Van-Tramp adventures 2017

[LowTech]

Looks like we were in Georgia at the same time. Went up there to do some faster - than- florida water in the yaks. This was the first time in my new one and we hit 6 rivers in two weeks, three in florida and then three in Georgia. Would have done more up there but the rivers were all coming up. Ended up going down by the Oke to catch the last two.


www.DirtTrackTravelers.com

 

[LowTech]

Seems like photo loading got more complicated on Tapatalk. :-/

www.DirtTrackTravelers.com

 

[highdesertranger]

Wolf your 6x shrunk. highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

^^ A LOT! You leave it in the dryer too long?

 

[LowTech]

I don't have any place to put the kayak on my rig, . . . yet. And I don't drive it out to the SEastern Sandbar. ;-) We use my mom's rig and 6×12 cargo turned camper for those east coast runs. Keep trying to get her to post up her build on here. :-/

www.DirtTrackTravelers.com

 

[LowTech]

That yak on my truck would still only leave 5' of extra space. It's a 17' and my truck is 23'

www.DirtTrackTravelers.com

 

[Van-Tramp]

Kayaking the Okefenokee Swamp
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/kayaking-the-okefenokee-swamp/

[size=large]The few days of time spent in the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge was mostly spent indoors, trying to catch up with work and chores. We had blown a full work day, not because of the time on the road, but recovering from the lack of sleep. Our plan to arrive in Savannah didn’t come into play until Sunday afternoon, so our Saturday was spent kayaking the swamp here in Okefenokee.


Within just the first mile of paddling, we saw more gators then when we last swamp kayaked. Not only more, but three times more! 20 gators per mile, and these were only the ones we spotted. There were likely dozens more that we did not see at all. They are amazing creatures, for sure. They seemed gentle actually, through I didn’t press my luck to see if they would enjoy a petting. One did come off the banks of the swamp to swim beside me for a hundred yards. That is something I will never forget.

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embedded video at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/kayaking-the-okefenokee-swamp/

 

[Van-Tramp]

[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif]Oh Savannah[/font]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/oh-savannah/

[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif][size=large][size=large]After the scares of [size=large]tornadoeshttp://www.van-tramp.com/wp/avoiding-certain-death-and-destruction/ and gators, we finally arrived in Savannah for our scheduled two week stay and the precipice of our journeys this year. Even though we would be here for twice as long as we normally stay in any one location, we really only had a single day to explore the city and see the sights. Kerri has been here before, so she gave me the short-list of places she thought I would like. I chose two of the three, but we did all three anyway. The unchosen (River Street) is a tourist trap but as it turned out I really enjoyed it… go figure.  We also put in our walking miles over the course of the day, exploring most of the historic squares spread out around the city.[/size][/size][/font][/size]
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The next morning we ventured back into town and took our place in line for the famous [size=large]Ms Wilkes Dining Roomhttp://mrswilkes.com/ which Kerri did not get to visit on her last visit. Because of her regret from the previous visit, she was committed to doing what ever was needed to make it happen this time – including standing in line, on the street, for two hours and twenty minutes.  To make matter worse, we chose not to eat breakfast that morning as we expected to eat a big lunch at Ms Wilkes. Obviously we did not expect the more than two hour wait. Nearly dead from hunger, we eventually made it to a table for a most glorious meal. The complete starvation leading up to it really helped in the experience and the perceived quality of the food; fried chicken, and more than a dozen side dishes… all of which I tried to eat but failed in that too. I left there completely over-stuffed and in major discomfort. Never before had my belly bulged to that extent.[/size]

embedded images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/oh-savannah/[/SIZE]

Sitting was not an option for me, so Kerri forced me to walk around the beautiful [size=large]Boneaventure Cemeetaryhttp://www.bonaventurehistorical.org/ to burn off some of calories. While I initially whined and cried like a teenage girl, after a half hour of walking around my stomach did feel better and I got to enjoy some sights to boot.
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Eventually the first work week started and Kerri settled in the air conditioned trailer at the State Park. I went out to explore the nearby [size=large]Fort Pulaski National Monumenthttps://www.nps.gov/fopu/index.htm (she had already been in years past) to add my 89th notch to my National Park belt. Unfortunately, the Visitor’s Center was closed due to some repairs being done so no lapel pin could be purchased. That will bug me more than anyone can imagine, but at least I did get to explore the fort and snap a few photos before the bugs started pecking away at my skin (a norm in Georgia apparently). The remainder of the week was getting all the little things prepared for our big weekend backpacking adventure on Cumberland Island National Seashore.[/size]
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[Van-Tramp]

