Since our site contains so many travel reports we have sorted them into chapters.
Use the following links to jump to the relevant areas where you'll find more detailed descriptions of each report! |
1. USA: South-West & West Coast
31 Reports
4th of March - 24th of July 2006 |
Los Angeles, Joshua Natl.Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Natl. Parks, and the great parks of Utah (highlights!), Arizona, and New Mexico. On to Denver in Colorado, then back through Utah and Nevada to Yosemite Park in California. On to Monterey, Carmel, and San Francisco. Finally up the foggy Califonian west coast into Oregon (Columbia River Gorge), and Washington, where we visit Mt.St.Helen and Mt.Rainier, and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.
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2. Canada & Alaska
10 Reports
25th of July - 12th of September 2006 |
Straight to Vancouver Island and then via the Sunshine Coast back to British Columbia's mainland. Through Whistler and Prince George (and miles & miles of brown pine forest) to Prince Rupert, where we board a ferry for the Inside Passage to Alaska. After a rainy week in Juneau back onto the ferry to Haines, where we hit the road up north. Alaska's summer didn't really happen in 2006, so we turn around at the end of the Alaska Highway (in Delta Juntion) and go back into the Yukon, Dempster Highway to Arctic Circle (one of the highlights!), down the Alaska Highway to Dawson Creek, Alberta's Rocky Mountains, back into the USA.
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3. USA (and a bit more of Canada)
17 Reports
13th of September 2006 - 24th of January 2007 |
Trip from Montana along the Great Lakes and all the way down the US East Coast.
We arrive in Montana in Glacier Natl. Park to fresh snow, have more snow in Yellowstone (another highlight), and spend some time cruising through Montana, continue to the Black Hills and Badlands, and onto Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. We go around the top (Canadian part) of the Great Lakes to Toronto (our first stay in a house), then cross at Niagara Falls back into the US on our way to New York (another highlight). After visiting the Amish in Pennsylvania we follow the Blue Ridge Parkway into Virginia, where we cut across to the coast (enough freezing!). Along North Carolina's Outer Banks into South Carolina, where we fall under the charm of Charleston. Through Georgia (where we stop in Savannah) into Florida, through Miami Beach down to Key West, then into the Everglades (highlight), and quickly up Florida's west coast through the panhandle and Alabama and Mississippi back to Baton Rouge. After New Years Day we try to find John Lee Bourke's magic in southern Louisiana before we we head into Texas, where we sort of hang around waiting for some camper parts.
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4. Mexico
12 Reports
25th of January - 30th of June 2007 |
Impressive ancient ruins of long vanished native cultures and lovely colonial towns and cities full of life and colour, many new impressions, foreign smells and food, and of course the helpful and friendly (if noisy) people make us say "we love being in Mexico"!
Only a subtle change in atmosphere and surprisingly high prices, both mostly due to an overload of foreign tourists, make the Yucatán peninsular less inviting than we had hoped for. It's a shame we're leaving this country on a slightly sour note after all the good experiences throughout... |
5. Central American Countries:
incl. Belize, Guatemala, Honduras,
El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica &
Panamá
14 Reports
30th of June 2007 - 26th of January 2008 |
Belize is tiny country with very different people who speak some sort of English. The towns don't offer much to look at, but an easy going caribbean feel greets us at the island of Caye Caulker. We also explore the Baboon Sanctury, a communal project to protect the black howler monkey, and some Mennonite settlements near the border with Guatemala.
Out of almost 10 weeks in Guatemala we spend close to 6 at Lago Atitlán, over 4 of which are filled with Spanish lessons... We have entered this country from Belize, and our first stop is the enormous ruin site of Tikal, which leaves us breathless [highlight]. We then head south, with short stays at Rio Dulce and Quirigua, before we climb up into the mountains through the Quetzal Sanctury into the highlands of Cobán. Some rough roads take us to Semuc Champey, before we travel west along Highway 7W, through the highlands, towards Panajachel. Finally we visit the colonial jewel of Antigua.
We would have almost cut short our visit to Honduras - and are glad that we didn't, because it was a pleasant country to travel, despite the lack of real highlights and some rough dirt roads.
Then we enter El Salvador. Yasha wrote about this country "There'd be a really good view from here if it wasn't so cloudy/foggy/rainy!", but neverthe- less we spend an overall good time there and visit an awful lot of this small state. Just that the weather situation isn't compelling to stay in one place for long, so we decide to head further south. And from there onwards things go downhill for a while, which inspires our next report, which goes as far as León in Nicaragua. Due to bad weather and ill health we don't see much of Nicaragua. The next country, Costa Rica, is a "dream come true" for people like us, travelling with a camper, because you can find many beautiful campsites near beaches, free and safe. We also spend much time in San José, with dental work and some pleasant encounters with other travellers. Finally we get to see quetzals and experience the Caribbean coast. The last Central American country, Panamá, is twice on our route: first to get tires and see the canal, the second time to ship our camper to South America. |
| [Rented Flat] Arriving in Los Angeles and buying our Bigfoot camper in Indio, plus a few trips with our friend Suzy around Long Beach.
