World Travels - US and Central America

World Travels - North and Central America

I took three months to drive 15,000 miles across the country I was born in but rarely saw outside of a few states. I think I travelled through 34-36 of our 48 states on this trip.

I was a bit sticker shocked at the price of lodging - with most Motel 6's running in the mid- to high- $30s! Not much versus $300 in Manhattan, but when you are in "Bumf-ck, USA" I figured an Andrew Jackson would suffice.

As an avid golfer, I brought along a list of the top courses in America and wherever I could, I stopped to play a round or two of golf. And I met some amazing characters out there on the links.

I drove my Pathfinder filled with my personal goods and things I'd need for my around the world trip, testing some of the gear out in the meantime.

I listened to music, but most of the time, I liked to let the wind roar through the car and get lost in my thoughts.

One great thing about driving across America was the chance to stop and visit a lot of friends who are not in areas I travelled to much on business.

I spent a some great days reuniting with old friends in Nashville, Chicago, Minneapolis, Jackson, Denver, Boulder, and Seattle.

I also took advantage of a bargain one-year National Park pass which at like $75 is totally mispriced since admission to some parks like Glacier are already $30+.

I camped out a lot, but it wasn't until Monument Valley that another camper pointed out his Therma-Rest inflatable pad - I picked one up a few days later and

In the map below, the orange squares are Travelogues I wrote and clicking will open that piece. The blue circles are just little snippets of interest, holding your cursor over it should tell you a little about that spot.

now I never leave home without it. I remember using a foam pad in the Marines and pooh-poohing as wimps those air mattresses. Well, call me a wimp!

One thing you don't realize at first is how big America really is! There were stretches where I drove for hours before reaching my destination.

Another thing you appreciate if you've ever travelled in the developing world (or even Europe). The road system in America is first class. As much as you complain about your commute, as a traveller, getting around is very easy. Road signs are clear and consistent, they warn you miles(!) ahead of where you want to go. The interstate system is pretty efficient and easy to use.