Lake Powell: The Post-Labor Day Secret

Lake Powell

For those of you that don’t know, Lake Powell is a large, man-made reservoir straddling the Utah-Arizona border. And for those of you that don’t know, Lake Powell is perhaps the most spectacular place you could ever visit. The winding desert lake contains 26,000 square miles of narrow canyons, thousand-foot cliffs, sandy beaches, Native-American ruins and amazing geological formations (think arches, pinnacles and canyons).

Well it’s Labor Day weekend and the lake is probably packed with tourists, families and college students. But come Tuesday morning, a strange site will come over the area—peace and quiet! After Labor Day, thousands and thousands of people will drive back to their miserable jobs and gloomy classrooms, leaving the lake virtually uninhabited. This is great news for those of you that can take some time off this next week to visit the lake!

I’ll go ahead and be honest and admit that I’ve only been to the lake once. And that was just last year. I was told a gazillion times about how wonderful and beautiful Lake Powell was and I always thought, “Well, I’m sure it’s nice there. But it can’t be that great.” It’s that great.

I drove down there a few days after Labor Day in 2008 with one of my best friends, and I’ll never forget when the lake first came into view. That deep blue water, with its backdrop of towering cliffs and a bright blue sky, was unforgettable. We spent the next two days exploring the unbelievably narrow canyons, secret caves, deserted beaches and swimming in the warm water. We rented a jet ski and played until we had no more energy. Then we camped under the most amazing night sky I’ve ever seen. The Milky Way galaxy, with its trillion stars, was brighter and more brilliant than ever.

And perhaps the best part of it all? No people! Deserted! Empty! Sure, we came across the occasional house boat or yacht, but we practically had the whole lake to ourselves the entire time. It was seriously one of my favorite memories, and I can’t wait to return to Lake Powell again.

So take my advice: forget Lake Powell in the middle of summer when it seems like the region has a population twice that of Manhattan. Wait until after Labor Day and claim the lake your own!

Helpful links:

http://www.lakepowell.com/

http://www.powellguide.com/

America the Beautiful: The West’s Top Five National Parks

Do you suffer from an unhealthy obsession with Manifest Destiny? Do you dress yourself as a gold prospector when no one else is home? Do you secretly stash a copy of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo under your mattress? Does even the slightest thought of a John Wayne movie cause you to break out into embarrassing public displays of giddiness?

Not to worry! Your bitter shame is shared by millions of despondent Americans—and it’s curable! The American West is inundated with spectacular National Parks, all of which will satisfy your wild, westerly cravings. The top five western National Parks (in my humble opinion) are as follows:

#5) Yosemite: Nothing conjures the nostalgic and romanticized version of the West quite like the astounding views of Yosemite Valley. Scale El Capitan or Half Dome for a legendary rock climbing experience. Or just look at them with your mouth hanging open. It’s all good.

#4) Grand Canyon: How could this National Park not make a top five list? Take Arizona Highway 64 to the South Rim and soak up the awesome colors of this colossal hole in the earth. Raft down the Colorado River if you’re a really brave little toaster.

#3) Arches: One of Indiana Jones’ favorite places to cause mischief, Arches National Park is a mind-blowing collection of dramatic canyons, gorges, buttes, mesas, and of course, those world-famous arches. Definitely take the short hike up to Delicate Arch.

#2) Yellowstone: A couple of years ago I was driving down a particular stretch of Grand Loop Road in Yellowstone and I questioned whether I was on the planet Earth anymore. It was twilight, I was ascending up a hill, and I looked down over an eerie landscape of dark forest, silvery meadows and dozens of violently active geysers. Steam and fog and sunset mixed that night to create an unforgettable display of nature’s ghostlike beauty. You must come here.

#1) Zion: Perhaps the most magnificent place you’ll ever visit. Period.

Yosemite Valley

Additional websites:

Top Ten National Parks: http://bit.ly/sHQ9q

Ten National Parks to See Before You Die: http://bit.ly/ucvLn

National Parks Traveler: http://bit.ly/T0WzI

Road Trip Safety Tips: The Heat is On

While the summer months are upon us and temperatures continue to rise, I thought I’d dish out a few road safety tips about protecting you and your family from the heat. I leave tomorrow for Southern California and I have to drive through some of the hottest regions in the country, if not the planet. The forecast for Las Vegas tomorrow is a miserable 109 degrees, and Death Valley’s armpit of Baker should hit 114. Let’s just say I’ll be implementing these safety tips as much as anyone else:

This individual failed to follow road saftey tips to protect himself from the heat.

1. Water, water, water: Duh, right? But seriously, keeping yourself hydrated is essential for a comfortable (and safe) road trip, especially in these nightmarishly high temperatures. Keep a cooler next to you to keep your water bottles chill, and prepare to make frequent beverage (and bathroom) stops if needed.

2. Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date on its maintenance: The last thing you want in the Mojave Desert in the summer is for your car to break down or your air conditioner to stop working. I was in Arches National Park in Utah a few summers back when my AC broke. I thought I was going to spontaneously combust during the long drive home. And last summer my buddy’s car broke down when we were returning from Lake Powell—also in the desert. Save yourself the trouble and dread of a broken car or AC by keeping your vehicle well maintained!

3. Wear comfortable clothing: Need I say more? I saw some yuppie walking down the street in Provo last week (it was over 100 degrees) wearing a scarf, long-sleeved shirt and jeans. He was one of those indie-hip-too-cool-for-school types flaunting his über-emo apparel. Note to self: never be that guy.

4. Plan for emergencies: If the unthinkable happens and you do find yourself stranded in the heat, it’s essential to be prepared. Again, bring lots of water on your trip and make sure your car has a first aid kit (which should include jumper cables, a jack, maps, flares and a flash light among other things). Your cell phone should always be charged, and if you’re really worried, you could always bring an umbrella in case you have to walk long distances in the sun.

5. REMEMBER: NEVER leave children or pets unattended in parked vehicles, especially during warm weather! Even on a relatively cool summer day with windows partially cracked open, temperatures inside a car can soar, rapidly causing occupants to suffer from heat illness or even die from heat stroke. Don’t be a fool! Take your kids and pets out of the car even if you have to leave for just a moment.

Well, that’s all my safety tips for now. Wish me luck as I battle tomorrow’s cruel desert temperatures. Maybe I’ll listen to Christmas music to take my mind off the heat.

Additional links:

http://bit.ly/dmd70 (American Red Cross)

http://bit.ly/rG9F3 (Weather Blog)

http://bit.ly/f6lBd (dog/pet safety)

Islands in the Sun: Florida’s three best drives (Part 3)

Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys

Have you ever had one of those great moments when you’re driving down the highway and you feel like you should be in a movie? Everything is perfect: your friends in the car, the smell of the leather seats in your 1977 Cadillac DeVille, the brilliant summer sun, Steve Perry’s voice blaring out of the radio….perfect.

Some highways in America seem to elicit those brilliant, memorable moments more than others. The drive down the Florida Keys is one of those.

#1: Key Largo to Key West: Begin your day at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. This was the first underwater park in the United States, and provides the amazing opportunity to swim through a tropical coral reef in crystal-clear ocean water. You can rent snorkeling or scuba equipment for a relatively inexpensive price and take a chartered boat out to the reef and have at it. The last time I went to the park I went snorkeling and came face to face with at least three barracudas, among all sorts of different tropical fish, sting rays, sharks and dolphins—it was freaking Finding Nemo. You’ll love it here.

After spending the morning in Key Largo, pack up and head south on U.S. 1. I won’t waste your time trying to explain or divulge every awesome beach, island or adventure you could find on the two hour drive down to Key West. There are a lot. I would recommend visiting either Bahia Honda Key or Sombrero Beach, both of which are near Marathon. Those are good mid-way stops in your trip to eat lunch and play at the beach.

When you get to Key West, I would check out the Ernest Hemingway house and Key West Light, a cool lighthouse you can climb to the top of (yes, I love climbing lighthouses in Florida). Duval Street and the ‘Southernmost Point in the U.S.’ marker are also popular destinations on the island.

But the most amazing part of this whole trip, to me, is the actual drive to Key West itself. There are moments, particularly on the Seven Mile Bridge, that you’ll be completely surrounded by gorgeous, blue ocean on all sides. The views from U.S. 1 through the islands are spectacular, and you really should take those occasional mental moments to savor the beauty and engrave it in your brain. Especially if Steve Perry is playing.

Total Miles Driven: 100

Islands in the Sun: Florida’s three best drives (Part 2)

I stressed in my last post that Florida is chock-full of unique adventures and awesome road trip opportunities. I highlighted the drive from Naples to Miami Beach—a smorgasbord of gator-infested jungle, island retreats and big-city exploits. It’s stereotypical Florida at its best, so tourists to the state wouldn’t be disappointed making that drive.

But this next drive is even better. Why? Because I’ll take authentic Florida over stereotype any day.

#2: Fernandina Beach to St. Augustine: Why is this authentic Florida? You’ll start to see in Fernandina—an island city with enough seafood, Southern charm and Victorian architecture to make Paula Deen squeal. Fernandina Beach, situated on Amelia Island in northeast Florida, is known as the ‘Isle of Eight Flags’ due to its long history of territorial claims and battles. You’d do well to spend an hour or so here, strolling through its historic downtown and enjoying its famed shrimp industry, its unique Revolutionary and Civil War heritage and its quirky shops.

