Guides Sam, Don, and Erica give us the low down on our Red River Gorge zipline tour

During a Mother’s Day excursion to Kentucky, I was fortunate to experience a Red River Gorge zipline adventure. I once wrote a piece about adventure travel activities that do not really appeal to me. Ziplining was one of the five I chose.

I was staying in a Red River Gorge Cabin Rental, and they have a zipline tour on site. It was too convenient to pass up. I had driven all night from Chicago, and it turned out to be a great way to wake up after a groggy morning.

All strapped up and ready for my first zipline course

I was geared up by guides Don, Sam, and Erica at the office and given the necessary straps and a helmet. The manager of the zipline offered a GoPro video camera to strap on to my helmet to augment this post. Once appropriately attired, we got in the truck and headed off to the course, which was no more than a mile from the office.

The guides go over first – Our guide Don at zipline 1

The Red River Gorge zipline tour consists of five runs. Each run gets better than the one before it. The first two are rather short, but a great start, especially if like me, you have never done the activity before. The guides did a great job of keeping everything light with humor to deflect any nervous feeling participants might have had.

The guides did a great job of keeping it light with humor

Don was especially hilarious, and I think he doubles as a standup comedian. I should have used my GoPro and just filmed his routine, and I would have made him an internet star.

The third zipline is when the course really starts to get interesting. It flies through a beautiful tree canopy. After spring rains, the Red River Gorge area was quite lush with a powerful green tree cover. I really enjoyed sailing through the forest and seeing it from a completely different perspective.

A little time lapse zipline at course 3

Zipline through the forest at run number 3

Flying through the woods at zipline 3

The fourth zipline is longest course at almost 2,000 feet in distance. You have to squint your eyes to see the other side. We climbed a high platform to get up to the cable. It was a little daunting starting so high, but Don cracked a few jokes and eased everyone’s apprehension.

Climb on the platform was a little daunting

Race is on at course 4 on the Red River Gorge zipline tour

The fourth and fifth course had two lines, so you could race your partner and us zippers got over to the other side twice as fast. After four zips, I was completely energized. The wind hitting your face, laughing with Don, and just being out in the beautiful scenery was invigorating.

The last course was also long, but it was the highest above the trees as it traversed a canyon and ended up over a rocky cliff. We were instructed to turn right for a beautiful view. It was breathtaking as we saw distant hills covered in a verdant forest.

Two zippers take off as Erica gets the next tandem ready

After over two hours zipping through the Red River Gorge, it was time to call it a day. A good time was definitely had by all. The answer to the question of why did the zippers cross the gorge was answered: to hear Don’s joke(s) of course.

As I mentioned at the start of this post, ziplining has never been a priority on my adventure travel agenda, yet I really enjoyed the experience and would do it again. If you are even mildly curious about the adventure, I believe you will enjoy it. If you have done ziplining and liked it elsewhere, I am sure you will love it here.

If you live in the Midwest, the south, or in the east, I highly recommend the course at the Red River Gorge. I have never been on another course, so I cannot compare it to other places; however, I am sure you would be hard pressed to find a more exciting five courses. They range from 330 feet in length to 2,000 feet and range from 75 to 300 feet off the ground.

The cost for the tour is $89.00 per person, and you can rent a GoPro for $39.00. The author had his experience sponsored by the zipline tour, but in no way did this fact color my opinion. I enjoyed it , and I think you will too.

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

On the right sidebar is a donate button. If you would like to donate in order to keep this site going, it would be appreciated. All donations will cover travel expenses and improvements to make the site better. I also may use the funds to buy myself a beer now and then

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Trekking for kids – Some of the OCRC children

Welcome to magnificent mystical Nepal. So said the sign as we arrived in Kathmandu to begin a 3 week long journey working in an orphanage and trekking to Everest Base Camp.  We were full of anticipation and wonder, hoping that Nepal would prove to live up to this promise.

Combining my love of outdoor adventure travel and the desire to give back through community service led me to Trekking for Kids (TFK), which organizes purpose-driven treks for socially-conscious hikers in some of the world’s most remote and iconic locations. A Trekking for Kids expedition is like no other because it provides Trekkers with a truly unique opportunity to combine their thirst for adventure and the outdoors with their desire to help those less fortunate. TFK focuses on the orphans who live in the shadows of the world’s most coveted adventure destinations and Nepal seemed like the perfect place to marry both desires.

