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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Camping at Hiddenite (NC)
The last of the U.S. National Park’s fee-free dates for 2015 is almost here! On November 11, 2016 entrance fees to the parks will be waived. So grab a picnic basket, field guide, some hiking poles and head to your nearest national park this Veterans Day.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©Guadalupe River
If you are in an area that observes Daylight Savings Time, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour Sunday, November 6th!
Photo by HS. Cooper © Aftermath of Hurricane Jean at the RV Resort 2004
We are eagerly keeping an eye on the Weather Channel and thinking of our friends along Eastern Florida. As Floridians we have been through many hurricanes, but it is a completely different experience when you are a Full-Time RVer. In 2004, we dealt with Hurricanes Jean and Francis only weeks apart. Hurricane Jean was our first experience as RVers and we evacuated our rig and sought shelter. After experiencing shelter conditions, we rode out Hurricane Jean at the RV resort, choosing to stay in the recreation building with a handful of other RVers. We saw first-hand the power of Mother Nature. For more information on dealing with disasters while RVing, check out my book, On the Road to Disaster.
Photo by HS. Cooper © Stormy Gulf Day
Although this Nomad is still undergoing cancer treatments, she managed to get out to the beach yesterday. Don’t let the weather fool you – even a rainy day at the beach is a good day! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Marymere Falls, Olympic NP
If you haven’t visited your local U.S. National Park recently, don’t forget that September 24, 2016 is a fee-free day. In celebration of National Public Lands Day, most parks will be free. To find a park near you, visit their website and click on “Find Your Park” in the top left corner.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © St. Marks LH and Chevy Silverado
LOOKING BACK…
If you have been watching the Weather Channel, you probably saw “Hermine” left her mark on Florida… making landfall near St. Marks. Over the years we have made several trips through the area and always enjoy our visit to the St. Marks NWR. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to picnic, hike, bird-watch, fish or view the St. Marks Lighthouse. The refuge is located right off U.S. Hwy. 98 and only costs a minimal vehicle entrance fee. Oh, and did I mention the alligators? 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Alligator Warning Sign
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
Don’t forget to visit your local U.S. National Park August 25-28 2016 in honor of the National Park Service’s Birthday. The National Park Service was established in 1916, making this their 100th anniversary. To celebrate entrance fees to all the parks will be waived. So make sure you mark you calendar!
August 25-28 2016
National Park Service Birthday
Photo by HS. Cooper © Rainy Florida
Well, they say Florida is in for a few days of rain… thankfully we have plenty of books, games and tiny cheesecakes to see us through! 😉
Photo by HS. Cooper © Gulf View
It was a beautiful summer day to take a drive along the Gulf of Mexico!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © BLUE RIDGE PKWY
Been too busy to participate in National Park week? Don’t worry, there is still plenty going on at your local National Park Service this weekend! In addition to waiving park entrance fees, the park service has some other events going on. Click on the links below to find out more information on how you can participate.
April 22nd Earth Day
April 23rd National Park Instameet
April 24th Park Rx Day
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Busy Bee
If you are in an area that observes Daylight Savings Time, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead on March 13th. Let’s just hope Mother Nature springs forward too! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
What a night along the Gulf Coast! Severe storms and a tornado warning had us scrambling to the Chevy. Although the storms moved on earlier this morning, the coast remained in a wind advisory for most of the day. We made a trip to the beach to see the waves. Surprisingly, the beach was deserted except for a few birds and this crazy photographer!
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
It was a lovely day to get in the Chevy and find some new roads…
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Rainy Day
Excuse me, Mother Nature but this is supposed to be the Sunshine State!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
If you have been putting off a trip to your local U.S. National Park, mark your calendar for with the 2016 fee-free days. On these dates, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply. So what are you waiting for? Unwrap that new 2016 calendar and start planning!
January 18, 2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 16-24, 2016
National Park Week
August 25-28 2016
National Park Service Birthday
September 24, 2016
National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2016
Veterans Day
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by S. Cooper © GSNP
The last of the U.S. National Park’s fee-free dates for 2015 is almost here! On November 11, 2015 entrance fees to the parks will be waived. So grab a picnic basket, field guide, some hiking poles and head to your nearest national park this Veterans Day.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©Guadalupe River
If you are in an area that observes Daylight Savings Time, don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour Sunday, November 1st!
