South-West of US (2016)
It has always been our dream to visit US. Don´t get me wrong, I don´t want to somehow exalt that country and claim that it is the Mecca of tourism. But still there is a certain appeal. You can know a lot of places from various movies and you can´t help but thinking, It would be nice to see it by own eyes.
- Introduction
- Los Angeles
- NP Sequoia
- San Francisco
- NP Yosemite
- Las Vegas
- NP Zion
- NP Grand Canyon
- San Diego
- Summary
Introduction
Our wish became beginning reality in the day on our wedding, when we made a pact with two of our friends, Adam and Anet, that we are going to somehow do it. It took us one year to put it all together, but eventually, in October of 2016, we finally set off to our first three weeks holiday.
Of course, the whole affair was preceded by an intensive planning process. Given the size and relevance of the event, I wasn´t willing to leave anything to chance and really tried to think through every detail. I was given an absolute trust by a trio of my companions and after several brainstorming we had complete schedule done, booked car and all accommodations, and bought plane tickets and also tickets to some of busier attractions. This time I have also packed a camera for a first time and I can share with you my first clumsy attempts of filming.
After departure from Prague we spent several hours at the Oslo Airport, waiting for connection to LA. We were killing time by watching The Simpsons and relishing the most expensive sandwich in our life, wondering what is expecting us during the immigration check in US. We heard the craziest stories and especially Adam was worried that given his threatening look of Canadian lumberjack, the immigration officer will pick on him. Our fears did not come true in the end and on the midnight of the same day we found ourselves at LAX international airport in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles
Although we were thrilled by the ubiquitous presence of flags and portraits of Mr. Obama, reminding us that we are really in US, we didn´t cheer that much. Mainly because of fatigue from the long flight and also we were realising that we are still far away from getting some rest. Our car was booked at Alamo rentals, directly at their airport branch. We ordered mid-size SUV (Toyota RAV4 or similar). Here came our first test. After spending significant time in the line and paying we were sent to the parking lot to pick a car. In case we would have picked something larger than was vaguely stated in the contract, those “businessmen” would put additional charges on my credit card. Fortunately and despite of rising fatigue we kept it cool and picked black Jeep Compass, which were big enough to fit all of our four suitcases. I was a bit intimidated by the size of our car at first, because I have never before driven anything that big and moreover with automatic transmission. However, after engaging in the traffic I felt like driving a Beetle, due to the size of other vehicles. Americans surely love their big cars. Without fear we set out to LA night and after hour found our first accommodation at Venice Beach.
Our first impressions of our surroundings were not that great. Our rented bungalow, to which we arrived after 2am, stood right across the street of drug rehab clinic. Its guests and their friends were always roaming around and our female companions were so thrilled about such prospect. Their mood sank even deeper after finding out, that our house does not have standard lock, but merely code dial. After my wife asked me how will we do in case of forgetting the password I dared to joke, that we will ask one of the junkies, because they surely know it. The joke did not meet its audience, I have to admit. But in the end, we were all worn by weariness, the house looked nice inside and we fell asleep, thinking about all that fantastic things which are waiting for us in next three weeks.
Because of the time shift we have been up since five in the morning, but with our excitement we couldn´t feel tired. We had the first day of our holiday in front of us and started with a short walk along Venice Beach. I have never seen so many strange people together. There is a lot of homeless people at Venice, but even those live with a certain style. Since there is no rain they don´t need to care about shelter and as a result, they are just nesting in the middle of their junk, enjoying life. After a while we got a bit nervous and returned back to our home to have some breakfast at beach bistro. After pancakes and excellent muffins we set out north, to Santa Monica. As soon as we left Venice it became clear to me, why are hotels in SM so much more expensive. No hobos, everything clean, sexy chicks on rollerblades an muscular guys on bikes. Basically California as you probably imagine it. We got to the famous pier where Route 66 ends, enjoyed a view to Malibu and on our way back we finally and for the first time swam in the Pacific Ocean. A trip to Hollywood was planned for the afternoon. In order not to embarrass our country girls decided to dress up, looking like antique goddesses. Me and Adam relied on our natural charm. Either way was our effort misplaced because when we thought that there were strange people at Venice, we obviously haven´t seen Hollywood yet. We walked through the Boulevard, checked the China Theatre, stepped on some Stars and stared, fascinated into windows of an incredible amount of sex shops. In the end of the day , fed up with this lascivious entertainment, we drove up to Hollywood Hills to Griffith Observatory, which offers a nice view over the city and famous, in many movies destroyed, Hollywood Sign. While driving home we stopped to buy some food at 7-11, where Aneta casually mentioned the similarity of the shop with Kwik-e-mart and compared the (Indian) vendor to Apu. After my notice, that Apu is surely not deaf and probably has a shotgun under the counter we quickly ended our shopping session and retreated to a safe distance. The pea pods, which we bought for dinner showed to be chips of course. We realized, that this trip probably won´t be a gastronomically oriented.
