Category Archives: scenic drives

Travel Daydreams: The Trip List, Part 2

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Checking Off More Adventures

As I dig deeper into the 40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies list, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how many of these adventures I’ve already experienced — or at least tucked onto my ever‑growing bucket list. It’s turning into a fun little audit of my own wanderlust.

#12: Cruising the California Coast

The list’s twelfth recommendation is a drive down the California Coast, essentially the Coast Starlight railroad trip but on four wheels instead of rails. Whether by train or car, I already know it’s spectacular. The Pacific Coast Highway — Highway 1 — winds roughly 400 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, connecting two iconic cities with jaw‑dropping scenery in between. Big Sur’s cliffs, the endless ocean views, and even the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon make this route a showstopper.

2 Nuns

#13: Sedona’s Red Rock Magic

Next up is Sedona, Arizona — a place I’ve visited a couple of times and would happily return to again. The red rocks, the crisp desert air, the perfect weather… it’s a photographer’s dream. I’m not much for spa days or massages, but if that’s your thing, Sedona has you covered.

#17: The Florida Keys

Ah, the Keys. I am so not done with them. I’ve explored the upper end (Key Largo) and the lower end (Key West), but the middle stretch is still waiting for me. One day I’ll finally drive the Overseas Highway — ideally in a sporty red convertible with the top down.

#20: An Alaskan Cruise

Been there, done that, and would absolutely do it again. An Alaskan cruise is the best way to see glaciers and cover a lot of ground in just a few days. Excursions to places like Skagway and Ketchikan offer glimpses into Native Alaskan culture, wildlife encounters, dance demonstrations, and towering totem poles. And if you want even more adventure, the White Pass and Yukon Railway is right there waiting.

#21: Disneyland (But I’m a Disney World Girl)

The list suggests Disneyland, but once you’ve been to Disney World in Florida, the California park feels like its smaller cousin. I’ve visited both — Disneyland once, Disney World more times than I can count. It helps when your best friend works there and hands you free passes and discounts.

Kali River Rapids

#23: Solo in Seattle

Seattle 2013 photo credit Deb Neumann

Seattle shows up as a recommended solo trip, and I suppose that’s exactly what mine was. I spent a week there for work orientation, which left plenty of time to explore. I photographed Mount Rainier from the Space Needle, wandered Chihuly Garden and Glass, and watched the famous fish‑throwers at Pike Place Market.

#25: Horseback Riding (and a Bonus Helicopter Ride)

Halfway through the list, and I’m still checking boxes. #25 is horseback riding — something I did on one of my Sedona trips. That same visit also gave me my first helicopter ride, though the list writers seem to have overlooked that thrill.

Pausing the Journey (For Now)

I’ll stop here for today, but I’m genuinely amazed at how many of these trips I’ve already experienced. This list is turning into a delightful walk down memory lane, and I’m looking forward to picking it back up again soon.

 

Bridges We Love to Fear

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Bridges That Make Your Heart Skip a Beat

I was casting about for something to write today. The National Day Calendar didn’t offer much inspiration—Candy Day was the biggie, but with Halloween just behind us and Valentine’s Day looming in February, it felt a bit… stale.

Then I stumbled across an article about dangerous bridges. Now that got my adrenaline pumping.

Sedona 2009

Adrenaline Junkie at Heart

I’ve been called an adrenaline junkie more times than I can count. Helicopter rides? Yes, please. Scuba diving? Absolutely. Watching volcanoes erupt? Been there.  And don’t forget White Water Rafting. Before arthritis slowed me down, I logged some serious hiking miles. Cage diving with sharks was on my list too, but the price tag kept that dream at bay. An African safari still sits on my bucket list.

But bridges? Are they really as terrifying as people say?

Let’s take a look.

Scariest Bridge I’ve Ever Crossed

🧗‍♀️ Yukon Suspension Bridge – Yukon, Canada

  • Spans the Tutshi River
  • Approximately 1,200 feet long
  • Sways as you cross (that was the scariest part for me!)
  • You can feel every footstep—yours and everyone else’s
Yukon Suspension Bridge

Yukon Suspension Bridge 2013 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Once I got the hang of it, the fear faded. Like anything new, it’s intimidating at first—but then it becomes exhilarating.

