Page 92 - Off the Tourist Trail - 1000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives (Part 1 of 2)

88 6 MORE DRIVES TO RIVAL ROUTE 66

GREAT JOURNEYS

Visitors along the bridge leading to the Point Reyes Lighthouse at
the Point Reyes National Seashore, USA
Point Reyes
Ostriches walking freely through the shrubland at the Karoo National
Park, South Africa National
View of the rolling fields of the Annapolis Valley on the Evangeline
Trail near Kentville, Canada Karoo National Seashore
Evangeline Trail
Park NEED TO KNOW

NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION This route, just
NEED TO KNOW north of San Francisco in
LOCATION The route runs $ "/"%"
along the northern coast of California, covers 171 miles 4FBUUMF
LOCATION Karoo National Park is (285 km). Some parts are
Nova Scotia, Canada, for located in south-central South 10*/5 3&:&4
245 miles (405 km) #0548"/" inaccessible by car /"5*0/"-
"UMBOUJD Africa, 300 miles (500 km) VISITORS PER 4&"4)03& 8BTIJOHUPO %$
VISITORS PER YEAR $ "/"%" 0DFBO northeast of Cape Town /".*#*" YEAR 3 million
More than 250,000 1SFUPSJB -PT "OHFMFT 64"
VISITORS PER YEAR DAYTIME
DAYTIME &7"/(&-*/& Close to 100,000
7BODPVWFS 53"*- TEMPERATURES Jan: )PVTUPO
TEMPERATURES DAYTIME #MPFNGPOUFJO -&405)0 54°F (12°C); Apr: 57°F (14°C);
Jan: 21°F (-6°C); Apr: 39°F 0UUBXB TEMPERATURES %VSCBO
(4°C); Jul: 66°F (19°C); 6 4 " 5PSPOUP Jan: 84°F (29°C); Apr: 81°F 4065) "'3*$" Jul: 64°F (18°C); Oct: 63°F (17°C) .&9*$0
Oct: 48°F (9°C) ,"300
(27°C); Jul: 66°F (19°C); /"5*0/"- 1"3,
Oct: 63°F (17°C) $BQF 5PXO
It’s hard to deny that California has a lock on
Anyone who has traveled even a small portion natural scenic beauty, especially if you’re lucky
of Nova Scotia’s Evangeline Trail knows why it is Where should one go in South Africa to see as enough to travel through Point Reyes National
one of Canada’s premier destinations. Widely much of its famed flora and fauna as possible, up Seashore. Set in one of the world’s most famous
considered to be the most beautiful coastal trail close and personal? Just head to Karoo National regions, Marin County’s coast between Napa
in North America, the trip can be made in two Park – which has it all, and in abundance. The park Valley wine country and the cosmopolitan city of
days. However, because of its incredible scenery, is embedded within the wild and unforgiving San Francisco, the region seems to exist in
most visitors allow at least five days. The road area known as the Great Karoo, the country’s another century. Herds of endangered tule elk
runs parallel to the Fundy Coast and passes largest – and most diverse – ecosystem. Much of roam through the grasslands, bald eagles circle
through the delightful villages and orchards of the park’s wildlife is specially adapted to the overhead, and rare breeds of seals frolic in its
the Annapolis Valley. It is the quintessential harsh environment, and thanks to conservation coastal waters. Add to that the fact that much of
journey for those who enjoy quiet seaside programs, many species of endangered game the protected seashore can be explored on
towns, historic sites, and breathtaking natural have returned to call it home. You can see these bicycle, by boat, or on foot, and you have the
beauty in a pristine marine environment. from the relative comfort and safety of your 4WD. makings of a perfect excursion.

Practical Information Practical Information Practical Information
Getting There and Around A ferry to Yarmouth (the trail’s traditional starting Getting There and Around You’ll need a 4WD to make the most of this Getting There and Around You’ll need a car to visit much of Point Reyes –
point) from the US state of Maine is the preferred option for this route, but then rugged national park. While trekking is allowed in a few spots, for the now designated a National Seashore. Once inside, several areas are closed
you can drive or cycle (cars and bikes are permitted on the ferry). most part, visitors must stay with their vehicles. to vehicles, to protect the ecosystem. However, there are designated
When to Go May–Oct is prime season here. Fall has fewer visitors and the When to Go The best time for a visit is any time between August walking and hiking trails.
scenery is picture perfect. and February. When to Go Apr–Oct, to enjoy California’s superb temperatures.
Website www.novascotia.com/en/home/planatrip Website www.sanparks.org/parks/karoo Website www.nps.gov/pore

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