Showing posts with label National Parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Parks. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Egypt, Snow and Ice

Egypt's 1st Snow Experiences
Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin

March 2013

Egypt was asking to see and play in snow since winter began. I'm not sure what planted the idea in her head, but every few days she would ask if I would take her. I was worried that we would get somewhere and she would spend 30 seconds in real cold and snow and be done. I decided to take Egypt with Kellisa and myself for a long weekend in Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. Egypt wanted snow, so I was going to give her snow!

We flew direct from Orlando to Minneapolis. Egypt riding the tram in Orlando:


Looking for snow:


Egypt sees snow:


Thanking the passengers for flying Southwest:


The first sight of snow was outside the car rental facility. I can't even describe how excited Egypt was as she went running:



I think this smile says it all:




Sledding for the first time on frozen Lake Rainy (Voyageurs National Park, MN):




"Daddy, I Love You" said Egypt as I was pulling her across the ice. It was the best energy boost!



Run on Water (Bayfield, WI):



After 2 1/2 miles, Egypt yelled out, "You're the best dad ever"! Again, a great natural energy boost at the perfect time.

Determined to climb a snow hill (Bayfield, WI):



A break in climbing to throw a snowball at dad:


Back to the climb:


Egypt is determined to make the top, even after she lost her sock and boot:




Her reward for the successful climb- a treat of pure Lake Superior snow:


Shoveling in the hotel parking lot (Minneapolis, MN):


Very happily brushing off the rental van (Minneapolis, MN):




Egypt never once complained. She loved every second of her weekend in the far north. I think she might be part polar bear and/or viking. She is ready to go back. I think this might be an annual trip. Hopefully we can stay a little longer next year.


Monday, March 4, 2013

National Parks Visited by Kellisa

Update: Voyagers National Park (March 2013)




16

Arches, Big Bend, Canyonlands, Carlsbad Caverns, Congaree, Crater Lake, Cuyahoga Valley, Death Valley, Everglades, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, Petrified Forest, Shenandoah, Voyagers, Zion

* Multiple Visits *




Sunday, October 28, 2012

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park
September 2012


Egypt and I were ready for another father-daughter trip. From my research, Mammoth Cave is not that accessible. Therefore, I thought it was a good park to visit without Kellisa. Not because I'm avoiding it with Kellisa, but actually the opposite. I wanted to scope the park out a little with Egypt before planning a trip with Kellisa. The trip was an all around success. Egypt enjoyed the trip and I have many ideas on how Kellisa can enjoy Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding area.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of our plane:


Mammoth Cave National Park:


Lunch at an overlook:


We signed up for the easiest cave tour (Frozen Niagara), which required a short bus ride. Waiting for the bus:


Excited to be on the bus:


Egypt struggled with the concept that we were "below" the ground while inside Mammoth Cave:






Waiting for the bus to return:


Back in the rental car to "auto tour" the park:


We found this cool tree while enjoying a scenic drive:




The Green River Ferry:


Egypt loved the short ferry ride:



Egypt pretending to be a bear on the Sloans Crossing Pond Walk:


Looking for creatures:


Sloans Crossing Pond:



Egypt was done shortly after returning to our hotel room: