Well it cant get worse..... Never seen a a so called summer like this, not even in switzerland.
Vacation picture dump (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter WedgeRock
- Start date
mattross1313
Full House
Great pics! Looks like an awesome trip and credit to you for the effort, but there's no way I'd want to bike up the Stelvio
Wife and I did a Europe road trip a few years back, heres a few quick ones from the Stelvio.
MilouPilou1
Flush
Near Perpignan, south France
First day that kind of felt like summer, second hike in the books
Iam also an instagram model
Also wanted to do the james bond bungee jump, but they strongly advised against it because i had a herniated disc (had to use a translator for this one). Would have been awesome to jump off this thing:
Iam also an instagram model
Also wanted to do the james bond bungee jump, but they strongly advised against it because i had a herniated disc (had to use a translator for this one). Would have been awesome to jump off this thing:
Thisfiendis138
Full House
Henlopin is beautiful. Joe Biden’s house is in north beach just south of Gordon’s Pond in Ft Miles. Before kids I would bike through there frequently.I was just at Cape Henlopen. Man F Ocean City!
Looks to be a perfect day up there
My little guy loves bugs.
That is really cool, and also a bit brave (comnig from a non bug lover
).Ps. Where is that? Where do they have such huge bugs? So i know where not to go
He actually found it on the sidewalk of our house. It’s an Eastern Hercules Beetle (female). I’ve found two males (with horns) in the 5 years we’ve lived here.That is really cool, and also a bit brave (comnig from a non bug lover
Ps. Where is that? Where do they have such huge bugs? So i know where not to go
Visited Shenandoah & the Smoky Mountains last week with the family, two of the better national parks in the eastern half of the US.
Started the trip with a side venture to Luray Caverns. I've done the cave thing before but this place was fugg'n HUGE (it was like a mile and half of walking inside the cavern). Awesome place!
I initially planned on doing one long hike in Shenandoah (Old Rag Top), but this was supposed to be a more "relaxing" family vacation (at the kids request lol), so we did three shorter moderate hikes instead. First was a short one up to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, highest peak in the park. We did this one nice and early and had the trail to ourselves, some great views up top.
Next was a hike down to Dark Hollow Falls. Not bad but the fam was a little disappointed with the falls (especially given the hike back up and out, lol)
The last one for the day was up to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. This was supposed to be a relatively easy one to finish the day, but we inadvertently made a "wrong" turn and ended up taking a side trail that included a rock scramble. It wasn't a terribly difficult one, but was a first for the wifey and kids and also at the top of the mountain with some pretty sharp drop-offs. I got a ton of dirty looks from the wifey as we were climbing, but once we were done they all agreed this was one of the highlights of the trip, and included an awesome 360^ view at the top.
Ended the day with possibly the best dessert I've ever had - Blackberry Ice Cream Pie......
In the Smoky Mountains, we spent the majority of our day in the Roaring Fork area. Included a cool hike out to Grotto Falls:
And an afternoon chillin at various spots along the stream within the park. This was my favorite day of the trip
And I snapped this pic in downtown Gatlinburg for @Ben8257
Started the trip with a side venture to Luray Caverns. I've done the cave thing before but this place was fugg'n HUGE (it was like a mile and half of walking inside the cavern). Awesome place!
I initially planned on doing one long hike in Shenandoah (Old Rag Top), but this was supposed to be a more "relaxing" family vacation (at the kids request lol), so we did three shorter moderate hikes instead. First was a short one up to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, highest peak in the park. We did this one nice and early and had the trail to ourselves, some great views up top.
Next was a hike down to Dark Hollow Falls. Not bad but the fam was a little disappointed with the falls (especially given the hike back up and out, lol)
The last one for the day was up to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. This was supposed to be a relatively easy one to finish the day, but we inadvertently made a "wrong" turn and ended up taking a side trail that included a rock scramble. It wasn't a terribly difficult one, but was a first for the wifey and kids and also at the top of the mountain with some pretty sharp drop-offs. I got a ton of dirty looks from the wifey as we were climbing
, but once we were done they all agreed this was one of the highlights of the trip, and included an awesome 360^ view at the top.Ended the day with possibly the best dessert I've ever had - Blackberry Ice Cream Pie......
In the Smoky Mountains, we spent the majority of our day in the Roaring Fork area. Included a cool hike out to Grotto Falls:
And an afternoon chillin at various spots along the stream within the park. This was my favorite day of the trip
And I snapped this pic in downtown Gatlinburg for @Ben8257
Visited Shenandoah & the Smoky Mountains last week with the family, two of the better national parks in the eastern half of the US.
