Assateague Island National Seashore and Wildlife Reserve

January 23rd, 2011

If one ever finds themselves anywhere near the DelMarVa peninsula (of Maryland’s or Virginia’s Eastern Shore, or Delaware), a trip to Assateague is a must! Take a ride down the Blue Crab Scenic Byway and cross the ‘other’ (and smaller) Verrazanno Bridge to Assateague Island. Here you will find wild horses and assorted wildlife, interesting wetlands, and vast beaches. As Assateague is part of the National Park system, fees are involved when entering the island but often there are weekends/periods when no fee is charged. Camping is available as is driving on the vast beach (for additional fees, I believe). The sand here is deep and loose, so you will likely need a four wheel drive vehicle to make it anywhere driving on this beach – or at least, at a minimum, a vehicle with significant ground clearance if you are accustomed to/accomplished at driving in loose sand. If it’s summertime and you are on Assateague and anywhere other than on the beach, I recommend having insect repellent with you, btw. Regardless, Assateague is a cool place unlike any other place you likely ever will visit. Where else can you get up close with wild horses that don’t mind humans gawking at them? But as the signs state: “Respect the space of the wild horses, because they won’t respect your space,” – meaning they will likely bite or kick anyone at anytime if they are so inclined; and: “Keep a distance of at least one bus length between you and the wild horses.” But to look at them, they seem very cute and tolerant of humans. But we all know looks can be deceiving.

Check it out, though! Assateague is a cool place! See: http://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm

Adam Trotter / AVT

State of Delaware Sea Shore

January 23rd, 2011

The State of Delaware’s sea shore – also on the DelMarVa peninsula - is a very nice place. Here you will find vast beaches with deep sand, occasional boardwalks, and assorted tourist attractions. This coastal area is somewhat less popular and typically less crowded than neighboring beach areas to the south and to the north. Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island are all nice places and somewhat low-key while also being, in general, family oriented. My latest trip to the Delaware Coast/Shore was during the winter so the water and air temperatures were too cold for body surfing or lounging and sunning on the beach. Nevertheless, the place makes for a really nice drive. No crowds, plenty of open space, and interesting World War II bunkers / towers to see as well. As one drives by one of the towers, they may notice the sign which says something to the extent of “Support WWII Veterans, Save the Tower. Visit: www.savethetower.org.”


Adam Trotter / AVT

Ocean City, Maryland, During the Winter

January 23rd, 2011

Ocean City (OC), Maryland – on the DelMarVa peninsula - is a fun place with lots of interesting things to do to pass the time. This place has a nice vast beach with deep sand, an impressive boardwalk, lots of nightlife, and alot of tourist attractions. OC is a place in which I spent much time during my younger years. In the summertime, however, this place can become quite popular and crowded, particularly on the weekends. So, such is one of several reasons why I have always enjoyed visiting OC during the wintertime. While the water and air temperatures are typically too cold for body surfing or lounging and sunning on the beach, OC is a great place to get-away during the winter. No crowds and plenty of space to wander.

From D.C. or Baltimore, merely drive across the Chesapeake Bay and follow the main road east till you can’t go any further.

Adam Trotter / AVT

From Where I was in New Jersey, The Recent Blizzard Snow Removal Efforts Looked Entirely Adequate and Acceptable – Contrary to News Reports.

January 3, 2011

As a result of the recent and somewhat massive snow blizzard which occurred on Christmas weekend, it has been widely reported that the public works departments of the State of New Jersey responded poorly with inadequate street plowing/snow removal efforts on NJ’s streets/roads/highways. Additionally, the governor continues to defend himself against assaults that blame him for not returning from his family holiday vacation to personally oversee the snow emergency efforts.

Contrary to all the blame that is being placed on New Jersey’s conservative and popular/reformist governor Chris Christie, from what I saw of the state highways and various city streets after the recent massive blizzard of about a week ago (or so), the snow removal efforts appeared entirely acceptable and adequate. Certainly, overall, New Jersey’s snow removal efforts looked better than the snow removal efforts in much of the populated urban and suburban areas in the neighboring states – from what I saw during recent roadtrips throughout the region over the last week.

