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WILLIAM
I am a sojourner, that is my occupation, that is what I do. I took Early Retirement in December 2010 and never looked back. I have taken several trips while on vacations around the US and to Europe while I was working but now can travel full time if I wish. Since I retired I have been visiting or revisiting many of my favorite locations in the US and then revisiting many of my favorite locations in Europe at a more leisurely pace, blogging all the way. When I post a blog I try and provide some practical and useful information on the location I visit in the blog for the frugal/budget traveler. Sojourner1208
Trips since retiring in December 2010
Trip 1 – Texas – December 12 – 14, 2010 – Hamilton Pool, Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Bandera, Lost Maples State Park
Trip 2 – Texas – January 12 – 18, 2011 - Washington on the Brazos to San Jacinto Battleground – Washington on the Brazos, San Felipe State Historic Site, Richmond – Ft Bend Museum, Webster (Intown Suites – home base for exploring south of Houston and San Jacinto Battleground), San Jacinto Battleground. Note: Webster Intown Suites would have been a great budget option for exploring NASA and Galveston as well if I had desired to go there.
Trip 3 - Texas - January 28 - Dinosaur Valley state Park exploring to South Llano River State Park -Ft Worth - Glen Rose - Dinosaur Valley State Park – Mason ( Where Robert E. Lee was stationed when he made his decision to resign his commission in the Union Army and fight for the South) - Menard - Junction - South Llano River State Park - San Antonio - Home account bad weather
Trip 4 – From Texas along the border to San Diego then up the coast to San Francisco and back across - From: February 7th 2011 - March 27th 2011 - Texas - Bryan - Harmony - Bastrop - Stonewall - Fredericksburg - Junction - Del Rio - Amistad reservoir - Langtry - Sanderson - Marathon - Big Bend National Park (then for some reason from Big Bend National Park to San Diego my blogs are missing ???), California - San Diego - Up the coast road from San Diego to San Francisco - Yosemite National Park - Nevada - Las Vegas - The Virgin Mountains - Utah - Zion National Park - Northern Arizona - Marble canyon - Vermillion Cliffs National Monument - Monument Valley - Colorado - Pagosa Springs - New Mexico - Santa Fe - Ft Sumner - then back home.
Trip 5 - Touring Civil War battlegrounds from Texas to Gettysburg and back, also Washington DC – Bryan through East Texas to Louisiana and Kisatchie National Forest north of De Ridder, Natchez, The Natchez Trace, Rocky Springs Campground, then Mississippi - Vicksburg (Vicksburg Battleground, Vicksburg battleground museum, Old courthouse museum, the murals alongside the river, and the casino’s. I visited during the flooding of the Mississippi River.), Natchez Trace again to Jeff Busby Campground, Tupelo, Brices Crossroads Battleground, Corinth, then Tennessee - Shiloh National Military Park, Tim Ford State Park campground, Chattanooga (Chicamagua and Chattanooga battlegrounds and Lookout Mountain), Cherokee National Forest, Cherohala Scenic Skyway, North River Campground, Bald River Falls, then North Carolina – Great Smokey Mountains National Park, Lake Lure, Charlotte, then Virginia – Danville (last capital of the Confederacy), Appomattox Court House, Sailors Creek Battlefield, Fredericksburg and Fredericksburg battlefield, Prince William’s Forest Park, Washington DC, Mall and Smithsonian, too many museums to mention, White House), Quantico Marine Base and the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Manassas Battlefield (Bull Run), Stephen F. Udar-Hazy Center (an air museum by Dulles airport that houses aircraft too big for the Smithsonian, such as the Enola Gay), Harpers Ferry, Antietam Battleground (Sharpsburg), then Pennsylvania to the Gettysburg Battlefield, then back South again through Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee (stopping at the Parkers Crossroads Battlefield), Mississippi (stopping at Vicksburg again), Arkansas, Louisiana, and finally back to Texas.
Trip 6 – August 7 – September 17, 2011 – Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and back.
