Salman Aslam

Sauntering on the Shores of Lake Michigan Door Countypeninsula Wisconsin USA
Monday, November 6, 2017

Next on the list of gallivanting across the US was the state of Wisconsin and its ethereal Door County Peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan. Wisconsin a mid-western state located in the Great Lakes region. Is a state famous for its dairy products especially butter and cheese. It is world famous in manufacturing of Harley Davidson motor bikes at Menomonee Falls and museum at Milwaukee.

Door County is a tourism bonanza where tourists flock in droves during summer. The rustic, quaint and tranquil town’s population swells in thousands during the season bolstering the tourist extravaganza.The Wisconsinites after battling a severe winter where temperatures plummet to minus 25 degree Celsius move to greener pastures of Door County for a period of rest and reinvigoration.

Door County Peninsula is easily accessible from Maddison, Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis within 2- 4 hour driving times respectively.

Door Peninsula juts inside separating southern segment of Green Bay from Lake Michigan. Beyond the tip of peninsula is the elusive Washington Island. It was an island which became a ship captain’s nightmare in inclement weather to steer clear of this strait.

Summer season exhibits a carnival like ambiance with cherry picking and apple orchards in plenitude. The area is studded with lighthouses like Eagle Bluff and Baileys Harbour Light house for reasons of extreme safety. Strait encompassing Washington Island is cunningly deceptive littered with remnants of ship wrecks.

Major towns are Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, Baileys Harbour and Ephraim. We kicked off from Eau Claire ambling across to Door Peninsula a 4 hour jaunt. We hunkered down for a 2 day stay at Blacksmith Inn on the Shore at Baileys Harbour. Cloistered on the shores of Lake Michigan it afforded a breath taking view of the entire lake front. The rooms were delectable with all modern amenities and complimentary breakfast, kayaks and bikes all-inclusive in the package.

We indulged in creative pursuits like fishing, kayaking, and biking ambling nonchalantly in such exquisite surroundings away from the hustle-bustle of city life.

Door County peninsula is famed for the best fish in US mid-west. Local eateries excel in fish delicacies whose taste one savours for a long time. These comprise Walleye, Salmon, northern pike, brown trout, Brooke and Rainbow trout.

The visit is virtually incomplete without witnessing the bizarre Fish Boil event. This is a Scandinavian traditional event where fresh Lake Michigan White Fish is prepared in a cauldron in front of the customers with all the fanfare and heraldry.

The other event which must not be missed is the sunset over the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. The county has fascinating landscape and beaches to ramble across coupled with pristine hiking trails to explore. For the triathlon types biking trails are plenty in store to traverse.

Wisconsin has developed notoriety for having an immense deer population on the rampage in summer posing a grave threat to motorists. Other places of interest are Crystal Caves and Dells.

Labels: Travel, Travelogue, USA

posted by Salman Aslam @ 8:50 AM, ,

Odyessey to the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Ranier Washington State USA
Friday, October 13, 2017

This is a sequel to my earlier wanderlust series on exploring America. Paradoxically this time I will be unravelling the tantalizing and surreal aura of Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier. In contrast to previous esplanade on shores of Lake Superior in upper Midwest Minnesota the setting will shift tangentially to Pacific North West. The elusive 42nd US State of Washington. Commonality being its juxta position with Canada. There are still a lot of people who confuse this name with nation’s capital -Washington DC (District of Columbia).

A state nestled in the extreme left corner of US map. The Pacific Ocean skirts the western fringes of the state.In the north Strait of Juan de Fuca providing ferry access to Canada. My son had prepared a comprehensive itinerary for the visit tying up all nitty- gritty to the minutest detail. It was a 3 hour flight to Tacoma International Airport Seattle from Phoenix. We were embarking on a jaunt depicting two extremities as far as vagaries of weather were concerned. Phoenix Arizona the city of the sun where sun blazes almost 300 days annually. In contrast US State of Washington was known by its motto Ever Green being the rainiest state of USA (160 inches annually).

