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Under Wraps: Strategies for the Ultimate Surprise Travel Experience

September 26, 2024 by · 1 Comment

Under Wraps: Strategies for the Ultimate Surprise Travel Experience

Image via Freepik.

A Guest Blog by Julia Mitchell.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than preparing a surprise vacation for your partner. It’s a fantastic strategy for creating long-lasting memories. It could be an epic international exploration or a weekend getaway—the key is to personalize the experience so it matches their interests and tastes. Spotted Tail Outdoors and Travel shares tips for pulling off the ideal surprise trip that shows your partner how much you love and appreciate them.

Discover Hidden Gems

You don’t have to settle for the typical tourist hotspots; exploring travel blogs, social media, and online communities can reveal less popular places that will wow your partner. We’re talking edgy art galleries, hidden cafés, secluded beaches, and other spots that can inspire your partner. Take time to find these places to take your trip to the next level and make every moment seem like it’s just for them.

Include Personalized Touches

Your partner may be telling you precisely what kind of vacation they would love. Listen carefully to any idealic activities or destinations they mention, whether it’s
going to a historic Irish castle or sailing in Greece. Now is the time to make it happen; such personal touches prove that you listen and care about your partner while turning their travel dreams into realities.

Digitize Your Documents

Saving your travel documents digitally can reduce a lot of stress and simplify your trip-planning process. Simply put all the information on your tablet, phone, or cloud storage so it’s available whenever you need it. Be mindful to use PDFs since it’s the best overall format for accessibility and security. You can also use tools to rotate your PDF pages however you need them—this page shows you how to rotate a PDF.

Ensure Seamless Travel

The tiniest hiccups can throw off your travel plans, so it’s important to triple-check the essentials. For example, your and your partner’s passport must be up-to-date if you’re going on a global adventure; if necessary, discreetly look at the expiration dates to ensure your documents are good to go. Managing these things behind-the-scenes will help your travel experience go smoothly.

Cater to Dietary Needs

Researching local restaurants and accommodations is critical if you or your partner has allergies or other dietary restrictions. Whether vegan, gluten-free, or anything else, dining will likely be a highlight of your trip. Make sure your partner knows how much you care about their enjoyment and comfort by basing meals and snacks around their needs.

Delight with Thoughtful Surprises

Little surprises can make all the difference when it comes to making your trip magical. A small handcrafted gift, a sunset picnic with an incredible backdrop, or a cultural treat can demonstrate how much you love your partner. Don’t worry about being too extravagant because the small touches will add layers of joy to your moments together.

Balance Activity with Downtime

You and your partner need adventure and relaxation on this special trip. Plan your itinerary to allow for plenty of relaxation amid the thrilling activities. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of downtime for leisure travel—it often yields the best and most spontaneous moments. Leave room for a casual walk through a local market, a lazy morning coffee, and other unplanned moments you will always remember.

Prepare for the Unexpected

You might spend a year laying the groundwork for this trip, but the best-laid plans often turn upside down. You can’t control weather or other disturbances, so it’s crucial to have a backup plan for anything that might go wrong. Be flexible so you and your partner can enjoy an impromptu movie night, indoor attractions, or a cozy and relaxing spot.

You can blow your partner away on this trip, especially if they see how carefully you’ve planned it. Take note of their preferences, manage the small details, and think of any ways you can add personalized touches to the experience.

Remember to stay flexible and leave room for surprises so you can craft a vacation that celebrates your relationship and deepens your bond.

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Julia Mitchell, incredibly passionate about the activities that fill her days, wants to share her adoration for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world and encourage others to turn their INspiration into OUTspiration.

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Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt

September 23, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt

Thank you for reading this Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt. As one might guess from the title, my second week of Montana fishing was not entirely successful.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

After Alex flew home, my decision was to travel east and fish some of the lesser-known streams there. Less pressure, better fishing, right? Great in theory.

Rainbow over the Stillwater River.

My travels brought me to the Stillwater River. At the end of the road was a Forest Service campsite, Woodbine, where I spent two nights. The first evening had rain showers, which produced a nice photo (above). Also, there were some trout rising right under the bridge into the campground. I went down and stuck one immediately, although it jumped off. None of his buddies would touch the fly after that.

A fishing spot on the Stillwater. There were fish there, but I couldn’t catch one.

