Call of the Parks Let's Go Exploring

06/12/2024

Hey Call of the Parkers'… We have so missed y'all… We have been busy with our "normal" life but today we are getting back to nature in the Blue Ridge!

02/09/2024

Today we visited our 26th National Park as a family! The Gateway Arch was probably the most "different" NP we have been too ... there are no open spaces, no unique landforms, no strenuous hikes.... BUT it was so worth the visit. Plus, I'm sure it is the only NP where the closest RV park is at a Casino with an amazing view of the Arch DraftKings at Casino Queen!
The arch is not only a representation of the American Dream and westward expansion, but a true testament to architecture and the men who risked their lives to build this astonishing monument. When visiting I highly recommend getting a ticket for the documentary on the arch's construction. Of course, you must go to the top and see the mighty Mississippi from 630 feet up. Today was extremely windy and we could feel every gust! The arch was constructed to be able to sway up to 18 inches and withstand 150 mph gusts. Plus, the museum onsite makes so many wonderfull connections to Lewis & Clark and "The West." After our visit we headed to The Fountain on Locust for their signature pickle soup, artisan ice-cream, and cool art deco decor!

02/04/2024

We finally made it to Great Basin National Park in Nevada! Due to its location it is one of the least visited parks in the winter so of course we LOVED having the park to ourselves. When visiting be sure to book a tour to explore Leyman Caves with a park ranger. This is one of the only NP caves where you are literally ducking through the formations. It also has some really unique formations like Cave Shields and Turnip formations. It has 504 noted shield formations compared to the 5 found in massive Mamoth Cave NP... making it the most dense and unique place in the world to see the shields. Obviously 13,000 Wheeler Peak scenic drive was closed a few miles up for snow, but this allowed us to hike up some on foot. Of course we couldn't make it to the Bristlecone Pine Grove at the peak, but it was so beautiful to hike through the different ecosystems on the mountain and look out at the basin and the constant snow on Wheeler Peak. After nearly freezing to death we headed down to the Stargazer Inn & Bristlecone General Store . . . the cutest little market with local art, organic provisions, and the best hot chocolate and selection of wines! We chatted with the barista and the owner for awhile and absolutely feel in love with Baker and its funky little artsy vibe in the middle of the most scenic landscape. While in Baker be sure to camp at Whispering Elms Campground. Steps from our campsite we cozied up to the bartop with the 5 other local patrons on a Friday night! The town of Baker only has a population of about 110 people, including the natuonal park employees, but we meet some of the most interesting and welcoming folks over our visit. We leaned all about ranching and surviving in this little town. I almost hate to share this magical little slice of America so it stays less discovered! To get to Baker we traveled Highway 50 which Life Magazine dubbed "The Loneliest Road in America" in the 1980s. I beg to differ ... personally I think it is the most beautiful road in America! We drove it for over 500 miles and the terrain changes from dessert sagebrush to alpine mountains and every corner you turn is picture worthy!

01/30/2024

There are very few "dwellings" we have encountered where you can literally get inside and "feel" where these ancient civilizations lived, worked, and formed their communities. Well, Gila Cliff Dwellings from the 1200's is a completely immersive experience. Bonus ....there are about 4 park rangers per family in January to answer lots of questions! The Mogollon people who were hunters and gathers built these structures within a series of caves and used highly advanced building techniques ... each part of their architecture was closely related to their spiritual beliefs about the land. It was humbling to see their pictographs, fire scores on the ceilings, and their use of "T" shaped doors during our hike through the dwellings. In addition to the Dwellibgs, be sure to check out the Trail of the Ancients as well as spend some time hiking along the Gila River where you'll spot lots of Quail. The river was the life force that brought people to this wilderness and it winds throughout the entire area. Of course, we had to find some Hot Springs in the area to truly experience the land! 😆 After you hike, check out Gila Hot Springs Campground . It is a little rustic campground that also has day use available. There is a honor pay system where you drop in your $8 to soak and there are 4 very beautiful and spiritual hot springs pumped in right off the river. It is run by Auggie, who Liam struck up a conversation with about local rocks and he gave him a beautiful piece of Obsidian he hand chiseled. Auggie had just used the Obsidian to clean the cougar pellet he had hanging next to his bus. After learning about the land and rocks from Auggie, of course our crew had to polar plunge and play in the icy river, but the hot springs sure felt good afterwards!

