The Bluewater Bay of Hawai'i Island

Paddling Kealakekua Bay

In Hawai'i's legendary bluewater bay, I envision how an ancient Hawaiian battle unfolded.

Explore

Experience the Immersive Travel Writing and Photography of Notes from the Road

"Unexpected frontier of the travel blogosphere"

BOSTON GLOBE

An Independent Travelogue

Since 1999, Notes from the Road has provided a unique and experimental voice on travel, inviting readers to join in the journey and see the world through a new lens.

EXPLORE
An Independent Travelogue - Notes from the Road
  • Dark Divide Roadless Area

    Firelight in the
    Dark Divide

    A backpacking trip to the solitary wilderness in southwestern Washington feeds my love of campfires.
  • Paros, Cyclades

    Ancient Improvisation
    in Paros

    On the Greek Island of Paros, I explore whether a musical improvisation master could have built up a following in the ancient Mediterranean.
  • Jellyfish in Tikehau

    Tikehau in the
    Tuamotus

    On the small French Polynesian atoll of Tikehau, I discover a ringworld of life.
  • Slab City

    Death and Salvation
    On the Salton Sea

    In twenty years of exploration along the fabled California sea, I encounter ecological devastation, lawless Slab City, zany prophets, burrow-dwellers, and at last, a bold hope for salvation
  • Bombay Beach, California at last light

    Bombay Beach: Sunset on the Atomic Paradise

    I kayak the Salton Sea to Bombay Beach, and then return 20 years later to see the cogs of environmental decline in action..
  • Quitobaquito Springs

    The Road to Quitobaquito Springs

    On the Road to a small desert spring, I investigate the border wall and the case for resurrecting a Transboundary Preserve.

"Be Inspired!"

LONELY PLANET

Photos of the Doors and Windows of the World

Doors And Windows Of The World

Discover the World's Most Beautiful Doors and Windows, showcasing breathtaking photographs of the most vibrant and unique doors and windows from around the world.

EXPLORE

"The Best Looking Blog We've Seen"

Forbes Magazine

Photograph of an Anna's Hummingbird

Travel Blogger of the Year

"Beautiful, Edge To Edge."

- Craig Federighi, Senior Vice President of Software Engineering, at the 2017 Apple Keynote Address.

Apple featured Notes from the Road to introduce the Apple iPhone X, another example of how we have been innovating the look and feel of the future of the web here at our little travel blog.

"Sumptuous Site"

Time Magazine

Roam

I don't give travel advice but sharing our experiences can help us learn from each other. Here are some of my latest travel stories on organization.

EXPLORE
Roam Travelogue
  • Bahama Yellowthroat Bird Sketch

    My List of
    Life Birds

    An updated list of every species of bird I’ve seen in my travels, with sketches and drawings.
  • Moleskine Travel Journals

    Moleskine Travel Journals

    Look inside my travel moleskine journals, which I use to make notes and reference my itinerary.
  • Rock of Gibraltar Apes

    Ernest & THE
    Apes of Gibraltar

    Notes on Gibraltar and its famous macaques, plus an interview with one of their protectors.
  • Adriatic Sea Map

    Adriatic Sea Map

    Discover the beauty of the Adriatic Sea with Erik Gauger's handpainted map.
  • Map of Abaco Islands

    Map of Abaco Islands

    My Copic and watercolor map of the Great Abaco and Little Abaco in the Northern Bahamas
  • Cuba Map

    Cuba Map

    My watercolor map of Cuba, featuring the cities on my itinerary.

Photograph of many Cacti species in Arizona

"Detailed hand drawings and sumptuous photographic images"

Washington Post

About Erik Gauger

Learn about me in the 'About' section, where I talk about the history of Notes from the Road as an experimental travelogue. Check out my list of great road trip music by Grateful Dead and Phish. I also keep a bird life list, as well as lifelists for butterflies, fishes, damselflies and dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians.

EXPLORE
Erik Gauger: author of Notes from the Road

"Stands out for Hard Journalism"

Lowell Thomas Awards in 2012

Cacti of the United States

Cacti of the United States

Explore my comprehensive guide to the cactuses of the United States. Hand-drawn sketches of every species found with U.S. borders, including those of the islands and territories.

EXPLORE

"Best of the Travel Blogs"

National Geographic Traveller

Travel Sketches & Maps

I illustrate my travel blog with sketches using markers, watercolors, pens, and pencils. Sketches and journals can capture a place's essence better than photos, offering a personal, subjective illustration through the traveler's mood and perspective.

EXPLORE
Hand-drawn Sketches and Maps

"Drop dead gorgeous, thanks to Gauger's prowess with his old school 4×5"

Rolf Potts, Vagablogging.net

Ancient Improvisation in Paros

Ancient Improvisation in Paros

On the Greek Island of Paros, I explore whether a musical improvisation master could have built up a following in the ancient Mediterranean.

EXPLORE

"Do you like gorgeous photography and unconventional travel writing?"

Sixt.com

Tikehau in the Tuamotus

On the small French Polynesian atoll of Tikehau, I discover a ringworld of life.

EXPLORE
Tikehau in the Tuamotus

Photograph of Mount Hood from the Columbia Hills in Washington