Smog City & National Parks
[Photo Journal - 32 entries]San Francisco is a bustling city. On every street corner, there's something different going on - tourist-filled
cable cars, street chess, cafes, boutique shops, theatre, gambling in the park and a
fortune cookie factory. Driving in downtown San Francisco is quite an experience, it's sort of like a 5 star rollercoaster ride! San Fran's
Fisherman's Wharf is home of excellent fresh crab and shrimp. This is where we had the clam chowder bread bowl - creamy soup in a bowl made of sour dough - yum!!
Monday 1st of May was declared a
day without immigrants in the US. A day where the nation's immigrants skipped work to
protest the government's views on immigration.
Our night tour of
Alcatraz was very informative and windy! Only 5 people have ever escaped from the island prison. It's possible that escapees are alive, so if you think you make a good detective - there is still a US$1 million reward for their capture.
Next we toured the amazing National Parks of California and Nevada:
- Yosemite National Park - one of the most beautiful natural surroundings you'll we've ever seen. In the Yosemite Valley area, there are many waterfalls, wildlife, cliffs, hiking trails and pine trees as far as the eye can see. Don't forget to store your food in the campground Bear Boxes, otherwise you might wake up to a brown bear rummaging through your car!!
- Sequoia National Park - where we got to hug General Sherman. No, he's not a war hero, the General is the biggest tree in the world. Click here for his stats.
- Death Valley National Park - the lowest point in North America (282 feet below sea level) and one of the hottest places on earth. There is not much to see except the many strange rock formations (Mushroom Rock, Natural Bridge), massive salt planes and Scotty's castle. Wildflowers bloom and then die within a few weeks due to the extreme weather conditions in the valley.
- Red Rock National Park - situated just outside Las Vegas and is a great place for rock climbing.
We got a US cell (mobile) number -
(+1) 415 627 8612
Feel free to text (sms) us anytime, or use the work phone to buzz us! (Remember California is 17hrs behind Melbourne!! We'd still like to hear from ya even at 3am.)
Also, we have a Skype account, our user name is:
jason.kotchoff
If you have internet and a computer microphone + speakers, you can call us using Skype Voice Over IP for free!
Next stop - Las Vegas!!!
1 Comments:
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At 12/5/06 11:15 AM,
gailwoodhouse said...
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Hi Jason and Reen
Its been a bit cold in Melb and will be 15-16 degrees for next week. I have a few hours between student groups today so am at the Queen Vic centre looking at your photos with a big smile on my face. Will head for the sauna and pool next. Nice to see you hiking Jason and in Yosemite where I have also stayed. Was really nice to see the photographs brought back good memories. Sedona and Alaska also great for treks. Look forward to your Grand Canyon shots and thoughts on same. ... lots of love from Mum ...especially Sunday...mothers day....you were the ones who made it happen...love you heaps xxxxxxxxxxxx
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