When you finish exploring Fernandina, take State Road A1A south (SR A1A is Florida’s most celebrated and historic beachfront highway, and you’ll stay on this road almost the entire day). Continue through Amelia Island and cross Nassau Sound into Big Talbot Island State Park, a massive nature preserve about 20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville. The marshes, subtropical vegetation and Atlantic Ocean views make this a really scenic drive. You’ll continue south through Little Talbot Island State Park and Fort George Island before taking the St. Johns River Ferry across the river to Mayport (the ferry fee is $5 per vehicle). If you have time you should check out Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island, the oldest remaining plantation house in Florida, as well as its old slave quarters. This is a rare opportunity to experience first-hand how slaves and plantation-owners lived and worked in the Antebellum South.

Cross the river and eat lunch at Singleton’s Seafood Shack in Mayport (located at 4728 Ocean Street). If you think you don’t like seafood, try it anyway. You’ll have a life-changing experience, trust me. Other than the scrumptious food, you’ll enjoy watching the old shrimp boats cruise up and down the river from your table. Very chill.

Continue on SR-A1A south through Atlantic Beach and into Neptune Beach. These are two bustling coastal communities, but I wouldn’t stop until you get to Jacksonville Beach. This is one of my favorite places to play. There’s plenty of white sand, warm water and, especially important for road trippers, beachfront parking! Spend an hour or two soaking up the sun—this is what Florida is all about. Then drive south through Ponte Vedra Beach (you should take Ponte Vedra Boulevard; it will connect back with A1A) and admire this ‘Beverly Hills’ of northern Florida. Gargantuan mansions, palm trees and immaculate golf courses stretch as far as far as the eye can see.

As you exit snobby Ponte Vedra, you’ll head south down one of my favorite stretches of highway in the country—your final leg of A1A until you reach St. Augustine. This, to me, is pure Florida. You’ll drive through the Guana River Wildlife Management Area, with its deserted beaches and undeveloped coast, teaming with sea turtles and shark teeth. This is how Florida looked to the first explorers hundreds of years ago—pristine and undisturbed. You’ll travel south and see old taverns, historic houses and quiet beach communities. No nightclubs or spotlights or celebrities on this stretch of coast. It’s a calm, relaxed part of Florida, made brilliant with the pervasive and spectacular blue sea, stretching to the east until forever. It’s wonderful here.

You’ll finally enter St. Augustine, and if you’ve never been here before, you’re in for a treat. This is the oldest city in America and you can tell the minute you drive into the ancient town. I could write an entire blog post about St. Augustine (which I will, in the future), so suffice it to say that there are a million things to do and see here. From Castillo de San Marcos fort to Flagler College to St. George Street—pirates, ghosts and tourists have raved about St. Augustine for 500 years. I would recommend eating dinner at one of the pizza places on St. George Street, but there are too many good restaurants here to recommend just one.

Follow this itinerary and you’ll have an awesome day. Granted, I’m biased since I grew up in this part of Florida. But as LeVar Burton says, you don’t have to take my word for it. See for yourself.

Total Miles Driven: 60

Check out Florida’s #1 drive next week.

St. Augustine skyline

Islands in the Sun: Florida’s three best drives (Part 1)

Ponce de Leon. Ernest Hemmingway. The Golden Girls. The list of famous Floridians goes on and on. And let’s be honest—I am extremely biased in my gushing admiration for the Sunshine State. I was, after all, born and raised in coastal Jacksonville, and spent the first eighteen years of my life exploring and navigating the Florida peninsula.

Well, I was in Florida a couple of weeks ago visiting family and I thought I should devote my next few blog entries to my home state, or as I call it, The Mother Country. So let me introduce, in my humble opinion, the three most road trip-worthy drives that Florida has to offer, in descending order:

#3: Naples to Miami Beach: Begin your trip in posh Naples, one of the state’s most scenic and heavily visited areas. Naples is home to stunning coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, and is the central city of an area known as the Paradise Coast. But don’t spend too much time frolicking on its white sand beaches. You’ve got a busy (and awesome) day ahead of you. Take US-41 southeast from Naples until you get to FL-951. Take the highway south to Marco Island, the largest barrier island in Florida’s Ten Thousand Island region. Take an hour or so exploring the town and check out its rad beaches before heading out into the Everglades. CAUTION: I would eat lunch before going into the Everglades, because pickings are slim where you’re headed (unless you know how/want to hunt alligator). Also, make sure you fill up the car with gas before leaving Marco Island.