Started the trip with a side venture to Luray Caverns. I've done the cave thing before but this place was fugg'n HUGE (it was like a mile and half of walking inside the cavern). Awesome place!
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I initially planned on doing one long hike in Shenandoah (Old Rag Top), but this was supposed to be a more "relaxing" family vacation (at the kids request lol), so we did three shorter moderate hikes instead. First was a short one up to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, highest peak in the park. We did this one nice and early and had the trail to ourselves, some great views up top.
View attachment 738601View attachment 738602
Next was a hike down to Dark Hollow Falls. Not bad but the fam was a little disappointed with the falls (especially given the hike back up and out, lol)
View attachment 738608
The last one for the day was up to the summit of Bearfence Mountain. This was supposed to be a relatively easy one to finish the day, but we inadvertently made a "wrong" turn and ended up taking a side trail that included a rock scramble. It wasn't a terribly difficult one, but was a first for the wifey and kids and also at the top of the mountain with some pretty sharp drop-offs. I got a ton of dirty looks from the wifey as we were climbing
View attachment 738609
View attachment 738610
Ended the day with possibly the best dessert I've ever had - Blackberry Ice Cream Pie......
View attachment 738623
In the Smoky Mountains, we spent the majority of our day in the Roaring Fork area. Included a cool hike out to Grotto Falls:
View attachment 738603
View attachment 738605
And an afternoon chillin at various spots along the stream within the park. This was my favorite day of the trip
View attachment 738604
View attachment 738606
And I snapped this pic in downtown Gatlinburg for @Ben8257
View attachment 738607
we just did the luray caverns a few months ago as part of our homeschooling. It was more impressive than i thought it would be. I was forreal mesmerized by the mirror pool and the size and time that some of those stalagmites/stalactites were created. I thought it was super cool and it wasnt too crowded when we went. it really is a great tour.
Did you guys go to the natural bridge too? i think thats next on our list
That pool was awesome, me and the boys kept calling it "Gollum's Lake" lol. I was fairly skeptical given the price to get in but it was an incredible place to visit and very well maintained / organized, given it's shear size.
We didn't do Natural Bridge, we hit Shenandoah on the way from Jersey to Tennessee and spent 5 nights in the Gatlinburg area. Did the smokys one day (we've all been there before) and then more of the touristy things like Dollywood the rest of the time, as we were there with my wife's family. Aside from tubing, I wouldn't recommend those things lol. Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge was a traffic shit-show.
I went to college at virginia tech so those were my stomping grounds. Its a shame that Homeplace restaurant closed because of the pandemic because that place alone is worth the trip.
Here is a pic of the sunset last night over the Little River Casino RV park in Manistee, MI. The picture doesn't do the sun justice....the orb was a brilliant "Blaze Orange" from all the wild fire smoke haze in the air. The moon came up shortly after with its own orange glow!!
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
Day 1: Drive to Eau Claire, WI.
Day 2: Brief stop at Teddy Roosevelt NP overlook, stay in Medora, ND.
Day 3: Teddy Roosevelt NP
Every bison dies... Not every bison truly lives.
Deuce bought a new lid.
For those in the know, what's a good straw cowboy hat cost? I think this one was made by the American Hat Co. I had sticker shock.
Day 4: Drive to Yellowstone and set up camp.
At a rest stop in Montana:
We took Beartooth Pass to the NE entrance of Yellowstone. Highly recommended, if you can stomach white knuckle driving.
At the top of the mountain, we had a snowball fight in July as the goats watched.
Stopped for wildlife in the Lamar Valley before making it to camp.
Day 5: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
With temps in the 40s, it gets cold overnight. Nothing a good breakfast can't help.
My oldest brother moved to Oregon 3 years ago. He and his wife surprised us (my younger brother was in on it) by joining us.
On the way back to camp, we hit the Sulphur Cauldron and the Mud Pots. This dude can just came wandering out of the brush.
Back at camp, there was a short trail to the lake behind our campsites.
I think max picture limit is 20 per post, so to be continued...
Day 2: Brief stop at Teddy Roosevelt NP overlook, stay in Medora, ND.
Day 3: Teddy Roosevelt NP
Every bison dies... Not every bison truly lives.
Deuce bought a new lid.
For those in the know, what's a good straw cowboy hat cost? I think this one was made by the American Hat Co. I had sticker shock.
Day 4: Drive to Yellowstone and set up camp.
At a rest stop in Montana:
We took Beartooth Pass to the NE entrance of Yellowstone. Highly recommended, if you can stomach white knuckle driving.