I don’t believe Gov. Christie should have left his family and returned from his holiday family vacation in Florida, either. I mean…, what could he have done anyhow – expend political heat to make the snow melt faster? The NJ state roads looked fine to me and these adequate road conditions materialized within a reasonable timeframe - at least from my experiences on the many NJ highways that I traversed during and subsequent to the snowstorm.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Weather Systems From Nothing, The Land of Enchantment.

October 25th, 2010

In the magical region known as the four corners of the American Southwest, the label given to the state of New Mexico – The Land of Enchantment – appears as an understatement. In addition to the many mystical national parks in this region where the four states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado meet, it would appear that weather systems form from nearly nothing at all.

Maybe someday I will be afforded the opportunity to study the weather phenomena concerning the formation of weather systems in this region.

Adam Trotter / AVT


See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Corners

http://www.eosnap.com/image-of-the-day/mountains-of-the-four-corner-region-usa/

Musicians’ Vehicle Intentionally Blocks Hollywood Freeway, Band Starts Jamming for the Trapped Motorists

http://adamvtrotter.blogspot.com/2010/10/band-vehicle-blocks-hollywood-freeway.html

Work Television-Show Productions: Downtown Los Angeles, California.

October 9th, 2010

This coming December, look for me on a new episode of the television show “CSI: New York.” Wherein, I get to play another iconic figure in American society: the holiday shopper. :) Look for me in the storefront holiday/Christmas window unveiling and pickpocket scene. This was an enjoyable production effort in which I enjoyed participating.

I had the opportunity to say hello to Mr. Gary Sinise, the star of the show. One might also remember him from his memorable role as “Lieutenant Dan” in the movie “Forest Gump.” He seemed to be a nice and likeable person.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Enjoy the Sunset: Redondo Beach, California

When you’re able to enjoy the dance…
Trust Redondo Beach to bolster your stance.

For nowhere does the sun set better…
While in this town you’re safe and unfettered.




Adam Trotter / AVT (October 9th, 2010)


See also:  The Dolphin-Front Apartment, http://adamvernontrotter.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-dolphin-front-apartment-draft-copy.html

Whale Watch: Rancho Palos Verdes

September 25th, 2010


Should the krill be passing through,
Trust R.P.V. for a blue whale view.

You will see them surface and blow,
From land know this is tough to photo.



Adam Trotter / AVT




http://www.palosverdes.com/rpv/

The Back Road from Rancho Mirage.

High above the desert floor on this road you will glide.
High above the desert floor it’s a spectacular ride.
High above the desert floor one can see forevermore.
By this road find the glory where you locate the door.

But…, a hundred and twenty degree “F” is pretty darn hot.
And this place seems unforgiving for your head to pop.

So if you climb this road in the dead heat of summer,
Best ensure your cooling systems nots’to be a bummer.



Adam Trotter / AVT (Early September, 2010)
(Poem was inspired while traversing Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Nat. Monument and San Bernadino Nat. Forest. See: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/palmsprings/santarosa.html)

(Also: http://poetrybyadamvernontrotter.blogspot.com/2010/09/back-road-from-rancho-mirage.html)

Automotive Transmission Problems? Call Hiro’s Transmissions of Gardena, CA.

August 31st, 2010

When it comes to repairing automobile transmissions, Hiro’s Transmissions of Gardena, California would seem to be true heroes. (www.hirostransmissions.com) The honesty of the staff at Hiro’s Transmissions has personally saved me thousands of dollars over the years in transmission-related repair costs. By preventing on-coming vehicle malfunctions and any possible and subsequent calamities such malfunctions could cause, the knowledge of the staff at Hiro’s Transmissions has likely saved my live.