We began our journey at the Orphan Children”s Resource Center (OCRC) in Kathmandu and spent time getting to know the children, playing games, and improving the orphanage’s facilities.

Trekking for kids – The OCRC welcomes the trekkers

We spent 3 days working and playing with the kids and anticipating the trek that lay ahead. The children were so giving and open and it made us feel grateful that we could give back to them. We left them buoyed by their spirits and excited to return to see them after we got back from Base Camp in two weeks.

Our group of 22 was quite nervous the morning we waited to board our flight to Lukla airport. It is known as one of the world’s most dangerous, as the landing is uphill into the side of a mountain at 9,000 ft. Luckily it was a spectacularly clear day and we landed without incident full of adrenaline and excitement and ready to go.   As we exited the plane, we were greeted by our 6 Sherpa guides, a hearty Namaste and a ceremonial silk scarf.  We were now in the Khumbu region – a world away from the hustle of Kathmandu – no cars, and the only way to get up the mountain is by foot, horse or yak.

We started off and quickly and settled into what would become our routine for the next 9 days – trek for miles, stare in wonder at the sheer beauty all around us – waterfalls, villages, stone steps, 150 foot suspension bridges, the villages and local people, yaks, breathtaking mountains – we would climb for hours and finish each day exhausted but still feel giddy about our surroundings.

View from one of the villages

The juxtaposition of sights and sounds was fascinating – the trail is definitely not the “road less travelled” as this is prime time for trekkers. It’s not all pristine – there is poverty, yak dung, human waste, porters with 100 lbs of supplies on their backs, but all with the backdrop of the mountains and the villagers’ pride in their surroundings.

As we continued on our journey into the altitude, the views got more spectacular, the teahouses more Spartan and our first view of Everest came into focus in all it’s glory.  On the 7th day we made the summit at Khala Pattar (18,500 ft).  It was a truly arduous climb but so worth it, as we were treated to a glorious sunset and alpenglow on Everest – a sight that even overwhelmed our Sherpa guides.

A glorious day to see Mt. Everest while trekking for kids

As we descended over the following 3 days, I was able to breathe fully again and reflect on the many challenges. The trek was a huge accomplishment and I was looking forward to revisiting the children at the OCRC knowing that they had motivated me to complete every step. I realized that through Trekking for Kids, I was able to to truly see and experience Magnificent, Mystical Nepal.

Bridgit with the sherpas

For more information about TFK adventures, visit www.trekkingforkids.org and here for the next trek to Everest Base Camp on November 2013.

Bridgit Fried is an alumni trekker with TFK who has reached not only Everest Base Camp but, most recently, the roof of Africa:  Kilimanjaro!

Thanks Bridgit for the cool guest post on Everest and hearing about the wonderful charity work that Trekking for Kids does

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

On the right sidebar is a donate button. If you would like to donate in order to keep this site going, it would be appreciated. All donations will cover travel expenses and improvements to make the site better. I also may use the funds to buy myself a beer now and then

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Natural Bridge State Resort Park hiking – Beginning of the Original Trail

On a Mother’s Day adventure in Kentucky, we drove all night and arrived early to the Red River Gorge Area. Red River Gorge is in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Right next to the national forest is the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Both are located about an hour southeast of Lexington, Kentucky.

The highlight of the Natural Bridge is the natural bridge of course, which is a stone arch at the top of a bluff. We were staying in a Red River Gorge Cabin Rental, but our check in was not until later, so we had several hours to kill before we could get some rest. The natural bridge at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park was the perfect way to kill a couple of hours.

The Natural Bridge at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park hiking

Several years ago there was a bear attack in the area. Black bears will usually flee as soon as they see humans, but in this case the visitor was taking pictures of it with his iPhone instead of backing away and giving the animal space. He obviously spooked it with his proximity and it attacked him. I do not believe his story that the bear attacked without provocation.

No need to be scared of Kentucky black bears like this turkey

Because of this incident, there are many signs warning of bear activity. At the base of the Natural Bridge trail there were the obligatory warning signs. Besides this attack, there has not been one since, and there probably was not one prior. The moral to the story is if you want a black bear picture get a zoom lens and give any bear you see adequate space.

