Nowhere in California does the west feel more alive then in the Owens Valley. These are the quintessential landscapes that drew pioneers to this part of the country. With a dramatic backdrop of the state's most impressive mountains guiding one up and down the great 395, one is never far from inspiration. If there was a god of nature, she would live in this valley. If there was one small town we would live in at least seasonally, based on the … [Read more...]
Mt. Whitney, CA – Big Pine
Big Pine is a fairly small town located directly on Highway 395 (population approximately 1,750). Does not feature much in the way of lodging or food (the one exception to this and worth a stop unless you are vegetarian or vegan, is Copper Top BBQ). Big Pine however is a good launching spot for several attractions within the area including the Bristlecone Pine Forest. The closest tree to the namesake of the town is the tall Sequoia planted … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Helena Art Galleries
The following are several art galleries in Helena and or art museums. All phone numbers listed below are in the (406) area code. Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is located at 2915 Country Club Avenue. Phone Number 443-3502. www.archiebray.org Bear's Den Custom Framing & Gallery is located at 633 Helena Ave. Phone Number 442-4151. Birds & Beasleys is located at 70 South Park Ave. Phone Number 449-0904. Visit: … [Read more...]
Spokane, WA – Kalispell
Kalispell is located in the Flathead Valley between the West Glacier entrance and Big Flathead Lake. The city has a population of 23,000 and is located on Montana's most dangerous road, the 93 Highway. In fact no sooner had I left Kalispell, I ran into slow traffic. I was caught in a traffic jam for only a minute or two before a firetruck came racing up from behind. After another 10 minutes, I passed the accident just as they were loading the … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
Nepal
The format of this guide differs slightly from the others. This guide is partly a journal of the author's experience in Nepal. Highlights covered in this guide include the capital city of Katmandu, Royal Chitwan National Park, and a hike to near Everest Base Camp, on a 18,200 foot mountain called Kala Patar. Nepal is a country that I will never forget. It is the land of the rising mountains, mountains that rise so high, you can not imagine … [Read more...]
Nepal – Yaks
Yaks to the Nepali's are like cars to most people. They use Yaks for everything. The Nepalese people in the mountains and outside of the main towns get their milk from Yaks which can be used to make a variety of dairy products. In addition these animals produce their fuel, wool for clothing and are transportation. Disturbing a Yak is not to be taken lightly. Yaks are sacred in the mountains. Yaks are larger and stronger then domestic cattle and … [Read more...]
Nepal – Katmandu
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...]
Nepal – Chitwan National Park
Chitwan is a National Park in the southern of Nepal - that contains many wild animals including rhino's and the hard to see Tigers. Jump on the back of an elephant and roam around the tall grasslands of Chitwan looking for a tiger. Chances are you will only see the wild Rhinoceros. Beyond the far away haze you can see the giant peaks of the tallest of the white covered Himalayas. For more information about Chitwan National Park visit the … [Read more...]
Nepal – Pokhara
We did not actually visit this beautiful area which is west of Katmandu. The reason I include it here is that we were told but a number of people that it is a stunningly beautiful place to visit. Pokhara is actually at an elevation lower then Katmandu and is therefore more tropical. The valley that it sits in is home to forests and many lakes. This city is closer to the mountains than is Katmandu so you have beautiful views of Annapurna I to IV … [Read more...]
