Katmandu, for all its poverty and dilapidated buildings, is a relatively safe city. In all my walks and travels through the neighborhoods I never once felt unsafe. In comparison, many times I felt unsafe walking through Bangkok, Thailand or even cities in California. The people in Katmandu were very friendly and easy going. This was the first city that I have ever seen that appeared to be crumbling to the ground. There were few paved streets, … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Attractions
Donner Lake can be seen driving east from Donner Summit on the 80 freeway (on one's right hand side). Donner Summit is just over 7,200 feet. Donner Lake is three miles west of Truckee, three miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. This lake is known as the "Gem of the Sierras" and is 600 feet in its deepest section. A public boat launching ramp is located at the west end of the lake next to a large parking lot. Fishing is excellent. The railroad … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Parks
Burton Creek State Park is over 1,800 acres and is Tahoe's second largest state park. There are over 12 miles of fire roads for either hiking or biking. This park is open for day use only and is located on Highway 28 just three miles north of Tahoe City. For more information call Phone (916) 525-7982. D.L. Bliss State Park is located 8 miles south of Tahoma on Highway 89. This is a 1200 acre park with 5 miles of hiking trails and 168 … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – Hiking, Biking
The following are hiking or biking trails we have explored in the Tahoe Area. As time permits, we will visit additional local trails and provide more information here. Angora Lakes These set of two lakes are located about 10 miles from Emerald Bay. You can either take a car or bike here. Take the Fallen Leaf Road off of Highway 89 on the south side of the road. This is a narrow paved road that skirts Fallen Leaf Lake (about 1/2 mile in … [Read more...]
Lake Tahoe, CA – More Info
Visitor Centers Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 7139] Lake Tahoe, NV 89449 Phone (702) 588-4591 www.tahoechamber.org Incline Village Chamber of Commerce: 969 Tahoe Blvd. Incline Bay, NV 89451 Truckee Chamber of Commerce Truckee, CA 96161 They can also be reached by calling Phone (530) 587-2757. www.truckee.com Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority P.O. Box 16299 So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Phone … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Colleges
MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST is a prestigious music conservatory tucked away in the hills above the ocean just east of downtown Santa Barbara. Take Cabrillo Blvd to Channel Drive and turn off on Fairway Drive. There will be signs guiding you. Watch out for the one way streets. Not many tourists ever visit this academy (as it is a private campus). The campus is quite secluded and automatic gates are at the entrance and exit. Whenever we have … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – Beaches
Santa Barbara and surrounding vicinity features a diverse set of beaches ranging from the state park beaches north of town, to the wide flat sand beaches in the vicinity of lower State Street. Beach side bars and restaurants can be found - and are part of the enjoyment of visiting some of the area beaches. State Park beaches charge an entry/parking fee - a receipt is given to you with a piece of tape that you tape to your windshield. Once you … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara, CA – City & Regional Parks
For hiking enthusiasts there are dozens of foothill trails in the Santa Ynez mountains. Maps and information can be obtained from Los Padres National Forest Headquarters located at 42 Aero Camino, in Goleta. Chaucer's Bookstore on State Street (mentioned in the Other Information section) has a number of good books and maps on day hiking in the Santa Barbara area. The Phone Number of the Los Padres National Forest is (805) 683-6711. Some of … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Outdoor Activities
Bishop Peak is a very popular hike with Cal Poly and Cuesta students. This is one of a series of nine volcanic mountains and hills that run from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay (referred to as the Nine Sisters). From the top of Bishop Peak there are excellent views overlooking the ocean and all of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding hills. The primary trail leads off from a dirt parking lot on the north side of Foothill Blvd heading west … [Read more...]
San Luis Obispo, CA – Carrizo Plains & Soda Lake
Carizzo Plain is located a little over an hour driving from San Luis Obispo - the drive to reach the plains and a visit here reveals the diversity of San Luis Obispo County both in topography, flora and population. Unlike coastal San Luis Obispo which is fairly well populated - the Carrizo Plains are in a part of the county that is almost completely uninhabited by people. It almost reminds one of the rolling prairies of the Midwest other than the … [Read more...]