Our Family Travels and Activities
- Thread starter Dougnuts
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Dougnuts
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Our next big trip was in the fall of 2022 and the first stop was in Hocking Hills, OH. Hurricane Ian was moving up through Ohio. Thankfully, most of the drive north was spent just to the west of all the rain. We hiked at Hocking Hills State Park and Ash Cave.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
After a hotel stay near Hocking Hills, we drove up to Erie, PA for some hiking and a two night stay. We did some hiking on Presque Isle State Park and also hiked up Wintergreen Gorge, to science hill, a to the Gorge Overlook.
Gorge Overlook:
At Bicentennial Tower:
Bicentennial Tower at night:
From Presque Isle State Park:
Gorge Overlook:
At Bicentennial Tower:
Bicentennial Tower at night:
From Presque Isle State Park:
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Dougnuts
Well-known member
Continued from Presque Isle State Park:
Erie Land Lighthouse (not on Presque Isle)
We usually took the F150 on road trips, but I chose to take the 2015 Subaru 3.6R since I had just installed a thorough suspension refresh. It received Bilstein B6 shocks, Rallitek lift, Nameless strut bar, Whiteline camber plates, KMC wheels, and Falken Wildpeak tires.
Erie Land Lighthouse (not on Presque Isle)
We usually took the F150 on road trips, but I chose to take the 2015 Subaru 3.6R since I had just installed a thorough suspension refresh. It received Bilstein B6 shocks, Rallitek lift, Nameless strut bar, Whiteline camber plates, KMC wheels, and Falken Wildpeak tires.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
From the Maid of the Mist:
From Canada:
The Niagara Parks Power Station was impressive. It was amazing that we built things of this scale in the late 1800's. They had recently opened The Tunnel, which was reached via elevator and let you walk down to nearly water level.
We also did Journey Behind the Falls:
From Canada:
The Niagara Parks Power Station was impressive. It was amazing that we built things of this scale in the late 1800's. They had recently opened The Tunnel, which was reached via elevator and let you walk down to nearly water level.
We also did Journey Behind the Falls:
Dougnuts
Well-known member
The next trip out west was with the whole family, in October of 2023. My wife is not a fan of road trips, so we flew to Denver and rented a 4Runner on Turo.
After visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater and hiking the loop, we jumped in the car and headed west on I70 until we got to Glenwood Springs. While planning the trip, I really wanted to visit the hot springs. Adding the cost of a hotel room to the cost of getting into the hot springs, it cost the same to just say at the resort, so that's what we did. The trip was timed the trip perfectly to see the Aspen trees in full yellow, which was a bucket-list item for me.
The hill to the right is above Frisco, where we stopped for breakfast on the prior trip.
Glenwood Springs:
After visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater and hiking the loop, we jumped in the car and headed west on I70 until we got to Glenwood Springs. While planning the trip, I really wanted to visit the hot springs. Adding the cost of a hotel room to the cost of getting into the hot springs, it cost the same to just say at the resort, so that's what we did. The trip was timed the trip perfectly to see the Aspen trees in full yellow, which was a bucket-list item for me.
The hill to the right is above Frisco, where we stopped for breakfast on the prior trip.
Glenwood Springs:
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Dougnuts
Well-known member
The next morning we finished the drive to Moab, heading down Scenic 128 and heading straight to Milts for lunch, just as I had done on the prior trip. On Scenic 128 we saw our first pair of Lexus GX550 prototypes, which we would see a few more times throughout the next few days.
Then we went to Canyonlands NP:
The end of Shafer Trail climbs up these switchbacks, ending in Canyonlands NP.
We stopped by Dead Horse Point State Park to catch the sunset. In the second picture, just left of center, you can see Hurrah Pass, just up from the right edge of the potash.
Down below, Shafer Trail is visible.
Then we went to Canyonlands NP:
The end of Shafer Trail climbs up these switchbacks, ending in Canyonlands NP.
We stopped by Dead Horse Point State Park to catch the sunset. In the second picture, just left of center, you can see Hurrah Pass, just up from the right edge of the potash.
Down below, Shafer Trail is visible.
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Dougnuts
Well-known member
The next day we had an 11 am entry into Arches NP, so we first got some groceries and then I wanted to show the family Birthing Scene Petroglyph. This is out Kane Creek Road, which is the same road that Jeremy and I took to Hurrah Pass the year prior. It also passes by the famous Cliff Hanger Trail.
These cliffs are commonly used for base jumping........and is that a line of Range Rovers heading our way?
As I mentioned previously, the Lexus GX550 were out and about, but this was the only time I snapped a picture. The best looking one was a dark metaillic green Overtrail Trim (not the one pictured).
