ROAD TRIPS

Road trips, a quintessential American pastime, offer a chance to explore new places and enjoy the journey itself. From scenic drives to cross-country adventures, there's a road trip for every taste and interest. Whether you're seeking natural beauty, quirky roadside attractions, or a deep dive into specific regions, a road trip can be a memorable experience. Popular Road Trip Ideas:

• Route 66: A classic, nostalgic route from Chicago to Santa Monica, steeped in Americana. Pacific Coast Highway (California): Breathtaking coastal views and charming towns along the California coast. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina): Mountain scenery, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks on this iconic parkway. Utah's Mighty 5: Explore five stunning national parks (Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion). Florida Keys Overseas Highway: Island hopping and turquoise waters on this unique drive. Texas Hill Country: Explore charming towns like Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley near Austin. Big Bend National Park (Texas): Desert landscapes, canyons, and stargazing in West Texas. 

• Tips for Planning a Road Trip:

• Choose your route and destinations: Research attractions, lodging, and points of interest along the way. Plan your budget: Consider gas, accommodation, food, and activities. Prepare your vehicle: Get a tune-up, check tires, and ensure you have essentials like a spare tire and first-aid kit. Pack appropriately: Bring snacks, drinks, entertainment, and comfortable clothing. Stay safe: Be aware of road conditions, take breaks, and avoid driving under the influence. Embrace the unexpected: Be open to spontaneous stops and detours. 

• Fun Road Trip Activities:

• Listen to audiobooks or podcasts: Enhance the journey with engaging stories or interesting facts. Play car games: Classic games like "I Spy" or road trip bingo can keep everyone entertained. Stop at roadside attractions: Explore quirky museums, quirky towns, or unique natural landmarks. Take scenic detours: Explore lesser-known roads for hidden gems and photo opportunities. Enjoy the journey: Relax, take in the scenery, and make memories along the way. 

More ideas below

• 1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
• 2. Route 66, USA
• 3. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
• 4. The Ring Road, Iceland
• 5. The Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
• 6. The Cabot Trail, Canada
• 7. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
• 8. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
• 9. The Oregon Coast, USA
• 10. The Garden Route, South Africa
• 11. The Scenic Byway 12, Utah, USA
• 12. The Pacific Northwest Coast, USA
• 13. The Finger Lakes, New York, USA
• 14. The Trans-Canada Highway
• 15. The Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon to California
• 16. The Florida Keys, USA
• 17. The Historic Route 20, USA
• 18. The Icefields Parkway, Canada
• 19. The Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand
• 20. The Dempster Highway, Canada
• 21. The Coastal Route, Norway
• 22. The Great Smoky Mountains, USA

IN Flooded Txhillcountry, one camp tells a special story: 

In several cabins on the 500-acre Mo-Ranch property in central Kerr County, a camp counselor woke up campers on the early morning hours of July 4 to tell them they were evacuating. Around 4:45 a.m., the counselor sent a text message to parents, letting them know their children were safe and that she was temporarily turning off her cell phone to conserve battery because the power was still out. 

Campers stayed put until Mo-Ranch president and CEO Tim Huchton arrived in a bus to take them to the dining hall, where breakfast was waiting. By then, the floodwaters were receding and the heavy rain had slowed.

A corner of the idyllic Hill Country had become a scene of horrors at the start of the holiday weekend, with emergency response personnel combing the river for the missing, mangled cars dotting the banks, and clothing, photographs, furniture, stuffed animals and other personal belongings strewn everywhere. 

Waters surged more than 30 feet in 3½ hours and tore through camps, recreational vehicle parks, single-family houses and businesses along the river. 

But Mo-Ranch, a 76-year-old Christian conference, camp and retreat center at the north fork of the river, was a haven amid the destruction.