Please help with our American Trip
Oct 31st, 2013 | 07:45 PM
#21
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
Sharone - I am a native Californian and admit I don't like Las Vegas at all. I understand the curiosity factor but do hope you won't think it representative of our country. I agree that one night there might suffice unless you want to spend a bloody fortune to see some of the shows. Then 2 nights makes sense.
I would cast my vote for a stop in Sedona rather than Phoenix. It is a stunningly beautiful place.
I agree with others that Zion is worth a stop since it is en route from Vegas to Bryce, and You could possibly do a daytime visit and arrive in Bryce late in the afternoon so you can have your two nights there.
I notice that your itinerary doesn't get you much beach time so when you finally arrive in San Diego, I think it would be so much more fun to be near the Ocean or Mission Bay rather than downtown or Old Town. I think the Dana or the Catamaran are good choices. Also, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort or the Hotel Del Coronado if you can afford them. The website www.booking.com is a great resource for ratings once you decide on location, because the ratings are from people whose stays are verified.
I hope you only meet wonderful friendly Americans on your visit so you will go home with warm feelings. Enjoy.
I would cast my vote for a stop in Sedona rather than Phoenix. It is a stunningly beautiful place.
I agree with others that Zion is worth a stop since it is en route from Vegas to Bryce, and You could possibly do a daytime visit and arrive in Bryce late in the afternoon so you can have your two nights there.
I notice that your itinerary doesn't get you much beach time so when you finally arrive in San Diego, I think it would be so much more fun to be near the Ocean or Mission Bay rather than downtown or Old Town. I think the Dana or the Catamaran are good choices. Also, the Loews Coronado Bay Resort or the Hotel Del Coronado if you can afford them. The website www.booking.com is a great resource for ratings once you decide on location, because the ratings are from people whose stays are verified.
I hope you only meet wonderful friendly Americans on your visit so you will go home with warm feelings. Enjoy.
Oct 31st, 2013 | 09:44 PM
#22
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
No one replied to your Death Valley visit. I've only been there maybe 10 times--been everywhere including all remote areas on off road motorcycle. It is one of my favorite parks in the US (been to most of them).
Warning - distance are far in this park.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Three hotels. Furnace Creek Inn is superior $$$$ while Stove Pipe is Reasonable $ and the Ranch is $$
Look at their site for tours, Scotty Ranch, etc.
THIS tour is the best of DV. Sand Dunes at sunrise.
ON highway 190, east of Stove Pipe Wells, stop at MP 88.
A 35+ minute fast walk will take you to center of the dunes. Walking fast in the dunes is very hard work; therefore, allow at least 45 minutes and at least one quart of water each way. These dunes are 3 miles wide and 9 miles long. Do not enter the area during a windstorm!
Insure that you are in the dunes fields with your camera mounted on a tripod before-- before -- before sunrise to capture the beauty of the shadows formed by the dune edges. In the morning, it will be cool, but the temperature rises quickly which could make the walk back difficult, if you stay too long. It is very important that you set your camera exposure meter reading to the bright (not the dark shadow) part of the dune. In other words, avoid pointing your camera at the shadow part of the dunes that will overexpose the other part of the scenery. Use a wide angle lens. 28mm or so.
If you need more information, write a post
Vaga
Warning - distance are far in this park.
http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm
Three hotels. Furnace Creek Inn is superior $$$$ while Stove Pipe is Reasonable $ and the Ranch is $$
Look at their site for tours, Scotty Ranch, etc.
THIS tour is the best of DV. Sand Dunes at sunrise.
ON highway 190, east of Stove Pipe Wells, stop at MP 88.
A 35+ minute fast walk will take you to center of the dunes. Walking fast in the dunes is very hard work; therefore, allow at least 45 minutes and at least one quart of water each way. These dunes are 3 miles wide and 9 miles long. Do not enter the area during a windstorm!
Insure that you are in the dunes fields with your camera mounted on a tripod before-- before -- before sunrise to capture the beauty of the shadows formed by the dune edges. In the morning, it will be cool, but the temperature rises quickly which could make the walk back difficult, if you stay too long. It is very important that you set your camera exposure meter reading to the bright (not the dark shadow) part of the dune. In other words, avoid pointing your camera at the shadow part of the dunes that will overexpose the other part of the scenery. Use a wide angle lens. 28mm or so.
If you need more information, write a post
Vaga
Nov 5th, 2013 | 11:16 AM
#23
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Sharone,
Yes, I think a half day would be enough for a zoo day. If you do just a half day though, I'd recommend getting there early when they open. You'll get through faster that way.
Also, bring your walking shoes, it's a bit of a hike through the zoo, and is hilly. They have a bus tour, but walking it is the best if you are able.
Yes, I think a half day would be enough for a zoo day. If you do just a half day though, I'd recommend getting there early when they open. You'll get through faster that way.
Also, bring your walking shoes, it's a bit of a hike through the zoo, and is hilly. They have a bus tour, but walking it is the best if you are able.
