Posts Tagged With: waterfalls

Along the Perimeter in Ouray, Colorado

Posted on October 9, 2020 by carryoncouple.com
Happy to find a sturdy bridge across the stream.

What better way to learn the lay of the land than to walk the perimeter…and that’s just what we did today in Ouray (pronounced You-Ray), Colorado.

Trail guides vary, listing the circular Perimeter Trail as 5 1/2 – 6 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain and loss. All promise spectacular views.

If you look closely, you can see the trail alongside the mountain.

The trail took us through tunnels, across numerous bridges and through some gorgeous fall color. There was a bit of climbing, mostly at the beginning and end. We chose to walk counter clockwise, saving our glimpse of the waterfall until the end.

We got a bird’s eye view of Ouray.
Lots of color.
It wasn’t much of a waterfall in October, but there was still a trickle spilling from high above.

All in all, this was a good days hike. By the time we reached our starting point we were hot and dirty and tired…but in a good way!

Categories: Road Trips | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Almost Heaven – West Virginia

Posted on November 11, 2014 by carryoncouple.com

That's how we feel about the weather we've had during our stay here in Morgantown. I was a little intimidated by the never ending landscape of bare trees surrounding us. Chris explained that the fall color had come and gone quickly last month, so I was prepared for winter weather. Instead, we've enjoyed beautiful sunny skies, with today being the best day of all.

Monday Chris took us to Coopers Rock State Park where we hiked out to an amazing spot overlooking the Cheat River below.

We visited Valley Falls State Park, located along the Tygart River. Yellow dots on the trees led us on a hike up to an outcropping of rocks, then back down to the river.

Our stay in West Virginia has been great, but the weather forecast is promising that the Polar Express is on the way. Bitter cold is expected within a few days, so it's time to say goodbye to the kids and head home to our milder climate.

Categories: travel light | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Touring the Columbia River Gorge

Posted on September 11, 2013 by carryoncouple.com

In the past, we've always driven up the Columbia River Gorge along Interstate 84. While the scenery was beautiful, it was simply the quickest way for us to reach our destination of Walla Walla, Washington where our son was enrolled in college. Now that he and Leah live in Portland, we chose to spend a relaxing morning cruising east out of Portland, along the scenic Route 30, to discover just what we'd been missing.

Construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway (Route 30) began in 1913 and, at the time, was considered quite an engineering feat. The highway was designed to showcase the many waterfalls and other natural beauty found along the route. High above a generic Interstate 84 the two lane Route 30 twists and turns with a promise of great beauty.

We were not disappointed. There are many places to pull off the road and admire the views. We chose several stops where we were able to see some spectacular scenery just a few short steps from our car!

The Vista House offers visitors a view up and down the Columbia River. Looking eastward, the view is breathtaking.

A short walk leads us to the bottom of Latourell Falls.

Highway 30 passes right over the top of Bridal Veil Falls (right). Multnomah Falls (left) is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon. The parking lot has always been full when we've driven by, and today was no exception.

 

 

 

Categories: Road Trips | Tags: , , , , , , | 4 Comments

If You Are in the Neighborhood: Going Up in Yosemite

Posted on February 2, 2013 by carryoncouple.com

Half Dome and Cloud's Rest, on the far left, frame this photo with Vernal and Nevada falls. This was taken at Glacier Point.

On the way up, we got many great views of Yosemite Falls.

A series of posts from our travels.

The next time you are enjoying a spring or early summer day in California's Yosemite Valley, the Four-Mile Trail is a great way to get to the high country while experiencing views of the park and its waterfalls that change as you turn every corner.

The trail begins near Sentinel Beach in Yosemite Valley. There is about 3,200 feet of elevation gain, so we wouldn't recommend it on a hot summer day. It is a vigorous trek. This was the original way to get to Glacier Point before the present road was built.

At the top (Glacier Point), the views are unparalleled. There are snacks and hot food in the store and restrooms nearby.

A warning: the trip down can be tough on the knees, so take your time.

If you are not game for the walk up, catch the shuttle bus at Yosemite Lodge, which will take you to Glacier Point, then hike down. The bus sometimes books up, so you may want to reserve seats.

The vast majority of Yosemite visitors never venture to the park's high country. But those who know the park say, “go up!”

Our sons Brad and Andrew along with some friends came along to take in the views.

 

Categories: Neighborhood series | Tags: , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

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