California-Oregon National Parks Trip: Afterthoughts
I could think of no better way to feature the scope of my trip to the California and Oregon national parks than to use the GPS map generated by Piwigo of the photos I uploaded to the app. All of those photos are accessible at https://singin1.click/piwigo/index.php?/category/10. I try to learn from each trip, the things that go really well–sometimes despite me, I admit–and the things that don’t go well. Some of this is to set into writing for my own recollection, and some is for those of you who share in my adventures. Let’s get the not-so-good stuff done first. On One Hand,… I had purchased the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, honestly, to save money using a mode of transportation I usually enjoy using. I used my pass for the Washington to Chicago and the entire Portland to Washington trips (see the blue-marked routes on the map to the right).…
California-Oregon NPs-Death Valley-042326
When I visited Death Valley National Park for the first time in October, 2022, I took the route that led past the park’s Charcoal Kilns. I only spent a few hours at the park that visit, but I planned to be more flexible with my time on the second trip. The drive into the park brought me north on CA 178 with numerous sharp turns and a dip or two in the road that were more reminiscent of roller coaster drops. I had ordered a cheap dash camera in the hope that I could get a few moments recorded of scenic drives to add. One of Shaka Guide‘s features is that it can help you find the starting point for the audio tour. The route I chose took me towards Furnace Creek, which is known for holding world records for high temperatures. I recalled how expensive gas was in the area…