This part of California is located along US 395 in the south eastern part of the state. Los Angeles is about 200 miles from Lone Pine and San Diego is about 330 miles. Driving time from Los Angeles is between 3 and 4 hours depending on how fast you like to drive. Driving time from the San Jose Bay Area to Lone Pine is about 7 to 8 hours depending on the season. San Francisco is about 400 miles from Lone Pine during the summer months and about 440 … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Manzanar
Manzanar is located directly West of the 395, about 10 miles north of Lone Pine. Manzanar was the first of ten remote camps that in total held almost 120,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II. During its peak period over 10,000 people lived there. Over 600 barracks were built (organized into 36 blocks) along with recreation halls, a judo hall, a hospital, an orphanage, 3 schools, and a music hall. Now you can drive down … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine Restaurants
Prices are subject to change without notice. All phone numbers are in the 760 area code unless otherwise noted. Country Kitchen is located right in the middle of Big Pine on the west side of 395 at 181 S. Main St. They serve excellent breakfasts. We've eaten here when it was called Jeff's Country Kitchen and have eaten here again since the ownership change around 2013. Dave's pick is the Eggs Benedict. Casual dining … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Independance
Like Big Pine, Independence is a good starting point for various attractions in the surrounding area. This is the quintessential Eastern Sierra Nevada town - small, laid back and full of history. Oh and surrounded by the gorgeous Eastern Sierra Nevadas. Town features quiet residential neighborhoods with homes that date back decades. And some very historical buildings. It is also the county seat for Inyo. And was the home to noted author Mary … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small town of about 2000 people with one stoplight in the entire town. Its most well known for three things; gateway to the Alabama Hills, a popular location for filming movies, television shows and commercials and home of the Whitney Portal Road leading to the Mt. Whitney trail head (this road starts in town). Incidentally Mt. Whitney was first climbed by three residents of Lone Pine on August 18, 1873. The town also offers … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Mariposa
Mariposa is the next major gold mining town if you continue south on Highway 49 from Coulterville. Mariposa county used to be the largest county in California in the 1800's, extending all the way to Los Angeles. However, it is much smaller today. Mariposa, meaning butterfly in Spanish used to be called Logtown. It used to be a central mining town in the area. Today it is centrally located to Yosemite National Park and is a stopover for many … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA
** Click here for significant photo coverage of the Tubbs Fire October 2017, Santa Rosa ** Typical California guide books have approximately one page about Santa Rosa. We offer much more than that! Read on... The Highlights Santa Rosa, California is a city of about 175,000 (and growing fast) located about 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, just off of the 101 freeway. Santa Rosa has seen tremendous population growth in the … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Hotels
The following list is only a partial one, but it provides a sampling of the wide range of places to stay in Santa Rosa. While some hotels are spread out around town, there are two main concentrations of hotels, the most being along Santa Rosa Avenue and then others along Cleveland/Hopper Ave. Most of the hotels in Santa Rosa are located fairly close to the 101 freeway. America's Best Value Inn & Suites is rated 2 stars and is … [Read more...]
Santa Rosa, CA – Schools
Santa Rosa High School (SRHS) is a landmark historic campus in the city of Santa Rosa. It is Santa Rosa's oldest high school by a long shot and is located on Mendocino Avenue right next to the Junior College. Founded in 1874 it has not always been in it's current location. Supported by a strong history in the community, an active Foundation and strong academic programs, Santa Rosa High School is the leading high school in the city. The main … [Read more...]
Nepal – The Flight
We flew from Los Angeles in the early morning. The total flying time is about 19 hours from LA to Katmandu. We flew Thai Airways. As far as I am aware there are still no nonstop flights between those two cities. We made stops in Seoul, South Korea, and a 12 hour layover in Bangkok, Thailand. On the connection flight to Katmandu make sure you request tickets for the right side of the plane because then you will be able to see the Himalayas. There … [Read more...]