Labels: Travel, Travelogue, USA

posted by Salman Aslam @ 8:27 AM, ,

Esplanade on the Shores of Lake Superior
Monday, September 18, 2017

I was always fascinated by The Great Fresh Water Lakes of North America. This infatuation in retrospect could be traced to my schooldays. These lakes were encapsulated in the geography syllabi. At least my dream of visiting these lakes was fulfilled as we peregrinated to the captivating shores of Lake Superior.The wanderlust limits extending to Portage on the US- Canadian border.

The jaunt commenced from Eau Claire- a quaint town close to the Wisconsin – Minnesota border. It was about a 3 hour drive on Highway 53 to the town of Superior Wisconsin. The extremities of Wisconsin state jutting into Minnesota like a salient and sharing twin ports with city of Duluth Minnesota. The twin ports location in juxtaposition complimenting each other.

Labels: Travel, Travelogue, USA

posted by Salman Aslam @ 10:27 AM, ,

Epicurean Food Extravaganza at Tierra Nuestra
Wednesday, August 30, 2017

This new food eatery has hit Lahorities by storm. Gormandizers and bon vivants congregate to savor the mouth-watering and tantalizing cuisine being offered.

Located opposite Nishat Hotel on the city’s busiest road it offers the ideal ambiance and atmosphere for food connoisseurs. Another renowned eatery also uses the Spanish nomenclature Cosa Nostra. Somehow the Sicilian connection is inbuilt in its name giving it a mafia touch. Even the judges are using this term in its judgmental decrees.

Labels: Travel, Travelogue, USA

posted by Salman Aslam @ 2:15 AM, ,

On the Precipice of Grand Canyon Arizona
Saturday, July 29, 2017

Finally my wanderlust shifted from US Midwest to the southwest state of Arizona. Ruminating in retrospect my last sojourn to the US Dakotas was a real lollapalooza of an experience. It was really invigorating, memorable and monumental.

Arizona a state known as the city of the sun with sunshine glaring at maximum intensity 360 days of the year was rather disconcerting. The landscape straddled with Saguaro cactus appeared to be an eye sore.Fortunately it was February of the year a period of intense rain and snow. Weather pundits predicted good weather forecast for our gallivanting to the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Our itinerary was a 3 day trip starting from Scottsdale to Sedona with an overnight halt at Jun pine Resort Lodges followed by billeting at Holiday Inn Grand Canyon. This was followed by sauntering across the brink of Canyons southern rim.

GPS was aligned to Arizona 101 and I 17=AZ 260 followed by Arizona 89A setting course for Sedona. The desert strewn country side peppered by massive growth of Seguin cactus was a surreal thriller. One wondered when the landscape would change to the ponderosa pines and greener pastures.Perambulation would be incomplete without stopovers at Sedona and Flagstaff.

Derig the drive one could see quaint towns, ghost towns of gold rush era. Stagecoach stations almost deserted dotted the route. Enroute the area was sparsely populated. We took detour off exit 289 to see the famous Montezuma Castle Monument. Dwellings of the Sin guan people ensconced in the sides of limestone cliffs a 1000 year old preserved national monument.

Moving to Sedona a graduated change of scenery occurs. Cactuses are replaced by Ponderosa pines. Towering and stunning red rock formations dot the landscape. Rivulets and brooks meander across the route. In the backdrop sun filters a stunning view of red rock formations. Gradient of the road ascends with winding roads and thick forests.

The south western area of USA Sedona provides excellent trails for trekking and sauntering amidst an area nestled with red rock formations. The weather was upbeat with temperatures in range of10 degree Celsius. Jun pine Inn Resort provided excellent amenities for the night stay. Apart from a mouse scare and no breakfast facilities the inn gets a 3 star rating.

Next day we embarked to our next destination Flagstaff --a stunning 1hour drive. The entire sojourn would be incomplete without visiting Sedona and Flagstaff. Oak Creek Canyon provided spectacular and stunning views. One’s impression was dispelled that Arizona was a desolate state devoid of picturesque beauty.

