We flew from Jackson Hole, stopping on route at Salt Lake City, to San Francisco, arriving 5pm at our last Airbnb stay; husbands John and Billy’s stylish home, where every wall and corner was crammed with art and sculpture. Starting with a coffee across the road, junction of Waller and Fillmore (near Haight Street, the
Wednesday 23rd August and we took a boat tour with Alcatraz Cruises from Pier 33, a 45 minute Cable Tram Tour from our lodging – and the very ‘Southern’ driver was exceptionally patient with all the tourists. Getting to the Pier we see there are no cruise tickets available until September, and some very disappointed
We left the hustle and bustle of San Fran to spend a few relaxing days at Carmel by the Sea, where Clint Eastwood was mayor and famous resident. Travelling in our virtually new Nissan Rogue SUV for the next 16 days we were soon on our way South, and we now know the way to
Today was our last full day staying in Carmel and we headed South to take in some of the Pacific coast views along the iconic Highway 1 route and explore the picturesque Big Sur state park. It’s a little publicised fact that the Pacific coastline is subject to frequent fog, as we have witnessed since
Today we left our quiet retreat in Carmel. Time for a final shot of us on the balcony with the Pacific just visible behind us and a few pics along the Scenic Drive (yes the road is actually called that) running alongside the beach. En route to Yosemite we came across the fascinating and huge
Today was spent exploring this spectacular National Park. As we left our overnight stop at Yosemite View lodge, Kate noticed the smell of woodsmoke in the air so we enquired at the gate, and they confirmed that fires were at large in the park! but thankfully managed and well away from the tourist areas. We
After a hearty breakfast in a great American diner opposite our motel, we explored June Lake village. Then drove the scenic loop road past Silver lake where we stopped for a walk and chatted with an older couple from San Diego on their annual fishing pilgrimage, and he pulled in a Rainbow Trout as we
Weather reports threaten record breaking high temperatures in the area so we were up and away early, driving towards Death Valley on US190; well stocked with a tank of gas and six gallons of bottled water! With highlights such as Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek to see (hmmm it all sounds a bit warm) and
Before leaving for a visit to Hoover Dam, Kate enjoyed a swim in the hotel pool. 9am, it’s already sunny and 104 degrees! Breakfast: egg and bacon bagels followed by gooey warm cinnamon bites with icing drizzle. How naughty. We notice free soft drinks and sweets are available for guests and gamblers (who are already
We left Williams, very early, to catch our first sight of the Grand Canyon… by helicopter! A handsome grazing elk greeted us at the airport gates. An early morning flight meant a smoother ride apparently (jolly good). The whole experience was totally thrilling, a smile never left my face. Spectacular and magnificent Canyon views unveiled