I recently had a chance to drive out to the Left Coast of these Untidy States of America. I drove out and spent some time in the Central Coast area of California, then drove up the coast on Highway 1 to San Francisco. What a drive! Spectacular vistas, incredible beauty and quaint little diners and business' all along the way. It was a trip I will never forget and hope to do again soon.
First stop was Pismo Beach, where my wife and I celebrated our anniversary by dining at a great little restaurant called Steamers. Steamers is situated atop a bluff right above the beach, and what an incredible view there is! If you go, arrive early in order to get a window seat. If not, wait for one. Calling ahead for reservations is very much recommended. Request the window tables.
While my wife and I were dining on a superior surf and turf dish (it was a daily special, and oh how special it was!) consisting of fresh lobster and delectable filet mignon, we were glancing out the window taking in the incredible view and sunset, when we look out to the water and see a pod of dolphins sounding. What a sight! My wife is just crazy for dolphins too so it was a really special treat for her. Long story short, one of the best lobster and steak dishes I've ever had. Fairly reasonable on the prices too, as I believe dinner and wine for the two of us ran around $100.00. Can't beat that price for great wine, lobster and filet mignon. They also served it with some wonderful garlic shrimp and tender whitefish.
Pismo Beach and the surrounding communities are a wonderful place, beautiful and well worth the trip. I highly recommend the area on any trip to the coast, and Steamers was just the place to spend our anniversary. I recommend not only the community but Steamers as well.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Grand Canyon
It's been a while since I've been to the Canyon, but it isn't a trip I'll ever forget. What an amazing place. I've often heard that, "A picture is worth a thousand words." Well that may be true, but pictures don't do justice to the Grand Canyon. There is no possible way you can get a sense of the true grandeur of the Grand Canyon from a two dimensional picture. It just isn’t possible. I’ve also flown over the Canyon several times in commercial airliners, and again, it just isn’t possible to feel the true perspective of its magnificence.
I’ve been to both rims of the Canyon, south and north, and have my own preference. The south has more facilities and gets much more attention because it is easier to get to. It is also accessible year round, unlike the North Rim, which is closed for about half the year. The South Rim is accessible by two different routes, one from the east and one from the south. The southern route has several different travel alternatives. If you are driving, you can travel the scenic highway 180/64 which takes you directly to the Park Headquarters. Another viable alternative is to fly into the Grand Canyon National Park Airport and take a shuttle into the Park. This is a good, relaxing way to make the journey, but only recommended if you plan on spending several nights at the Canyon, which can be both relaxing and invigorating. The third alternative is to travel by rail to the Park. A railroad runs right to the park and drops you off not far short of the Park Headquarters. This can be utilized for a day trip or if you’re going to stay longer. A trip by rail is a beautiful, relaxing trip along a scenic route into the Park and costs around $70.00 US. I highly recommend it as a wonderful way to go to the Park.
I’ve been to both rims of the Canyon, south and north, and have my own preference. The south has more facilities and gets much more attention because it is easier to get to. It is also accessible year round, unlike the North Rim, which is closed for about half the year. The South Rim is accessible by two different routes, one from the east and one from the south. The southern route has several different travel alternatives. If you are driving, you can travel the scenic highway 180/64 which takes you directly to the Park Headquarters. Another viable alternative is to fly into the Grand Canyon National Park Airport and take a shuttle into the Park. This is a good, relaxing way to make the journey, but only recommended if you plan on spending several nights at the Canyon, which can be both relaxing and invigorating. The third alternative is to travel by rail to the Park. A railroad runs right to the park and drops you off not far short of the Park Headquarters. This can be utilized for a day trip or if you’re going to stay longer. A trip by rail is a beautiful, relaxing trip along a scenic route into the Park and costs around $70.00 US. I highly recommend it as a wonderful way to go to the Park.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Zion’s National Park – Oasis in the Desert
A National Park some find to just be on the way to other things, Zion’s is a beautiful oasis in the midst of a dry yet colorful desert. Surrounded by harsh, yet scenic, desert plateaus, Zion’s National Park is truly a desert oasis. A trip to visit Zion’s is never complete unless you take time to hike some of the trails available to the casual hiker. There are plenty of advanced hikes and rock climbs for those who are serious about their rocks, but most people fall into the casual visitor category, and those of you who do are the one’s I’ll address in this post.
First of all, unlike years past, now days in Zion you must take a shuttle to get into the main canyon itself. This is actually a good thing and something that should have been done year’s ago. Since the shuttle service started in 2000, traffic congestion has been virtually eliminated, pollution, noise and environmental damage has been reduced to reasonable level’s and the entire Zion experience has become something that is much more enjoyable. The shuttles’s run regularly and are extremely convenient. It’s nice to relax and let someone else worry about the drive up the canyon.
For the casual visitor, there are many options; some depend on how ambitious you are. some depend largely on what kind of shape you’re in and how much time you have. No matter what you’re planning on doing, there are definitely some things that everyone should know and pay strict attention to while visiting the Park.
One thing to take very seriously is, this is wilderness, folks! It is wild, desert country and don’t underestimate its danger if you don’t pay attention to the warnings amply given. For one thing, many of the trails are at height and have steep falls, the trails themselves are loose dirt and pebbles and can be very treacherous for the unaware. WATCH YOUR CHILDREN CLOSELY. I can’t stress that enough.
First of all, unlike years past, now days in Zion you must take a shuttle to get into the main canyon itself. This is actually a good thing and something that should have been done year’s ago. Since the shuttle service started in 2000, traffic congestion has been virtually eliminated, pollution, noise and environmental damage has been reduced to reasonable level’s and the entire Zion experience has become something that is much more enjoyable. The shuttles’s run regularly and are extremely convenient. It’s nice to relax and let someone else worry about the drive up the canyon.
For the casual visitor, there are many options; some depend on how ambitious you are. some depend largely on what kind of shape you’re in and how much time you have. No matter what you’re planning on doing, there are definitely some things that everyone should know and pay strict attention to while visiting the Park.
One thing to take very seriously is, this is wilderness, folks! It is wild, desert country and don’t underestimate its danger if you don’t pay attention to the warnings amply given. For one thing, many of the trails are at height and have steep falls, the trails themselves are loose dirt and pebbles and can be very treacherous for the unaware. WATCH YOUR CHILDREN CLOSELY. I can’t stress that enough.
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