01/22/2024

This area might be one of the best kept secrets! As part of the Gila National Forest, the Catwalk Recreational Trail through Whitewater Canyon is spectacular. We stayed just out of Silver City Continental Divide RV Park and drove in an hour and a half but there are a few unlisted rv camps just at the base of the canyon. Personally we loved how Continental Divide RV Paek gave us access in every direction. The Catwalk is a series of bridges that connect a trail right through Whitewater Canyon where they mined for silver in the 1800s. After the silver was collected it was transported to the mint in Denver for processing. There are still remnants of the lead pipes all throughout the canyon and lots of cables and metal pieces that really bring the area to
life. Even in winter when the water is low some areas flood and there are a couple stream crossings. From the signage throughout the canyon be sure to always check ahead to avoid flash floods! About 25 miles above the Catwalk you can also visit the old mining "ghost" town of Mogollon. The drive up is not for the faint of heart! As you switchback through the mountains on a one lane road you pass old mine shafts and abandoned homesteads from when this area was booming with miners. I experienced this drive once and never need to do it again; although the scenery was worth the white knuckles! On your way back to Silver City, be sure to stop at Los Angeles Hot Spring Trailhead just off the road on the right about 45 minutes from the Cat Walk. It is an out and back 4.5 mile hike down through the Gila Wilderness past ranch land to natural hot springs in the Gila River. This area is remote, raw, and untouched ... it is almost as if you can still hear the clangs of the old miners!

01/20/2024

After dodging some wild weather we hit Zapata Falls just down the road from Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is located on Bureau of Land Management grounds. After about a 5 mile drive up the mountain you hit a winter wonderland mile and a half hike up snowy rocks into the forest to the falling water. The entrance to the falls is spectacular and the other folks we saw stopped there. However, be sure to wear your crampons because once you turn the bend it is spectacular. Definitely not a winter hike to take if you aren't prepared with the correct gear! Under the frozen waterfall we could see water still running that almost shimmered! If you are feeling extra adventurous you can continue your climb 5 miles up the Zapata Lake Trail to an alpine lake. Definitely a bucket list worthy hike! Be sure to time the end of your hike around sunset because the view from the parking area is incredible as the sun sets on the San Luis Valley.

01/18/2024

Our next stop is one of our all time favorite parks ... Great Sand Dunes National Park. The first time we visited was during Covid so the visitor center and museum were closed and we were only in the RV so we didn't get to fully experience the park. However, this time everything was open and honestly this is a park you really get so much more out of when you have a 4 wheel drive. We drove the 4 by 4 "Point of No Return" dirt road and spent lots of time on Mosca Pass. We also really enjoyed the Montville Nature Trail where an old town used to stand. The diversity of the hot sand dunes compared to the alpine forest shadowed by the snow capped mountains was stunning. We hiked through so many different eco-systems and learned so many fascinating tree facts. Who knew the Native Americans who first inhabited this land stripped the bark from the Ponderosa Pine and ate the inner bark! 🌳 Speaking of eating .... we had our third stay at what I consider one of the best RV parks we have experienced and it is also so inexpensive. We absolutely love Sand Dunes Recreation ... you are driving through the dessert surrounded by mountains in the middle of nowhere and you come up to a "pool" sign. Well, it is not only a geothermal pool, but also an oasis. Of course we were the only RV there but they have 10 sites where you never have to worry about your pipes freezing as the geothermal water runs to your RV! Plus, they have a few tiny home rentals and tent camping spots. In addition to the geothermal pool, there are hot springs full of fish on the grounds, an adult area with different hot spring's tubs, a steel container turned into a bar, and a counter where you can order tapas dishes like ahi tuna, beef medallions in bone broth compound butter, and fresh chilean sea bass. Insider tip ... the sites are only $40 a night to camp here and the hot spring pool is only $8 a person to soak all day if you are a camper! I don't think life gets more better than hiking the dunes by the day and soaking with a sunset mountain view in a geothermal pool by night! I see why people drive miles and miles just to spend their evening soaking in this oasis. Plus, there is an alien watchtower in the area and you can't forget about the Colorado Gator Farm! If only the temperatures didn't turn to -15 degrees with 30 mile hour gust we might have never left!

01/15/2024

Be sure to check out our new video from The Great Sand Dunes National Park on You Tube! Follow the link below to "subscribe" to our "Call of the Parks" You Tube channel! Let's go exploring....

Our next stop on our Cross Country trip … Great Sand Dunes National Park! We visited in 2021 during Covid and hiked the dunes, but this time we had our Jeep ...

01/11/2024

Be sure to check out our newest video at Zapata Falls in Colorado and subscribe to our "Call of the Parks" You Tube Channel. Lets's go exploring ...

Come with Call of the Parks as we explore the frozen waterfall at Zapata Falls in Colorado!

01/07/2024

Be sure to follow our new adventure!

