Tip #2 - Pack Lightly -- Besides the potential monetary savings (now that many airlines are charging for extra luggage or excessive weight), it simply make sense to limit the amount of clothing you take with you. Versatility is the key. Choose clothing that can be easily mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Bring no more than two (2) pairs of shoes, one for walking, and one suitable for dinner or other special occasions. If your trip is longer than a week, plan to wash clothes at some point, toward the middle of the journey (many hotels offer washing machines and dryers, or you can usually find a laundromat in large cities).

       Multi-talented British writer, G K Chesterton, said,

 

            "The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one's own country as a foreign land."

 

         Here, the author is suggesting that, when we travel, and in the process open our minds to new ideas and cultures, we can see, upon our return, our country in a new light, see it as travelers from other nations do, and perhaps appreciate it more than we did in the past. I certainly agree with this concept, and it has been echoed many times before in other quotations.

      This author of several travel books, including best seller, Blue Highways, wrote, in the aforementioned book,

 

          "What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do -- especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road."

 

        This is so true. During your travels, the strangers you meet know nothing about you and so treat you, based on how you are acting at the moment. As I think about this quote, however, I can think of a number of instances where people treat you as they think you are, based on some stereotype. For example, most American travelers expect that the French will be inhospitable to them, because of a perception that all Americans are "ugly Americans." Sometimes this happens, but I have actually found that, if you attempt to speak the language and try hard to be tolerant of the differences in cultures, people do not resort to these stereotypes. Hopefully, over time, these prejudices will cease to exist and you can be judged, not on what you look like, or what you were, but what you are at this moment, as the author suggests. Race can also complicate this equation -- some people will judge, based on your race, according to some deep-seated stereotype, and this is also unfair.

       The romantic city of San Francisco is one of the United States' premier destinations because of the wealth of activities available and the attractiveness of the city. Here is my list of the best things to do while on your visit to the "City By the Bay."

 

         1. Drive or Walk Across the Golden Gate Bridge -- One of the most famous bridges in the world, the red-orange, steel structure spans the entrance into San Francisco's wonderful bay.

 

         2. Look Up at Redwoods in Muir Woods -- Just a few miles north of the city, the delightful area known as Muir Woods, named after the great conservationist, John Muir, provides a sense of solitude and stillness, and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

 

         3. Tour Alcatraz  -- The infamous American prison was located on an island in the center of the bay. Now closed except to tourists, a tour of the facility includes interesting stories about the notorious inmates. Boats to the island leave from the Fisherman's Wharf area.

 

         4. Ride a Cable Car -- These examples of public transportation of old are still operating and provide the best way to negotiate the city's legendary hills.

 

         5. Hang Out at Fisherman's Wharf -- This popular area, along the harbor, offers many shops, restaurants, and other activities. Be sure to walk out onto Pier 39 to see the resident sea lions.

 

         6. Go Oriental in Chinatown -- San Francisco boasts the largest Chinatown outside of China and the area is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike for the great restaurants and interesting shopping. Just walking the streets is fun.

 

         7. Spend Some Time in Ghirardelli Square -- Here is another popular gathering place in the city, because of the abundance of restaurants, shops, and street-performers. It is especially attractive in the evenings.

 

         8. Have a Picnic at Golden Gate Park -- Obviously, there are other things to do here, but a picnic here, in the shadow of the iconic bridge is a superb way to spend a morning or afternoon.

 

         9. Drive Down Lombard Street -- Billed, appropriately as the crookedest street in the world, this short, steep, curvy, one-way street is decorated with a profusion of flowers and is fun to experience.

 

        10. Climb the Coit Tower -- This cylindrical tower, atop Telegraph Hill, offers fantastic views of the city and its surroundings to anyone willing to scale the hill and climb the stairs to the observation area.

 

        11. Shop at Union Square -- This area is one of the premier shopping areas in the city and also offers a wealth of restaurants for those who work up an appetite in the process.

 

        12. Take a Photo at Postcard Row -- These Victorian houses on Steiner Street in the Alamo Square area of the city have been immortalized in pictures. They are a classic reminder of the architecture of suburbia.