At the top of the mountain, we had a snowball fight in July as the goats watched.
Stopped for wildlife in the Lamar Valley before making it to camp.
Day 5: Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
With temps in the 40s, it gets cold overnight. Nothing a good breakfast can't help.
My oldest brother moved to Oregon 3 years ago. He and his wife surprised us (my younger brother was in on it) by joining us.
On the way back to camp, we hit the Sulphur Cauldron and the Mud Pots. This dude can just came wandering out of the brush.
Back at camp, there was a short trail to the lake behind our campsites.
I think max picture limit is 20 per post, so to be continued...
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
Day 6: Old Faithful and the Upper Geyser Basin
With the cold morning temps creating steam, pictures do not do Old Faithful justice. There were others that were better views, IMO.
Riverside Geyser erupted while we were there.
Grotto Geyser was the coolest, IMO.
Morning Glory Pool
...and the Sapphire pool were amazing.
I didn't get good pictures of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The first try, afternoon traffic was ridiculous. The next day, we went early, but again, cold morning temps created so much steam, you could only see the outer edges.
Day 7: Grand Tetons National Park
There were no showers open in Yellowstone, but we did find showers in Grand Tetons. After three days of hiking and showering with shower wipes, hot running water was a welcomed experience. They even had handy holders for your bear deterrent!
We took our first shot at fishing that evening... Yellowstone does not allow barbed hooks, is very restrictive on lures, and the can only have one hook (a treble hook in considered one hook, tho). I came up empty, Ace eventually would reel in a rainbow trout.
We did see more wildlife on the way to the fishing hole...
After dinner, "glow stick Jimmy" made an appearance at the campsite and did the stanky leg.
Day 8: Lewis Falls and more fishing
With the cold morning temps creating steam, pictures do not do Old Faithful justice. There were others that were better views, IMO.
Riverside Geyser erupted while we were there.
Grotto Geyser was the coolest, IMO.
Morning Glory Pool
...and the Sapphire pool were amazing.
I didn't get good pictures of the Grand Prismatic Spring. The first try, afternoon traffic was ridiculous. The next day, we went early, but again, cold morning temps created so much steam, you could only see the outer edges.
Day 7: Grand Tetons National Park
There were no showers open in Yellowstone, but we did find showers in Grand Tetons. After three days of hiking and showering with shower wipes, hot running water was a welcomed experience. They even had handy holders for your bear deterrent!
We took our first shot at fishing that evening... Yellowstone does not allow barbed hooks, is very restrictive on lures, and the can only have one hook (a treble hook in considered one hook, tho). I came up empty, Ace eventually would reel in a rainbow trout.
We did see more wildlife on the way to the fishing hole...
After dinner, "glow stick Jimmy" made an appearance at the campsite and did the stanky leg.
Day 8: Lewis Falls and more fishing
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Looks like an absolutely awesome trip @WedgeRock , great pics!!
bsdunbar1
4 of a Kind
Some nice beach scenery in Daytona Beach this past weekend.
Also found our new favorite craft brewery in Orlando. Hourglass Brewing.
Thanks for the tips @Schmendr1ck . The pizza from F&D was OUTSTANDING
Also found our new favorite craft brewery in Orlando. Hourglass Brewing.
Thanks for the tips @Schmendr1ck . The pizza from F&D was OUTSTANDING
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
Continued.
What better way to wind down then some beers you've never tried before? (Not pictured: Moose Drool Brown Ale)
Day 9: Hiking the Continental Divide
If you're gonna hike the Continental Divide, you need a good breakfast. But when you have 16 year olds on the grill, this is what happens:
Unfortunately, the trailheads for the Continental Divide were closed, so we hiked the DeLacey Creek Trail instead, which took us through the woods and open fields.
2.9 miles out and we found Shoshone Lake. The boys brought their collapsible poles and got some more fishing in.
After the return trip, the boys had worked up an appetite.
The last night at Yellowstone called for another beer.
Day 10: Stopped at Devil's Tower on the way to Deadwood, SD
Day 11: Deadwood, SD with trips to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
(Nephew, Ace, Deuce and Trey)
I saw @Anthony Martino at Mt. Rushmore, but he acted like he didn't know me...
What better way to wind down then some beers you've never tried before? (Not pictured: Moose Drool Brown Ale)
Day 9: Hiking the Continental Divide
If you're gonna hike the Continental Divide, you need a good breakfast. But when you have 16 year olds on the grill, this is what happens:
Unfortunately, the trailheads for the Continental Divide were closed, so we hiked the DeLacey Creek Trail instead, which took us through the woods and open fields.
