Nature lovers? Help !
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:30 PM
#1
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Nature lovers? Help !
Would anyone care to chime in on where we should go for two weeks? (We will have a car.) Our travel will have to take place sometime between September and April. We like hiking, paddling, bird and critter watching,and scenic drives. Love the desert. Love the mountains. Love the shore. NOT interested in cities or resorts. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sep 22nd, 2004, 04:01 AM
#4
Zion and Bryce Canyons in southern Utah. Paria Canyon/Vermillion Cliffs area on the Utah/AZ border. We've done the first two and are going back for another round at Zion this Thanksgiving--there is so much to do in that one area--then including Paria Canyon, Wirepass/Buckskin Pass/Vermillion Cliffs area as well.
http://www.ckfoto.com/Coyote%20Buttes.htm
http://www.pbase.com/devonshire/wave
http://www.ckfoto.com/Coyote%20Buttes.htm
http://www.pbase.com/devonshire/wave
Sep 22nd, 2004, 04:30 AM
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What about a trip to Big Bend National Park, coupled with a jaunt to Padre Island. You'll have the mountains and the shore. We had a brief encounter with a mountain lion at Big Bend (now you see it, now you don't). Hard to see one of those.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 05:16 AM
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I am vacationing in the "Bold Coast" of Maine right now. There are many hiking trails in this area. We have rented a house for 2 weeks and making day trips around the area. The leaves are not in full color, but have started to change.
We have picked wild blueberries on public land near one of the trails.
We have not rented a kayak, but understand that you can in this area.
The house we are staying at is right on the shoreline, and you can watch lobstermen hauling the traps in the bay.
It is a truly relaxing vacation.
Sep 22nd, 2004, 05:26 AM
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The Maine coast, especially Acadia NP has everything on your list except desert. Well, it IS located on Mount DESERT Island, so maybe it DOES have everything!
I posted a question last year looking for someplace that offered as much as Acadia, but none of the suggestions sounded nearly as good. It's never disappointed us.
~Liz
I posted a question last year looking for someplace that offered as much as Acadia, but none of the suggestions sounded nearly as good. It's never disappointed us.
~Liz
Sep 24th, 2004, 07:24 AM
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Thanks everyone! Some great ideas.
We live in Virginia, but, will do a fly/drive vacation. Our starting point isn't really a limiting factor.
For those who asked,these are some of the places we've been...Colorado (lived there for six years); Jackson Hole & Yellowstone in Wyoming; the Columbia River gorge/Crater Lake & coast in Oregon, Tucson/Sedona areas in AZ.; Santa Fe & northern New Mexico, coastal Texas/some of Rio Grande; Florida Panhandle down to about mid-state; coastal South Carolina, The Great Smokey Mountains, The Adirondaks & Finger Lakes in New York; Cape Cod; The Mass. coast; parts of Vermont, and, many memmorable, but, less known places.
We won't exclude any area just because we may have been in a particular state before. It seems that every state has so much to see and do. Maybe you can steer us to someplace we shouldn't have missed on our first visit. So, please, keep the ideas coming!
Thanks again!
We live in Virginia, but, will do a fly/drive vacation. Our starting point isn't really a limiting factor.
For those who asked,these are some of the places we've been...Colorado (lived there for six years); Jackson Hole & Yellowstone in Wyoming; the Columbia River gorge/Crater Lake & coast in Oregon, Tucson/Sedona areas in AZ.; Santa Fe & northern New Mexico, coastal Texas/some of Rio Grande; Florida Panhandle down to about mid-state; coastal South Carolina, The Great Smokey Mountains, The Adirondaks & Finger Lakes in New York; Cape Cod; The Mass. coast; parts of Vermont, and, many memmorable, but, less known places.
We won't exclude any area just because we may have been in a particular state before. It seems that every state has so much to see and do. Maybe you can steer us to someplace we shouldn't have missed on our first visit. So, please, keep the ideas coming!
Thanks again!
Sep 24th, 2004, 12:48 PM
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Without a doubt, hands down...the Canadian Rockies. From Banff to Lake Louise to Jasper ~ you will not find a more beautiful area to explore.
However, I've been there once in early June and 3 times in late September/early October. I understand that it starts getting really cold by November...especially in Jasper. Many cottages close by the end of October. This area as well as Banff and Lake Louise are popular ski destinations in winter.