01/07/2024

Let the adventure begin! We have our FB page back up and have hit the road for our fourth cross country trip and can't wait to take you with us! If you haven't already ... be sure to "like" our Call of the Parks FB page and You Tube channel where Bella & Liam will be posting pictures and videos along the way. First stop ... Kentucky! In the past we have explored Mammoth Cave and the Land Between the Lakes m but this time we hit the Red River Gorge area which was amazing and just 8 hours from Virginia! Our home base was the quaint town of Slade which has a very informative visitor center. The highlight of the area was our trip with SUP Kentucky where we did the "90 minute clear kayak cave tour" through an old Limestone mine. The depth varied from a few feet all the way down to 40 feet but you could see the bottom the entire time and tons of trout and bats! Besides limestone there is some beautiful dolomite as well. The surrounding caves and cliffs are also a haven for rock climbers. The cave is by the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Top hikes were the Natural Bridge Trail and Double Arch Trail that afforded views of the mountainside and an amazing double arch. We decided to continue on and do Courthouse Rock as an extension ... where you are literally are at the top of the Kentucky mountains ... if the weather hadn't turned this would be a great place to watch the sunset. After your hike be sure to check out Miguel's Pizza for artisan pies and even vegan crust. Two hours north of the Red River Gorge is Big Bone Lick State Park where large amounts of mastadon, woolly mammoth, and giant ground sloth bones were discovered by Lewis. There is a natural salt lick here that drew all the prehistoric animals to the area and even was a natural health spa for travelers into the 1900s. This was the site where Lewis and Clark gathered approx 300 bones for Jefferson that are now partially housed at Monticello. It was pretty awesome for the kids to make this connection to our visits to Monticello and earn their Lewis and Clark junior ranger badge. Just up the road is also The Ark Experience where they replicated Noah's Ark and give you a glimpse into what the animals would have been like during that time period as well as building techniques of the Ark. In all, you could spend a week or two in this area but we covered it all in 4 days so we could continue West in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark!

04/11/2023

Kept it somewhat local today and headed back to High Bridge State Park. If you haven't been to this rails to trails bike ride you are missing out! The view over the Appomattox River is beautiful and there are so many amazing trees and grassy nooks. As everyone was starting to complain around mile 9🤣 we were treated to a spectacular owl sighting. We were even able to witness the creature taking flight. So much for owls being nocturnal! Apparently owls also make NO noise when they are in flight. If you come to ride High Bridge make sure you visit quaint downtown Farmville and paddle the Appomattox River. If you need to rent bikes there's an amazing shop on the corner and Tim will take good care of you. After you ride take a late lunch at North Street Press Club or Charley's Waterfront Cafe. I think this group will be talking about today's owl sighting for awhile!

03/22/2023

It is not a National Park, but Asheville is nestled between so many amazing outdoor spaces that we had to do some exploring on our own coast! Situated amongst the Smoky Mountain National Park, Pisgah Forest, and Black Mountain there are so many outdoor adventures in this area. However, since we are nursing a family injury we spent a little more time indoors than usual. We've been studying the Italian Renaissance and the works of DiVinci lately so visiting the Biltmore's multi-sensory exhibit "The Italian Renaissance Alive" was the perfect fit. To be honest the exhibit itself was not as dynamic as the traveling Van Gogh experience, but definitely worth the trip when partnered with the beauty of the Biltmore House and Gardens. It's been a long time since we've been to the Biltmore but their new audio tour was fantastic. For kids, I still would definitely recommend the adult version .... very informative and accessible. Other trip highlights in this area were visiting Black Mountain and one of the coolest restaurants we've found ... The Bush House! We were greeted by a hand shake from the owner and chef like we'd been friends for years. In the back of the restaurant there are farm to table gardens and a little menagerie with donkeys and goats! The menu is South African and of course Liam had to try the octopus! He loved it and even asked for a second portion after devouring it like a sea captain feasting on a fresh catch! Other notable places to see if you can't get on the trails are the Asheville To***co Barn Antique store and the Biltmore Winery tunnels. You truly need a minimum of 4 days to get a feel for the area but I think we could have spent 2 weeks exploring! Of course, no Cooper trip is complete without a polar plunge. There's nothing like ending St. Patrick's Day festivities with playing in a freezing creek!

02/09/2023

This is how we felt after climbing 15 flights of rickety stairs to the top! As a mom whose petrified of heights every year I do one hike that makes me call on my inner warrior.... last January it was Zion .... the year before Messe Verde .... this year it was the Alcove House at Bandelier National Monument! We explored the Frijoles Canyon on the Pueblo Loop Trail and opted to extend the hike with a trip to the upper cliff dwellings. The cliffs are composed of Tuff from Volcanic explosions and are full of dwelling where the Pueblo people lived. The dwellings continue to erode with weathering but there are still many signs of the people who inhibited these cliffs like the smoke on the ceilings from their fires and detailed pictographs. We had to end this adventure with a trip to Santa Fe where we had dark chocolate elixirs at Kakawa! it's an artisan chocolate shop that creates "elixirs" based on historical figures and recipes. As Virginians we had to try the Jefferson dark chocolate and nutmeg! **** Oh, Bandelier also has an amazing visitor center and museum onsite and a beautiful outdoor cafe ran by the park system .... the cafe is closed in winter but you can spend hours in the museum!

