Yosemite

Heading further into California we gained in altitude as we entered Yosemite National Park via Tioga Pass at 3031m. With huge granite cliffs, trees, lakes and rivers it is so different from the other national parks we have visited so far. The entrance to the park was just a taste of what was to come.
Although the temperature was less than the previous days, it was still hot so a walk in the chilly Tioga Lake was welcoming.
With the area so dry there have been numerous fires including one controlled fire started on August 29th that got out of control and burned a large valley. They are still dampening down the hot spots today. With so many burnt trees every where it was at least good to know that certain trees like the giant Sequoia trees actually benefit from forest fires as it clears the undergrowth for the seeds to receive sunlight.
Heading into the populated part of the park via a few tunnels we were welcomed by a variety of trees (Not just pines) a stream through the valley and towering granite cliffs either side.
El Capitan stands out with its face about 3000feet high as does half dome at the end of the valley. On the other side of the valley a small stream flows off the cliff forming the only waterfall at this time of year (At least what we saw).
Leaving the valley we got our last view back up the valley and of El Capitan. We left the park and found our hotel in the small town of Oakhurst. The hotel has a number of large wooden carvings of bears, a water wheel and the Statue of Liberty.
After a quick rest we returned to the park to see the few thousand year old Sequoia trees. These trees are massive around the base and seem taper out to nothing. One of the trees has a tunnel carved through it which allowed horse and cart to pass through in the 1800’s. The small squirrels scurried among the giant trees collecting the pine cones and the thumping sounds of the wood peckers were heard occasionally.
While Fraser and Aaron slowed for more pictures Sarah got the Chicken Little experience of the sky/pine cone falling nearby making a loud noise as it landed.
Returning to the town just as the sun set we had tea and watched the 9/11 remembrance programs.

Grand Canyon to Las Vegas

Sun rise over the Grand Canyon was worth getting up early for, great colour in the sky and rocks. Following breakfast we headed to the airport.
On board the helicopter flight were four Australians, our pilot and the three of us. The flight began by flying over the large pine forest at 180km/hr 100m above the trees. Surprising it seemed a lot slower then 180km/hr. We then dropping over into the Grand Canyon and looked about 1km down into the canyon and Colorado River below. We had a very smooth ride with great views of the canyon and a running commentary for the pilot. We fly past various rock formations with various names and one that looked like a helicopter with no rotor blades. The canyon is huge but still hard to grasp how big even from the air. Maverick helicopters are well set up with all seats getting a great view and a DVD of the flight available, which we got.
The 50 minutes of flight was over before we know it and we were back on at the airport in time to check out of the motel and begin the days drive.
After a drive through part of Route 66 we passing through more bare areas with straight roads with little more than rock and small shrubs to look at, we were hot and wishing we had air condensing in the car.
We stopped to marvel at the Hoover Dam along with numerous others ending their three day labour weekend, luckily more were heading in the opposite direction.

ON TO LAS VEGAS

Entering Las Vegas we could see The Strip from far away as it was the only area with high-rise buildings. After arriving at our hotel, Treasure Island, we unloaded and got a view of The Strip form our 24th floor. We began wandering the casinos and got tickets for the Blue Man Group (A comedy/drumming/entertainment show done by three men dressed in black with blue heads and blue hands, no not smurfs).
The show was very entertaining with no spoken words. It’s hard to explain you just have to see it to understand.
Following the show we retreated to the cool comfort of the hotel and got some sleep.
Wandering along the strip and in and out of the casinos each with its own theme was unlike any other city so far. It has a real party atmosphere and like New York does not go to sleep. The casinos varied in themes from New York with replica high-rise buildings, Paris with the Eiffel tower, and Luxor in the shape of the pyramid. MGM had lions inside; the Venetian had punting boat that travel through out the hotel, The Flamingo with pink flamingo and turtles the day was over the sun setting.
After dark Treasure Island, our hotel, had a pirate show with fire works, flames etc which ended our second night in Las Vegas.
Begging the next day we went in the opposite direction down the strip to Circus Circus. Set up a bit more for younger families with carnival side shows we ate breakfast and waited for the free circus show. With two acts, one a clown and the other a gymnast it was far from Cirque de Soleil standards we saw in Quebec City. To be fair there other acts through out the day we didn’t stick around to see.
We ventured away from the casinos and to the Gun Store. With a wide range of weapons Fraser seemed at home. Although for a price you could try anything from full automatic weapons to handguns we opted not too.
Arriving at the factory outlet stores in 38degrees celsius heat we spent plenty of time in the air conditioned stores rather than in the heat.
After dark we set off to see the free entertainment put on by the various casinos. This included the volcano at the Mirage and the fountains set to music at the Bellagio.

