Where the Red Fern Grows

Return to Natural Falls State Park Spotted Jewelweed-  This flower is also known as Touch-me-not because of its unusual method of seed dispersal.  When the seed pods become ripe, the slightest touch or swift breeze triggers a pop that sends the seeds up to four feet away. Unlike most wildflowers, Jewelweed is an annual, which means its only way…

The Spawning of the Salmon

This beautiful event we were fortunate enough to witness was in South Tahoe last October

Red-bud Valley Hike

This little hike was just outside of Tulsa near Catoosa, OK. More like Cacti Valley…this hike was too short and sweet. It was nicely located close to home but not even close to being a challenge. It did have some diverse scenery though with caves, a small lake, woods, and a cacti valley.

Getting lost in the rocky mountain hills of Chandler Park

I grew up just a few miles down the road and used to love going to summer camp here until I was about 11 years old. Today I’m exploring a new area of the park. I definitely should have worn my trail shoes. The trail and rocks were still wet and muddy, so I was…

Camping out in the Buffalo Wilderness

Full force here;this is how beautiful it looks when it’s not just a trickle

It’s a family tradition!

Every two years my mother’s side of the family reunites to catch up over drinks, food and dancing out in Osage Hills State Park in the wilderness of Oklahoma.  I saw a different side of Osage Hills this year and found the awesome hiking trails!  I was filled with joy when I saw the trail…

Runnin’ on a river

Today I tried out the Riverside running trail along the green banks of the Arkansas River in Tulsa, OK–5 miles of Tulsa beauty. Good birding, nice scene, just enough people for comfort, and not too far of a drive from my parent’s house. I liked it so much, I couldn’t quit running and also decided…

Rasar State Park

This is our new home for a few days…where rainforest meets the highlands A snack of strawberries and cream while relaxing in the hammock tucked in the trees Green toes and matching pitcher Hemmed in trail with swampy looking tree ferns We were more than impressed with this campground  Just check out the secret beach…

Grinnell Lake in Many Glacier

This is our hike to Grinnell Glacier. At the top stopping point looking out to where the glacier is someone spotted THREE grizzly bears–a sow and her two cubs! They weren’t as close as we would have liked them to be, but we definitely enjoyed watching them play long enough to get nice sunburns on…

Logan’s Pass