Donner Memorial State Park - Truckee, CA

We headed east on I-80, away from Sacramento, and enjoyed the lovely scenery as the roads rose through the Sierra Nevada mountains within Tahoe National Forest. All of a sudden the rocky terrain dropped to reveal beautiful Donner Lake and the infamous Donner Pass.  

The Sierra Nevada Mountains

First glimpse of Donner Lake

Our trip through this area was a quick one, only allowing us time to visit Donner Memorial State Park in Truckee, CA. Upon arriving at the Park, we headed to the Visitor's Center which was almost like a little museum that contained lots of interesting exhibits showcasing the area's history. 

Donner Memorial SP Visitor's Center

We learned that the native inhabitants of this area were the Washoe people. However, the Washoe were pushed out as emigrants began traveling west to settle in California. 

Significant people and events of this area were, of course, was the Donner Party with their tragic journey (1846-47), the California Gold Rush (1848-1855), and the Transcontinental Railroad which makes its way through downtown Truckee, CA and linked the East and West coasts of the United States.  

An exhibit about the Donner Party at the Visitor's Center

Not far from the Visitor's Center was a monument honoring the Pioneer Families who risked their lives trying the reach California by wagon in the 1840s. The height of the monument's base (22 ft) represents the depth of the snow which trapped the Donner party during the Winter of 1846-1847. 

Path to Pioneer Monument

Pioneer Monument

This monument sits on the spot of a former cabin constructed by one of the Donner Party families. The actual Donner family erected their shelter at a different location.  

Pioneer Monument information

Donner Camp Historic Landmark plaque

After enjoying the sights at Donner Memorial State Park, we headed east to downtown Truckee, which was quite small, but had a cute "main drag" with some nice restaurants and shops.  

Bars and Restaurants in Truckee, Ca

Truckee Railroad Museum

My time here just whet my appetite to explore this region more thoroughly in the future. I loved the history, but even more so, the amazing alpine mountain scenery and clear blue lakes. I foresee hiking and canoeing upon my return! 

Duration: at least 1 full day, preferably 2-3 days to explore the area
Fun Meter: 4 thumbs up

Visit date: August 2018    

St George Island State Park, FL

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is located on the eastern end of St. George Island, a barrier island in Franklin County on Florida's Panhandle. This state park boasts beautiful beaches, nature trails, and camping facilities. While our family has vacationed on the west side of the island for years, we decided to experience accommodations at the state park and camp as a family for the first time.

St. George Island welcome sign, April 2016

We arrived at the Park at 3pm, which was check-in time. After signing in at the ranger's office, we headed to the campgrounds. The camping area was located on a looped street with 60 camping spots and two bathrooms located within the loop. We quickly set up our tent and the kids got comfortable with their surroundings. 

Camping S'mores are a must! April 2016

Our campsite had vegetation on both sides, and aside from seeing the neighboring site's boat, we felt we had sufficient privacy. The site was very open to the road, but with our vehicle parked on-site, it provided additional coverage. It was your typical Florida state park campsite - fire ring, picnic table, water tap and electrical outlets. I wasn't expecting a gravel base at the campsite, but with the tarp beneath the tent, it wasn't too uncomfortable.  

Since we were camping on an island, with a beautiful beachfront as well as bay access, we intended to swim and kayak. Unfortunately, it was a bit too chilly and windy for either activity. We did see a gorgeous sunset from the beach though! 

While Spring weather in Florida can be unpredictable, we sure didn't expect the very windy night we endured. There were times during the night where the whole tent swayed and swelled. I was afraid that any minute the stakes would be pulled loose from the ground and the tent would collapse on us! The kids slept well, but my husband and I were awake most of the night, debating whether or not to escape the tent and just sleep in the car.

In the end, our tent held up well and we got some sleep. The next day we explored the trails around the park and then headed home.    

For our first family camping experience, I would say it was a success. There were several things I would have done differently. Mainly I would camp for more than one night. We planned for one night since we weren't sure if we would like camping as a family. Even so, it is a lot of work packing and preparing for a camping trip, so I feel like the effort would be better spent on two or more nights camping.

The next issue was the weather. Obviously, the weather is not something that can be controlled, but we had intended to spend most of our time at this park in and on the water. I guess a month or two later would have enabled us to utilize the Park's aquatic amenities. The hiking trails were nice, but there were not a lot of other things to do.