ON TO BISHOP

Leaving Las Vegas early to beat the heat there were still people sitting at the pokies that could have been there all night. Don’t you wish we all had that much money to spend?
Heading down into Death Valley we saw little but rock, a few Joshua Trees and small shrubs. Hitting sea level we still had further to descend. Heading into the Devils Golf Course there was no vegetation, just dried mud and salt crystals. Looking out at about the same level was Badwater basin, salt plains, the lowest point in the USA at 86m (282 feet) below sea level.
Stopping at the visitor centre at a mare 190 feet below sea level we were glad for the air conditioning. Making our way out of the valley there were sand dunes and more rocks and surprisingly a few small settlements. Why they chose to live the heat is beyond us.
From one valley to the next little changed although the fighter jet doing low level flying up the valleys and canyons distracted us slightly from the heat.
Passing through a few small settlements with a few thousand people we arrived in Bishop with 2600 odd residents. Taking cover form the 34degree heat (plus humidity) in the motel room we caught up on washing and rest partially Sarah who has developed a cough.

Grand Canyon

Leaving Zion Canyon via the way we came in, we headed further down the grand stair case. We passing through the desert below the Vermilion Cliffs with little vegetation and parts with none at all. It is surprising the Navajo Indians are still living there and selling their jewelry etc on the side of the highway.
Before crossing the Colorado River we passed some balancing rocks. In the 1930’s someone choose to build structures in and under them which still stand today.
With a stop to see the Colorado River we walked out over the pedestrian bridge to see the river which created the Grand Canyon.
Entering the Grand Canyon National Park from the east we looked down into the numerous side canyons that lead into the main central canyon from along the South Rim.
After checking into the motel we headed to the west along the canyon rim and stopped to see the sun set before returning to the town ship south of the park for dinner and a night’s sleep.

Zion Canyon

Heading too two thirds of the way down the grand stair case we entered Zion National Park from the east entrance. With our hotel on the other side of the park, in Springdale, we cruised through part of the park including the one mile long tunnel and various switchbacks to get to the valley floor and down to our hotel.
We had breakfast then took the free bus up to the far end of the side canyon as cars are not allowed in this area.
Beginning at the top we saw the narrow opening formed by the river and spreading out to the wide valley with marinading river along its base.
Stopping at each available stop we walked the tracks to get great vantage points of the cliffs, valley floor etc. The walk up to Scouts lookout included various switchbacks and steep drop offs. Aaron completed the walk up to Scouts lookout and the (easy) first stage to Angles Landing.
Various other walks we did included walking up to three pools connected by water falls.
After about 8 hours in the park we returned to the hotel for a swim and spa before a walk through the town followed by dinner.
If only we had weeks to spend at each park, as there as there are numerous long hikes, climbing, abseiling (etc) opportunities one would not get board.

