Bewildered Brown Eyes

Fontana Dam

Tooling around the Smokies for a short getaway, we’re always looking for new and exciting places to visit. Today, our journey started just over halfway through Cades Cove. We turned right onto Forge Creek Rd., a gravel but wide drive, which took us to Parson Branch Rd. Properly equipped with a 4WD with high clearance,Continue reading “Fontana Dam”

Se7en Wetlands – Loop 2

Last Sunday we ventured out to check out the Se7en Wetlands area in Mulberry, FL. This Lakeland city park offers two major loops with a connector to the Lakeland Highlands Scrub hike I shared a couple weeks back. There are also a few side trails that add on to the loops for the bikers andContinue reading “Se7en Wetlands – Loop 2”

Bonnet Springs Park

A new urban park recently opened near the heart of Lakeland, Bonnet Springs Park. This park offers a variety of outdoor entertainment opportunities for the whole community. Today we finally arrived early enough to get into the park. It has been crowded since opening, and I understand why. The venue offers places for kids toContinue reading “Bonnet Springs Park”

Lakeland Highlands Scrub

Catching up posting on a hike from last week. We tried to head out to the Mosaic Peace River Park, but found it closed. Sadly, we headed back to Lakeland, then decided to stop at one of our familiar spots, the Lakeland Highlands Scrub nature area. This park is full of trails and one canContinue reading “Lakeland Highlands Scrub”

Alderman Ford Preserve

2023. Weekend 2, hike 2. Completed a 3 miles nature trail at Alderman Ford Preserve in Plant City. The trail is a mix of paved trail and boardwalk and follows parts of the Alafia River. This morning’s temperatures were a brisk 55 degrees when we started our route. Sleeves were a must for the trek.Continue reading “Alderman Ford Preserve”

365 Challenge

So, I signed up for the Hiker’s 365 Challenge for 2023 through My Adventure Challenge. I needed some motivation to get back on the trails after a hiatus last year, and this seemed like a great way for me to get back to it. Now I have a year to hike 365 miles! Today wasContinue reading “365 Challenge”

Snack Time!

Recently, I found myself waiting on a delayed flight to Chi-Town. I decided to peruse the news stand in the Atlanta airport and looked over the bevy of snack options available. The Hubs wanted chocolate…so his favorite was easy to find… peanut M&Ms. One bag of shareables and he was set for the rest ofContinue reading “Snack Time!”

Chugging Forward

Time keeps on ticking down… Two and a half weeks! Chicago – Glacier – Seattle…here we come! This week, I finished assembling our travel ‘dossier’ as my husband puts it. I printed out our reservation information across our adventure, found our annual park pass, and created a cute label for its cover. I found aContinue reading “Chugging Forward”

A Checked Bag to Boot….

We are in our final month approaching our cross-country adventure. Vacations approved! Flight, train, and hotel reservations made! Travel essentials purchased! Researched sites we’ll visit along the way! We just need to pack up and head on out! With four weeks away, the flurry for final preparations is underway. I found an interesting piece ofContinue reading “A Checked Bag to Boot….”

Cross Country Train Itinerary

Yesterday, I wrote all about our excitement planning our train trip this coming Summer. However, I neglected to spill some of the deets on our trip. So, here goes! Chicago Our itinerary starts with a flight into Chicago. Following recommendations, we fly in the day before our train trip begins. For our one night stay,Continue reading “Cross Country Train Itinerary”