Life on the Road
maasai mt meru arusha tanzania

Life on the Road: Spring 2018

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Life on the Road: Spring 2018

As my life on the road eats up more and more of my time, I realise that I don’t have the time to write individual posts for every adventure I go on.

If I’m being honest, most of these adventures don’t really warrant 800+ words and a Pinterest image.

With that in mind, Life on the Road aims to share the ups and downs of Richelle and I’s lives as we take our businesses on the road full-time.

Farewelling California

When last we spoke, Richelle and I had been enjoying the sun and hospitality of her parents in Palm Desert, California.

We definitely come to love our super comfy room, the high-speed WIFI, the access to pools and hot tubs, and the evening glasses of wine and home-cooked meals with Richelle’s folks, so it was bittersweet when we had to say our goodbyes and begin preparations to head off to Africa.

Richelle’s folks were fantastic hosts for the entirety of our visit. As the new son-in-law-to-be, it was especially good to get this time to really bond with Richelle’s folks. While I’d met them last September when they visited China, it was an entirely different experience to live under the same roof.

I like to think that we got along swimmingly.

Whether it was enjoying sunset wine with Nicole, sharing bawdy jokes with John, or going out for an evening in Palm Springs as a group, it was a thoroughly pleasant month.

Two Weeks in Seattle

Our next stop after California was a two-week whirlwind visit to Richelle’s hometown in Edmonds, Washington.

With Richelle’s health insurance only covering her in Washington State, we headed back so she could get her Africa immunisations, have the birth-control implant put in, and visit the dentist.

Of course, it wasn’t all waiting rooms and hair appointments.

We also went a little bit crazy ordering ALL OF THE THINGS from Amazon, Trunk Club, and Stitch Fix.

We made two trips on the Edmonds to Kingston Ferry to hang out with friends, ate delicious food, caught up with old friends from Richelle’s childhood and my Korean time, saw Black Panther, completed weeks two and three of the Couch to 5K, and (I) played a lot of World of WarCraft.

It was both entirely too action-packed and strangely relaxing.

Edmonds is a breathtakingly beautiful town and Richelle’s childhood home has a stunning view of the Puget Sound, especially at sunset.

leopard serengeti
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

The Long Commute to Africa

Before we knew it, it was time to once again condense our lives into a pair of checked bags and a pair of carry on bags.

Hard decisions were made,

Tears were shed.

My beloved Nintendo 64 was first cut and then given an eleventh-hour reprieve.

Redeye #1 – Seattle to Houston

After a farewell dinner with Richelle’s grandfather (who happens to be a fascinating character with a hell of a lot of stories to tell), it was off to SEATAC for our red-eye flight to Houston.

Arriving at 5 am, we now had thirteen hours to kill until our next flight.

I don’t know if you realise this, but there’s not a whole lot to do at Houston Airport.

With that in mind, we shelled out $150 USD for a day room at an airport hotel.

Necessary. So, so necessary.

Redeye #2 – Houston to Qatar

With a meal of underwhelming Mexican as our last meal on US soil, we boarded our 14 and a half hour flight from Houston to Doha, Qatar.

Qatar Airlines is a great long-haul carrier and we were spoiled for choice when it came to in-flight entertainment, but the cramped seats meant we basically got zero sleep for that long, long flight.

As our connecting flight had been changed, we’d have a nine-hour layover in Qatar. This meant that the airline had to provide us with an airport hotel.

Score!

Unfortunately, Doha Airport’s immigration process took over two hours and then it was a thirty-minute ride to our hotel.

This meant we got around 3 hours to sleep before it was time to turn around and head back to the airport.

Suffice to say, we were a pair of increasingly irate zombies by the time we slumped into the seats for our third (and final) red-eye flight.

Redeye #3 – Qatar to Nairobi

A short six-hour jaunt had us in Nairobi at dawn and, for a wonder, their immigration process was blessedly fast.

As an added bonus, our hotel (the ultra-cool Ibis Styles Westlands) let us check-in at 7 am.

We basically spent the entire day dozing fitfully and trying not to die.

hyenas sunrise serengeti
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia.

Safari in Nairobi

While our ultimate destination was Tanzania, it seemed criminal to touch down in Nairobi and just leave the next morning.

With that in mind, I worked with Shadows of Africa’s Kenya office to arrange a day of exploration for Richelle and I.