 

        13. Take in the Ocean Views from Cliff House -- This popular part of the Golden Gate Recreation Area lies south of the city and allows visitors to experience the rugged Pacific coast. Seal Rocks, just offshore, has long been the home of colony of these sea mammals.

 

        14. Get Artsy in Sausalito -- Just northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge, on the Marin Headlands, is the delightful town of Sausalito, once an artist colony and still populated with numerous artists and craftsmen.

 

        15. Beach It at Point Reyes National Seashore -- North of the city is this rugged beach area, popular with city residents. It is managed by the US Government and offers walking trails and other activities besides the beach.

 

        16. Escape to Wine Country -- Northeast of the city are the premier wine growing regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Hundreds of wineries offer tasting and tours of their facilities, making this a popular excursion from San Francisco.

 

         17. Drive South of the City on the Pacific Coast Highway -- The route hugs the dramatic California coast all the way to San Diego, but some of the best scenery can be found from San Fran to Monterey, and then onward to Big Sur. It is one of the most scenic highways in the world.

      Paris, the City of Lights, is considered the most romantic city in the world. Its architecture and quantity of attractions is second to none. Here is my list of the best things to while you are in this enchanting city.

 

         1. Climb the Eiffel Tower -- Built for the 1889 World Exposition, this iconic landmark has become a symbol of the city and is beloved by Parisians. It looks like it was made with an Erector Set, and, because of its height, can be seen from most areas of the city.

 

         2. Climb to the Top of the Arc d'Triomphe -- This memorial arch was built by Napoleon to celebrate his many victories. It sits at the top of the famous boulevard, Champs Elysses, and is the nexus of a series of grand avenues.  There are fantastic views from the observation deck.

 

         3. Visit Sacre Coeur -- This beautiful, gleaming, white church prominently occupies one of the highest hills in the city. When originally built, it was considered garish, but now has been adopted by the French people and is very popular with tourists.

 

         4. Spend a few Hours in the Louvre -- This magnificent museum, one of the best in the world, would take days to fully appreciate, so visitors usually spend a morning or afternoon looking at some of the immense collection. The most celebrated work is Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.

 

         5. Cruise the Seine on a Bateau Mouche -- These tour boats leave from the docks in front of the Eiffel Tower. The narrated tour provides a great orientation for the area of Paris around the river.

 

         6. Take an Excursion to Versailles -- The world's quintessential royal palace is only about 20 miles southwest of Paris and is a must-see for visitors to the city. Louis XIV's grand residence is the standard against which all mansions are measured.

 

         7. Side Trip to Chartres Cathedral -- Lying some 50 miles southwest of Paris is the classic Gothic cathedral of Chartres. Built in the late 12th century, this magnificent edifice features beautiful stained glass, some in a shade of blue known as "Chartres blue."

 

         8. Excursion to Fontainebleu -- Another royal hunting lodge, this grand palace was enlarged and embellished over the years. It is located just southeast of the city.

 

         9. Get Ghoulish in Paris' Catacombs -- Thousands of bodies were buried in these tunnels beneath the city. Now, tourists can take an eerie tour to see these remains from many years ago.

 

        10. Walk the Champs Elysses -- With rents that are astronomical, only the wealthiest vendors can afford an address here. It's fun just to walk the broad avenue and window shop or people-watch.

 

        11. Take the Kids to Disneyland Paris -- This was Disney's first venture out of the United States, and, with some necessary tweaking in the early days, has become a popular destination on the continent.

 

        12. Hang Out With the Artists in Montmartre -- This avant garde section of Paris, north of the Seine, has long been an enclave populated by artists. It's fun to walk the neighborhood and stop in a cafe to relax.

 

        13. Check Out the Moulin Rouge -- The Pigalle section of the city is known for its seedy nature. The most recognized landmark in this area is the nightclub, Moulin Rouge (red windmill) which still puts on risque girlie shows.

 

        14. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral -- This is one of Paris' most visited and recognized attractions. The premier Gothic church was immortalized by Victor Hugo in his novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

 

        15. Side Trip to Giverny -- Impressionist Claude Monet bought this country home, just northwest of Paris, and forever embedded its landscape in our minds with his many paintings. Fans flock to the home and walk the gardens.