The trail to the Natural Bridge, called the Original Trail, is only one mile from the trailhead along highway 11 only a couple miles southeast of Slade, Kentucky off the 402 Mountain Parkway.  This trail goes virtually straight up, so it is no jaunt in the park. Other options include parking at the gift shop, which eliminates .25 miles, but not much elevation, and there is a sky lift option which is open daily from April to October for an easier trip up to the top.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park hiking trail goes steadily up here underneath a rock face

Once you get to the top you can take pictures from below the arch. Then there is a narrow gap between the stone where you can access a stairway to the top of the arch. If you have come this far, you must climb to the top as the view is impressive in both directions.

The stairs that lead to the top of the bridge

The area has experienced a lot of rain in the couple of weeks before our arrival. The Kentucky forest is lush and verdant because of it and resembled a tropical rainforest. I have recently spent time in the rainforests of Guyana and from atop the natural bridge, there was not much difference between Kentucky and South America.

A beautiful Kentucky rainforest greeted me from the top of the trail

Beautiful view from atop the Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge arch is plenty wide for safe walking

Natural Bridge overlook

By the time I got up to the top, it was time to come down and check in at our cabin, so I did not have enough time to adequately explore the hiking trails of the Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Trails went in either direction from the arch, and I am sure afforded some equally outstanding views. It is definitely worth more time exploring, and I am sure I will be back.

Below is the skinny on the Natural Bridge State Resort Park hiking

Natural Bridge hiking tips

• The one mile trail might not be feasible for older and very young hikers as it is a rugged one mile. There are many benches along the way, so go slow if hiking with people who are not in the best of shape
• On top of the arch be sure to have children in tow as there are no guardrails – The arch is 12 feet wide and perfectly safe if you walk in the middle
• Make sure you wear proper hiking boots as I mentioned earlier this is not an easy hike even though it is only one mile
• There is almost 20 miles of hiking in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park, so explore more than just the Original Trail
• There is a sky lift that takes people within 600 feet of the Arch for a fee – A great option for children and older folks for a $10.00 adult fee and $7.00 for kids

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

On the right sidebar is a donate button. If you would like to donate in order to keep this site going, it would be appreciated. All donations will cover travel expenses and improvements to make the site better. I also may use the funds to buy myself a beer now and then

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Red River Gorge Kentucky is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest

I just returned from a long Mother’s Day weekend in the Red River Gorge Kentucky, which is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest in southeastern Kentucky. I had heard great things about the place, and it sure did not disappoint. Anyone who loves outdoor adventure travel will love this prime spot less than an hour away from Lexington, Kentucky.

Red River Gorge cascade

The first post will be this photo essay, which gives a slight taste of what the national forest and gorge is about, but I am excited to bring much more of this tremendous spot. Future posts will highlight specific adventure activities like zip lining, hiking, scenic drives, and tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to go. I packed a lot into a couple of days, but I would love to return and do some more hiking and perhaps some kayaking or canoeing on the Red River.

A cascading creek through a rhododendron bush is a common sight in Red River Gorge Kentucky

I was also overwhelmed by the friendliness of the people that I met during my weekend. Store owners, managers proprietors, zip line guides, people I passed on the hiking trails and at the overlooks on the scenic drives were all incredibly nice and welcomed me with smiles and waves. Special shout out to the people at Red River Gorge Cabins and zip lines who were especially hospitable during my stay and were extremely helpful in planning my explorations.

Last week’s rainstorms turned the national forest into a verdant wonderland

If you love ferns – and who doesn’t – Red River Gorge Kentucky is the place for you

Last weekends storms created many temporary waterfalls like this one

Overhanging cliffs are a common site in Red River Gorge

Natural arches like Angel Windows are quite common here

Fording a creek means it is Lost in Translation Red River Gorge style

Hiking in Red River Gorge is rugged, but worth it

Another pretty cascade in the Daniel Boone National Forest

Gorgeous green rock covered in moss and fern

Red River Gorge beautiful view and one ugly tree

Red River Gorge Overlook from the Chimney Rock

Get ready for some upcoming posts on Red River Gorge!

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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A Mother’s Day adventure about 35 years ago in the Smoky Mountains

This weekend is Mother’s Day and a perfect way to celebrate is to have a Mother’s Day adventure in Red River Gorge, Kentucky or any scenic outdoor place. For most travelers, they were introduced to the great outdoors or to travel in general with family vacations with mom and dad. A perfect way to repay them for their love is to take them on a trip now that you are both older.