In the Banff area, I loved staying at Johnston's Canyon...I loved the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, too...but I don't think that's what you want.
In the Jasper area, we stayed at Alpine Village...wonderful.
And, of course, in between these two beautiful areas is Lake Louise...breathtaking.
The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper is via the Icefields Parkway. An incredible drive with fantastic hiking opportunities.
Another unforgettable place is Emerald Lake. There is a lodge there that I plan on staying at during my next Canadian Rockies experience. Even if you don't stay there, explore the area and have lunch at Cilantro's.
Can you tell this is making me want to go back soon?
Check out all these websites:
www.johnstoncanyon.com
www.emeraldlakelodge.com
www.alpinevillagejasper.com
If you choose the Canadian Rockies, please let me know and I can tell you the highlights and off the beaten path places.
However, I've been there once in early June and 3 times in late September/early October. I understand that it starts getting really cold by November...especially in Jasper. Many cottages close by the end of October. This area as well as Banff and Lake Louise are popular ski destinations in winter.
In the Banff area, I loved staying at Johnston's Canyon...I loved the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, too...but I don't think that's what you want.
In the Jasper area, we stayed at Alpine Village...wonderful.
And, of course, in between these two beautiful areas is Lake Louise...breathtaking.
The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper is via the Icefields Parkway. An incredible drive with fantastic hiking opportunities.
Another unforgettable place is Emerald Lake. There is a lodge there that I plan on staying at during my next Canadian Rockies experience. Even if you don't stay there, explore the area and have lunch at Cilantro's.
Can you tell this is making me want to go back soon?
Check out all these websites:
www.johnstoncanyon.com
www.emeraldlakelodge.com
www.alpinevillagejasper.com
If you choose the Canadian Rockies, please let me know and I can tell you the highlights and off the beaten path places.
Sep 25th, 2004, 03:46 AM
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September would be a beautiful time in Maine or NH. I live in NH and the weather this past week has been incredibly beautiful. Blue skies in the morning, cool nights but warm days. There's a little bit of color in some trees. We took an inland rivers cruise on the Heritage out of Portsmouth NH and were told that Great Bay is a big stop for migrating birds. It was a fascinating boat ride on water we had only seen by car year after year. There are plenty of kayaking opportunities on either river or ocean. Hiking in Acadia or the White Mountains would be wonderful. You might enjoy visiting one of the country fairs to watch horse pulling but the Common Ground Fair held by the organic farmers in Unity ME at the end of September is fascinating without the typical midway and junk food. If you like farm animals but don't like the carnival part of fairs, go early in the morning for breakfast and watch the 4-H kids get their animals ready for competition. Sheep dog demonstrations seem to be popular right now. You might check with a local Audubon Society to see what day trips are scheduled. The local marshes are colorful right now and we've had deer in the backyard. This week would have been perfect for a picnic lunch on Mt Battie (drive or hike up) overlooking Camden Harbor. Our son biked up Cadillac on Mt Desert/Acadia (we drove) which would be another great place for a breakfast picnic (might be chilly though). If you chose the White Mountains, make a visit to the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville VT. It's a very challenging walk.
But you might also consider "luxury" camping at Maho on St John USVI.
But you might also consider "luxury" camping at Maho on St John USVI.
Sep 25th, 2004, 04:10 AM
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I second the Canadian Rocky idea.
Another place to consider is South Dakota. We just came back from a week in the Black Hills. Went to Badlands, Devil's Tower and Custer State Park. They all had plenty of critters including prairie dogs and bison. The landscape was quite dramatic.
Another place to consider is South Dakota. We just came back from a week in the Black Hills. Went to Badlands, Devil's Tower and Custer State Park. They all had plenty of critters including prairie dogs and bison. The landscape was quite dramatic.
Sep 29th, 2004, 01:50 PM
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Jewelhawg, YES! I love your idea. I don't know why I didn't think of the Canadian Rockies. Actually I've always wanted to go there. I can remember drooling over pictures of Banf even as a child. Have you taken any scenic railway trips up there? I've read that they are spectacular. That's another thing I've always wanted to do.