The morning found me at a fisherman’s access down the river eight miles. A fly fisher was finishing his morning there, unsuccessfully, but he gave me some advice as to places to try. I hit it hard all morning, trying dries, wets, nymphs, and streamers, and did not touch a fish, even though I could sometimes see them swimming in the clear water.

I had read an online article about Rosebud Creek. It was about 45 minutes away, so I decided to try it. When I got there the creek was both tiny and inaccessible, nothing like what I had read about. It was beginning to dawn on me that one of the reasons these streams weren’t fished much was because you can’t get to them. I found a single access on Rosebud Creek, fished one run where the water was flowing much too fast, and decided to try the late afternoon on the Stillwater, at the access I’d tried in the morning.

The first pool had two risers. It only took a couple casts to put them down. The second pool had a couple, too, Again, I put them down. It was cold, and windy, and starting to rain. I bagged it and returned to the campground in a steady rain, after a very thorough skunking.

It rained all night, and was 43 degrees when I woke up. New snow covered the surrounding mountains. A decision was made to get out of the mountains before getting snowed in, and perhaps fish the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone.

A single access was found on the Clark Fork, shallow, muddy, and weedy. It was still cold, windy, and raining. Disappointed in the way things had played out, I didn’t even get out of the car, continuing to I-94, where we headed for Makoshika State Park.

 

The rain ended just as I arrived.

 

I bet the tree appreciated the water!

 

Driving and photography don’t mix.

 

Mule deer buck at the park.

The park had impressive badlands. More importantly, it wasn’t raining. There was no water to fish there, though, so I put my tackle away. The next morning I drove out early, heading to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Badlands at TRNP.

 

Bison at TRNP.

TRNP likewise boasts impressive badlands, and herds of bison as well. When trying to get back to my campsite after photographing the sunset, the van was surrounded by a bison herd. I think it was accepted as a herd member- we slowly rolled along with them as they walked down the road, a thrilling experience.

The shallow and muddy Little Missouri River flows through the park.

 

 

Badlands in morning light.

 

More bison!

In the morning I rolled the chariot onto US 2, heading east toward Minnesota. I stopped at the Geographical Center of North America. Yes, I was there, in Rugby, North Dakota!

My next stop was Devil’s Lake State Park, Graham Island Campground, for the night. Apparently, the lake is full of perch and walleye, although no fishing was done by this reporter. A badly needed shower, a trip to the laundromat, and some fajitas at the local Mexican joint, were all welcome diversions.

I write this from Battle Lake, Minnesota, where I am relaxing as a guest of long-time friend Ken Shannon and his bride, Cindy. Ken and I went fishing yesterday in Glendalough State Park, Ken with a spin rod, I with the fly. Pike, largemouth bass, a rock bass, and several sunfish species were all captured. We kept five big sunnies and ate them for supper! Hopefully the weather will allow more fishing during the rest of the week.

That’s my Montana Report, Part 2- Fishing for Skunks, and Teddy Roosevelt. Thanks for reading it!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

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Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1

September 16, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1 and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this Fly Fishing Montana Report. Oh yes, we finally did some fly fishing.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Alex flew into Bozeman on the 9th, Susan flew out on the 10th. The crew now consisted of Alex, Maxx, Catalina, and me. Time to fish. We went to our campsite on the Gallatin River, set up camp, and started flailing in the river. Without success, I might add. The river was too shallow and rocky where we were. Alex missed the one strike he got.

Next day we went up the river, almost to the park entrance. It was cold. While my companions fished, I sat in the car. They came back chilled and frustrated. No fish. We moved to another spot. Now it was raining, too. Catalina joined me in staying in the car, but Maxx got a cutbow that took his big, ugly sculpin streamer. First shot fired.

Even though it was still raining the following morning, we went fishing at a different spot. A deep pool, followed by a rapid and another deep pool, allowed us to spread out some. Maxx took the top of our pool, I took the middle down. We both fished with streamers. I got bit the first cast, and connected on the second with a brownie about a foot long- my first fish of the trip. Maxx got a ‘bow a short time later.

 

The bites stopped, but fish started rising. The smallest mayflies I’d ever seen were coming down the river between showers, loads of them. I tied on a #18 blue-winged olive (Jim Tedesco’s version) which did not match the hatch, started floating it over some risers and got bit almost immediately. It was a feisty rainbow, 13-14 inches. I got two more and missed several strikes before the action stopped. Alex had also done pretty well.