The only thing I can think to add to this blog matter is to say that when it comes to transmission repair, I can always trust the forthright nature of Hiro’s Transmissions of Gardena and I hope to never have to take my vehicle anywhere else for transmission repairs. Not to say that this matter is mutually exclusive nor to say that one would not be able to find another honest and high-quality transmission repair shop elsewhere; just to say that having found Hiro’s Transmission, I hope that I never have to take my vehicle anywhere else for transmission repair. :)

Adam Trotter / AVT

Chill-Out in Sedona, Arizona

August 7th, 2010

Arizona is full of interesting places, desert attractions, and rock formations that always make coming here worth the effort. One of these interesting spots is Sedona. With plenty of shopping, restaurants, hotels, and mystical scenery, Sedona is a nice place to stay and chill-out for a while. Also, within a relatively short drive from Sedona, one can seen many other interesting places and sights.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Picnic: Lincoln Trails State Park, Marshall, Illinois.

August 6th, 2010

When one is road-tripping and on the leg of their journey between the Cross-Roads of Indianapolis (Indiana) and the Gateway to the West of Saint Louis (Missouri), near the Illinois – Indiana state line they may find the quaint farm town of Marshall, Illinois. Just to the south of this town, nestled amongst the corn and soy bean fields is the Illinois state park called Lincoln Trails State Park. This is a pretty cool spot to get out of your car for a while and have a picnic. If you time your visit correctly, you may even be able to enjoy one of Marshall’s All-American celebrations as well. Watch out for the many farm tractors going up and down the road, though. :)

Adam Trotter / AVT

Sight See: Palisades Parkway NJ & NY

August 3rd, 2010

If you’re looking for a route to avoid traffic in the New York City area without going far out of your way or you are looking for another approach to the George Washington Bridge to get into the city, the Palisades Parkway is a nice and relaxing stretch of road with some cool sightseeing spots.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Sight see: Columbia, MD

August 3rd, 2010

Now-a-days, open spaces, tot-lot play areas, neighborhood public pools, and bike paths may not seem all that uncommon. However, circa 1970, when James Rouse started building the city of Columbia Maryland, these things were quite uncommon in residential areas. And, while the style of these houses may no longer seem uncommon either, the modern era house was relatively uncommon back in those days too. As a testament to the modern vision of Rouse, originally the town of Columbia was reportedly slated to have a monorail transportation system. As another testament to his vision, the common-place imitation of the Columbia style of development is now widespread throughout the nation. This is the town where I grew-up, for the most part.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Tube Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.

July 23rd, 2010

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire is a fun place to vacation. Lots of water and water associated activities and also a nice place to get away. The local folks are friendly and plenty of interesting scenery and things to do as well.

As for tubing, try to get outside the wake of the boat and you can really pick up some speed.

AVT / Adam Trotter

Kudos to New Jersey – Actually Rebuilding a Long Stretch of Highway, Interstate 295.

June 25th, 2010

For the first time that I can remember since I was a child, I have actually seen a long stretch of highway being rebuilt / built. When I was a child, I remember seeing the older generations building interstates from the road bed up. Since that time, I have never seen any real highway construction in the United States that included actually building a road. However, leave it to the State of New Jersey to surprise me. Because, approximately twenty miles of the northern portion of Interstate 295 is totally torn-up and it appears a new road bed is being laid.

The only times that I can remember seeing any road beds being set in modern times would merely include very short replacement segments on the I-10 freeway near Palm Springs and maybe some very short segments of the I-405 freeway on the west side of Los Angeles, some (one) bridge surfaces on Belt Parkway (though, of late, maybe more now), some stretches of roadway in Mississippi, a major overpass near Riverside, and possibly some sections of the Staten Island expressway.

Its funny, because WPIX and Fox Channel 5 in New York just last week were airing reports that stated how most residents in New Jersey were becoming more and more disgusted with the roadway conditions in the state. Yet, only in New Jersey can one definitely see any significant amount of roadway actually being rebuilt from the roadbed up. I have not seen any long stretches of roadway being built anywhere else in the United States.

Due to the rebuilding of roads being such a rare occurrence, I had recently come to the assumption that the building road industries had also been shipped overseas to places like China and India. So I was quite pleased to see this section of I-295 being rebuilt – as it desperately needs it.

