A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
About Dave
http://www.davestravelcorner.com
Dave is an international travel writer and founder of Dave’s Travel Corner, a premier travel resource since 1996. He is well traveled (180 countries & territories); while on the road he enjoys the outdoors, backpacking, mountain climbing, meeting people, and experiencing other cultures.
Combining these interests with his expertise in technology, photography and writing, he shares his adventures on Dave’s Travel Corner and in select media outlets. Dave is most at home in Bangkok, Los Angeles, the Napa Valley or California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
In 2006, he conceived the Napa Wine Project., a challenging endeavor to visit, taste with and extensively write about every winery in Napa Valley, California. He has now completed 1,200+ visits and written reviews of Napa wineries & producers.
His first book titled 'The Freeways of Los Angeles' was published in 2010.
He is a big proponent of experiential travel, valuing experiences far above "things".
Safari West, CA – The Safari
Soon after pulling into the entrance of Safari West we hopped into a waiting 1952 Dodge Power Wagon Jeep and we were greeted by a young fellow in the driver's seat named Billy. Billy was born and raised in South Africa. His father was a bush pilot and Billy grew up around wild animals all of his life. He would be our driver and guide for the 2.5-hour tour. His background and insights into the animals and their behaviors was invaluable. The … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA – Trading Post
The Trading Post is an excellent art gallery located behind the main office. Be sure to browse among the artwork, woodcarvings and pottery imported from Africa. The highlight of this gallery is the collection of masks located upstairs. In addition to the gallery, dining is by reservation at the Savannah Cafe, which serves African themed meals. … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA – More Information
The following are sources of additional information about visiting Safari West: For more information about taking a walking or jeep tour or to stay at this wonderful preserve please visit the website: www.safariwest.com or call (707) 579-2551 or (800) 616-2695. This article originally was published in the newspaper The Upbeat Times: … [Read more...]
Fisher Fruit Farm, Ripon CA – September 2002
Fisher Fruit Farm Ripon - There seems to be very very few fruit farms in California's great Central Valley that pick their fruit ripe. The C&R Fisher Fruit Farm located in Ripon, CA - (outside of Modesto) is one of the few farms that sells right from their own orchards. This small permanent fruit stand is located on the north side of the often super busy Highway 120 (the road that leads up to Yosemite Park). } Parking is on the dirt - either … [Read more...]
Canton Restaurant, Annapolis MD – August 2002
Canton Restaurant Annapolis MD - When in Annapolis, MD (home of the U.S. Naval Academy & the original capital of the U.S.), visit The Canton Restaurant. This restaurant opened in 1962 by a staff sergeant who served in World War II. The current owners have managed the restaurant since 1994. The food is fresh and varied (about 30 selections from peanut chicken to traditional favorites) & the prices are quite reasonable. The portions are large … [Read more...]
Biosphere, AZ – July 2002
Near Tucson, Arizona is the Biosphere II, a modern-day $200 million dollar tightly sealed ecosystem. It was originally constructed to determine if people could live for a particular length of time in a sealed environment. Now its used for research, education and public outreach activities. General tours are given daily except on Christmas Day - Reservations are recommended for the "Under the Glass Tour." The general tours take about 2.5 hours … [Read more...]
Zanzibar
While roaming eastern Africa in the waning months of the old century I stumbled into Stonetown, a small romantic city located on the western shores of the island of Zanzibar. Soon I became intoxicated not by drink, but by things such as the fading shadows of the dhows that cast their spired shapes over the blackened waters at sunset and by spending hours sitting near the harbor watching exotic groups of world travelers pass by. Slipping out … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Attractions
Dhows located in the surf of the beach in front of Nungwi.Stone Town is full of old buildings including many that are in a state of severe decay. This city seems like a tiny maze at times, however its difficult to get too lost - if you walk far enough you will either end up on the seafront or on Creek Road which is the outermost road in Stone Town. While in Stone Town be sure to visit the evening waterfront "fresh fish cookout." This event … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Shopping
Stone Town is one of eastern Africa's shopping meccas. I found several incredible antique stores specializing in east African tribal antiques from the 1600s through the 1900s. One such store was like walking back in time. Intricately carved horns, parchment scrolls, rawhide prayer books, wooden masks, wooden statues of every shape and size and many other types of antiques were on display. The owner has several partnerships with antique dealers in … [Read more...]
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