 

        16. Take a Rest at Luxembourg Gardens -- This piece of tranquility and beauty in the heart of the city is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The colorful flower gardens and shaded paths offer an escape from the bustle of the city.

 

        17. Visit Musee d'Orsay -- This museum, housed in an elegant building across the Seine from the Louvre, is much more manageable than its big sister and has become a popular alternative.

 

         18. People-watch at a Cafe on the Left Bank -- The left bank of the Seine has long been known as the hang-out of intellectuals, because of the proximity to the Sorbonne, Paris's grand university. Take a walk through the area and be sure to stop at a cafe for an hour or two.

 

         19. Visit Sainte-Chapelle Church -- This charming church sits on an island, the Ile de Cite, in the middle of the Seine, and was built to house several important relics from the time of Jesus Christ.

 

         20. See Napoleon's Tomb in Les Invalides -- The domed church in this complex, dedicated to France's military heroes, contains the tomb of Napoleon, although the site began as a hospital.

 

         21. Check Out the Paris Opera House -- Ernest Hemingway once said that, if he sat here long enough, everyone in the world would pass by. True or not, the opera house is a well-known landmark in the city center.

 

         22. Go Modern in the Pompidou Centre -- This venue is dedicated to Modern Art and competes with the Louvre and Orsay for tourist attention.

 

         23. Get Morbid at Pere Lachaise Cemetery -- This popular cemetery contains the graves of many of Paris's notables. Probably the most visited gravesite, however, is that of Jim Morrison of the rock group, the Doors.

 

         24. Visit Paris' Pantheon -- Not nearly as old or as significant as the Pantheon of Rome, this church of all religions, nevertheless, is popular with tourists who venture into this left bank neighborhood.

      Tip #1 - Learn the Language -- When traveling to a foreign country, make an effort to learn the language. You do not have to be fluent, but, at least, know some often-used phrases, like "hello," "goodbye," "yes," and "no." Most people you meet will appreciate your attempt, no matter how badly you butcher their native tongue.

      London is one of the world's great cities and, as such, offers an amazing variety of activities and places to see, for the entire family. The list below includes my favorites and would require four or five days to adequately accomplish.

 

        1. Take the Beefeater Tour of the Tower of London -- The infamous prison, palace, treasury, and execution yard is one of the city's most popular attractions. The characteristically-dressed "beefeaters" take visitors on a fascinating and informative tour of this medieval treasure.

 

         2. Walk Across the Tower Bridge -- The distinctive powder blue span, across the Thames, is a symbol of the city and is easily recognized around the world. The "Tower Bridge Experience" offers a tour which details the history and inner workings of the unusual bridge design.

 

         3. Visit Westminter Abbey -- This historic church has witnessed many of Europe's pivotal events, and also serves as a final resting place for many of England's monarchs and other significant English men and women. Be sure to check out the Poet's Corner, a memorial to England's famous literati.

 

         4. Check out St Paul's Cathedral -- This immense church was built by Christopher Wren, after the city was virtually destroyed by a fire. It was the scene of the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana, an event witnessed, via television, by millions around the world.

 

         5. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace -- This exercise of British pomp and circumstance takes place daily, to the delight of thousands of onlookers.

 

         6. Witness the Changing of the Horse Guard -- A less-crowded alternative to the regular parade at Buckingham Palace, this parade of mounted soldiers takes place at the Royal Mews.

 

         7. Get a Birds-eye View of London from the London Eye -- This giant ferris wheel, located along the Thames River, takes riders in slow-moving pods, hundreds of feet into the air above the city, affording spectacular views.

 

         8. Visit Maritime London -- Take a boat ride on the Thames to nearby Greenwich, England, where you can visit the Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, through which passes the International Date Line.

 

         9. Shop and People-Watch at Covent Garden -- This popular gathering place, contains a colorful and vibrant market and is also the location where Punch and Judy marionettes entertained crowds for many years.

