#best national park road trip map

[wanderlustphotosblog]

Planning an Epic Eastern National Parks Road Trip

Follow along as I show you how to plan an incredible national parks road trip in the Eastern United States. I outline some of the incredible parks, spectacular hikes, and can't miss adventures to have on a road trip of a lifetime.

If you follow my blog closely, you know how much of a national parks enthusiast I am. I believe that preserving the world’s incredible landscapes and national parklands is a great way to do that. In the United States, we are blessed with many outstanding parks. I am planning an Eastern National Parks road trip to explore some Eastern parks I have yet to visit. In this eastern national parks road…

[mochie85]

Wanderlust

Part 1 of the Wanderlust Series.

Wanderlust Masterlist | Complete Masterlist

Summary: You try to convince your best friend to go on a long road trip with you. Pairing: Bucky x Female Reader Word Count: 694 (a drabble, really) Warnings: Fluff. ALL fluff. A/N: This is for @the-slumberparty June Monthly Challenge: Summer Vibes. I picked a tent (can the VW Bus be considered a tent?) and the Road setting. I don't know if I should continue with the story. I mean, I have some ideas, but I don't think there's an actual plot...lol. Edit: It's decided...it's now a series...I hope y'all are happy!

The one thing you wanted to do before you started your new job was to visit the national parks in your state. You graduated with honors and had multiple job offers in the tech industry because of the algorithm you created for your senior project.

Tech careers were unpredictable and oftentimes fleeting. But you were confident that your innovative program would help kick-start your career and cement your position in the company that you chose for a long while.

That’s why you wanted to go out and travel. See nature! Just before you commit to a desk and computer for the rest of your foreseeable future.

“Do you know how big California is?” Bucky asked you agitated.

“Yes, I do,” you answered back with a cheeky grin.

“California has the greatest number of national parks!” he pointed at the map.

“Yes. Nine! And that doesn’t include the monuments and the trails and the memorials-”

“No!”

“Well, I’m not asking for your permission.”

“I still say, ‘no.’”

“I’ll go with or without you, Buck. I just thought you should know my plan.”

“Do you know how dangerous it is out there? Especially if you’re alone.”

“I can take care of myself. I did take that self-defense class for a couple of months,” you reasoned.

“Why can’t you go somewhere that has- Look, Nevada! Nevada has one national park. The Great Basin. And hey…we could even hit up Vegas while we’re there!” Bucky pointed at the map.

“Oh, ya cuz I would really be safe from creep-o’s in Vegas!” you rolled your eyes at your best friend.

“Ok. What about Hawaii? Hawaii has two national parks! And it’s HA-WA-II!”

“Do you know how much that plane ticket would cost? I haven’t started my job yet. Besides, who would watch Smokey while I was away?”

“You’re bringing the dog?!”

“Of course, I’m bringing the dog! Smokey goes where I go.” And as if he was called, your large greyhound came over licking your hand under the table. “We’re gonna have so much fun in our Bus-Bus, aren’t we, Smokey?!”

“And another thing?! How sure are you that the rusted piece of metal you call a car will actually take you around California? You’d probably break down before you get south of Oakland!”

“I had my mechanic look at it! Sid said it was in good shape! Plus I can call a tow if I need to.”

Bucky just looked at you defeated. He knew there was no convincing you out of this hair-brained plan of yours. You had always been a person to stick to your guns as soon as you planned it out. ‘No Regrets,’ you had always said.

No Regrets, Bucky repeated in his head trying to decide what to do. Nine parks! Nine! It would take you a month and a half to finish that round trip. And that’s only if you decided to stay at each park for a couple of nights, not the week you were planning.

“All right. All right. I’ll go with you.” Bucky relented, placing his head in his hands.

“I didn’t ask you to, Buck,” you chuckled, trying to hide the relief on your face.

“Bullshit! You knew I was going with you the moment you told me about it.” He called out your bluff. You shrieked and held your arms out to Bucky’s neck, embracing him in a tight hug.

 “You and I are gonna have so much fun! You’re not gonna regret this.”

“Ya, ya, ya.” Bucky relished in your warm embrace. You smelled like sun-kissed fruit on a lazy afternoon. You felt like a cool breeze that just wafted into his life unexpectedly and decided to stay. Erupting his life into chaos.

You pulled away looking into his deep blue eyes. He narrowed them as if he saw something in you that he had never seen before.

“Ok, we leave right after graduation! And you can’t take it back now Barnes. You’re in this with me till the end!” You smiled at him. Your cheeks were puffy and red, carrying a dimple that he wanted to caress.

“Lord, help me.” He whispered under his breath.

⬅️Wanderlust Masterlist | The Redwoods➡️

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[theficpusher]

you live in my bones and we live in the sun by queenmcgonagall | nr | 1212 the sun and the desert and a map and nowhere to be but with each other.

Baby, I Met You On the Highway by i_amthecosmos | G | 1978 The desert is boring, but an unexpected friend makes things better.

throbs and gleams by thinlines | T | 3728 au. harry rides motorcycle across the country and finds louis in the middle of a desert.

my youth is yours by sapphirestylan | G | 5309 Niall and Harry are uni students who go down to visit Harry's family in southern California over spring break. They leave on a road trip in the middle of the desert, going as best friends and coming back a lot more.

Alien Roadtrip! by HelloAmHere | E | 16378 For the first time in his life, Louis doesn’t know where he’s going. Harry doesn’t mind. OR: roadtrip with desert feelings, too much snack food, and empty motels. Harry is definitely absolutely not an alien. That would be ridiculous.

Cosmic Love by smittenwithlouis | M | 27185 Sudden chills rake over his body yet again, making him stay rooted to the ground. Static in the air makes every hair on his body stand up straight. That's when he notices something a couple feet in front of him lying on the ground. It’s what appears to be a person, weird white beams snaking around them like Christmas lights. Louis' heart rate picks up. Is the person alright? What are they doing here? What the fuck is happening? Or: Louis lives in a small, desert town in the middle of nowhere Texas, yet a strange visitor manages to find Louis among the stars.

Speed Dates and Slow Lanes by zita17 | E | 34652 Overworked drama TA and script reader Louis Tomlinson just wants to make it through the end of the semester unscathed when an impromptu road trip turns his relationship with his best friend and roommate Harry Styles upside down. Basically, this is the story of what happens AFTER a pair of idiots try to become lovers. Co-starring Harry’s vintage Mercedes named Delilah, with cameos by Shakespeare, mix tapes, Denny’s, Walmart, Frank Sinatra, Joshua Tree National Park, Harry’s crocheted bucket hat, and Louis’ mesh tank top.

Have Love, Will Travel by kingsofeverything | E | 97257 Rather than spend the summer working at their desks, Louis and Harry are given the opportunity to crisscross the country together in a tiny camper, filming their adventures for a YouTube series. It soon becomes obvious to their viewers that there’s something more than friendship between them. Eventually, they figure it out.

[chaotic-archaeologist]

Out of curiosity, do you have any suggestions about anything or any place in Gettysburg that you think one have to do if one only have a short trip?

Gosh, yes, I have Opinions(TM). Here I'll do my best to put together a guide for a casual tourist who has limited time.

Let's start with the visitor center. There are pros and cons—I think the interpretation is decent, and it's clearly been updated within the last 5ish years. It's more middle of the road than I personally would like it to be, but it's a National Park so they're limited in what they can say. The museum does a good job talking about the experiences of civilians (including free Black people) before, during, and after the battle. They also have some new signs up around the town to talk about Black experiences.

Cons of the visitor center: I do not like the museum design. It's very text heavy, and I found myself getting fatigued trying to pay attention to everything. There was not enough seating, although I remember the the space being maneuverable for a wheelchair user. It's very dark and needs more lighting. They also have a lot of audio/video elements, and the sound design isn't good, so it bleeds into other areas of the space with several sounds overlapping.

Gettysburg Visitor Center Museum: take a quick walk through and pay attention to what interests you. Skip the cyclorama and the intro video. There are scheduled ranger talks that could be good but I haven't been to them.

