Twin Lakes Revisited Day-Day 52

The temperature extremes were from a low of 35F to a high of 70F with the 35F being attributed to the Beartooth Pass elevation of 10,947 feet.  The weather revealed the sun most of the morning, partly cloudy in the afternoon, and then in the late afternoon rain/sleet at the top of Beartooth Pass.  Gasoline purchased was at $3.679/gallon today.  This was the what's wrong with this picture again as the 87 octane was cheaper than the 85.5 octane.  It was a fun day for me as I had wanted to return to Beartooth Pass where my brothers and I had come some 40 years ago.  Traveling up the switchbacks brought back a lot of those wonderful memories like my older brother taking snow from the side of the road and threatening to throw it at me.  I also remember that the Twin Lakes were a beautiful blue back then.  The reason being it was August time frame and the snow had melted by then.  My plans tomorrow include National Monuments at Pompeys Pillar and Little Bighorn Battlefield.
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Valley in Beartooth Plateau

This picture was taken near the Rock Creek Vista Point on Beartooth Highway, Montana.  The Mountains shown are part of the Beartooth Plateau.  Notice the switchbacks to the left of the photo, this is how one gets to the summit at Beartooth Pass at the 10,947 feet elevation.  By the time I arrived at the summit, the weather had changed from partly sunny to rain/sleet conditions.

Twin Lakes

This picture was taken on the trek up Beartooth Highway to Beartooth Pass near the Montana Wyoming border. This highway, mostly situated in Wyoming, connects Red Lodge, Montana with Cooke City, Montana.  The circular snow sheet to the left and the snow just to its upper right are what is known as the Twin Lakes.  If one enlarges the photo one can see that the upper right Lake is starting to thaw a bit.  The last time I saw these Lakes they were completely thawed and were a very deep blue in color.  This is just another of the awesome sites of this tour of the USA.

A Glacier Day-Day 51

Temperatures were again on the cool side as the low checked in at 46F at Glaciers National Park and the high rose to 65F as I drove back into Great Falls, Montana.  The two gasoline purchases were at $3.789/gallon today.  This was another splendid day as the view of Glacier National Park knocked my socks off as well as being lucky enough to photograph a grizzly bear right next to the road.  The plan is to start my trek back to the East Coast tomorrow but not to worry, I still have some sites on the list, namely Beartooth Pass and Custer's Last Stand the next few days.
Will check in again tomorrow evening folks!

The Traveller

Can You Bear This Photo

This picture was taken along the embankment of Going-To-The-Sun Road as I was leaving Glacier National Park about 4-5 miles from the East entrance at St. Mary.  This bear has a pronounced hump on the back indicating he/she is a grizzly.  As one can see in the photo, the grizzly is a digging machine with its huge paws.  This was the icing on the cake for a great day folks!

Lewis Range

This picture taken on Going-To-The-Sun Road near Sundrift Gorge over looking Saint Mary Lake in Glacier National Park.  These mountains are part of the Lewis Range.  Although I have been unable to drive the entire length of Going-To-The-Sun Road, this Park is becoming one of my all time favorites.

Saint Mary Lake

This picture was taken on Going-To-The-Sun Road traveling from the East entrance into Glacier National Park.  The photo shows Saint Mary Lake with the Lewis Range of the Rocky Mountains in the background.  75 million years ago powerful forces in the Earth shoved the Lewis Overthrust into the sky.  The mountains then intercepted clouds, rain, and snow and over time trapped so much moisture that snowfields became glaciers.  Growing and spreading glaciers then carved the landscape one sees in the photo.  About 12,000 years ago the last of the glaciers melted back.  Isn't it amazing what nature can do.

Butte-tiful Day-Day 50

The temperatures were just a bit warmer today as the low and high were 54F to 68F.  Gasoline purchased today was a smidgeon under the average at $3.679/gallon.  Warmer temperatures and weather predictions helped make my decision to continue the drive up North.  It was not quite the scenic drive of yesterday but still had its moments.  I am planning to drive into Glacier National Park on the East entrance tomorrow as this is a part of the Park I have not seen.  It is only open for about 13 miles, however.  I am sure it will still be worth the time.  By the way I finally had both oil and filter changed in the Corolla.
It is time for bed folks, Night!

