Grand Tour 2023

The Best Things in Life are Free

What happens in an all-inclusive resort on the Mayan Riviera

Relaxing

Shipwreck - A Viking Cruise Bait & Switch

A love unrequited. My breakup with Viking Cruise Lines.

The Kitchen Sink

A month ago, freshly back stateside, I found myself in a diner purusing their excellent breakfast options. The one I selected was called...

Let's Go Surfin' Now (I ain't learnin' how)

We ramble the world with just one goal: to find the planet’s biggest waves and not surf them.

Tom Piper

Nov 21, 20234 min read

Let the Broken Hearts Stand

Still searching for the soul of America in all the places we haven't looked yet – like North Dakota.

Tom Piper

Sep 15, 20235 min read

A Song of Ice & Fire

We seem to be traveling the opposite path from the tale told by George R.R. Martin.

Tom Piper

Aug 22, 20234 min read

Actually, This is My First Rodeo

Time for a little boot scootin' boogie up Calgary way.

Tom Piper

Aug 3, 20235 min read

America the Beautiful (but frequently stupid)

The Tetons & Yellowstone will take your breath away, but also your life, if you don't read the signs.

Tom Piper

Jul 17, 20234 min read

Sex & Sewage Scandal Rocks the ’23 International Airstream Rally

Rock Springs, WY – Thousands of Airstream enthusiasts were shocked when what they thought would be a bit of innocent fun turned into...

Tom Piper

Jul 6, 20234 min read

We're In The Wind

I first heard about the Wind River Range 30 years ago. The name seemed to suggest a place both enchanted and lonely.

Tom Piper

Jun 28, 20235 min read

Home on the Front Range

The Sangre de Cristo mountains form the very southern end of the Rocky Mountains. It seemed a fine place to begin our journey northward.

Tom Piper

Jun 13, 20235 min read

The Golden Road

Camping is a glamorous life to be sure. But, sometimes you're the windshield and sometimes you're the bug.

Tom Piper

Jun 7, 20235 min read

Mississippi Mud & Texas Tears

Life is good, except when it isn't. Our travels through the lower Mississippi Delta and Texas.

Tom Piper

May 29, 20234 min read

Baby Please Don't Go Down to New Orleans

Let’s get something clear right away – New Orleans isn’t for everyone. This is not Orlando with jazz music and proper chefs.

Tom Piper

May 20, 20234 min read

Florida – Fare Thee Well

A (mostly) fond Farewell to the Sunshine State. May your oranges be sweet and your condos keep appreciating in value.

Tom Piper

May 16, 20234 min read

Florida - Why Can't I Quit You?

On paper, Florida might be one of my least favorite states. Yet, here I am, back for my third year in a row. What's up with that?

Tom Piper

Apr 25, 20235 min read

Big Wheel Keep On Turnin'

Week 1 of Grand Tour III 2023. Things get off to a bumpy start. Literally.

Tom Piper

Apr 10, 20234 min read

For Those About To Ramble (we salute you)

Before there can be travel, there must be mad preparations and planning. Read on for a glimpse into how the veggie travel sausage is made.

Tom Piper

Feb 17, 20236 min read