 

         10. Shop at the World's Greatest Department Store -- Harrod's is the epitome of shopping venues. The building itself and its decorations are worth the trip, even if you don't buy anything. Do check out the food displays!

 

         11. Relax with the Locals at Trafalgar Square -- One of the city's greatest gathering places is located at the edge of Westminster and is surrounded by elegant and regal buildings. The famous Naval Admiral is celebrated with a tall statue.

 

          12. See the World Through the British Museum -- Great Britain was once the most powerful nation in the world and its influence extended throughout the seven continents. British explorers and archaeologists traveled to distant places and brought their finds back to London. Many of these world treasures are on display in this fantastic museum.

 

          13. Have Lunch in the Cafe in the Crypt -- This cute little restaurant is located below St Martin-in-the-Fields Church and makes an interesting, if not morbid, place to grab a bite.

 

          14. Walk Across the Millennium Bridge -- This pedestrian span across the Thames offers great views of the city as well as access to the less-touristy south side of the city.

 

          15. Return to the Elizabethan Age at the Globe Theatre -- This replica of the famous theater, immortalized by Shakespeare, is located on the south shore of the Thames River.

 

          16. Take an Excursion to Hampton Court -- This palatial mansion was built for Cardinal Wolsey and later annexed by King Henry VIII as a Royal residence. It is located only a short distance from London.

 

          17. Marvel at the Royal Botanic Gardens -- At Kew Gardens, this remarkable facility showcases plant species from around the world in a great variety of displays, from indoor areas to outdoor gardens and ponds.

 

          18. Stroll Hyde Park -- London is blessed with many green areas, but this park is probably the most popular. It contains Speaker's Corner, where anyone can pontificate on any subject they want to.

 

          19. Join the Crowds at Picadilly Circus -- Here is another of London's famous gathering places, the British equivalent of Times Square in New York. It is a major nexus for the London Metro.

 

           20. Take a Side Trip to Cambridge -- The home of one of the world's greatest educational institutions is just a short ride north of the city, in the charming town of Cambridge.

 

           21. Visit Windsor Castle -- The queen's primary residence is located northwest of London and makes a great day trip from the city. The heavily fortified castle dominates the town of Windsor.

 

           22. Hob-knob With the Intellectuals at Oxford -- The famous university is only about 50 miles northwest of London and can easily be included with a trip to Windsor Castle (see #21 above).

      Noted American author of Moby Dick and other works, Mr Melville seems to be seeking the ultimate in authentic and off-the-beaten-track travel, when he says,

 

           "it is not down in any map; true places never are."

 

           Unfortunately, for most travelers, if a place is not on a map, they will never encounter it. Those who head off into the wilderness might approach this Melville ideal, but, today, most of the world has been explored and mapped and discovered. Although true adventurers still exist, they tend to frequent the rare places on earth which have not been thoroughly visited.

     American historian, Daniel Boorstin, once wrote,

 

          "The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes 'sight-seeing.'"

 

        I thoroughly agree with the author. Travelers should be actively involved in their travels, seeking interactions and making connections. This is why I prefer to design and conduct my own trips, and why I walk rather than take buses when I get to a destination. Unfortunately, my days of extreme adventure are over, because of my age, but active does not necessarily mean strenuous, despite what this writer indicates, and I can still handle moderately strenuous activities (you're as old as you feel). 

    The wise Roman philosopher, Seneca, once wrote,

 

            "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind."

 

          This has been a common theme in my collection of travel quotations, the energizing of a person through travel. It's nice to know that as far back as the Roman Empire, intellectuals realized the value of travel and encouraged it.

      Former Nobel Prize Laureate (Literature), Anatole France, said,

 

            "Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe."

 

          This is a very interesting statement. It implies that man's basic nature involves moving from place to place, the old "hunter-gatherer" concept. It also implies that our settling down to form permanent communities and roots was and is in conflict with our true essence. The suggestion is that we should resume our journeys, to discover and restore this balance and harmony. I'm all for that!

     Now, we are really going back in time. These places date to the 1000's, and yet they are still present in our consciousness and in our memories if we travel. Imagine! These structures have lasted, some with restoration, of course, for a thousand years, an eternity to humans. Check out my list below and then look for the photo album to follow.

