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    

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.