So, kudos to the State of New Jersey and whatever Federal entities might have been involved in this seemingly nouveau idea of actually rebuilding a road. Lets hope this sets a trend.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Taconic Parkway, New York State.

Blog to be filled in later. Just posting the photo.

Body Surf Atlantic City….

June 22nd, 2010


To get here, wait until the wave starts to pick you up as you swim with the wave – try and stay out in front of the wave, btw. When it picks you up, go to the right or to the left down the line of the wave – try to get up into any tube if present, depending on wave shape or if possible depending on your ability. When your ride appears to be over, use your momentum to exit out and back under the wave – if you can. Typically, don’t go straight away over the falls and look out for the face-plants, they can be a real day / neck breaker.

Seriously though….

Atlantic City, New Jersey (AC) is one of my favorite beaches on the east coast. For starters, it is easy to get to and there are no fees for entering the beach. There is plenty of parking, plenty of room on the beach, and plenty of well-air conditioned and nice establishments to duck into every now-and-then. What’s more, there is no required and mandated swimming area, like some of the more ‘lame’ beach areas. [Lame is, in my opinion, when the lifeguards are telling swimmers exactly where they have to swim and/or do not allow swimmers to swim out as far as the break – the lifeguards are generally this way because there are typically so many poor swimmers that may not understand the power of the wave / surf – but like I said, the lifeguards aren’t quite so ‘dorky’ in AC.]

On this particular day, while the water was warm (approx. 68 degrees F) and the sun was hot with the occasional passing cloud, the surf was unfortunately somewhat flat. Consequently, there were no excessive side currents or rip tides either; so the conditions were great for the children and the less-than-proficient swimmers among us.

Nevertheless, I managed to catch a few good rights and a few good lefts. As I said, the shape was poor but it was somewhat of a shore break with the occasional nice shore bounder. Though, on the east coast, I don’t think most are accustomed to seeing swimmers [such as I] wearing fins, a rash guard, and webbed-gloves – like I enjoy wearing; but hey, its kinda’ what I’m used to. :)

Adam Trotter / AVT


PS. To give credit where credit is due, however, it is my west coast friend that taught me how to actually body surf. Thanks, Saint Mike. :)

Pine Barrens / Pinelands National Reserve of Southern New Jersey

June 8th, 2010

One of my favorite rides is driving through the Pine Barrens / Pinelands of Southern New Jersey. The contrast with the suburban centers of New Jersey is quite stark compared to these hundreds [or thousands] of square miles that maintain only a minimal number of inhabitants [the Reserve covers ‘more than one million acres’].

This is the reported home – and birthplace - of the New Jersey Devil. It is said that long about 1680, in a village alongside one of these roads through the Pines, local folks took it upon themselves to burn a witch at the stake – I’m sure after some amount of due process of law and the witch’s day in court, of course. But as legend has it, the villagers must have been correct. Because, during the roasting the witch turned into a demon and flew away into the Pinelands forest.

The legend continues, in that if anyone ever meets or crosses paths with the ‘Jersey Devil,’ the unlucky individual never lives to speak of the encounter. I can’t verify this, however, as I have never seen the creature. :)

Nevertheless, as one drives through the Pinelands, take notice of the thickness of the pine forests that line the road. One can see that back in the seventeenth century, most likely many an explorer/trapper was forever lost in these woods - for whatever the reason. I surmise that as these explorers disappeared, their loss was attributed to the Jersey Devil. Also worth noting, there have even been reports of Big Foot type sightings in these woods as well.

So, driving from Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, or Atlantic City, head to towns with names like Chatsworth, Batsto, and New Gretna and try to detour on one of the sand dirt roads. Stop somewhere and get out for a walk to really experience the scenery. From that point, try to make it on to Long Beach Island, that’s another cool place for a afternoon’s ride and beach excursions.

But, whatever you do, don’t blame me if you encounter the Jersey Devil. After all, I did warn you. :)

Adam Trotter / AVT


See: http://www.nps.gov/pine/index.htm