Our next experience came at night, when we were woken by shouting in the street, followed by shots and police sirens. Nothing so rare in Venice neighbourhood apparently, but nothing we are used to, as provincial people. In the end we survived the night (unlike somebody) and had our last day at LA in front of us. Plan was to get to Sequoia National Park, but first, thanks to recommendation of good friend, we decided to sacrifice hundred dollar each and to visit Universal Studios. I am personally not a big fan of crowds and as such I was bit sceptical at first, but eventually I agreed to go, which turned out to be one of the best decisions of the whole trip, since it was absolutely astonishing. Besides film studios it is also a theme park with completely unbelievable attractions and rides. It was where where I finally realized, why is Hollywood called Dream Factory, because I wouldn´t consider the things we saw and experienced over there as possible before. Starting with a boat ride through Jurassic Park, crazy Mummy roller-coaster to 5D Transformers ride (which Aneta, completely oblivious to such movies called the best thing ever). Harry Potter, Simpsons, Walking Dead…all absolutely amazing. We were goggle-eyed the whole time and couldn´t believe the things happening around us. Every time we thought that there is nothing more which can surprise us, we stood corrected around the next corner. Cool guided tour through movie sets for movies like Jaws, Grinch, War of Worlds, artificial earthquake in the subway, flood in the fishing village topped by largest 360° 3D theatre in the world, where our bus was attacked by two T-Rexes and giant spiders, just to be saved by King Kong. After that car chase with a cast of Fast and Furious, where the holograms of actors around us were so good, we really thought for a while that Vin Diesel is actually standing just a few feet from us. And as an icing on the cake The Waterworld show where the fire hell was unleashed around us. Gunfights like in action movie topped by plane crash to the water tank right in front of us. To sum it up. I have never had so much fun as in that day. That intensity, magic and attention to detail. I can´t describe it, but I´ll never forget it. I have to definitely repeat the recommendation, which I was given, to you as well. If you are ever going to visit Los Angeles, don´t skip Universal Studios.
Our original plan to leave studios at 2pm was clearly not fulfilled and in the end we we were glad, that we made ourselves leave at six in the evening. By that time we were barely able to stood straight and adrenaline in our blood was causing occasional losses of consciousness. We set off, hoping that landlady in our motel 4 hours from here will be tolerant of our late arrival. Fortunately the road was not that bad. Although it is known that LA is drivers nightmare and that locals are practically living inside their cars, it is mainly caused by the fact, that the vast majority of cars only carry one driver. This resulting in absolutely clogged 8-lane motorways with one free lane on the left, which is meant for cars with two or more people. Obviously we were using this lane all the time, making our trips as pleasant and fast as possible. At half past ten we found ourselves at the town of Three Rivers at the edge of Sequoia National Park. Landlady checked us in with slight rebuke and we went to bed, still trying to digest one of the best days of our lives.