Backpacking Cumberland Island National Seashore

http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/backpacking-cumberland-island-national-seashore/


[size=large]This was it man! This was the whole reason we came all this way; backpacking Cumberland Island National Seashore (my 90th National Park). It was months of planning, preparing, and a lot of anticipating, but the weekend was finally upon us. My back pain gone (again) and all the gear ready to go we boarded the dogs (Moose’s first time) and took off early Saturday morning to make the two hour drive from Savannah to the ferry out to the island. We had enough time to stop along the way for a hearty breakfast at the Wafflehouse with lunch planned just before we started the long hike on the island.[/size]
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The ferry was full, of course, but we had booked our seats a few months in advance. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the weekend we chose to do this trip happened to fall on Easter Weekend. Things were a bit more crowded then normal, but we fit on nicely along with the half dozen other backpackers and many dozens of day-trippers out to the island. The 45 minute ride really helped clear my attitude a bit, after a rough final two days of preparations. We used the time to further discuss our 7.5 mile hike out to our campsite, and just how hot and miserable it will be. It did not dampen our excitement in the slightest.
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[size=large]Our first task once exiting the ferry was to check in at the Ranger station for a brief lecture about camping on the island and to get our permit. The room was air conditioned to a chill, I believe just to rub salt in the wound of just how hot the rest of our day would be. Finally we strapped the packs on our backs and began the nearly four hour hike, along with a few others also backpacking into the wilderness. We hiked only a couple miles in the heat and humidity before stopping for a small break. Our packs were heavy with the extra water we needed to make the hike in along with the first night and following morning before we could hike off to our nearest water source a mile and a half further down the trail from our campsite. The weight of the packs were talking their toll on us, but we were happy to have level ground at the least. Although a rest helped the sore muscles, the only breeze to speak of was caused from our movement. Sitting or standing still, even for a moment, brought on the heavy sweating and heat soak, as well as the bugs. It was quickly decided to just keep moving, although that too wold be overridden a few times, mainly for pee breaks along the way thanks to all the water I was drinking.[/size]
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We made it to camp with hours to spare before sunset, but neither of us wanted to do much more than a quick tour of our immediate area, setup camp, eat our first meal since the visit to Wafflehouse (we forgot to eat lunch) and call it a night just as the sun was setting. It was then that we noticed the fireflies all around us, which caused a healthy serving of glee to overcome Kerri. My affliction of no-sleep-in-tent syndrome was cured with a sleeping pill combined with the complete exhaustion from the hike. For once I got a great night of sleep.[/size]
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[size=large]The following morning we woke late – late enough that almost everyone else had already packed up and left the campground – and slowly started our day with coffee and a dehydrated breakfast. Our only company was a pair of wild horses who came by for a visit. We then took on the extra miles with a backpack full of now-empty water bladders to the Plum Orchard estate. Here we were able to tour the mansion, fill up the containers we had, and simply enjoy some of the day. I laid under a live oak tree covered in spanish moss, staring off into the waters to the West while Kerri ventured down the banks to try to do a little oyster hunting, unsuccessfully thanks to the high tide. The hike back, with 40 lbs of water on our backs, we discussed the second part of our day. Initially it was to head straight to the East side of the island, to the beach, and enjoy our first visit to the Atlantic Ocean together. Instead, thanks to the fireflies from the prior night, we changed the plan a tick.[/size]
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[size=large]The afternoon was spent back at camp; hammocking (not really a word), reading, and relaxing. A few hours before the sun was schedule to set, we packed up our day-packs with supplies for the beach, including our stove, food, towel, cocktails Kerri made ahead of time, and our headlamps. We were to spend the evening at the beach, have a hot meal and a cocktail (or four as it where) as the sun was setting, then make the return trip in the dark surrounded by fireflies. It was the most enjoyable hours of the entire trip, with miles upon miles of beach all to ourselves, some great conversation, laughing, and snuggles, followed by an amazing firefly-lit walk back to camp where the snuggles continued until we fell asleep to the stars and the rising moon.[/size]
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[size=large]We started our final day a little earlier. Once again coffee and a dehydrated breakfast, then to the slow but steady packing up of our camp. Just before 10am we were loaded up and started our hike back to the ferry docks, expecting to get there around 2 PM which gave us ample time to visit the showers at the main campground before having to board the 4:45 PM ferry back to the mainland. However, the lighter load in our packs, from consuming the foods and only having to carry minimal water, quickened our pace significantly. Half way through and we were looking to arrive at the docks after only slightly more than two hours of hiking. Cold showers was first on the menu, and though I am no fan of a cold shower, it sure hit the spot. Just washing away the two days of heavy sweat and dirt made the temperature tolerable. After, I talked to the nearest volunteer to ask about the possibilities of taking the earlier ferry out which turned out to be no problem at all. The 2:45 ferry brought us back to the truck, with it’s most glorious air conditioning. Two more hours of driving finally ended our weekend trip on Cumberland Island. Unfortunately, we were to arrive back to an Airstream trailer with a broken air conditioner which we are now suffering through in the Georgia heat.[/size]