We then went to Arches NP and started with Windows Arches, Turret Arch, and Double Arch.
These cliffs are commonly used for base jumping........and is that a line of Range Rovers heading our way?
As I mentioned previously, the Lexus GX550 were out and about, but this was the only time I snapped a picture. The best looking one was a dark metaillic green Overtrail Trim (not the one pictured).
We then went to Arches NP and started with Windows Arches, Turret Arch, and Double Arch.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
Next was the hike to Delicate Arch. It wasn't busy, but the spot was buzzing with excitement. It's quite a sight to behold and the way the trailhead dumps you into the scene creates a core memory.
On the way out, we stopped at Park Avenue Overlook. This might have been my favorite view of the trip. Pictures don't do it justice, and it almost didn't look real when it was right in front of me.
That night, I saw my favorite vehicle of the trip. This Bronco was amazing, probably a $150k build, give or take:
There were so many cool vehicles, I didn't even get pictures of some that were too far out of my budget.
On the way out, we stopped at Park Avenue Overlook. This might have been my favorite view of the trip. Pictures don't do it justice, and it almost didn't look real when it was right in front of me.
That night, I saw my favorite vehicle of the trip. This Bronco was amazing, probably a $150k build, give or take:
There were so many cool vehicles, I didn't even get pictures of some that were too far out of my budget.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
The following morning was another trip to Arches, but this time we had an 8am permit to hike through Fiery Furnace. This was everyone's favorite part of the trip. We did our best to follow the small brown arrows that the official tours followed, but we essentially had the run of the place. We got stuck once, for about 30 minutes, but eventually someone else came by who had All Trails working and we found the passage to get through. It's hard to describe this area, but I recommend it. You must be physically fit and not scared of heights, it can be dangerous.
If there are lizards, this kid will catch one.
If there are lizards, this kid will catch one.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
After leaving Arches NP, it was time to load the car up and hit Shafer Trail. I was the only one excited for this, but the rest of the family were troopers. Shafer Trail is perhaps best known for Thelma and Louise Point, or for the switchbacks that are visible from an overlook in Canyonlands NP. We were using the OnX Offroad app during this drive, for the first time, which wasn't necessary, but I do like it.
Driving past the potash ponds.
After driving back to Moab, we did a quick hike up Moonflower Canyon and then got some ice cream at the food trucks in town.
Driving past the potash ponds.
After driving back to Moab, we did a quick hike up Moonflower Canyon and then got some ice cream at the food trucks in town.
Dougnuts
Well-known member
The following morning, we left Moab with plans to cover a lot of miles and make a few stops along the way. Our first stop was back in Colorado, to see Rifle Falls in Rifle Falls State Park.
Next was the arduous hike up to Hanging Lake. This area is in one of the best spots on I70, just to the east of Glenwood Springs. I had seen this spot the prior year, when Jeremy and I made our road trip. Little did I know that a year later, I would be taking a picture looking back at where I70 goes into a tunnel.
This hike does require a reservation. Our boys were feeling good and led the way, as we rapidly made the climb to the Hanging Lake in around 45 minutes (+1200' in 1.2 miles).
Upon reaching the bottom, we were treated to one of the passenger trains passing by, on the opposite side of the river.
VIDEO
We continued to our hotel reservation near Frisco, CO. I was excited to share my favorite breakfast spot, The Breakfast Deli, with my family. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, as they were closed for the month of October.
Next was the arduous hike up to Hanging Lake. This area is in one of the best spots on I70, just to the east of Glenwood Springs. I had seen this spot the prior year, when Jeremy and I made our road trip. Little did I know that a year later, I would be taking a picture looking back at where I70 goes into a tunnel.
This hike does require a reservation. Our boys were feeling good and led the way, as we rapidly made the climb to the Hanging Lake in around 45 minutes (+1200' in 1.2 miles).
Upon reaching the bottom, we were treated to one of the passenger trains passing by, on the opposite side of the river.
VIDEO
We continued to our hotel reservation near Frisco, CO. I was excited to share my favorite breakfast spot, The Breakfast Deli, with my family. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be, as they were closed for the month of October.
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Dougnuts
Well-known member
That night was a difficult one for me, as I woke up multiple times with my heart pounding and had to pee a lot. Altitude sickness was rearing it's head again.
Multiple readings from my watch confirmed that I was about as low as you want to get before medical assistance is required. We called our nurse practitioner friend and she said to get to lower altitude ASAP and visit the ER if it gets worse. Next door to our hotel was a sporting goods store, so I went to see if they sold oxygen and they did! After the first hit, my O2 level went to 94, with subsequent hits bringing it up to 98. We were back in business and rolled on up to Breckenridge, CO.