Guided bus tour: save your money and skip it. I went because I was interested in how they would tell the story of the battle, but it's not necessary to get a good feeling of the action or to get information. The National Parks Service has a free app with narrated driving tours. Do that instead. Here's a map from the NPS.

Downtown Gettysburg: Very strange. Highly touristy, and almost every business has a battle-themed name. There are some cute local restaurants, but I wouldn't spend too much time there.

Sights to See: if you have a limited amount of time, here are the places I would most recommend visiting.

The National Cemetery. This is where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg address, which kicks off memorialization at Gettysburg and is part of what leads Gettysburg to become the center of Civil War memory making (this is stop 16 on the driving tour).

Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Not so much for the memorial itself, because it stands for the 'forgive and forget' model of remembering the Civil War, which neglects the experience of Black people during the war and Reconstruction. The park has put up signs discussing why this is problematic, and it does a good job discussing the issue. It also has a good view (stop 2 on the driving tour).

Devil's Den. It's iconic. It's a beautiful natural formation. There's something about that cluster of boulders that captures the imagination. It's a little out of the way from some of the other locations, but go if you can.

Little Round Top. LTR is currently closed for maintenence, but it should be open in 2024. It's a great place to get a view of the whole battlefield, and it's the site of Joshua Chamberlain's iconic bayonet charge (featured in Gettysburg the movie). Here's a NPS ranger giving a virtual tour. Here's a view from LRT, which also happens to be my computer background...

Other Resources: Gettysburg ranger programs Information about the 160th anniversary Historic and modern image gallery

Gettysburg is beautiful, but the tourism industry has definitely left its mark. So much effort has gone into creating a very curated experience for visitors, but don't be afraid to do your own thing. Visit sites out of order. Go with what speaks to you. Remember to be respectful.

-Reid

[thefoldedbird]

It's gonna be a good fanfic when it's got me over here pulling up maps to plan the best road trip route with world accurate stops along the way.

The trip is from Mission City (Los Angeles) to Yosemite National Park. It would probably be a better planned fic if I were also timing out how long a drive like that would take but any time lag will be attributed to thing like "traffic".

[shion-yu]

Day 29: Sick on a Road Trip

A more serious interpretation of this prompt. A short and introspective pre-transplant Al and Theo drabble. 570 words, TW chronic terminal illness. @sicktember

On their fifth summer as a couple, Theo and Al got on a plane and flew to Fresno. From there they rented a car and drove north, hitting all the great landmarks Al had always wanted to visit: Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and the Redwoods. Then they went east and visited the national parks in Utah. It was a trip they’d been talking about for years, but they’d never gotten around to it. Theo had been busy in law school, then establishing himself in his practice. It had always seemed like too much planning and too much money.

This year, however, Theo took the initiative and came home with two plan tickets in his hand, and an excellent itinerary mapped out by his paralegal. He told Al it would be the best vacation ever, and they didn’t even have to rush because Theo had two entire weeks off. Al had beamed and didn’t ask any questions about how Theo had managed to get the time off, how Theo had convinced his transplant team to allow it, or where they’d gotten the funds. Because the thing was, although they didn’t talk about it, they both knew it might be their last chance to take this trip.

Al had been waiting for lungs for months now. He’d been in and out of the hospital for tune ups and maintenance, but it wasn’t doing much anymore. He needed new lungs and there was no way around it. Without them he had less than a year to live. Theo never entertained the idea out loud that Al might run out of time before that, but planning this trip was the closest he had gotten.

Theo flew them business class, making sure all of Al’s medical equipment was taken care of and safe. Apparently he’d marked every hospital and specialist on their route, and knew the fastest way to get to an airport just in case they got the call while they were away. He went to great lengths to make sure they would always have signal on their phones and to find the best views that Al could physically manage to get to. 

He seemed most determined not to be sad. Al knew how hard Theo was trying not to break. He had tried to talk about the what ifs many times and been shot down. Theo hated to talk about anything less than optimistically. During their vacation, Al let him have that peace of not bringing why they were doing this up once.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t tired. Al felt like he was always tired these days. No matter how much he slept, he had a heaviness about him that he couldn’t shake. He slept in the car for the vast majority of the time that Theo drove. Sometimes he was so still that Theo would pull over just to make sure he was breathing. He always was though, and Theo would get back on the road feeling his foolish heart beating hard in his ears.

Despite all the sleeping, Al was worn out by the end of their journey. Theo knew he might have pushed too hard, but Al reassured him that it was just enough. He was just ready to go home now. Theo didn’t feel ready to go back to reality: life where everything was uncertain, surrounded by a wait that they could do nothing to predict the outcome of.

[blorbologist]

maggie! my sister and I are planning a road trip to canada this summer so as a canadian, anything you recommend doing, any absolute must sees?

!!! Oooh, have fun!

I can only really give concrete recommendations for Quebec and southern Ontario, and the later with less than a year of experience - so if you're headed to the prairies or BC I'm not much help.

For Québec:

If you stick to Montreal and the touristy areas, you lively won't need all that much French! Usually people clock that you're a tourist and will switch to English if they can. Less likely the farther you get from Montreal and the Townships.

Goes without saying, try a good poutine (There’s an invisible S in there, we pronounce it more like.. poutsine lmao)! Don't get it from a big chain except maybe Belle Province or Poutineville, the very best I've had have usually been from lil cantines. If they’re not using fresh cheese curds don't trust em.

Also Beaver Tails (a fried pastry brand). Usually have lil kiosks near events and sinfully good. My brother and I go bonkers for them.

In Montreal proper, I'd recommend a walk on Mt.Royal! I forget if the inside skating rink at Atwater is still available this time of year, but might be worth looking into. Vieux Montréal is a nice place to romp around, especially around the canals and the Atwater market. Avoid driving in and around MTL it's a living hell, move around by bus or metro(subway) if you can, you can get day passes easy enough. St.Catherine and Mt.Royal streets usually have fun stores and restaurants to poke around in, and the gay village is great! I'm pretty sure most amusement parks in the USA are bigger than La Ronde, so don't waste your time with it.

Zoo de Granby is one I went to a lot as a child and they do great conservation work and have beautiful exhibits + a fun water park! Bromont is great for winter fun, but wrong time of year, and their water park can be hit or miss.

Both Bromont and Sutton are great for hiking (I have good memories of getting up to a lake on Mt.Sutton just as the mist revealed it, so cool). Apparently so is Owl's Head, but I've only skii'd there. Bromont is expensive and the cops are real sticklers, Sutton is a lot smaller and personally I think more cute and chill.

Lac Brome/Lake Brome is just about the most anglophone place in the province outside of Montreal! You can do a lot of kayaking, boating and even just driving around the lake is nice. It is a tourist town with its businesses catered towards Montrealers weekending there, so everything is closed Mon/Tues but open over weekends. Just a very cute and anglophone town.

Memphremagog / Magog is both an okay town and a really great lake, bigger than Lac Brome if you'd rather get on the water there. Also fun local myths of a lake monster >:3c

If you like murder mysteries, Louise Penny based many locations in her series off of areas in the Townships - such as Brome Lake Books('s old location) and Abbey St.Benoit (which has great cheese). There are maps to help her fans run around and see the locations irl!

Due to the dairy industry there's a lot of great cheese and icecream in general. Coaticook has great icecream and a cool gorge (my ex lived there), but it’s very French so you might have trouble.

A personal highlight: drive up the St.Lawrence. it's gorgeous, sometimes there are whales, and just. Amazingly beautiful. Fuckoff cold water tho.

There are a ton if beautiful national parks in Quebec; Bic is a highlight personally.

For southern Ontario:

Niagara Falls is a mixed bag: the falls themselves are incredible, absolutely awe inspiring (I remember getting to my hotel room after and writing in a frenzy - the MIST from them hits you SEVERAL HUNDRED METERS AWAY). BUT the area around them are a tourist trap, overpriced and iffy.

I haven't run around Toronto much beyond getting lost going to n from the airport, but I've heard decent enough things?

Iirc there might be more Freedom Convoy bullshit going on in Ottawa, so keep an eye on the news if it's on your bucket list.

