Hytreks

Oh, For Fun

Month: November 2021

  • Gateway Arch National Park – Missouri

    Gateway Arch National Park – Missouri

    Dates we visited: July 6th, 2021
    Where we stayed: St. Louis West KOA

    Gateway Arch National Park, set along the bank of the Mississippi river in St. Louis, is unique in the National Park system. The park is many things. It is a beautiful green-space in the heart of a city. It is a striking triumph of architecture and engineering. It is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson for opening up the U.S. west to expansion, as well as to Dred Scott, who’s historic court case was heard nearby. And it is also a sprawling museum that documents the history of indigenous people in the area.

    Owen enjoying the green space around the Arch

    Because this park is intertwined with the city, it reminded us a little bit of Hot Springs National Park. After finding a good parking spot nearby, we walked along the Gateway Arch Trail to reach the main arch and museum entrance.

    We decided not to ride to the top of the arch on this trip. Kristy and I have each done that ride in the past, and it’s something we would love to come back and do with Owen at a future date.

    The entry to the museum underneath the Arch

    We spent some time exploring the museum and its numerous interactive exhibits about the history of the region, and the construction of the arch. Kristy and Owen got a bit more time in the museum than I did. That was because I made the mistake of bringing my hiking backpack, along with it’s ever-present bear spray, with us. Turns out bear spray is not allowed inside the Arch or Museum, so I had to make a quick run back to the truck to drop it off.

    The Junior Ranger program here is based entirely on activities within the museum, and is geared for kids a bit older than Owen. That said, we were able to work through enough of the booklet for Owen to score another Junior Ranger badge from a friendly and informative Park Ranger.

    The focus on history and architecture at Gateway Arch National Park, along with its urban location, makes it distinctive in the National Park system. Owen was a little bummed he didn’t get to ride to the top this time, but that’ll be something to look forward to in the future!

    Gateway Arch Gallery

    With striking architecture, a sprawling museum, and many stories to tell, Gateway Arch National Park is not your typical National Park. And, as we learned the hard way, unlike a typical National Park, having bear spray in your backpack is not advisable here.

  • Indiana Dunes National Park – Indiana

    Indiana Dunes National Park – Indiana

    Dates we visited: July 1st, 2021
    Where we stayed: Cassidy Motel & RV

    On the banks of Lake Michigan, not far from Chicago, lies Indiana Dunes National Park. Similar to its neighbor a few hundred miles to the East (Cuyahoga Valley), Indiana Dunes is an oasis in an urban setting. Originally reserved as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 1966, these dunes were just upgraded and renamed to a National Park in December 2019. The sand dunes here didn’t evoke quite the same level of excitement and wonder as White Sands National Park, but it’s sandy setting on the banks of giant Lake Michigan is inspiring in it’s own way.

    Mount Baldy

    Of course, our first stop was at the Visitor Center to pick up Junior Ranger materials for Owen. After that we headed over to Mount Baldy. Mount Baldy is a large Dune that slopes down to a Lake Michigan beach. The trail up Mount Baldy itself was closed, so we decided to head over to the beach. A short hike through the tranquil woods quickly gave way to trudging through the sand. Owen was thrilled with the steep hike, and subsequent roll down the dune to reach beach-level. We explored the waterfront for awhile, and got in some good exercise by climbing up, down, and all around the steep dunes.

    Riverwalk

    After Mount Baldy, we drove west through the park along the waterfront to reach the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. This was an unusual drive. The park is segmented into a few different sections, that are separated by private and commercial properties. To reach the Riverwalk, we drove past a heavily industrialized area, which we later learned was a US Steel plant. It wasn’t exactly the picturesque, untouched land that we often see in National Parks, but it made us that much more grateful for the sections of lakefront that have been protected. We walked along the shore, and then took the trail out to the end of a pier. We were surprised by the size of the waves on the lake, and Owen delighted in the spray kicked up as the waves crashed against the breakwater.

    Indiana Dunes is a welcome respite in an industrialized area. It doesn’t have the the same obvious natural splendor as some of the other parks in the NPS system, but it offers something maybe more valuable, perspective. As we paused at the end of the pier at the Portage Lakefront, waves crashing and spray misting us, we were able to observe a protected sandy beach as well as an industrial steel manufacturing plant. It was a stark reminder that all the benefits of our industrial progress come with a price. Balancing progress with preservation has never been more difficult, or more important.

    Indiana Dunes Gallery

    Set on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes was an oasis in an industrialized area. We frolicked in the sand, and took in the views of this great lake.

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio

    Date we visited: June 28th, 2021
    Where we stayed: Woodside Lake Park

    After visiting Acadia National Park in Maine, we headed south and east through New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Pennsylvania. The next park on our agenda was Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio. Cuyahoga is set near Lake Eerie, just south of the city of Cleveland. One of the few parks that sits near a metro area, Cuyahoga offers a ton of green space, hiking trails, rafting on the river, and history.

    Brandywine Falls

    The trail to Brandywine Falls

    Our first stop in the park that morning was at Brandywine Falls. We lucked out as there was a ranger that had some useful tips, along with Junior Ranger materials, stationed at the trailhead. We completed the short hike into the woods, down a boardwalk, and into the gorge to check out the falls. After taking in the peaceful but powerful view, we made our way back out before it got too hot outside.

    Our next stop was the Boston Mill visitor center. This building had recently been renovated, and we were able to peruse several exhibits and displays describing the history of the area and the park.

    The Ledges

    A quick water break at The Ledges

    Based on a recommendation from some friends, our next destination was an area known as The Ledges. We followed the Ledges Trail, but took a shortcut past a sprawling green field and then deeper into the woods.

    That trail highlights the surprisingly dynamic geology of the area, opening up to a conglomerate precipice which is hidden by the dense foliage. While Owen loved hoping from rock to rock and jumping over small crevices, Kristy and I were a bit more nervous. We all made it out without incident though, and found our way safely back to the truck.

    We only spent one day at Cuyahoga, but it is easy to see why the Ohioans love it so much. The variety of trails, natural space and river adventures are a gem right in their backyard. We also took the opportunity to get a 3-Way Cincinnati Chili from Skyline; a not-exactly-fancy regional speciality that happens to be one of my favorite dishes. Many argue that it’s not really “chili”, but whatever you want to call it, I enjoyed it!

    Cuyahoga Valley Gallery

    Set just south of the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National park offered us waterfalls, unexpected rock formations and authentic 3-Way Cincinnati Chili nearby.