hiking | Carl's Blog

New Orleans the Summer Tour 2025 – Day 1

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the picture first… It’s freaking hot here compared to my visit in December.

Now that’s out of the way on to this trip…

The drive here was pleasant nothing to talk about; however, the stop at the Louisiana Tourist building and trail is worth mentioning.

I tried to record some video so you could hear the insects, but the video is not stable for some reason so, but here is a video of a swamp with insects buzzing. Thank God there weren’t any mosquitos.

I made good time on I-10 and arrived in New Orleans with time to visit a Barnes & Nobels. I found a paperback copy of Terry Pratchett’s Wee Little Men. If you want a nice summary of Pratchett’s work check out this YouTube video. With time wasted enough and a free tote bag collected from my Barnes & Nobel membership it was time to head to the hotel.

Check in was quick and the valet took my truck off to the magical parking lot that vehicles play in while their owns are on vacation.

After unpacking it was time to grab a drink at the bar before heading off down Bourbon street.

I wanted to visit an “Irish” pub so I went to Erin Rose just off Bourbon Street. The Guinness was poured correctly and the bartender could give some good “craic” the prices were good too, a pint followed by a Jameson on the rocks was only $12.

By now its 7 PM and way past my dinner time so I went to try out The Court of Two Sisters. If you want another take on this restaurant check out Shaun’s Visit. I came in the back door, found the hostess and looked over the dinner menu and decided for the Chef’s Three Course Meal. I started with Turtle Soup, my main was blackened chicken with brussels sprouts and mash potatoes ending with bread pudding in a whiskey sauce.

My only complaint is/was the soup was too salty, but that is a common issue I have after 4+ years of not adding extra salt to anything. I would recommend this meal to friends that were coming to NOLA and need someplace to eat.

Now unlike Las Vegas, my body knew it was 8:30 PM and the adult beverages were starting to hit so I headed back to my hotel and started/completed this blog post.

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on June 23, 2025 at 9:34 pm Comments Off
Tags: food, hiking, life, New Orleans, travel, vacation

June 4th 2025 – Vegas Day 2

It’s the next day, for real this time, and my body didn’t get the memo that I’m in a different time zone. I was awake again at 4:15 AM, at least I don’t hurt as much as I thought I would. I should have brought my new shoes instead of an older pair (I’m using them for hiking later, still need to replace my hiking boots after last summers issue.) And good news, Red Rock Canyon has a scenic drive loop with parking at the easy trails, so that’s today’s plan. I should even be back before Weather.com says hiking is bad.

Red Rock Canyon is beautiful and is designed to be driven with set parking locations and trails branching from them so you can get better views. I tried recording a video driving the route but my setup didn’t work. If I really want to record a drive I’m going to have to buy a dashboard camera. Here are some pictures. I only hiked one trail and it was short, 0.2 miles out and back.

Since I got back from Red Rock, I’ve just been relaxing. I baked a pizza while my laptop did some updates. I’m tempted to take a nap before heading out again.

Tonight, I’m going to the Excalibur for the Tournament of Kings.

Seriously, I think whoever designed Las Vegas and how the casinos connected worked for Elder Scrolls Online and learned the “you can’t get there from here” principle. The signage in the casinos is no help either. Now I do admit, once you figure out the system I think you can go from the north to south via casino lobbies and shopping areas. Now learning the pattern probably takes a life time 😆

Well, I’m in The Excalibur drinking overpriced old fashion, but at least I’m not walking and in the sun anymore. My dinner and show starts in about 2 hours. I just signed up for the MGM Rewards and guess I’ll figure out how they work playing slots.

Gave slots a try.. didn’t go well. I saw people all around me with small wins, but I bust each spin. The odds are not in my favor.

I did watch a bit of black jack play and there was a lady killing it. Never changed her bet just kept winning and banking the win. Tempted me but the odds are not in my favor. So off to drown my sour in $6 draft beer. At least I have the show to look forward to. Before we chat about the show, I want to mention it’s worth looking for happy hours that are near the casinos. Was able to enjoy a few beers and even had a bartender originally from El Paso.

I’ve been seated for the king’s tournament.

The Tournament of the King was cool. Be prepared for indoor fireworks and the evil wizard has a flame staff. Wow you can feel the heat. But why did they only give me 4 baby potatoes? Seriously, half a chicken but only 4 baby potatoes?