Starting at dawn, we ventured out to Nairobi National Park for a sunrise game drive. While I’ve seen more than my share of lions, rhinos, and elephants in my time – it was a thrill to see Richelle’s reaction to her very first safari.

rhinos nairobi national park
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia.
nairobi national park game drive
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia.

It wasn’t a great day for photography or game-viewing, but we still managed to see a half dozen rhinos, an abundance of zebras, and a bunch of antelopes and hartebeest.

From there, it was off to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Centre for some up close and personal time with some of Africa’s most iconic animals.

This was my third visit to both places, so it was again all about seeing Richelle’s eyes light up with wonder when she got to kiss a giraffe or lay an outstretched hand on a baby elephant.

It’s the little things.

giraffe center nairobi
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

Zanzibar in Rainy Season

From Nairobi, we made the trip down to Arusha, where we were planning to spend the next 2-3 months working from our office and basically catching up on work we couldn’t get done over the holidays. As you probably saw in my last Life on the Road, it was a hectic couple of months.

Alas, Tanzania’s rainy season meant that the lodge we were meant to stay in was not yet complete, so my boss suggested we had over to Zanzibar to spend some time in our new office there.

I’d been to Zanzibar once before at the height of the Ebola scare, but I was excited to show Richelle the white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and delicious food.

Of course, I hadn’t banked on the rainy season also reeking havoc in Zanzibar.

What followed was two weeks of flooded streets, leeching WiFi in cafes while the internet company refused to install it at the office, and feeling like we were missing out.

While we did take a really fun tour to a spice plantation and we got to try out the famous Rock Restaurant, it was mostly a frustrating fortnight of bad internet and worse weather.

maasai mt meru arusha tanzania
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

Richelle’s Maasai Birthday

With Richelle’s 27th birthday coming up, I had my work cut out for me topping last year’s Great Wall picnic, so I reached out to my favourite hotel in Tanzania: Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.

They were kind enough to help me with a last minute booking, so we went out to spend a night eating delicious food, throwing spears, and soaking in the utter beauty that is Tanzania.

We sipped wine with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro, tried our hands at spear throwing, and just enjoyed having a day of good weather. It was Tanzania’s present to Richelle and a much needed ‘win’ after her tough introduction to Tanzania.

africa amini maasai lodge tanzania
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

Life on Mzungu Hill, Arusha

Aside from those little adventures, life here has settled into a pretty steady rhythm.

Richelle and I are renting a cute (but perennially damp and bug-filled) house close by the office, which has meant it’s easy for us to walk the 800m or so to the office for a free lunch and high-speed internet.

Expat life in Tanzania has definitely not been easy.

Without a car, the 10-15km to town might as well by 500km. We looked at renting one from a colleague, only to have it give up the ghost on our very first trip.

Our house is periodically home to spiders, foot-long millipedes, whip spiders, and all manner of other curious creatures, the power goes out every few days, and it’s impossible to get clothes dry with the constant rain.

With that being said, it’s definitely starting to feel like home.

We’ve bought rugs and decorations, stocked our kitchen with a variety of healthy (and not-so-healthy) treats, and we finally got working 3G yesterday.

Richelle’s developed an addiction to Stardew Valley while I’ve renewed my love affair with the old school classic, Oblivion.

A Serengeti Safari

By far the highlight of our time in Tanzania was the recent Shadows of Africa fam trip.

Not only was this a great opportunity to catch up with my colleagues, Jake, Lesia, Julia, Marjeta, Pallav, Elijah, and Paul – we also got to spend five nights out on safari!

Highlights include spotting the wildebeest migration in the southern Serengeti, three nights of luxury at Melia Serengeti and Oldeani Mountain Lodge, the tented camp experience at Kenzan Kisura, and a magical half-hour of communion with a leopard at dawn.

giraffe ngorongoro
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

I may have been out on safari for 30-40 days of my life now, but there’s always something new and exciting to be experienced.

This time around it was hyenas visiting our camp by night, a big bull elephant rubbing itself against a tree scant metres from our car, and the aforementioned leopard experience. Magical.

shadows of africa team
Image courtesy of Adventures Around Asia

Your Say

What did you get up to this spring?

Or autumn, if you’re from the southern hemisphere. Which I am. Weird.

Las Vegas

10 Things to do in Vegas (That Aren’t Drinking or Gambling)

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10 Things to do in Vegas (That Aren’t Gambling or Drinking)

As you may have seen from my monthly recap, I spent a week in Las Vegas with Richelle and my mother early in February.