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| Report |
Map of Long Beach |
Photos |
| [Motel - 11. - 14.March 2006] Flight to Oklahoma City, picking up our Ford F250 Diesel truck, meeting Eddie, the vendor, and Scott, and finally our first drive along Route 66 to Tulsa, where we get adjustable Rancho shock absorbers fitted at Sams Off Road. |
| Report |
Map Oklahoma City to Arkansas |
Photos |
| [Motel] A rather hurried drive through Arkansas and then along the mighty Mississippi to get to Baton Rouge, capital of Louisiana, where we meet Lisa (and Rich, of course) for a St.Patricks-Day-Parade (New Orleans style). We collect beads like mad... |
| Report |
Map of Arkansas and Mississippi |
Photos |
| [Friends] Relaxing at our friends' place in Baton Rouge, another drive along the mighty Mississippi to visit New Orleans (first impressions after Katrina), a second trip down there with Lisa and Rich. |
| Report |
Flood Map of New Orleans |
Photos |
| [Motel] After a very good Sushi dinner we say 'good-bye' to Lisa and Rich, and make our way on a long trip through Texas, where we find some more real 'country town atmosphere' and long boring straight roads (which aren't even marked on our map) through rural Texas. |
| Report |
Map across Texas |
Photos |
| [Motel] We manage to break down in the middle of the Texas, meet some real characters, drive on through the southern tip of New Mexico to Tucson, which is the first city we really enjoy. |
| Report A Secret: Tiger/TX |
Map from Texas to Arizona |
Photos |
| [Motel/Camper - 1. + 2. April] We drive from Tucson all the way to Southern California, and the next day (Sunday) we finally pick up our Bigfoot camper in Coachella - and discover rather quickly that there will be a lot to learn... |
| Report |
Map Tucson/AZ to Indio/CA |
Photos |
| [7. + 8.April 2006] Our first trip into a National Park, but only after a few more hiccups with our truck. Finally we are in Joshua Tree National Park, and truly enjoy camping out in nature: this is what we came for in the first place! After a couple of days we continue to Long Beach to meet Suzy again. |
| Report |
Map of Joshua Tree N.P. |
Photos |
| Yasha hurt her back, and we are stuck in Los Angeles for longer than we like. Juergen gets new tyres and a wheel alignment for the truck, and we are spending too much time between chiropractor and the Malibu RV Park (not a bad place to stay!). The last couple of days we stay in Long Beach, where we meet an Australian couple who have been traveling the USA and Mexico for over 9 months in a Bigfoot truck camper (a little bigger than ours); we learn a lot in a short time from Jan and Dee. |
| Report |
Map of Los Angeles |
Photos |
| [~ 20.April 2006] The last few days in Los Angeles we finally get to explore some sights of the city like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. And we are finally saying 'good-bye' to Suzy and are on the road, with a running truck on good rubbers and an almost fully equipped camper on the back, heading up the coast to Santa Barbara. |
| Report |
Map of L.A. to Santa Barbara |
Photos |
| [25.April - 1.May 2006] We leave Santa Barbara (sadly) behind, and drive through the Los Padres National Forest (where we get a campground all to ourselves) and along boring oil fields around Taft to Bakersfield (where we get the camper and Yasha's back fixed), and then on to the Sequoia National Park, the home of the giant Sequoia trees. In higher altitudes there's still snow on the ground, and in King's Canyon we even camp in snow fields (next to our Australian buddies). |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Santa Barbara to Sequoia |
Photos |
| [2. - 9.May 2006] Back to Bakersfield (to get the truck's A/C and Yasha's back looked after), then through beautiful countryside along the Kern River to Lone Pine (foot of the snow covered Mt.Whitney), and into the Death Valley (from snow to over 100° Fahrenheit!), which we explore from 3 different camp sites. Finally via Red Rock Canyon to Las Vegas in Nevada. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Kern River & Death Valley |
Photos |
| [9. - 15.May 2006] After a restless night at the 'KOA Circus Circus' campground, right next to the strip and some 24-hour construction sites, we decide to book ourselves into a motel with kitchenette, and go and explore all the glimmer (and fake facades) of what makes Las Vegas so unique... We also watch a great show by 'Cirque de Soleil' and Juergen loses our keys. |
| Report |
[ no map! ] |
[ no photos! ] |
| [15. - 18.May 2006] After some delay we're finally out of the buzzing gambling metropol of Las Vegas, driving along Lake Mead to the stunning Valley of Fire, then on to our next destination: Zion National Park, one of the few canyons which are accessible from the base (instead of the upper rim). Beautiful rock formations, stunning vistas, and lush spring green to explore! |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Las Vegas to Zion N.P. |
Photos |
| [19. - 21.May 2006] From Zion N.P., where we hold up all cars in the narrow road tunnel, we follow the short tourist trail to the magnificient Bryce Canyon, a place so awesome that it really touches Yasha's heart. We leave early and hold up Sunday traffic on our way out of the park. From Panguitch past some black lava fields and lush green hills back into snow covered mountains, which allow a stunning overview of Cedar Breaks National Monument (the road to it is still closed). |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Zion, Bryce Canyon to Cedar City |
Photos |
| [21. + 22.May 2006] Our truck meets another good mechanic in Cedar City, and running smoothly once again we climb more mountains though the Dixie National Forest, where we find ourselves in the middle of a snow storm with ice on the road (and a snow plough in action). Along more lava fields back down into more hospitable green valleys, from where we reach our next campsite at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes near Kanab. |
| Report PART 1 |
Map Cedar City to Grand Canyon (North) |
Photos |