NP Sequoia
Before entering the park we stopped for proper American breakfast in a local bistro. Baked potatoes, cheddar cheese-imitating paste and bacon. At this point allow me please to add a small hint. In many of US establishments you are asked after ordering about your name, co they can call you afterwards. Adam, not knowing this process, after an unexpected request from the waitress panicked and feeling under pressure blurted out his, for poor waitress, unpronounceable surname. Now it was her time to panic and as a result, we didn´t get our order and was considered to be a bunch of morons. I was trying to de-escalate imminent conflict by promoting my holiday motto: If there is nothing nice to say, say nothing. After that, we could (partially fed) leave for our exploration of Sequoia NP.
The drive was fun and switchbacks really tested the performance of our Jeep. Once we passed the sign showing the beginning of the Park, I brought up an idea, that we could prepare the camera for possible bear encounter. My wife, in her healthy skepticism, proclaimed my hope foolish and advised me to save batteries. Approximately 30 seconds later the bear of course ran right in front of our car, so close that we had to stop and calm ourselves. True to my motto, I didn´t say anything to my wife, because if I did, it would not surely be nice. After a first brief stop at Hospital Rock we started next brutal car climb to the Museum of the Park, where we left our car and went for short 2km loop track Big Trees Trail. Sequoias were magnificent, the weather great and mood awesome. Next stop was General Sherman, which is, by volume, largest known living tree on Earth. There the density of tourists started to rise, so we rather left for a Congress Trail walk, accompanied by (supposedly) plague-infected squirrels. Our last stop was Moro Rock with incredible 360° view at the whole park. On our way back we drove through the famous Tunnel Log, and as we started to feel some regrets about our previous missed bear-filming opportunity, we we again stunned by the awesomeness of the US, when they served us with the same bear just a few feet from road, climbing tree and stuffing himself with some berries. And as a cherry on top of the day we had to stop our car and gave way to the biggest spider I have ever seen. Not your usual traffic participant I must admit.
San Francisco
On the next day we were about to leave for 260 miles long ride to San Francisco. Trips at US are long, but the landscape is constantly changing and there is still something interesting to look at. We, for example, managed to see a small tornado. Also, we visited Walmart for a first time in our lives, where I finally found my desired almond M&M’s and we could buy some more or less normal food. The lady at the cash register, which looked very burger-friendly, probably never had so much fruit in her hands before. We also learned, that your average American does not understand the term “walking distance”. Here you drive even to the bathroom. We tried to manage our expectations because we were warned by many friends, that weather in SF is very fickle, rains and fogs frequent, and those views you know from Hollywood movies are very rare. When passing through Oakland, our fears were dispelled as we was offered with beautiful view to the whole Bay Area. San Francisco looks very different than most American cities and it has almost European spirit. Built on small peninsula it has to deal with lack of space and astronomical prices of land and real estate. There is no argue that city has its own unique style and charm. Only here you can find a homeless begging for change, while charging his new iPhone at street lamp. We found our accommodation at Lombard Street without problem. Small motel, smelled after cigarettes costed us 600 USD for two nights. SF is not a cheap city. Because the evening was coming fast, we went only for a short walk to see piers and ended our day with a dinner at Danny´s.
We started our SF day with a hearty motel breakfast consisting of toasts with butter, instant oatmeal and coffee machine without coffee. It was surely not five star experience, but it eliminated the necessity of hunting our own food, which in SF saved us at least 200 dollars. We invested our savings to public transport and went to Pier 33, where we were expected by our ferry to Alcatraz, which was wisely booked in advance. This island was the second of the three attractions, which were recommended to me as must-see. Therefore, we bought the ferry tickets, which also serve as Alcatraz admission tickets, almost three months before. And even at that time there were over half of them sold. At the famous Rock we were about to live through different kind of experience than at Universal Studios, but equally impressive. The self-guided tour through the prison was unbelievably elaborated and a chill ran down our backs during strolls through cells, cafeteria and corridors while listening to former wardens and prisoners. We were surprised how close the prison is to the city. When the conditions were right, the prisoners could actually hear the sounds of people from the coast, which only deepened their punishment. Fortunately, we weren´t jailed so we could, instead of desperation, enjoy the stunning view of the downtown of SF, Golden Gate and Oakland – multiplied by absolutely fantastic weather. The view was so spectacular, that we didn´t want to turn our back to it, knowing painfully that we might never see it again. Our melancholy was suddenly interrupted by flight of the Blue Angels squadron, which was, as a part of the Flight Week in SF, sweeping over the Bay the whole day. Sometimes so low, that they rippled the water, doing breathtaking maneuvers. Before leaving the island we also had the opportunity to meet a former prisoner, who was imprisoned at age 23. Now he is an author, signing books for tourists. Funny how things sometimes turn out.