Alex had arranged a guided float trip on the Madison for our next outing. We got up at 6 and drove an hour and a half to Ennis where we met our guides, Justin Edge and Kelly McAllister. It was a brisk 45 degrees with plenty of wind, but no rain. The surrounding mountains had a dusting of new snow.

Kelly’s nails- impeccable.

Bundled up like Eskimos, we got in the boats and started drifting. We were not alone. At least two dozen other boats were floating. Using various techniques including dry flies, streamers, and tight-lining nymphs, we did not touch a fish all morning, and only saw one hookup from all the other vessels. Brutal.

Kelly launching her boat into the Madison River.

 

Alex and Justin getting ready to start fishing.

 

Catalina, Kelly, and Maxx float past us.

After lunch our luck started to change. Alex got a couple dinks on the nymph end of a dry-dropper rig, then got a decent rainbow. I got one on a Chubby Chernobyl dry. Then Alex said, “I’ve got a real one.” While he was playing his fish, a large fish came up and took my fly. I said, “I have a realer one.” Then my fish jumped, and we almost forgot about Alex’s (which turned out to a 16-inch whatever).

The water in the Madison wastes no time trying to get to the ocean. The current is fast. Justin couldn’t effectively slow the boat while in mid-stream- he had to row it to the bank to get anchored. But he did that, me all the while playing the fish, Justin all the while telling me not to lose it. He got it netted and measured. It was 25 inches long, and fat. He said it was the biggest fish in his boat this season. I did not touch the beast, or get a photo of it that I was happy with, although Alex was able to. Then the fish was back in the water, and away it swam.

My fishy, held by Justin.

A while later, Alex had the biggest brown trout he’d ever gotten take the nymph on his rig, a lovely fish of almost four pounds. We got other fish before pulling the boat, but after those two big ones, who cared?

Fish on!

 

Alex’s brown.

Maxx and Catalina (for whom this was all a very new experience) got a half-dozen or so fish too, although none were particularly large. All in all a good day, though!

Not particularly large!

Maxx and Catalina left after the float trip, heading back to California. It would be just Alex and I the next couple of days.

We again fished the Gallatin the next day. It was slow. I got four rises on a BWO, missed all four, and ended up blanked. Alex got a couple small ones, then the fish of the day, a beautiful brown fooled by a Copper John fished under a Chubby Chernobyl.

 

 

Alex with another fine brown trout.

We ended his fishing trip with an excursion to the Ruby River, a small stream about an hour’s drive from Ennis. I fished a BWO, a foam caddis #14, and a Purple Haze dry, also #14, and caught fish on all of them. Small stream, small fish. I hooked one good one, got one run out of it before the hook pulled. Alex had similar results. We were pretty content as we headed back to Bozeman.

Alex’s plane just left, taking him back to California. I’ve got some errands to run around town today, then I head east, hopefully fly fishing a few more days before leaving Montana.

That’s my Fly Fishing Montana Report, Part 1. Thanks for reading it! I hope it was worth the wait!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Fishing Reports, Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , ,

From Craters to Yellowstone Report

September 15, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

From Craters to Yellowstone Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this From Craters to Yellowstone Report. From lava and volcanoes to geysers and hot springs- it’s all related. No, I still have not fished. The next report will have fly fishing, from Montana, for trout, the kind of fishing I am least good at.

Note to Readers- This post is a week old. This is the first chance I’ve had to post it. Will get the fishing one up as soon as I can (but it’s not written yet).

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Before leaving Craters of the Moon, we went back to the lava tubes. This time I carried my dSLR. I thought it was worth it.

Inside a partially collapsed lava tube.

 

The hole in the roof, where the partial collapse happened.

 

Still in the tube!

On the way to Yellowstone National Park, we stopped at the site of the world’s first nuclear reactor, which is now a free museum. It seems this one was cooled by liquid sodium and potassium. The plants at Three Mile Island, Chernoble, and Fukishama were all water-cooled. Coincidence, or cost-cutting?

The EBR-1, world’s first nuclear reactor.

In the park we camped at Grant Landing. The only animals that visited our site were chipmunks, squirrels, ravens, and Clark’s nuthatches. But a sixty-second walk one evening brought us to a site having a visit by a few elk.

We saw some geysers, led of course by Old Faithful.

 

This geyser, not so faithful.