| [22. - 24.May 2006] With the very busy Memorial Day Weekend almost upon us we sqeeze into the Grand Canyon, the mightiest big hole in the ground. First we explore the North Rim (on foot and by car), and then on our way to the South Rim we stop at several interesting sites along the road: Cliff Dwellers, Lees Ferry, Navajo Bridge, Little Colorado River. The next day we treat ourselves to a helicopter flight to take in the enormity of the Grand Canyon from above. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Grand Canyon North to South |
Photos |
| [25. - 28.May 2006] We spend the Memorial Day weekend in a nice RV park in the small, but popular town of Sedona/Arizona. In more than one way it reminds us of our home town Byron Bay: similar size, set in a beautiful (though completely different) landscape, overrun by tourists, many alternative new-age and artistic people, strict building and signage code to preserve some of its appeal... Don't get us wrong: it is a beautiful town in gorgeous surrounds, and probably more appealing in almost any other week of the year! |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Grand Canyon to Sedona |
Photos |
| [28. - 31.May 2006] In only a few days, and within a relatively short distance, we see so many different interesting things: Indian ruins, open-cut cooper mine fields, Jerome, a ghost town turned artists center, Montezuma Castle, an ancient cliff side dwelling built by a lost Indian tribe, a sprawling green forest covering hills as far as the eye can see, a "painted desert" land scape dotted with colourful petrified wood logs, and a bumpy Historical Route 66 lined with 50s and 60s neon signs. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Petrified Forest & Route 66 into NM |
Photos |
| [1. - 5.June 2006] The creative centre of New Mexico, Santa Fe and Taos, entice us with their eclectic mix of art and sculputure, friendly and relaxed people, Indian and Spanish heritage, amazing adobe buildings, ancient, old, and new. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map from Arizona to Santa Fe & Taos |
Photos |
| [6. - 10.June 2006] Magestic mountains, high-altitude forests, and fast-flowing rivers attract tourists to the state of Colorado in summer... We're here to visit a friend in Denver, and take in some of the sights on the way. One very impressive park is the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction in the west of the state. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Colorado |
Photos |
| [11. - 14.June 2006] We visit some of the best known National Parks in western Utah around Moab: Arches, Canyonlands, and the little gem of 'Dead Horse Point State Park', the "Crand Canyon of Utah". On our way to the Capitol Reef we encounter some funny 'Goblins'. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Utah from Moab to Cedar City |
Photos |
| [15. - 21.June 2006] After an enjoyable stay at Capitol Reef National Park we take a scary drive back to Bryce Canyon, where we visit many sites we had missed at our last stay. Then along some familiar roads to Cedar City, and finally crossing some alien desert country through the middle of Nevada on our way back to California. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Maps of Utah & Nevada |
Photos |
| [21. - 24.June 2006] Arriving back in the Eastern part of California we first stop at Mono Lake to discover that the restoration of this precious environment is a sucess story. We then visit the ghost town of Bodie before driving through snow-covered peaks into Yosemite National Park. The crowds there make for a less pleasant stay despite its natural beauty, and a lack of camping spaces finally drives us away... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Mono Lake & Yosemite |
Photos |
| [24. - 28.June 2006] On the way to the coast we get struck by another car problem: big clouds of blue oil smoke announce the death of our turbo charger, so we're stuck in Monterey for longer than planned, which gives us the opportunity to explore the famous aquarium and the Big Sur ocean road. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Maps of the Monterey/Big Sur Coast |
Photos |
| [28.June - 01.July 2006] Via Santa Cruz (where we only visit the Boardwalk with its old rides) and the coast, we're driving up to San Francisco, which we explore for a couple of days before leaving across the fog covered Golden Gate Bridge towards the North. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Monterey to San Francisco |
Photos |
| [01. - 04.July 2006] We are literally winding our way up the Northern Californian Coast through a lot of fog, some sunshine, beautiful forests, along rugged and windy beaches, until we reach groves of coastal Redwoods (relatives to the Sequoias), the world's tallest trees. We also see close-up our first Elks, right next to the road. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Northern California |
Photos |
| [05. - 10.July 2006] The final stage of the Soccer Worldcup dictates some of this week, as we are trying to see as much of Oregon's coast as we can fit in between games, which we watch in casinos and pubs along the way. It's nevertheless an enjoyable journey with the exception of one night in Portland, a city which surprised us very much and in our eyes lives up to its reputation as one of the "Most Liveable Cities". |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Oregon Coast & Columbia River |
Photos |
| [11. - 14.July 2006] Columbia River Gorge: you can travel it in a few hours or you can spend an entire vacation there, we went for the middle and spent almost four days along this short historical stretch of the river, and found the scenery and sights well worth it. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
[ Same map as above ] |
Photos |
| [15. - 20.July 2006] Snow in the middle of July (not so unusual in Australia, but we are in the Northern Hemispere in the middle of summer!): first we saw snow in the distance on Mt Hood/Oregon, now we come very close to it on the active volcano Mt St.Helen in Washington, and finally we are walking between patches of it on Mt Rainier! But most amazing are the meadows of sub-alpine flowers among the snow, and the sheer number of glaciers we get to see... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of South Washington |
Photos |
| [20. - 24.July 2006] We are back in milder climate on the Washington coast, and after some rest and TLC visit the world famous Museum of Glass in Tacoma, before we head north through Seattle on our way to Canada. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of North Washington |
