. Right in the heart of Southern California, San Bernardino is a wonderful destination for those who want to do and see it all. Plenty of RV camping in the area too! You might wish to try San Bernardino RV Park as it is close to everything and has beautiful views as well as all the amenities you could want.

When you are settled and ready to see some of the sights around the town, you can head over to the Heritage House for a historic tour of this gorgeous Victorian home. Then over to the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art for a look at beautiful works of art! Perhaps you never dreamed you would see Egyptian artifacts right here in Southern California, but here they are! The San Bernardino History & Railroad Museum will also provide a unique view at some of the history of this region.

Evenings hold a special meaning when you attend the California Theatre of Performing Arts. This theatre started out as a vaudeville movie palace in the early 1900s, and now has an incredible array of shows for all ages. Want to try your hand at some gaming fun? Go to the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino and join millions of others who enjoy the games, service and entertainment.

Of course, coming to Southern California means plenty of recreational opportunities, and San Bernardino lacks nothing in this arena. The Santa Ana River Trail is the area’s longest trail, taking you through diverse landscapes. Bike the path and discover the beauty of urban parks, willow forests and river views. Hiking along this trail is perfect for some quiet time. Birders love to watch the feathered creatures who make their home along this corridor.

The San Bernardino National Forest is nearby and this is the place where you can really get out into nature and take it all in. If you have brought along your off-highway vehicle, you will find plenty of places to ride. Horseback riding, hiking, bicycling – whatever you choose will work in this forestland! Lake Arrowhead is located here, and since it is called the “Alps of Southern California,” you can imagine the outdoor fun that awaits you here. There are miles of trails around the lake, and you can also get out on the water to soak up some sun.

Nobody wants to miss visiting Big Bear when it is so close. The weather is cooler up here and wildlife is abundant. Wander around town and pick up a few gifts for friends, then hike among the pines. The mountain air is invigorating and the scenery is inspiring. Big Bear Lake is one attraction which lives up to its promise. Fishing here is addictive. Catch some bass, catfish or trout.

This is one vacation you won’t want to pass up. It is a real RV adventure and a getaway you won’t forget.

Picture credits: The picture of Lake Arrowhead is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Tour Some Texas State Parks for a Unique RV Vacation

Monty June 5, 2013
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Picture of the Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park

The Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park

Just south of the Dallas / Fort Worth area, you can enjoy a short tour of some Texas State Parks for an interesting and unique RV vacation. Outdoor recreation in abundance, plenty of wildlife and lots of sights you will see no place else – this is what this tour is going to offer you. There are numerous RV parks in the area.

If traveling south from Fort Worth, your first stop can be in Acton, Texas at the smallest state park in Texas, the Acton State Historic Site. This is the grave site of Davy Crockett’s second wife and two of her children. Then head south to Dinosaur Valley State Park. You may want to begin by making a home base at Tres Rios RV Park in Glen Rose. Here you will be close to these first few Texas destinations and have three lovely Texas rivers converging at the southern point of the RV park, providing fishing, boating, rafting and swimming.

At Dinosaur Valley State Park you can see dinosaur tracks, models of the huge monsters that ranged our planet millions of years ago and you can find some outdoor fun here too. Swim or fish in the river, picnic or go horseback riding. Additionally, you can download a smartphone app for the park and the Glen Rose area for free. This is how to get a real-time tour and learn of all the points of interest in the area.

Next stop will be the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, further south on your tour route. Stop at the admissions center, get some feed and start your journey into the wildlife arena. You will drive on a 9.5-mile scenic drive to experience the wildlife up close and personal. Watch the zebra, deer and antelope wandering their pastures and forests. Enjoy your own personal safari. Exotic and endangered species are in abundance.

Next head northeast to visit Cleburne State Park. If you brought your mountain bike, you will find more than five miles of trails that offer amazing scenery. The trails can be challenging, so beware! Cedar Lake is the perfect place to fish or boat. Ranger programs are available as well, where you will learn a lot about this region. Another favorite pastime here is birding. There is a long list of birds to view and identify.

