Great River Bluffs
Hike, picnic, camp, and watch wildlife overlooking the Mississippi River in the Great River Bluffs State Park, along the Great River Road.
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Frontenac State Park Campground
Find your own haven in the Fontenac State Park Campground, on the bluffs over the Mississippi River, along the Great River Road.
An Unwelcome Guest
There is something in the car. It scurries around the boxes underneath our bed platform. I can hear it thump and scrabble its way on top of hollow plastic boxes and scratch at the material that I hope is holding up. I imagine it tearing at the bed rug to make a nest and defecating in corners that we won't discover until months later.
MacKerricher State Park
With the fire behind us but on our mind, we were extra conscientious campers today. We headed due west for Mendocino. The drive spanned the temperature gamut: from 100 degree golden rolling hills, spotted with oak, to 56 degrees in the Redwoods, overlooking Fort Bragg. Our destination was Russian Gulch campground. Apparently, it was the destination of many, because the grounds were filled by the time we arrive. Fortunately, the ranger not only advised us on where to go instead but called ahead and arranged for the last spot to be held for us. We arrived in MacKerricher State Park campground 15 minutes later and happily paid for out camp site.
Mountain House Scrambled Eggs With Bacon
Some mornings we don't have time to attempt waffles over the campfire. On days like that, we try Mountain House Scrambled Eggs and regret it, dearly.
Oh! Ridge
It's hard to believe that just a few days ago we were sweating it out in Death Valley. Now, we are perched above June Lake, with a view that takes reservations to procure, and a smug sense of satisfaction. The only down side with the picturesque Oh! Ridge Campground, though, is the wind. It sweeps over the lake and hits us with a ferocity that I though was reserved for a response to the dozens. I haven't said anything mean about June Lake's mama, but the wind is certainly fierce.
Experiments In Campfire Cooking
I've never reserved a camp site in advance before, but I am a convert now. After our agonizing experience searching for a camping site near Arches at 5PM, I went ahead and booked our campsites for this trip. Tonight, we lounge in the most remote site within Big Pine Creek Campground—flanked by the titular big pines and less than ten feet from the creek. It is private and enjoys the delightful comfort of white noise from the creek.