Tarantula ~ Zion National Park

I'm not afraid of house spiders. However, I'm afraid of hairy spiders...especially hairy spiders that are as big as my cell phone.

My wife and I spotted this tarantula while hiking in Zion National Park in October 2010.

This is not our first encounter with a tarantula. Check out a post from February 6, 2009 titled "Tarantula".

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CENTRAL PARK ~ NEW YORK CITY ~ JANUARY 2011

On the morning of January 3, 2011 I walked the full 2.5 mile length of Central Park. Although it was a cold morning there were a plethora of people enjoying the many trails and sights of the most famous city park in the world.

~The Reservoir~ All of the ponds and lakes in Central park are man made.

~ Belvedere Castle ~


The park first opened in 1867 on 843 acres of city owned land.

The park was designated a national Historic Landmark in 1963.

In 2005 the park's land was appraised at $528,783,552,000.00

No two bridges are the same in the park.

~ Wollman Skating Rink ~

Many of the walking paths are carved into the natural landscapes of the park.

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Frost-Bike

Greeter & Boardtree Falls ~ Tennessee

Greeter and Boardtree Falls are located near Altamont, TN. Above, the trail leading to the falls.

To get to Greeter Falls this spiral staircase is used to get to the bottom of the bluff.

Above and below... Greeter Falls

Above, Boardtree Falls. Below, the top of Boardtree Falls. Greeter and Boardtree Falls are about a half mile apart.

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Needles Highway ~ Custer State Park ~ South Dakota

As Midwest scenic drives go...The Needles Highway is as good as any. Interesting and unique landscapes are a must of any beautiful drive. The Needles Highway provides these sights via tall granite "needles" shooting out of the top of The Black Hills in Custer State Park, South Dakota.

The Needles Highway is 37.8 miles long and has more curves and turns than any scenic highway that I've traveled.

The highway features several tunnels that can barely fit one car. In fact, while I was driving it the thought of "an eye of a needle" came to mind and I assumed this is where the highway received it name.

I only spent one day exploring Custer State Park. Most of that time was spent sight-seeing along The Needles Highway. I don't know when, but, I will return for a longer visit.

Valley of Fire State Park ~ Nevada

After you've run out of money in Vegas, take the 60 mile trip northeast to visit Valley of Fire State Park (VFSP). Other than gas money and a $7 entry fee...this portion of your Vegas vacation may actually save you money.

My favorite National and State Parks are ones that allow the visitor to get their hands dirty. There are no "off limits" areas in VFSP. My wife and I were able to climb and hike everywhere in the park. Not seeing a sign that reads "stay on designated trails" means you are in a great park. How can you explore an area if you are only allowed in designated areas?

Valley of Fire State Park is Nevada's oldest

The park was dedicated in 1935

The park covers 34,880 acres

To get to the park...travel 60 miles northeast from Vegas on Interstate 15

The park entry passes through the Moapa Indian Reservation

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THE ROOT RIVER TRAIL ~ MINNESOTA

The towns that link The Root River Trail cater to bicyclists more than any other group of towns on any other trail. You will not go hungry. In fact, one will probably gain a few pounds as independently owned cafes serving ice cream, pie, fudge and other goodies abound the entire length of the trail.

I'm a sucker when it comes to seeing a sign that reads "world famous pies". Did I try the pie? Of course. The apple pie served at this cafe in Whalen was excellent. Unfortunately, my favorite slice of pie is typically the last slice that I've eaten.

The Root River Trail extends 42.3 miles from Houston to Fountain MN. The trail is unique in that it's very curvy and has the most hills/inclines of any rail-trail I've ever pedaled. The trail predominantly runs east/west and hugs The Root River most of the way. These photos were taken over Memorial day Weekend, 2010

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Devils Tower National Monument

Traveling east/west on I90 near the Wyoming/South Dakota border can be a monotonous task. If traveling west one can anticipate the grandeur of mountainous landscapes and Big Sky views. You quickly, or should I say slowly realize, your anticipations don't materialize for another 400 miles. If traveling east, there's not much to anticipate as South Dakota and Minnesota provides all things opposite of a scenic drive.


Over the years the Devils Tower National Monument's exit has caught my eye, but I just could never pull the trigger to drive the 30 miles north to view the monument. However, in September 2010 I was headed back home from a bicycling and fly-fishing trip in Montana and found myself ahead of schedule. I decided to take the exit and find out if the 60 mile round trip was worth it. What's 60 more miles out of a 5000 mile trip?

Devils Tower National Monument (DTNM) facts:

• There is no apostrophy in "Devils"


• DTNM is located in the Black Hills of Northeastern Wyoming


• The surrounding terrian is 1267 feet above sea level. The height of the monument is 5112 above sea level


• Established as a monument on September 25, 1906 by Theodore Roosevelt

Was DTNM worth the side trip? Yes. Is it worth the side trip every year I pass the exit? No.