Now south again to Lake Whitney State Park! Water sports here attract people from all over. Activities include boating, fishing, scuba diving and water skiing. Of course, the area also boasts hiking, picnicking, and lots of fascinating nature study opportunities. If you are here on the first Saturday in June, you can witness (or your kids can take part in) the annual youth fishing tournament. Wildlife you may see: foxes, deer, bobcats and coyotes.

The last stop will be to the west at Meridian State Park with more boating and swimming. Hike around Lake Meridian and see fossils in the rock outcroppings. Once done here, you may want to head home, but you should be sure not to miss the famous Six Flags over Texas, right up there between Fort Worth and Dallas in Arlington. All the rides, entertainment and events will be the perfect ending to a perfect RV vacation.

Picture credits: The picture of the Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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Travel to Lake Havasu for a Unique RV Vacation

Monty June 3, 2013
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Picture of Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu also Showing Lake Havasu City

Arizona is a vacation paradise and Lake Havasu is no exception. With beaches, boating, fishing, hiking, and so many more outdoor recreational opportunities, Lake Havasu is a perfect destination for a wonderful RV vacation. Getting away from it all takes on new meaning in this memorable spot. There is something for each member of the family to fill the days with simple pleasures.

Lake Havasu City alone is a playground to stimulate your imagination. The sun shines almost every day of the year, and you’ll find nightlife relaxes you after a day of adventures in the sun. Sitting right on the edge of the Colorado River, Lake Havasu City offers one of the loveliest locations for a spring and summer vacation.

Make your home base the Havasu Falls RV Resort with lovely facilities and plenty of amenities. There are full hookups and free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected to friends and family at home. Sit overlooking the lake for a very comfortable place to make your home away from home. Chow down with the family at the barbecues. You are certain to make new friends here as it is a real community with like-minded people.

Picture of London Bridge

London Bridge

One of the most popular sights in Lake Havasu City is the London Bridge. You often hear jokes about someone buying the London Bridge (the one in England). Lake Havasu’s founder really did buy London Bridge – the real one! It was shipped here piece by piece and rededicated after it was constructed in Lake Havasu City in 1971. You can visit the bridge, take a walking tour of it and marvel at this historic site.

Of course, visiting the beach has to take a top place on your itinerary. Rotary Beach has it all, from picnic and swim areas to walking paths and volleyball courts. Very close to the London Bridge, you can just walk over and enjoy the fresh air and clean water. It is the perfect way to cool off.

Of course, you can get out for some more wonderful fun in Lake Havasu State Park with more beaches and some nature trails to hike. Marvelous views just add to the visit. Launch a boat here into the lake to soak up the sun and relax. You can also enjoy a walk though Arroyo-Camino Interpretive Garden to see cottontail rabbits, birds and lizards as well as desert flora.

For a great hiking experience, try the Mohave Sunset Trail along the shoreline of the lake and through the desert. Start out at the London Bridge and move along the picturesque 4 miles of great sights. It is an easy hike, taking about two hours.

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Picture credits: The picture of Lake Havasu is from the by Doc Searls and is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. the picture of London Bridge is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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An RV Adventure at Havasu Falls

Monty May 31, 2013
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Picture of Havasu FallsTraveling to Arizona and the Grand Canyon area is quite a treat for any vacationer, but there is no comparison to the unique experience you can have during an RV trip to the Havasupai Indian Reservation and all the fun to be had here. The sights and sounds of this Arizona wonderland are enough to inspire anyone.

The main attraction is Havasu Falls, its picture pasted in publications around the world and on television and beyond. The water is a vibrant blue, a blue you will see nowhere else. With the reds of the canyon walls and the soft blue skies, the entire combination of colors in this natural palette is relaxing and refreshing. A short hike and you can personally witness this beautiful sight, even becoming a part of the landscape by swimming in the pools available in the flowing streams.

RV campgrounds on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are the closest RV parks to Havasu Falls and give you the opportunity to enjoy this wonder of the world as well on your vacation. You can camp in Mather Campground or Trailer Village in Grand Canyon Village. Each one offers wonderful amenities. It is a three hour drive to Havasu Falls.

