2013 Lap around the USA

[john.waters]

Thanks Lifey and GLC.

I realise that Lancaster is a City, The tourist part I was trying to avoid. I think I found a few other spots to look at as well.Its amazing the size of the cities in the US.Thankyou.

Lifey Im going check out a bit more of the railroad as well. Im starting to let this trips pace slow down a bit and spend a bit more time exploring rather than going from one spot on the map to the next. Starting to enjoy the planninng more and more.

John

[john.waters]

Just looked at the calendar and realised that we only have 12 weeks before we hit the USA for Roadtrip No 2. I have been snoozing I think and the itinerary isnt complete yet. Spent a glourios 2 weeks in Western Australia recently so busy editing 1600 photos from that.

I feel a bit more relaxed this time as I not afraid of the unknown this time. Im about to watch a DVD of Route 66 by Billy Conolly to get an idea on what we want to see along the Route.

Ill try and post a bit clearer picture of our plans very soon to get a bit more feedback. I have all the basics covered like flights, vehicle hire and a route so thats a start.

John

[john.waters]

Well its only 10 weeks before we land in the USA for Road Trip No 2. I still havent finished the itinerary yet and not even sure I want to. We keep finding more places to look at so our original plan might not be achievable.

We have agreed to just start of in LA and follow our plan until its time to head back to LA to fly out. Then we can plan trip 3 from where we left out route. I could see us driving day and night to do the whole trip.

Take our time and spent time in places we like and then hit the road again.

Washington DC looks like a place I would like to spend a day or 2 photographing some of the iconic buildings and attractions.Id like to do some night photography there as well. Has anyone spent some time there. Is it a safw place to be out of a night by ourselves or should I stick to the daylight stuff.

John

[Lifemagician]

I still havent finished the itinerary yet and not even sure I want to.

John, I can relate to that. lol

Now that you have gathered so much knowledge, you probably won't need an itenary... in the strict sense of the word. Just make sure you keep a detailed journal, as I am sure I am not the only one looking forward to reading your 'field report'.

As for Washington, I would not be too concerned. When you are sticking to the major sites there should not be any worries. It is a while now since I was there, but I recall us going for a walk at night. I'm not even sure that any of us (from the hostel) gave a thought as to whether it was safe or not. We just wanted to see some of the sights all lit up, and went for it.

Sounds like it is going to be a great trip.

Lifey

[john.waters]

Thanks Lifey

Getting some good night photograpy is high on my priorities this trip.Buying some new gear in the USA as well. I cant believe how much I have learnt about the USA by planning this trip. So looking forward to it.

Im sure I could fit the whole plan in but were going to just go with the flow.With 8 weeks Im sure we will cover a lot of ground. We would like to get up into Canada but if we dont we wont be dissapointed.

I have noticed people having a 2 week Road Trip and thinking why are they cramming so much into that amount of time. Then I realise I am doing the same with 8 weeks.
I plan on keeping a better diary this year and updating my reports a bit more often. Im thinking of running a travel blog on my website as well.
This a night Shot of Perth ,Western Australia


http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k2...ps07383854.jpg

[Lifemagician]

Those photos were too little for me to work out where they are. Do you have any night photos taken from Alcatraz? just as the sun goes down, and the lights of the city come on?

Ye know, you're lucky having found this site for your first trip. I now often wonder how my first three trips would have been different if I had known more. But then, sometimes I lament knowing what I do now, and wish I could again hit the road in blissful ignorance, as I did on those ocassions. That is why I do very little planning (other than the essentials, when I have to be at a given spot on a given day), and even less research. I like things to be a surprise. I love the unexpected.

When you are heading back to LA, I will be just arriving. Gotta keep the Aussie count up. LOL

Lifey

Edit: Did you just delete a photo, and put the caption in? Makes my title look redundant.

[john.waters]

Sorry Lifey

It was a small file and I must have doubled up. I have loaded it into photobucket and attached a link.

I havent been to San Francisco yet but will be there this year. I do all my research for the photography side of things and get as much information as posssible.The road trip between locations is the unexpected for me. I like to plan things as I always seem to waste time if Im not prepared.

We arrive in LA on Driday 10th May 2013 and fly out on hte night of July 4. 2013. My wife wanted to stay the night for the celebrations but we need to be back home for work. Im sure there will be a lot of celebrations in LA during the day and evening before we fly out.

John

[john.waters]

Well its only seven weeks to go before we hit the USA for an 8 week Road Trip of our dreams.

I still have nothing set in concrete but the route and direction is firm. When I thought I had enough places on the Itinerary my wife purchases an Ebook copy of Lonely Planet USA.

Its a great addition to our planning and a lot of useful information. Were till keen to just follow our plan and if we do the whole planned route, thn good,if not we will come back again to finish off when we go to Canada and Alaska in 2 years time.

Now its a matter of getting all my gear together and purchase a bit more camera gear etc and the rst when we get to the USA.

John

[john.waters]

Hi all.

Still planning and only five weeks before we hit the USA.

My wife has added a stop for us and it throws the plan out a little bit, but im happy with that as she is putting a lot of time into research as well.
This stage of the trip was to go from Albuquerque to El Paso down to San Antonio then Houston and on to New Oleans.

Now the new destination on the trip is the Dinosaur Foot Prints near Glen Rose somewhere close to Dallas. I think the idea now is to hang a left now at El Paso and we want ot go to White Sands etc. Its about 600 miles across to Glen Rose.

From there is down to Austin,San Antonio,Houston then New Oleans. Mainly this direction as we wanted to go to San antonio for a visit.
We dont think we will go to Dallas as it will also chew into a bit more of our time. I Think this diversion will cost as at least 2 days.I have read so much about the people and culture in Texas and form Dallas to Austin is a great place to travel.

Im quiet happy to spend the extra time here and cut it off at the end as it was looking a bit rushed to get to Canada.We can leave that until next trip.
Looking at the maps it would e quicker to drive from len Rose to New Orleans Direct and save quiet a few miles.

Any oppinions or ideas on this.

John

[john.waters]

Well its just over three weeks before we hit the road for Road Trip number tho. I think all the planning and research has really given me some history lessons on the USA.

We have a start and finish time and location and a sort of itinerary mapped out.I have ditched the idea of doing the whole trip as planned. Its so easy to over do all the driving required to complete the trip as planned. 500 mile doesnt look that far on a map but do it day after day for 2 months it will take its toll.

We have decided to leave LA and follow the route as planned but take our time and stop where we want and go when we please. If we dont make it all the way we will complete it next time.

I also made the mistake of finding too many attractions in one area and penciling them into the trip. We have now picked the favorites and will look the other was when we pass some of the others. I cant believe how one place in the world can be cram packed with so much beauty and history.
I love Australia and exploring it. But to travel to the USA is an adventure.

We still have a few reall big days ahead of us but now allowing one or two days sightseeing and resting afterwards. Its one thing to cover the miles and say we have been there but didnt experience it.

Now its time to start packing and getting all the camera gear together and purchasing the bits and pieces I need.

Thanks again to everyone who contributed ideas to our journey. This time I hope to be able to update our Road Trip a bit more frequently and add a few photos.

Thankyou

John & Sandra