The Traveller

Missouri River

This picture taken of the Missouri River on I-15 just South of Cascade, Montana.  The Missouri River is the longest river in North America originating in Northern Montana.  The river flows both East and South for over  2300 feet entering the Mississippi River just North of St. Louis.  Native Americans used the Missouri and its tributaries as a source of sustenance and transportation.

Berkeley Pit

This picture was taken off Continental Avenue in Butte, Montana.  The Berkeley Pit is a former open pit copper mine that got its name from one of several nearby underground mines.  In 1955 excavation on what would become the Berkeley Pit began the transition from underground to open pit mining.  Production peaked in 1962 when 320,000 tons of total ore per day were being mined.  In 1982, Atlantic Richfield Company, which bought the Anaconda Company in 1977, decided to halt production as mining copper had become significantly less profitable. Today the real concern is the water that is filling up the Pit, projected to reach the city's water table in the early 2020s time frame.  The water has high concentrations of copper, cadmium, cobalt, iron, manganese, and zinc, making it very acidic (pH of 2.5) similar to soda or vinegar.  The Pit measures 7,000 feet long, 5,600 feet wide, and 1,800 feet deep.

I-15 Interstate Day-Day 49

Temperatures are still on the cool side, low of 52F and a high of 63F.  I am not minding it, however.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.679/gallon at a Conoco gas station.  I mention the gas station because they were selling what is called red dye diesel fuel.  This fuel is the same as diesel #2 fuel but with a red pigment added.  I am sure farmers and construction companies are aware that this diesel fuel exist as it is a great deal cheaper due to the exemption of state road tax.  However, this means that any vehicle powered by this fuel cannot travel on the highways.  The drive on I-15 was very scenic as one could see the Continental Divide a large part of the way.  I am still not sure if I am traveling up to Glacier tomorrow as one still cannot go all the way through the Park.  I will probably ending up flipping a coin in the morning.
I trust everyone had a good long weekend!

The Traveller

Blacktail Mountains

This picture was taken off I-15 in Lima, Montana.  The Blacktail Mountains, shown in the photo, are North of the I-15 interstate where the Continental Divide Mountain picture is basically South of I-15.  I thought it was interesting just how different the landscape was on either side of the interstate.

Continental Divide

This picture was taken on I-15 just South of Lima, Montana.  The mountains that are headed away from us in the photo are part of the Continental Divide which, if one remembers from an earlier photo, this is where waters will flow towards the Pacific Ocean West of the Divide, and towards the Atlantic Ocean East of the Divide.  These particular mountains are actually the border of Montana and Idaho.  One also has to remember I am already at an elevation of 6800 feet.

Choo Choo Day-Day 48

The temperature continues to drop as the low and high today were 42F and 60F.  It rained off and on all day on the drive up Interstate 15.  I decided that I would stop in Promontory to visit Golden Spike National Historic Site and am glad I did.  I have always been fascinated with our Railroads especially when it is as historic as this site.  Some little known facts; the four (4) spikes used to complete the first Transcontinental Railroad, number one was "Arizona Iron-Silver-Gold", number two was the "Second Gold Spike" worth $200 in 1869 dollars, number three was the "Nevada Silver", and number four was the "Last Spike" worth $350 in 1869 dollars.  All but the "Second Gold Spike" have been recovered.  Lori, I can understand why your Dad and Brother worked on the Railroad, I know I would have liked to.  Gasoline purchased today was above the average at $3.779/gallon.
I am not sure of my plans tomorrow as yet, maybe backtrack and see Craters of the Moon.
Enjoy Memorial Day folks!

The Traveller

No. 119

This picture was taken at Promontory Summit on Golden Spike Drive off Route 83 at the Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah.  In 1868, Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works of Paterson, New Jersey built the Union Pacific No. 119 that hauled Union Pacific Vice-President Thomas Durant and his contingent to Promontory Summit for the joining of the rails.  The No. 119, shown in the photo, was built by O'Connor Engineering Laboratories in Costa Mesa, California and is a working replica of the original locomotive.

Jupiter

This picture was taken at Promontory Summit on Golden Spike Drive off Route 83 at the Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah.  In 1868, Schenectady Locomotive Works in New York built Jupiter for the Central Pacific Railroad that hauled Central Pacific President Leland Stanford's special train to Promontory Summit for the joining of the rails.  The Jupiter, shown in the photo, was built by O'Connor Engineering Laboratories in Costa Mesa, California and is a working replica of the original locomotive.

