westoke-blog

[westoke-blog]

My First Road Trip

Wednesday Night 3/2 pm 425 Miles   

This part of the trip was not new to me. As I crossed over Ohio to West Virginia exits signs and stores were all familiar. Once I passed Charleston however the sense of adventure heightened. After class I had thrown some gear in the car along with dog food for my year old mix breed Luna. I had made vague plans for a road trip using ARCgis. Finding State Parks, forests and national parks near major highways. I had a rough game plan Head to Hilton Head Island then off to Tenn and the Smokies where I would follow the  Appalachian Mountains to return to Ohio. Driving in the dark it was hard to notice differences from State. I tried to stop at each new states visitor center and get a road map along with some local info. Virginia's was by far the nicest open late full of maps and info along with huge clean bathrooms. Driving became rhythmic and I progressed into South Carolina as I focused on the road I let my mind wander. I didn't have a particular destination but I did want to reach South Carolina. After what seemed to be hours I pulled into a Rest Stop across the border.    

Thursday Morning 3/3 am 270 Miles total: 695 

I awoke in my newly converted camper. The Crv makes a perfect bed for someone who is 5'4” I am 5'11”. On my left was a tour bus I wonder what they thought as I appeared from the trunk from under the cargo covers. Breakfast consisted of a ham sandwich YUM! After Luna and I answered mother natures calls it was back on the road. I was still about three hours out from Hilton head. The driving was better with marsh along the road ways. Following a scenic route  I was detoured to a main highway  traffic was a nightmare with to many intersections and bumper and bumper traffic. After a frustrating drive I arrived at a parking lot for Coligny Beach.    

Coligny Beach 3/3 am 

Walking over blue mats the use of which I would find out later I had arrived. Sunshine sand and salt water I was content. Wooooossshhh! What seemed only 300 yards above the beach screamed what I would say was a F-150 Fighter jet. Never had any plane passed so close over head. Wanting to jump up and down for no reason I wheeled around as I heard the hum of other fighters but they did not pass as spectacularly over the beach as the first I did mange to get a video of those.    

The Bike Ride 3/3 am/pm 

About to leave for a unknown destination I spied bike rentals pulling into the BP on Lagoon Rd not realizing Bicycle Billy's Bike Rentals How Appropriate! With Luna running along I had to stop almost immediately … at Rollers wine and spirits Coligny Plaza. How Convenient! Necessary cold beverages in basket I headed out again. Riding was great little path ways over marsh areas with warning sings DO   NOT FEED ALIGATORS What? I did not see any alligators. Stopping at Rose Compass Park I found refreshment in my basket. I also took time to appreciate the nearby trees. Continuing my ride I enjoyed the refreshment. On 278 I enjoyed the slow pace of the ride I was able to take everything in. Another stop at Reiley's Wines and Spirits. Now the basket is really full. I made it to the Palmetto Dunes which was a resort not a hilly sandy beach. Stopping at Woof Gang Bakery I got some treats for my four legged companions well as some great advice for where to go from the store owner. Crossing to the other side of 278 I headed back the way I had came stopping at some benches in front of a  mcdonalds for some more RnR. I made it back to Rose Park Before  retracing my steps to the roundabout. Now how to get around the around about. I crossed to road and made it now I was in the round about. Now I was trapped in the roundabout. I did not make eye contact with any drivers both out of shame and humor. I was stuck. Finally I made it to another less active section was able to cross to another island then finally over to the other side. Finally stopping at a abandoned drive thru lot with only the foundation remaining I snapped a few pictures of Luna and the setting sun.      

Skull Creek Boathouse 3/3 pm  

 Time for dinner. I seated my self and Luna at a table on the patio. Should have waited to be seated?  I got a local IPA which I did not care for. The seafood chowder was amazing my Tuna burger with pineapple was not. I wanted to try and make it to Jarvis Creek Park I had a vision of me shining my maglite onto the eyes of swimming alligators but alas the park was closed. Another night in my converted CRV camper now I was getting the hang of making it a shelter.    