Defrostnh, I love New Hampshire and Maine. The boat trip you described sounded so nice. I really enjoy spending time on the water. I'm sure we will be up your way again one of these days, but, not on this next trip. We've visited New England twice in the past several years. Time to head elsewhere...so much to see and so little time! Now the luxury "camping" in the VI's may have possibilities. We did something similar in Costa Rica. It was WONDERFUL!
Again, thanks everyone. It was nice to hear from you.
Gretchen
Defrostnh, I love New Hampshire and Maine. The boat trip you described sounded so nice. I really enjoy spending time on the water. I'm sure we will be up your way again one of these days, but, not on this next trip. We've visited New England twice in the past several years. Time to head elsewhere...so much to see and so little time! Now the luxury "camping" in the VI's may have possibilities. We did something similar in Costa Rica. It was WONDERFUL!
Again, thanks everyone. It was nice to hear from you.
Gretchen
Sep 29th, 2004, 02:50 PM
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The best way to see the Canadian Rockies is to drive. First fly to Calgary (Alberta) and then drive one hour west of the city to Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains.
If you are a nature lover, I wouldn't recommend the rail tours - there you will be "stuck" on a train and a route with timing according to a pre-set itinerary, and, worst of all miss all the best spots (which are not accessible by rail). If you don't like cities, you will find the train unneccessarily restrictive.
While you are in the Rockies be sure to visit - as someone has already mentioned above - Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper; there are many points of interest, scenic viewpoints and hiking trails in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park.
For information for the national parks, check out this website:
http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/index_e.asp
Your only problem, as I see it, will be the weather during your September to April timetable. This year has been unusually cool (August and September), so I expect that there will be snow earlier rather than later - and that could mean by the middle of October. The coldest months are mid-December to mid-February so unless you are a skier and love winter, I would skip those months. By March it is milder but still winter, the spring skiing is great, and it's nice to cross-country ski on some of the valley trails. April can be very unpredictable weatherwise - it could be snowy and cold OR it could be cool and cloudy OR it could be beautiful and warm. But most of the lakes especially those at higher elevations will still be frozen over despite the warm air temperatures.
So - if you plan to come to the Rockies - wait until next September (mid-month), when the fall colours are at their peak, but the days are still sunny and (usually) warm.
By the way - jewelhagg mentioned that Jasper is cold - actually it is warmer than either Banff or Lake Louise; Jasper is at a much lower altitude than the other two locations, gets less precipitation (rain and snow), and is in a valley that traps warm air. Of the three, Lake Louise has the coldest temperatures and by far the most snow.
If you are considering Canada, why not fly to Vancouver, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island, and drive to Pacific Rim National Park. There's hiking, beachcombing, kayaking, lots of assorted critters on the land and sea, plus it's quite remote so you will really feel that you are at the very edge of the world there!! Wintertime is the "storm season", and you will be able to watch the huge breakers coming off the Pacific Ocean. March is whale watching season and spring flowers are starting to bloom. It's my favourite spot in all of Canada, although the Rockies come a very close second.
If you are a nature lover, I wouldn't recommend the rail tours - there you will be "stuck" on a train and a route with timing according to a pre-set itinerary, and, worst of all miss all the best spots (which are not accessible by rail). If you don't like cities, you will find the train unneccessarily restrictive.
While you are in the Rockies be sure to visit - as someone has already mentioned above - Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper; there are many points of interest, scenic viewpoints and hiking trails in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park.
For information for the national parks, check out this website:
http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/index_e.asp
Your only problem, as I see it, will be the weather during your September to April timetable. This year has been unusually cool (August and September), so I expect that there will be snow earlier rather than later - and that could mean by the middle of October. The coldest months are mid-December to mid-February so unless you are a skier and love winter, I would skip those months. By March it is milder but still winter, the spring skiing is great, and it's nice to cross-country ski on some of the valley trails. April can be very unpredictable weatherwise - it could be snowy and cold OR it could be cool and cloudy OR it could be beautiful and warm. But most of the lakes especially those at higher elevations will still be frozen over despite the warm air temperatures.
So - if you plan to come to the Rockies - wait until next September (mid-month), when the fall colours are at their peak, but the days are still sunny and (usually) warm.
By the way - jewelhagg mentioned that Jasper is cold - actually it is warmer than either Banff or Lake Louise; Jasper is at a much lower altitude than the other two locations, gets less precipitation (rain and snow), and is in a valley that traps warm air. Of the three, Lake Louise has the coldest temperatures and by far the most snow.