It was a far cry from my first visit to Las Vegas and my more debauched visit during the Great US Road Trip, as my mother isn’t much of a drinker or gambler.

So, what are the things to do in Vegas when you don’t feel like drinking or gambling?

‘Sin City’ has become far more than just a place to gamble and drink to excess, with a variety of hotels and tour operators providing family-friendly fun.

Vegas is home to some the biggest hotels you can find anywhere in the US, with something for all budgets and tastes. From cute boutique hotels to massive casinos to family friendly options, Vegas has something for everyone.

#10 – Visit a Vegas Museum

You might not associate Las Vegas with something as dry and dusty as a museum, but Las Vegas puts its own fascinating twist on museums.

First of all, there’s the Neon Museum, a surprisingly fascinating look at the lights that put Las Vegas on the map as surely as the big name musicians and the high-stakes gambling. With almost two acres and more than 200 neon signs, it’s a visually stunning look at an often overlooked bit of Vegas history.

From the shiny to the seedy, the Mob Museum explores the less savoury elements beneath Vegas’ early success. With fascinating exhibits demonstrating the crucial role of organized crime in establishing Las Vegas as one of the world’s premier entertainment destinations,  the Mob Museum is a must see for history buffs.

Lastly, the Pinball Hall of Fame is a loving look at pinball machines dating back to the 1950s. The best part? You can play on every one of these vintage machines! It’s a great break from the noise and chaos of the workaday world, and you’re sure to feel like a kid all over again as you frantically try to beat your own high score.

stratusphere vegas
Want to dangle off the side of this monstrosity? You can!

#9 – Try out the Rides at Stratosphere

Located halfway between The Strip and Fremont Street, Stratosphere is a Las Vegas casino with a difference.

Sure, it has the same resort style accommodation and the same gaming floor, but a quick glance at the top of this towering pinnacle shows why it’s popular even with those who don’t gamble.

Those tiny specks you see overhead? They’re people riding the three thrill rides that put Stratosphere on the map.

There’s the high G thrill of the Big Shot, the whirling death-defying of Insanity, and the ‘heart in the throat’ thrill of X-Scream all perched more than 900 feet above the city.

Are you brave enough?

#8 – Antique Shopping in the Arts District

The phrase “Arts District” is perhaps a little strong to describe this area of Vegas. It’s definitely not the tourist-friendly artist enclave the name implies, but it’s intriguing nonetheless, if not a little seedy.

If you’re interested in antiques, vintage clothes and thrift stores, this is your place. You may have to avoid a mugging to get there, but the antique malls here are definitive troves of treasure. They’re all clustered together over a couple of blocks, so just stroll (or maybe walk briskly) between them all and you’ll collect the sorts of trinkets you won’t find anywhere in The Strip.

I loved The Attic, a vintage store on South Main St that not only boasts glorious, groaning racks of vintage frocks, but is also home to a veritable menagerie of pets that includes a toucan and an adorable cat called “Miss Kitty” that prowls the store.

It’s worth the slightly scary trek by all the bail bond offices to get to the treasure. Maybe take a taxi…

cheese caesar's palace buffet
So. Much. Cheese. Image courtesy of s-velasco.

#7 – Eat!

Las Vegas is foodie heaven.

With so many tourists from all walks of life gathering in one place, it’s no surprise that there are a mountain of choices when it comes to dining out.

From greasy spoon diners like Marilyn’s Cafe to the fun atmosphere of a Tom’s Urban to high-end options, you’re spoiled for choice no matter where you look.

For our visit, Richelle had her heart set on trying one of those decadent Bloody Mary’s, and she got to do this at Tom’s Urban on our little date night.

About Buffets

It’s true that dining out on the Las Vegas Strip can get a bit expensive, but it’s totally possible to enjoy Vegas on a budget without having to resort to fast food.

Most casinos boast massive buffets for as little as $20 USD per head, giving you plenty of value for money. There’s even a buffet of buffets pass you can get, giving you access to five different buffets for a 24-hour period. Now that is bang for your buck!

Eat a light breakfast and make your lunch/dinner a combined feast before heading out on the town!

fremont street lights
My first stay in Vegas was on Fremont Street and it was a blast!

