Advantages: Gives a taste of Alaskan life. Disadvantages: Only accessible by boat or plane.
...Indian settlement in Alaska, and Icy Strait Point is just down the road from the village. In these days when diversification is necessary for survival, as fishing and logging is no longer providing sufficient income, the Tlingit chiefs and the cruise ship companies have reached an agreement. One ship is allowed in each day and although the harbour isn't deep enough for cruise ships the life boats are utilized to ferry guests ashore.
We were told ... ...no doctor or hairdresser in Icy Strait Point , so ferries are essential, as are the small planes to get people off the island, and to bring supplies in. Although we weren't lucky enough to see a bear, we learned about them, the birds and deer and sea life. The entire village was burned down in 1944 but was re built again. We stopped at the local school and saw a canoe that was being carved from a tree in the local way, so old crafts were still being ...
Advantages: Open spaces - lots to see and experience Disadvantages: Might be a tad hot for some people.
...feel that both areas of Stovepipe Wells and Furnace Creek have so much to offer that it's just too much for one combined review and it gives readers an idea of how to plan their visit.
This one covers the journey along Route 190 from Panamint Springs area to the Stovepipe Wells area and slightly beyond. My second will cover all the things you can find at the Furnace Creek area.
***Driving Into Death Valley***
I suppose like many people I thought ... ...we quite enjoyed.
***Towards Stovepipe Village***
On the way to the village we saw lots of high mountains including Pinto Peak, as we drove through Towne Pass. We soon realised very quickly that the desert wasn't going to be as flat as we had first thought. One thing you do have to watch out for on this road is the hazard of falling rocks. There are plenty of warning signs of course and the guidebooks do tell you the difficulties of driving these ...
Advantages: Beautiful scenery and breathtaking views Disadvantages: Winding roads are difficult in the dark
...on our honeymoon tour of the states even though we did plan to visit Yosemite Valley before driving right through the centre of it, over the Tioga Pass Road and on to Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes. Unfortunately our plans had to be altered a little bit when we were delayed in getting our hire car in San Francisco. So this is the story of what we did manage to do and the amazing things we saw along the way from leaving San Francisco and travelling ... ...Our journey started off on the freeways and ended up on the smaller roads where you can stop at various vista points to take in some wonderful views. I've added in extra details of points of interest at either end of the road to help anyone plan their journey in this area. I hope you enjoy it.
***The Start***
I won't bore you with the journey on the freeways but instead I'll start on Route 120 just west of Yosemite National Park. This was when ...
Advantages: Brilliant, cheap place to stop over Disadvantages: Not much to do for a longer holiday
Fresno is often refered to as 'the gateway to Yosemite' which is one of it's strongest points. I reguarly visit the place because I have relatives there, but as a holiday destination it just doesn't have what other places in CA have. As a place to live it would be brilliant: Many realise this, which is why it's one of the US fastest growing cities. It's main attractions include a water park which is great for a family day out. Fresno also features ... ...If you're travelling into Fresno Yosemite Interantional Airport you'll come into a clean, mostly friendly place. Sometimes staff can be a bit prickly, but overall it's a nice enough place. I believe it's been redone lately, so looks very neat and tidy! Definately a credit to the city. Hotels are generally cheap, but be careful you stay somewhere that feels safe. There are many areas in Fresno you would not want to be after dark, but great bargains ...
Advantages: Beautiful unspoilt area of an equally wonderful state Disadvantages: Don't expect to do anything after 9pm!
...too beautiful to be real. Morro Bay is an exception. My fiance and I didn't plan on going to Morro Bay, we just ended up there after driving to San Louis Obispo (Which is about 12 miles away). I am so glad we did, as it's one of the most wonderful trips I've ever taken. Morro Bay is about half way between LA and San Francisco, on the coast of California. The big rock is the first thing you see when you get down to the beach and enhances the magnifient ... ...this is virtually impossible in Morro Bay (Unless you order in pizza). I feel like I should also write a warning to those planning to travel to Monterey from Morro Bay. It's definately worth a visit, but takes far longer to get to than you would imagine if you take the scenic coastal route. Obviously you get to drive next to the ocean and beautiful views, but the road is just downright scary at times. In California 'falling rock' signs mean just ...