Welcome to A Crock of Schmidt. Here you will find campground reviews from all my camping adventures over the years. I also share cool attractions and destinations we’ve been to, great hikes we’ve done, and some insights on our hobbies. Once in awhile, I toss in some ramblings on whatever nonsense moves me at the moment. Thanks for coming by and I hope you find something that helps and/or entertains. If you do, kindly tell a friend about this place.
Two Nights in Grand Teton National Park
July 20, 2023
Conventional wisdom says you need to be controversial to get noticed on social media. So, here’s my stab at it. Grand Teton National Park is overrated. I don’t know. Maybe it was unfair sandwiching it between Yellowstone and Glacier? That’s some hefty competition, after all. Like standing me between Brad Pitt and Chris Helmsworth and
Three Nights in Glacier National Park
July 17, 2023
You know a trip is too long when your kid critiques Glacier National Park with a disinterested shrug, stating, “It’s just like more Banff.” First, how that could ever be construed as a negative is beyond me. And second, it’s actually “just like more Waterton”. Sheesh. That is where we stood as we set up
Beauvais Lake Provincial Park – review
June 27, 2023
When it comes to Beauvais Lake Provincial Park, the third time really was the charm. Twice previously we had booked a weekend of camping at this park and twice previously we had to cancel that reservation. Undeterred, in 2023 I once again reserved a campsite at Beauvais Lake and Lady Luck smiled upon my perseverance.
Lundbreck Falls PRA – review
June 12, 2023
I catch myself asking “What were they thinking,” far too often while contemplating transportation infrastructure decisions. This is true of both recent and long ago constructs. And I did it once again while we were camping at Lundbreck Falls Provincial Recreation Area. Lundbreck Falls is a modest but rambunctious waterfall in southern Alberta at the
Lewis & Clark Caverns – review
June 6, 2023
I wouldn’t say I’m looking forward to death, but I think I’ll be okay with it. Well, the burial, at least. I do like me a good hole in the ground. Luckily, geology goes hand-in-hand with holes in the ground, so when I was hunting for cool places to visit on our big Yellowstone camping
Three Nights in Yellowstone National Park
April 23, 2023
The first order of business when planning any bucket list trip is deciding how much time is needed. When said trip is to Yellowstone National Park, oh boy, does the answer ever get difficult. Initially I’d hoped to snag a campsite in Canyon Village Campground, a convenient, centrally located campground where the north and south
Devil’s Elbow Recreation Site – review
April 19, 2023
As the old adage goes, there’s a first time for everything. By the end of this review, Devil’s Elbow Recreation Site will achieve one such first here at A Crock of Schmidt. I recommend you keep reading to discover if this first is momentous, or ignominious. Before I engage in my typical ramblings about the
Montana Blue Jewel Mine – review
April 16, 2023
You’ll be forgiven for assuming our epic Yellowstone (and Grand Teton … and Glacier) camping trip was as much about treasure hunting as it was sightseeing. That’ll happen when half the participants are mesmerized by shiny, glittery, and ancient things. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every minute of the national parks. Mother Nature at
Conestoga Campground & RV Park – review
April 14, 2023
Thirty years ago, I doubt I’d have camped at Conestoga Campground & RV Park. Not because the campground is poor or stuffy or any other negative, I just loved driving back then. Far more than I seem to now. An ten-hour drive was just a warmup in my twenties. Today, with a family in tow,
Bear Lake State Park – review
April 4, 2023
Oh, the places you’ll go. Dr. Seuss nailed that one, though I’m unsure he had Bear Lake State Park in mind when writing those famous words. Salt Lakers may quibble with that assessment, but I can assure you this place is not on the radar of Canadians. Were it not for a fossil hunting excursion