Promontory Summit

This picture was taken at Promontory Summit on Golden Spike Drive off Route 83 near Promontory, Utah.  The shiny tie with the plaque attached is the exact point where the last Golden Spike was driven on May 10, 1869 to connect the Central Pacific Railroad from the West to the Union Pacific Railroad from the East thus completing the first Transcontinental Railroad.  Technically the Transcontinental  definition was not finished until later in 1869 when the Sacramento to San Francisco section was connected.  A total of 1776 miles of track were laid, 690 miles by Central Pacific and 1086 miles by Union Pacific, connecting Omaha, Nebraska to Sacramento, California.   Did you know that the distance between rails is 4 feet 8 1/2 inches and is known as standard or international gauge?  This standard gauge is used by 60% of the railways today.

A Capitol of a Time Day-Day 47

The temperatures have certainly subsided since the days of California Desert temperatures, as the low and high today were at 46F and 66F.  My body can't figure if I am in Utah or New York (can have the same drastic temperature differences).  I have to say the scenery is a whole lot better, however.  Gasoline purchased today were at $3.779/gallon and $3.759/gallon.  I heard on the news that the average gas prices throughout the USA is $3.689/gallon, so I guess the prices are getting there.  This was another awesome day today, Capitol Reef is a must see for those people traveling to Southern Utah.  I think it would be even more impressive if one could take a helicopter ride over the area but with the wind I am not sure I would chance it.  One gets pelted with little bits of sand while viewing the sites in the Park and it doesn't feel real good.  I am off to the North once more today but I am hearing that rain is hitting the area of Idaho Falls and even worse in Butte and on up, snow.  I am still hoping to revisit Glacier National Park though.
Trust everyone is having a good weekend!

The Traveller

Capitol Reef # 3

This picture was taken of Chimney Rock along Route 24 as one travels through Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.  There were so many awesome sites such as this one showing the rock layers, this one containing hermatite which is simple rust or iron oxide.

Hickman Bridge

This picture was taken from the end of the one mile up hike to the Hickman Bridge in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.  The bridge was named after Joe Hickman, who along with Ephraim P. Pectol are the two men that deserve much of the credit for the creation of the Capitol Reef National Monument (later called Park).  This view, from under the bridge, shows part of the 125 feet top opening of the bridge.

Petroglyphs

This picture was taken  in the Petroglyphs area of Capitol Reef National Park, Utah along Route 24.  Rock Art figures in Capitol Reef are mostly attributed to the Fremont people that inhabited the area from AD 600-1300.  Petroglyphs are carved or pecked figures depicting people, animals, and other shapes or forms.  These particular petroglyphs are seen along a sheer cliff that parallels Route 24 through the Park.  Not much is known or the meaning of these petroglyphs but they sure were impressive.

Capitol Reef # 2

This picture was taken of the Capitol Dome on Route 24 as one travels within the Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.  This area of the Waterpocket Fold is where Capitol Reef National Park gets its name: Capitol for the white domes of Navajo Sandstone that resemble capitol building domes, and reef for the rocky cliffs which are barrier to travel, like a coral reef.  Personally I think this dome closely resembles Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars..

Capitol Reef # 1

This picture taken from the Scenic Drive Road just South of the Visitor Center in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah.  The vivid colors shown here are from impurities in the sedimentary rock acting as pigments.  Iron, called "Nature's Paintbrush", is the most common coloring agent found in Capitol Reef.  Nearly 10,000 feet of sedimentary strata are found here from the Permian period (275 million years ago) to the Cretaceous period (80 million years ago).  Although one is on the Western fringes of the Waterpocket Fold, one can see just how massive this 100 mile long warp in the Earth's crust is.

Birds

These pictures were taken of birds seen from the last two stops, from Timber Creek Trailhead, Kolobs Canyon (top photo) and from the drive on Route 24 (bottom photo) as one heads into Capital Reef National Park near Torrey, Utah.  The bird in the top picture is what they call a Western Scrub Jay.  Although the bird is often linked with the Blue Jay it is a total different species of bird entirely.  As one can see in the photo it wasn't shy at all.  The bird in the bottom photo is a Magpie associated with the European Magpie in the U.K.  Magpies are believed to be one of the most intelligent of all animals as they are able to recognize itself in a mirror test.  This particular one was quite social as well as curious with me as it flew all around me.