After the show, I tried my chances at 2 for 1 blackjack table… OMG.. I only lost 1 hand. Risked $20 and walked away with $70.. $50 profit. I so wanted to go back and keep trying; however, the King’s Mule kicked in and I couldn’t math… So walked, no ran away… 😆

Looking north from the Skybridge by the MGM

Every wonder where the MGM live happens well here it is

And no, it isn’t one way glass. These people are doing their job with us, average Joe public, watching them. How I know, one of them smiled at me when I asked out load if it was one way glass.

Off to bed now, well maybe going to take a bit to come off the winning high.

Ok, not bed yet. Need to do a few dailies in ESO.

Tomorrow is Hoover Dam.

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on June 5, 2025 at 12:47 am Comments Off
Tags: adventure, backpacking, casinos, hiking, nature, travel, vegas

Hike at Eagle Lake – June 2024

This morning when I woke up I debated just sitting in my room and reading a book, but reviewing things to do near Lake Tahoe I decided to drive to the Eagle Falls Trail and walk to Eagle Lake. It’s only a 1 mile hike, up a mountain. Going up took me almost and hour, but coming down was quicker at 45 minutes.

Pictures going up to Eagle Lake

I’m glad they had rocks or logs along the trail that you could sit and listen to nature. The trail was not difficult to find your footing, but the “stairs” were still steep. This was a very popular trail due to the short length, so I wasn’t alone with people of all ages and their canine friends. There were even some individuals that had fishing poles and nets, specifically to fish in the lake and river that feeds the lake. I did see some fish jumping in the lake, but I didn’t witness any one catch any fish.

Eagle Lake

The texture of the bark on the tree fasinated me.

Wow, the water was crystal clear, but I shouldn’t expect anything less. My question is how did the first fish get up to this lake? Something to ponder.

The hike back down

I’m sorry this pictures are not in order. And I can’t seem to make wordpress to order them chronologically. They are basically in reverse order. For example, the squirrel, who I think was looking for a handout, was the 2nd to last picture I took today, the bridge was the picture I took before I took the picture of Lake Tahoe thru the trees.

I only hiked 2 miles, but almost all of it was vertical. I also had the sole of both of my hiking boots started to come off and by the end of the hike I was wearing reverse flip flops. The soles were only attached at the heel.

I’m glad I decided to put my running shoes in the trunk. With my hiking boots out of commission I wasn’t going to try to hike anymore trails plus I really need to get hiking poles that I can pack in my luggage. Just doing some free thinking. Back to the narrative.

So, I put the top down on the Mustang and drove back to the resort to make lunch, do laundry and write up this blog. I’ve got tomorrow (Friday) left to experience the area. Going to take the rest of the afternoon to recharge. There is a part of me that wants to get a picture of the sunsetting over Lake Tahoe, driving some of the mountain roads are nerve racking even in a sports car that hugs the road.

Short video collage of the sounds of nature, with music playing to fill in the dead spots.

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on June 13, 2024 at 4:43 pm Comments (1)
Tags: adventure, california, hiking, lake, lake-tahoe, Lakes, travel, vacation, waterfall

Spring Break – Day 2 and 3

Sunday’s time change hit be hard on Tuesday, so I got to a very slow start. I’m on vacation. I don’t have to do it all in one day.

After lunch time I went to a hiking trail near my hotel. But the trail was less than I expected. The Madrone Trail’s only high point was the butterfly garden. It is in the actual shape of a butterfly. The rest of the trail was confusing. There are too many connected trails. If you stopped paying attention, you could easily just walk in circles. I took the time to find one Geocache and then left.

Wednesday morning, I woke up early and ready to get going. So different than Tuesday morning; however, the weather and sunrise were not on my side. The Canyon Lake Dam overlook park didn’t open until 8 AM, luckily the donut shop was open at 6 AM. I enjoyed a kolache and a chocolate iced donut with sprinkles along with my coffee.

When the sun made an attempt to show up, the clouds and the fog had something else to say. The hike at the Dam was not pleasant with 92% humidity.

So back to the hotel and time for 2nd breakfast and some reading while I waited for the weather to improve.

At 11 AM the weather had improved. The fog had cleared, and the sun started to make appearances through the clouds. I head out for a little shopping Natural Rocks Crystals before going to the final trail of the day.