American Bridges That Dare You to Cross

There are countless intimidating bridges around the world, but today I’m sticking to the U.S. We’ll save the international spine-tinglers for another post.

🌴 Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

I’ve always dreamed of driving this one in a convertible, wind in my hair. It’s part of a series of bridges connecting the islands from Knights Key to Little Duck Key. A spectacular drive—unless you get caught in a hurricane.

7 mile bridge, Fla

 

🌲 Deception Pass Bridge – Washington

Connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island, this bridge towers 180 feet above the water. Before it was built, the only way across was by boat or ferry. If you’ve got a fear of heights, don’t look down.

Deception Pass Bridge, WA

🧗 Royal Gorge Bridge – Colorado (not Arkansas)

Correction time! The Royal Gorge Bridge is actually in Colorado, not Arkansas. It stands 955 feet high and once held the title of the world’s highest bridge—until China built the Liuguanghe Bridge. Bungie jumping off this one? Only in your wildest dreams.

Royal Gorge Bridge

🌞 Sunshine Skyway Bridge – St. Petersburg, Florida

Stretching 22,000 feet over Tampa Bay, this bridge arcs between St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. It has a tragic past: in 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, collapsing a span. It’s also known for attracting those in despair, a sobering reminder of its emotional weight.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, FLA

🌊 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – Louisiana

Driving this feels like skimming across water. At 23 miles long and only 16 feet above the surface, it connects New Orleans to the North Shore. Stormy weather? Buckle up and say a prayer.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

🌬️ Mackinac Bridge – Michigan

A true giant at 26,000 feet, this bridge replaced ferries between Michigan’s peninsulas in the 1950s. During high winds, cars have been known to drift—so drivers, beware.

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Lava Lake Glow

Kilauea 2018 photo credit Deb Neumann

Bridges may not breathe fire or roar like volcanoes, but they challenge us in quieter, more suspenseful ways. Whether it’s the sway beneath your feet or the dizzying height above the water, they dare us to cross—and reward us with breathtaking views and unforgettable stories.

 

Have you crossed a bridge that made your heart race? I’d love to hear about it.

 

It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann

 

 

Natural Wonders of Massachusetts

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🌲Closer Than You Think: 6 Natural Wonders Worth Exploring in Massachusetts

Here I am, living in Massachusetts, yet always chasing natural beauty elsewhere—Utah’s red rocks, Costa Rica’s coastlines, the wide-open West. But maybe it’s time to look a little closer to home. I recently stumbled across a list of the six best natural wonders in Massachusetts and couldn’t help but ask myself: how many have I actually seen?

Turns out, not as many as I’d hoped. But that’s about to change.

🏔️ Mount Greylock

The highest peak in Massachusetts towers over the Hoosic Valley, and on a clear day, you can see five states from its summit—Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The best time to visit? Late spring through early fall, when the hiking trails are alive with color and the foliage is at its fiery best. Heads up, leaf peepers—Mount Greylock deserves a spot on your seasonal bucket list.

Stock photo

💦 Bash Bish Falls

Now this one I have visited—back in 2017. (You can find my post and a short video [here].) I always want to call it “Bish Bash Falls,” and I’m not sure why. There are two entrances, but I opted for the easy route from the New York side—a well-traveled dirt road that spares you the steep, rocky descent from the Massachusetts side. After a gentle walk, I was rewarded with the sight and sound of the falls. Worth every step.

Bash Bish Falls – photo credit Deb Neumann

🌳 Mohawk Trail State Forest

This one had me scratching my head. I’ve driven the Mohawk Trail many times en route to New York—it’s a scenic alternative to the highway, winding through Routes 2 and 2A. But I’d never heard of the Mohawk Trail State Forest. Turns out, it’s a 7,700-acre preserve spanning Charlemont, Hawley, and Savoy, established in 1921 to protect the area’s natural and historic beauty. If you follow the trail all the way to New York, brace yourself for some dramatic switchbacks near the state line. It’s a drive worth savoring.

