Planning The Maiden Voyage
When I bought my first Class C RV a few months ago, I knew what my first trip was going to be because I actually planned the trip long before I had the RV. I planned it because I knew I would have a Class C RV by the time I hit the road from Florida to Arizona and then on to Utah. When I planned this blog, I was going to share my itinerary and provide updates about each stop along the way. However, for reasons discussed in my next article about My Camping World Buying Experience, I had to re-write this article because my plans changed due to Camping World having my RV for two minor warranty issues. So once I hit the road on this trip I had to limit my itinerary to some places in Arizona and New Mexico. The purpose of this road trip (and all future trips) is to get some great photographs and share my experiences and tips for people wanting to get some great pictures to document and share their experiences. My motto is that “photographs can be your best souvenirs!”
How many times have you traveled somewhere and picked up some tacky souvenir only to later think “what will I do with this dust collector?” That is one of the reasons I have launched this website. Save yourself some money and use your camera to capture great photographs and videos. With today’s technology, it is so easy to take, edit and share photographs and videos taken on your phone. There is no reason you can’t have your own gallery right in your home. Pick out your favorite photographs and have them printed as enlargement, frame them, and hang them on your walls. Think of the conversations they will start or the story you can tell. Maybe your photographs will motivate and encourage someone to travel and explore some of the same destinations that you enjoyed.
My New Itinerary
**UPDATE** Due to the reasons discussed in my next article about My Camping World Buying Experience, I had to change my itinerary listed below under. The new plan involved closing on the sale of a condo I owned in Arizona and packing up the contents. So my new plans took me to White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, and Waco, Texas to experience the Magnolia Market phenomenon created by Joanna and Chip Gaines. I decided to keep the itinerary below since it included some good information about popular photography destinations.
For reasons previously mentioned, I will have to postpone my Utah plans. This will actually work out better so I am not cramming too much stuff in on my schedule. While I am retired, I do need to be back in Florida by a certain date in June for other travel plans! If you have never traveled in an RV, plan on your travel time taking longer than you expect. Mainly because you will most likely be traveling slower than you would in a car and filling up at the gas pump more. As a rule, I plan to travel 400 miles a day for long trips at an average speed of 68 mph. I could obviously go faster, but 68 mph seems to be a good place to maximize the miles per gallon. At this speed, 400 miles would be about 6 hours without any stops. I typically add 2 hours to the time to account for all stops and any traffic delays. So basically, that makes it an 8 hour travel day. The advantage of traveling in an RV is there are plenty of free options for overnight camping (Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Rest Areas, etc). However, make sure you are allowed to park overnight before settling in for the night. I typically use a phone app (ALLSTAYS) to locate places to stay (paid & free).
The Grand Canyon
My first destination will be the Grand Canyon. I am planning on taking about 5 1/2 days to get there but in reality, I might travel longer on some days. It just depends on how I feel. I am planning on staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park for about four nights. It has a Good Sams Rating of 9.5/10*/9. If you are not familiar with Good Sams’s ratings, it’s like AAA for RV’s. I am usually satisfied and agree with their ratings. Click the previous link to understand the meaning of their ratings.
One of the nice things about this RV park is they advertise on their website “Take the historic train from Williams into Grand Canyon National Park without having to worry about navigating your rig through the busy Grand Canyon roadways! Simply park your RV in the clean mountain air in Williams, adjacent to the historic train depot. Grand Canyon Railway RV Park is also just two blocks away from Route 66 and downtown Williams.” The main objective will be to get sunrise and sunset pictures at the Grand Canyon. I have hiked the Grand Canyon before, so hiking on this trip will depend on my photography plans.
Based on reports from others, I am planning my sunrise & sunset photo locations at the Grand Canyon at the following viewpoints:
- Navajo Point, Mohave Point, and Pima Point for Sunset
- Powell & Hopi Point for Sunrise
Horseshoe Bend
Horseshoe Bend is an iconic spot just south of Page, Arizona where the Colorado River flows through a horseshoe-shaped bend in the river. You can expect many people there set-up to take photographs. There is a large viewing area, so everyone will have a spot to take a picture. But if you are like me, and want the best shot in your mind, get there early and get set-up. Take plenty of pre-sunset pictures to make sure all of your settings are correct and you have the right gear ready.
Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, about two hours from the Grand Canyon, is another iconic photo spot. But if you intend to go there, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance. If you are looking to get great photographs then you should seriously consider the photographic tour. It is highly recommended by photographers seeking iconic photographs. Some of the tips I have come upon during my research suggest the following:
- Bring a tripod
- Use a wide-angle lens (16/24 mm). Ideally, use a wide-angle zoom.
- Don’t change lenses in the canyon due to the amount of dust.
- Know the time of year you are going. Summertime is more light beams in the Upperper Canyon. In the Lower Canyon during the fall you will capture more of the light variety.
- Pick one lens. Ideally something in the 16-35mm range
- Have a blower or something to keep the dust off your lens.
- Expect to shoot low to the ground.
The tour company does post on their website: “Serious Photographers Only: Everyone on tour must have a camera (mirrorless or SLR), a tripod is very helpful. Those with only camera phones will be taken off the Photo Tour. Please do not book the photo tour because it is the only tour available. ” If you don’t consider yourself a serious photographer then the tour you will want to take is the Sightseer’s Tour.
Route 66 Along The Way
While traveling in this area, a few stops along the Famous Route 66 is a must! Maybe best known by the Eagles hit “Take It Easy”, you can take it easy in Winslow, Arizona, at the Standing On The Corner Park. Another attraction nearby is the site of a meteor crater. The world’s best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth. It is located just minutes from Interstate 40 and the old Route 66 near Winslow, Arizona. Additionally, near the Grand Canyon in Williams, Arizona is more Route 66 attractions.
Sedona, Arizona
It’s hard for me to visit Arizona without making my way to Sedona. This is a town where I think it is impossible not to be able to take a great photograph. There are so many red rock formations, where you can literally point and shoot. On one of my last visits to Sedona, I was showing some friends around and they wanted to do the Pink Jeep Tours. At first, I wasn’t too keen on the idea, but I went with the flow of what my friends wanted to do and see. I am glad I did!! It was well worth it. I had been to Sedona several times but on this 3-hour tour, I saw things that I would have never otherwise seen.
When visiting Sedona, I think 3 days should be the minimum. There are so many photography opportunities. Like I said before, it’s hard to take a bad photograph. I have also found there are several good shopping and dining locations. If you should need anything for your camera, you can stop by Rollie’s Camera. Even if I don’t need anything, I can never pass up the opportunity of stopping at a “real camera shop”. They can also be a good resource on some of the hot spots where you might want to photograph. I have always found them helpful (and this is not a paid endorsement-I like giving credit when credit is due!).
End of the Road
While I planned on being on the road for a month and hitting Utah, this trip should give me plenty of great photo opportunities. After Sedona, I will make my way down to South East Arizona to relax, spend time with some friends and do some packing because I sold a vacation condo that I owned. Since I bought the RV, it didn’t make too much sense keeping it. The money I save will allow me more time to explore and travel this great country with my camera and share my adventures with you and hopefully, inspire you to travel and capture the best souvenirs you can have- your photographs!