Also have heard p good things about the national parks, almost went camping with the other grads before schedule conflicts popped up.

Haven't done much due to gradschool unfortunately :c

I also know that Alberta has an incredible dinosaur museum with some amazing specimens, and Dinosaur Provincial Park is teaming with big fossils (almost went on a dig there but Covid happened).

Hope some of this helped!

[icouldntfindquiet]

Hi! I hope you had a good trip. I've always wanted to do a roadtrip but I haven't yet. How did you find it? Would you recommend? Any tips? 🩷

Hi, it was great. Thank you! I can’t take credit for driving as it was my cousin’s husband who drove and he’s a fantastic driver. 😁 I don’t have the details of your road trip so what I wrote is generalized and covers a lot that might not apply to you. Don’t let the essay I wrote scare you off!

If you’re driving, you’ll have to be quite comfortable and skilled, especially with a car you’re not used to if you’re renting. In Europe, roads are more compact than the US. They’ve got roundabouts (which we’re not used to) and you have to be comfortable with parallel parking, tight parking spots, narrow streets (road is too small for a two-way but is a two-way anyway), etc.

Having some sort of navigation or GPS is highly recommended as you’re driving on an unfamiliar road and this would require good cell service which can be difficult if you’re in a foreign country. But don’t follow the GPS blindly! Sometimes they’re not accurate. I remember the GPS telling my cousin’s husband to turn down a one-way street which would’ve ended badly but we saw the signs and told him not to enter. 😳

If you’re renting a car, just be aware of the rules of the country you’re driving in. You might need an international driving permit (depending on the country) and you’ll need car rental insurance too which might be provided by your credit card. Before leaving the car rental facility, take photos/videos of previous damage on the car bc some companies will say you scratched the car when you didn’t so it’s best to protect yourself! And this adds to the cost but if you’re visiting multiple countries, it’s best to let them know as they will tell you what to do when crossing the border. And tolls can be a thing too so ask about that. The guy at the car rental told us Slovenia needed an e-vignette (modern toll payment method) which we previously didn’t know about. The other countries (Croatia and Italy) had normal toll booths where you could pay with cash or card. Also think about where you’ll return the car. Are you driving it back or are you dropping it off at a different location? Let them know!

Be careful of what gas and grade your car takes! The car rental place will tell you this. Putting in the wrong gas can damage the car. You’ll have to fill up the tank before returning the car.

Road trips can be long. Even though Google Maps tells you it will take this long, add more time because of traffic and to account for taking wrong turns/exits. You might get bored and your butt and legs might get numb. 😆 Feel free to take breaks and walk around. Playing music in the car is always fun. Make sure you have drinks and snacks along the way. But also account for bathroom breaks! You can use the bathrooms at gas stations but sometimes they’re porta pottys and not very glamorous. Especially when it’s night out, you’ll have to bring a flashlight to use them. 😩 Also, sometimes gas stations aren’t around and the guys would have to pee in the woods. 😂 Just be aware of the need to go is what I’m saying!

Having a car is convenient but you also have to think of parking. If possible, stay in hotels or Airbnbs with parking provided. If not, be prepared to pay to park your car. Even driving to national parks or in the city, you’ll have to pay to park your car so you can walk around. Having cash/coins handy is nice for those things.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. If I’m missing something, let me know! Overall, road trips can be fun! You have more freedom and it’s more convenient. Please don’t let all this info scare you off! You’ll be fine. And let me know how your road trip goes! ☺️

P.S. I forgot to talk about automatic and manual cars. Manual cars are more prevalent in Europe so they’re cheaper to rent. You’ll have to check availability if you need an automatic. Also, during peak season (summer), you might have to book your car in advance because it would be awful planning a trip and realizing there’s no car available or that you have to pay steep prices.

[kjmsupremacist]

map and constellations (chan/felix)

After their senior year of high school, Chan and his closest friends decide to go on a road trip together to close out their time as children before they move on to college. Though Chan’s excited for the trip, he knows the pressure of the next stage of their lives looms bigger on the horizon every day, and he’s not sure how well they’re all going to handle the transition, especially because they’ll be scattered across the country in the fall. Even more pressing, however, are the feelings he’s developing for his best friend, Felix.

Chapter 5   |   prev   next   mlist

Characters: Felix, Chan, the rest of skz

Genre: romance, fluff, angst, friends to lovers, coming of age, growing pains, getting together

Pairing: Chan/Felix

Warnings: mild angst, swearing

Rating: Teen & Up

Length: 3.2k

listen to the official playlist here!

Luckily for Chan, the next few days pass without incident. They hit a few national parks on the way back down the state, which means a lot of hiking, which means being too exhausted every night for Chan to even be tormented by thoughts of Felix, never mind have another dream about him since he’s not dreaming at all.

It doesn’t stop him from running his mind in circles about Felix during the day, but at least then he’s distracted and it’s mostly background noise. It’s a small mercy, but Chan’ll take anything he can get if it helps him cling to sanity a little longer.

They’re spending the last couple of days in Long Beach before finally heading home, so they’re out in the water a lot. It’s good, feels like a “real vacation” (Hyunjin’s words) instead of something more tedious. Chan reminds Hyunjin he’s not the one that’s driving for multiple hours a day, but Hyunjin just sticks his tongue out at him.

It’s the last day before they head home, and Chan is diligently laying their things out on the sand when Felix comes up to him with a sunscreen bottle in hand.

“Help me get my back?” he asks sweetly, and Chan sets down the bag he’s unpacking and holds his hand out for the sunscreen.

Felix turns, facing out to the water, and Chan shakes as he squeezes some sunscreen out onto his palm, as he presses his hands to Felix’s shoulders. His gaze wanders lower, down Felix’s back. He can’t help but admire him, admire the softness of his skin, the way his shoulders narrow into his waist, the feel of his muscles under Chan’s fingertips, all so enticing. How did Chan not realize it before? He’s in love with Felix because of course he is, because Felix is beautiful and perfect, and Chan wants to kiss him and Chan wants him, and—

“All done,” Chan says quickly, patting Felix’s back and stepping away, dropping the bottle of sunscreen on the beach towel at his feet.

Felix gives him a weird look over his shoulder, but chirps, “Thanks!” and runs down the water where a few of the others are already playing. 

Chan’s body flashes hot and cold with shame as he watches him go, heart hammering in his chest. I can’t believe I let this happen, he thinks miserably. Felix splashes into the waves and the breeze carries his laughter up the shore. I should live in salt for the things I’ve thought. Because Chan knows Felix would think it’s gross and weird, and that sends waves of disgust crawling across Chan’s skin. He could never deserve Felix, even before, but especially not now, not after all the quiet ways he’s betrayed Felix’s trust—and still, here he is, helpless.

And he knows Felix. It’s not like he’s making shit up, he knows what he likes, knows his type. He’d lent Felix an ear so many times during all his relationships in high school, offering advice, keeping secrets. Chan knows everything. He had accepted each piece of information as it came without question. He regrets it now. It’s like a court case in his head, already built and perfected, proving why Chan can never have him.

To make matters worse, he and Felix are sharing a room alone in their Airbnb. Sharing a bed, too, and Chan doesn’t have an excuse to switch. And since it’s almost time to go home, Felix has gotten much more snuggly, whiny and almost petulant when Chan tries to get him to go to sleep at a reasonable hour because he doesn’t want the trip to be over. Chan was patient with him last night, but he’s really hoping Felix will be way too worn out tonight and he’ll be able to knock out into blissful unconsciousness as soon as possible. 

But of course, he’s not so lucky. Felix is waiting in bed when Chan gets out of the shower, sitting criss-cross-applesauce on top of the covers, his tiny sleep shorts riding up and exposing the pretty skin of his upper thighs. He looks up when Chan appears and tips his head to the side, smiling softly after Chan when he pads over to his suitcase to dig around for his moisturizer.

“What?” Chan asks when he looks up to pat the lotion into his skin and catches Felix’s gaze in the mirror over the dresser. 