On our ferry ride back to the city we ate a little. In order to take it easy on our valets and veins we skipped a fast-food and ate up the leftovers from our Walmart visit. Fruits, bars, cheese…after week in US our stomachs were able to digest anything. We detoured a little to the Pier 39, hoping, that we will see a seal or two. Well, we saw dozens. When things go well then things go well.
When we satisfied our zoological passions, we hit a bus again and set off to Golden Gate Park. Here I would like to mention how great the street and road sign system in US really is. What seem to be chaotic to inexperienced eyes at first, become suddenly not only logical, but also super practical. For instance street names at each junction, different curb colors depending on parking possibilities, but mostly the Holly Grail of drivers – the possibility to turn right even when the red light is on. Golden Gate Bridge is pointless to describe, since its grandeur and beauty, especially during sunset, is inexplicable. Our experience was intensified by a squadron of fighters crossing right above the bridge when we were walking over it. Together with all the flags it was probably the most American thing I have ever seen. The whole bridge is approximately three kilometers long. However, we couldn´t imagine not cross it there and back again and after that we joyfully went additional 6 kilometers back to our Motel. Beautiful walk along the coast during the sunset witnessed our common agreement, that we will one day all move to San Francisco for our retirement. We really fell in love with this city.
NP Yosemite
Unfortunately the time cannot be stopped and on the following day we had to say goodbye to our new love. After yet another opulent, carb-full breakfast, which was supposed to fill us with energy until late afternoon we took a small detour to check out the skyscrapers at Financial District. We used this opportunity to ride down the flowery Lombard Street. Although a bit faded in October, still quite impressive. Driving in San Francisco is quite thrilling. The whole city and its 800 thousand inhabitants are squeezed in small peninsula and is built on steep hills, which obviously weren´t considered as an obstacle by original settlers. The only horizontal ground can be found in museums. Apart being considered the center of computer and technology industry, this city also has to be a gold mine for whoever sells brake pads. Some of the downhills could compete with our recent rides at Universal Studios. After enjoying the views to skyscrapers we drove to Oakland Bridge and started our 200 miles long drive to Yosemite National Park. When the two thirds of the trip were behind us, we left the motorway and in front of us, we could see a typical American road – 50 miles and two lanes straight as an arrow through the prairie with a maximum allowed speed of 55 mph. Thank God for cruise control. We managed to arrive two hours earlier than planned and, more importantly, allowed by our hotel. However, shrewd travelers that we are, we used our extra time effectively. After feeding our car, we also sat down for lunch-dinner at supposedly the best bistro at Sierra Nevada, in the town of Mariposa. I must admit that we didn´t leave disappointed. For mere 50 dollars we were served with three huge burgers with homemade fries, chicken sandwich (which Nina found to be the best thing since our wedding) and of course all the fountain drinks our bladders could hold. And they didn´t even want tips – unprecedented thing when in the US. With our bellies full we moved towards the hills, imagining that we will explore all the viewpoints and leave the hiking for another day. Although our car protested a little, we drove it to the height of 1500m, where after going through a mile long tunnel we could appreciate a lovely Tunnel View. The crowds of Asian tourists suddenly didn´t know, whether to admire the valley panoramas or beauty of our gentle companions. Our climb didn´t end here though and we continued to our final destination, 2100m high Glacier Point. After Anet almost fell off the cliff when trying to get a perfect photo and I nearly hit an innocent bystander with my selfie-stick, we agreed that it is about time to get back to our hotel. During 20 miles long downhill we had our cameras ready to go, looking for a sign of bear presence. This time we weren´t lucky.