It was a slow Friday morning on the main drag of Breckenridge, so we walked to the end of main street and got a little food at BoLD Restaurant and Bar. We left town via Ski Hill Rd, which eventually turned residential and linked back up with Hwy 9 north of town.
Bronco on Main
Riverwalk
Breckenridge View
We then drove back to Denver and visited REI. When we got to the hotel, there were two 2024 Raptors in the parking lot. I took pictures of them but didn't realize for a few months that they had to be pre-production. The yellow stickers should have given it away, as I believe those are emissions exemption related.
Our flight out of Denver was the following morning and we had to say goodbye to the 4Runner TRD Pro. Overall, it was a fantastic package let down by the ancient drivetrain. If I didn't use cruise control, I could usually keep it from downshifting as much. However, when we got back to I-70 after leaving Moab it downshifted to 3rd gear at 75mph and that's the point that I determined that I was not buying one. The new 4Runner/LC250/GX500 will be a compelling package, due to the new drivetrains, but I ended up selling my 2018 F-150 and replacing it with a 2023 F-150 in January.
Multiple readings from my watch confirmed that I was about as low as you want to get before medical assistance is required. We called our nurse practitioner friend and she said to get to lower altitude ASAP and visit the ER if it gets worse. Next door to our hotel was a sporting goods store, so I went to see if they sold oxygen and they did! After the first hit, my O2 level went to 94, with subsequent hits bringing it up to 98. We were back in business and rolled on up to Breckenridge, CO.
It was a slow Friday morning on the main drag of Breckenridge, so we walked to the end of main street and got a little food at BoLD Restaurant and Bar. We left town via Ski Hill Rd, which eventually turned residential and linked back up with Hwy 9 north of town.
Bronco on Main
Riverwalk
Breckenridge View
We then drove back to Denver and visited REI. When we got to the hotel, there were two 2024 Raptors in the parking lot. I took pictures of them but didn't realize for a few months that they had to be pre-production. The yellow stickers should have given it away, as I believe those are emissions exemption related.
Our flight out of Denver was the following morning and we had to say goodbye to the 4Runner TRD Pro. Overall, it was a fantastic package let down by the ancient drivetrain. If I didn't use cruise control, I could usually keep it from downshifting as much. However, when we got back to I-70 after leaving Moab it downshifted to 3rd gear at 75mph and that's the point that I determined that I was not buying one. The new 4Runner/LC250/GX500 will be a compelling package, due to the new drivetrains, but I ended up selling my 2018 F-150 and replacing it with a 2023 F-150 in January.
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Dougnuts
Well-known member
Fall break 2024 was from Kentucky out to South Dakota, Nebraska, and back. The total trip was 7 days and a bit over 3000 miles. I left on a Friday, just after Noon, driving in Hurricane Helene rains until a few hours past St. Louis. I caught between 4 and 5 hours of sleep in the back seat just north of Council Bluffs, IA, and then picked wife and kids up at the Rapid City airport around 1:30pm the following day. Doing 87mph for a majority of the way across SD made the vast state go by super quick and no headwind kept the trucks fuel economy in a reasonable range.
Prior to leaving, I added some PPF behind the rear wheels and cut out some window insulation for privacy while sleeping.
Window insulation:
Paint Protection Film (Picture is from after return)
My first view of the sun on Friday was the sunset.....I finally escaped Helene's reach somewhere a few hours past St. Louis.
Saturday morning breakfast stop in Sioux City, SD.
An obligatory (and very short) stop at Wall Drug. Since I was well ahead of schedule, I backtracked a few miles to visit one of the Minuteman Missile Sites.
Immediately after picking up the wife and kids from the airport, we went to Bear Country USA, which is owned by relatives (through marriage).
There was a lot to see there, which I won't share pictures of, but being there at bear feeding time was a riot! They heard the truck coming before we saw it and the bears came from everywhere to line up and chase the truck for apples, bread, sweet potatoes, etc.
Prior to leaving, I added some PPF behind the rear wheels and cut out some window insulation for privacy while sleeping.
Window insulation:
Paint Protection Film (Picture is from after return)
My first view of the sun on Friday was the sunset.....I finally escaped Helene's reach somewhere a few hours past St. Louis.
Saturday morning breakfast stop in Sioux City, SD.
An obligatory (and very short) stop at Wall Drug. Since I was well ahead of schedule, I backtracked a few miles to visit one of the Minuteman Missile Sites.
Immediately after picking up the wife and kids from the airport, we went to Bear Country USA, which is owned by relatives (through marriage).
There was a lot to see there, which I won't share pictures of, but being there at bear feeding time was a riot! They heard the truck coming before we saw it and the bears came from everywhere to line up and chase the truck for apples, bread, sweet potatoes, etc.
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