We saw some hot springs. Grand Prismatic is the grand daddy.

Grand Prismatic Spring.

 

These women asked me to take their picture, so I did.

 

Me and my squeeze.

 

That “other spring.”

 

And another spring.

 

All those springs flow into the Firehole River.

 

We made a side trip the Grand Teton National Park.

 

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

 

Another hot spring!

 

Susan’s maiden name is Surprise. They named this spring after her!!

 

We saw some bison, LOTS of them.

 

Bison in the Mist, Lamar Valley.

We saw some fly fishermen, all while driving by. Hope some had success. The rivers are breathtaking.

After seeing the bison at Lamar Valley, we went to the Roosevelt Arch. The town of Gardiner is right there. Someone had the idea we look for elk brats. Even I, who have had one small piece of beef since 1976 (quasi-vegetarian, I am), thought this was a good idea. Caught up in the moment, I guess.

We ended up at a place with both elk and bison burgers, and split one of each one way. I wasn’t impressed, but my three traveling companions thought they were yummy.

An hour later, at Mammoth Spring, I suddenly felt awful, with weird pains in my chest. Two miles from the clinic, off we went. As soon as I walked in I vomited four times. Next thing, I have an IV, and EKG, a chest X-ray, and am being drugged with Benadryl. I asked my family to photograph me, but they were in such shock and so concerned that not one of them did it, so no photos. My EKG was fine- it was a severe case of indigestion. They released me into Maxx’s care, for only $700. Expensive damn burger!

I was fine the next day. We went to more springs, and mud pots, and similar stuff. There are over 300 geothermal features in Yellowstone. I’d guess we hit close to a third of them.

Mammoth Spring, the day after my incident.

 

Still Mammoth Spring. It’s mammoth!

That’s the From Craters to Yellowstone report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , ,

Your Path to Becoming a Digital Nomad: How to Work Remotely from Anywhere

September 1, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Your Path to Becoming a Digital Nomad: How to Work Remotely from Anywhere

Image: Freepik

A Guest Blog by Michelle Hartman.

The rise of remote work has opened up opportunities for people to break free from the traditional office environment and explore life as digital nomads. This lifestyle allows you to work from anywhere in the world, blending travel with professional flexibility. If you’re ready to embrace location independence, this guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a digital nomad and making remote work a sustainable reality.

Opt for the Right Career Path

Your journey begins with choosing a profession that lends itself well to remote work. Fields like writing, programming, graphic design, consulting, and online teaching are particularly suited to this lifestyle due to their flexibility. You can manage projects, meet deadlines, and collaborate with teams from anywhere in the world. This versatility allows you to balance work and wanderlust seamlessly, ensuring you can explore your favorite natural environments without compromising on professional obligations.

Test Locations Close to Home

Before diving headfirst into a nomadic life, it’s wise to experiment by working from various locations closer to your permanent home. This trial period helps you understand the challenges and rewards of remote work. You might start by working a few days from a nearby city, then a week in a remote cabin, gradually extending your radius. This approach not only eases the transition but also helps you identify personal and professional needs that surface while working away from your usual environment.

Enhance Your Skills with Online Degree

Going back to school is an excellent way to sharpen your skills and elevate your career prospects in a constantly evolving job market. Whether you’re looking to pivot to a new field or deepen your knowledge in your current profession, education offers the tools to stay competitive and relevant. For digital nomads, earning an online degree provides the flexibility to study from anywhere while still pursuing their global adventures. This deserves a look if you want to earn a computer science degree to build valuable skills in IT, programming, and computer science theory, preparing you for a wide range of high-demand roles in the tech industry.

Create a Comprehensive Budget

Crafting a budget that covers all bases is critical for a worry-free nomadic experience. Account for travel expenses, accommodations, health insurance, and an emergency fund. This financial plan ensures you can enjoy your travels without financial strains, allowing for spontaneous adventures and the peace of mind needed to focus on your work. Remember, unpredictable expenses are part of the journey, so it’s better to over prepare.

Navigate Visa and Insurance Necessities

Understanding and managing visa requirements is crucial, as these vary significantly by destination and the length of your stay. Research the specific requirements for each country on your itinerary to ensure compliance and avoid legal issues. Equally important is choosing the right travel insurance that covers health, travel mishaps, and loss of equipment, providing you with security and support as you explore various landscapes.