The next day started promising. Our internal clocks were almost adjusted to local time and in the morning we slept almost until 8am. Also, we finally got a decent breakfast. For only 12 dollars we enjoyed all pleasures offered by local open buffet. Coffee, tea, eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes with syrup, cereals, pastry, muffins and fruit. We were utmost satisfied, filled with energy and determined to attack the valley with all we got. However, due to the budget, we left the tip only 5%, which basically eliminated the possibility of going to the same breakfast tomorrow. We went to the park again, but this time we stayed at the bottom and after a short investigation of the main camp we started our 6km climb to the waterfalls, which were supposed to be 900 meters above us. The ascent tested us hard and without mercy pointed out all our physical shortcomings. Especially in combination with hot weather and our absolutely inadequate reserves of water. Despite these drawbacks we were continuously rewarded by great views of the valley, as it was slowly opening under us. It happened to us yet again that other tourists thought we were Germans. I don´t know whether it was caused by Anet´s decisive military marsh or Nina´s Nordic appearance. To our immeasurable disappointment, we found out, after climbing all the way to the falls, that there is no water inside of them. I found this fact, although quite understandable due to the season, as a serious setback. As a self-proclaiming director of the trip I considered this to by my fatal failure and for once I allowed to my companions to grumble a little. Despite this hitch, we did after four hours climb all the way to the top, where the view erased the recent disappointment from our minds. We ate some cookies and carrots for a lunch and set off for our return, which was passing much faster and easier. When meeting the group of German tourists at he beginning of their climb, we informed them that waterfall is currently not existing. They, faithful to their innate efficiency, immediately turned back and went to spread German culture elsewhere. When walking back they visibly wondered, where did that Czech vermin get money for such trip. Immediately after return to parking lot we drank a gallon of water and drove back to El Portal. While Anet and Adam tested the hotel pool, me and Nina went to local restaurant to try local Chicken Wings. The portion was small, but expensive. Nevertheless we appreciated some meat into our stomach, after a long day. In the end we enjoyed “Tour de Bear” and took a photo with most of wooden bears, decorating our resort.
Las Vegas
On the following day we managed to wake up on time and at 8am we were already sitting in the car, ready to pass Sierra Nevada mountains. We got to the altitude of 3000m and despite occasional complaining, our Jeep carried us over the mountains safely. On the way we stopped at the picturesque Tanya Lake, which was so corny and beautiful, that we almost didn´t leave it. However, pushed by time, we went on to the towns Bishop and Lone Pine. The road led us 100 miles along the mountains without possibility of turning anywhere. After an hour and half drive though this moon landscape we had a lunch at Carl´s Jr. and turned left (which was huge excitement for us at the time), to face another 100 miles straight as an arrow to Death Valley. In order to reach it we had to climb one more ridge, but before start we were instructed by traffic signs to turn off our AC. Otherwise, our engine might explode. We complied, despite the temperature at that point was reaching to 35 degrees at shadow. Problem was, that only shadow far and wide was under our car. Given the fact that it was mid October, we dared not to imagine, how it looks here during summer. Death Valley honors its name. Especially in eyes of a person who has never been in the desert. We stopped to see colorful rock formations of Artist´s Pallet and then for a mandatory visit of Badwater Basin – the lowest point on the western hemisphere, 88 meters below the sea level. When we were done admiring this unusual landscape, there was still over 140 miles in front of us before reaching Las Vegas. In total it made more than 400 miles in less than 12 hours, our longest stage so far. It got dark really fast and the rest of our drive was quite boring, until we realized that bright glow on the horizon is not a sunset, but the lights of the city. After arriving into that craziness we checked in at LINQ casino directly at the Strip and exhausted after a long journey we went soon to bed , knowing we have a big day ahead of us.