This is why I am excited for this weekend in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. I am taking my mom with for our first adventure together in a long time. It will be a perfect road trip.

We leave on Friday and will drive down together. I will be hiking for two days in the Red River Gorge wilderness in the Daniel Boone National Forest and then be joining my mom in a Red River Gorge Cabin.

As your parents grow older, it is sometime easy to disconnect with them if you do not spend quality time with them. Even if you take the time to go out for dinner or come over on holidays, these short trips are not as intimate as longer ones.

My mom walking through a swamp in the Everglades National Park

Often on shorter stays, a lot of talk is superficial, and by the time you get to more important stuff, it is time to go. When spending a longer amount of time together, it is natural to reminisce about old times and talk about important issues regarding the present and future.

I see my mom a lot more times than I see my dad, but when I spend time with my dad, we go on canoeing trips together for weekends and sometimes for a week at a time. Because of these longer times spent together, I feel more in tune to what is going on with my dad than with my mom.

My mom casually chomping a pizza while escaping a forest fire in Minnesota

This Mother’s Day or any weekend, as every weekend is a Mother’s Day, take your mom on a trip with you and get her out of the house. Sure, she may not be able to hike ten miles or go ziplining, but you still can have a wonderful time together.

My mom getting out to use the bathroom in a snake infested mangrove swamp in the Everglades – What a badass

Reasons to take your mom on an adventurous trip:

• Your mom will not be around forever. A touching post from Leah’s Travels reminds us of this fact, so it is a great opportunity to create a lasting memory
• Your mother took you on your first trips, so it is only fair to repay the favor
• A great way to reconnect if you have not been spending much time or quality time lately
• Get her out of the house and active
• It’s Mother Day – Instead of the traditional flowers and/or brunch – Do something different

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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A Stagecoach sunset at the country music festival

When temperatures soar into the triple digits at Stagecoach Music Festival, many country music fans long for the sun to go down for two reasons. A Stagecoach sunset provides much needed relief and brings on the cooler evening. Unlike the humidity found at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee, the desert gets cool at night.

Of course the scenic beauty is another reason. At Stagecoach the sun disappears over desert mountains, palm trees, and a giant Ferris wheel.

Two dudes saunter in front of the camera while trying to capture the sunset

It is a great way to top off the day, but the best part has just started as usually the best music is usually scheduled for the evening. When the sun goes down the time is ripe to come out from under the shade and hear some great tunes from the likes of Dwight Yoakum, Charley Daniels, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, and many more.

Stagecoach Sunset

Stagecoach palm trees Ferris wheel and a sunset

Ball of orange disappearing behind the desert mountains

Almost disappeared over the horizon

People emerge from the Toyota tent now that the desert begins to cool

Dusk falls on Stagecoach Music Festival

When the night falls it is time for the stars to come out at Stagecoach

Charley Daniels rocking Stagecoach

Finally night and coolness arrives to Stagecoach

This trip was sponsored by Toyota, but the thoughts and pictures are my own, and the beauty of mother nature was provided compliments of a Stagecoach sunset.

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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Where I parked for the Mecca Hills Wilderness day hike

While covering the Stagecoach Music Festival, I decided I needed a break one morning and did a Mecca Hills Wilderness day hike. The initial plan was to visit Joshua Tree National Park, and I put a declaration on my Facebook page that I was going to Joshua Tree.

I got a message from a fellow hiker friend from Southern California who stated his favorite day hike was in the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area and provided detailed directions to the trail head and to the canyon. I made it to the trailhead perfectly, but I think I chose the wrong trail. It did not matter as the whole area was beautiful, so either way would be spectacular.

The beginning of the trail into the canyon

I woke up bright and early and left the hotel at 5 a.m. with my Toyota 4Runner. I did this because I needed to return to Stagecoach by the afternoon. I am glad I did because the weather was over 100 degrees, so I hiked at the most tolerable time of the day.

As I was driving down the Painted Canyon road the moon was still high in the air. The sun still had not arisen, so the sky was a pink color. The nice thing about hiking in the canyon so early is your view and colors of the canyon wall seem to change as the sun climbs into the sky. The same phenomenon takes places at dusk too.