Duration: at least 1 night, preferably 2
Fun Meter: 4 thumbs up

Visit date: April 2016    

Great Wolf Lodge - LaGrange, Georgia

Our trip to Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, GA (GWL) was a surprise birthday present for our turning 9 yr old. We arrived around 1:30pm to check in. The exterior of the building was beautiful! It looked like a grand, rustic mountain lodge.

Rooms weren't available for occupancy until 4pm, but the Lodge allows guests to use the facility anytime after 1pm. I had packed a separate bag with our swimsuits, cover-ups, and flip flops, so we left the rest of the luggage in the car and headed into the Waterpark.

Upon entering the Waterpark, we were immediately hit with the strong smell of chlorine and loud Kidz Bop-esque music. Both things quickly dissipated. We then rented a locker for our belongings. A small locker cost about $15 per day which I thought was worth it to hold your wallet, bag, sunglasses, flip flops, whatever, and avoid a trip back up to the room. There were also cabanas you could rent to keep your belongings and ensure you had a seat. Yes, lounge chairs are first come, first serve, and we apparently were not there first.

GWL provided towels from a desk area. We made the mistake of taking towels immediately upon entering the Waterpark. This wasn't necessary because we then had to find a place to keep the towels when we were in the pools or on the water rides, and as I stated earlier, at that hour, there were no available seats for a family of four. We decided later, it was better to just go do the water stuff, then get a towel to dry off if going to the bathroom, returning to your room, heading to eat, or you want to take a break and sit down a while (providing there is an empty chair somewhere).

Our GWL had a wave pool, an activity pool with basketball hoops and a "log stump" crossing, the Fort Mackenzie area which was an elevated area with small slides, water cannons, and various ways to get drenched, a lazy river, a smaller children's play area, and an area that contained all the raft and "big kid" slides.

We spent the majority of our time indoors though there was also a lovely outdoor pool area, with plenty of (available) lounge chairs, a tanning shelf, cabanas, and a 21+ hot tub (though no one was enforcing the 21+ part so it was not as relaxing as it sounds).

We ate all of our meals with the exception of breakfast at GWL. There were several dining options available. At Hungry as a Wolf, you could get pizza, pasta, salad, or wings. Campfire Kitchen was a sort of buffet style, where you chose your entree, sides, and dessert. Timbers Tacos was a food truck with really excellent tacos and Buckets had burgers and the like. There was pretty much something for everyone. Barnwood was just about the only place where we did not eat. That was more of a sit down restaurant, where real clothes were preferred. As we spent the majority of this trip in bathing suits and cover-ups, that restaurant wasn't quite our style.

Within the food area of the resort, was a putt-putt golf course, a ropes course, an arcade, and a small bowling alley. I can see these being great alternatives to the pool area if you are spending more than a couple days here or the weather is bad. However, we didn't partake in these activities. 

For the few minutes we weren't enjoying the Waterpark, we were in our suite. We stayed in a "Wolf Den Suite", which included a queen sized bed for the parents, and a cool cave-like bunk room for the kids. 

I thought the room was spacious enough for the four of us. We really only slept there, spending most of our time downstairs in the Waterpark.

All in all, we had a lot of fun at Great Wolf Lodge in LaGrange, GA. It was an active vacation where the whole family could participate. The lodge and room theming were great. And the number of pools and slides kept us entertained for hours without having to wait in lines. We felt safe letting the kids explore the different water areas by themselves, but also enjoyed getting in and doing the activities with them. 

I think it would be a great place to go with other family members or friends who had kids of all ages. It definitely caters to all age ranges. And I actually didn't feel self-conscious walking around in a swimsuit all day, sliding down slides, splashing in the water, and sunning myself. I felt like a kid again! Thanks, Great Wolf Lodge! 

Duration: no more than 2 days
Fun Meter: 4 thumbs up

Visit date: July 2018    

Noccalula Falls - Gadsden, Alabama

Noccalula Falls Park Entrance, July 2018

Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, AL is a beautifully maintained park about an hour northeast of Birmingham. The entrance fee is $6 per person (July 2018) and includes park admission and a round of putt-putt golf. There is an option to purchase a train ride, though the train was not in operation during our visit.

The front part of the park consists of a Pioneer Village with several wooden buildings and a covered bridge.

Noccalula Falls Pioneer Buildings, July 2018

There is also a petting zoo with deer, goats, sheep, rabbits, and a llama. Within the barn area, there are mainly birds and reptiles. There are also several small enclosures for rescued animals including a Lion and a Canadian Lynx. Let me warn you that these enclosures are very small and it is a bit upsetting to see the animals housed this way.