Once you make the trip to the falls, you will find it is well worth the drive. The magnesium in the water is what makes it the lovely blue you see, and the water is always about 70 degrees, no matter the time of year. The falls itself was created by a huge flash flood in 1910, which cut a channel that allowed this cascade of water to amaze visitors.

Another waterfall in the area is Mooney Falls which is the tallest of falls in this area. It cascades more than 190 feet into a lovely blue pool. You reach this falls by hiking along a steep trail. You will even hike through some tunnels above the canyon floor. Ladders provide ways to scale the cliffs and you should be prepared for this climb and be ready to feel the spray from the falls.

If you love hiking, you will love Havasupai. In the summer months it gets really hot and you should be ready for monsoons striking in July and August. This region has such unique scenery and gives you the opportunity to feel you are back in time and living how the Indians did so long ago. It is an experience not to pass up.

Another sight you will want to see is the Skywalk. This attraction is managed by the Hualapai Tribe and on tribal lands, not inside Grand Canyon National Park. This projection over the canyon rim has a glass floor so you can get views like no place else. If you don’t suffer from vertigo, you will not want to miss this exciting attraction.

Yes, a trip to Havasu Falls is one amazing venture, and one you will remember for a long time to come. Heading home is almost a disappointment, but you can bolster your morale by realizing you can always come back another time.

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Picture credits: The picture of Havasu Falls is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An Exciting RV Trip to Flagstaff Arizona

Monty May 29, 2013
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Picture of the San Francisco Peaks from Flagstaff Arizona

San Francisco Peaks from Flagstaff Arizona

Travel to Flagstaff, Arizona in an RV means being surrounded by incredible scenery, natural wonders and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The mountain air strengthens your resolve to go on vacations more often. The historic sights inspire one to learn more about our wonderful country. Flagstaff is the perfect destination, with its charm and sense of adventure. You’ll find RV camping plentiful, with Woody Mountain Campground and RV Park a great place to make your home base during your explorations. They have many large pull-through sites with full hookups, to make your stay just wonderful.

A long list of attractions right in town will have you spending the first few days just exploring Flagstaff. The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a place to enjoy some of nature’s beautiful plants in the gardens and natural habitats. Rare plants and a nature trail add to the fun. Another spot you will want to see is the Arizona Historical Society-Pioneer Museum. Let the kids see a locomotive and caboose, enjoy artifacts from early days such as pioneer mementos and even an iron lung. The railroad exhibit is really awesome as well.

You will need to get to a visitor center to pick up a full list of everything you can do and see around Flagstaff. Some other immediate recommendations are the Lowell Observatory and the Museum of Northern Arizona. Lowell Observatory is where you can gaze into space with a telescope, see multimedia shows and immerse yourself in live presentations.

When you are done exploring Flagstaff itself, you can plan your itinerary to the surrounding sights. The diverse landscapes give you the chance to discover our amazing country, everything from the beautiful canyons and glorious red rocks of the southwest, to the forest lands and mountain peaks. Start out by getting out into nature at Coconino National Forest. Fish the streams, hike the trails and take scenic drives. The San Francisco Peaks are distinct landmarks in the region, with the center of the peaks a dormant volcano caldera. This is a place you must definitely include when you visit.

Of all attractions in the area around Flagstaff, the Red Rocks of Sedona are one of the best. Spectacular scenery is just the beginning. Outdoor activities abound! Then there is Grand Canyon National Park. Words are just never sufficient to describe this natural wonder. It can almost overwhelm you when, walking over a small rise, you catch your first glimpse. “Breathtaking” can almost portray the reaction.

If you are fascinated by volcanos, as many of us are, you can stop by Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument where you can actually hike the trail made by the lava flow from this volcano. The landscapes are almost surreal, but you can imagine what it must have been like when the eruption occurred approximately 900 years ago. Also be sure to visit Wupatki National Monument to get a tour and a lecture to learn so much about this Colorado Plateau area.

Last but not least is the Meteor Crater where you can see the hole made from an asteroid as it hit the desolate region about 50,000 years ago. Perhaps this will be the ideal ending of a perfect RV vacation to the southwest and beautiful Flagstaff, Arizona.

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Picture credits: The picture of the San Francisco Peaks is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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