If you are considering Canada, why not fly to Vancouver, take the ferry over to Vancouver Island, and drive to Pacific Rim National Park. There's hiking, beachcombing, kayaking, lots of assorted critters on the land and sea, plus it's quite remote so you will really feel that you are at the very edge of the world there!! Wintertime is the "storm season", and you will be able to watch the huge breakers coming off the Pacific Ocean. March is whale watching season and spring flowers are starting to bloom. It's my favourite spot in all of Canada, although the Rockies come a very close second.
Sep 29th, 2004, 02:50 PM
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If you want to stay in the US I would suggest the Olympics in Washington. I have to second the idea of the Canadian Rockies though if you are game for that. Incredible hiking, scenery, and wildlife!!!
Sep 29th, 2004, 03:05 PM
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Cactushugger~
I haven't been on the scenic railway trip even though I've heard it is spectacular. While in Jasper, we saw the trains and thought we might want to do that sometime.
However, I still love to do things at my own pace and on my own time schedule. There's so much to explore and I don't know how long the train stops are. I would like to try the scenic railway trip in the winter when driving would be a little harder. There's a canyon that's lovely in the spring, summer and fall. But, in the winter they have guided hikes IN the frozen canyon! Wow. Many of the waterfalls in Canada become "ice climbing" adventures. I would only be a spectator for that!
If you really do decide to drive the Canadian Rockies, let me know and I'll pull out my HUGE folder (actually I have 3 of them) and will give you a sample itinerary. I'm leaving for a two-week trip down Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Pkwy and Great Smoky Mountains on October 16th, so let me know soon!
Oh, it makes we want to go again...even if just for a short trip in between trips!
I haven't been on the scenic railway trip even though I've heard it is spectacular. While in Jasper, we saw the trains and thought we might want to do that sometime.
However, I still love to do things at my own pace and on my own time schedule. There's so much to explore and I don't know how long the train stops are. I would like to try the scenic railway trip in the winter when driving would be a little harder. There's a canyon that's lovely in the spring, summer and fall. But, in the winter they have guided hikes IN the frozen canyon! Wow. Many of the waterfalls in Canada become "ice climbing" adventures. I would only be a spectator for that!
If you really do decide to drive the Canadian Rockies, let me know and I'll pull out my HUGE folder (actually I have 3 of them) and will give you a sample itinerary. I'm leaving for a two-week trip down Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Pkwy and Great Smoky Mountains on October 16th, so let me know soon!
Oh, it makes we want to go again...even if just for a short trip in between trips!
Sep 30th, 2004, 11:55 AM
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Hi Borealis!
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I had never heard of Pacific Rim N. P. Sounds like heaven. I will definitely be looking into that. Your information on the weather is also very helpful. It does sound like September would be the month for us to go. Thanks!
Hello again jewelhawg!
There is no rush on an itinerary. I'm planning ahead for a trip in 2005.
You certainly will be doing the Blue Ridge and Smokies at the most scenic time. I just hope we've seen the last of the hurricanes for this year. I'm sure this unusually stormy spell has put a damper on a good number of parkway travels. On the plus side all of the rain is supposed to make for an especially nice leaf season down here in southwestern Virginia. Have a great drive!
I agree that one loses some control with rail travel. But, we love scenic train rides. What we like to do is fit one day of train riding in among the hiking and other activities. It just adds another dimension to our travels.
Happy trails...
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I had never heard of Pacific Rim N. P. Sounds like heaven. I will definitely be looking into that. Your information on the weather is also very helpful. It does sound like September would be the month for us to go. Thanks!
Hello again jewelhawg!
There is no rush on an itinerary. I'm planning ahead for a trip in 2005.
You certainly will be doing the Blue Ridge and Smokies at the most scenic time. I just hope we've seen the last of the hurricanes for this year. I'm sure this unusually stormy spell has put a damper on a good number of parkway travels. On the plus side all of the rain is supposed to make for an especially nice leaf season down here in southwestern Virginia. Have a great drive!
I agree that one loses some control with rail travel. But, we love scenic train rides. What we like to do is fit one day of train riding in among the hiking and other activities. It just adds another dimension to our travels.
Happy trails...
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Trisha
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Jan 7th, 2004 11:05 AM