Photos |
| [25.July - 2.August 2006] We are finally in Canada (only a few weeks late - LOL) and buy a Circle Ticket for the BC Ferries, which take us straight to Vancouver Island. After a few days in the very European capitol Victoria we explore the centre and west coast of this beautiful island: lovely calm lakes, green forests, high mountains, and a rugged coast line dotted with thousands of small islands make it look like picture postcard Canada. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Vancouver Island |
Photos |
| [2. - 5.August 2006] Another unexpected long weekend draws thousands of locals to the coast and cuts our visit to the Sunshine Coast a little short - we try to see as much of this beautiful part of British Columbia as we can before leaving for the mainland, where we want to head straight up north to catch the Alaska ferry. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Sunshine Coast/BC |
Photos |
| [5. - 11.August 2006] We have decided to cover as many miles as possible during the BC-Day long weekend, so we're driving past Whistler and some beautiful glacier lakes north in the direction of Prince George and Prince Rupert. On the way we stop one night in Barkerville, a (re-constructed) ghost town which doesn't live up to our expectations, and at The Hazeltons, where we find evidence of the centuries-old Native American culture. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of our drive up North thru BC |
Photos |
| [12. - 18.August 2006] We board a ferry in Prince Rupert and travel along the famous Inside Passage to Juneau, the capital of Alaska. Along the way we get off for a brief stop in Ketchikan. Unfortunately the weather is not kind to us: the ferry trip is mostly clouded in mist, Juneau proves to be as rainy as it's reputation, and only on the second ferry trip to Haines do the clouds actually lift and reveal some of the Alaskan beauty. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Inside Passage Alaska |
Photos |
| [19. - 21.August 2006] We stay a couple of days in Haines, a lovely town, and are rewarded with close-up-views of grizzlies. Then we drive north along the Haines Highway up to Haines Junction - on the way we cross back into Canada, pass through a tiny bit of British Columbia, and finally enter the Yukon Territories. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Haines Highway |
Photos |
| [21. - 23.August 2006] Our visit to Alaska proper is much shorter than anticipated: it's rainy, cold and grey, and on our way we hear that the road (incl. some bridges) between Fairbanks and Anchorage has been washed away by heavy rain and is closed for the foreseeable future. The forecast for Denali, one of our destinations, for the next 10 days is not much better. So we only drive up to Delta Junction, the official end of the Alaska Highway, turn around and head back to Tok and the "Taylor Highway" into Yukon. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Alaska Highway/North |
Photos |
| [23. - 27.August 2006] We drive through a large burnt-out forest along the Taylor Highway to the settlement of Chicken, which tries to thrive on its rough-and-dirty reputation of goldmining. The next day, in beautiful clear weather, we continue our journey along the "Top of the World Highway" to Dawson City, centre of the famous Klondike goldrush. We fall in love with the quaint town and its friendly people and stay a few days to take in most of what Dawson City has to offer. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Top of the World Hwy. |
Photos |
| [28. - 31.August 2006] One of the highlights of our trip so far: the Dempster Highway up north past the Artic Circle! Miles and miles of dirt road through uninhabited tundra, which is changing before our eyes into autumn colours of sheer, amazing beauty. Along the way through this rugged terrain we encounter plenty of the wildlife for which this area is renowned. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Dempster Highway |
Photos |
| [1. - 6.September 2006] Yasha described at one point her impression of driving the Alaska Highway southbound as "being in a loop": the scenery is mostly some sort of spruce or pine forest on both sides of the road, the only highlights are some nice lakes, wildlife sightings, and a few small settlements. In Watson Lake we add our mark to the enormous sign forest, and the Liard Hotsprings provide us finally with some real warmth. The nicest part of the highway starts thereafter, where the road winds through the Northern Rockies. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Alaska Highway/South |
Photos |
| [6. - 12.September 2006] From Dawson Creek, the official Mile '0' of the Alaska Highway, we drive through Grande Prairie southward towards the famous Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Glacier Highway from Jasper to Banff provides plenty of oohs and aahs with its rugged mountain peeks, countless glaciers, and unbelievably clear streams and lakes. We're almost sad to leave for Calgary and the US, particularly since the "Welcome" there is rather awkward. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Canadian Rockies |
Photos |
| [13. - 18.September 2006] We are re-entering the USA in Montana where, after a night of light snow, first we make the aquaintance of a tow truck driver (our glow plugs are dead). When the truck is fixed we head back into the Glacier Natinal Park, where more fresh snow keeps us from exploring the "Highway to the Sun". We then head south to the historic mining town of Butte, a nice surprise! |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Montana |
Photos |
| [19./20. & 27./28.September 2006] Yellowstone National Park: a real highlight of our trip! Initially we weren't even sure if we wanted to go there because it's supposed to be very crowded, but once there we enjoy the sights immensely. Snow and an appointment in Billings keep us from exploring the entire park on our first visit, so we go back, via the stunning Beartooth Highway, for more! |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Yellowstone Natl. Park |
Photos |
| [24./25. September 2006] A weekend away from Billings on what we call our "Sunday Drive": we explore the "Big Sky" country north of Billings on a circle via Lavina, Harlowton, Lewistown (where we camp), and Klein.
