Arizona to Southern Utah

At the conclusion of the Expo, I joined several new friends en route to Canyonlands National Park and Moab, Utah. Traveling north, the landscape started to reveal canyons, rock formations, and raging rivers swollen with melting snow. The first night we camped in the Valley of the Gods, and having arrived after dark, awoke to a gorgeous view of Monument Valley in the distance. Early in the morning we made our way to Canyonlands via Moki Dugway, a theatrically curvy road straight up a canyon wall (see GPS screenshot and the subsequent photo.)

After a failed attempt to cross a 9,000 foot mountain pass buried in five feet of snow, we took to the pavement and eventually stumbled upon an amazing campsite just outside of Canyonlands National Park. Subsequent to crossing a small river we camped next to a waterfall at the base of a 120 foot red rock cliff. We spent the rest of the day exploring the area, climbing massive rock formations and simply taking in the beauty of it all.

In the morning, we entered the National Park and drove the Elephant Hill 4x4 trail. This is the type of terrain that my truck was built for: steep inclines, rock ledges, and even a squeeze through a narrow opening (see photo.) After driving the trail, the group split and I made my way towards Moab. En route, I played the good Samaritan and rescued a California family whose van was stuck in a ditch due to a failed attempt at making a U-turn.

I spent the next few days exploring Moab, a small Utah town that offers every type of outdoor activity: rafting, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, canyoning, 4x4 trails, skiing, etc, etc. Although it’s spring, several mountains in the area were still covered with snow. If you haven’t visited the four corners area where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet, put away your passport, and get there.

Overland Expo 2010

After a night in an El Paso, Texas I headed to southern Arizona for the 2010 Overland Expo (ovexpo.com). I spent the weekend learning about overland travel, meeting fellow enthusiasts, safety, equipment, travel stories, etc. For those who are wondering, overlanding means to travel with the assistance of a vehicle, often crossing international borders, with journeys lasting weeks, months, or even years. The vehicles range from motorcycles to absurdly outfitted homes on wheels which boast every modern convenience. Most of the rigs at the Expo were very impressive, some were off-the-wall, and a few were mind-blowing (check out the pictured Eco-Roamer. The photo doesn't do it justice; it's huge!)

Big Bend National Park, Texas

Big Bend was a wonderful surprise. Although I had never heard much about this park, based on a recommendation from a friend in Austin, I decided to spend a few days here. Located in southwest Texas and bordering the Rio Grande River, which separates the US from Mexico, this massive one million-plus acre park boasts beautiful mountain and desert scenery. In just over 24 hours, I encountered deer, birds of prey, lizards, howling coyotes at night, and an array of cacti and desert flora.

My first night camping solo in the truck was a complete success. I was also satisfied with my first bush meals: chicken soup for dinner and bacon, pancakes, and freshly ground french press coffee for breakfast.

March and April are the most popular months to visit as the rains begin in May and the summertime is sweltering. I completely lucked out on this visit; mother nature was kind enough to wait until I left the park before pelting the truck with an early spring rain and hail storm. I was surprised to find out from a local gas station attendant that that was the first rain this year. Welcome to the desert.

Remember the Alamo

I spent a few days visiting relatives in San Antonio and snapped this shot at the Alamo, the landmark mission which played a vital role during Texas' Revolution against Mexico in the 19th century.

Austin TX

Why is Austin one of my favorite cities in the US? Visit any random weekend in the spring and you'll find out. I happened upon two solid events the past few days: a classic car and hot rod convention (www.lonestarroundup.com) and the Louisiana Swamp Thing and Crawfish Festival. During the Lonestar Roundup, South Congress Ave serves as a parade route for ridiculous rides from vintage Corvettes and Thunderbirds to off-the-wall low riders and custom vehicles to Clark Griswold's wagon from National Lampoon's Vacation (see the photo; even the dead grandmother is there on the roof.) Throw in phenomenal food, music, and best people-watching west of the Mississippi and we have a winner. I happened upon a parking spot right in the middle of the action sandwiched between the parade route and an outdoor music venue. So what did we do? Tailgate of course.

You also can't go wrong with New Orleans music and Cajun cuisine at the Louisiana Swamp Thing.

Don't forget Sunday brunch at South Congress Cafe. The carrot cake french toast is not to be missed.