Kolob The Magnificent Day-Day 46

The temperatures and the weather have been just great the past few days.  The low and high today were 74F and 90F, respectively.  Gasoline purchased today was up a bit to $3.849/gallon.  It was another great day for scenery as well, as the Kolob Canyons were another "It doesn't get much better than this"!  My plans tomorrow include a stop at Capital Reef National Park or the Waterpocket Fold as it is often called.
Now enjoy your long weekend folks!

The Traveller

Kolob Canyon # 2

This picture taken of the Kolob Canyons on Kolob Canyons Road in Zion National Park.  Reds, whites, blues, and greens folks, beautiful!

Kolob Canyons # 1

This picture taken on Kolob Canyons Road just off I15 near New Harmony, Utah.  One can see the Canyon in the center of the photo.  Kolob Canyons are part of the Zion National Park and are on the western edge of the massive Colorado Plateau.  This was more beautiful scenery for me to take in.

A Top Scenic View From The Bottom...Day-Day 45

The temperatures today was much more to my liking with a low of 52F at dawn and a high of  94F when down at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Gasoline prices have come down since the California days as $3.689/gallon was the price at a Flying J.  A 5:30 wake up call this morning was not the most ideal time when on vacation but the Jeep tour to the bottom of the Grand Canyon was well worth it.  The day was complete when I returned to a new view of the Hoover Dam from the Hoover Dam overpass bridge.  Both the Grand Canyon tour and the view from the new bridge really made this one of the most exciting days of the trip.  I  want to wish Bob Dylan, my favorite lyricist/artist, a Happy Birthday as it was his 71st today.
My plans for tomorrow are to head further North and to stop in Kolob Canyons in Zion National Park.
It's night time in Nevada!

The Traveller

Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

These pictures are taken of the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge from the Hoover Dam at the Arizona/Nevada border on what is now old Route 93. The top photo shows the completed bridge today, the bottom photo shows the partial completed bridge as of March 29, 2010.  The bridge was opened to traffic on October 19, 2010.  The bridge reroutes Route 93 traffic that previously had been routed along the top of the Dam.  The bridge is named after a former Governor of Nevada and the Arizona Cardinal football player.  The arch bridge is 840 feet above the Colorado River making it the second highest in the USA behind the Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City, Colorado.  One should remember that bridge of a photo in a earlier posting.

Hoover Dam

This picture was taken of the Hoover Dam from the new Mike O'Callagahan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge on Route 93 that spans the Colorado River between the states of Arizona and Nevada.  This photo taken from the Arizona side is one that I could not have taken a little over two years ago when I was here. 

Grand Canyon # 3

This picture was taken looking upstream of the Colorado River from the end of the trek down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  Notice how calm the river appears here. This is such a majestic place folks, well worth the trip!

Grand Canyon #2

This picture taken of the Colorado River at the end of the trek down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  One can see the rapids in the middle of the photo.  This place is also where the Grand Canyon Whitewater rafting trips start.

Grand Canyon #1

This picture was taken from the Jeep on the trek down from Peach Springs, Arizona to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.  The Canyon wall in the background middle is actually on the North Rim of the Canyon where the others are on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  It doesn't get much better than this, or have I said that before.

The Real "Cars"

This picture was taken on Route 66 across from the Canyon Lodge where I stayed in Seligman, Arizona.  You might recognize some of these cars and trucks from a Pixar movie Cars.  The truck on the left is Mater and the Police car is the Sheriff to name a few.  If you enlarge the photo, one can see the eyes on the windshield of the Firetruck on the far right.  Zachary this one is for you buddy!

Sedona Arizona Day-Day 44

This was a return to some milder temperatures as the low and high were 77F to 94F today, respectively.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.729/gallon and $3.779/gallon, not the lowest but still a far cry better than California.  It was such a beautiful drive up Route 89A into Sedona and the canyon to Flagstaff.
My plans include a jeep tour to the bottom of the Grand Canyon today so as John Muir says about the mountains calling him, I say the same thing "I must go"!
Enjoy your long weekend folks!

The Traveller

Sedona Arizona Red Rock

This picture was taken on Route 89A as one is leaving Sedona heading towards Flagstaff, Arizona.  Just enjoy the scenery folks, I know I did.