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| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Montana |
Photos |
| [28.Sept. - 2.Oct. 2006] From Cody/Wyoming, a town named after the famous cowboy Buffolo Bill, we are heading east to the Black Hills in South Dakota, which greet us with warm autumn colours and closed campgrounds. After an obligatory visit to Mount Rushmore we continue to the Badlands National Park. We stop for refreshments (and a peek) at the (in-)famous Wall Drug Store and then head further east along the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Highway", which honours the author of "Little House on the Prarie". |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Wyoming & South Dakota |
Photos |
| [3. - 7.October 2006] Autumn is truly upon us, the nights are constantly cold or freezing, hence we are trying to cover miles (and more miles) past the typical American farms (and more farms) with red barns and red silos, lots of dairy cows, corn fields, and some small woods in brilliant "fall colors"... We only stop in Minnesota for some rest and to replace our camera, which we dropped in Yellowstone. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Minnesota & Wisconsin |
A Few Photos |
| [8. - 21.October 2006] In Michigan we finally reach the Great Lakes, which contain approximately one-fifth of the world's fresh water. Our first stop is at Lake Michigan, then we visit the National Lakeshore (another name for a National Park) at Lake Superior. Crossing back into Canada at Sault Ste. Marie we then follow the northern section of Lake Huron; our plan to cross it by boat gets cancelled due to high price and miserable weather. When we fianally reach Burlington (outside Toronto on Lake Ontario) we discover that we have beaten a major blizzard (snow storm) by less than 6 hours... Our "shirttail relatives" make us feel so welcome, that we decide to stay a little longer and enjoy the comforts of a real house... Our visit to Canada comes finally to an end after a visit to Niagara Falls. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Great Lakes |
Photos |
| [22. - 27.October 2006] New York, New York: the US side of the Niagara Falls marks the start of our journey through the state of New York to the city of New York. The country side and the neat little towns are rather pleasant, the weather not so, and most campgrounds are either closed or in the process of shutting down for winter. When we reach the Big Apple, first we get lost in the Bronx, and then finally decide to look for a motel outside the city (in Connecticut, to add another state to our list). We then explore many of the famous sights of New York City. One highlight is a brilliant sunset from the top of the Empire State Building. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of New York |
Photos |
| [28. - 31.October 2006] After all the big city frenzy of New York and New Jersey we truly enjoy our stay in the picturesque Dutch Country of Pennsylvania. The weather is relatively mild too, so its a joy to explore the sights of the Amish Country and learn about some of the characteristics of their very different life style. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Pennsylvania |
Photos |
| [1. - 6.November 2006] Another famous scenic road which we only picked by looking at the map: from Pennsylvania we drive south along the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway; both roads follow the Appalachian Ridge on the border between West Virginia and Virgina. Along the way we stop at the historic town of Harper's Ferry and in Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, which was designed by (president) Thomas Jefferson. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Maryland & Virginia |
Photos |
| [7. - 18.November 2006] Since the trip through the Appalachians was rather freezing we decide to stick to the coast line from Virginia Beach south bound. First we go to the Outer Banks (OBX) in North Carolina, a narrow strip of low lying sand islands connected by bridges and ferries. This area is all about flight and fishing (and tourism, which is low at this time of the year): the Wright brothers tested their first planes here, and today migratory birds compete with anglers for the rich fishing grounds, both in the inlet and the ocean... We then explore the historic town of Wilmington, where an old town center and many historic streets provide an ideal setting for a small movie industry. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of North Carolina |
Photos |
| [19.Nov. - 4.Dec. 2006] North Carolina's coast was rather pleasant, but South Carolina is really beautiful and deserves some time (even more than we spent there). We pass right through Myrtle Beach (the Australian version is called Gold Coast) to reach Huntington Beach, where we relax and wait for warmer weather. After picking up some mail in historic Georgetown we continue to Charleston, a charming old city full of historic and Antebellum houses. We enjoy the city, and the company of some new friends at the James Island Campground, very much and spend over a week here, after which we reluctantly leave to head further south to Beaufort. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of South Carolina & Georgia |
Photos |
| [5. + 6. December 2006] After all the hype [Quote Le Monde, Paris: the most beautiful city in the USA] we are almost disappointed by Savannah in Georgia... Don't get us wrong: it has a beautiful, well planned, old city in its center, but a useless visitor center and desolate urban sprawl along its outskirts spoil our visit a bit. We leave Georgia quickly and after 2 days are already in Florida. |
| Report |
Map of South Carolina & Georgia |
Photos |