Texas - Bryan, Ft Stockton, Pecos, Guadalupe National Park, then New Mexico – Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bottomless Lakes State Park, Roswell, Lincoln, Ft Stanton (free camping on BLM land, Lincoln, Lincoln National Forest, Ruidoso, White Sands, Las Cruces, Silver City, Pueblo Park, El Morro, the Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave, Albuquerque – (Aquarium, Botanical Gardens, Museum of Natural History, Old Town, Rattlesnake Museum), Acuna Pueblo, San Yisidro, Soda Dam, Spence Hot Springs, Jemez Falls, the Tsankawa Ruin, Carson National Forest, Taos ( the square, Kit Carson Museum, La Hacienda de Los Martinez), Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, then Colorado – Pagosa Springs, Mesa Verde, Cortez, then Utah – Canyonlands and Arches National Park, Rifle – overnight park in a rest area, Arapaho National Forest, Rocky Mountains National Park, then Wyoming – Riverton, Grand Teton’s National Park, Yellowstone National Park, then Montana – Gallatin National Forest, then heading back south again to Texas. On the way back through Colorado I went to Flaming Gorge National Park, Steamboat Springs, Kremmling, Routt National Forest (Rabbit Ears Pass dispersed camping), Steamboat Springs again, Roosevelt National Forest, Poudre Falls, La Junta then into Texas and home.
Trip 7 – Albuquerque Balloon Festival and Colorado, Nebraska,and Wyoming and Colorado Springs again – September 23 - November 3, 2011 - Texas – San Antonio, Junction, then New Mexico - Las Cruces, Journada Del Muerto National Monument, Albuquerque – Balloon Festival, Angel Fire, Eagle’s Nest, Raton, then Colorado – Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, 7 Falls, Colorado City, Pike National Forest, Denver then Nebraska – Ogallala, Scotts Bluff, then to Wyoming – Register Cliff then back to Colorado Springs, Colorado due to an oil leak. After repairs Front Range drive, Manitou Springs, Helen Hunt Falls, Gold Camp Road, The High Drive, Pioneer Museum, Miramont Castle,Cave of the Winds and William’s Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Shrine of the Sun. Then back on I 25 South to I-10 in New Mexico and then West into Texas and home.
Trip 8 - New York City - December 21, 2011 - December 28, 2011
Trip 9 - Winter Carnival St Paul Minnesota - January 31, 2012 -February 8, 2012
Trip 10 – February 25th to March 16, 2012 - Post Office Art and the South Texas Gulf Coast – Caldwell, Giddings, La Grange, Monument Hill, Victoria, Magnolia Beach, Port Lavaca, Palacios, Rockport, Port Aransas, Mustang Island, Padre Island Natural Seashore, Corpus Christi, San Antonio.
Trip 11 – Ireland Trip – April 12 – June 20, 2012 – Dublin, Howth, Ballinasloe, Aaran Islands, Dun Aengus, Glencar Lough and waterfall, Donegal, Blue Stack Mountains, Killybegs, Ballinasloe, Clonmacnoise, Bir Castle and Demesne, Galway, Doolin, Ennis, Cork, Cobh, Michael Collins assassination site, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Skellig Ring, Killarney National Park, The Gap of Dunloe, Torq Falls, Inch, Dingle, Slea Head Drive, Dunmore Head, Conners Pass, Tabert, Killimer, Killrush, Spanish Point, Hags Head, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Ballinasloe, Battle of Aughrim battlefield, Stacking the turf, Dublin again and then heading home on the 20th of June.
Trip 12 – Texas to Ireland, England and return – July 17th – September 11th, 2012 – Texas, Dublin, Ballinasloe, Cork, Kinsale (August 3rd – August 13th) , Ballinasloe, Athlone, and Belfast, then Liverpool, England August 22-24),Cambridge (August 25-28), Portsmouth ( August 29-September 2), London (September 3-4), Coventry(September 5-8), then back to Ballinasloe, Ireland on September 9 and then back to Texas September 11.
Trip 13 – San Antonio – Sept 27, 2012
Trip 14 – Oct 15,2012 – Dec. 6, 2012 - Preparations, College Station Texas to Dublin, Ireland, then to Ballinasloe, then to England – London, Weymouth, Bovington (tank museum), Portsmouth, then to France – Caen, Sword Beach, William the Conqueror’s castle, Bayeux, Omaha Beach, The American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc, Bayeux, Paris – Nov. 16-20, Italy – Rome Nov 21-23, Greece – Athens Nov 24-29, Santorini – Nov 30-Dec. 2nd, Athens – Dec. 3-5, Sleeping overnight at Heathrow Airport – Dec. 6, then Heathrow Airport to College Station, Texas. : > )
Trip 15 – Jan 30, 2013 – Feb 20, 2013 – Mexico – Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas again and then home to Tejas.