Beautiful scene of the moon still in the sky at sunrise

The further I drove into the canyon the more stops I took to take pictures. This trend continued until a yellow sign stated “end” and there was a parking lot. I parked the car and walked past the yellow end sign into a wide canyon. I passed a few campers along the road who were the only other people I had seen. I was jealous as it looks like a great place to camp. The cost is right too I later discovered as it is free.

Mecca Hills Wilderness Area camping

Just like the deeper I drove the Toyota into the canyon the prettier it got, the same could be said about the hike. I hiked about a mile and the canyon seemed to constrict at one point into a slot canyon. It also continued to the left, but I decided to explore the smaller canyon.

Mecca Hills Wilderness canyon walk

Mecca Hills canyon walk

Mecca Hills Wilderness Area

Mecca Hills Wilderness Area

I hiked about a mile up the slot canyon and it was obvious it was a well worn trail even though a little narrower. Footprints could be seen in the sand, and I also came across a cairn or two.

The canyon narrows into a slot canyon

I finally came across a little natural arch and the then the slot canyon ended. I had to climb up to the top, and when I did I was treated to a nice view of the surrounding desert mountains. One mountain really perked my fancy, so I decided to climb to the top. It was not steep, but it was the highest point in the general vicinity. I made sure to note where I had come from and headed up to the top of the peak.

Mecca Hills slot canyon

Came across this little natural arch and the slot canyon ended

It was through this arch and then a climb up the canyon wall to a great view

Fantastic view at the top of the slot canyon

I was right about the view. It was sensational. I took it in for a few minutes and then headed back as the sun was starting to get intense. I easily found my slot canyon and in no time I was back to the Toyota.

Once atop the peak it made me feel like Rocky

Mecca Hills driving directions:

Take the R/86 S. Expressway (toward Brawley)
Turn L Ave. 62
Johnson St. Turn R
Turn L 66th Ave. (Box Canyon Rd.)
5 Miles (cross over All-American canal)
Green sign on your right (Painted Canyon)
Turn left (4 /2 miles, very bumpy/sand & dirt road, approx. 25 minutes, should be a good ride in your SUV rental.
Park at “End of maintained road” on right

Had to soak it in before heading back

Mecca Hills hiking tips:

• It is cooler in the canyon, but it is still a desert, so make sure you bring plenty of water
• Make sure you mark where you have come from if you are unfamiliar with the area. I was constantly looking back and noting landmarks to make sure I would recognize the way back
• Do not overextend the hike too far. I spotted the top of my hill and then turned around. The way many people get lost is they see a place they want to see and then after that they see another and continue forward and then cannot remember the way back.
• Hike in the morning or in the evening
• The Mecca Hills Wilderness area is a flood zone. Be wary of flash floods if you are camping in the area and it begins to rain hard.

This trip to Palm Springs for the Stagecoach Music Festival was sponsored by Toyota, but the thoughts, pictures, and tips regarding the Mecca Hills are purely my own.

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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Yucca plant along a gravel road in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is known and named for the Joshua tree, but here is a picture of a Joshua Tree yucca plant. Another plant that gives this beautiful stark desert park in Southern California its cool identity is the yucca plant. I wonder if they ever considered calling it Yucca Plant National Park. Here is a shot close to the southern entrance visitor’s center.

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The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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Excited to have the keys to a 2013 Toyota 4Runner – On the way to the Toyota 2014 4Runner Reveal

Thanks to Toyota, I was invited to Stagecoach Music Festival as a guest to experience the country music festival and the Toyota 2014 4Runner Reveal. I was flown to Los Angeles Airport and greeted with a 2013 version of the Toyota 4Runner and given the keys to drive it into the desert to Palm Springs.

For three days we were treated to great country music acts including headliners Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum as well as veterans like Dwight Yoakam, Charley Pride, and Charley Daniels. The festival also had some Americana acts like Haunted Windchimes and the Old Crow Medicine Show, so the show had a variety of folk, country, bluegrass, and even a little rock and roll.

With my map to Palm Springs, I am ready to go

The Reveal took place on Saturday as a circus format. When the curtain went up and the Reveal was done, Dierks Bentley hit the stage and sang a short set to celebrate the event. An enthusiastic crowd packed the Toyota tent and enjoyed the festivities and the intimate concert.

Dierks Bentley welcomes the world to the 2014 Toyota 4Runner

After a couple of days fighting crowds and extreme hot weather, it was time to do what I do best. I took the 2013 4Runner and hit desert parks adjacent to the Palm Springs area. I did a four mile hike into the Mecca Hills Wilderness Area and then drove around Joshua Tree National Park. It was great to have a large comfortable car for bumpy road down gravel into the desert.