“Your hair’s nice when it’s wet,” Felix says. “All curly ’n’ stuff.”

“Thanks,” Chan says, confused, giving him a quick smile before finishing his skincare. When he turns, Felix is watching him rather seriously. “What?” Chan repeats.

“You’ve been avoiding me, I think,” Felix accuses softly. “Like just now. Barely met my eyes. And on the beach today. The only time we talked was when you were helping me with my sunscreen. And last night, when we were going to sleep. And when you woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago. You’re being weird.”

Chan freezes. “Um,” he manages. “I just—have a lot on my mind right now, Lix, that’s all.”

“Yeah, I know,” Felix says. “But it’s something else. It’s about me, and you can’t lie and say it isn’t because I know you, and you’re acting different. So what’s going on?”

Chan hesitates, then sits down on the bed with a sigh. He tries to come up with something to say, something that isn’t stupid and isn’t true. But his mind is all panicked white noise, and nothing he can think of feels right. The harder he thinks, the more all he can think about is how he’s never once run out of things to say to Felix. Until now. 

“If I did something,” Felix continues, tone growing more serious still, “just say so. Or if there’s—something you want to talk about. Just tell me.”

The hurt in his voice pierces through the immobilizing fog of fear in Chan’s brain. He looks up, finds Felix’s eyes, finds them wide and scared. “N-no, Lix, there’s nothing… I want to talk about. And you haven’t done something, I promise. Things are just… weird right now, I guess.”

Something sour flickers behind Felix’s eyes. “Okay,” he says flatly, dropping his gaze to his lap. “Fine.”

“Felix—” Chan reaches out and squeezes his knee. He wants to hold him, wants to cradle him into his chest and explain that things are different, that he’s sorry, that he still loves him—but he can’t. He doesn’t understand how this has gotten so difficult, how it happened so fast. Since when was there distance between Felix and him? But it’s here, proof—Chan’s hand laying light on Felix’s knee, and nothing more.  “Hey. I—I’m not trying to shut you down, okay? I just don’t know what you want me to say. If there’s something you want to talk about, let’s talk about it.”

“I don’t want you to say anything,” Felix replies. “It’s just—something feels off, and I want to know why, and I want—” He cuts himself off, shaking his head. “But that’s just it, I guess. It’s not your fault. You’re right, it’s just everything.”

He has to know, Chan thinks to himself. There’s no way he doesn’t know. He wants me to admit it, but he’s too kind to actually force it. Because what else could it be? His stomach turns uncomfortably. 

“Let’s just—let’s just go to sleep for now,” Chan says. Anything to be done with this conversation, though he knows his mind is going to keep him up for hours. “We still have to drive home tomorrow, and I don’t want us to get back too late or our parents are gonna be worried. We can—we can talk more once we’re home, okay?”

Felix’s eyes flick up to Chan’s. For once, Chan can’t read him. There’s something dark and stormy swirling behind his expression, only Chan doesn’t know what it is. But Felix just nods and pushes the covers back with his feet. Chan stands to get the light, then returns to the bed, sliding in next to Felix. They don’t touch.

“Night, Felix,” he says softly, uncertain.

“G’night, Chan,” Felix replies, just above a whisper.

Despite his worries, sleep finds Chan almost instantly. But his dreams are full of fear and confusion, and of Felix. By morning, he’s dreamed of confessing to him a hundred times, and he’s still exhausted.

* * *

He and Felix don’t speak when they wake. They wash up in silence, pack in silence, double- and triple-check their room in silence. Down the hall, Chan can hear the loud, happy voices of their friends, but they seem a world away. He wants to say something, but the words all get stuck in his throat. What would he say, anyway? I’m sorry, I love you? There’s nothing else for him to say at all, really, but he can’t say that, so he keeps his mouth shut.

They join the others in the kitchen for breakfast. The sun is coming through the windows, bright and cheery, but Chan hardly notices it. All he can see is Felix, out of the corner of his eye, quiet and brooding, just like him.

Eventually, though, Chan notices that a couple of the others are giving them weird looks, so he shakes himself and puts on a smile. He’s still on his vacation with all his best friends, the people he loves the most in the world, and just because things are weird between him and Felix doesn’t mean everything has to be weird. He passes coffees down the table as Minho pulls their leftovers from the microwave, and they all sit down for breakfast. 

Soon, breakfast is eaten, the dishes are cleaned and put away, and everyone is piling their belongings into the cars and getting ready to leave. It’ll be a short drive, so they have the time to go over the rooms a couple times to make sure they aren’t leaving anything behind. It’s just as well, because Jisung finds a pair of his underwear “and some other stuff” in the bathroom of the room he shared with Hyunjin. Chan doesn’t ask. 

Seungmin and Jeongin chatter happily as they pull out onto the freeway at last. Chan tries not to tap the steering wheel nervously, watching Felix out of the corner of his eye. He’s still quiet, face buried in his phone, body turned toward the door. Chan presses his lips together and refocuses on the road. 

If Seungmin and Jeongin notice anything is off with them, they don’t say anything, though Chan hopes they just assume he and Felix are tired from the trip. Things are awkward enough already; getting more people involved would only make it worse. The last thing Chan wants is for their entire friend group to be splintered right before they have to part ways. 

He drops Jeongin off first, then Seungmin, and the car goes silent save the music playing faintly through the speakers for the ten minute drive between Seungmin’s neighborhood and theirs. Chan opens his mouth to say something a couple of times, but nothing feels right. And besides, they’re stuck in a moving vehicle together. It’s probably not the best time to have a heart-to-heart.

Chan pulls into Felix’s driveway where his parents are waiting. 

“Thanks,” Felix says, unbuckling his seatbelt.

There’s a beat of silence. Felix doesn’t reach for the handle of the door. Chan doesn’t reach for his keys.

Chan looks at Felix, the way the late afternoon light catches his eyes and turns brown into honeyed gold. The soft curve of his lips. The constellations of freckles, each picked out with diligence and named with care. By him. And now, for the second time in his life, Chan doesn’t know what to say to Felix. He feels lost, untethered.

“I should go,” Felix says at last, shifting in his seat.

“Let me help you with your things,” Chan says immediately, and his chest feels tight when Felix just nods. He unbuckles his seatbelt and crawls out of the car, stiff joints shouting in protest the whole way, and goes around the back to make sure Felix has everything.

“How was the trip?” Felix’s mom asks, holding her arms out for her son.

“Good!” Felix chirps, dropping the bag he’s carrying on the sidewalk and accepting her hug. “We had a lot of fun. But I’m really tired.”

“I bet you are,” she says, laughing. “Chan, too, huh? All that driving.”

“Oh—I’m alright!” Chan tries to keep his tone light. He doesn’t know how well he succeeds. “It was easy.” His body betrays him, and he has to pause to yawn. Both of Felix’s parents laugh. The sound rings hollow in Chan’s ears, but he laughs along with them to be polite. “Okay, maybe I’m a little tired.”

“I think both of you need a home-cooked meal and a nice, long rest in your own beds,” Felix’s dad says. “Go on, Chan, we’ve got him from here. I’m sure your parents are eager to see you.”

Chan nods. “All right,” he agrees. “Have a good night!” He hesitates, then adds, “See you soon, Lix.”

“See you,” Felix tosses over his shoulder.

Chan ducks back into his car and drives it the very short distance across the street to his own house. His mom opens the front door as soon as he switches off the engine, and Chan’s little siblings squeeze out past her to help him unload.

“You were gone forever,” Lucas accuses, tugging on Chan’s arm. “And Hannah stinks at Minecraft.”

“I heard that!” Hannah calls.

Chan smiles. “We’ll play a bunch tomorrow, yeah?” he offers. “Hey, Mom.”

“Back in one piece,” she observes, sounding genuinely impressed. “Though you look exhausted. Did you guys sleep at all?”

Chan stifles another yawn. “A little,” he says, passing his stuff inside and then following, closing the door behind him.

“Well, dinner’s almost ready, so you can eat and go straight to bed if you want,” she says. “Dad should be home soon—sent him to the store to pick up dessert.”