Take San Marco Rd. east out of Marco Island until you hook back up with US-41. Take your time meandering east across the Everglades on this highway, also known as the Tamiami Trail—there are always adventures here. Check out the thoroughly cool Skunk Ape Research Headquarters just east of Highway 29, and make sure you take the rural Loop Road through the Big Cypress National Preserve (the Loop Road is also known as County Highway 94; it will be on your right about 30 miles after you get back onto US-41). Seriously, the Everglades really are one of America’s coolest, most unique natural wonderlands. Full of tropical and endangered birds, reptiles and plant life, you’ll appreciate this ‘River of Grass’. I always thought of the Everglades as like an underwater African savannah. Very cool.

Say goodbye to wild Florida, because US-41 will then take you all the way to Miami’s modern west suburbs. Turn left at 137^th Avenue and merge onto FL-836 east, toward downtown Miami. Take I-95 north to I-195 east across Biscayne Bay and into Miami Beach. Take chic Collins Avenue down to South Beach, immediately park your car and stroll through this uniquely awesome slice of tropical paradise. Take on the restaurants and nightclubs of Ocean Drive and admire the cool Art Deco architecture. Pat yourself on the back for a road trip well done as you witness the day slip away into Miami Beach’s ritzy neon night. Poetic, right?

Total Miles Driven: 130

Check out #2 next week.

Miami Beach

Additional links:

The Tamiami Trail: http://florida-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/everglades_road_trip_on_us_41

The Everglades: http://www.florida-everglades.com/

Other road trip ideas around Miami and the Everglades: http://tinyurl.com/m6h95p

Tackling Chicagoland: It’s worth all the fuss

If you open your road atlas and glance over the mishmash of Interstate highways in the United States, you’ll notice a terrifyingly complex system of freeways that coil together in the nexus of the Midwest. Welcome to Chicago.

Now, the point of this post is to celebrate Chicago for its vast array of cultural attractions, unique history and stunning architecture. But first you have to get there, right? Most tourists to the city probably arrive via O’Hare, the second busiest airport in the nation. But for those of you that embark to the Windy City in your trusty automobiles, some words of advice…

I first traveled to Chicago by car in April 2005. It was night, and I was coming from the southeast, up Interstate 65 from Indianapolis. The highway started to get quite busy once I reached the I-65/I-90 junction in Gary, Indiana, just east of the Illinois state line. I drove up I-90 into the city, and made my way to Lake Shore Drive, south of downtown. The drive up Lake Shore Drive into Chicago is breathtaking, especially at night. Chicago’s famous skyscrapers are lit up in striking fashion, and it’s a great introduction to the city. Once I entered the downtown core, however, things started to get difficult. Arriving at my Michigan Avenue hotel proved to be a frustrating obstacle. One-way streets and darkly-lit road signs made it difficult to navigate through the city. I encountered the same problem again two years later as I tried to maneuver through Chicago’s I-55/I-90/I-94 interchanges at night. And the last time I drove into the city (from Milwaukee, to the north), I essentially parked my car on gridlocked Interstate 94, as traffic and rain combined forces to produce a nightmarish commute.

So what’s my advice? Well, it’s not best to travel to Chicago at night (or in poor weather), especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local road system. If you do travel into the city when it’s dark, make sure you have a good GPS system or a designated navigator in the car with you. And avoid rush hour! Other driving problems I’ve encountered in Chicago are confusing intersections, expensive downtown parking and irritating toll roads. So make sure you plan ahead if you’re going into Chicago and intend to stay for a while.

But don’t let the potential road obstacles keep you from traveling to Chicago! It truly is one of the world’s great cities, and one of America’s finest treasures. When you visit Chicago, make sure you take the time to walk through the downtown streets and take in the spectacle of some of modern humanity’s great architectural wonders. The Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower and LaSalle Street are my personal favorites. Grant Park, with its famous Buckingham Fountain, is an interactive, family-friendly oasis in the hustle of the city. Ascend the Sears Tower or the John Hancock Building to take in the spectacle of Chicago’s skyline. Stroll up and down the Magnificent Mile, visit the Field Museum of Natural History and take in a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. I could go on and on…

Bottom line: Chicago is jaw-droppingly awesome. Don’t let the city’s confusing moat of freeways deter you from experiencing all it has to offer.

Some helpful links:

Best of Chicago, 2009: http://www.chicagoreader.com/best_of_chicago_09/

Parking in Chicago: http://www.chicagoparkingmap.com/index.jsp

Construction updates for Chicago’s freeways: http://www.dot.state.il.us/road/distone.html

Public Transport: http://www.transitchicago.com/

Salutations!

Greetings! Welcome to my new blog, one and all. This site will be of interest not only to avid road trippers, like myself, but to anyone that appreciates the majesty, grandeur and uniqueness that America has to offer. I plan on updating this site with frequent road tripping suggestions, updates and commentary. I’ve road-tripped all over this great nation, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and expertise with fellow enthusiasts.

Thanks for all your support! Regards.