#6 – Explore ‘Old Vegas’ on Fremont Street

Fremont Street is the original Las Vegas: a sea of neon lights, shouting hawkers, and a kind of seedy charm that is at odds with the shiny ‘new’ Vegas that is The Strip.

While the focus here is definitely on gambling, Fremont Street nonetheless offers a variety of dining and entertainment options.

From the Fremont Street Experience light show to zip-lining from Slotzilla to comedians and live music, Fremont Street brings Vegas to the masses.

Don’t want to spend a buck? Simply wandering Fremont Street shows the fascinating diaspora of people who call Vegas home.

Want a photo with a Chippendale or an obese man in a bunny outfit? You got it!

Women in their seventies drunk beyond mortal comprehension and singing along to Bon Jovi? Done!

Kids mesmerized by a street magician? It’s here!

Simply put, Fremont Street is Vegas in all of its seedy, unusual glory.

mermaids las vegas fremont street
A young CWB in his element betwixt a pair of showgirls at (the now closed) Mermaids on Fremont Street.

7 Things to do on Fremont Street

Of course, there are more things to do on Fremont Street than people watching. Here’s some inspiration for your walk through Old Vegas.

#5 – Visit the Downtown Container Park

Located just a short walk from Fremont Street, the Downtown Container Park is a fun outdoor mall with bars, cafes, and cute little boutique shops.

With music on the speakers and a unique, urban feel – it’s something distinct from the neon jungle of nearby Fremont Street.

But what makes the Downtown Container Park more than just a shopping area is the fun, laid-back vibe of the place.

There’s live music, hipster coffee shops, a pretty fantastic Vegan cafe (Simply Pure), and the massive Dome, where visitors can experience classic rock concerts from the likes of U2 and Led Zepplin in immersive 4K.

If you’re already downtown and you have a little time to kill, you can do a lot worse than a little window shopping and dining at the Downtown Container Park.

nevada desert
The Nevada desert is every bit as worthy of your time as Vegas proper.

#4 – Head out to the Desert

While you’re blinded by the sparkling lights and the loud noises, it is easy to forget that Las Vegas sits between Death Valley and the Mojave Desert. Some of the United States’ most beautiful and deadly stretches of desert are right on your doorstep.

Day trips from Las Vegas run the gamut from ghost town tours to family-friendly Bonnie Springs Ranch to gorgeous natural environments such as Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire State Park, and even the majesty of The Grand Canyon.

If you’ve become a little jaded with the glitz and glamour of The Strip, why not take a day trip away from it all and soak in the immense natural beauty of Nevada?

las vegas high roller
For an unparalleled view of the Vegas skyline, the High Roller is worth a look.

#3 – Ride the High Roller

For a bird’s eye view of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding city, the High Roller is a 550-foot tall observation wheel that offers an unbeatable view of Sin City.

You can simply ride the High Roller and take in the view, or you can indulge in a happy half-hour with a few drinks and a private bartender.

It might not be the most thrilling way to while away half an hour, but it’s hard to beat the view from atop the iconic Linq attraction.

venetian gondola
The Strip is far more than just gambling. Every casino is a destination in and of itself.

#2 – Wander the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip is very much an attraction in its own right. Properties vie for your attention with more and more elaborate gimmicks, and you could spend a day or two simply wandering in and out of casinos being amazed by the themes, the restaurants, and the fun attractions they possess.

Rather than bore you with a long description of every casino, I thought I’d instead highlight my ten favourite Las Vegas strip attractions.

10 Best Things to do on the Las Vegas Strip

  1. Take a gondola ride at The Venetian
  2. Explore the streets of Paris in Paris Las Vegas
  3. Ride the New York-New York rollercoaster at sunset
  4. See the famous Bellagio fountain display
  5. Visit the circus at Circus-Circus
  6. Enjoy a cocktail inside a giant chandelier in The Cosmopolitan
  7. Wander the entertainment corridor at The Linq
  8. See the Mirage volcano erupt
  9. Enjoy the dueling pianos at New York-New York’s ‘Bar at Times Square’
  10. Check out the exhibits in The Luxor’s pyramid.
lion king las vegas luxor
Seeing The Lion King in Las Vegas back in 2009.

#1 – Catch a Show

More than gambling and more than drinking, Las Vegas is becoming a fantastic destination for seeing fantastic live entertainment.

From touring Broadway shows to world-famous live music to hilarious comedians, Las Vegas boasts a startling variety of entertainment options.