Stay Connected Effortlessly

To maintain productivity, invest in reliable communication tools and technologies. A global mobile network or a portable Wi-Fi service can provide you with internet access even in the most remote locales, ensuring you remain connected to clients and colleagues. This connectivity is essential for real-time collaborations and meeting crucial deadlines, thus supporting your professional reputation as a dependable remote worker.

Invest in Quality Tech Gear

Equipping yourself with top-notch technology, like a robust laptop and a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, is pivotal for your success as a digital nomad. By staying updated with the latest communication and productivity apps, you ensure that your work keeps pace with your wanderlust, maintaining a delicate balance between work and play. These crucial tools not only amplify your efficiency but also support your ability to meet deadlines and collaborate effectively, no matter where your travels take you.

Connect with Fellow Nomads

Joining digital nomad communities can be incredibly beneficial. These groups provide support, advice, and networking opportunities that can be crucial for your professional growth and personal well-being. Whether online or in-person, these communities offer a sense of belonging and can be a fantastic resource for learning about new locations, finding workspaces, and even troubleshooting common remote work challenges.

 

Embracing the digital nomad lifestyle involves careful preparation and a commitment to adapting your work life to fit your travel aspirations. By investing in the right skills, tools, and planning, you can ensure a successful transition. Always stay connected, manage your resources wisely, and immerse yourself in communities that support your lifestyle. This way, you can enjoy the freedom and fulfillment that comes from living and working on your own terms, anywhere in the world.

 

Explore the captivating world of John Kumiski Outdoor Communications, where award-winning photography and writing bring the beauty of nature to life.

 

Michelle Hartman is a lifelong nature lover. Her love for nature inspired her to start Summer Camper. Summer Camper provides children ages 8 -16 with amazing summer camp experiences that are designed to create lifelong memories. The Summer Camper team is dedicated to offering high-quality programs that promote personal growth, friendships, and a love for nature and the outdoors.  At Summer Camper, we believe that camp should be a safe and welcoming place where everyone can feel like they belong. Summer Camper aspires to provide programs that meet the ever-changing needs of families and allow children to explore their world in new and exciting ways. Visit their website here…

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A Dash to the Craters Report

August 30, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

A Dash to the Craters Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this A Dash to the Craters Report. Spent some time behind the wheel this week, and certainly got a change of weather.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

I wrapped up last week’s blog with this- “…planning in visiting Deception Pass State Park, and some art galleries tomorrow, hoping it does not rain.” Oh, but it did rain. Fifty-six windy, raining degrees meant our Deception Pass State Park visit was completely washed out. We headed to Everett, Washington, where we spent a night in a rain-free La Quinta. Got showers, washed clothes, bought groceries, and got ready for the next phase of the trip.

Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

Heading east, we found ourselves at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.  Utterly amazing, looking history right in the face. The trail ran from Missouri to Oregon, and there are historical landmarks all along the route. Learn more about the Trail here… 

At a trail marker. The pioneers didn’t have these.

We spent that night at Lake Owyhee State Park. Did I know the Owyhee River was a blue-ribbon trout stream? I did not. Because I was with Susan, and still in the travel mode, I did not fish it, which nearly killed me. Not the first, or last, time that happened on this trip. The fishing is coming, though.

 

The lake, formed by damming the river. A common theme throughout the west.

 

Sunset over the lake.

 

A wall of Owyhee Canyon.

 

Driving the road here was an adventure!

Our dash finished at Craters of the Moon National Monument. After three days here, we now know more about volcanoes and lava than I ever thought we would. It’s been great! And we’re here two more nights! Maxx and Catalina are meeting us here tomorrow, and they want to see the place, too. And now we know the best places to show them. Then, we’re off again, heading further east- stay tuned!


 

A trail through the enormous lava beds. Can you see the two people?

 

Pahoehoe lava has a ropy texture.

 

A large limber pine on top of the Inferno Cone, made up entirely of cinders.

 

Sunset through another limber pine.

 

We got the permit, and went to the caves.

 

We liked Indian Tunnel the best.

 

Sure feels like a cave!

 

This “tunnel” or “cave” is actually a lave tube that formed during the last volcanic eruption here, about 2000 years ago. Part of its roof has collapsed here.

 

Here I’m looking down into the vent of a cinder cone. It plugged with cooling magma when the eruption stopped.

 

More pahoehoe lava, showing the extensive beds.

