Crisp air, vivid blue sky, brief storms, dark evenings and bright mornings. This is the time of year when I want to get on the road. Maybe it’s my Laplander blood and I should be herding my reindeer farther north.
Since I’m lacking in reindeer, road trips are a good substitute. All you need is a car filled with necessities, a traveling companion, snacks, good music and a map. Take one of these plans and customize as needed. Give yourself time to take a scenic byway or get a little lost.
Ready for snow. If your passport is in order, head to Canada. Just north of Revelstoke, British Columbia, is Glacier National Park, one of the snowiest areas in Canada. Compared to our Glacier Park, the one in Canada has about five times more glaciers.
Desert bound. If you’ve never seen the wild, barren rocks of southern Utah, it’s about time. October daytime temperatures average in the 70s, and there’s usually no lack of sun. Moab is a hot spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing and scenic drives, and there are a handful of rugged and unique national parks across the southern half of the state.
Close to home. Did you know there are a dozen hot springs in western and southwest Montana? Check out “Touring Hot Springs Montana and Wyoming” by Jeff Birkby, and soon you’ll be soaking away your troubles. The closest are in Hot Springs, Paradise and Lolo.
If you see any reindeer along the way, let me know. I need a good excuse to hit the road.
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