Bryce Canyon

Driving south down through a wide valley with dry brown vegetation with little grass in high heat made for another uneventful drive.
However all was rewarded when we left this valley and headed towards Bryce Canyon. A few photo stops along the scenic road to the National Park was a welcome relief.
Entering the Bryce Canyon National Park we drove to the far end of the dead end road as all to see is on the east side of the canyon. A short walk at the end of the road through the pine trees provided a great view over the plains. Below us were the colourful Hoodoos (Rock Pillar formations).
Driving back we stopped at all the lookouts which provided great views out in the distance and even better views out in front. From standing on the canyon rim the formations were spread out below us. Various colours, sizes and shapes made for numerous photo opportunities.
The red and white layering in the mud/rock is a welcome change from brown grass.
A few antelopes roamed the pine covered canyon rim (By the road) and eagles and crows circled the air with chipmunks scurrying around everywhere.
With a light shower of rain the heat slightly dropped to more manageable temperature, but still getting a sun tan.
Checking into our motel in the small town of Tropic (Population 460) began by calling the staff by the outside phone and then he arrives by a farm bike from down the road. The small motel has possibly 5 rooms and was possibly once a house. Despite our initial thoughts the inside is very spacious, clean tidy and just as good as the high rises in the big cities.
Pizza for tea across the road was very fulling and tasty. After a few skype talks we watched Close Up segments on the Kiwis in Bonneville breaking records, shame we missed seeing the Kiwis there yesterday.

Salt Lake City

Packed and waiting for breakfast at 6:30am we had another great breakfast at the Lodge with the way too happy waitress.
Now heading South we crossed the Continental Divide for the 7th time as the border changed from Montana to Idaho. Further south into Utah we continued past Salt Lake City to Interstate 80. A stop at the rest stop proved the straight roads were not over, not even close. A warning sign, this time not of deer or bison but snakes and scorpions proved we had ventured into new grounds. This long flat road across took as to the Bonneville Salt Flat.
After a walk on the salt and a taste test we continued to the famous Bonneville Speedway. While chatting to a guy manning the entrance we saw a sit down motorbike do 188.8 miles and hour. Earlier that day females we going 240miles an hour. After finding out about the 11mile long coarse we headed back the way we came.
Starting with the 58km straight, no rise no turns just flat. Then the most slightest of bend then straight for another 23km. After a slight deviation we continued straight and flat before a rise after 9km and a bend 4km later. So one hill and one corner in 84km.
After a hot day a swim followed by a spa proved relaxing. Wendys for tea and a relaxing time back at the hotel.

Yellowstone

Up at 5:45am again, for yet another drive across the prairies, this time we saw oil pumps and more grass. A stop at Buffalo for a chat with Jim at the Information Centre then up over a scenic pass with rock/mud formations, waterfalls and trees - a bit of greenery.
As it was another long day on the road we just drove through Yellowstone Park with a short road block due the bison. Crossing the Continental Divide twice. A big as the car it pays to give them the right of way. Saw bald eagles tending to its squawking young high in the tree tops.
Checked into Thee Bears Lodge and a stroll through West Yellowstone town for tea.

After a sleep in till 7:20am we were off. Back into the park. A look around the Old Faithfull Geyser area and saw Riverside Geyser erupt lasting about 20 minutes - it only goes off ever 6hrs. A look at the numerous geysers and hot springs including Morning Glory a colourful hot spring.
Continued the dive through the pine forests and past Yellowstone Lake, the way we came the previous night. After many heads of Bison we were on the look out for more wildlife. At the Yellowstone Grand Canyon we saw the Lower Falls - twice the height of Niagara Falls. And Osprey (Eagle) flying its nest.
After mud pools that were less impressive as those in Rotorua we headed up the North west corner for Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces. Huge hill with with terraces down it formed by the minerals from the hot water flowing from the springs.
Across the top of the park were more open fields with water falls and odd lava formations exposed in the canyon. A stop to look for Yogi and Boo Boo grizzly bears, or any bears came to nothing. Due to road closures we had to pass back pass the Yellowstone lake, pine forest and Continental Divide for the third time.
A wait to see Old Faithfull erupt was impressive even though it lased only 2 minutes. As the sun set we left the park and got dinner and some much needed sleep.