[Racer Duck]

thinking about all the places I've been and driven I got to thinking about some of the great drives I've had the honor to take.

one at the top of the list is the Smokey Mountain Parkway. It's especially beautiful in the Fall. I've driven about 80% of it and would like to "finish it off" someday.

another is the North Shore of Lake Superior in the Fall. We started at Superior Wisconsin, went straight North on I35 across the border then slowly made our way East to Sault St. Marie where we spent a couple days in the RV park right next to the locks, watching those monstrous grain ships going back and forth. then a day at Mackinac Island and a hasty retreat South when a snow storm blew in on Oct 1st.

[Bob Tanner]

I have three which immediately come to mind:

• Highway 1 from Morro Bay to Santa Cruz, California. breathtaking, every mile of the way.

• The Grapevine. I-5 from Lebac to almost the south edge of Bakersfield. Commander Cody and his "Hot Rod Lincoln" had this one right.

• Needles Highway. Route 87 between Custer St Pk and Highway 16, just south of deadwood, SD. High granite walls, beautiful scenery, absolutely fabulous stretch of road.

[Racer Duck]

Done the Grapevine .. it's everything it was ever advertised to be. And have done some of the "coast highway" in California, but not that section.

Which reminded me of a "drive" if you want to call it that. Take the drive up to the top of Pike's Peak .. slowly. Great scenery and it drives home how really challenging it as a hillclimb. Unlike other peaks in the area, there's a pretty nice visitor's center with a snack bar at the top and a nice level parking lot.

[LSC9901]

When you all get the chance to get to the great northeast there is a road, ironically called PLEASANTVALLEY RD, that you must take in the fall season. It's probably no more than 10 miles long but the view is spectacular. I've spent the last 35 years of my life on this side of the state and I try to ride it every year just for it's autumn beauty. There are rolling hills, moose and many other animals. All those old picturesque red barns you see in pictures, blue skies and beautiful foliage. No matter how many times I take that drive, the beauty is always amazing

[Racer Duck]

Your post about the Fall colors in the NE, reminded me of the Spring colors in Texas and a "tradition" observed by thousands of folks every year: driving the "Bluebonnet Trails".

I've clipped a few tidbits from here about the trails.

Here's a picture of a small patch of bluebonnets .. it's smaller than some of the patches that grow in my yard every Spring.

Bluebonnets at Llano, Texas

Sometimes you'll see some red flowers mixed in with the bluebonnets. They're called "Indian Paintbrush".



Here's a route I like to take, though I join it in Johnson City and drive clockwise rather than counterclockwise.

Although there are many driving routes (known as bluebonnet trails) throughout the state, a good place to start is near the city of Burnet (pronounced "burn-it"), which is known as the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas. Burnet is roughly 40 miles northwest of Austin. Follow TX Hwy 29 west out of Burnet all the way to Llano, a distance of about 30 miles. In Llano, turn left (south) on TX Hwy 16 and follow it to Fredericksburg (39 miles). In Fredericksburg turn left (east) on U.S. Hwy 290 and follow it 32 miles to Johnson City, then follow U.S. Hwy 281 north 37 miles to Burnet.

There's a pretty good place to get Texas style BBQ in Llano called "Cooper's" where you select the meat you want right on the pit .. it's a few blocks west of Hwy 16 on Hwy 29. There's a large domed rock just north of Fredericksburg called "Enchanted Rock" that the Indians believed to be inhabited by spirits .. just follow the signs. While in Fredericksburg you can visit the Admiral Nimitz Museum (it's right on Hwy 290 on the East end of downtown) .. it contains WWII memorabilia and in the back has a full size Japanese Tea House and Garden, which was built as a gift from the Japanese Government to Admiral Nimitz. Just west of Johnson City on the Eastern edge of the little town of Stonewall is the LBJ Ranch (tours are available at the LBJ State Park.) And, on your way north between Johnson City and Burnet, stop in at the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls ..it's been around since 1929 and I've never had anything on the menu that wasn't great!