 

On a trail through the lava flows.

 

Some rabbitbrush, and a cinder cone.

 

Arco, 18 miles away, is the nearest town.

 

Sunset, through the smoke of a forest fire, from our campsite.

Next stop- Yellowstone!

That’s the Dash to the Craters report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , ,

The Olympics! Report

August 24, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

The Olympics! Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this the Olympics! report. No, I haven’t been to Paris. Olympic National Park has been heavenly! Especially if you like big trees, and rain!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

We camped at Twin Harbors State Park to start the week. Last week I wrote, “… with fresh Dungeness crabs on tonight’s menu.” We paired the crabs (one each) with freshly picked corn on the cob. Arguably our best meal of the trip. It’s so good, as son Maxx would say.

The bubble lady at the art show, an artist in her own right.

We also went to the art festival in Westport– our stay there coincided with it. We’ve been to some great art shows, and unfortunately this wasn’t one of them. We both thought the best work was by Patricia Jollimore, and it truly was world class. She could exhibit anywhere, with anybody. Just great. I also got a new sticker for the van- “Out of Breath Hikers Society.”

The sun was still pretty high.

 

It wasn’t a pretty evening.

 

This child enjoyed riding through the surf.

 

And then the sun showed again! A twofer!

From Westport we drive to Kalaloch, on the Olympic peninsula. We had two nights at a national park service campsite there. Of course it was raining, somethings the locals assured us that was unusual in August. I’m writing this on the 23rd of August, five days later, not even on the peninsula any more, and it’s still raining. Sheesh.

At any rate, the rain stopped for a while in the afternoon, and the sun poked through the clouds enough to allow some sunset pictures on the beach. See above.

In the morning, at low tide, we visited some tidepools. Incredibly packed with all kinds of amazing critters, I could only get photos of a few of the larger ones.

Sea anemones.

 

Sea star.

 

A slug (banana, maybe?), not in the tide pool.

 

Susan, defying death.

We then visited the Quinault rain forest, where it was, of course, raining. The plants that grow there seem to love it. We visited the world record Sitka spruce tree, with a circumference of 84 feet. We also visited some waterfalls. The forests here are beyond enchanting. I would have loved to backpack through here. No chance of that now.

A big, fuzzy tree.

 

Our van, in the same neighborhood.

 

The Quinault River, home to salmon and steelhead.

 

A small falls.

 

Meridian Falls.

However, a two-mile round-trip hike brought us to Sol-Duc Falls. This falls stops the upstream run of coho salmon that enter the river every year. They negotiate another, smaller falls (the Salmon Cascades) further downstream, but they are not climbing this one, oh no.

At the Salmon Cascade on the Sol-Duc River.

 

Asters by the river.

 

Bunchberries along the trail.

 

The Sol-Duc River. At least a little part of it.

 

Sol-Duc Falls.

A drive out of Port Angeles brought us to Hurricane Ridge, where we took a short hike on a one-mile loop. The temperature was in the 40s. with winds and fog, very invigorating. It’s said that when it’s clear, you can see Mt. Olympus, the highest mountain on the peninsula, from here. We could not see it, however.

A view from Hurricane Ridge.

 

A lone hiker on the ridge.

 

We stopped at a native art gallery in the town of Sequim. I so love the power of the Northwest Indian’s art!

 

Which brings us to Oak Harbor, where we sit in the van, in the rain, planning in visiting Deception Pass State Park, and some art galleries tomorrow, hoping it does not rain. Then we’re wrapping up out stay on the Pacific coast and heading east, looking for more adventures.

One of two bridges over Deception Pass.

That’s the The Olympics! report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a hike! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

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Touring the Northwest Report

August 16, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Touring the Northwest Report and Photo Essay

On the Oregon Coast.

Thank you for reading this Touring the Northwest report. It’s been divine!

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Impressions from a couple of weeks of traveling on the Pacific coast highways, CA 1 and US 101. California 1 is petrifying in places. It’s often a narrow, twisty road with some sheer drops of nearly 1000 feet to rocks and the Pacific below. Semi-trucks and too-large RVs use it, as do motorists in a big hurry and (completely fearless) bicyclists, usually with panniers filled with camping gear. The cyclists may have my respect for what they are accomplishing physically, but with all that vehicle traffic I think they are out of their minds.

At the beach, Oregon Dunes. Fog!