Coffee Pot Rock

This picture taken on one of the side roads off Route 89A in Sedona, Arizona.  If one looks to the far right of the photo, one can see what they call Coffee Pot Rock.  There is a Sedona Arizona Red Rocks Map that names all of the rock formations in the area.  There were so many awesome sites here folks!

Tuzigoot National Monument

This picture was taken at the Tuzigoot National Monument located just outside of Clarkdale, Arizona on Route 89A.  The Pueblo rooms shown in the photo sheltered single Southern Sinagua Indian families and were used mainly for sleeping and eating.  Limestone and sandstone deposits from the ridge provided the building materials for the walls, while Juniper, Pine and Cottonwood trees were hauled up the hillsides for roof support.  At its most productive time in the late 1300s it housed 225 people.  Tuzigoot is an Apache name for crooked water.

Arizona State Flower

This picture was taken on Route 17 on the trip up to Sedona from Phoenix, Arizona.  While going through Saguaro National Park the day before, I was trying to find an open blossom like this but was unable to find one.  It just so happens that right off Route 17, I finally found one.  I am guessing that these blossoms are open because one is at a higher elevation here versus the Park, resulting in cooler temperatures and therefore more moisture for growth.  This flower has been the Arizona state flower since 1901.

Saguaro Day-Day 43

The temperatures today were again in triple digits topping out at 108F with the morning temperatures in the 90s.  Gasoline was purchased in Tucson today at $3.619/gallon, nice!  Despite the high temperatures, it was a very good day for visiting both the Pima Air and Space Museum looking at over 150 different types of aircrafts and for observing desert plant life.  Tomorrow I am looking forward for the trip up to Sedona where the beautiful scenery will be in abundance and where the temperatures hopefully will subside.
Until then folks!

The Traveller

Saguaro National Park

This picture taken on Cactus Forest Drive, a eight (8) mile one way loop through the scenic area of Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.  The saguaro is a large tree-size cactus, native to the Sonoran Desert, which can grow from 40 to 60 feet tall.  Their growth patterns are very similar to the Joshua Tree in that they only grow vertical the first years of their life and then grow their arms to increase the plant's reproductive capacity.  Their growth rate is solely dependent on the amount of precipitation that falls in the area.

Baby Javelina

This picture taken through the window at the Rincon Mountain Visitor Center at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.  The javelina, preccary or a skunk pig is a dog size mammal found in southwestern areas of North America, Central America, and South America.  Why is it that all mammals look cute when they babies?

F-14 Tomcat

This picture taken at the Pima Air and Space Museum located at 600 East Valencia Road in Tucson, Arizona.  The F14 Tomcat, made famous by the movie "Top Gun", is the last of Grumman's "Cat" series of Naval Aircrafts.  The plane was in service between 1974 to 2006.

Laundry Day-Day 42

Today set a trip record temperature of 110F while in downtown Phoenix.  It really doesn't matter where one is, it is beastly hot.  In the morning it was 92F, I really don't understand how people survive here.  I guess they must get immune to it.  I will tell you though, I never see anyone taking a walk.  Wikipedia states that on an average there are 110 days of the year where it reaches 100F or more.  I do like their gasoline prices though as gasoline purchased today was at $3.819/gallon.  I pretty much stayed in the hotel today catching up on my laundry.  This was a great day for it due to the heat and that I am only a day away from Peach Springs where  my trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon takes place on Thursday.  My plans include Saguaro National Park tomorrow near Tucson.
I will check in tomorrow evening with more photos and posts!

The Traveller

Chase Field

This picture taken from E. Jefferson Street where it intersects S. 7th Street in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.  If one could see through the wall of the stadium, they would be basically looking down the right field line.  Notice the retractable dome which is a must in this area of USA, as it was 110F today here.  Mike this looks like another trip but hopefully in early April.

Arizona Centennial Sign

This picture taken on 7th Street at the intersection of 7th Street and E. Grant Street in Phoenix, Arizona.  Arizona is celebrating their 100th Year Anniversary since becoming the 48th State of the Union. This photo shows the ingenuity of people as the mural is made from old road signs.

