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Published: June 13th 2013
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Sorry for the lack of updates. We didn't have internet access whilst we were in Yosemite and have only just acquired it now we have arrived in Las Vegas.
We left San Francisco on Monday and on our way out of the city, we drove down the famous winding Lombard street that has been in various films etc.
Our hotel was located just outside of the Yosemite national park entrance and had a great view of the Merced river that flows through the park. The park covers over 3000 square km with numerous peaks and valleys providing spectacular views. We went rafting down the river and were able to enjoy the views whilst drifting on the water. The flow was generally slow moving, although it did get a little more lively at some points which was exciting. We also went hiking and climbed up to one of the huge waterfalls within the park. At some points during the hike, there were some very big drops whcih made sure you paid attention to where you were walking. At the end of the day, we drove up to Glacier point which gave amazing views of the park and the dominant 'half
dome'. Although we didn't see any bears during our visit to Yosemite, during our decent from Glacier point, we saw a wolf or coyote just standing at the side of the road and so was able to take a photo from our car (see attached photo).
Yesterday (Wednesday) we took the long drive from Yosemite to Las Vegas, driving through Death Valley. Death valley was extremely hot. We stopped in the centre where the temperature was 45 degC in the shade - the outside temperature reading on the car touched 50 degC at one point. When we stepped out of the car we were hit with a wall of heat that we've never experienced before. During the drive through Death valley, there were signs indicating that the air conditioning should be switched off to ensure the car doesn't overheat. Suffice to say that we were a little toasty for a while.
One of our main concerns we had before the trip was how we would cope with all of the driving and whether we should have taken a coach tour instead. Fortunately we haven't really noticed the distances because there have been so many different things to see
and every turn brings something new. Also, by driving ourselves, we have been able to stop when we want to take photos or have a break.
I won't say too much about Las Vegas in this post, I'll create a new post later; however it is a great experience. We arrived around 8pm and wandered up and down the strip taking photos - as you may have seen if you read this entry earlier, we didn't return to the room until about 1.30am. There were still lots of people and activity on the strip. We're going to get out early today and see some more sights as the temperature will be around 39 degC today.
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Mark,Zoey and Jessica
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Great snaps
Good evening guys, it's good to here from you we have missed the daily updates, but looking at the last blog and pictures you have made up for it, glad your having a great time, it's looks wonderful place and a lot to cram in in the time you have, keep the pictures coming take care and don't get burnt, that's what you call summer