TravelsandEscapes

There are climbers on El Capitan, or El Cap as the climbers call it. Can you see them? We could with binoculars…but just barely.

Rising over 3,000 feet above the valley floor and 7.569 feet above sea level this impressive Yosemite landmark is the largest monolith of granite in the world. No wonder so many want to climb it.

El Capitan holds another distinction. It is almost twice the size of the Rock of Gibraltar. It’s truly an amazing icon no matter how you look at it. But I can’t imagine climbing that rock face.

Rising 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and over 8,000 feet above sea level Half Dome is a Yosemite icon. In 1865 a report stated it was totally inaccessible and would never be touched by human feet.

But you can hike it today…if you are in shape and up for the 14 mile round trip hike. Keep in mind you will gain about 4,800 feet on your trek. Rangers assist hundreds each year who thought they could make it. The last part of the ascent, about 400 feet, is over a series of pre-hung cables. Permits are required to climb this amazing piece of granite.

John Muir once said “everything is flowing” in Yosemite. This is definitely a year for that.

Heavy snows this year result in awe inspiring waterfalls…even those at a fair distance away.

Double falls in the Yosemite Valley are spectacular from high above at Glacier Point.

Don’t get stuck. Some roads opened as recently as last week…not due to tunnels like this, but to snow pack.

Icy water rushes towards a granite cliff where it will tumble to the valley floor.

As summer continues these streams will become smaller. For now they provide a surprise around every boulder.

This is a preview of more to come. Yosemite waterfalls defy description this year, due to heavy snow and on going melting.

Cruise ships regularly come to San Francisco, docking at Pier 35.

Can you imagine cruising under the Golden Gate Bridge?

San Francisco Bay

What a wonderful skyline…

Try some of these travel tips this summer…

Ever need an ice bucket when you are on vacation? Ever tried to pack one in your luggage? How about using an inflatable one instead? They pack flat, you can blow it up and fill with ice and use it to keep just about anything cool for a while.

Uses for contact lens cases are plenty. I’ve used them for moisturizer, antibacterial cream, aspirin, make-up foundation and hair gel…just to name a few. Use a permanent marker so you know what is in each one! And the nice part…they don’t take up much room and can be packed in your carry-on as they hold less than three ounces.

I’ve always packed a shawl…to use as a make-shift blanket, skirt, pillow, shoulder covering or back rest.

Want to find a great souvenir for a woman? Look for a scarf from the region.

Will you be washing and drying your clothes? If you pack a couple of balloons, you can blow them up and put them in your pants, shorts, shirt or skirt to cut down on the drying time.

With summer travel heating up, what should you do if the airline loses your luggage?

First contact the airport’s lost and found department and file a lost bag claim form. Then ask about your airline’s policy for replacing any essentials you don’t have with you in your carry-on. If you need to replace anything, remember to keep the receipt. You may need it.

Before you leave it’s a good idea to email your itinerary, flight info, hotel name and number and any other important information to yourself and to a friend you can get it touch with easily. Take photos of your passport as well as having the number easily available.

These may be common sense to you…but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Visiting the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery between Vacaville and Dixon brings back memories of visiting the National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa where Dad and Mom are buried.

Much, much newer than the one in Keokuk and every bit as impressive in its own way, they are both beautiful and sobering.

Thanks isn’t enough…

Looking for a peaceful walk filled with flowers, trees and bridges? Check out the trail in Davis, CA. Planted by the Arboretum of Davis trees and flowers are grouped together by “areas”…desert, redwood forests, tropical, etc.

Many have small signs explaining the type of plant.

Fields upon fields of flowers line the banks of the creek.

Really feels like walking through the Redwoods…

Bridges cross the creek providing great reflections. Check it out.