Noccalula Falls Petting Zoo, July 2018

However, the highlight of the park is the waterfall. As the legend goes, there was a Native American Indian princess, named Noccalula, who was in love with one man but promised to another. Instead of being forced into a loveless marriage, Noccalula leaped to her death from the top of the waterfall. To pay tribute to his daughter's memory, the grieving Chief named this waterfall after her.

Noccalula Falls, July 2018

The day we visited, the water was not at "full discharge", but our hike down Gorge Trail and into the cave behind the falls was spectacular none the less. As the sign warns, it is a steep slope with loose rocks, but it is not a difficult hike. You descend quickly on a series of concrete ramps, then the trail becomes small pebbles and flatter ground.

Noccalula Falls Gorge Trail sign, July 2018

You are flanked by a rock wall on the right and a steep, wooded drop to Black Creek ravine on your left. The trail then forks, and taking the right fork, we meandered our way down to an enormous cave behind the waterfall itself. This part of the trail is made up of larger, loose rocks, so be sure to step carefully. Behind the waterfall is dark and fascinating. I can only imagine how loud it might be when there is more water cascading down!

Behind Noccalula Falls, July 2018

We followed the cave around to the other side and down some large rocks to cross Black Creek. Be aware, swimming is not permitted. We then climbed up the steep embankment and were back on the Gorge Trail again, heading back out the way we came.

Crossing Black Creek at Noccalula Falls, July 2018

At this point, it was time to stop and picnic. There are various benches around and outside the park for picnicking. After some well-needed nourishment, we ended our visit with an 18-hole game of putt-putt on a nice little course. The putt-putt course is just down the street from the Park Entrance, but very close and a great way to end a lovely day of outdoor family fun!

Putt-putt Golf Course at Noccalula Falls Park, July 2018

Duration: 3-4 hrs. (Park, picnic, and Putt-putt)
Fun Meter: 4 thumbs up
Visit date: July 2018

The Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

We joked and joked about going to see the "big hole in the ground". Once there, however, we saw that it was no laughing matter. Actually, I don't think any of us produced a sound for at least a couple of seconds. When we did, it was all "oohs and aahs". It truly was an incredible sight! Yes, it's still a big hole in the ground, but it is a big, big hole that stretches for miles. So many amazing colors and shapes could be found in this natural phenomena. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience it for themselves one day!

We arrived on a March afternoon after traveling from Phoenix via I-17. The trip took over 5 hours, though we stopped at the Montezuma Castle National Monument in Cape Verde, AZ to explore and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Grand Canyon National Park South Entrance

We entered the park easily (I'm assuming it is much more crowded in the morning) and drove immediately to the Visitor's Center parking lot. Here we got out of our vehicles and headed toward the Canyon for our first view. I was surprised by how quickly we were "there". 

We took pictures at Mather Point, which had a fair amount of visitors there. It was an incredibly beautiful vantage point. 

The Wandering Four at Mather Point, Grand Canyon

This area had significant railing and fencing which, while our kids are a bit older now, was helpful for the younger members of our group. We didn't spend much time here as it was time to check in to our lodge. Our accommodations were at the Yavapai Lodge (see full post here) just a short distance from the Visitor's Center. We settled down for the night anticipating an early morning to see the sunrise!

We woke early the next morning and drove down to Yavapai Point next to the Yavapai Geological Museum. It was cold, but worth the wait. The sunrise itself was beautiful, but even more impressive was looking back at the Canyon as the light hit each layer, showcasing the intense reds, tans, grays, and purples that seem to be painted on the Canyon walls.

Sunrise at Yavapai Point in the Grand Canyon National Park, March 2018

Sunrise at Yavapai Point facing West, March 2018

One destination we didn't want to miss during our Grand Canyon trip was the Desert View Watchtower. The tower is located about 25 miles east of the Visitor Center, on Desert View Drive. While the Park's free shuttle buses do not venture this far, it is worth the scenic drive which has many overlooks and pullouts for picture taking as well as interesting wildlife nearby. We saw and had to stop for several elk as they crossed the road.

The Desert View Watchtower was designed by Mary Colter and built in the 1930s. Outside the tower are amazing views of the Canyon as well as a glimpse of the Colorado River below.

Inside the tower, you can climb a series of circular stairs to an outside observation deck, or continue climbing to view Native American artwork on the tower walls and interesting views out various windows.

Looking down from the top of the Desert View Watchtower, March 2018

Native American Hopi artwork on the Watchtower walls, March 2018

Besides the Desert View area, we wanted to visit the Historic District. This area contains the Railroad Depot, Studios, and the original lodges.