| [7. - 17. December 2006] Florida greets us with icy wind, freezing temperatures, and a cancelled Space Shuttle start. We visit the quaint old town of St. Augustine before we drive down the coast to Miami. After a a brief visit we decide to come back for more, but first have to fulfill our campground bookings on the Florida Keys. Despite some rain (or because of the accompanying humidity) Key West reminds us very much of home! We almost regret leaving for another visit to the Art Deco district of Miami Beach. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Florida |
Photos |
| [18. - 21. December 2006] We visit the Everglades and the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida's South West - another highlight on our trip! The wildlife observations in this park are breathtaking (and sometimes almost too close for comfort). Only because we're once again running late, and want to be in Baton Rouge before New Year, do we leave... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map (same as above) |
Photos |
| [22. - 28. December 2006] We race up the west coast of Florida to meet with friends for Christmas in Micanopy. After a lovely Christmas Dinner we follow the coast westward through the Florida Panhandle into Alabama and Mississippi. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map Florida to Baton Rouge/LA |
Photos |
| [29. December 2006] What's left of Biloxi in Mississippi after hurricane Katrina is very little - we are truly shocked! |
| Report |
Map (same as above) |
Photos |
[29. Dec. 2006 - 24.Jan. 2007] We have come full circle: right after we picked up our truck we first went to Baton Rouge to visit friends, now after almost 10 months we're back!
We leave after New Years Day in search of John Lee Bourke's magic in southern Louisiana (which we can't find), and then head along Interstates to Austin in Texas, where our camper will get some final things fixed. Waiting for camper parts we explore the area around Austin, San Antonio, and the hill country with lots of German named little towns. Finally we experience a "big freeze" in Austin, which delays our camper repairs, before we head for Brownsville and the border with Mexico.
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| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Maps of Louisiana & Texas |
Photos |
| [25.Jan. - 4.Feb. 2007] We are finally in Mexico! First we have to learn quickly all about "Topes", and "Vibradores", and other "Reductores de Velocidad"... For Yasha it's her first time in this Mexico and she loves it (Juergen has been here before, nevertheless he enjoys being back). We drive down the Gulf coast to Costa Esmeralda (and cross the Tropic of Cancer) in search of some sun and warmth, but the sun eludes us. So we make use of an overcast day and visit our first ruin site in El Tajin, and also come to watch some Voladores. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Gulf Coast |
Photos |
| [4. - 12.Feb. 2007] All the hospitality couldn't keep us at Costa Esmeralda, so we wind our way inland through rain and rain forest in direction of Puebla, one of the largest cities in Mexico. Despite its size Puebla has a vibrant colonial center with lots to explore. We stay in Cholula nearby, a small town, which is a nice contrast. In Cholula we also walk through the world's largest pyramid (by volume), and in the neighbouring village Tonantzintla we find an "over-the-top" church. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Gulf Coast to Puebla |
Photos |
| [13. - 17.Feb. 2007] We are going north to Teotihuacán to visit one of the largest and most central ruin sites. The excavated part of the ruins in Teotihuacán represent only a small portion of this large ancient city state. Despite initial reservations we decide to visit Mexico City (by bus), a decision we don't regret: the amazing National Museum of Anthropology alone makes the trip worthwhile! |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Puebla to San Miguel |
Photos |
| [18.Feb. - 10.March 2007] San Miguel de Allende is probably one of the better known smaller colonial cities in Mexico; the masses of American and Canadian tourists roaming its streets are the proof! We find a very hospitable new campground near the town center and take daily Spanish classes, hence we don't venture to the Jardin that often... But we find the time to see some of the sights; one trip, we really enjoy, is a visit of the old abandoned mines in Mineral de Pozos. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Puebla to San Miguel |
Photos |
| [11. - 15.March 2007] Another colonial gem nearby is Guanajuato, also an old silver mining town, where old mining tunnels under the city have been incorporated into a confusing road network. The steep hills around its historical center are dotted with the most colourful houses we have found so far. We also visit Dolores Hidalgo to see some of the colourful pottery. There's a reason we are rushing things a little: we want to see the Monarch Butterflies before they migrate back north! Our visit to the El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary near Zitacuaro is just on time to enjoy masses of these orange winged beauties taking flight. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of San Miguel to Pátzcuaro |
Photos |
| [16. March - 8.April 2007] We've been so busy in recent times - we need a holiday (don't laugh)! The charming small town of Pátzcuaro seems to be just right for some rest: small adobe houses full of amazing craft galleries, a shady zócalo surrounded by small cafés and restaurants, some small ruins nearby, and fellow campers offer us several rides to surrounding sights. We only venture out once on our own to visit Morelia, the city of lights, to explore its center and supermarkets. The indiginous artisans market in Uruapan provides another colourful destination. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Morelia to Playa Azul |
Photos |