Trip 16 – Denver and Nearby - April 17, 2013 – April 23, 2013 – Denver, Lookout Mountain and Buffalo Bill Grave, Rocky Mountain National Park, Big Thompson Canyon, Glenwood Canyon, Glenwood Springs, Denver and home.
Trip 17 – College Station, Texas to Denver, Colorado – Pedernales Falls State Park, Fredericksburg, Mason (Ft Mason), Big Springs, Snyder, Caprock Canyons State Park, Palo Duro State Park, Capulin Volcano National Monument, Denver.
Trip 18 - Denver to Mesa Verde National Park and return - From Denver along the Front Range to Colorado Springs and then up through Woodland Park , Ute Pass, Wilkerson Pass, and overnight at Antero Reservoir free camping. Then over Trout Creek Pass, Monarch Pass, and to Gunnison, and Blue Mesa Reservoir, then to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Montrose and Ouray. Cascade Falls, Box Canyon Falls, Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass and into Durango. Then on to Mesa Verde National Park, then back East towards Denver via Pagosa Springs, Treasure Falls, Wolf Creek Pass and then At Walsenburg back North on I-25 along the Front Range to Denver.
Travel Blog Posts
Estes Park and taking "the loop drive" in Rocky Mountain National Park
Published: June 19th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Rocky Mountains
June 13th 2013
Thursday June 13 – I slept in till 7:30 this morning and the weather was nice but a bit brisk. I had pretty much seen all I wanted to see and a few things I discovered on the East side of the divide in Rocky Mountain National Park yesterday. I also had a leisurely look at Estes Park yesterday evening. It is pretty much the typical tourist town but quite scenic in its own right. The fire on the other side of the divide had the entire park smoked up on Tuesday but it wasn’t too bad Wednesday when I arrived, so it looks like I arrived just at the right time. Hopefully they don’t close down Trail Ridge Road tomorrow because of it as it is my plan to cross over the divide tomorrow on ... read more
Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park
Published: June 16th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Rocky Mountains
June 12th 2013
June 12 – Wednesday morning - I'm at the Macdonald's in Estes Park having breakfast. I had a good, although a bit challenging drive up here yesterday as I came up on the "Peak to Peak Hwy” instead of the more usual (and advertised so tourist can take full advantage of shopping and restaurants), route though Bolder or Golden. I camped overnight at the Longs Peak campground and drove from there this morning. When I arrived at the main intersection of Hwy 34 and 36 in Estes Park the the MacDonald’s, Safeway, Visitor Center, a Shell station that had gas for $3.59 a gallon and etc were all there. As usual I took advantage of the cheap coffee and free internet at the MacDonalds. They have Wi-Fi and several tables with electrical plugs next to them. ... read more
Taking the scenic route to Rocky Mountain National Park
Published: June 14th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Rocky Mountains
June 11th 2013
June 10 – Monday – Over the past weeks I had gathered up tons of brochures, maps, notes etc. and I invested the last 3 days going over and studying them. I have visited dozens of web sites as well. I did this over the weekend because usually on the weekends things are too crowded and so I prefer going during the week when I go somewhere. So now that it is safe to go out again I will take care of a few details in preparation for my next trip today and head out tomorrow morning. I had intended to go up the Peak to Peak Hwy. to Rocky Mountain National Park and then after visiting the park go on to Steamboat Springs for a bit. But after consideration I decided I will go up ... read more
Visiting Homeandaway AKA Bob
Published: June 9th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Woodland Park
June 4th 2013
June 4 – Homeandaway - Today I went to Woodland Park to visit a fellow travel blogger Bob known as Homeandaway on the travelblog site. I drove out of Denver on I-25 and the view of the Front Range of the Rockies was splendid. It was partly cloudy and the patchwork view of light and dark areas made the view even better. This is easily one of the most accessible as well as splendid views of the foothills of the Rockies and the Front Range in Colorado. I did have problems with the people behind me because when the speed limit says 75MPH I drive no more than 75MP. When it says 65, I drive 65, when it says 55, I drive 55 and when it says 45 or 30 , I do not exceed those ... read more
June 2nd 2013