Best to get an early start when hiking in the desert

Beautiful scene of the moon still in the sky at sunrise

I wish I was back in that car along that road in the Mecca Hills Wilderness

Toyota 4Runner 2013 in the Mecca Hills Wilderness

Rock formations along the San Andreas Fault

The farther you drive into the canyon the more interesting the rock formations

The end of the road in Mecca Hills Wilderness Area

Where one road ends another begins

This post and experience was sponsored by Toyota. Thanks Toyota for having me and to Stagecoach for a wonderful festival.

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The goal of Traveling Ted TV is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).

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Stagecoach Music Festival main stage

Saying Stagecoach Music Festival is all about the music sounds like the most obvious statement ever. The only pronouncement more clear is question one of a geometry problem: it is a given. For me the Haunted Windchimes proved the self evident.

There are many reasons to come to a music festival. The main motivation can vary from person to person. Some come to party, some come to check out the opposite sex, some come to bond with friends and family, some like me come for the adventure, while all the above appeal to many.

Haunted Windchimes on Friday afternoon at Stagecoach Music Festival

No matter what your reason for coming to Stagecoach or any music festival, there is always one or several moments where it boils down to the music. You are at one with a singer, a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, a mandolin player, a banjo or whatever the instrument that emanates from stage in an emotional way.

Many Stagecoach fans probably had that moment of zen while Dwight Yoakam was pleasing the crowd

When you go back home to the office or school on Monday, you will remember the good times with friends, the funny moments, or perhaps you won’t remember much of anything. If you do stay sober enough for recall, I feel certain the most dominating memory will be a time when you were touched by a voice, a guitar solo, or an all out jam.

For me the first of several of these moments that transpired during the weekend of great country music occurred at one of the first sets at the Mustang Stage on Friday. Sometimes the best moments occur when you discover a new band at a music festival. This is similar to travel in general. When you travel the best times are the unexpected ones when a stranger helps you out of a jam or a place is way more kick ass than you thought it might be. The same is true when you stumble upon a new group at a music festival.

Stagecoach does not provide much natural shade

The midday heat was oppressive reaching over 95 degrees in the shade on Friday. Wait, there was no shade at Stagecoach Music Festival as I was in a god damn desert. On second thought, there was some shade. In the distance I saw a tent shaped structure or was that just a mirage. I fumbled over there like a bar fly trying to navigate a trip to the john at three a.m.

While feeling punch drunk by the heat I was summoned to the shade and the twang coming from the Mustang Stage

What I found was shade provided by a pavilion with the familiar sound of the twang of a banjo and mandolin. A bluegrass group were huddled around a stand up bassist. Although Stagecoach is noted as a country festival, they do have fair amount of bluegrass and Americana added into the mix. The band was lamenting the loss of George Jones and played an interesting Leadbelly tune in his honor.

Speaking of the man George Jones, this site would like to note his passing and dedicate this post to his wonderful memory. There were many times I have drank a beer and enjoyed the sad tones of this amazing and legendary performer. His memory will live on through his great music.

Haunted Windchimes opening Stagecoach in style

Haunted Windchimes jamming at Stagecoach

I walked right up front and put my beer down on the hay bales that comprised the front stage and listened to the fantastic Haunted Windchimes for the next 45 minutes. They consisted of a guitarist, an upright bassist, two young ladies singing soulful background while playing ukulele and guitar, and another member who played just about everything from banjo to accordion. One of the women also sang lead and had angelic voice as you can hear from the above video.

I could not believe my luck. It was 1:30 p.m. on opening day of the festival. I was just trying to kill some time and drink a beer before the familiar acts came along. It turned out the hour was not killed, but preserved in my memory forever. Thank you Haunted Windchimes for providing a great performance right from the start at Stagecoach that will linger positively in my personal music festival lore.

Have you been to a music festival or a good concert lately? Ever get surprised at a show by a group you never heard of before or one that played better than you thought they would?

Be sure to check out the Haunted Windchimes when they come to a city near you.

My trip to Stagecoach was sponsored by Toyota who revealed the 2014 Forerunner at the festival. The thoughts, opinions, photos, videos, and beer similes are purely my own.

TT

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