Cleo on Tour

Cleo on Tour https://cleoontour.com Follow Cleo on her Adventures Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:41:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://cleoontour.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-20220422_113751-scaled-e1650646355364-32x32.jpg Cleo on Tour https://cleoontour.com 32 32 July 21 – 26, 2023 – Arkansas https://cleoontour.com/2023/08/03/july-21-26-2023-arkansas/ Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:41:49 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=2050

On the way to the next – 13% grade down – and the break controller gets an error message with “no connection”. Uuuuuh ….. not good – but we made it down ok.

A walk to the highest point in Arkansas.

The park has a very nice lodge, hotel, cabins and restaurant.

We have often seen fire flies – but never seen that many of them.

We meet with our friends Al & Mary from Cape Coral here … their campsite.

Another great CCC built lodge in the park …

We walk some trails together with Al & Mary

“Rock House Cave” is huge! … can you see little Susanne?

One evening Spanish Night with Sangria …

One night Al make a very nice campfire – and Mary cooks Chili-Mac (sorry forgot the photo!)

We got some interesting visitors too! A Praying Mantis!

]]> July 15 – 21, 2023 – Nebraska & Missouri https://cleoontour.com/2023/08/01/july-15-21-2023-nebraska-missouri/ Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:45:14 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=2040

Lake McConaughy “Lake Mac” or “Big Mac”, Nebraska’s largest reservoir, is one of Nebraska’s most popular vacation destinations. Located at the edge of Nebraska’s vast and unique Sandhills, the lake is known for its beaches of fine-grained sand and clear waters.

… and must be towed with a huge truck in the soft sand.

We are still in the area where the trails passed in the early days. And learn a lot about them.

We walk a small part of the California Trail …

And the very interesting Art Gallery/ Museum with petrified wood from all over.

And a visit to the historic town of Weston.

… with cute shops, many gift & antic shops and art galleries.

The spring of the Roaring River … with plenty of rainbow trout.

They are still investigating how deep the spring is !

And a view to the trout hatchery from a trail above …

Some of the trout’s from the hatchery are released right here in the park every night – so it’s a fly fishing paradise.

]]> July 9 – 14, 2023 – Wyoming https://cleoontour.com/2023/07/20/july-9-14-2023-wyoming/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 22:11:25 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1970

The first stop in Wyoming is the Buckboard Crossing Campground – with very little forest at the campground. Because most of the Flaming Gorge area is the National Forest.

Flaming George National Recreation Area – the area around the 91 miles long Flaming Gorge Reservoir – which is created from the Green River and the Flaming Gorge Dam.

Sheep Creek Loop Drive is a 10-mile long scenic drive through the Uinta Fault, along Sheep Creek with dramatic geologic formations.

Flaming Gorge Red Canyon (is actually in Utah) is the next very impressive area – and the best – it’s not busy at all!

The little Bighorn Sheep – looks lost to us – but the little guy was very comfortable moving along the tip of the rocks!

… and some of the the “Lady-Bighorn Sheep” close by. Maybe one of them is the mum from the little one.

We walked part of the rim trail – with many view points.

Back than a couple lived in this Fire Lookout Tower – today a volunteer tells the stories.

Our Campsite (this time not in the forest!!)

Quite a bit of wildlife here in the area … Pronghorns …

Bighorn Sheep (unfortunately this time we did not see the “boys” )

In the small town Rawlins – we take a tour through the Wyoming Frontier Prison.

“Block A” – lots of light for “good behaved prisoners”.

In Block B and Block C … it gets even less comfortable

The prison was used from 1901 – 1981. It carried out 14 death sentences – nine men were hanged and five where executed in this gas chamber.

Guernsey State Park – we have been here before – always a great stop.

OMG – I bet mum & dad are super busy – getting food for 34 (!) chicks.

The “castle” … a 2 story picnic shelter – build by the CCC.

…The massive sandstone and log latrine was built by the CCC in the 1930’s. The structure is pretty large and the workmen jokingly named the latrine the “Million Dollar Biffy” because it took so long to finish the project. If it had a window on the water site – it sure would have a “million dollar view” too … LOL!

When we arrived the water level of the reservoir was “ok” …

As we arrived – they started a “silt run” and sending all water to Nebraska (to Lake McConaughy “Lake Mac” – where we go next )

… 2 days later – the water in the reservoir was almost gone!

A visit to the “Register Wall” where the emigrants on the many tracks, which crossed here, would carve their names.