02/04/2023

Who knew in the middle of the dessert you could find a date farm oasis!? We stumbled upon a couple hidden gems and made some great connections all while looking for the rare endangered pupfish. Outside of Death Valley is Tecopa Hot Springs where you will find China Ranch Date Farm, geothermal hot springs, and the Amargosa Valley and river trail. The river trail runs behind Death Valley National Park and is about an hour and a half from Furnace Creek Visitor Center. The topography is just as beautiful as anything right inside the park and we didn't see one person on the trail. The trail markings aren't great and a 3 mile hike did turn into 6 but were sustained with our Date milkshakes😆. I questioned why we were having a shake before the hike but it turned out in our favor!!! I highly recommend visiting the ranch and learning about the history of the ranch and their dates. Plus, they have an amazing little cafe literally in the dessert. The Amargosa River trailhead is also right by their parking lot. Their is also a noteworthy slot canyon and dessert waterfall on the trail. The really cool thing is the Amargosa river that creates the waterfall is the same body of water that runs underground in Death Valley and is partly responsible for the salt flats at Badwater Basin. When we visited Badwater Basin, below sea level, the ranger discussed how the holes people had dug down about 6 inches in the salt were truly an underground river in the driest place in the US. Turns out that river is the Amargosa that runs by the Date Farm in Tecopa! Another notable stop while at Badwater is Devil's Golf Course where instead of seeing salt flats there are gnarly bolder-like salt formations that are rough and raggged. While we explored this area we stayed at Deelight's Hot Springs where they have rv hookups, tiny homes, and geothermal bath houses and pools right in the middle of the dessert. We also were able to spot a pupfish! The connections we made were amazing but everyone's still talking about those date shakes!

01/29/2023

Lots of taxidermy here...😆 ....Delicious Mexican food! A must stop when visiting Mesa Verde National Park ... we were here 2 years ago during Covid and are so happy to see this place survived and is thriving!

01/28/2023

Wow! Page is absolutely amazing. We have tried to do Antelope Canyon the last two Januarys but the Native lands were all completely closed with Covid. The wait was definitely worth it ....we booked a 9:30am boat ride to Antelope Point on Lake Powell from the Antelope Point Marina. Of course we were the only people on the vessel for a January morning boat tour! Our Navajo guide said the water was calmer than they had seen in weeks and the swells do get up to 6 feet so we were lucky to have such clear waters. Fun fact ... the Marina also has the largest floating restaurant in the US! After we experienced this spiritual area by water, we took to land. Since you aren't able to hike Antelope Canyon alone we booked a tour with Dixie's Lower Antelop Canyon outfitters. Our Navajo guide, Rae, was incredibly knowledgeable, and is also an art student so he shared all the great angles and light in the canyon with us. The way the light dances on the Navajo sandstone is breathtaking. We rounded out the day with a hike to Horseshoe Bend to see the mighty Colorado from a different angle. It was so interesting to see Antelope Canyon from both water and land. We also had no idea Lake Powell was the second largest reservoir in the US and was such a playground for water sports. We stayed at the Antelope Point Marina that has its own RV park with views of noteworthy landforms like Sleeping Chief and Tower Rock. We can't say enough about this gem of an area.

01/24/2023

Rocks! Big Horn Sheep! Rocks! Big Horn Sheep! We have been jumping around a lot due to weather but had to revisit Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. Or as we call it "The Big Horn Sheep Park." The sheep literally graze through the campgrounds! Valley of Fire is Nevada's largest and oldest state park and in our opinion just as special as any of our national
parks. It used to be an ancient ocean and you can just imagine these formations underwater with jurassic fish swimming in and out of the holes. This park literally has it all from a geological perspective. Our favorite hike is definitely White Domes but today we coupled it with Fire Wave and Rainbow Vista and they are all so diverse from rainbow sandstone to slot canyons to petrified sand dunes. This park is located about an hour from Vegas and best viewed by hiking but if you are tight on time its beauty can be experienced by car as well. Who doesn't love driving through the dessert .... but watch out for crossing Big Horns!

01/22/2023

Everyone wanted to go back to Death Valley again this year. We spent time working on our camera skills, drove through the dessert, and explored some new 4x4 trails. Artist"s Drive is still our favorite in the park and even though we didn't see any artist's painting this year we saw an amazing sunset over the cliffs. Can you guess what makes the green color in the cliffs? We also hiked Dante's Peak and were amazed how different the salt flats look from above. No, those are not white ocean waves below ... all of the white in the distance is salt. If you go to Death Valley make sure Artist's Drive is in the top of your list!