Chan nods absently, letting his siblings drag him away. He wants to be present with his family, but he can’t help it—he’s thinking of Felix. There’s a weird feeling in his stomach, and he plays back that last conversation in his driveway. 

It almost felt like goodbye.

* * *

Chan does get good sleep that night, and wakes up late, long after his parents have gone to work. He hears his siblings downstairs and rolls over, stretching as he reaches for his phone. 

No texts from anybody. He supposes they’re all taking the day slow. Still, a strange anxiety rises in his chest. He told Felix they’d talk when they got home, but suddenly the idea of seeing him seems daunting. It’s never felt like that before.

He’s pulled from his thoughts by a loud clatter, and remembers that leaving a twelve year old in the kitchen with a nine year old is only safe for so long. He drags himself out of bed, pulling on a random pair of shorts and an old t-shirt, and shuffles downstairs to see if anything is on fire.

Luckily, the clatter was just Hannah dropping a plastic plate, and Chan helps them reach the top shelf of the freezer so they can have Eggos for breakfast. He makes coffee for himself and pours juice for the other two, and makes them help him with the dishes when they’re done. The routine of it is lulling in its familiarity, and he finds himself relaxing a little. Maybe a few days apart will help his feelings for Felix and make it easier to talk about when the time comes.

He plays Minecraft with Lucas as promised, and then they set up a Switch equipped with Mario Kart and spend the rest of the morning screaming and laughing on the couch. Hannah wins every round though Lucas is never far behind, and it only ends when Chan has to wrestle them apart because they’re both trying to tickle-sabotage each other mid-race.

They all collapse on the ground, laughing. The sound warms Chan, and though he’s weak from laughing, he feels better. “I missed you guys when I was away,” he admits breathlessly. “How were things here?”

“Bor-ing,” Lucas replies. “D’you have to go to college?”

“Unfortunately,” Chan says, craning his neck so he can see his little brother. “I wish I could stay right here with you guys. I wish everyone could stay. But… that’s not how things work, I guess.”

“Can I write you letters like how they used to do in the old days?” Lucas asks, melancholy already forgotten.

Chan laughs. “I’ll have Mom give you my new address, yeah?”

“Well, I can’t wait for you to fucking leave, because then the house will be mine,” Hannah says from his other side.

“You’re literally already the queen of this house,” Chan points out. “Also, watch your language! Where’d you learn that word?”

“What word?” Hannah asks, snarky, though she’s fighting giggles. “Fuck? From you!”

“What’s—” Lucas begins.

“No,” Chan cuts him off. “Don’t let Mom and Dad hear you saying that, it’s a bad word, and we shouldn’t say bad words. Okay, Lucas? Whatever you think you heard, forget it.”

“I’m not a baby anymore, Chan,” Hannah continues blithely. “I can say what I fucking want.”

Chan deflates into the carpet. “I give up.” Lucas and Hannah laugh brightly. Lucas’s stomach then lets out a very loud and very pointed grumble, which makes all of them laugh again.

“Okay, let’s see about a snack, huh?” Chan says, peeling himself up off the floor and offering a hand each to Lucas and Hannah. 

They all head into the kitchen. Lucas entertains himself with some toys he has lying around, and Hannah settles onto a stool on the breakfast bar, watching Chan cook.

“Oppa,” she says quietly when he’s done washing the fruit. “Are you… okay?”

“Uh,” Chan says, thrown off, nearly dropping the apple he’s holding onto the floor. “Yeah, why?”

“You just seem kinda sad,” she replies, tracing the lines in the granite of the countertop with one of her index fingers. “What’s up?”

Chan heaves a sigh. “I dunno how to explain, kiddo,” he says. “It’s, um. It’s Felix, he and I—we’re just kinda going through a rough patch, that’s all. I’m… not really sure how to fix it.”

“What happened?” Hannah asks.

Chan is silent for a moment, trying to think of a way to avoid telling her the truth without lying to her face. “There are some things I need to tell him,” he says finally. “And I think he knows that. And I think he won’t like them.”

“I’m sure it’ll be okay,” Hannah says earnestly. “You guys have been friends since way before I was even born. I think you’ll manage it. You can’t just stop being friends now, not after all this time. That’s not how it works.”

“I hope you’re right,” Chan says, passing her a plate of fruit with a weak smile. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome to my wisdom anytime,” she replies with a grin, and Chan exhales laughter through his nose. 

“Want anything with that?” he asks. “Peanut butter? Caramel? I know you want caramel,” he adds when Lucas pops his head up from the floor. 

“Yes, please!” they both chorus.

Chan finds his heart a little lighter. Maybe Hannah is right. What he and Felix have runs deep. If anyone can get through something like this, it’ll be them. Right?

[texasobserver]

”200,000 Steps on the Lone Star Hiking Trail” by Sergio Chapa, from the May/June 2023 issue of Texas Observer magazine:

I grew up in northwest Austin at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, where hiking through the woods and playing in creeks were daily activities. So, I’ve always been an “outdoors person.” After moving to Houston for a journalism job, I quickly began running and biking along the city’s mostly concrete-lined bayous. Then an environmental activist told me something intriguing: Just an hour north of the traffic and skyscrapers of downtown Houston is the 96-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest footpath in Texas.

During April 2020, I began a quest to hike the full trail along with a friend in my “COVID bubble.” It was a sunny and unseasonably hot day as we embarked from mile marker zero inside the 163,000-acre Sam Houston National Forest. So early in the pandemic, we hiked without seeing another person, hearing a car on the road, or spotting an airplane in the sky. The only sounds were chirping birds, squirrels and lizards scurrying, and the wind blowing through the leaves.

It was a Coronavirus-safe activity and I was hooked. 

On maps, the national forest is depicted as a massive patch of public land. But on the ground, hundreds of U.S. Forest Service tracts are broken up by private timberlands, farms and ranches, and a growing number of rural homes and subdivisions. Mostly flat to rolling terrain, the forest is laced with creeks as well as the east and west forks of the San Jacinto River and the not-so-scenic lanes of Interstate 45.

Starting near Richards and ending near Cleveland, the Lone Star Hiking Trail proper is 96 miles through the forest with five optional loops adding another 32 miles. Depending on one’s height and weight, that’s roughly 200,000 steps. Given a pace of about three miles per hour, it would take roughly 32 hours to hike the entire trail nonstop. Hiking about eight hours per day means less than a week of hiking and camping. 

But that’s not the path I chose. 

It took me sixteen trips with various friends over two years to hike the entire trail. Confession: We weren’t disciplined about it; sometimes weeks or months lapsed between forays. Most often, I’d park my car at one of the 15 trailheads and we’d hike for five or six miles and then head back. On every visit, the trail provided valuable relief with its clean air, social distancing, and an escape from the four-wall confinement of lockdown and stress. Our slower approach allowed us to experience the forest in all four seasons.

Spring is marked by fresh light green leaves, wildflowers and white color pops of dogwood and magnolia blossoms. The summer can be brutally hot, but it’s the best time to enjoy Lake Conroe or Double Lake. The fall brings orange, red, and yellow hues as purple beautyberries and red yaupon holly berries ripen in the understory. Pine trees and oaks stay green during winter while colonies of colorful mushrooms and fungus sprout on the forest floor. 

I shared our hikes on Twitter and Instagram, and the Lone Star Hiking Trail became a hit with my social media followers too.

It’s much easier to hike the trail virtually. To do it in person, you need plenty of water, snacks, insect repellent, spare socks, powder, paper towels and wipes, and willingness to rough it, since there are no bathrooms or vending machines aside from spartan amenities at the Stubblefield and Double Lake campgrounds. Good walking shoes and long pants with high socks reduce risks of scratches, bug bites and ticks. Snakes on this trail mostly flee from people. However, mosquitoes and spiders are fearless. 

Early morning hikes meant the person in the lead breaks overnight cobwebs. Scat with fur signaled coyotes and bobcats, but the most worrisome signs were the wallows and rooting of feral pigs. My worst fear was encountering hogs, which can attack when frightened or startled. Luckily, we never saw any.

