Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (KY)

Kentucky

January 2014

 

 

Another cold and windy hike. (More pictures)

 



Towosahgy State Historic Site

Missouri

January 2014

 

 

It was cold (26F) and windy as we arrived after Towosahgy State Historic Site closed for the day. The gate to the park was still open and the park was unstaffed. The sun was setting fast and I was worried about getting stranded overnight because the gas light was already on in the rental SUV and we were in the middle of absolutely nowhere. But we had a state hike to accomplish, so I left the car outside of the gates in case a ranger came to close the park and we quickly started our hike around an ancient site of Mississipian people. Although short and a little scary, this was a very enjoyable hike. We were alone for our entire visit and I had just over 30 miles to worry about the gas situation when we came upon a gas station out of the 1950s. The lady was smoking and explained that they didn't take credit cards. I barely had enough cash to buy two gallons of gas, but it was enough to get us back to modern civilization.

 

(More pictures)

Lake Poinsett State Park

Arkansas

January 2014



We had our first negative run in with a human while stopping at a convenience store on our way to Lake Poinsett State Park in Arkansas. While paying for some snacks and beverages for our hike, the man behind us asked if Laurel was my daughter and I answered, "yes". However, he would not let it go and said, "I just don't see it, how can she be your daughter"? My first instinct was to hit the guy, but I ignored him hoping that Laurel wouldn't ask any questions. He kept mumbling in his disbelief as I hurried out to protect Laurel.

 

There's a time and place for her questions and this was neither. Luckily, the usually perceptive Laurel was more interested in our goodies for our hike and I don't think she picked up on the comments. Since this was the first verbal encounter of this type, I've had some time to think about it and discuss the situation with Lisa. I'll be a million times more prepared for the next inappropriate comment.  

 

(Pictures from Lake Poinsett State Park)

Ferris Wheel at The Wharf

Orange Beach, Alabama

January 2014



We had already driven 113 miles and completed two hikes in Alabama when it was time to drive the remaining 410 miles home. I saw the 122ft. tall Ferris Wheel in the distance and knew it was trouble. I knew the girls would want to stop for a ride if they saw it and I really wanted to start the long drive home. I didn't try to distract them, but I wasn't going to point it out either. I decided to just let the decision happen on it's own. We were almost past the ferris wheel and in the clear when both girls seemed to see it at the same time. Laurel started yelling, "FERRIS WHEEL" and Kellisa started screaming, "ME". I had already passed the turn in and had to do a u-turn. Despite the loss of time, I was glad we stopped because they both really had a great time. (More pictures)

UniverSoul Circus

Jacksonville, FL

February 2, 2014



Sunday afternoon was spent under the big top at UniverSoul Circus. Laurel didn't know where we were going and saw the tent from five miles away and started screaming "CIRCUS" in the back seat. When asked how she knew it was a circus tent, she answered, "from the stripes on the tent". Both girls were very excited. Laurel's favorite part was some dancing and Kellisa really enjoyed the elephants.

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Alabama

Hike #2

January 2014

 
 
 

We had selected the Jeff Friend Trail because it was rated as "wheelchair accessible". We enjoyed the trail, but found it to be borderline accessible. With a little help, I think most people in a wheelchair could enjoy the pleasant loop trail with a couple short boardwalk sections. (More pictures and videos)

Mobile Bay Ferry

Alabama

January 2014

It was 29F, windy and the water was choppy, but we decided to take the Mobile Bay Ferry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, our hiking destination in Alabama. Both kids were very excited and couldn't wait to get out of the car to experience the cold wind in their face and the spray of salt water coming over the side of the ferry. (More pictures)

Audubon Bird Sanctuary

Alabama

Hike #1

January 2014

As we were driving to the Mobile Bay Ferry, we passed a sign for the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. We had a little time before the next ferry crossing and decided to turn in and see if there were any trails to hike. We had enough time to hike a short loop trail/boardwalk through the pine forest to a nice little lake. (More pictures)

Audubon State Historic Site

Louisiana

January 2014

 

 
 
 

  

Our plan was to hike in Louisiana the same day as our Mississippi hike. Our struggles with a broken frame had us leaving Mississippi later than expected and we would not make it (Read more)

Clark Creek Nature Area

Mississippi

January 2014

Steep trails and a broken frame on Kellisa's Freedom Push Chair add to the adventure of our 2nd state hike in 2014. (More)