So this is planning in it's infancy, BUT...

We get 2 weeks off for Christmas break here at my office. I live in Toronto, but am
from San Luis Obispo, California. I want drive home and hit a bunch of scenic
spots along the way.

I plan to take at least 8 days to make this trip. I will be leaving the car in Cali and
flying back, so there is no need to worry about timing to get back.

I've been to Bryce and the Grand Canyon, and Yosemite before, but never as
'a photographer'. I had my first point and shoot when I was at Bryce 4+ years ago,
but other than that... it's my first chance to really shoot these areas.

I have plenty of warm clothes from living up here in Canada, and should be pretty
good on the gear. I've got a good tripod and ballhead. Good glass, some polarizers
and ND grads, an epson p2000, and most likely a (slow loaner) laptop for good
measure.

If anyone has any advice on places I'm coming close to but just missing, or maybe
you know of some great locations near where I am going i would more than
welcome any and all advice. Or even some 'must have gear' i haven't thought of...
lay it on me please!

Especially if there are any Mid Westerners out there... I've only been through that
part of the country a couple times, so if there is anything you recommend, that
part of the trip is pretty flexible as it's by and large flat and easy to navigate.


So, here is my proposed route. Concentrating on Southern Utah, and Northern
Arizona. If there's even a little bit of decent weather, it should make for some great
opportunities.

MAP


Thanks so much for any advice




Edited by Sean Mills on Aug 20, 2007 at 10:07 PM GMT

Whatever route you choose sounds like a great time, have fun and be safe.

Al

hey sean,

trip looks like a ton of fun. not sure if you've thought of it, but i might consider doing tetons/yellowstone. i would definitely choose that route at any other time of year, but for winter it may be less (or more?) exciting. those with more experience I'm sure could shed some light.

sort of a side question, but how do you add waypoints like that on googlemaps?

also, you've clearly never heard of tinyurl here's any easier option for those wanting to view the link:

http://tinyurl.com/2sf7x2

Thanks for the tip on tinyurl!

I considered Yellowstone, and have never been there... but, it'sa bit Northly out of the way. I think I want to concentrate on the South West a bit more.

All you do for the map is just type in your direction criteria for start and finish. ie: Toronto, ON to San Luis Obispo, CA. It figures out whatever route it deems most efficient. In the last few months they added the ability to add stop over points. Just click on the blue route mapped out and drag it to your destination, repeat as desired.

That's how I was able to get it to hit all of those locations... it still auto solves the road path from point to point along the way. All hail google!

Thanks again Ajkessler.