I went to the crystal shop hoping they’d have some rings my size, but they didn’t. I was able to purchase some pocket gem necklaces which allow you to drop polished rocks into a net. I will be able to use them with some malachite rocks I bought in Utah last summer and create my own “handcrafted” necklaces.

My final hiking adventure for the day was at Canyon Lake Gorge. This gorge was created in 2002 after a record amount of rain created the conditions were the dam overflowed the spill way and cut out the gorge. Be sure to check in at the office and pay the $5 access fee then trail is an easy out and back of 1.3 miles with signs along the way pointing out key features found in the gorge. You can book a guided tour, and I’m just going to copying and pasting the site blurb, “Join a certified guide on a trip down to the bottom of the 64-acre Gorge to explore limestone layers from an ancient sea, perfectly preserved fossils, waterfalls and springs where the Trinity Aquifer is exposed, and much more.”

Sorry for the heavy breathing. This is the view returning to the trail head.

After a very good burger from the Wildflour Artisan Bakery & Grill. I head to my final destination of the day, Crowded Barrel Whiskey Company.

I’m now back in my room and trying to decide if I should just have a bowl of cereal or something else light. Seriously, that burger earlier was very filling.

I’m thinking tomorrow I will visit the Hill Country History Museum, and then find a place to have a piece of pie. The forecast is for rain off and on, so outside activities could be very limited.

Until the next post!

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on March 13, 2024 at 7:42 pm Comments Off
Tags: flowers, hiking, nature, spring break, travel

Utah – Day 2 – Driving and Hiking

I really tried to video the drive through the canyon, but the sun was shining right on the car windshield, and I couldn’t position the cellphone holder to eliminate that problem. I really wish I could have videoed the drive, because my focus was on keeping the car in my lane with all the twists and turns. I even missed the stop to get the waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, that is viewable right from UT – 189. I was thinking of stopping on the return, but some emergency was happening, 3 fire trucks and 4 ambulances.

UPDATE 6-26

While watching the local morning news this morning I learned 2 teenagers fell from a hiking trail and had to be rescued. One was seriously injured. See the complete story here.

2 teens injured after falling near Bridal Veil Falls

My drive through the canyon took me to Wasatch Mountain State Park. The trails I picked were not difficulty because I didn’t want to strain my back anymore. Enjoy the views, a bird, a dragon fly and flowers.

After a good hike, you are hungry. I headed into Midway, UT which was 2 miles from the state park. I picked a restaurant via my GPS in the rental car; however, when I reached my destination, the place was not in business anymore. I did pass a place, called Lola’s Street Kitchen. There was a line which means the place is good or they are slow. I took the chance, found a place to park and joined the line. I decided to go with the daily special, a Baja tuna melt.

After lunch, I walked down the street to a year round Christmas store, Kringles.

I just can’t pass up one of those shops. I bought and ornament and two pair of Christmas socks.

While returning to my vehicle, the clock above the town hall began to play a song.

My watch said it was 2 PM

I then drove back to the hotel. Upon arrival I realized that I am slightly sunburned. I really should have put on the long sleeve shirt. I will for tomorrow.

I’m now resting for my return to Evermore this evening. I’m going with a plan. Watch the shows and pick one quest line to work towards. I’m trying to decide if I help the lich I met last night, search for more information about the vampires or look for the fairies.

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on June 24, 2023 at 5:34 pm Comments Off
Tags: Christmas, clocks, hiking

Utah – Day 1 – First Full Day

It’s June 23, 2023 and I’m starting my first full day of adventuring in Utah. Like any start to a day, your first quest is for breakfast. Luckly the hotel has breakfast included with your stay and it isn’t a continental breakfast of cereal, toast or muffins. The Hyatt House had scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and French toast along with cereal, toast, muffins… Sadly their coffee was terrible. This led me to try out Dutch Bros coffee. They are a competitor of Starbucks so I went with a caramel mocha. Man, it was hot. I left it in the car as I preped for my drive to Red Butte Gardens and the Natural History Museum.

I tried to capture the drive to Salt Lake City, but my phone was bouncing a lot in the holder I use to attach it to the windshield so I’m not going to share the video. I thought my truck road rough on the highway, but this Nissan transfers every bump and crack. My mustang was only slightly better. I think its just the nature of the beast.

