THE DAY WE ALMOST DIED

HAHAHA!  NOT REALLY! We joke about this day and call it the "day we almost died" haha.  We're currently in Northern California camping about 30 miles from Kermit's brother Noah and our friend Johnny came out for a visit from Pennsylvania.  None of us had ever been white water rafting and Kermit signed us up for some intense rapids!  We had no idea what we were getting into and that was the fun part!  We took off for an all day raft, 17 miles down the Middle Fork of American River.....  

middle fork american river
american river california
Whew! We made it through this Class 4PLUS rapid called Tunnel Chute without flipping! This was about 5 minutes into the trip.  

Whew! We made it through this Class 4PLUS rapid called Tunnel Chute without flipping! This was about 5 minutes into the trip.  

american river california
Celebrating living through that rapid! haha 

Celebrating living through that rapid! haha 

The American River is so pristine. 

The American River is so pristine. 

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We highly recommend that you take an adventure like this with Tributary Whitewater Tours.  Thanks to our rafting guide Lee for saving us and keeping us alive.  :)  -- Trinity, Kermit, Noah and Johnny 

We highly recommend that you take an adventure like this with Tributary Whitewater Tours.  Thanks to our rafting guide Lee for saving us and keeping us alive.  :)  -- Trinity, Kermit, Noah and Johnny 

HAMILTON POOL PRESERVE // AUSTIN TEXAS

When hanging in Austin Texas we recommend you drive outside the city and take a short hike down to Hamilton Pool Preserve.  The preserve's pool and grotto were formed when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.  We met up with fellow RVer's that were camping in the area.  It's really cool finding other young people on the road living full time in their RV's.  Here's a glimpse into our day of exploring.... 

Hamilton pool preserve
hamilton pool preserve
hamilton pool preserve
kermit and trinity
hamilton pool preserve
kermit and trinity
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heath padgett
hamilton pool preserve
living in rv full time
hamilton pool preserve
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WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CALLING BEFORE YOU GO!  They often close the trails if it's been raining....... 

What To Know Before You Go:  (From the park website) 

  1. Calling the Public Information Line will let you know the current status of the preserve, whether we're allowing swimming and hiking.  Remember the preserve somtimes closes due to recent rain and hazardous trail conditions.  The phone number is 512-264-2740.  It is updated daily at 8:30 am, or when rain changes our status during the day.
  2. Reservations are required to visit on dates starting May 1 and ending September 30.  You make reservations online by clicking on the link shown above on this web site.  You will pay for reservations with a credit card, and pay an additional entrance fee in cash when you arrive at Hamilton Pool Preserve.  
  3. Entrance Fees paid when you arrive at the preserve are $15 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle if vehicle has a senior citizen (62 years) or a disabled vet (60%).
  4. We accept cash and most checks at the preserve.  We DO NOT accept credit and debit cards at the preserve.
  5. Pets are prohibited. No exceptions, not even if the pet is on a leash or kept in your vehicle. Please do not bring them.
  6. No Lifeguard is on duty.  Swim at your own risk, when swimming is allowed.
  7. Reservation periods run from 9 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 6 pm.  Recreational activities end at 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm.  No entry is allowed after 12:30 pm or 5:30 pm.  All visitors must exit the preserve by 1:00 pm or 6:00 pm. 
  8. Bring drinking water.  Drinking water and concessions are not available.
  9. The hike to the pool is a quarter of a mile long.  The trail is beautiful, but it is also steep and rocky, with uneven steps.
  10. Glass bottles and the public display of alcohol consumption are prohibited.

DURAMAX DIESEL UPGRADES

We decided to get an older truck for our adventure, a 2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually.  With 250,000 miles on it we have done many modifications to make the truck run cooler when towing our 35ft fifth wheel toy hauler.  Check out Kermit's truck video...   

YANKEE JIMS ROAD // COLFAX CALIFORNIA

"Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.”  - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The origin of Yankee Jims Road is as intriguing as the name itself.  Running from Colfax to Foresthill, this 13 mile stretch of road weaves through canyons and over the North fork of the American River.  Initially, the road was used by stagecoaches to travel between mining camps.  Today, it's an adventure filled with scenic views. We visit this road every time we're in the area.  We got lucky and hit it in the spring this time when it's lush and vibrant .....  

yankee jims

YANKEEJIMS ROAD

CALIFORNIA 

kermit and trinity
yankee jims
kermit and trinity
yankee aims road california
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living in rv full time
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WHITE SANDS NATIONAL MONUMENT

This was probably one of lil Stephen Riley's favorite days on the trip!  Rising from the heart of the Tularosa Basin is one of the world's great natural wonders - the glistening white sands of New Mexico. Great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square miles of desert, creating the world's largest gypsum dunefield.

FUN FACTS

 -  The White Sands National Monument is made up entirely of gypsum crystals that form dunes that stretch over 275 square miles.

-  The site of the first atomic bomb detonation is located on the northern boundary of the National Park

-   Gypsum, what makes up the dunes is actually a clear substance; the dunes appear white like snow because the gypsum grains are constantly banging into each other. The scratches then reflect the sun’s rays making them look white.

-  Gypsum doesn’t absorb heat from the sun, so even on the hottest day of the year; the dunes are cool and comfortable to walk on.

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white sands national monument
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kermit and trinity
kermit and trinity
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boondocking white sands national monument
boondocking white sands new mexico
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As always, thanks so much for stopping by and being part of our lives.  If you're camping / visiting White Sands we highly recommend staying at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park nearby.