I am writing down our Las Vegas adventures with one day delay at the town Hurricane, Utah. I had no energy for it previous day and also I probably wouldn´t be able to hold a pen in my hand. I´ll start from the beginning. We woke up to sunny Vegas morning and had a small breakfast at the hotel bistro. Burrito, scrambled eggs, bacon and hash browns. Instead of procrastinating at the casino we left for 30 miles ride to Boulder City to see the famous Hoover Dam, taming the Colorado River. At first we stopped on the bridge overlooking this concrete monstrosity and after that walked over it ourselves. Despite being October we were fried by the Sun and we could only thank to the organizer (being me) for selecting an appropriate date for our trip. Returning from the dam we stopped for a lunch at Jack in the Box, where we had our best fast-food burger so far. Back at the hotel we treated ourselves with some time in the pool (after the local bouncer checked our age), admiring the silicon beauties around us. Refreshed, we dressed up and set off to the Stratosphere Tower, through Venetian Casino. The whole city is absolutely crazy and I am unfortunately not a good enough writer to give it a justice. However, I wish to everybody to see it at least one time with his own eyes. You just step in the escalator on the sidewalk, and if you aren´t careful enough, it will take you into the bowls of one of the many casinos, to let you try to find your way out. At the height of 200 meters on the top of the tower we were expected by three attractions, which stirred our blood a little to start our evening. After collecting ourselves, we went to explore the south side of the Strip. Despite our intentions not to party too much, our plans were ruined with discovery of cool bar right under the Eiffel Tower, where we could buy two cocktails for 7 dollars. Well and since we bought (in the first of many rounds), twelve of them, the fun started really quick. I came to my senses around 4am on following day, with an empty head, but fortunately with full memory of my SD card. Instead of describing our adventures, I will let you make your own opinion by watching what we filmed. Surprisingly, we didn´t feel very well in the morning and the whole day was used to convalescence. Only check-out, detox in the hotel pool and 140 miles long drive to Utah and Zion National Park.
NP Zion
NP Zion was the last of the three “tips” I was given before leaving for a holiday with the advice that missing them would be sacrilege. And same as for previous tips – Universal Studios and Alcatraz, even here I have to admit that all praise is justified. Our day started with a continental breakfast at Super8 Motel in the town of Hurricane. For only 10 dollars we got food for four people, which was a nice change in price policy compared with Las Vegas. Breakfast was special for me in a way that I finally made my first own waffle (understand pouring prepared dough into the form and waiting 2,5 minutes). We set off to the National Park, with the painful awareness that we only have one day for it, and chose the famous hike to Angel´s Landing. Entertaining and occasionally mildly dangerous hike slowly changed to fight for survival during climbing across narrow ledges. I have to admit that we were sufficiently and in advance warned by signs, that climbing is at your own risk. As we were hanging above the abyss, holding only to chains, Anet and Adam overcame their fear of heights and our efforts were rewarded with stunning views to beautiful meandering valley with river, lined on the sides by steep cliffs. Still full of strength and mainly enthusiasm we decided to try one more hike on the same day, The Narrows. The path leading through the riverbed, going through the canyon, in places only a few meters wide and over 100 meters deep. We bravely forfeit the possibility of renting waterproof shoes and pants and went only with our standard equipment, to slight amusement of other visitors. Alas, the fatigue and most importantly time caught on us soon and together with cold and hunger made the decision about the return for us. After three hours in the river we found ourselves back in the shuttle bus, which passes through the Park often and also for free. To the delight of our driver we rode barefooted with our soaked boots in our hands. After returning to Hurricane we wondered, if we could leave them outside of our apartment to dry over night. At the end, we came to the conclusion, that a possible thief who would be brave enough to pick them up also probably deserves them.
NP Grand Canyon
On the next morning to start yet another transit day we left a lovely town of Hurricane and begun our 300 miles long ride to the south side of the Grand Canyon. As we were passing through the wasteland with low bushes we could have seen rising red cliffs of Monument Valley in the distance. After arriving in Arizona we changed the time on our watches again and in the town of Cameron turned to the west to not very often used road to canyon south side. Our first stop was at Desert View, with its historical lookout tower and our first sight of the great abyss in front of us left us speechless. While driving on we stopped at one more viewpoint, but increasing fatigue didn´t allow us to enjoy this Wonder of the World as it would deserve. So we turned to south at Grand Canyon Village towards our motel at Valle. The whole settlement consisted of our motel, Rocks&More store, gas station from the sixties, Flintstones auto camp and five teepees. Before calling it a day, Nina bought at above mentioned store adorable cowboy hat (cuteness +5 points). We fell asleep on our way to the bed.