At one time the names included dates as early as 1829 and one reportedly from 1797, both of which were judged authentic – not sure is this one is authentic though.

Also the swallow’s seem to like the “Register Cliff”

Very interesting history at Fort Laramie. The fort was an important way station for thousands of emigrants who travelled the Oregon, California and Mormon Pioneer trails seeking the promise of land, gold, and religious freedom – as well as the Pony Express passed through.

Enlisted Barracks – with housing for the soldiers.

Fort Laramie was established by the US Government to protect the emigrant trails – they split from here in different directions.

]]> July 1 – 9, 2023 – Idaho https://cleoontour.com/2023/07/16/july-1-9-2023-idaho/ Sun, 16 Jul 2023 15:22:23 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1931

The way to our next stop has some challenges for Andreas

… yes, the only way we fit around these switchbacks!

It is 4th of July weekend – with a long “traffic jam” at the boat ramp!

We walk the Big Eddy trail – away from the croud.

We got very lucky – and got the nicest waterfront site in the park!

… with tour planning while we are waiting.

Around the corner form our campsite is the interesting Tamarak Resort Village. All year resort with ski for the winter and mountain bike trails, zip lines and much more for the summer.

2 nights with 4th of July Fireworks – form our “first row” campsite.

The drive to the next stop along Payette River Scenic Byway is stunning and soooo pretty!

We can watch a lot of rafting and canoeing on the river.

The next stop is Bruneau Dunes State Park

From far away the dunes don’t look like much.

Very special are the lakes which formed at the sand dunes.

First we “practice” with the “Small Dune”. … not too bad.

Next is the “Big Dune” … wooo hooo 470 feet up is not really easy. One step up 3/4 step back … LOL!

… looks like a small avalanche, in front of our feet, going down.

The Shoshone Falls are on the way to the next stop. Wooow!

At 212 feet, the falls are higher than Niagara Falls!

Our next stop is Lake Walcott State Park.

And under the picnic shelters from the park – we find lots of Barn Swallow nests.

So mum and dad have a lot of work to feed these hungry youngsters.

Plenty of tiny Yellow Warbler behind our campsite

]]> June 27 – 30, 2023 – Washington State https://cleoontour.com/2023/07/08/june-27-30-2023-washington-state/ Sat, 08 Jul 2023 13:01:06 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1864

On the way to the next stop in Washington State – we see Mt. Rainier – we did not stop – because still a lot is closed here – after the hard winter.

The park is border to the Green River, Washington State – with a nice hiking trail along the river

We celebrate our 30 years of friendship – with a Greek dinner – like 30 years ago.

Next stop is Swift Creek a National Forest Campground at Baker Lake – not far from North Cascade National Park

Our campsite – and the camp host here is from Fort Myers, Florida – small world!!

… with the North Cascade Mountains in the background.

Right here at the campground – Red Huckleberries, Oval-Leaf Blueberries and Blackberries from yesterday – will make a good cake

As we have no electric at the campground – our “Zaubertopf” does a great job.

And “German Abendbrot” also a good Dinner for no electric

The park has two dams – we hiked to Ross Dam

And this one is Diablo Dam – pretty tight if you “meet” another truck on the dam (which we did!).

Gorge Creek Falls – plunges into an extremely tight canyon in a series of plunging drops totally just over 300′ in height.

North Cascade Scenic Highway – at some point is maintained by National Forest Service.

And breathtaking Washington Pass Overlook.

Washington State growers produce over half of the nation’s apple, pear, and cherry production.

Canola, Wheat and Potato fields … as far as you can see.

Next stop is Bridgeport State Park – another park located at the Columbia River.

And our little friends came for a visit.

My app says this guy is a “Yellow-bellied marmot”

Chief Joseph Dam – the second largest hydropower producing dam in the United States! When is built on the Columbia River, it created the lake called Rufus Woods Lake.

]]> June 19-27, 2023 – Oregon https://cleoontour.com/2023/07/03/june-19-27-2023-oregon/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:36:10 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1767

A walk to the beach at “Ft Myers Beach” !?

Our first Oregon campground is Cape Blanco State Park.

A very nice campground with a nice side for us.

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse – it is still active.

Most beaches here are loaded with driftwood.

At the beach another view to the lighthouse.

Not far away is the next stop – Bullards Beach State Park.

Coquille Lighthouse – at the mouth of the Coquille River.

And a visit to the cute, touristic town of Bandon.

This fish is created by trash from the coast!!!

Like this “Puffin” is created from trash.