[size=large]more images at http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/backpacking-cumberland-island-national-seashore/[/SIZE][/size]

 

[thehellend]

That firefly walk story gave me goosebumps. Sounds glorious!

 

[Ballenxj]

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Within just the first mile of paddling, we saw more gators then when we last swamp kayaked. Not only more, but three times more! 20 gators per mile, and these were only the ones we spotted. There were likely dozens more that we did not see at all. [/size]

Now this would worry me if I were kayaking. Can't they still attack if you are in a kayak? And for sure I would be concerned about tipping the kayak. If you tipped a kayak while going through there, wouldn't you end up being gator bait?
I'm afraid I would have to pass on kayaking through swamps like that. :-/

 

[LowTech]

It would have to be a pretty large one to have any interest in you at all. Mostly it's hard to get close to them as they'll dive and stay on the bottom.
I have loads of gator pics from kayaking and canoeing among them and have never felt threatened. Now if you're a medium size dog, . . . that's gator bait!

www.DirtTrackTravelers.com

 

[Van-Tramp]

Westward again
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/westward-again/

[size=large]After a two week stay, we rolled out of Savannah and its sweltering heat and oppressive humidity. Although we removed Charleston from our route before coming to the Savannah, the broken AC unit has forced our hand in making a multi-day stay in Charleston for a scheduled appointment at the local RV repair shop. By mid-week a new AC was proudly perched on top of the Airstream. On a roll, we decided to get the windshield of the truck replaced (thanks to a large crack) and all four tires replaced in the trailer. Now we were ready to start our Western migration!

On Friday morning we were forced to leave our campground as we could not get a site that night. Instead, we took the short 90-minute drive North to Santee State Park. Here we were only able to book two nights, but in two different sites within the campground. We had to move the trailer Saturday morning before we headed out on our sight seeing for the day…



… Congaree National Park (#90). Congaree was nearly an hour away, but it was about as close as we were going to get anyway. The dogs stayed back at camp while Kerri and I visited the park. Popping into the visitor’s center we were informed that much of the park’s trails were under water. Only two were open to hiking, one of which was a boardwalk through the swamp and to the Congaree River. That was our trail of choice, as well as most others that came to visit that day.
We left Santee the following morning, on our way to the Great Smokey Mountains and the last days of the eastern states for us.[/size]

 

[Van-Tramp]

Great Smoky Mountains
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/great-smoky-mountains/

[size=large]Finally, some mountains! It has been far too long for this mountain man to be away from home. The Great Smoky Mountains came to my rescue – literally pulling me out of a months long funk of grumpiness (ask Kerri, she knows). I have been looking forward to visiting this part of the country ever since I began my travels back in 2010. To me, it is the only reason to go East of the Rocky Mountains.
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[size=large]I learned, as we neared the mountains, why they are called the Great Smoky’s. it is due to the fog and mist and lingers over the mountains constantly. I figured some of the original mountain men were trying to look badass by calling them “smoky”. The Great Misty Mountains would have been just as cool a name, as long as you were not looking to come across as badass.[/size]
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Our initial entry to the park was well off the beaten path; to Deep Creek Campground, well on the outskirts of the main areas of the park. Just inside the park, and just outside the small town of Bryson, North Carolina, Deep creek proved to be just what I needed to settle back into dry-camping and a bit of solitude. We have pretty much had the run of the place all week, maybe due to some rain coming in mid-week keeping the crowds away. Sounds good to me.[/size]
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Kerri and I woke early each morning to hike a few miles along the trails leading from the campground. Three different waterfalls are nearby, which we were sure to visit. The calorie burning is much needed after months in the South. With all it’s good food, combined with the humidity and bugs keeping us indoors, we were really in need of some good old fashion exercise.


