Volcanic Tablelands
Route 6: from the Sierra Nevadas to Cape Cod? The Sierra Nevada mountains cover 400 miles along the border of California and Nevada. We crossed the Sierras and into Inyo County from just north of Los Angeles, via Rt. 14 to 395. Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States (14,496 feet above sea […]
Nanjing
Provincial capital Nanjing was an enjoyable stop, greener than most, with a definite university feel. Unfortunately most-known for the 1937 massacre and violence (Rape of Nanking) following the Japanese capture of the city, Nanjing was also twice the former capital, once in the Ming Dynasty, and again briefly at the beginning of the 20th Century. […]
Seoraksan National Park
The mountains had been calling, and it was time for a hike. Designated a Biosphere Protection site by Unesco, the area of Seoraksan National Park is only about 20 minutes away from Sokcho by bus. It is filled with trails leading through forests, past waterfalls, jagged peaks, massive boulders, temples, a fortress, and all kinds […]
El Páramo: Explore Mérida, Venezuela
El Páramo A drive up through the Páramo’s alpine tundra ecosystems is a must on any visit to the city of Mérida, Venezuela. The views are spectacular, the small villages historic and colorful, each with its requisite plaza and church. There are highlights to enjoy all the way up the curvy road leading to Sierra Nevada […]
Mérida In-Town
Mérida is the principal city of the Venezuelan Andes. It was founded in 1558, and is known today for its high population of university and other students as well as a wide variety of attractions for tourists. The temperature is generally mild, and at higher altitudes downright cool. The highest peak in the country, Pico Bolivar […]
Mérida: Mountain High
Getting to Mérida Bus travel in Venezuela is generally quite smooth. If you´ve adjusted your mind to the general chaos that goes along with daily life in South America, overland travel can be quite enjoyable. It´s relatively comfortable and cheap (especially if you take an overnight bus and save a night´s accommodation). This was my third […]
Cederberg
We spent two nights in the Cederberg Mountain area at Highlanders Camp. On the drive there we stopped in the town of Springbok. The town was bustling on a Saturday morning. The people looked faded, tough and weathered. Springbok rose up from the copper mining industry of Namaqualand. The first copper mine was established in […]
Mount Lemmon
Sometimes there’s a good reason for the road less traveled being less traveled. While visiting Tucson, we decided to take the back way up to the top of Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the Santa Catalina mountains, at 9157 feet (2791 meters). We were driving a Ford F350 Super Duty (work vehicle, shh), with […]