June 2 – Sunday – Denver Chalk Fest – Today the weather is perfect for an outing. The sky is blue, the weather is clear, and the air fresh. I had intended to go to the Denver Chalk Festival yesterday but got to taking care of a few details and so decided to go today instead. I did a little homework on getting downtown to Larimer Square where the event is being held yesterday and today. http://www.denverchalkart.org/festival_info/ After looking at the train schedules yesterday which turned out to be a good thing as I had been looking at taking the C train from Mineral station and as I have since discovered the E,F trains from Dry Creek Station or Arapahoe at Village Center are closer to where I am staying. The E train will take me ... read more
Mesa Verde National Park to Denver
Published: June 5th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Mesa Verde National Park
May 30th 2013
May 30 – Mesa Verde National Park to Denver – I woke up early this morning and so got an early start. I went by the gas station in the park to top off my tank and sure enough as I had been told about the card reader, “sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t”. This was one of those times it didn’t although I tried 2 different cards from 2 different banks. So I just headed out down the switchbacks and out of the park, then headed East to Durango. In Durango I topped off my tank and then went to the MacDonalds to have my breakfast of a Sausage, egg, Mcmuffin and a Sr Coffee. I checked out a few things on the internet and found a couple of motels in Pagosa Springs using ... read more
Mesa Verde National Park
Published: June 3rd 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Mesa Verde National Park
May 29th 2013
May 29 - Mesa Verde National Park – I arrived at Mesa Verde National Park yesterday evening and so most of the useful and helpful information about the park is posted in my previous blog for May 28. I have also added some more information to it. Most of the added information is near the end of the blog. So if you want to read that information go to my previous blog and then come back here for today’s blog. It was a bit brisk in the park last night. I had chosen a good campsite though and it was quiet with considerate campers nearby. I drove from the campsite to the camp store and got some coffee and got on the internet a bit to check in on things. Then I drove back towards the ... read more
Ouray to Mesa Verde National park
Published: May 30th 2013North America » United States » Colorado » Mesa Verde National Park
May 28th 2013
May 28 - Tuesday – Ouray to Mesa Verde National Park - This morning I headed south towards Mesa Verde National Park. So I came over 3 passes before breakfast, Red Mountain Pass 11,075 ft, Molas Pass 10,910, and Coal Bank Pass 10,640. Only thing was I didn't get any breakfast ! I got to the MacDonalds in Durango at 10:40 and they quit serving breakfast at 10:30 sharp. So I just got me a senior coffee for 54 cents and logged onto the internet at one of the 2 tables that had electrical connections. I always bring in my map, notebook etc. with me to lay on a table immediately when I get in to save it while I make my order. Of course I take my laptop bag with my laptop with me to ... read more
May 27th 2013
Sunday May 26 – I explored Ouray today and it is kind of a neat little town. It has a hot springs and a couple of waterfalls. I had discovered that there was a forest service campground called Amphitheater Campground on the mountain East of the town. I went out on Hwy 550 a bit south of town and took the turnoff to Amphitheater Campground. I stopped at a very impressive stream that on one side of the bridge was a cascading waterfall and on the other a chasm carved into the rock. I took a leisurly look, then I drove up to the campground. It was a quite nice campground with nice sites. It had pit toilets with potable water from a spigot. I staked out a good spot by leaving a few low value ... read more
May 25th 2013
Antero Reservoir to Ouray - Saturday May 25 –At Antero Reservoir it got seriously cold last night because of the altitude and it being basically desert country and I used my two lighter blankets plus my big heavy blanket. I woke up early at 0530 AM and warmed up the truck for 5 minutes or so before climbing back on the gravel road to Hwy 24/285 and heading West towards Gunnison. Within a couple of miles I went south and over Trout Creek Pass at 9487 ft. to Poncha Springs where I headed West on Hwy 50. I started climbing again on a steep road and reached the summit of Monarch Pass at 11,312 ft (3,448m). This was the continental divide and the rivers flow west from here instead of east as they had up to ... read more
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