Blogs from California, United States, North America
May 27th 2012
Day 7. One week down, fifty-one to go. On this lucky-numbered day, we finished up the Big Sur coastline. The sun was coming through the clouds, and the water sparkled. We passed a beautiful cove: waves crashing against worn rocks, a little stream coming out the hills, a sandbar covered in shorebirds, the hillsides glistening with dew. In another cove, we saw two sea otters resting amongst the kelp and at least 25 harbor seals relaxing on the rocks. Passing over several historic bridges built in the early 1930's, we came to Monterey, a city set like a gem on the oceanfront. Following signs for the famous aquarium, we came down alongside the beach, where we found some surprisingly decently-priced parking. ($2 an hour! Downtown!) Before heading to the aquarium, we took Rascal for a walk. ... read more
May 26th 2012
Arriving to the airport early doesn't help Jonathan get here any sooner :(... read more
Day Ten - Tahoe & San Francisco Finally!! 3300 Miles
Published: May 25th 2012North America » United States » California » San Francisco
May 25th 2012
We woke up to an inch of snow!! That was fun packing the tents and everything into the car. But we made it to San Francisco!!! So far we drove 3300 Miles!... read more
25th May 2012
Published: May 26th 2012North America » United States » California » Yosemite National Park
May 25th 2012
Yet another 7am breakfast in our room at Yosemite Lodge Hotel before setting off for Bishop across the mountains. Yosemite Village is at 4,000 ft but we had to cross the mountain pass we had only recently opened at almost 10,000ft. The weather was cloudy this morning for the first time since our arrival and cooler than it had been previously. A tortuos twisty climb up into the hills with the temperature falling all the time with the altitude gained. At the highest point the temperature dropped to 27 degrees farenheit (32 degrees is freezing) and we drove through a light snowfall. The views coming out of the mountains was stunning and we passed the Mamouth Ski resorts as we lost altitude the weather cleared and the sun came and temperature slowly rose. We had a ... read more
May 25th 2012
I had the most interesting day. First I drove to Yosemite NP from my ‘base camp’ about 50 miles away on the Don Pedro Lake, which is really a dam and a massive recreation area for people with motorboats and those horrid jet skis. What’s so interesting about driving around on a lake, up and down smelling of petrol and no challenge whatsoever is beyond me, but hey, maybe I’m just jealous because I don’t have one. Jet ski, that is. At least I feel at home here, the American bogan has embraced me and is blaring 80s American rock music non-stop. Oh the irony. But I’m getting side tracked. Oh, one of the boys just peed right in front of me, ha ha ha. I feel so at home. Anyway, Yosemite NP was a bummer ... read more
May 25th 2012
Still in LA, anxious to get this traveling part over with! I cannot wait to get there! I am hoping the weather is nice and warm. I will send an update within the first couple days of arrival. xoxo... read more
Day Nine - Tahoe California
Published: May 25th 2012North America » United States » California » Tahoe City
May 24th 2012
Tahoe is BEAUTIFUL!!! But it was freezing cold! Terry, the camp host told us some scary stories about bears...but UNFORTNUATELLY we didn't see any, although we grilled fish...how disappointing!... read more
24th May 2012
Published: May 26th 2012North America » United States » California » Yosemite National Park
May 24th 2012
Last full day in Yosemite Vally. This has to be the highlight of the tour for me (Bob). The scenery is breathtaking and the climbing is mind blowing. A now normal 7am breakfast before driving back into the valley to go Sentinel Dome. A spectacular granite dome above glacier point. On the way there we encountered 3 mule deer walking along the road and a bit further on we saw a large black bear run very fast across the road in front of us. No photographs though he was to fast. Unfortunately Dinah did not see him as she was in the back on the wrong side. I suppose this is the luck of the draw. She was very disappointed. It was quite cool to start the walk today because of the cooling weather and the ... read more
May 24th 2012
We have now finished the Great Railway Journey across the USA. Today is our extra day in San Francisco before we fly down to Miami on Friday to pick up the 7-day Caribbean Cruise in Fort Laudadale We spend some time sorting out our suitcases for the cruise so that we have a fresh start with all our clothes clean. After which we go up to the pool on the roof of the Golden Gate Holiday Inn where we are staying. It is quite a warm day and the pool seems to be sheltered from the wind, We sunbathe and read - taking it easy. At around noon we go down to reception to say good-bye to the "Railway" Group" as they head off back to the UK. Di then goes back to the pool. I ... read more
May 24th 2012
May 25, 2012 (Los Angeles LAX) Well we had a very smooth and on time flight to LAX on the American Eagle Regional Jet. Took the bus to the Main terminal and now lounging in the Admiral's Club waiting 4hrs till the Cathay flight to Hong Kong. That will leave from the International Terminal and will take us a while to check in given that we need to clear security again. Residents (Chan and Carver) slept the whole flight. The two of them missed the shuttle bus with us, but caught up in time - slow on the draw! We all have our computers, ipads, phones charging and getting online while we can. More from the other side of the Pacific!... read more
