Location: Anywhere USA in November.

Got a pair of free round-trip tickets for anywhere in the lower 48 states. Got a slacker schedule (typical big corporation delay). Decided to get away before the big bosses change their minds. Where would you go for a one to two weeks of outdoor photo and hiking trips? The time would be anywhere from late October to late November (shucks, El Nino comes to mind). Many thanks.

<P>Kings Canyon National Park, California.

Oh, it so much depends on what you're into, and where you live. Late November's a great time to hit the Klamath Basin if you're into 1,000 bald eagles, tons of other raptors, and waterfowl up the butt end of your telephoto. You could check the weather and see what's happening in the SW - with all the bizarre weather, could early snow in slickrock country be a possibility? The Pacific NW Coast gives ample opportunity to seek rain-drenched wild beach vistas, lighthouses, and Velvia-saturated green, green, green woods late November.

 

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Or, you could go for the heat and blast big birds in the 'glades, down in snowbird land. It's not breeding season, and in early December I've found (rundown, but sleepable) rooms on Sanibel (home of Ding Darling) for $35 as recently as two years ago.

 

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Late October? Think fall foilage. Do it before November winter hits. New England? Check on this year's progress, late October's getting dicey but in a delayed year, could be good. I don't know if this year's delayed or accelerated - could be over already for all I know.

Lolo,

 

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For scenics the last two weeks in October are perfect for the upper desert of the Four-Corners area (where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah converge). Try Monument Valley - hire a guide for $20. How about a slot canyon - Antelope Canyon outside of Page - yeah, the one on TV last month. Perhaps Lake Powell - cooler days, warm water. Canyon DeChelly and it's Anasazi ruins. High desert is a marvelous hiking and photographic experience in the last two weeks of October. Follow the footsteps of Ansel, Weston, O'Sullivan, and Jackson. The temperature should be in the 70s or low 80s. Very little possibility of rain. We get our big rains in July-August-September. More info if interested.

 

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Steve

According to all the press that I've read about El Nino, it is supposed to cause increased rainfall/flooding in the West. So, if your goal is dramatic photography, then California/Oregon might be a good choice.

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If your tastes run a little more tropical/sunny then <i>supposedly</i> El Nino causes the Carribean hurricane season to lighten up. So, you might want to consider Florida.

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I haven't made it to Washington state yet. I would go there, personally.

Check out the state of Arkansas. It has some beautiful fall colors, nice rivers and lakes. It is also a much better buy than many of the famous tourist places on the east and west coast. Your money will go a lot further.

I agree with Sean ont that you should go around the area of King's Canyon. I'm not sure the exact make-up of the areas, but you should visit Sequoi(spelling) and redwood forest if you get there.

 

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As for the New England fall foliage, it is definately not over. In fact, in most places around NW New Jersey, there is still not enough color to bother exposing film for.

 

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- Phil Johnson

Estes Park, CO

On the Rocky Mountain Park boarder on South facing hills you can get very close to Big Horn rams banging heads.

I'm partial to Chattahoochee Natl. Forest in N. Georgia. Atlanta

is about 30 mi. away.

There are over 60 waterfalls. Fall color will peak about the last of Oct./1st wk. Nov. Plenty of wildlife and scenics. You're about 25-30mi

from the Smokies. You will use lots of film there so bring plenty.

Good clean reasonable motels and camping is allowed anywhere in the

forest that has lots of areas to pitch a tent. Weather is 72deg.day

and 40s to 50s night that time of year(usually). They will send you

a detailed map of how to get to the waterfalls. Search Chattahoochee

Natl Forest and call them for the map and other info. You will want

to come back. I'm going up wk of Oct 26.