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

Southern New Jersey to Boston. I-295, New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, New York Thruway (I-87) to Newburgh. I-84, Mass. Pike, I-95 / 128

May 27th, 2010

This can be a really nice ride during nice weather. It can be not so fun if you encounter a lot of traffic, however. There is a lot of nice scenery when taking this route as opposed to the possibly quicker routes of I-95 through NYC or taking the Tappan Zee Bridge. As it happened when I recently made this drive, it was commuter rush hour. As I had originally intended to cross the Hudson at Newburgh, NY during this drive anyhow, it was even a better idea as there was a major traffic accident on the approach to the Tappan Zee Bridge that essentially had the roadway closed. Also, as a general rule, if you are not planning to go into the city, avoid driving anywhere close to New York City during rush hour. Because, as with much of the rest of the nation, the roadways in this region are severely under-designed and have no chance of supporting the amount of traffic to which these roads are subjected. However, along this driven route on this day, for the most part, the roads were in satisfactory or better condition – with some notable exceptions with some of these problems being addressed by construction. But, in light of these potential problems, if you have the time to take this ride, it can be a nice one. There are a lot of interesting sites along the way, several mountain ranges and varying terrain, generally friendly people, and mostly nice scenery along the entire route as well.

Adam Trotter / AVT


PS. However, I can not really post this blog in good faith without demanding that another bridge or tunnel be built to cross the Hudson River. See the following:
http://engineeringandcommerce.blogspot.com/2010/05/build-another-crossing-of-hudson-river.html

New Jersey to Long Island, I - 295, NJ Turnpike, NJ - 440, Outer Bridge Crossing, NY - 440, Staten Island Expressway, Belt Parkway, Southern State

April 22nd, 2010

Interesting, fun, memorable items worth noting: Parts of this ride are quite enjoyable. For example, the northern portion of I - 295 in New Jersey is interesting scenery (especially during fall foliage). New Jersey Turnpike is always interesting, but of course way under designed (see: http://theultimateroadtripamericac2c.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-jersey-and-new-jersey-turnpike.html ). 440 on both sides of the state line is cool because its leading you towards Gotham and Long Island, but it is in horrible condition, even in light of typical roads conditions these days. Outerbridge Crossing is cool for a view, but nearly nightmare-ish through the narrow portion (but still better than the Goethals Bridge). Verrazanno Narrows Bridge is impressive and onto the Belt Parkway one goes. Of course, the Belt Parkway, like most of the greater NYC roadways is also horribly under-designed. Southern State is a nice ride if traffic is not too fierce. And, when traffic is extremely bad during any portion of this journey, one can always people watch or look to say hello to others in the traffic jam with you - there typically will be many others .

Overall roadway conditions grade for this journey: 'D+'


I mean..., what's with our governments? They want no one to drive onto any of the islands in New York? Why not build a new bridge or tunnel or two? Why must we be dependent on these access routes that are nearly 60+ years old? Do the governments of our land not care? Apparently not, unfortunately.

Adam Trotter / AVT

New Jersey, I-295

April 12th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: I-295 is a relaxing and free alternative to the southern portion of the New Jersey Turnpike. This road provides a good feel for the topography of South Jersey as well. I would suggest always taking I-295 for as long as possible to avoid the high tolls of the Turnpike.

Overall, I would give the road a grade of ‘B-’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Delaware, I-95, I-295

April 12th, 2010


Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: I-95 through Delaware is an interesting stretch of roadway. However, to really see the interesting parts of Delaware, one needs to get of I-95 and head down a side road. For example, New Castle is an interesting city to visit. However, the Delaware Memorial Bridge is an impressive engineering structure.

Overall, I would give the roads a grade of ‘B’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Maryland, US-340, I-70, I-695, I-95

April 12th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Along this route in Maryland, one will encounter many interesting places should one have the time to enjoy them. From the Appalachian Trail and Blair Witch Project regions to the top of the Chesapeake Bay, this is also a nice ride. The ride is even better if one does not encounter any traffic jams through the region.

Overall, I would give the roads a grade of ‘B’

Adam Trotter / AVT

West Virginia, US-340

April 12th, 2010


Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: This is another ride that brings memories of my early years. This road through the eastern panhandle of West Virginia runs from Winchester, Virginia to Frederick, Maryland. There are some fantastic sites along this road as well; not the least of interest being the Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park. If you have the time, take a detour and ride alongside the Shenandoah River on one of West Virginia’s country roads.

