North Texas

August 25th, 2011


North Texas has always struck me as an interesting place. As I have stated in previous blog entries, I thoroughly enjoy my drives in Texas and North Texas proves no different in this regard. For some additional enjoyment, get off the interstate and take a look around at the inviting countryside, take a ride on Old Route 66, and maybe even drive along a North Texas farm road. The region seems as though it would be a place I would enjoy spending more time. The people in the Amarillo/North Texas area present themselves as friendly and forthright. I think one would be lucky to live, grow up, and/or spend time with the good people of the North Texas region.

Adam Trotter / AVT

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

August, 2011


On the list of the many great coastal beach locations and vacation destinations in the United States, the Outer Banks of North Carolina is surely near the top of the list. The Outer Banks barrier islands offer many great beaches and scenic viewpoints in a laid-back, family-oriented and friendly style. The Outer Banks also make for a very cool ride/drive as they stretch for a couple hours of driving from north to south - there are even off-road spots to drive if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle

Foremost, the Outer Banks (OBX) are known for the nice and clean beaches, hot sun, and warm waters that typically last well into the fall. Another really cool OBX destination is the dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park. However, when in the Outer Banks, be sure to visit the wildlife regions of the Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore and the really cool wildlife refuges on Pea Island. When here in OBX, among many other things, one can also visit the memorial in Kitty Hawk to the first flight of the Wright Brothers (who were from Ohio but made their first successful flight in Kitty Hawk), tour the OBX lighthouses, or take a short ride over to Roanoke Island to visit the famous location of the lost English colony. Wherever one may travel on the Outer Banks, they will surely enjoy themselves.

Adam Trotter / AVT


See:
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
http://www.outerbanks.org/


Cape Hatteras National Sea Shore
http://www.nps.gov/caha/index.htm


Jockey's Ridge State Park
http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/


Are Ghosts of Lost Civilizations Calling to Me?
http://avt777.blogspot.com/2010/08/are-ghosts-of-lost-civilizations.html

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

August, 2011


If one finds themselves in the Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach/Norfolk area or the eastern shore of Virginia, be sure to travel one of the most fun and interesting rides in the eastern portion of the United States: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The bridge-tunnel is a twenty-three (23) mile long combination of bridges, tunnels, causeways, and man-made islands. While claiming absolutely no tax dollars for support of its construction, the bridge-tunnel was also considered an engineering marvel for its time (mid-1960’s). A second span was completed in the late 1990’s. Anyway, it’s a pretty cool ride and can save considerable grief, time, and gas money when traveling from many of the northeastern states to the Hampton Roads area and beyond. As the bridge is located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, it offers many scenic and relaxing views of landscapes, waterscapes, and waterfowl as well. While the ride involves a toll, it is worth taking, in my opinion. As they say, “Follow the gulls to the east coast scenic shortcut."

Adam Trotter / AVT


See:
chesapeake bay bridge-tunnel
http://www.cbbt.com/index.html