FYI: Lady Bird Johnson loved the wildflowers of Texas.

In 1965, Congress passed the National Highway Beautification Act, largely through the efforts of Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Both, of course, were native Texans and used the state as an example of what could be accomplished in other parts of the country.

In 1982, Mrs. Johnson helped establish the National Wildflower Research Center near Austin, and it became so successful that the facility had to move to a new location in 1993. Mrs. Johnson donated the land for the new center as well as helped finance building construction.

During March, April, and May, the Department of Transportation has a telephone hotline with information on where bluebonnets are blooming: (800) 452-9292.

Generally, it takes a wet Winter to have a bumper crop in the Spring. This Winter has been pretty dry as Winters go...

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

When you all get the chance to get to the great northeast there is a road, ironically called PLEASANTVALLEY RD, that you must take in the fall season. It's probably no more than 10 miles long but the view is spectacular. I've spent the last 35 years of my life on this side of the state and I try to ride it every year just for it's autumn beauty. There are rolling hills, moose and many other animals. All those old picturesque red barns you see in pictures, blue skies and beautiful foliage. No matter how many times I take that drive, the beauty is always amazing

Speaking of NE and Vermont... Have you ever taken Hywy 7 from Burlington all the way down to Pittsfield, MA? Beautiful all the way and as far as Burlington goes... the only time I dislike about the town is the lack of palm trees and that it gets below 65° for months at a time.

Route 7 is beautiful, all the way to Pittsfield.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Speaking of NE and Vermont... Have you ever taken Hywy 7 from Burlington all the way down to Pittsfield, MA? Beautiful all the way and as far as Burlington goes... the only time I dislike about the town is the lack of palm trees and that it gets below 65° for months at a time.

Route 7 is beautiful, all the way to Pittsfield.

Beautiful but a PITA as far as traffic goes. Very few places to pass the slow pokes.

Below 65 for months at at time ??? Only 11 months ... usually. Sometimes it's 12.

[Bob Tanner]

Charlie, I've been on the trip you mention through Fredricksburg. Really nice route to take. The last time I was through there I almost didn't make it through Fredricksburg because they were having Oktoberfest.

The first time I tried 290 I was on my way back from Shakeytown on I-10 and thought I'd cut off San Antonio. Well, it almost worked. I jumped off I-10 at the Fredricksburg exit and, with the exception of Austin, everything went well. THEN... instead of taking 290 to Houston I took an F.M. and tried to go through Lake Conrow to hit I-10 at Beaumont. Did you know that there are approximately 526 traffic lights in that 70-mile stretch of road? Lots of fun, especially with a 44K lb. load! I was never so happy to see I-10 in my life!

Another Texas road I like it hgwy 59, between Houston and Laredo. Actually I dislike the trip, especially the closer I get to Laredo, but... Just outside of Campo there's Mishka's BBQ. Their ribs make the trip worthwhile!

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Charlie, I've been on the trip you mention through Fredricksburg. Really nice route to take. The last time I was through there I almost didn't make it through Fredricksburg because they were having Oktoberfest.

The first time I tried 290 I was on my way back from Shakeytown on I-10 and thought I'd cut off San Antonio. Well, it almost worked. I jumped off I-10 at the Fredricksburg exit and, with the exception of Austin, everything went well. THEN... instead of taking 290 to Houston I took an F.M. and tried to go through Lake Conrow to hit I-10 at Beaumont. Did you know that there are approximately 526 traffic lights in that 70-mile stretch of road? Lots of fun, especially with a 44K lb. load! I was never so happy to see I-10 in my life!

Another Texas road I like it hgwy 59, between Houston and Laredo. Actually I dislike the trip, especially the closer I get to Laredo, but... Just outside of Campo there's Mishka's BBQ. Their ribs make the trip worthwhile!

roger on Oktoberfest.

really? only 526 lights? I'd of swore it was twice that!!! 290 can be a bear during rush hour in the Big H, but 290 to 620 to 10 is the way to go.

btw: when traveling 290, stop off in Brenham at the Blue Bell Ice Cream plant. I used to stop there for "coffee" .. though it usually turned into a bowl of their great ice cream! and there's a little meat market in Burton (West of Brenham) where I like to get their sausage. Picked up a smoked turkey there one year for Thanksgiving and it was great too.