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
After a harrowing trip across country, we finally arrived back in sunny Florida. Only our first trip to the beach was a bit of a surprise. Where are all the snowbirds? Not that I’m complaining! 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Stormy sky and waterspout
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Waterspout
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Closeup of waterspout
Sunday morning we were surprised to see three waterspouts forming in the Gulf of Mexico (Texas). By the time I went back to the RV to get my camera two of them had dissipated.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Chevy at sunrise (TX)
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo taken by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Took a break to enjoy the amazing view as the sun rises over the Gulf of Mexico ~ Mustang Island (TX).
Photo taken by H.S. Cooper ©Gulf Islands National Seashore – Fort Pickens (FL)
If you haven’t visited your local U.S. National Park recently, don’t forget that September 26, 2015 is a fee-free day! In celebration of National Public Lands Day, most parks will be free. To find a park near you, visit NPS’s website and click on “Find a Park” in the top left corner.
National Public Lands Day is the largest volunteer event to help clean up public lands. Want to lend a hand on that day and earn another free day (coupon)? More information about NPLD can be found at the Public Lands Day website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Olympic National Park
Don’t forget to visit your local U.S. National Park on August 25th in honor of Founders’ Day (the National Park Service Birthday). To celebrate entrance fees to all the parks will be waived. Already have plans? Well, stop by the National Park Foundation’s website and sign the birthday card.
August 25, 2015
National Park Service Birthday
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Busy Bee
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Fulton Mansion State Historical Site is located in Rockport (Texas). At the time of our visit the mansion was closed for renovation, but we enjoyed a walk through the gardens and around the grounds. The visitor center located behind the mansion consists of a small museum, gift shop and film area regarding the history of the mansion. During the renovation, admission to the site is free. Parking is limited so only take a tow vehicle.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Chevy on ferry (TX)
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
We ran out of road so the Chevy Silverado took to the High Seas! ARRR!
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
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Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
If you find yourself near Corpus Christi (TX), plan to visit Padre Island National Seashore. The park consists of 70 miles of coastline, sand dunes and tidal flats. In addition to being the nesting grounds for the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, the park also boasts over 300 species of birds.
At the park you’ll find the Malaquite Visitor Center (consisting of small museum, gift shop, camp store, restrooms and pavilion), campgrounds, boat ramp, picnic shelters, nature trails and windsurfing/kayaking rentals. There is plenty to do – from beach-combing and birdwatching to bicycling and fishing.
It can be windy along the beach and can be buggy at times near the marshes. And don’t forget to watch out for Portuguese Man-O-War and jellyfish!
Admission to the park is $10 per vehicle (7 day pass) and an additional $5 if you want to use the Bird Island Basin area. Be forewarned, the park is not all paved. A short drive after the visitor center you will find yourself driving on the beach! And four-wheel drive is recommended for travel beyond the first couple of miles. However, we did see a handful of folks with their RVs along the first section. You might ask at the entrance gate about current road conditions before taking your own Big Rig beach driving though!
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
If you find yourself traveling I-10 near the Louisiana/Texas State Line, make sure to stop at the Texas Travel Information Center in Orange (TX) to see Blue Elbow Swamp. The Center has a boardwalk that extends into Blue Elbow Swamp and you can view a variety of plants, trees and wildlife.
Blue Elbow Swamp is part of Tony Housman State Park and Wildlife Management Area. The area has a fascinating history that even includes cannibals. Yep! So take some time to forget about highway traffic and take a relaxing walk in the swamp. 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Padre Island National Seashore (TX)
To kick off U.S. National Park week, the National Park Service is waving entrance fees. In addition, some other special offers may apply this free-weekend.
April 18-19, 2015 (opening weekend of National Park Week)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
If you are in an area that observes Daylight Savings Time, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday, March 8th at 2 AM. Let’s just hope Mother Nature springs forward too! 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Big Lagoon SP, FL
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
If you enjoy state parks and find yourself traveling in the Florida Panhandle, don’t forget to check out Big Lagoon State Park. The park consists of over 600 acres of land located near beautiful Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. There are five miles of nature trails to enjoy the birds and other wildlife. And if hiking isn’t your thing, they have a wooden boardwalk and observation deck a short distance from a parking area. In addition to hiking and birding, the park is a great place for photography, bicycling, fishing or beach-combing.
Big Lagoon State Park also offers a boat ramp, canoe launch, picnic pavilions, amphitheater and campground. The campground will accommodate rigs up to 4o’; however, be wary if you have a Big Rig as some sites may require some effort to back-in.