On my first visit to Las Vegas I was blown away by The Lion King, and my recent trip saw me taking in Vegas! The Show and Cirque de Soleil’s sinfully hilarious Zumanity.

You could spend weeks in Vegas experiencing all of the shows that take place both on and off The Strip, but Vegas.com has the skinny on all of the best shows and the best deals.

Your Say

What are your favourite things to do in Las Vegas?

Do you have a favourite hotel or attraction?

Let me know in the comments below! I’m regularly checking my comments and replying to them, so I would love your feedback!

Budget Travel

Iconic European Sporting Destinations

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When it comes to sporting destinations, Europe is the cream of the crop! We’ve all watched top European sporting events from the comfort of home, but nothing beats the excitement of watching these events live. Remember that if you do miss out on the action, you can still watch your favorite players online through sites like Unibet, which offers online streaming to Aussie viewers.

 Great Britain

The British Isles seem to be jam-packed with top-class sporting events and venues:

  • If you’re a footie fan, then heading to Manchester United’s Old Trafford — the “Theatre of Dreams” — during Premier League season would be your best move. Not only will you be able to soak up the atmosphere of a home game, but you can also explore the fascinating and cosmopolitan city of Manchester, which is rich in cultural history and heritage.
  • Are you a rugby fan? If so, South Wales is where you should be heading. The Principality Stadium (formerly known as the Millennium Stadium) in Cardiff is the country’s national stadium and has hosted the Rugby World Cup.
  • If tennis is your game, then head to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in the chic English town of Wimbledon. This affluent, leafy town hosts the annual Wimbledon Tennis Championships every summer, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world.

Barcelona

Another hot destination for footie lovers, and those whose idea of paradise is chilling on a sunny beach, Barcelona is home to the football team that is widely considered to be the greatest in club football, FC Barcelona (aka Barca). Camp Nou is worth a visit any time during the football calendar; even if you miss the chance to watch “El Clasico” (Barca vs. Real Madrid), taking in any of the UEFA Champions League games there is an unforgettable experience.

Monaco

That glamorous playground of the rich and famous is also a bit of a hotspot for sports fans. Firstly, there’s the Monte-Carlo Masters Tennis tournament, another ATP masters event with roots in history. Every year, crowds gather in anticipation to see if the “King of Clay” Rafael Nadal will be able to maintain his unbeaten record held since 2005! Then there’s the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix — always a thrilling event — and of course, the glitz and glamor of the Monte-Carlo International Showjumping tournament held at the beautiful Port Hercules.

So, what’s your top sporting destination? Is it one that we mentioned? Have your say below!

Travel Tips
travel-items-wood-background

Freshening Up My Travel Gear: Guilty Pleasures for 2018

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Freshening up My Travel Gear

Any of you guys following my whereabouts and “howabouts” know that I managed to cross off most of the goals I had for 2016-2017. I was pretty pleased about it, too.

You’ll also know that I finished 2017 strong by adding a few fascinating countries and hikes to my list – from the Kumano Kodo Iseji pilgrimage to tracking gorillas in Uganda (with a bit of downtime in the Maldives to take the edge off).

Being happier – a slight tweak in my approach for this year

Most of us know that, no matter how much you love to travel, it does take a bit of a toll in the long run and there are fleeting moments when fatigue sets in, whether it’s physical or mental.

So, this year, I decided to keep up the tempo not only by focusing on my goals but by treating myself to a few guilty pleasures when it comes to gear, too.

The logic behind it is simple – if shoe-shopping sprees work for women, I’m guessing a few fresh additions to my gear could help with that #1 goal I set for myself back in 2017 – being happier on my own.

Today, I’ll be sharing a rundown of things I’ve already added or plan to add to my gear closet.

air-mattress-and-camping-mats

A new hiking/camping air mattress

I said it a few times before and I’ll say it again – I always make sure that I sleep well on my travels, whether it’s setting camp in the forests of Uganda or slumming it in a questionable Los Angeles hostel.

There are few things more important for your ability to soak in the experiences than waking up fresh.

My closet is already a home for a few air mattresses and sleeping pads, but time got to pretty much all of them. My once trusted Intex was already patched a few times and it’s still leaking. It’s high time it became a fond memory.

The research

I was surprised to see how much has changed in the industry since the last time I window-shopped for airbeds. The more I researched, the more I realized it’s a good thing for campers, hikers, and travelers everywhere.