Sam Houston is one of the state’s four national forests created by Congress during the Great Depression. The timber industry previously clear-cut large swaths of the Piney Woods. State lawmakers bought hundreds of barren tracts in 1933, with the intent of adding them to the national forest system. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston national forests in October 1936. Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps planted millions of trees. The U.S. Forest Service gave the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club permission to build the trail in 1967. The trail and all its loops were complete by 1978. 

It’s big enough that you can easily get lost. I’m an experienced outdoorsman, but we’ve gotten lost on the Lone Star Hiking Trail, marked by small reflective markers nailed into the trunks of trees. It’s easy to lose track of the markers after leaving U.S. Forest Service land and walking down a rural road to the next section. Cell-phone service can be spotty, so it’s best to download Lone Star Hiking Trail Club maps in advance. 

But not all of this wilderness is protected. Legally distinct from national parks and refuges, national forests can be used for hunting, fishing, timber, grazing, mining, oil, and natural gas. By law, the U.S. Forest Service must manage Sam Houston with no single resource emphasized over others. To that point, the 163,000 acres also include trails for ATVs, mountain bikes, and horses. Lakes are stocked with bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Oil wells and easements for pipelines and power lines are common.

Historically, wildfires kept the forest from getting too dense and unhealthy. Today, the U.S. Forest Service uses controlled burns and sustainable timber harvesting in efforts to control a pest known as the southern pine beetle and improve habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species that favors open “pine savannas” and nests from April to June. Over the decades, environmentalists and forest managers have sparred in court over forestry practices related to the beetle and woodpecker.

I looked for those woodpeckers, but only heard their distinctive high-pitched chirps and tap tap-tapping hidden in the canopy. 

Sprawl and suburbanization are the biggest threat to the forest and to this trail. I-45, the busy thoroughfare connecting Houston and Dallas, divides it in two, creating a formidable barrier for wildlife and people. The Texas Department of Transportation spent millions improving a 15-mile stretch of highway between Huntsville and New Waverly but spent little on allowing hikers or wildlife to cross safely under the roadway where cars speed past a white 67-foot statue of Texas founding father Sam Houston.

I wish the Texas legislature would use some of its $32.7 billion budget surplus to create a buffer for this trail—and improve the crossings that either don’t exist or have been damaged and make a through-hike so challenging. Unfortunately, this year has seen news in the opposite direction: The state recently lost a lovely park further north on the I-45 corridor that offered its own woodland paths.

In theory, animals can use the narrow corridor where Big Chinquapin Creek goes under the highway, but hikers must trudge four miles along three rural roadways and the I-45 frontage road in order to reach the next trail section. 

Country-club communities such as Elkins Lake and the Texas Grand Ranch subdivision with its two- to five-acre lots allow people to live at the edge of the forest. As an unintended result, nonnative ornamental plants are escaping into the wild and becoming invasive species. The average person may not notice, but I kept spotting exotic plants like nandina, wax-leaf ligustrum, Chinese tallow, chinaberry, bamboo, and hardy orange all along the trail. 

Volunteers with the Lone Star Hiking Club and the Houston area Sierra Club maintain the trail and try to clear out invaders. I’d love to give back and join them one day.

But it’s a big job—and progress is often slow.

A vehicle bridge to the Stubblefield Campground washed out during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 but was not rebuilt until 2022. A footbridge over scenic and shaded bluffs of the east fork of the San Jacinto River in the Magnolia section of the trail was destroyed more than eight years ago and never replaced. 

Hikers are forced to take a complex detour, though I opted to park my car at the next trailhead and walk to the opposite bank. 

Even as the pandemic fades, I’m still going back for more, particularly to hike the loops outside the main trail. To me, this escape seems even more valuable with Houston growing at a pace that will see it overtake Chicago as the third-largest U.S. city. Even as the metropolitan area expands in all directions, the forest still offers respite.

[mitmama]

Thingvellir & Reykjanes

Reykjavik | Snæfellsjökull National Park | Snæfellsnes | Thingvellir & Reykjanes

Thingvellir

We didn’t have time to do the whole Golden Circle this time, but did visit Thingvellir National Park again.  

- Öxarárfoss

This is a beautiful waterfall that’s slightly bluish in color, like the blue lagoon. 

- Continental Divide

Reykjanes Peninsula

On our way to the Keflavik Airport, we stopped by a few sites on Reykjanes Peninsula:

- Gígvatnsvatn (Green Lake)

- Krísuvíkurberg Cliffs - the drive is a bit long on dirt road, about half hour round trip.  Not sure if so worth it.

- Gunnuhver Hot Spring - quite a strong hot springs.. we could barely see the person in front of us while walking from the Parking Lot.  And a very strong sulfur smell that kids loudly protested. :)

Travel tips

We had a great time in Iceland.  Some parting thoughts: June/summer time is a great time to visit Iceland. It never got truly dark despite “nighttime” from 12:30-3:30am. This means long day and lots of time to get out and enjoy. Just be sure to bring eyeshades so you can sleep.  Last time we went during end of August and it got dark just like in America.  

Food is expensive, with burgers going for $30.  We stayed at vacation rentals so we can cook ourselves. Things to note, the most expensive item is often not the best item on the menu.  So be sure to read Google Maps reviews on what to order.

We drove a rental Tesla, not much than regular cars.  The car we got had basic self driving, making it easy to drive long distance.  Apparently the Model Y is the most popular car here, and u can find chargers in hotels or parking lots all over.  We even got 300 miles of free charging.

[xtruss]

A bald eagle arrives to steal a perch on a tree log that offers a strategic view of the shoreline at the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve in Alaska. When other eagles drag freshly caught salmon in from the water, these bystanders swoop in to take a share. "Hours of observing their patterns and behavior helped me capture moments like these,” says photographer Karthik Subramaniam, a software engineer with a passion for wildlife photography. Photograph By Karthik Subramaniam

In May 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland for the first time in over six thousand years. The lava flow continued for six months, spreading hard black rock across the landscape. It was, says Riten Dharia, who captured this image, "an exhibition of the raw and awesome power of nature." Photograph By Riten Dharia

King penguins crowd together in the viewfinder of Rhez Solano on the beaches of Gold Harbour in South Georgia. The island sits in the remote southern Atlantic Ocean, not far from Antarctica, and hosts some 25,000 breeding pairs of king penguins, along with gentoo penguins, and elephant seals. Photograph By Rhez Solano

There are around 4,500 salt wells terraced into the hillside at the Salt Mines of Maras in Peru. The archaeological record shows that salt extraction likely began here before the Inca Empire, perhaps as far back as 500 AD. Today that tradition continues with the families who own wells, each of which produces some 400 pounds of salt per month. “The salt wells receive water through channels sourced by a salty underground spring nearby and once the water evaporates, the crystallized salt remains,” says An Li, who captured this picture. “Here, a salt miner is using a wooden rake to extract the salt." Photograph By An Li

Asiilbek, a nomadic Kazakh eagle hunter, preps his golden eagle, Burged, for a horseback hunt in the grasslands outside of Bayan-Ölgii, the westernmost province of Mongolia. The eagle’s training begins when fledglings are captured from their cliff edge nests and taught how to hunt for hare, fox, and even deer. The tradition stretches back 3,000 years. “For this image, I was lying on my stomach in the prone position looking through the electronic viewfinder at the edge of the stream,” says photographer Eric Esterle. “The ground shook as Asiilbek's horse passed less than a few feet away, splashing me with ice cold water. I remember covering my camera with my body and putting my head down.” Photograph By Eric Esterle

On a road trip through the Austrian Alps, Alex Berger spotted a one-lane road that wound into the mountains and looped back on the map. He followed it alongside a small stream lined with walls of forest when he spotted this golden tree blooming from between the trunks. There’s “a fantasy-ish inspired dimension for me,” says Berger, “which gives me goosebumps.” Photograph By Alex Berger