Bye Bye California Day-Day 41

This was a day that hit triple digit temperatures, 88F in the morning and a tie for the highest temperature on the trip of 107F in the afternoon.  I do have to say that while in Joshua Tree National Park, the temperature basically stayed in the low 90s.  This was due in part of the things to see in the Park were at elevations of 3000 feet and above.  I had to buy my last gasoline in California this morning at $4.459/gallon.  I only purchased enough to get me across the border to Arizona, though.  Gasoline in Arizona is much, much cheaper.  The drive through Joshua Tree National Park proved to be quite interesting with all the rock formations, the colorful vegetation, and of course the Joshua Trees.  There were more walking trails of a mile or more in Joshua to get to see the Park good sites than there was in Death Valley.  One did not have to drive the distances that one had to in Death Valley to see them, however.
May I be the first to wish bro a Happy Birthday tomorrow.
The plan tomorrow is to drive through Phoenix/Tempe area and then possibly head to Sedona.
Its back to work folks!

The Traveller

Big Horned Sheep

This picture taken on the trek up to see Barker Dam in Joshua Tree National Park, California.  There were actually three of the Big Horned Sheep on the rock edge but this one was the only one who wanted to pose for a better picture by standing up.

Cholla Cactus

These pictures were taken in the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park, California.The Cholla cactus (top photo) are the only cactus with papery sheaths (bottom photo) covering their spine.  As one can see in the bottom photo, the sheaths are both bright and colorful.

Jumbo Rock

This picture taken in Jumbo Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park, California.  Notice the contrast from the rocks to the vegetation in the photo.  There was a lot more vegetation than I had expected, as well as many different kinds of rock formations throughout the Park.

San Andreas Fault

This picture taken from Keys View in the San Bernardino Mountains in Joshua Tree National Park, California.  The fog/smog obscured some of the photo making it hard to see the San Andreas Fault line but if one looks at the smaller hills (Indio Hills), center just above small darken area, the fault line runs just in front of these Hills.  To the right of this photo, same hills, the fault line actually splits to form two faults.  What is real amazing about this is that if I returned to the same place next year I would be two inches to the southeast.  The corresponding spot on the distant Santa Rosa Mountains will be two inches farther northwest.  This being compliments of the San Andreas Fault.

Joshua Tree

This picture taken of the Joshua Tree on Park Boulevard near Sheep Pass in the Joshua Tree National Park, California.  There are many different stories on why these trees were called Joshua but none that can be verified.  We do know that the Mormons settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century gave them there name.  The Joshua tree is not a true tree in that it does not produce a trunk with annual rings.  This makes it nearly impossible to know the age of the tree.  The first several years of its life it grows only vertical with no branches.  Once branches form it will only grow approximately a inch a year to a typical height of over 20 feet.  Those people in the know say that the oldest living Joshua Tree is close to 1000 years old and stands over 40 feet tall.  A frequent visitor over the past few years describes this place as walking into a Dr. Seuss book.

Back To the Desert Day-Day 40

The temperature was a real nice 65F this morning when we boarded the Holiday Inn Express Shuttle to LAX.  I was real sad to see Mike leave this morning, he really brought a lot of joy to the trip these past five days.  The real nice temperatures came to an end in the afternoon as I headed East towards Palm Springs, as the temperature gauge in the car read 97F.  Gasoline was purchased at $4.359/gallon today, a whole .04 cents cheaper than yesterday.  I really got started late today so I did not get to see Joshua Tree National Park.  I can't believe that 2/3 of my trip is over already.  There is less than three weeks remaining and there still is a lot of things to see and many miles to go, so off I go to Joshua tomorrow.
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Pioneertown

This picture taken of Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace located on Pioneertown Road off Route 62 in Yucca Valley, California.  Pioneertown was a motion picture set built in 1946 designed to provide a place for the actors to live while filming a movie or show.  The Cisco Kid, Judge Roy Bean, Roy Rogers, as well as Gene Autry were just some of the shows taped here.  Pappy and Harriet's Place is a longtime local club which was built near one of the sets.  There are notable musicians that frequent this place, one is Eric Burdon of the Animals fame.

San Jacinto Peak

This picture taken at a rest area on Route 10 near White Water, California.  San Jacinto Peak, shown in the photo, is the highest mountain of the San Jacinto Mountains at 10,834 feet.  This mountain range was formed by powerful fault action that fractured the crust, thrusting it skyward creating an Alpine landscape surrounded by a desert.  In the summertime when temperatures see triple digits, it is not unusual for residents to hike to the top of the peak.  That might be my summer home if I lived here.