| [9. - 24.April 2007] We leave Pátzcuaro for the coast on Easter Monday, thinking that Semana Santa was over, but our first few destinations on the Pacific Coast are still crowded with Mexican holiday makers. The bay of Zihuatanejo and the lagoon at El Manglar are pleasant enough to stay a few days, then we head south towards the famous Acapulco, where we find, apart from the also famous cliff divers, not much else worth staying for. Puerto Escondido, a surfie destination, where we get some excellent fresh fish right at our door step, and Playa Zipolite near Puerto Angel convince us, that we have much nicer and cleaner beaches in Australia (so why stay?)... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Playa Azul to Oaxaca |
Photos |
| [25.April - 7.May 2007] We wind our way back through the mountains to Oaxaca, a place so many have warned us not to go to, and many more have recommended. We find it an enjoyable city, despite its crazy traffic, full of things to see and explore: countless churches, the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, the Jardin Etnobotanico, the Museo de Arte Prehispanico de Mexico Rufino Tamayo, as well as Zapotec ruins at Monte Alban and Mitla beckon to be explored. Then there are plenty of galleries, craft shops, restaurants, and, at the end of our stay as an unexpected bonus, the fantastic festival Humánitas with colourful free performances. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map (not done yet) |
Photos |
| [8. - 28.May 2007] After a restless night we cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to arrive officially in Central America. Our first destination, Puerto Arista, doesn't offer much except heat. After 2 days we leave for Chiapa de Corzo and a boat tour of the Sumidera Canyon. The next morning we wind our way uphill, through cloud forest, to the colonial center of Chiapas, San Cristobal de las Casas, a town full of colour and interesting sights. We also take a tour to the indiginous villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Puerto Arista to San Christobal |
Photos |
| [29.May - 7.June 2007] We explore the tropical forest regions of Chiapas. Our first stop is the amazing waterfalls of Agua Azul, then we visit three different Maya sites in the jungle. Palenque is probably the most famous and visited one. The other two, Yaxchilán and Bonampak, were until a few years ago only accessible by tedious plane and boat trips; now a new road runs along the border to Guatemala near these ruin sites. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of San Christobal to Palenque |
Photos |
| [8.June - 18.June 2007] The Yucatán Peninsular is probably attracting more tourists than all of the remaining Mexico combined, and some sites are well deserving this attention: Campeche, the Maya ruins of Uxmal and Kabah and the Convent Route to Mérida are all things which interest us too. Our next destinations, the cities of Mérida and Izamal, and particularly the ruins of Chichen Itza, are all showing signs of tourist overload which spoils our visit a bit. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Maps of the Yucatán Peninsular |
Photos |
| [19.June - 30.June 2007] It's difficult these days to find an unspoilt caribbean beach paradise along the over-developed coast of the Yucatán south of Cancún. (Juergen had been here 17 years ago and the changes are dramatic.) We settle into a spot along a relatively quiet beautiful bay at Xpu-Ha and enjoy a relaxing week of beach life, before heading south to Chetumal and the border with Belize. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Maps of Yucatán's Caribbic Coast |
Photos |
[30.June - 11.July 2007] Belize at this time of the year (early rain season) is hot, hot, hot. Therefore we skip a visit to Orange Walk inland and head straight for the marina outside Belize City. Here we leave our camper for a few days and take a boat out to Caye Caulker to soak up some relaxed caribbean island atmosphere, go snorkling and drink yummy cocktails. We also visit Belize Zoo with its native animals, and the Baboon Sanctury, a community project to protect habitat for the black howler monkeys. Most towns, including Belize's capital Belmopan, look a little run-down and poor, but a visit to Spanish Lookout, a Mennonite settlement, reveals some wealth behind modern facades. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Belize |
Photos |
[11.July - 20.July 2007] After an easy, and relatively quick, border crossing into Guatemala we travel straight to the Tikal ruins, which we explore the afternoon of our arrival and the next morning: the site is huge and leaves us breathless = the most impressive Mayan ruins! To us the small island of Flores looks too touristy and we drive straight to Finca Ixabel for a little R&R. After that we're ready to head south to Rio Dulce, from where we take a boat to Livingston on the coast. Another small Mayan site, Quirigua, famous for its large stelae, is worthy of another stop on our way. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of North-East Guatemala |
Photos |
| [20.July - 26.July 2007] We are not fortunate to see any outstanding birds in the Quetzal Sanctury on our way into the mountains, but the scenery is pleasant and the temperatures are the coolest in a long time. After a short stay in Cobán we travel east, partly on very rough roads, towards Lanquin and Semuc Champey, where the main jungle river flows under some clear turquoise pools above. Back in Cobán we decide to drive west along Highway 7W; we don't regret this since the scenery is magnificant and, to our surprise, the road changes after only 40+ kms from dirt to brand new asphalt. This route takes us up and down through the highlands of Quiche and Chichicastenango towards Lago Atitlán. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Central Highlands |
Photos |
| [26.July - 24.Aug. 2007] The picture perfect setting of Lago Atitlán convinces us to stay here for more Spanish lessons. In between classes we take in the impressions of colourful buildings and even more colourful traditionally dressed people. Good food at the markets and some local restaurants makes this overall an easy stay in Panajachel - if only the weather would be a little kinder... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
