Death Valley National Park (Death Valley National Park, California)

On our way to Las Vegas for a getaway weekend, we decided to drive the length of Death Valley National Park and take in some of the awe-inspiring landscape.

Upon entering the northern end of the park, we were both awed by the stark landscape; not to mention the noticeable increase in air temperature. Very shortly, we came upon Scotty’s Castle, a ranch home of extravagant proportions, which was built in the 1920’s. Unfortunately, we arrived a few minutes too late for the tour; next time.

Continuing on into the park, we proceeded into a contradictory panoramic view. An amazingly beautiful desert terrain lay before us with dark storm clouds sitting atop the peaks on the horizon. It made for an amazing sunset on the way out of the park.

Before exiting though, we walked out onto the salt flats at Badwater Basin, the lowest point in the United States at 282 feet below sea level. This is only too emphasized on the way back to the jeep by a sign labeled “Sea Level” perched far above us on the overlooking mountainside.

Alas, our short visit came to an end as the last remnants of daylight left us, but we were blessed with what must have been a truly rare occurrence in this desolate place on our way out of the park – a few raindrops to renew life in this beautifully dry world.

Cahokia Mounds (St. Clair County, Illinois)

Though I have visited this ancient city a few times when I was younger, I thought Cass might enjoy seeing this Native American metropolis near my home town. The interpretive center has undergone substantial upgrades since my last visit. We casually strolled through the museum-like center learning about the ancient Mississippian Culture that built this city of earthen mounds over one thousand years ago.

Leaving the center, we step out into the great plaza of downtown Ancient Cahokia. Signs of the areas former prominence are everywhere, with mounds of varying sizes rising from the prairie in all directions. Dominating them all though, the mighty Monk’s Mound oversees the entire area. At over 100 feet tall and covering several acres, this impressive mound is the largest of its kind in the Americas.

While the visit was short, it was well worth the short drive. I think Cass really enjoyed it.

Mammoth Cave Historic Tour (Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky)

While visiting my aunt, I decided to revisit with my mother and bride-to-be, the largest cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park. My father had brought me here when I was ten years old or so, but I don’t recall much of that trip due to my young age.

The cave itself is called mammoth not for any fossils of the great beast that may have been found within, but instead due to its great size. Approximately ten million years ago, an ancient river began carving out what has today become over 600 miles of underground passages. Explorers and spelunkers find more passages every year.

We opt to take the Historic Tour, which covers about two miles of passageways in this subterranean world. Our journey begins by passing under a small waterfall into a large limestone passageway, and then opening up into a room the size of a hockey arena. We then begin trekking down a long, straight corridor, the size of which, only a river would be capable of carving. I continually look around for Polyphemus hiding in the shadows, but the giant cave appears to be cyclops-free.

Continuing on, we pass through the dwarf-friendly Tall Man’s Misery and then through a section called Fat Man’s Agony – tight squeeze! Truly, this cave is a wonder of nature. Nearing the end of the planned path, we pass over several “bottomless” pits that descend into utter darkness. We finally reach a set of steel staircases constructed to make the ascent to the surface much friendlier to tourists. After many, many steps, we once again reach the arena-sized room and head back to the entrance and daylight.

Lovelock Cave (Churchill County, Nevada)

For today's little adventure, my fiancee and I decided to take a short drive east to visit the famous Lovelock Cave. The drive to the cave takes out some dirt roads into the desert, but they prove no challenge for the jeep. When we arrive at the trail head, which is just below a small butte that houses the cave, we find a steep trail leading up to the mouth of the cave.

At approximately 80 feet long and 30 feet deep, the cave itself is relatively large compared to other examples of this type of cave I have seen over the years. A large wooden deck has been constructed inside the cave to allow more sure footing for visitors examining the charred ceiling. 

Signs indicate that this cave was used by ancient Native Americans as far back as 4000 years ago. In fact, the discovery of some anciently constructed duck decoys in this cave from that period stirred a lot of interest in the archaeological community. Later, the cave became home to colonies of bats, whose guano became a much sought after commodity a century ago and which allowed for the initial discovery of the artifacts in this cave. There is also a Paiute legend of a race of red-haired giants that they warred with in ancient times. Supposedly, the last surviving members of that race hid in this cave and were killed by creating a large fire inside the cave. Reports indicate that the remains of these giants were found by modern survey's, but they have since disappeared and slipped into legend.