2.9 miles out and we found Shoshone Lake. The boys brought their collapsible poles and got some more fishing in.
After the return trip, the boys had worked up an appetite.
The last night at Yellowstone called for another beer.
Day 10: Stopped at Devil's Tower on the way to Deadwood, SD
Day 11: Deadwood, SD with trips to Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse.
(Nephew, Ace, Deuce and Trey)
I saw @Anthony Martino at Mt. Rushmore, but he acted like he didn't know me...
Anthony Martino
Royal Flush
Bwah ha ha, and the pancake too!
Just got back from 16 days in Greece with our two best friends, can’t recommend it highly enough, friendly people, spectacular food and gorgeous beaches and historic sites. We did Athens, Mykonos, Naxos (favorite), Crete and Milos (with a 5hr layover in Santorini, which was plenty).
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
Day 12: Deadwood, SD
I was never meant to be a cowboy.
PSA: if you sit on the curb to watch a street re-enactment, pull up your pants.
Checked out a couple of the casinos, including @Marc Hedrick's favorite, Saloon No. 10.
Not much poker to be found. There was one table going at Cadillac Jack's. I wanted to sit, but I didn't.
I played $1 for each of the kids on a slot machine. Five spins later, I turned $5 into $6 (but paid it all out to the two winners -- Ace and Niece).
Day 13: Drive to Mitchell, SD.
Drove through Sturgis on the way out of Deadwood... With so many businesses closed and no motorcycles to be seen, it wasn't the same.
We also stopped at Wall Drug because... Uh... I don't have a good answer here.
The real treat of the day was the Badlands National Park. I was not expecting to see what I saw, but it was unbelievable. The Park was totally open, you could go wherever you wanted!
At the end, we hiked a trail called "The Notch," which the park describes as
We're in! (Except for WifeyRock, who tapped out at the ladder.) Did I mention it *poured* the prior night?
The payoff at the end was worth it, though. Amazing view.
Day 14: Drive to Moline, IL
Stopped at the Mitchell (SD) Corn Palace. Because...why not?!
On our drive, we stopped at Raising Cane's to compare it with Chick-fil-A.
Verdict:
Chicken: fingers vs breast, Draw
Cane's sauce v Chick-fil-A sauce: Chick-fil-A
Fries: Raising Cane's
Garlic bread? Raising Cane's
Coleslaw: Not available at Chick-fil-A and CfA still wins.
Overall: Good food, but Chick-fil-A still wins.
Day 15: Drive home.
Exhausted, I still had to clean all the camping gear, and the rental vehicle. Overall, though, a great trip. Put over 4,300 miles on the rental.
I was never meant to be a cowboy.
PSA: if you sit on the curb to watch a street re-enactment, pull up your pants.
Checked out a couple of the casinos, including @Marc Hedrick's favorite, Saloon No. 10.
Not much poker to be found. There was one table going at Cadillac Jack's. I wanted to sit, but I didn't.
I played $1 for each of the kids on a slot machine. Five spins later, I turned $5 into $6 (but paid it all out to the two winners -- Ace and Niece).
Day 13: Drive to Mitchell, SD.
Drove through Sturgis on the way out of Deadwood... With so many businesses closed and no motorcycles to be seen, it wasn't the same.
We also stopped at Wall Drug because... Uh... I don't have a good answer here.
The real treat of the day was the Badlands National Park. I was not expecting to see what I saw, but it was unbelievable. The Park was totally open, you could go wherever you wanted!
At the end, we hiked a trail called "The Notch," which the park describes as
We're in! (Except for WifeyRock, who tapped out at the ladder.) Did I mention it *poured* the prior night?
The payoff at the end was worth it, though. Amazing view.
Day 14: Drive to Moline, IL
Stopped at the Mitchell (SD) Corn Palace. Because...why not?!
On our drive, we stopped at Raising Cane's to compare it with Chick-fil-A.
Verdict:
Chicken: fingers vs breast, Draw
Cane's sauce v Chick-fil-A sauce: Chick-fil-A
Fries: Raising Cane's
Garlic bread? Raising Cane's
Coleslaw: Not available at Chick-fil-A and CfA still wins.
Overall: Good food, but Chick-fil-A still wins.
Day 15: Drive home.
Exhausted, I still had to clean all the camping gear, and the rental vehicle. Overall, though, a great trip. Put over 4,300 miles on the rental.
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It's a good thing we weren't really friends, because after a comment like this one, we couldn't be friends.
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
It's not a bad sauce, but CfA is better... And CfA has a dozen other sauces -- like Polynesian.
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WedgeRock
Royal Flush
Pancrank
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