[No Map] |
Photos |
| [24.Aug. - 11.Sept. 2007] We only interrupt our stay in Panajachel to go to Frontera De Carmen with Mexico, where we have to re-new our car permit after 42 days in Guatemala. We leave Pana along the top of Lago Atitlán and are rewarded with a clear day and stunning views. On the way back we stop briefly for a second time in Xela (Quetzaltenango, which we had inspected before with the idea of doing our Spanish classes there). A nasty cold cuts this trip short... |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of the Western Highlands |
Photos |
| [11. - 17.Sept. 2007] Our final stop in Guatemala is in Antigua - as the name suggests the old capital of the country, abandoned after it had been destroyed by several earthquakes. Now the historical buildings are being revived by tourist shops, posadas, restaurants, and nice residences, many of which belong to foreigners. The town has a relatively relaxed atmosphere about it with little traffic and almost everything in walking distance. On Monday we drive through the new capital towards the border with Honduras. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of South-West Guatemala |
Photos |
[18. - 28.September 2007] Honduras: our first stop in Copán marks our last large Mayan ruin site. Then we drive a strange kinda 'S' through the West of the country, starting in Santa Barbara, and visiting Lake Yojoa and Pulhapanzak Falls, the colonial jewel of Comayagua, and finally Gracias in the heart of mountainous forests. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of West Honduras |
Photos |
[28.Sept. - 11.Oct. 2007] El Salvador: the smallest country in Central America offers a surprising variety of destinations. Our first stop is the artists' town of La Palma and near-by Miramundo. Then we visit Suchitoto, a sleepy colonial town, deserted during the civil war, now attracting artists and expats. We have to leave to get a visa extension in San Salvador, after which we visit Joya de Cerén, ruins of a Mayan village which were covered by volcanic ash for over 1.300 years. A loop along the western part of the Pacific takes us back inland to the "Route of the Summits" and Berlin, and to the Laguna de Alegria. Finally we visit the "Museo de la Revolucion" in Perquin. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of El Salvador |
Photos |
| [12. - 14.October 2007]: From El Salvador we have to go back (for a short bit) through Honduras, and this border crossing proves to be the most chaotic so far. Once we hit the coast highway we feel constantly hassled by police, so we rest for 2 nights in Choluteca before we attempt the border crossing into Nicaragua. This one is a totally quiet and quick affair; one reason we learn at the last step: the road to León is flooded, which forces us to take a detour along (partly) rugged dirt roads. Not that the so-called highways are any better: in many holes you could lose a small sedan. We reach León late and totally exhausted, in pouring rain, and minus one camper jack (which broke off in a mud hole along the dirt road). |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map El Salvador to Nicaragua |
Photos |
[14. - 29.October 2007] Nicaragua: our stay was partly dominated by heavy rain, partly by the fact that we both got sick, so our impressions are probably not representative of this country. We stayed in a hotel in Léon for too long, both having a cold and watching tv news about infrastructure in the mountains near Estelli (which we wanted to visit) being washed away. So finally we left for Granada, a well known colonial city. From there we drove via Masaya to San Juan del Sur, where again due to rain damaged roads we couldn't reach our final destination. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Nicaragua |
Photos |
[30.Oct. - 5.Dec. 2007]: our time in Costa Rica is mostly split between beautiful relaxing beach camping and "boring" appointments in San José (mainly at dentists). Some free beach campsites, like at Bahía de Salinas and various spots on Nicoya Peninsula are the stuff we had dreamt about. Belén Trailerpark in San José offers us the rare opportunity to catch up with interesting fellow travellers and some over-due maintenance. On the way to San José we also visit Sarchi in the heart of the oxcart country and coffee plantation hills. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of NW Costa Rica |
Photos |
| [5.- 17.Dec. + 28.Dec. 2007 - 6.Jan. 2008]: on the way to Domincal we stop in the mountains to see some elusive quetzals. After a brief trip to Panamá we return via the Caribbean Coast. New Years Day we spend at a lovely beach near Manzanillo, and then head towards Arenal, where we don't get to see much of Costa Rica's most active volcano. The final stop in Costa Rica is once again the now familiar Belén Trailerpark in San José. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of SE Costa Rica |
Photos |
[17. - 28.Dec. 2007]: the main two reasons for us going to Panamá were 1. to buy new tires for our truck and 2. to see the famous Panamá Canal. We achieved both, but with quite a few mishaps along the way (for more read the report). These were offset by a nice Christmas at a beach with Paul, Gill, and their son Eliot, and our visit to the mountains near Boquete. |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
Map of Panamá |
Photos |
| [7. - 26.January 2008]: Yasha flies from San José to Australia. On my own I once again drive from Costa Rica to Panamá City to ship the camper to Colombia, where Yasha will join me again in late February. On the way I encounter more problems with the truck, and the shipping procedure is also less than "straight forward". |
| Report PART 1 Report PART 2 |
[No Map - identical to above] |
Photos |