Red Butte Garden

This is one of the coolest botanical gardens I’ve ever seen. There are two parts to it, the portion that is man made and the other portion is just managed natural trails that allow you to go up the face of the hill above the garden.

Here is a quick preview of the garden.

Here are some views along the more natural trails. Can you find the squirrel?

Utah Natural History Museum

So, I went to just see the dinosaurs, but there is more to the history museum. You learn about geology, types of rocks and the first people to inhabit the Americas.

Evermore

A couple things you need to know about Evermore if you choose to visit. It is very family friendly. There is a portion of the park that is undead themed so if you scare easily, just stay away from that section. Now for my tips…

First, it is cool. Second, you need to have a plan because there are shows to see, vendors to shop at and then the quests. Third, when you enter make sure you go to the left and find the bulletin board with the map and the person that will introduce you to the system of the park. Fourth, plan on a double visit. There are multiple quests and layers of quests. It would be very difficult to do everything in the 5 hours the park is open. Final tip before I share some pictures, Ride the train after checking out the bulletin board, it will give you a nice overview of the park. Oh, bring a notebook, you can stumble upon elements of quests just walking around. With that said here are some pictures to tease you.

Train pulling into the station.

Ok, I should have been asleep 2 hours ago. I’m not sure what the plan is tomorrow. I over did it today, walking a total of about 10 miles. Guess you will have to just check back. 😉

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on June 24, 2023 at 12:55 am Comments Off
Tags: dinosaurs, Evermore, gardens, hiking, nature

First Camping Trip 2019 – DAY ONE

I’ve been thinking of doing this for a year or so and finally decide to give it a try. So I bought a tent and all the supplies from BassPro and started planning a summer trip.

I choose to visit Lost Maples State Park because the name drew my attention. I will have to return in the fall to really see the color changes of the trees, but for this trip I will just have to enjoy the sounds of the Sabinal River and the creeks that feed it.

I booked my trip during a full moon so I could get a few good pictures without all the extra city lights at home.

I need to learn how to use my telescope better so I can see the other celestial bodies. I tried to get a picture of Jupiter and Saturn but couldn’t get my telescope to focus correctly. Next time I will need to go during a new moon so there is no extra light.

On day 1, I hiked the Eastern Trail. Most of it was very easy, but there was a pretty steep ascent after the “grotto”.

This is the area called the grotto. It is an open air “cave” with water dripping from stalactites. There is also enough moisture that ferns can grow on the ceiling.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

My hike began at the Eastern Trail Head, using the Maple Trail before connecting back to the main trail. A good majority of this way is accessible by the ranger’s trucks, so the path is wide and not too rocky.

Going along the trail past Monkey Rock you will find the first primitive camping area, which means their is a composting toilet but no running water or electricity. Not far from the camping area you will see the grotto. That might be an interesting spot to visit at night when all the day use hikers have left.

I wish I could say that all the “steep” parts of the trail ahead looked like the picture to the left, but this is the only section that looks like stairs. Overall its about an 1100 foot ascent to the top of the hill with about 5 switch backs that are not as structured as the one shown. But after all that struggle you get to have some amazing views of the other hills around. And if you head toward the overlook area you can see back down toward the main camping area.

At this point I’ve been hiking the trail for about 4 hours. I had planned on being back to my camp site by noon; that didn’t happen. Another 1.5 hours down less steep switch backs, but much more lose rock am back at “home”.

Even at the main camp site you can catch some pictures of your local neighbors while you enjoy a rest and a good book. So ends Day 1.

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Vacations

on July 19, 2019 at 9:54 am Comments Off
Tags: camping, hiking, wildlife

Carl's Blog

My attempt at a presence on the web.

New Orleans the Summer Tour 2025 – Day 1

June 4th 2025 – Vegas Day 2

Hike at Eagle Lake – June 2024

Pictures going up to Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake

The hike back down

Spring Break – Day 2 and 3

Utah – Day 2 – Driving and Hiking

Utah – Day 1 – First Full Day

Red Butte Garden

Utah Natural History Museum

Evermore

First Camping Trip 2019 – DAY ONE

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Pictures going up to Eagle Lake

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The hike back down

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Red Butte Garden

Utah Natural History Museum

Evermore

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