Thanks to going to bed early on the day before we woke up rested before 7am. We decided to take our chances and instead of having breakfast in our motel we went across the road to the Bedrock to try Fred´s dinner, where we could eat for a third of the price. Soon we found out why. Around 16 years old “service-person” (I intentionally hesitate to use the word Waiter), who obviously suffered by intense hangover from recent partying with his sister-girlfriend tried to take our order, whereupon his mother-aunt brought us something completely different, which looked like something from Fear Factor. We kept our complaining to ourselves, mainly due to slowly increasing amount of local country boys, truck drivers, dusting plane pilots and other, straw chewing, specimen. Enriched by this experience we drove 30 miles to National Park. As a proper tourists we collect information in park Info centre and used service of one of free bus shuttles to Yaki Point, which was start of our 100m decline to the Ooh Aah Point. We shortened our one mile walk with taking photos and counting poor mules, carrying up and down obese and immobile visitors. At the viewpoint, while three of us were enjoying the view, Nina spent her time trying to prevent her new hat from flying away. The way back up was much easier. Shuttle took us back to GC Village, where we treated ourselves with ice coffee, sandwich, excellent cookie, and transferred to a different bus to take us to another viewpoint on the west, called aptly The Abyss. There we had an opportunity to enjoy 7 kilometres long hike on the edge of the canyon and finally fully appreciate all its beauties. Despite all pictures taken, minutes of video recorded and lines written I can not by far describe the vast greatness of the Canyon to somebody who hasn´t seen it with own eyes. The best thing you can do, is put a camera aside for a while and just sit, not talking to anybody and trying to absorb the sight. I wish this experience to everybody. The way back to the village was quick, drive to motel safe and even when lying in our beds in the evening we were still trying to somehow process all what we had the opportunity to see.
San Diego
On the next day we were about to leave for our last long road-trip. 480 miles through Mojave Desert to San Diego, our last city. Thanks to massive golden sand dunes which occasionally surrounded our road we sometimes felt like going through Africa. Only until the point when we arrived in Yuma and for the first time saw the Fence, going into the distance, separating the US and Mexico. San Diego – city where it does not rain welcomed us with rain. Or maybe it is better to say with a light drizzle, which of course caused panic among locals, unused to this weather, and enabling us to enjoy famous Sea World without standard crowds. We didn´t mind a light rain since after a few rides and visiting dolphin and orca show we were soaking wet anyway. We spent half a day in this playground for both kids and adults and after returning to the hotel and vain attempt to get dry we went to the waterfront to look at the harbour, promenade and mainly commissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway.
After visiting San Diego and more than 9000 kilometres in the car we had only one more trip in front of us. Journey back to Los Angeles and preparation for our return home. We sacrificed our last day to shopping and as a final treat we visited The California Science Center, where I have fulfilled my childhood dream and saw with my own eyes Spaceshuttle Endeavour.
Summary
Three weeks passed quicker than you would think, but due to the intensity of our schedule and frequent car rides we found ourselves looking forward to be home again. From big part to finally have a normal food, but also to share our experiences with our families and friends. We really tried, while being in the US, to see and visit all we could and today I can look back and with honesty say that we did it. We really did not waste any time at all. On the contrary, sometimes we were so tired that we were tempted just to lay down and rest for a whole day. But the uniqueness of our holiday did not allow us to do so, we ignored our weariness and travelled like it was supposed to be for a last time. I really think we couldn´t get more out of it. We never spent more than two nights in one place, which basically meant constant packing and every other day a long drive. Despite all that we had to remove many of our wishes from the original plan. If you will ever plan your trip to this area, I hope you will find some help in this article. I strongly recommend you to plan your itinerary thoroughly and accept the fact that you won´t be able to make it all.
You have my thanks for reading all the way up to this point. I also thank to my companions for awesome three weeks and their approval to publish our photos and videos.
Gallery