More competition means higher quality standards and lower prices.

I’m not yet set on a specific bed. Hell, I’m not even to set on the brand or size – I’m dwelling on whether to get a Twin or Queen size and whether to go with a classic brand like Coleman or try out some of these new arrivals.

Brands and sizes side, it’s likely to be one of the airbeds I found listed as best camping air mattresses at thesleepstudies.com. I did a lot of research over the past few months and liked the testing and reviews I saw there – it’s based on experiences of actual hikers and campers like you and me.

It’s not easy to get these shipped Down Under, but I plan to get one sent to a travel location. I researched this part, too, and it’s the most cost-effective way to go about it.

victorinox-swiss-tool

A new multi-tool/pocket knife

I’m a sucker for these nifty things. When you start researching, it’s hard to see the fine line between advertising lingo and real value.

To be honest, I’m tempted to go with of those zillion-in-one pieces but I also know that 90% of the time, I only used a few tools from my old Leatherman.

Bottom line, I’ll try to be conservative here and go with a practical piece – one that comes with all the tools I need and won’t pull my cargo pants down on the trail.

I might switch brands to see what all the hype is about with those Swiss Victorinox pieces, but one thing is for certain, I’m keeping it minimal. No dead weight for me.

outdoor-master-backpack

A new backpack

I am nostalgic about my gear and the jury is still out on this one.

But, with the number of backpacking gadgets I carry around, I’ll probably have to open my wallet here.

I like having two backpacks in my arsenal – one for longer and more demanding hikes and a compact one for day trips.

Again, my mind is still not set on a specific product, but I found this guide at guystoptravel.com to be most complete, so it will probably be one (or two) of these.

patagonia-red-shell-jacket

I’ll be investing in a good jacket

Okay, so I didn’t cross off point #3 from the list of the resolutions for 2017 – climbing Kilimanjaro. It just wasn’t in the stars.

But hey, who knows, the opportunity might present itself this year so I better make sure I’m prepared. Last-minute shopping before taking on an adventure like that is not a good idea; I’m sure you’ll agree.

So, even if climbing Kili turns out not to be stars for this year either, having a good insulating jacket on standby definitely is. What made my mind up here is reading this packing list on the independent.co.uk .

If there is an item on the list that suits the description of a “guilty pleasure,” it’s this one. I’ll probably splurge most on it and I’m not sure when I’ll be using it.

I’m sure of one thing though; I’m going with bright red or yellow. My gear closet could use some color.

travel-items-wood-background

“There goes the Aussie in his red Patagonia”

I’m daydreaming about hearing the sentence on one of the Kili trails. This year, next year, or 2022…it will happen.

In the meantime, I’m sure that I’ll get my jollies and keep my energy high by sporting some of the new stuff.

A new backpack on my shoulders and, come evening, a nice air mattress to lay my head on, I’m tackling 2018 with high expectations.

I know that simply adding gear to my “armory” won’t get me places. My restless legs will.

What I’m hoping the gear will do is help maintain the level of passion I have and keep me as edgy as I am today.

It’s what I’m aiming for.

Don’t be a stranger!

Feel free to share your gear plans and let’s brainstorm. There’s nothing like the words of a like-minded soul to keep you going.

Safe trails

California, Los Angeles, San Francisco

The Best of the West Coast: Things to do in California

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The Glories of Deserts, Cities, Wineries, Trees, the Ocean, and Mountains

In the first installment, we spoke about being extemporaneous—balancing planned stops with spur-of-the-moment diversions.  We ended up in San Francisco but we’ll continue with a quick discussion of the trip by car getting to San Francisco.

The Ocean

Driving south means that you are right on the ocean.  There are many state parks that you can stop at to watch the seals and other sea creatures.  Tide pools left over from high tide are full of activity.  State parks along the coast have short, easy hikes that stretch your legs.  You could take a day to travel from Washington State to San Francisco but we recommend staying overnight near Redwoods National Park about six hours from San Francisco.

The big difference between redwood trees and sequoia trees is that redwoods are taller and slimmer.  This difference is insignificant to travelers; both trees are tall and massive.  By stopping in Redwood National park, you avoid the need to go to the state park south of San Francisco or to Sequoia National Park which is really too far out of the way.

Editor’s Note: I took a great Muir Woods day trip in 2016 that was amazing.