59 is OK going South, but it's not so grand going North. I think there's a Mishka relative's BBQ place (or maybe it's "Makiska's" .. don't remember) just East of Columbus on I-10.

But, if you're going on to San Antonio, I like Joel's in Flatonia (if you like it rustic) and City Market in downtown Luling.

'Course, if ya got the time, head North out of Luling to Lockhart and try any of the 4 majors: Chisolm Trail, Smitty's, Blacks or Kreuz's (Lockhart calls itself "The BBQ Capitol of Texas!"). I prefer Chisolm Trail: they're a bit cheaper than the rest plus have a lot of sides. (and holler at me, I'll meet you there!!!)

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

'Course, if ya got the time, head North out of Luling to Lockhart and try any of the 4 majors: Chisolm Trail, Smitty's, Blacks or Kreuz's (Lockhart calls itself "The BBQ Capitol of Texas!"). I prefer Chisolm Trail: they're a bit cheaper than the rest plus have a lot of sides. (and holler at me, I'll meet you there!!!)

<slap!> Makiska's. That's the one. Great BBQ in the company of a heard of stuffed animals.

There is a fantastic place on I-35, but I can't remember where it is. Somewhere around Temple, or maybe as far south as Waco? It's a low white building on the west side of the highway. It isn't a truck stop but there are always 10-15 rigs parked in a lot beside of the place. FANTASTIC buffet and equally good BBQ. I wish I could remember the name. If anyone would know it, you probably will.

[thunderfoot]

The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of my all time favorites. We mostly run it in the fall during hunting season and it was always breath taking. We got a turkey one year when it flew across the road and got its head clipped by the side view mirror on the truck. Deer camp that year was mighty tasty. Turkey and squirrel is a darn good meal.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of my all time favorites. We mostly run it in the fall during hunting season and it was always breath taking. We got a turkey one year when it flew across the road and got its head clipped by the side view mirror on the truck. Deer camp that year was mighty tasty. Turkey and squirrel is a darn good meal.

Sounds like the Daniel Webster Highway (US Route 3) here in NH. At the very northern tip of the state it's the only way into Canada (unless you're on a dogsled!). There's an area called The Glen just south of the border where all you can see in every direction is forest, and the varying elevation makes for one of the most stunning views anywhere. A few years ago I was camping up there and was able to catch a view of the Northern Lights. Even that far north, it's still something of a rarity. It was the only time I've ever seen them and it was the most breathtaking site I've ever seen. I camp there once or twice a year now and it truly feels like my own little corner of the world.

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by BringBackWilkesboro

Sounds like the Daniel Webster Highway (US Route 3) here in NH. At the very northern tip of the state it's the only way into Canada (unless you're on a dogsled!). There's an area called The Glen just south of the border where all you can see in every direction is forest, and the varying elevation makes for one of the most stunning views anywhere. A few years ago I was camping up there and was able to catch a view of the Northern Lights. Even that far north, it's still something of a rarity. It was the only time I've ever seen them and it was the most breathtaking site I've ever seen. I camp there once or twice a year now and it truly feels like my own little corner of the world.

I was fortunate to see the Northern Lights on an overnight flight from Chicago to Zurich. As you said, stunning! And I didn't realize until then that they're always moving .. kinda eerie along with being beautiful. I know I watched them for several hours...

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I was fortunate to see the Northern Lights on an overnight flight from Chicago to Zurich. As you said, stunning! And I didn't realize until then that they're always moving .. kinda eerie along with being beautiful. I know I watched them for several hours...

Since I was a welder on a factory trawler in the Bering Sea I got to see lots of that. Its a show you can watch all night long. And when you been trying to drink Dutch Harbor dry it really makes you feel wierd. Or was that just the booze?