Jarvis Creek Park 3/4 am   

Cormorants! I think. Back to the car to get my Peterson field guide and yes Cormorants! Walking along the pond I was reminded of a similar park layout in Indiana. I stopped to try and identify some birds Wood Storks and Great Blue Hearing when something caught my eye. AN ALIGATOR! Awesome! Swimming almost towards me it stopped before the bank and waited. Taking pictures with my flip phone and binoculars I watched in fascination as a Wood Stork walked towards the rest stop of the alligator. Would the alligator react as it neared I wondered however it did not have time because the stork scared another creature which I had previously not known was there. A long tailed weasel from what I saw started leaping and bounding then jumped into the water it swam a circle and came back to shore now right by the alligator. With lighting speed the alligator  snapped lashed its tail and disappeared under the water OH SHIT! But it had missed because feet away reappeared both parties neither looking worse for the wear. The weasel returned to land to have a awkward argument with the stork maybe it blamed him for its close call there was much leaping and twisting from the weasel and indignant wing flapping from the stork but they soon went there separate ways. Nature!   

  Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge 176 Miles total: 871 3/4pm   

I stopped at the first visitor information tried to call to get a permit to camp no chance Driving along I saw a Barred Owl. Pulling into Okefenokee adventures I found out I was 20 mins late for the sunset tour damn But I was able to make it to the wildlife drive. I hurried over a board walk trying to make it to the overlook tower but I did not have enough time the loop closed at seven and I could see no structure in the distance turning around I made it back to the parkway and stopped in a pull offinfront of a pond. In the dimming light I got to shine a alligator. I still had a few minutes to burn so from my roof I enjoyed to sounds and sights of the swamp.. and the smell of some trees.    

  Where Next? 3/4 pm 

Should I camp here I wanted to experience some nightlife meet some people Did I just say that looking on the map I decided to go to Tallahassee FL no Jacksonville yes Jacksonville    Jacksonville   No lets go to Daytona Beach   

 Daytona Beach 3/4 pm 3/5 am 156 Miles total: 1,027 

Bikes Bikes Bikes i came during Bike Week.  Lots of big guys on big hogs with loud sounds neon lights and well bikers everywhere. I enjoyed some of the night life then back on the road.    

The Longest Drive 3/5 am 543 miles total 1,570 

Am I crazy? Well yes but even this idea is nuts for me I am going to the make it to Tenn tonight. And I did. However it was well into the after noon before I made it   Do you know what a sign is?  Driving on short temper and no sleep I was inside the Nantahala National forest. But no sign to be seen no pull of no information I want to yell sleep then cry and then sleep again on my now teary pillow. Finally with some helpful advice of some local seniors from Duck Town Quack! I was on my way Ahh pull offs info and signs turns out you just had to be on    

Ocoee Whitewater Center 3/5 pm   

Finally I was able to rest along the rushing water I found a suitable spot with trees the right distance apart to hang my hammock.    Overlooks   There were many great overlooks I was able to enjoy over looking mountains lakes and valleys  

  Where to next Part 2 3/5pm 3/6 am 

Maryville not pigeon forge no gatlinburg headed that way I arrived at Townsend with more helpful advice from this time bearded locals I headed to the pull off for the Appalachian trail. Packing my pack getting ready I walked the path. NO DOGS ON TRAIL well the sign says the trail is <----- that way so ------> wont be on the trail I made my way up the hill light shining on a fence to a GRAVEYARD Jinkies Id like to say that fear of being discovered so close to the trail was a reason or the no dogs or permit required signs was the reason I didn't camp there I'd like to regardless I drove to a Best Western Parking lot for another night in my now decent camper. What this sign says free breakfast well I cant turn that down if you say so.    

The Smokies 3/6 am  135 miles  total: 1,705

Entering the park eyes darting from road to nature I made my way along the winding road. Stopping at a camp within the park I got all the info I could ever need from a ranger I placed a call on a pay phone since I had no signal trying to reach my parents it said couldn't accept credit card so I gave up. That would haunt me.   

  Cade's Cove 3/6 am 

Driving along with other visitors eager to see wildlife I drove on deer seen those going on I made it to the first recommended stop for a dog person since they are not allowed on trails but paved roads closed for the winter call this winter come to Ohio    

Rich Mountain Road 3/6 am/pm

 I walked my way to a great overlook the best all trip I continued up the road to a fallen log that had been cut and mover off the road I counted the rings 45yo back down I watched a red breasted nuthatch create a hole in the wood of a tree AH TREES    Parson Branch Road 3/6 pm   it started as a Rhododendron forest I hiked and the trees turned to oaks then pines I turned around as the road turned around the mountain side to unknown areas and sights. I returned to the loop and went down a straight road to do the loop over again im glad I did. For I saw a Piliated woodpecker among other animals    

The Coyote 3/6 pm  

 Why are you stopping on the parkway the sign clearly says be courteous pull over. Oh a coyote or is it a bushier tail than a coyote not enough for a fox gray with reddish back it walked along the fence of the road right by our group of cars indifferent to us finally people pulled over I was able to pull ahead where I thought the yot was headed. Sure enough he came my way passing not eve 25 yards away awesome then passing over the road he went off into the forest however the road followed this route to another clearing where I saw two deer burst from the tree line to graze on the grass with one of the two always watching the tree line I was watching In fascination they were watching for survival.    