Leaving Kerri at camp one day, I drove deeper into the National Park to go climb the Smoky’s. I made it all the way to Clingman’s Dome to soak in the 360 degree view from the top of the mountains. Not to knock it, and part of me understands that this is a huge mountain… for the East, but for us West coast folks a 6000 foot mountain is only a foothill. In Colorado the flat parts of the state are nearly as high as the top of the Smoky’s and 12,000+ foot high peaks are common. Still I am so happy to be at where I am right now, even if it is just a measly 6,000 above sea level.

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[rvpopeye]

But if the base of the Mtn is at 6K' and the peak is at 12K' , isn't it still just a 6K' bump?
Except for the oxygen level !

 

[Ballenxj]

Beautiful scenery and photos of it. Anytime I see photos like that, I have to at least thank those posts.

 

[Van-Tramp]

[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif]Rainy day on the Blue Ridge Parkway[/font]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/rainy-day-on-the-blue-ridge-parkway/

[size=large]A drive up – or down in our case – the Blue Ridge Parkwayhttps://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm is a must when in the area of the Smoky Mountains, so on our first full day in the area we went for it… even the dogs came along. Never mind the weather reports, the views would be great from inside the warm truck while we drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wrong![/size]
What was a light sprinkle back at camp down at the bottom of the Smoky’s was a full fledged storm the few thousands feet higher in elevation where the Parkway is. Only in the very first few miles were we able to use a pullout and view one of those amazing scenic vistas. After that, as we climbed higher into the mountains, our visibility was only a few dozen feet in any direction thanks to the heavy [size=large]fog smoke.[/size]
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We made it about 50 miles up the parkway over the course of a few hours of slow driving. While the vistas eluded us, the rain made dozens and dozens of impromptu water falls along the road. The roadside rocks were literally poring water onto and across the road. Eventually, after getting ourselves soaked trying to run into a convenience store for some hot chocolate, we turned back towards camp.
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Although we did not get to see those majestic views that are so often photographed, we did get a memorable adventure exploring the Smoky Mountains this day.

 

[Almost There]

It's well worth doing the entire Blue Ridge Parkway.

The views are amazing and the scenery changes often.

Heck just the drive is worth it IMO.

I did the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and then the Blue Ridge last fall on my way south/west for the winter.

Would do it again in a heartbeat! But then I wasn't hauling a trailer...

 

[Van-Tramp]

[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif]Snow on the Smoky’s and Daisy Town[/font]
http://www.van-tramp.com/wp/snow-on-the-smokys-and-daisy/

[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif][size=large][size=large]After a week on the Eastern side of the Smoky Mountains, we made the decision to jump over the National Park to get at least one day’s adventuring on the East side of the park on our way into Kentucky. As luck would have it a storm was passing through the area that day and as we popped into the National Park visitor’s center (for Kerri) we got word that the NPS “just opened the road over the park”. It was closed due to debris in the road, but now passable. We jumped back in the truck and started to haul over the Smoky Mountains, only to be met with snow at the top. Not enough to bother us, but enough that the NPS had re-closed the road within minutes of us passing through.
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[font=Arial, Georgia, sans-serif][size=large][size=large]We had barely made, by chance, the smallest of windows to get over the mountains to our destination; [size=large]Elkmont Campgroundhttps://www.campendium.com/elkmont-campground inside the park still. It continued to rain the rest of the day, but by morning things had calmed. With checkout time at noon, we only had a few hours to explore so we chose a simple hike from the campground. There are cooler places to hike too on this side of the park, but we did not have the time.[/size][/size][/font][/size]
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[size=large]Our trail lead us through the old abandoned town of [size=large]Daisyhttp://www.thegreatsmokies.net/elkmont-ghost-town-great-smoky-mountains/ of the early 1900’s. Daisy was once a vacation community for the “Appalachian Club” who built small cabins here for summer use. Some of these very folks were those that started the movement to create the National Park. The cabins have all since been abandoned for many decades and the properties are now part of the park. I could not help but to envision just how peaceful it would have been to live all the way out here in a small community of like-minded people.[/size]
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We left by checkout time, just at the very moment the next occupant of the campsite was pulling up. We drove North West-ward into Kentucky, on our way to the Bourbon Trail area where we had plans to stay for two full weeks to experience it all. As usual, that plan would change.[/size][/font][/size]
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[Ballenxj]

The little Town of Daisy looks like it would have been a gorgeous place to live. Thanks for the photos.