Overall, I would give the roads a grade of ‘B’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Virginia, I-81, Va-7, US-340

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: As one of the states of my early childhood, I always enjoy rides through Virginia. Such rides often stir memories of my early years. Regardless, I-81 though Virginia allows for impressive mountain views and also provides a means to relieve one’s stress. Go out and see the Skyline Drive for yourself if you don’t believe me.

The overall road conditions: ‘B’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Why are the Pine Trees Dying?

April 11th, 2010


If one takes a ride nearly anywhere in our nation, they may notice the large numbers of pine trees apparently dying alongside the roadways. Someone in Colorado once told me why this is happening, but I can’t remember. Does anyone out there know why all the pines are dying along the interstates?

Adam Trotter / AVT



Afterword: August 2nd, 2011
I have since been in contact with several state agencies concerning what is happening to the trees alongside the roadways of our nation. I have been given several possibilities as to why the trees are undergoing such distress - parasites, roadway salts, harsh winters, drought, etc. I will return to update this as soon as some type of general consensus can be relayed.


Sept. 29, 2011
I believe I have zeroed in on the reason for all the pines (and other assorted) trees dying throughout our nation. I don't think many will be happy with what I have deduced! Please stay tuned until I have time to revisit this matter soon with an updated blog entry. Thanks.


March 31st, 2013
Some time ago, I posted a follow-on blog to this entry.  See:

Burning Ethanol Fuels Killing Trees? (Draft Copy)

http://adamvernontrotter.blogspot.com/2012/08/burning-ethanol-fuels-killing-trees.html

Tennessee, I-59, I-75, I-24, I-81

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Tennessee is always an impressive place with interesting scenery. I especially enjoy the ride through eastern Tennessee with the mountain scenery. I always seem to enjoy my time spent in Tennessee.

The overall road conditions: ‘B’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Georgia, I-59

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Nice scenery. Nice ride. This must be a good year for the red bud trees. This part of northern Georgia looks like an interesting place for exploring.

The overall road conditions: ‘A’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Alabama, I-59, I-459

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Nice roads. Nice trees. Nice ride. Alabama appears as though it would be an interesting place to spend some time. This must be a good year for the red bud trees.

The overall road conditions: ‘A’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Mississippi, I-59

Mississippi, I-59

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Mississippi is another nice ride through the southern portion of our nation. The red bud trees and scenery can really make for an enjoyable trip. Mississippi strikes me as a nice place. The commonality of Mississippi township / city names in light of many other towns of the original thirteen colonies alludes to the similarity of the heritage of this region with that of the nation – in my opinion.

The overall road conditions: ‘A.’ Wherever there were any road condition problems, they were being addressed with construction. It would seem more states could follow Mississippi’s lead in this regard.

Adam Trotter / AVT

Louisiana, I-10, I-12, I-59

April 11th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: The ride through Louisiana was sort of a fantastic voyage. Lots of interesting scenery and mostly nice roads to make this an enjoyable ride. There seemed to be a lot of good radio for listening as well.

The overall road conditions: ‘B+’

Adam Trotter / AVT

Texas: The I-10 Freeway

April 6th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: When driving from El Paso to the eastern border of Texas on the Interstate 10 Freeway, this is one of the longest drives in the U.S while remaining in a single state and while continuing in the same direction (approx 900 miles). This ride is full of some interesting and unique sites. I always enjoy watching the topography change from the western desert type of topography to the more humid Gulf of Mexico greenery. I always have immensely enjoyed my time in Texas.

Not so fun: Driving in through the hills to the east of San Antonio in the dark and with a light rain while driving on somewhat knobby tires. Also, don’t necessarily think you can delay buying gasoline until the next exit, you might regret such a decision.

Overall Road Quality Grade: ‘C+’

New Mexico: The I-10 Freeway, Dust Storms

April 6th, 2010

Interesting, fun, and memorable items worth noting: Being in a dust storm with excessively high winds and zero-visibility dust clouds was a new, interesting, and unique experience for me. I couldn’t help but to think, maybe a big vacuum or air filter would help to increase visibility (on this day) through this state that is typically fun to visit. I had never heard of roads being closed due to dust prior to this drive. The big and fast moving tumbleweeds were pretty cool too.


Not so fun: Driving in a dust storm with excessively high winds and zero-visibility dust clouds – particularly so when the driver is already tired. Especially not fun when having to get out of the vehicle to pump gas and being pelted with blowing sand.


Overall Road Quality Grade: ‘C+’