The other coyote 3/6 pm  

 Pulling into a parking lot for a village and gift shop there was another coyote brazenly walking around. It seemed to be trying to cross but cars were preventing that I stopped near some good ole boys from Virginia and watched  out of the cars the yot did not seem to mind it walked paced and sat within 15 yards of us as if we were merely part of the lot. Was this the result of people feeding the animals?    Are you Alive? Are you In jail? 3/6 pm   Reaching civilization I called my sister to plan a visit on my return home. My parents had assumed the worst when they got a collect call and no word from me. Calling state parks sheriffs and police departments they searched for me I am grateful I had such support and sorry I put them through it but it had not even been twelve hours since the call in question I guess they had been waiting for this day for quite awhile 

  Mount Rogers National Recreational Area 3/6 pm 3/7 am 264 miles total 1,969 

  Recreational area that means I can camp for free right? Let me call someone Indy Will know and he will answer my call but he didn't neither of them a few minutes passed and he called me back. I asked the favor can you look up the national recreation area? Answer its closed My answer not for me    

Jefferson/ Washington National Forest 3/7 am 

I found the suitable pull off between the road and a stream more rhododendron and I setup camp   It was a nice site and in the morning even more beautiful    

Blue Ridge Parkway 3/7 am/pm 216 miles total 2,185 

This map shows a Scenic route along the Appalachian mountains ill take it not knowing it started almost exactly where I was I rode on 81 to Roanoke and entered there. What a road anyone who has a motorcycle of any variety should ride this road I stopped and got more great info from a park worker from west Virginia who had some travel plans of his own. I took a hike to Seneca Falls where I disturbed two love birds in a close embrace their dog met Luna and they were on their way. A idea came over me it had been awhile since I had been able to shower. I climbed over rock and boulder and found the perfect pool. Striping down to nothing I stepped into the mountain cooled water and forced myself to go under. So cold. I returned to the parkway for great pull offs and winding fun to drive roads. Opting out of the Shenandoah Natl Park which my west Virginia tour guide said was the same as the Blue Ridge Parkway only they charged 20 dollars.     

Morgan Town Brewing Company 3/7 pm 196 miles total 2,381

 I arrived around nine getting directions and cigs from a food stand on the street I headed towards the brewery. They had a special menu the chiefs put together each week listed were Frog legs in a Thai sauce this being the first real food since the tuna burger (beef jerky and trail mix keeps you going just not to the bathroom) I also got a burger. I cannot rave or praise the frog legs enough I might return before the week is done just for another taste the Ipa I had was also delicious.    

The Motel 3/7 pm/am  60 miles total  2,441 

Twenty minutes from Pittsburgh I stopped at the first and last motel of the trip. Jefferson hills Motel  Ah a shower a bed and my purchase from Reiley's. Returning the remote and room key I helped myself to the complimentary honey bun and coffee      

The Park 3/8 am 

Arriving early in Pitt I went to the nearest park Grandview Park which my gps had a fit finding a route to. Following my gps to closely I entered a park and drove on a road up the hill is it a road no roads dont have stairs on them this is the path so back down and towards the other cars parked where this old guy looks at me and wags his finger did he see that getting luna ready he stares at me. Finally leashed and ready to go we set off when he says you cant park there well now you tell me parked on the street I venture into the sloping path and find another two trees the right distance in a slight valley for the hammock. I enjoy being in nature but being able to watch the city and bridges and cars like ants 

  Lunch 3/8 pm   

Getting take out hot dogs which were great I got to visit with my sister. I always enjoy seeing her and this time was no different we talked about school our family and summer plans. Soon my eagerness to return home over took me and we said our goodbyes   

  The return 3/8 pm 

202 miles Total: 2,643 miles not including gas stops or when I was lost   After all the driving I had done pitt to athens seemed laughable and it was. The miles flew by and I soon found myself home I got a free avalanche pizza with my loyalty card and called it a night.  I loved this trip I am glad I went on it there are things I would do differently next time but only because I had a chance to do them wrong on this trip. The wildlife and views were amazing. The whole experience has wonderful and makes me hungry for more adventures. There are more adventures and tails to the trip then whats written here but these are the highlights