These real seals (not create from trash ) bathing in the sun – on one of the rocks.

A busy place here on the rocks – MANY nests from Common Murre’s. The Common Murre’s nursery is a 6-inch square of bare rock !! … they are colonial and won’t attempt to breed until plenty of murres join them!

Next spot is Union Creek Campground in the National Forest – just half an hour away from Crater Lake National Park.

… with a huge “backyard” and the Rouge River right behind us.

A day trip to Crater Lake National Park – the first view …. stunning!

There is still a lot of snow in the park …

… and most of the streets are not open yet! So we drove the West Rim Drive as far as possible and from there we hiked the rim trail ….

On the rim trail we get to enjoy the views to Crater Lake and Wizard Island.

Wizard Island is a newer volcano – a cinder cone – that erupted out of the lake 7,300 years ago.

The trail is still covered with snow in many areas …

… and at some point because of the snow-covered trail – we turned around.

Keeping the Park Open is “Snow” Easy Task. Most challenging is the “Spring Opening” – they start with the West Rim Drive, departing the Rim Village sometime in April. Typically, the snow they encounter is 20 to 30 feet deep. If they can get all the way around the lake by 4th of July “we are happy” says the operator!

Ground Squirrel’s (we learned when the head has no stripes – they are not chipmunk’s)

… same river …. very calm just around the corner from the gorge.

The Rouge River disappears for a 200 feet into a “Lava Tube”.

There are many waterfalls in the area – we visit Mill Creek Falls.

On the way to the next stop – along the scenic byway.

With a visit to the “Newberry National Volcanic Monument”.

… and walking the trail around the “rim”.

Another view to the Lava Butte from the Lava Field.

Another amazing stop – The Cove Palisades State Park.

After a long drive along in the State Park – we setup at our campsite.

We walk the trail up to the plateau – for great canyon views.

Another good view to Mt. Jefferson on the way to the next.

Our campsite at the next stop (Viento State Park at the Columbia River Gorge) located between the busy railroad (30 yards) and the interstate (60 yards) ….LOL!

We biked a part of the Historic Columbia River Highway …

A visit to the busy and touristy town Hood River.

Because of the water and wind here it is a paradise for watersport – wind surfing, kite surfing, wing surfing, paddling … crazy, crazy busy!!

It’s fun to watch the surfers “flying” ….

]]> June 10-18, 2023 – California https://cleoontour.com/2023/06/26/june-10-18-2023-california/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:28:09 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1762

The welcome signs in California (we found) are not really pretty …

… and nobody at the agricultural inspection – so – no questions this time

Our first stop was one night at a county park – Sycamore Ranch.

… and that was cool – MANY heron and egret nests in the trees on the other side of the river. We could watch a few of these nests – each feeding was big spectacle.

The next stop was Clear Lake State Park.

Our site with the lake behind the trees.

… surrounded by hills with many winery’s.

We took a drive around the huge lake – with some fancy lakefront homes.

We checked out one of the winery’s – Brassfield Estate Winery – a beautiful estate tucked in the hills.

The area around the lake with many beautiful wildflowers.

And what is that ??? … very interesting – this is created from the California gall wasp, is a small wasp species that induces oak apple galls on white oaks. The California gall wasp is considered an ecosystem engineer, capable of manipulating the growth of galls for their own development.

And we enjoyed “Camping-Paella” for dinner

Next stop is the Humboldt Redwoods State Park – at the Avenue of Giants.

A beautiful campground in-between the huge redwood trees. The spot we got – is a bit tiny for our camper …

Actually a combination of a National Park and many State Parks working together – to preserve these amazing “world’s tallest living trees”.

Our “Zaubertopf” makes the best camping dinners !

First time our camper gets to see the pacific.

Another Redwood State Park with huge redwood trees – Del Norte State Park with a campground in the forest.

]]> June 4-9, 2023 – Nevada https://cleoontour.com/2023/06/15/june-4-9-2023-nevada/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:50:45 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1679

On the way to the next campground we stopped by he Bonneville Salt Flats …

Our next Stop Southfork State Recreation Area located at the South Fork Reservoir.

On the next day – millions of mormon crickets start crossing the street.

A very strange feeling to drive here ….
This “event” was all over the local news.

Lamoille Canyon – a super nice Scenic Drive.

… and LOTS of water in the creeks from the melting snow.

Oooops the “leftovers” of an avalange stopped us on the senic drive.

But at least we get very close to the snow

On the senice drive – we hike Thomas Canyon.

Very nice trail … with lots of waterfalls.

