Postscript

Utah & More Postscript

What a great road trip! I saw an amazing range of sights over a total of 23 days, driving 3730 miles across the USA. There was perhaps too much Interstate driving in the first half but it was unavoidable as I needed to get between the various cities in a decent time. Staying off some Interstates would have added greatly to the time, but the main factor was that there weren’t many towns to stay in between the big cities I visited this time. I’ve no regrets about visiting those places either, most of them were new to me and were generally good to visit. It’s always good to see new places. Honky Tonk Row in Nashville was a blast again and Big George Jr NGK Band were great in St Louis.

Shame I didn’t have time for a city tour of Denver but I’d decided to see the Rocky Mountains instead. And then I hit the parks…

Grand View, Colorado National Monument

Starting with the incredible Colorado National Monument before entering Utah, I had no idea really what I might find. Other than they were all rated as “must see” places. So it was a voyage of discovery! Utah’s “Mighty 5” national parks – Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches – are quite simply stunning and amazing places.

I don’t know if I had a favourite, they all had something dramatic and spectacular to offer. And they were all different in their own ways. As was Death Valley, which I got to visit after deciding to postpone a visit last year. It was damned hot though.

The wine tour in Paso Robles was probably the best one I’ve been on to date. My usual finish in San Jose to see the 49ers didn’t have a good ending this year, but it’s always great to go to Levi’s for the experience and atmosphere.

There weren’t many great or memorable drives this year; it was mostly just getting between places. But I think the overall scenery I experienced and varied sights – hello, Superman statue – along the way compensated and made for another great road trip.