San Francisco

This city is a jewel on the ocean.  It’s very easy to get carried away and assume that you need several days here.  Unlike New York which really does require a lengthy stay, two days is plenty for you to get a deep appreciation of San Francisco.

One big mistake travelers make is to spend time in Napa Valley, north of San Francisco.  There are plenty of wineries all over California so if you’re headed south toward San Fran, you should pass up on Napa Valley.

Editor’s Note: I went wine tasting in San Diego and San Luis Obispo and had a great time without the crowds.

You can’t do everything, which is why we also recommend skipping Los Angeles!  This goes back to our advice from the previous article regarding casinos.  We said that you shouldn’t waste precious time at a land-based US casino; online casinos for Aussies are just fine if you want a bit of a diversion late at night.

Here is the short list of highlights everyone should see or do in San Francisco:

  • Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge: The bridge is about three kilometers long.  From the bridge you get a great view to the east and of Alcatraz.  If you go on a foggy day, you’ll have a great experience starting out in dense fog and then watching the fog slowly lift.
  • Alcatraz:  This was the prison that no one could escape from and it’s located right there in San Francisco Bay, practically a neighbor to the city.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf:  This attraction has gone over almost entirely to tourism but there are still many less commercial gems here such as the seals and the sidewalk entertainers.  Fresh sourdough bread can be a meal in itself.
  • Explore North Beach: The old Italian neighborhood and Chinatown.   Many websites extoll the top restaurants in San Francisco.  We find them a bit too pretentious for our taste and we feel that Aussies are too down-to-Earth to get all excited about overpriced “great restaurants”.  Local restaurants in these two neighborhoods will likely have great food and colorful, local ambiance.

Here are a few things that everyone “is supposed “ to do that we say are a waste of time:

  • Cable Cars:  They are fun to watch for a few minutes but then we would want to be on our way.
  • Baseball:  Minor league baseball is much more interesting so don’t waste your time or money on big league baseball, which is very expensive.
  • Lombard Street.: Never ever take your car on this winding street.  We didn’t bother walking down the street either but if you’re in the neighborhood, it’s okay to take a few minutes to walk down and then be on your way.

Editor’s Note: Looking for some San Francisco inspiration? I have a great San Francisco bucket list to get you daydreaming.

Beyond San Francisco

Now you have to decide if you’re going to continue south or leave the coast and head east into the massive Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Going south will take you to Monterrey, Gilroy, and the Hearst Castle.

Gilroy is known as the Garlic Capital of the World.   They are proud of their garlic and have a festival in July every year.  At the right time of the year, you can step out of your car and take in the undeniable fragrance of garlic in the air!

Monterrey has a great aquarium, and the Hearst Castle, four hours south of San Francisco, offers tours of the pompous and luxurious home of an American newspaper tycoon of days long gone.

Editor’s Note: I visited Monterrey in 2012 and found it to be absolutely charming.

Going east takes you into the delta region, the Jelly Belly factory, Yosemite National Park, and Crater Lake.

Editor’s Note: Just watch out for bears in Yosemite National Park. You can read all about the time I ran into a bear in Yosemite.

We chose to go south but many people choose to go east.  In any case, you’ll end up in Las Vegas eventually.

After your tour of the Hearst Castle, you’ll want to head east from San Luis Obispo.  On this route to the mountains are many wineries all of which are run by knowledgeable vintners who produce excellent wine.

Los Angeles

At this point, we have to explain why we so emphatically advise against heading south toward Los Angeles.  Simply stated, Los Angeles is too far away with too little to offer.  They have famous beaches but you’ve already seen and walked along many not famous beaches.  They have very expensive homes; we think Aussies can easily bypass a walk around a heavily-guarded neighborhood of expensive homes.  They have Disneyland which is a great place to visit.  We simply say that the national parks to the east are more interesting and a lot less expensive.

Editor’s Note: If you must visit Los Angeles, try to pack as much into as small an amount of time as possible. I’d suggest doing an LA day tour to get it out of your system.

Las Vegas

After visiting a couple of wineries head towards Las Vegas.  Find cheap accommodations; they are just as good as the over-priced rooms in many Vegas hotels.

We suggest never sitting down to gamble in Vegas.  There are so many interesting attractions both in the city and in the environs that we suggest using Vegas as an inexpensive stepping off place.

Next time, we’ll leave Vegas for three great national parks!

Your Say

Have you ever traveled through California?

What were your highlights and lowlights?