LA Day-Day 39

Another fine day for temperatures as the low and high were 62F to 75F respectively for the day.  There was a great deal of fog/smog to contend with, however.  I purchased gasoline twice during the day both at $4.399/gallon.  It seems the gasoline prices are doing just the opposite of the sun, rising in the West while lowering in the East.  It was another beautiful drive, or should I have said chauffeured, down the west coast along Route 101 from San Luis Obispo to Los Angeles, California.  We were traveling at the right time as traffic was really not too bad until we reached LA.  I really believe there is no good time for driving in LA.  We left early for the game so as to stop in at the Griffith Observatory, a real neat place.  It would have been an even greater day had the Cards won, but still a good day.  I am sorry that my navigator, chauffeur, trip adviser, companion, and just an all around good guy is leaving to head back East.  I am pretty sure that he had as good as time as I did while he was here, though.  My plans for today are to start my travel East, possibly stop in Joshua Tree National Park, and then head for Arizona as the Grand Canyon beckons my call.
I will get back to my nightly posting again.

The Traveller

St Louis vs Los Angeles Dodgers

This picture taken of Lance Lynn delivering a pitch in the game between Cardinals and Dodgers on May 18, 2012 won by Los Angeles 6-5 on a ninth inning walk, walk-off win.  It was obvious to both of us we were not going to bring them the same luck as we did in 2010 in St Louis when the Cardinals won both games against the Reds.  I have to say that the Dodgers are sadly in need of a new stadium.  This Stadium, built in 1962, reminds me a little of the "House That Ruth Built" Stadium before they tore it down in 2010.

Griffith Observatory

This picture taken at Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park in in Los Angeles, California.  Mike again picked this one out from his Trip Adviser app., an another good call it was.  The Zeiss Telescope, a 12 inch refracting telescope, is mainly used for night time viewing of the moon and is located in the East end of the building or to the right of the photo.  More people have looked through this telescope than any other one in the world, and guess what folks its free.  There is also three Solar Telescopes located in the West end of the building for viewing the sun.  Thank you Griffith J. Griffith.  This place has a lot of neat exhibits from moon phases, how tides happen, to an Earth rotating around the sun showing the 365+ revolutions in a year.  We were unable to see it all, however, as the ballgame awaited us and the traffic was pretty much a nightmare.  I did get a picture of the Hollywood sign from this site but the fog clouded the picture.

Port Hueneme Beach Houses

This picture taken on the beach of Port Hueneme in Oxnard, California.  We stopped here to view the Point Hueneme Lighthouse which turned out to be on the other side of the inlet.  Mike commented on the sand being somewhat coarse, maybe it is due to it being on a somewhat rocky coastline.  The name Hueneme was derived from the Spanish spelling of Chumash meaning resting place.  It certainly seems peaceful here.  This south-facing beach is known for its surfing.

Highway 1 Drive Day-Day 38

This was just as beautiful a day as one could ask to sit through a baseball game at a park.  The temperature was near 70F at the beginning and just above 70F at the end.  We did not like the final score as St Louis lost 7-5 though, I guess it just wasn't in the Cards!!!  I really would prefer not to disclose the price of gasoline that was purchased, let's just say it was North of $4/gallon.  We chose to drive back up to the top of Marin Headlands prior to the game to see all of the Golden Gate Bridge.  The previous day one could not do this due to the fog.  We also chose to drive along Highway 1 from Monterey to San Luis Obispo, this allowed me to revisit Big Sur.  It would have been much better to do this earlier in the day but we did get to see some beautiful scenery and a sunset on the Pacific Ocean.  Today we continue our trek to Los Angeles to attend the last of our three games on the coast, can't wait!
Take care everyone!

The Traveller

Pacific Ocean Sunset

This picture taken from a vista point on Highway 1 just North of Lucia, California of the sun setting on the Pacific Ocean.  This was absolutely awesome folks as one can see!  I keep saying to myself it doesn't get much better than this many times over.

Pacific Ocean

This picture taken from Highway 1 near Big Sur as one traverses around the mountains on the west coast of California.  The drive on Highway 1 was a bit more hurried than I would have liked but we needed to get to San Luis Obispo before morning.