US 101 in Oregon is a little tamer. The views from both roads are equally fantastic, though. Both roads also have pull-offs for slower vehicles, to let the speeders by. I made much use of them!

On US 101 in Oregon. I’ve forgotten the name of this famous lighthouse.

Fog was our travel companion on both roads, as the pictures show. We saw a single sunset while there.

Susan clowns around while we wait for sunset.

 

Gulls at Humbug Mountain State Park. They’re enjoying the sun, too.

 

Getting close!

 

And down it goes!

 

Enjoying a foggy beach day, Oregon coast.

 

A view from a US 101 turnout, Oregon.

I write this from near Mt. St. Helens. We tried without success to find a good back way to the mountain- every avenue turned into a dead end and turn-around. We did get to see the mountain, but she had her head in the clouds…

Our best view of Mt. St. Helens.

 

Ironically, we could see Mt. Rainier in the distance!

The next day we went to the closest point one can currently drive to Mt. St. Helens. There is another, closer lookout, but the road was taken out by a landslide. The mountaintop was still in clouds, but we could see Mt. Rainier! Which was our next stop, anyway.

They call Washington the Evergreen State.

 

We stopped in a small town on the way the Mt. Rainier. This seems to be the telephone system.

Our first day at Rainier was very foggy and wet. We visited waterfalls. The next day the fog cleared, the sun came out, and we had glorious views of the peak. We took a few hikes around Paradise, which is aptly named. I imagine it’s less paradisiacal in winter, though.

Another photographer at Narada Falls.

 

The top portion of the falls.

 

A view of the glacially-carved Nisqually River valley. The river comes off the Nisqually Glacier.

 

Christine Falls.

 

Susan in Paradise.

 

Mt. Rainier, with the fog lifting.

 

We got this!

 

And this! An alpine meadow…

 

…full of amazing wildflowers.

After two days at Rainier, we went back the coast- Westport, Washington, specifically. We’re here enjoying the beach and a down-to-earth fishing town, with fresh Dungeness crabs on tonight’s menu.

The Marina at Westport. There are a few fishing vessels.

 

Me and Susan. I’ve lost some weight.

 

Tried (without success) to get a sunset- got this in the dunes there.

 

Did get something of a moonrise, though.

From here it’s up to the Olympic peninsula for several days, a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Stay tuned!

That’s the Touring the Northwest report. Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a bike ride! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , ,

Still Alive and On the Road Report

August 9, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Still Alive and On the Road Report and Photo Essay

Thank you for reading this still alive and on the road report. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to post, so here are the highlights.

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please.

Smoke from the Park Fire, near Chico.

After leaving Maxx and Catalina, we drove to Red Bluff to visit with our daughter-in-law, Allison. Unfortunately we brought some head crud we caught from some of those kids at the previous stop, and spent several days lying around trying to get rid of it. Plus, the temperature in Red Bluff was over 100 every day, so while we went walking at sunset, it’s not like we wanted to get out and have fun in the sun. I did get my oil changed.

A CalFire chopper, getting water to fight said fire.

 

Sunset at Red Bluff.

 

Our walking path.

 

This grass grows everywhere. It’s a mystery why there aren’t more fires.

We left Red Bluff and visited Salt Point State Park, a favorite of mine from our last trip to California. We were in fog much of the time we were there- I was unable to get the sunset pictures I had fantasized about. But it was chilly, finally, the reason we left Florida in the first place.

Waves at Salt Point.

 

The sun sets into a fog bank off Salt Point.

We left Salt Point and drove to Boise Creek campground, a USFS facility. What it lacked in amenities (it did have water and pit toilets) it made up for with highway noise, being just off CA 299. Maxx joined us here, and is still accompanying us. We found some blackberry bushes for some delicious snacking, and watched folks swimming in the Trinity River, one of Alex’s preferred fishing spots.

On the Damnation Creek trail.

 

Burl with ferns on a large redwood tree.

 

The fog made the scene magical.

 

Small trees, fuzzy with moss, along the trail.

When finished there, we returned to the coast. Our next stop was Del Norte Redwoods State Park, where we camped at the Mill Creek campground. We took one of the most magical walks of any year on the Damnation Creek trail. Tendrils of fog weaved there way through giant coastal redwoods, beyond enchanting.

Mill Creek, near our campsite.

 

An ent, right next to our campsite. Fortunately it stayed asleep the entire time we were there.