Entering Flagstaff one was overwhelmed by the majestic and towering site of Humphreys Peak. This was Arizona’s highest snow-capped mountain over 12000 feet above sea level. Arizona Ski Bowl Resort near Humphreys Peak is a major tourist attraction. Other tourist vistas include the White Mountains which is going to be next on the gallivanting calendar.

Web dropped anchorage at the Holiday Inn Grand Canyon for the night after a 90 minutes’ drive from Flagstaff. The hotel amenities and services get a 4 star rating. The entire next day was dedicated to exploration of Grand Canyon Southern Rim.

The Grand Canyon is a gargantuan gorge carved by Colorado River and its tributaries that stretches over 270 miles long exhibiting powers of erosion over a millennium. Over1900 miles of the park is dedicated to wilderness. The air is pollution free.

The Colorado River meanders across the length of the canyon and aquatic activities like rafting and canoeing. Other activities include hiking, skydiving, and helicopter tours. Hiking to the bottom is strenuous and not encouraged for the frail and handicapped. Accidents and mishaps are common for those pushing beyond their physical limitations.

The southern rim is the most popular tourist bonanza. It is open entire year and offers panoramic and picturesque views of the canyon along the brink of the canyon. The gorgeous vistas and spell binding views are really exhilarating from the lookout towers standing on the threshold of canyon.

The high water mark of our jaunt would be incomplete without traversing the spectacular Desert View Drive along the southern rim for 25 miles. Main attraction is the Desert View Tower perched on the brink of canyon. Catalyst transformation of terrain into desert mode with its stunning and exquisite vistas is an unforgettable experience.

This area was the site of a 1956 disaster involving 2 Super Constellation aircraft. Route back to Phoenix was by highway 89 and I 17 bypassing Sedona via Flagstaff.

This was the culmination of a visit to a historic wonder of the world.

Labels: Travel, Travelogue, USA

posted by Salman Aslam @ 1:52 PM, ,

Sojourn to the US Dakotas
Saturday, June 17, 2017

The 2016 year was an exhilarating experience for us as we planned a sojourn to one of the most sought after tourist attractions in US mid-west Mount Rushmore, Black Hills and Devils Tower in Wyoming. The jaunt was to originate from a quaint city Eau Claire in the US state of Wisconsin. It was great sigh of relief to beat the sweltering heat of May in Pakistan and find recluse in the cool temperate climate at Eau Claire. This state of Wisconsin had an enviable reputation famous for its dairy products and cheese. In close proximity lay the US state of Minnesota famous for its 10,000/ lakes, Minneapolis Mall and twin city of Saint Paul.

On the fringes of Wisconsin- Minnesota border is the town of Rochester surprisingly rated as second windiest city of US. Renowned for having the headquarters of US number 1 hospital- The Mayo Clinic. To satiate our wanderlust we embarked on our odyssey from Eau Claire to Rochester skirting the periphery of Minneapolis on to interstate 90. This highway is ranked as the longest highway starting from Boston to Seattle over 3500 miles on the trot.Interestingly the terrain Enroute was studded with Wind Mills generating power. The first stop on our itinerary was Sioux Falls largest city of South Dakota at a driving distance of 6 hours. Speed limit was enhanced to 80 mph in this state. Next morning our destination was Wall/Rapid City another 5 hour cruise. Corn palace was an added attraction to saunter to in the city of Mitchell. Entire palace edifice built in corn really presented an enthralling sight.

Journey from Sioux Falls to Wall and Rapid City was monotonous and tedious. The landscape was rather an eye sore and dull. Wide expanses of land with no population insight studded the highway. Wall city itself a quaint town with friendly people greet tourists. Our abode was Sun Shine Inn Wall. I was always on the lookout for restaurants and hotels providing senior citizens discount. Seniors here are held in high esteem and veneration in USA. The unkindest cut of all is that this culture of senior discounts has yet to make inroads in Pakistan.