Sometimes a sleepless night is key to great photography. At approximately 3:40 a.m. on a frigid summer morning, photographer W. Kent Williamson snapped this image from Tipsoo Lake in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. From across the still water, he could see a line of headlights as weary climbers approached the peak’s 14,411-foot summit—the culmination of a multi-day climb. "The night sky was unusually clear, and the Milky Way could be seen just above the mountain,” Williamson says. “I was surprised to see how bright the climbers’ lanterns were.” Photograph By W. Kent Williamson

From Frozen Memories: Rare Antarctic Expedition images! A royal penguin rookery at Nuggets Beach on Macquarie Island. Photographer and adventurer Frank Hurley went on multiple voyages but his best-known images were taken when the Endurance was crushed in the ice during explorer Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 expedition. Photograph: Frank Hurley

From Frozen Memories: Rare Antarctic Expedition images! The Terra Nova held up in pack ice during Robert Falcon Scott’s expedition to the Ross Sea and South Pole. Photograph: Herbert George Ponting

[charlesandmartine]

Friday 17th February 2023

This and the previous property's water supply comes from the sky. Huge tanks in the garden harvest rainwater for drinking as well as all the other household requirements. These tanks here are running low, and if significant amounts of rain are not delivered soon, they will need topping up by truck at cost. This is not seen as being a popular pastime. Rains are forecast in 4 weeks time.

We had set targets for today that could be considered unrealistic. Our journey from Tuncurry to Yamba was to be something slightly less than 5 hour straight and 430kms up the fast A1 Pacific Highway, which is a long way for us in one day. Complicated of course because we wanted to stop on route to take a look at a couple of places. The first must see place had to be the lunch spot in Nambucca Heads, conveniently situated at the head of the Nambucca River but an absolutely delightful collection of sandbanks and natural harbour. Ham & egg sandwiches are an excellent match for the scenery on offer. What with the visit to the bakery added to the consumption time I think we are now talking overall 6 hours with less than halfway. Our next stop was to be Bellingen at the start of the Waterfall Drive. This unsurprisingly involved driving down a road surrounded by waterfalls and comes well recommended. Bellingen is a town that absolutely confirms everything we like about Australia! It is a comely mainstreet of old traditional shops with covered walkways, banks and cinema; balconies with delicate regency iron fretwork which adds a real charm to it. Apparently some town planners are keen to rip the lot down and replace it with modern stuff identical to everywhere else. Thankfully there is sufficient opposition to this viewpoint to hold this sacrilegious act at bay. But for how long we ask? The tourist information lady was very helpful when asked where best to sample the loveliest of her waterfalls and she immediately began scooping copious piles of leaflets, printouts, maps and instructions suitable for a fortnight stay. Another approach was proffered; if you could do just one of these places, which would it be? So that was how we ended up driving up the Dorrigo Mountain to see the Crystal Shower Falls Walk in the Dorrigo National Park Rainforest. This involved a 3km round trip along tall canopied forest paths winding steadily downwards passing palms and yellow cedars until we heard the sounds of running water. The Crystal Shower did not disappoint, especially the ability to clamber behind the falls to view the falling water from the other side. Fantastic and well worth the hike back up the winding forest path, although now making the overall journey time approach 8 hours.

Thus it was that we arrived in our superb Samsara Bush Retreat cabin just before dusk, tired and very hungry. We didn't fancy cooking at this point so we emptied the Nissan and set coordinates for what looked essentially the nearest thing to a fish and chips restaurant. This somewhat morphed into a hotel by the motorway bridge over the river. Dispell all cosy thoughts of country hotels straightaway. Think more in terms of cowboy town hotel, cattle rustlers and karaoke. Then combine this with trying to converse over a cacophony of country music (term loosely applied) with a Sheila, who's already had a tough day sheep wrestling, with an intention of ordering take away F&C. What did come across in clear dulcet tones was: 30 minutes, busy and that'll be 50 bucks! Waiting the required 'go out and catch fish, fillet and cook' time we investigated the possibility of a supply of SB. This was to romp in at 38 bucks a bottle! Well you have to crush the grapes, ferment etc, all costs I suppose. So we approached what must have been Sheila's sister behind the bar to enquire if she might possibly have a bottle of beer. What do want, what you got, no what do you want? This circular discussion continued a while until we suggested Four X. Then with a look, she disappeared out back somewhere (not the outback, although by the amount of time it took it could have been) she emerged with a cold one.

Our landlord suggested later this was the best place to go in this sugar mills district where clearly the entire town of millers come out on a Friday evening to let their hair down.

Hmm

[ayyynne]

The Maine Event

Acadia National Park in Maine has been on my mental “places to go” list for years. Only eight hours away, it’s close enough for a long weekend. Full of fun hikes, cool camping, and adjacent to cute ocean-front towns. Once I visited my first National Park this summer (Indiana Dunes), and made it an official goal to visit all sixty-three (or more, if and when new ones are added), Acadia moved higher up the bucket list. I convinced Dad to take a weekend out of sailing season and head up the coast, camp, and hike with me. 

We were able to book a campsite at Blackwoods Campground in the park for the first weekend in October. When I had looked earlier in the summer sites were booking pretty fast, especially for weekends. Acadia opens campsites for booking three months in advance, and I suggest you book your site pretty close to that three months. The only other things at Acadia that require booking are the Cadillac Summit Road vehicle permits - either for anytime or sunrise, some are released months in advance but a large portion are released two days ahead of time. Sunrise permits get snagged up pretty quickly, so if you’re looking to grab one you should be logged in and ready to go when they’re released.  

Acadia has three campgrounds in the park: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Duck Harbor. Blackwoods is closest to the most trailheads, visitor’s centers, and Bar Harbor. Seawall is a bit more secluded but is close to some trails. Duck Harbor is on an island only accessible by boat. If you’re looking for a place to sleep after a day exploring the park, Blackwoods is your best bet. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from civilization, the other ones are a-ok. 

Got to our campsite, set up our tents, boiled some water for some mac and cheese, and went for a walk. After sitting in a car for 8 hours, our legs needed it. We found a path from the campground that leads to the ocean - or a very rocky ledge next to the ocean. We opted not to walk too far on said rocks because it was very hard to tell when they ended and drop down to the ocean began. We found a stable stop to sit and stare up at the stars. Acadia is known for its stargazing and astrophotography opportunities and often hosts ranger-guided talks about the night sky. 

Dad, as usual, was up earlier than I was the next morning.. Early enough to head back to the ocean path and catch the end of the sunrise. As with basically any National Park trip, I start at the visitors center. Acadia does offer a free bus system to get around the islands, but the earliest pick-up at the campground was later than we wanted our day to start so we opted to drive. 

The day’s included a spontaneous hike up the Dorr Trail to Dorr Mountain and over to Cadillac Mountain. A simple “hey I bet this Dorr Trail goes up to Dorr Mountain” turned into a rocky, scramble of a hike over the two highest peaks in the park. 

We also found time for the Beehive trail, probably the most famous hike in Acadia. The trail is full of iron rung ladders and some rock scrambling, definitely not something to do it you’re terrified of height. 

The next day we made sure to be up earlier enough to hike the Precipice Trail before we had to hit the road for the drive home. Precipice is similar to the Beehive with the style of rungs and ladders, only a bit more of them and more rock scrambling. It was very windy and chilly on the summit, but not terrible for October in Maine. 

We said goodbye to Acadia and stopped in Bar Harbor for some hot coffee, some more food, and a quick wander through some shops before leaving the area. The drive home included a stop for dinner at a local place in New Hampshire so I could cross that off my list of states (#33!). 

Acadia Hikes

There are LOTS of trails in Acadia and lots of them overlap and connect, making it easy to create your own loop, or to turn back earlier if needed, as long as you know how to read and map and know where you are. 

Dorr to Cadillac to Ladder Trail: 

5.5 miles, 1700 feet of elevation gain 

The Beehive 

1.2 Miles, 431 feet of elevation gain 

The Precipice 

2.2 Miles, 924 feet of elevation gain 

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Netravati Trek: Are You Ready to Explore With Us?

