The Back Road

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Read more: Huddersfield Town misery intensifies as pressure already on Darren Moore in five conclusions In a state that’s perhaps best known for the intersection of Interstate Highways, it’s fun to explore some of North America’s earliest crosscountry trails. Few people consider the beauty of western Iowa, where the layers of hills roll right out of a Grant Wood painting away toward the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. One day I was riding along old State Road 174 north of Edisto Island and happened upon the Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge. This sprawling natural gem encompasses more than 12,000 acres. But the day I discovered it, I met more alligators than people. A lovely antebellum former rice plantation sits on the property. Besides the alligators, I saw wood storks, egrets and ibises. Lazy streams and ancient paths wind through the refuge. And I had it all to myself. If you are driving in an agricultural area (and that’s not always easy to tell) farmers move large equipment from field to field on the roads. Some of their rigs take up both sides of the road. submitted: Louis Berney, Freelance Journalist for the Washington Postand beat writer for the Baltimore Orioles

Although a compact island, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse. Exploring on two wheels is the best way to see this rural country and to experience the way of life of the friendly people. We travel from ancient cities and the fortress at Sigiriya to the hill country towns of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. In the south, we visit Yala National Park, where we search for leopard, before ending on the beaches of the beautiful south coast. Most of the route is a continuous ride, and transfers are kept to a minimum.

South Dakota

I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all. It just breeds confidence and then it makes Huddersfield nervous, Town fans nervous, make us nervous, because as soon as those two (Summerville and James) you think…wow, what’s going to happen here now? Yes, they are rapid if you let them run at you – but they’re not rapid if they’re on the floor or you’re close up at them or you’re in their face or you don’t let them turn. Really good, friendly and caring. He was never off duty, always available.. Advice for Potential Travellers There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

The flight from Colombo is around one hour and upon arrival you will be transferred by speedboat (approximately 20 minutes) to the Paradise Island four-star resort. Paradise Island is a beautiful coral island, covered with tropical vegetation and palm trees, surrounded by a wide sandy beach and an azure lagoon. Winter is not the ideal time of year for this drive. However, the rolling and winding route was still breathtaking enough to cause me to stop several times along its 70 miles to take pictures. Passing (and crossing) several beautiful lakes, two meandering rivers, and a handful of state parks, the scenic route also slices through the heart of traditional and historical New England farmland, villages, and towns.

Arkansas

Ground squirrels seem to dare each other to run across the road in front of cars. It may seem harsh and cruel, but the safest strategy is NOT swerving to avoid them (see the photo here of someone who DID swerve. They were most fortunate that the car stopped where it did!). The hotel we typically use in Nuwara Eliya has been selected for the character of the premises and the appearance of its grounds, but the level of service is not always at the standard of the other hotels on this itinerary. In the old days, this route was part of a footpath encircling the Island of Hawaii. Now, it’s a narrow, two lane road that curves along the slope of Hualalai Mountain. The 30 mph ride takes you through old Hawaii with views of the ocean, beautiful foliage, historic architecture, cemeteries, and coffee farms.

In collaboration with a German operator and the village temple, we have helped towards 10 large water tanks and an eye clinic in a remote village with a donation of 200 pairs of glasses. Suresh was fantastic. He is extremely organised, knowledgeable and caring. He went to endless efforts to make sure we had a great time, and any issue was dealt with promptly. He was good company over the fortnight and we had a lot of fun in the evenings. He and his team looked after us really well on the bike rides - with lots of water, food and any issues with the bicycles dealt with immediately. Advice for Potential Travellers You never know what’s around the next bend in the road. That’s a good thing (mostly) and something to be alert about. Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally-sourced food which has not been transported long distances.

Utah

You can choose to add as many extra nights to your trip as you wish; your time on the island will be at leisure for you to do as you wish. The accommodation has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, room service and all rooms are air conditioned. There is also access to scuba diving and snorkelling or the chance to swim in the wonderful, calm waters. Either way, it is a veritable paradise and a memorable end to the trip. Everyone completing the tough ascent up to Nuwara Eliya - it was long and challenging but everyone was so encouraging and motivated to get to the top! Thoughts on Group Leader