A drive down Howland Road followed, with stops for walks through the Grove of the Titans and Stout Grove. We as a race are SO lucky that loggers did not cut down every single big tree like they did in the East.

Opening fiddlehead on the walk to the Grove of the Titans.

 

Banana slug, also on the same walk.

 

More modest redwoods, on the same walk.

 

This tree was sequoia-like, just massive.

 

Twin redwoods in the Stout Grove.

A night at Humbug Mountain State Park followed, with more berry picking and a beach sunset.

Susan clowns around while we wait for sunset.

 

Gulls at Humbug Park.

 

Getting close!

 

And down it goes!

Currently we’re at the Eel Creek campground in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, pondering our next move.

That’s the still alive and on the road report. I’ll get the next one out as soon as I can! Thanks for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go for a bike ride! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

Filed Under: Photo Essays, travel blog · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Create A Memorable Outdoor Retreat With These Essential Strategies

July 31, 2024 by · Leave a Comment

Create A Memorable Outdoor Retreat With These Essential Strategies

A Guest Blog by Julia Mitchell.

Embarking on an outdoor getaway can rejuvenate your spirit, challenge your body, and expand your appreciation for nature’s beauty. However, a successful adventure requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you dream of serene hikes, thrilling wildlife encounters, or peaceful beachside mornings, following a few simple steps will help ensure that your experience is not only enjoyable but also unforgettable. In this article, courtesy of Spotted Tail Outdoors and Travel, we’ll go over some tips to help you create a memorable, relaxing vacation.

Tailor Your Trip to Your Outdoor Interest

Selecting the right destination is essential, so consider options such as serene hiking trails, vibrant beaches, or wildlife-rich areas. Thoroughly research destinations that match your interests, considering the landscape, weather, and available activities. Choose a location that both challenges your skills and offers the relaxation or excitement you desire, setting the stage for a memorable experience.

Secure Your Spot

Begin planning your outdoor getaway several months in advance, particularly for popular destinations like national parks, where camping slots and entry permits are limited. Early planning secures your spot and helps you avoid the disappointment that often comes with last-minute arrangements. This foresight also provides time to accommodate any specific requirements or restrictions, such as seasonal closures or visitor caps, ensuring a smooth experience.

Simplify Travel with

Digital Document Management

In today’s digital age, managing travel documents efficiently is essential for a stress-free journey. By using a mobile app to scan and create PDFs that are useful for important items like reservations, permits, and personal ID, you ensure these documents are securely stored and easily accessible on any device. This allows you to access your information anytime, safeguarding against the loss or misplacement of original documents while you’re on the road.

Pack Smart

Packing appropriately for your outdoor activities enhances both comfort and safety. For hiking, choose high-quality boots and moisture-wicking clothing, while beach outings require sun protection and quick-dry swimwear. Ensure every item you pack is purposeful, comfortable, and suited to the weather and activities, while also selecting durable gear that matches the environmental demands of your destination.

Match Activities to Your Fitness Level

Being realistic about your physical capabilities will enhance your enjoyment and safety. Assess your fitness level and choose activities that are challenging yet achievable. This consideration will prevent potential injuries and ensure that you enjoy your trip without overexerting yourself. Activities should be fun and invigorating, not daunting, so tailor your adventure to match your current fitness level and gradually build up to more strenuous activities if desired.

Know and Follow Local Guidelines

Understanding and adhering to the local rules and regulations is essential for a respectful and trouble-free outdoor experience. Research the specific permits required, be aware of any restrictions on activities, and respect guidelines designed to preserve the natural environment. This knowledge not only helps protect the natural sites but also ensures that these places remain beautiful and accessible for future visitors.

Stay Safe

Before you head out, share your itinerary with a trusted person. This step is crucial for your safety, particularly for remote or challenging adventures. Additionally, always carry a map, GPS device, or compass. These tools are invaluable if you find yourself out of cellular range or if you need to navigate new routes. Being prepared with reliable navigation aids can make the difference between a minor mishap and a critical emergency.

An unforgettable outdoor getaway hinges on thorough preparation, so take your time when planning your next trip. Ultimately, this allows you to immerse fully in the natural beauty around you, creating lasting memories.

 

Julia Mitchell, incredibly passionate about the activities that fill her days, wants to share her adoration for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world and encourage others to turn their INspiration into OUTspiration.

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