Are you seeking a thrilling adventure away from the hustle and bustle of city life? The Netravati Peak Trek promises a perfect blend of excitement, nature, and breathtaking landscapes. As you prepare for the Netravati peak trek booking, imagine yourself standing atop a mountain, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Western Ghats. Located in the lush regions of Chikmagalur, the Netravati Peak is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. With challenging trails, stunning views, and diverse wildlife, this trek is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Let’s dive into what makes this trek so special, and how you can be a part of this unforgettable journey.

Netravati Peak Chikmagalur: A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Netravathi Peak is a majestic mountain that stands tall at 1520 meters, nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats. Hugged by the Dakshina Kannada and Chikmagalur District, the peak is a part of the renowned Kudremukh National Park. Its unique location ensures that it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a delight for wildlife lovers. The natural beauty of the area, coupled with the cool breeze and stunning views, creates a perfect escape from the hectic city life. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:

A Wildlife Haven: The region is rich with diverse wildlife, including rare bird species and animals that call this sanctuary home. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves in awe of the biodiversity that surrounds the Netravati Peak.

Natural Beauty at Every Step: From lush green meadows to cascading streams, the Netravati Peak Chikmagalur offers an ever-changing landscape that keeps the trek exciting. The mist-covered mountains add a mystical touch to the experience, making it a journey to remember.

More Than Just a Mountain Peak

For those who crave an escape, Netravathi Peak is more than just a trek; it is an invitation to reconnect with nature. Leave behind the noise of daily life and let the peaceful ambiance rejuvenate your spirit. The constant showers of natural beauty will leave you in awe, while the challenging trails will push your limits. Here’s what makes this adventure so special:

A Journey of Serenity and Adventure: The trek offers a balance of calm and excitement. The silence of the forests and the thrill of the climb combine to create a uniquely fulfilling experience.

Netravati Trek Booking: Your Gateway to Adventure

Planning your Netravati Trek is easy with the right guidance and preparation. Here’s how you can make the most of your adventure:

Travel from Bangalore: The journey to the Netravati Peak Chikmagalur begins with a scenic road trip from Bangalore. It takes around 7–8 hours by road, offering glimpses of the beautiful Western Ghats along the way.

2 Nights & 3 Days: The ideal itinerary for the Netravati Peak Trek is spread over 2 nights and 3 days. This allows you to explore the surroundings, acclimate to the altitude, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Price: The trek is affordable, priced at ₹ 3099 per person, making it accessible for both seasoned trekkers and beginners.

Booking your trek in advance ensures you have all the necessary arrangements sorted, from guides to permits. Make your Netravati Trek Booking and prepare for a lifetime adventure!

A look at the Netravati river map reveals the river’s winding journey through the Western Ghats, enriching the landscape with its crystal-clear waters. Trekkers will encounter the river at various points during their adventure, offering opportunities for refreshing breaks and scenic photo spots.

Conclusion

The Netravati Trek offers a unique blend of adventure, natural beauty, and tranquillity. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking vistas of the Netravati Peak Chikmagalur or the serene waters of the Netravati River, this trek promises an experience unlike any other. Make your Netravati Trek Booking and join us on this exciting journey through the Western Ghats.

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Exploring South Africa’s Premier Wildlife Destinations: Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve

South Africa’s Kruger National Park and the adjacent Sabi Sands Game Reserve are two of the world's most iconic wildlife destinations. Visitors are drawn to these areas for their extraordinary biodiversity, luxury lodges, and the chance to experience Africa's Big Five. To make the most of your adventure, choosing the right tour package or lodge can elevate your trip to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Below, we explore some of the best Kruger National Park tour packages, Sabi Sands Game Reserve options, and the luxurious lodges that offer the perfect blend of wilderness and comfort.

Kruger National Park Tour Packages

Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, offers an abundance of tour packages that cater to a wide range of interests and budgets. Here are some popular types:

Guided Safari Tours

Multi-Day Safaris: These are the most immersive experiences, typically lasting between 3 and 7 days. Multi-day tours often include guided game drives at dawn and dusk, as well as excursions to significant historical or cultural sites in the area.

Fly-In Safaris: If time is a constraint, fly-in safaris are an excellent option. These packages often include transfers from Johannesburg or Cape Town, combining ease of access with a luxury experience.

Self-Drive Safaris: For the independent traveler, self-drive packages allow you to explore Kruger at your own pace. These tours often include accommodation, maps, and insider tips on the best wildlife viewing routes.

Specialized Packages

Photographic Safaris: Tailored for photography enthusiasts, these tours are led by professional wildlife photographers, who guide you to prime spots for capturing Kruger's wildlife in action.

Family-Friendly Safaris: These packages are designed to cater to families with children, offering shorter game drives and interactive activities to keep younger travelers engaged.

Luxury Safari Packages

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, luxury packages offer five-star accommodations, private game drives, and gourmet dining. Lodges in private concessions within Kruger provide a more intimate and luxurious stay, often with fewer tourists.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve: A Private and Exclusive Experience

Adjacent to Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is known for its exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly its leopard sightings. Unlike Kruger, Sabi Sands is a private reserve, which means fewer tourists and a more exclusive experience. Here are some top options:

Private Game Drives

Game drives in Sabi Sands are conducted by highly experienced guides and trackers, offering a personalized experience. The private nature of the reserve allows for off-road driving, bringing guests closer to the animals in ways not permitted in Kruger.

Walking Safaris

For a truly immersive experience, walking safaris in Sabi Sands allow you to track wildlife on foot, guided by armed rangers. This intimate way of experiencing the African bush brings you closer to nature, focusing on the smaller details of the ecosystem often missed from a vehicle.

Exclusive Lodges

Sabi Sands is home to some of the continent's most luxurious lodges. Properties like Londolozi, Singita, and Ulusaba provide five-star accommodations, complete with private plunge pools, personal butlers, and world-class dining. These lodges are often set in prime wildlife areas, ensuring incredible sightings directly from your deck.

Kruger National Park Lodges: Where Comfort Meets Wilderness

kruger national park lodges offers a range of lodges to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxurious stay or a more rustic experience, there’s something for everyone.

Rest Camps

The park’s official rest camps are an affordable option for those wanting to stay within Kruger. These camps offer various accommodations, from basic huts to more comfortable chalets. They are ideal for self-drive safaris, offering access to key wildlife areas.

Luxury Lodges in Kruger

Singita Lebombo Lodge and Lion Sands Narina Lodge are examples of high-end lodges located within Kruger itself. These lodges offer private game drives, spa treatments, gourmet meals, and luxurious suites with panoramic views of the bush.

Some luxury lodges, like Jock Safari Lodge, are situated within private concessions in Kruger. These lodges provide an exclusive experience, with fewer tourists and more personalized services.

Eco-Friendly Lodges

Many lodges in Kruger have adopted eco-friendly practices, integrating solar power and sustainable water usage into their operations. These lodges offer an environmentally conscious choice without sacrificing comfort or luxury.

Private Lodges in Kruger Park: The Ultimate Luxury

For those seeking an even more private experience, kruger park private lodges are unmatched in exclusivity and luxury. These lodges are located within private concessions or on the park's borders, offering guests unrivaled access to wildlife without the crowds.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Located in the Manyeleti Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger, Tintswalo offers elegant accommodations with a colonial charm. The lodge’s private suites each have a plunge pool and overlook a waterhole, providing excellent wildlife viewing from the comfort of your room.

Royal Malewane

One of South Africa’s most exclusive lodges, Royal Malewane is known for its opulent suites, award-winning spa, and top-tier guiding. It is a favorite among celebrities and high-profile travelers seeking privacy and exceptional service.

Londolozi Private Granite Suites

Located in the Sabi Sands Reserve, Londolozi’s Private Granite Suites offer one of the most luxurious safari experiences. With only three suites available, it’s perfect for a secluded, romantic getaway, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park or the exclusive luxury of Sabi Sands Game Reserve, your safari experience will be nothing short of extraordinary. With options ranging from budget-friendly rest camps to world-class lodges, the magic of South Africa’s wildlife is accessible to all. Choose your ideal tour package or lodge, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of African wilderness.