Entrance to the park is $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people) and use of the boat launch is $12 (up to 8 people). The park is open every day from 8AM to sunset.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © LBJ National Historic Park
If you have been putting off a trip to your local U.S. National Park, mark your calendar for with the 2015 fee-free days. On these dates, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
January 19, 2015
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 14-16, 2015
Presidents Day weekend
April 18-19, 2015
opening weekend of National Park Week
August 25, 2015
National Park Service Birthday
September 26, 2015
National Public Lands Day
November 11, 2015
Veterans Day
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © ONP – Mt. Olympus
Photo by H.S. Cooper © ONP – Parked at Hurricane Ridge
Photo by H.S. Cooper © ONP – Olympic Mt. Range
The last of the U.S. National Park’s fee-free dates for 2014 is here! During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. So grab a picnic basket, field guide, some hiking poles and head to your nearest national park this Veterans Day.
November 11, 2014
(Veterans Day)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © St. Andrews State Park
If you are or planning to be in Florida in a few days, make sure to visit one of the many beautiful state parks the Sunshine State has to offer. November 11, 2014 is Veterans Day and admission is free at all the Florida State Parks.*
For more information or to locate a park near you, visit the Florida State Park website.
*Skyway Fishing Pier State Park does not participate in the free admission.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © LBJ National Historic Park
If you don’t have any plans for today, don’t forget that entrance fees to U.S. National Park are waived on September 27, 2014 in honor of Public Lands Days. Or mark your calendar for the last fee-free date of the year – November 11, 2014 (Veterans Day). During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply.
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Gulf Island National Seashore
No, it’s not snow! Just sugary white sand along the Gulf Coast. 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Today’s view…
Although there was plenty to see today, I found myself gazing at the clouds.
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Looking back…
In the Fall of 2009 we found ourselves in the Blue Ridge Mountains (Virginia). There are several recreational areas tucked away in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. One hidden gem is Cave Mountain Lake Recreation Area.
We were exploring the back-roads and looking for some autumn foliage when we discovered this scenic lake. The weather was cool and there was very little Fall color in the area. The park was weeks away from closing for the season and had only a few day visitors during our stay. We opted to take a brief hike and found that the park was abundant with wildlife.
Places like this gets lost on us at times and it makes one wonder how many hidden gems have been passed by…
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry National Monument
Summer pass you by? There are a two upcoming holidays to take advantage of our U.S. National Parks “fee-free” – one in August and one in September. During these times, entrance fees to the parks will be waived. In addition, some other special offers may apply. For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website. The next “fee-free” holiday will be in November.
August 25, 2014
(National Park Service Birthday)
September 27, 2014
(Public Lands Day)
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Rainy Roadway
Traveling through Alabama today and found ourselves along a rainy stretch of highway.
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Garden Fountain
Looking back…
During the start of Summer 2010, we found ourselves on-the-road. In need of a break we decided to stop at a few of our favorite places in Louisiana. Unfortunately, while we were there, the oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico occurred. This changed some of our plans, as coastal communities were busy with rescue, cleanup and media crews.
There was still plenty to see and do, from gardens and casinos to exploring the back roads. We even managed to partake in our first crawdad “buffet”. Which is was quite an event in itself. I never imagined seeing adults wearing bibs and gloves, eating buckets of crawdads! But that is one of the cool things about being a Full-Time RVer… detours are no obstacle and new experiences are always welcomed. 🙂
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Rain on I-85
We found ourselves in a severe thunderstorm this afternoon. That will save a trip to the truck wash! 😉
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry National Monument
If you find yourself near Baltimore, don’t forget to take a day to visit Fort McHenry National Monument by the harbor. The fort and grounds have a fascinating history… and the Battle of Baltimore in 1814 was the inspiration for Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner!
Entrance into the fort is $7 per adult; children under 15 are free. You can visit the park without paying admission – although you will only have access to the picnic grounds, visitor’s center, gift shop and movie.
Now the area is not Big Rig friendly, so don’t even think about taking your RV! If you are staying in the area you can take the water taxi or drive (but follow directions carefully as there is a great deal of traffic).
For directions and additional information, please visit their website at: http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper ©
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry National Monument
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Photo by H.S. Cooper © Blossoms
Have a Happy Easter!
Photo by H.S. Cooper © Fort McHenry NM – Star-Spangled Banner
To kick off U.S. National Park week, the National Park Service is waving entrance fees. In addition, some other special offers may apply this weekend.
April 19-20, 2014
(U.S. National Park Week Begins)
For more information and trip planning links, visit the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
Three Modern Nomads 