After leaving Pismo Beach, we drove north along the coast towards Monterey. We stopped to see Morra Rock where this woman told me that she had retired there having lived in San Francisco. The area had ideal weather: the temperature was moderate all year round. The rock, I learnt, is a volcanic plug (the leftover … Continue reading / view photos Looking at elephant seals and big feet
Pismo and Avila Beaches
The hiking was now over and the group part of my trip was ending. After seeing the giant trees, we returned to the west coast to stay making our way back to San Francisco. The first stop was Pismo Beach; the second, Avila Beach – a few kilometres northwest of Pismo Beach. Avila Beach is … Continue reading / view photos Pismo and Avila Beaches
Walking amongst giants
Hiking lets you see three of nature’s wonders: water (sea, river, snow), mountains, and trees. If I had to pick one to hike amongst, it would be trees. I find them magical. I talk to them. And, yes, I hug them too! I feel trees are our companions. When I pass a tree I’ve known … Continue reading / view photos Walking amongst giants
Beautiful Yosemite
Yosemite is one of America’s best kept secrets. It is a beautiful national park – unspoilt and not commercialised. There are many hikes people can do – easy and hard. After our Half Dome marathon, we had a recovery day, seeing Yosemite’s many faces without much exertion. We were in a minibus. Anyone can drive … Continue reading / view photos Beautiful Yosemite
Hiking to Half Dome
One of the famous peaks in Yosemite is Half Dome. The name will be obvious when you see a photo of it. The hike to the top requires using cables. To avoid a traffic jam, any one hiking to the top requires a permit. The handing out of permits is a lottery: there is no … Continue reading / view photos Hiking to Half Dome
Viva Las Vegas!
I’ve always wanted to see Vegas. I was probably more excited than going to the national parks, which are infinitely more beautiful. Vegas, however, is unique. It brings together some of the world’s great architecture in reduced form. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Rialto Bridge and many more structures. … Continue reading / view photos Viva Las Vegas!
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is an incredible piece of engineering. My memory of it will always be the heat. It must have been 35-40c as I walked around. I wondered whether heat stroke and/or dehydration would overcome me before looking at the Dam from all sides. The are two tours that take you inside the Dam. … Continue reading / view photos Hoover Dam
Zion National Park – Angels Landing
Angels Landing is a 450m rock formation. Several people have died trying to get to the top. At its worst, there are steep drops either side of you as you ascend or descend its spine. There are now chains to help you go up. Before getting to that stage you ascend 21 switchbacks, which have … Continue reading / view photos Zion National Park – Angels Landing
Zion National Park – trails
I hadn’t heard of Zion National Park before this trip. It’s a beautiful park, with lots of trails for different abilities. There is an extensive (free) bus service to take you to the starting point of trails. We were unable to hike Antelope Canyon or the Narrows (too much river flow) but tomorrow we’ll be … Continue reading / view photos Zion National Park – trails
Grand Canyon – Horseshoe Bend
The drive to the north side of the Grand Canyon saw the land become more desert like. On the way there we popped into the Desert View Watchtower. Completed in 1932, it’s designed to resemble an ancient North American watchtower. The ruinous, decayed look is by design and not because it’s old! Entrance is free … Continue reading / view photos Grand Canyon – Horseshoe Bend