After soo many miles towing trailer – we decided an oil change would be a good idea.

We get the nicest walk-in campsite – and it was free!

… right on the creek – with plenty of firewood!

And the trees are full of beautiful birds!

We are on the same route as the historic Califormia Trail. Betweenn 1841 and 1869, up to 250,000 people sold their belongings, packed wagons, and set out for California – dreaming of a better life – some ending in good fortune, and others ending in tragedy. Seeing the tough landscape here – not hard to unserstand it was “Traveling through hell”.

Next stop is Washoe Lake State Park – located on Washoe Lake – right “around the corner” from Lake Tahoe.

… with a georgeous view to the Lake and the Sierra Nevada.

The state park is home of many wild horses – wild horses are very common in this area.

A drive to and around Lake Tahoe. The scenery is absolutely amazing!!!

And beaches – a bit to cold for us to go swimming

]]> May-29 – June-03, 2023 – Utah (Part II) https://cleoontour.com/2023/06/06/may-29-june-03-2023-utah-part-ii/ Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:36:37 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1619

If we find gas below $4 … we call it “cheap” LOL!!!

Our next stop is the Utah Lake State Park – located at Utah’s largest freshwater lake “Utah Lake”.

Our first campsite with a beautiful view …

Our second campsite – with waterfront :-).

We are enjoying very nice bicycle trails arourd the park.

The Bridal Veil Falls are one of the stops along Provo Canyon. From all the snow meling Provo River has a very high water level and is flooding some areas.

The foot- and bicycle trail on the other site of Provo River are still covered from an avalange which came down in March.

Because of all the snow this winter the Rivers in this area have very high water levels.

Our first night we thought there is a bee nest in the tree above us – but the “bussing” came from the millions of Midge Flies in and around the trees.

Millions is probably not underestimated! And a lot of birds had a feast !

California Quail …. looking pretty special with there “hair dress”

And this guy (I assume some kind of ground squerril) is pretty big (like our fox squerrils at home).

Antelope Island State Park – on Antelope Island, with an area of 42 quare miles the largest of ten islands located within the Great Salt Lake in Utah.

Where we enjoy “Camping Sushi” for dinner.

… finding something to scratch there fur at the bicycle repair station.

You can see the trails/tracks from the bison in the dried out part of the lake.

Also a lot of other wildlife on the island – Chukar …

“Our” little Burrowing Owls (we have at home too)

A lonley cayote on the beach … we can hear the packs of cayotes in the evenings and mornings very loud … but don’t see them.

Impressive building – build by a German architect.

… and we watch some wedding photography.

]]> May 21-28, 2023 – Utah (Part I) https://cleoontour.com/2023/05/31/may-21-28-2023-utah-part-i/ Thu, 01 Jun 2023 00:10:39 +0000 https://cleoontour.com/?p=1579

… and back to one of our favorite State Parks in Utah, the “Snow Canyon State Park”.
Rolling petrified dunes, red and white sandstone cliffs, stark-black lava flows make a stunning landscape and a hiking paradise.

The campground and our campsite – located in the middle of the park.

Jenny’s Canyon we have not visited before.

Su looks kind of tiny in the huge Canyon

And the view from here is great … see on the next photo!

A couple Blue Jays joined us on the trail for a while.

All the different colors and formations are amazing !

Colorado Four O’Clock … opens up in the afternoon – sooo pretty!

Next Stop is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park.

Popular destination for OHV enthusiasts ….

Of course we have to get to the tallest dune!

… we can see the wind working on the dunes!

… and we are lucky to get a walk-in campsite.

On the way down in the canyon … we can see the hoodoos from up close.

Another one of our favorite stops is Kodachrome Basin State Park in Utah.

… and moving to the Arch Campground for a couple days.

We go on trails we haven’t been before …

The rock is actually so soft – that over time the hand-prints getting pretty deep. The ranger told us that the sheep farmers started this a long time ago.

Here is “Mini-Su” again – yes the red dot at the bottom …LOL!

This is Jack !!! “Jack Rabbit” shows us his long ears.

And plenty of pretty wildflowers on the trail.

Stansbury’s Cliffrose everywhere – I wish I could send the smell to the website. The wonderful smell fills the air everywhere.

Ooooo nooooo – we saw this arch a few years ago.

It’s gone – but we know mother nature works here every day!

The trail is tricky in some places – but worth the effort.

… one of the amazing slot canyons in this area.

Well yes, it got pretty narrow … and have to squeeze through some areas.

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