Sharp Curve ahead- photo credit Deb Neumann

⛷️ Mount Wachusett

The tallest summit east of the Connecticut River, Mount Wachusett is a winter haven for skiers. I always say I’ll go photograph the slopes—but let’s be honest, I hate the cold. Maybe this year I’ll finally bundle up and make the trip. Or maybe I’ll wait for spring and hike instead.

🪨 Natural Bridge State Park

Located in North Adams, this park protects the only naturally formed white marble arch in North America. I think I’ve been here—though I may have just wandered the gorge. I remember massive holes carved into the rock by swirling whirlpools. If that’s the spot, it’s worth a second visit to confirm. Either way, it’s a geological gem.

Photo of dam

Photo Credit Viraj Naik

🌊 Halibut Point State Park

This one’s pure New England coastal charm. Located in Rockport, the park blends granite quarry history with salt air and sea breezes. You can even explore a former World War II fire control tower. It’s close to Crane Beach, one of my favorite summer destinations when I first moved to Massachusetts. The nostalgia alone makes it worth revisiting.

Photo of granite quarry

photo credit Kristy Samuels

🌿 Wrapping Up

Massachusetts may be known for its urban heartbeat—hello, Boston—but its natural soul runs deep. From mountain peaks to marble arches, scenic drives to seaside cliffs, there’s a wild beauty here that’s easy to overlook. But not anymore.

If you’re craving nature, you don’t have to travel far. Sometimes the wonder is right in your backyard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Wonders of the USA part 9

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More Natural Wonders

Whew! You don’t realize how long a list of 50 places is until you start discussing each one! So far we’ve covered 31 Natural Wonders in 31 states. Those have been amazing. I can’t believe how many I didn’t know about. So lets get back to the list and see what’s still out there. 19 states left. Have we covered your state yet? 

32. Oklahoma- Turner Falls

I haven’t made it to Oklahoma in my travels yet.  I admit that I am afraid I’ll bust out on song when that trip comes- 

OOOOk-lahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain,
And the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet, When the wind comes right behind the rain.
The wonder for Oklahoma is Turner Falls, It’s the tallest waterfall in the state at 77 feet and there are 2 pools where you can swim. Accommodations in the area include camping, RV camping or you can rent a cabin!

Photo credit- Internet

33. Oregon- Crater Lake

I haven’t made it to Oregon yet either. I will admit that Crater Lake fascinates me but the wonder I have always want to photograph is not the lake, but Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is in the Columbia River Gorge and is 620 ft!. My understanding is that it is visible from the road so easy to see. In addition to the falls the Columbia River gorge is an awesome place to see wild bald eagles as they migrate through every year. 

Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls, cascades down sheer cliffs, through bright green plants, passing under a footbridge ending in a dark blue pool.

Photo credit- Internet

Crater Lake is more challenging if you chose to hike to it.  It’s beautiful with many Native American Legends attached to it. Some even say Bigfoot lives near it. Crater Lake is in the caldera of a collapsed volcano. The lake is known for its deep blue color and clarity. The lake is massive with a surface area of 20.6 square miles and 2,148 feet deep.  You can view the lake by car by driving the 33 mile Rim Drive that circles the lake. 

Photo credit- Internet

34. Kentucky- Mammoth Cave

Here we go with another cave. I’ve already shared my feelings about exploring caves but I have to mention that having survived Wind Cave in South Dakota I’d probably explore Mammoth Cave too. The thing about Mammoth Cave is that it’s the longest cave system in the known world featuring 400 miles of passageways. I wouldn’t want to get lost in there! The national park service provides tours of the cave that range from one hour in length to six hours.

Photo credit- internet

That’s all for today

These are amazing places and I can’t wait to go  but I hope I get to some more that I’ve already visited. I like to compare notes! I’ll be back with more next time.