Our next destination was Badlands State Park. A park beset by sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires studded by vast expanses of prairie land. The sights of Bison prowling in the area are stunning. Apart from the prairie dogs raising their heads as we drove through this part of the area presented a lack lustre look.

Devil's Tower

Our course took us to the famous Custer State Park. This was an historic segment of Black Hills named after the Legendary Custer of the West. I was always awed by Custer’s Last stand as depicted in various movies. This was the area of great Gold Rush of 1874 triggering the Lakota wars. At the Battle of Little Bighorns in 1876 Custer’s 7 Cavalry with its 700 men were annihilated to the last man in the worst defeat for US army. Crazy Horse emerged as the hero of this action attaining a legendary status. Wounded Knee massacre was the last nail in the coffin of these tribes who were driven to their reservations for good. Our lodgings for the next 2 days were the Bavarian Inn at Custer city. It presented an amiable ambiance, German cuisine with tea and doughnuts. Indeed a memorable stay. Bavarian Inn deserves 4 stars for hospitality, food and environment.

For the next 2 days we traversed and gallivanted every nook and corner of Black Hills keeping Custer city as our operational centre. Flora of Black Hills

Include ponderosa pines, bur oak and birch. Ponderosa pines are afflicted by a beaver virus. Black Elk Peak is the highest summit at about 7200 feet. Fauna comprised Bison’s, Elk, Deer, pronghorn and Coyote. For the adventurous this area affords maximum pursuit of ones dreams in the form of biking along Michelson’s trail, hiking, trout fishing along meandering streams/rivulets riding shot gun and water sports.

Added attractions to visit are a labyrinth of cave systems Wind Cave national park and Jewel Cave near Custer are a MUST on one’s exploration list.

The biggest attraction of the Black Hills was the Mount Rushmore presidential monument. Ensconced and nestled in backdrop of the domineering Blackhill’s stands Mount Rushmore above with the engraved sculptures of four legendary US Presidents. The presidents are Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson and Teddy Roosevelt. Sauntering on the president’s trail gives a panoramic view of the site.

Next on the list was Crazy Horse Monument. Etched in memory of the great Lakota warrior who decimated Custer’s 7th Cavalry at Big Horn in 1876 is the largest sculpture in the world still under construction since 1948. This monument overbears and overshadows Mount Rushmore by its size and domination. Custer State Park is a huge park which at least needs a drive through to have a tete-a tete with the animals. Bison, prairie dogs, Burros, cougars and big horn sheep romp the park at will.

Next on our list was a drive through the Needle Highway. It was a driver’s nightmare. Twisting serpentine like winding roads with a dizzying effect added lot of thrill. Needles area is famous for rock climbing and repelling. Eroded granite pillars, spires towers straddle the region adding a mystic touch.

We left Custer City for our next layover at Rapid City Coyote Blues Inn. Nestled and snuggled deep inside the coniferous ponderosa pines it was a perfect retreat to revitalize after a hectic schedule. The couple running this inn were an emblem of hospitality and good demeanour making our stay memorable.

From here we embarked on the final segment of our wanderlust. Our sojourn would be incomplete if we did not venture across to Wyoming State to visit the Devils Tower the first National Monument and Sundance with its legendary and surreal significance.

The movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid inspired us to visit Sundance. A place in the Wild West where an outlaw nick named Sundance kid gained notoriety.

Devils Tower has a special reverence and esteem for Native Americans. As per legendary folklore narration as it goes two Indian girls were being chased by a few grizzly bears. In a bid to avoid being eaten they climbed a small rock and prayed to THE Great Spirit for help. The spirit made the rock rise high to save the girls from the bears clutches. The bears made frantic efforts to climb, leaving behind deep claw marks which are seen.

Devils Tower is a laccolithic butte composed of ingenious rock formation and is an awesome sight. We decided to perambulate the entire two mile circuit around the tower periphery. This indeed proved to be a befitting grand finale and culmination of our sojourn. This would indeed be evocative of remembrances of this great trip.