Shallow pools of rainwater collect in smooth, sculpted sandstone basins at South Coyote Buttes, reflecting the soft glow of twilight. In the distance, orange and red rock formations rise dramatically, lit by the last light of day in a remote desert wilderness.

Reading Paria Canyon

Paria Canyon isn't just sandstone and water—it's a reminder of why we read, and what's lost when we don't.

Experience Erik Gauger's Immersive Travel Writing and Photography

Euljiro: Memory Origin Space

Industrial alleys, tomcats, weird economies and the machines of memory in Seoul's Hipjiro Economy
Paddling
Kealakekua Bay

In Hawai'i's legendary bluewater bay, I envision how an ancient Hawaiian battle unfolded.
Who Belongs in the Cispus Basin?

On a backpacking trip to southwestern Washington's Goat Rock Wilderness, I wonder about traditional wilderness archetypes.
Slubberdegullions of the Santa Martas

A defense of colorful language as we ascend the Santa Marta Mountains in Northern Colombia.
Forgotten Guerillas of La Guajira

In Colombia's arid desert state of La Guajira, I learn about the Wayuu people's long history and modern challenges.
Liquid Architecture
in the Venetian Adriatic

In Venice, Istrian Croatia and Slovenia, I imagine the challenge of building cities as elegant as those of the Venetian Empire in tomorrow's world.

"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.

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An Independent Travelogue - Notes from the Road

San Jose del Cabo Estuary

Notes on three mornings exploring the wildlife wonderland of Baja's freshwater oasis.
Firelight in the
Dark Divide

A backpacking trip to the solitary wilderness in southwestern Washington feeds my love of campfires.
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.
Tikehau in the
Tuamotus

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

"Be Inspired!"

LONELY PLANET

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.

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My Rescue in the Gifford-Pinchot Wilderness

Late summer backpacking in a Southwest Washington national forest ends in my terrifying rescue. Includes an interview with rescuer Lauren Dawkins.
Puffin Rally to the Látrabjarg Cliffs

On a road trip to Iceland's remote Westfjords, I explore the decline of the iconic Atlantic Puffin.
Rum-drinking Demons of the Redwood Coast

In the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, I compare Oregonian and Californian views on public lands.
The Ark Saucer of Sauvie Island

An unexpected ark sends us to discover the life of the maverick inventor who built it.
Shi Shi Beach and the Dark Age of Travel

While backpacking on the Olympic Peninsula's Pacific coast, I explore future scenarios for coastal areas.
Tamarindo to Tapir Valley

Thoughts on a life of sports and green energy in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province.

"The Best Looking Blog We've Seen"

Forbes Magazine

A narrow Seoul alley at night glows with overlapping signage, neon light, and cluttered facades. Korean characters light the path where pedestrians wander beneath dangling wires and the buzz of city life.

"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.

Ghosts of Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Into the mangroves, coastal scrub and pink lagoons of Mexico's Yucatan Coast.
Sancti Spiritus and the Psychedelic Flyer

Through Colonial towns, mangrove forests and Caribbean jungle, I seek the Pedorrera.
Mud Road to Coyote Buttes

Notes on traveling to the Coyote Buttes during surreal winter weather.
Avocets and Archaeology in Lake County

Investigating the value of documenting travel during a pandemic. Includes an interview with Prehistoric Archaeologist Dennis Jenkins.
The Sea Cats of
Cap de Creus

In Spain's northeastern Mediterranean coast, I make the case for itinerary-free travel.
Primeval and Protected Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is a wild gem of protected lowland forest, teeming with life.

"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.

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Korea Sketch Journal

Drawings, field notes, and sketches from cities, coastlines, and countryside in Korea.
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

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

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

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

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

A translucent Glass Frog clings to a green leaf in the rainforest of Panama, its delicate body revealing organs beneath its luminous skin. Dewdrops bead across the surface, amplifying the frog's fragile and otherworldly appearance in this close-up jungle portrait.

"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.

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Erik Gauger: author of Notes from the Road

Ganghwa Island: Treaties in the Tidelands

Ganghwa Island's tidal flats host the Black-faced Spoonbilll, and an overlooked case for cooperation amid rising nationalism and isolationism.
Bakers Bay Barge Wreck Threatens Reef

A barge and tugboat have crushed a protected coral reef—and Bakers Bay Club refuses to act.
Separating GMO Facts from Patrick Moore's Fiction

I dismantle Patrick Moore's claims and expose the nuanced truth about genetically modified foods.
Why Jon Miltimore's Polar Bear Argument is Stinky Fish

Miltimore misuses data and fallacies to mislead on polar bear populations and climate change - something doesn't smell right.
The Surreal Trogus Wasp

What is that strange sapphire winged light in the dark forest? How I photographed a trogus wasp in Colombia.
Patrick Moore Book Debunked

Notes from the Road is publishing chapter-by-chapter rebuttals to anti-climate change skeptic's self-published book.
Bruce Haedrich EV Battery Article Fails on Facts and Logic

Notes from the Road walks through the indefensible EV battery, wind power and solar power claims made by MAGA sci-fi author Bruce Haedrich.

"Stands out for Hard Journalism"

Lowell Thomas Awards in 2012

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.

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Hamburg
Sketch Journal

Sketches, illustrations and notes on improvisation and worldbuilding in the Germany's second largest city.
Ross Rant Climate Change Claims Refuted

In an open letter to the author of the Ross Rant, I challenge his climate change statements.
Packing an Ultralight Carry-on

In this travel gear article, I explain how to travel with just 10 pounds of carry-on luggage.
Doors and Windows of the World

My collection of doors, windows and door details from my travels for Notes from the Road
Mystery of the Flat Porcelain Crab

What is this strange crab hanging out in spring tide barnacles? Hint, it's not a crab.
Reinstate The Ban on Elephant Ivory

The definitive case for reinstating the ban on elephant ivory and trophy into the United States.

"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.

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Traveling with Watercolors

Keep your watercolor pallete organized, and your paints in order for travel sketching.
How Many Birds are in North America?

A poster claims to display all the birds of North America. But the math doesn't add up.
The Super Weird
Wax-tail Hopper

What on earth is that weird, red-eyed creature with white flames coming out of its rear?
Bakers Bay Case Study Questioned

Notes from the Road eviscerates case study of New York golf course development.
Graphic Novels for Travelers

Consider traveling with graphic novels for travelers. Here are my favorites.
Packing an Ultralight Backpack for One Night

How do you pack for a single night in the backcountry? Here is my gear list.

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

Rolf Potts, Vagablogging.net

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.

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Venice & the Adriatic Sketch Journal

My sketches and illustrations of Venice and the Venetian cities of the Adriatic include notes and sketches from Venice, Croatia and Slovenia.
Hot Sauces of the World

My guide to the hot sauces of the world. Hot sauce, originally invented in Mexico, are now part of global cuisine, with as many types as there are cultures.
Cactuses of the Desert Southwest

My sketches of all the cacti of the Desert Southwest and the United States.
French Polynesia Sketches

My Moleskine journal sketches from the the Tuamotus and the Society Islands.
Cuba Sketch Journal

Sketches and illustrations and notes on the U.S. conversation about Cuba.
Paris Sketches and illustrations

Notes, drawings, sketches and illustrations in different mediums from Paris

"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.

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Fishing boats float in the serene harbor of Naoussa, Paros, their hulls casting colorful reflections on the still Aegean water. The Cycladic architecture glows in early morning light, with whitewashed walls and blue accents framing the peaceful scene.