After a short time looking around and reading the various signage describing the legends and geology surrounding the cave, we make our way back to the parking lot and head home.

Tahoe Rim Trail - Kingsbury Grade to Spooner Summit (Washoe and Douglas Counties, Nevada)

Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. It does not, however, make him well-rested. Waking at 4:30 am for this hike reminded me of that old proverb . . . yawn.

Finding 2-3 weeks off of work when I could complete the entire Tahoe Rim Trail seems unlikely, especially with my upcoming nuptials. That being said, I've decided to complete the 165 mile trail in sections over the next year. This morning, Nick and I will knock out a small 12.2 mile section. After stashing Nick’s car at the Spooner Summit Trail head and then driving my jeep to the Kingsbury Grade Trail head, we begin our journey.

While I realize there is a group dedicated to the maintenance of this trail, I’m still very impressed with the amazing trail conditions. That is not to say it is an excessively easy trail, only that finding a misplaced rock or fallen tree seems impossible.

The beauty of Lake Tahoe can be seen along many parts of this eastern section, but never so majestically as the approximate mid-point of this section of the trail. From a flat grass-covered ridge top, the trail offers a sea of green pine, and looking further to the horizon the blueness that is Lake Tahoe; finally culminating in the still snow-covered mountain tops of the Sierra Nevada on the far side . . . breathtaking.

Five or so hours after we sat out and numerous panoramic views later, we arrive back at the Spooner Summit Trail head. 12.2 miles down. 152.8 miles to go!

Bumpass Hell (Lassen Volcanic National Park, California)

Having hiked to Lassen Volcanic National Park’s second largest hydro-thermal basin, Devil’s Kitchen, last year, it seemed only fitting to make the trek to the largest this year, while Cass and I were on a camping trip. Although it was mid-August, snow is still abundant in the park and on this trail. This past winter was the harshest since I've been in Reno. Nevertheless, I, along with a number of other adventurous souls made the hike. While some patches were more like cross-country skiing without the skis, the hike wasn't overly difficult, save the snow-packed downhill sections. Those were actually kind of fun.

Upon arriving at the site of the hydro-thermal activity, it was like entering another world, as the sulfur-rich air stung my nose. The ground was lifeless, with the occasionally hot bubbling mud puddle or steam vent. In the center of this alien landscape lay two pools of boiling water; one more blue than the eyes of a Fremen in Frank Herbert’s imagination, and the other, a silky gray, almost silver. The later was the source of a small run-off through the yellow and white desolation. It almost appeared to be a silver-smelting operation.

Continuing along the boardwalk, I was amazed at the scope of this particular basin. I would estimate it to be more than three acres in size - truly a wonder to see. Having reached the end of the trail, I made for the trail head  Along the way and after having passed most of the snowpack, I overheard a young boy I passed mention to his father that he hoped for more snow. You’ll have your wish soon enough, my young friend.

Yosemite (Yosemite National Park, California)

As my fiancée had never been to Yosemite, I thought it appropriate that we should take a weekend to camp and see the amazing sites the park has to offer. I made all of the arrangements and we headed down to the park. As is tradition, we had to stop at Whoa Nellie Deli for a meal . . . best gas station food anywhere!!

We camped at Wawona and had a terrific site. throughout the trip, we visited many of the famous areas: Tuolumne Meadows, Mariposa Grove, Glacier Point, and of course Yosemite Valley itself.

On our final day though, we visited an area of the park I had not been to either, Hetch Hetchy. John Muir thought of this valley as a near twin to Yosemite and fought his most passionate battle to preserve it's majesty. In the end though, he lost and the O'Shaughnessy Dam was eventually built to create a reservoir out of the valley. Such a shame and something that I doubt would happen in today's world, a world he inspired to preserve such things.

After a couple of days of camping we broke camp and headed home. I think Cass enjoyed the trip though, and as close as Yosemite is, we will of course return.