 

      1. Abbey of Mont-St-Michel, France (1023) - This is one of the most recognized travel icons on the planet. Approaching this island, from the mainland, is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the world. It seems to rise from the sea and then dominates the landscape as you get nearer. The incredible construction helps you realize how it has lasted this long.

 

      2. Westminster Abbey, London, England (1040) - One of the most hallowed places in all of Great Britain, this church has witnessed some of the greatest events in history, and has become a mausoleum to England's greatest. Most of her kings and queens are buried here, and there are also memorials to many famous literati.

 

      3. St Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy (1063) - This remarkable church is done in Byzantine style and recalls the days when Venice was a crossroad between East and West. It presides over one of Europe's greatest gathering places, St Mark's Square.

 

      4. Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain (1075) - This church has been a major stop on pilgrimage routes for Christians, since the Middle Ages. The church reputedly contains the remains of St James, one of Christ's apostles. It is still a major tourist attraction in this country with many significant sites.

 

      5. Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury, England (1077) - This is another of Europe's magnificent religious structures. It is the home base of the Anglican religion and was made even more famous (and infamous) when it was the setting of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, on the orders of King Henry II.

 

      6. Hohensalzburg, Salzburg, Austria (1077) - This prominent white fortress sits above the city of Salzburg and is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It is also one of the best preserved, partly due to the fact that it was never taken by assault.

 

      7. Tower of London, London, England (1078) - This important complex is one of the most popular tourist sites in London, a city with a wealth of attractions for visitors. Over its long and storied history, it has served as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution, a treasury, an armory, and a zoo. Today, personnel dressed as the famed "beefeaters" take visitors on a grisly and informative tour.

 

      8. City Walls of Avila, Spain (1090) - These extensive medieval fortifications are among the best preserved walls in all of Europe. Even the city's cathedral is incorporated into the walls. Visitors can walk along the ramparts for excellent views of the ancient city and its surroundings.

 

      9. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland (1093) - Dominating the west end of the Royal Mile and Old Edinburgh, this ancient complex has played a part in many events over the course of Scottish history. It has been besieged a number of times, both successfully and unsuccessfully, and today is the site of the annual Military Tattoo, an extremely popular event.

     Writer, critic, and game-show host, Clifton Fadiman, once wrote,

 

           "When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable."

 

         This is an important caution for travelers. You will be in alien territory, where things may be done very differently. Be prepared to negotiate these differences and certainly don't think that you're going to change the culture. The entire "Ugly American" personna, is a common example of people who disregard this fact. I remember a group of these "uglies" who marched into a restaurant in Cordoba, Spain, berating the maitre d'hotel about the fact that people were smoking in the restaurant and demanding a no-smoking table. Who did they think they were? People like this give all Americans a bad name and reputation. They should simply stay home!

     The famous reporter who made a career of avoiding the interstates and choosing small country roads, said, during one of his famous CBS News segments of On the Road,

 

            "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything."

 

         Unfortunately, this is pretty much true. The interstates, with their multiple lanes and cloverleafs, are not very attractive, and they were built along property which was fairly easy for the government to access and purchase, but they do have one decided advantage -- they can get you from place to place in a reasonable time. And, since time is sometimes more important than place, they have been of great benefit to American society. Sure, it is more fun to get off the highways and onto the byways, as long as you factor in the additional hours and days. I actually like to do both. I prefer traveling on interstates to get to a place, and then like to sample the local roads while I'm there, especially if they are particularly scenic. I have often shunned the highway if the byway will get me to the same place, as long as it doesn't cost me an extra day. So, hurray for Mr Kuralt, for helping us appreciate these country roads, but few of us have the time or the resources to use them all the time.  

       Vienna is famous, of course, as the home of the Strausses, and, appropriately, the waltz. It was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire for many years and still reflects the power and wealth of these times in its elegant architecture. Below is my list of the best things to do while in Vienna.

 

       1. Visit the Hofburg -- This vast complex of buildings in the center of the Altstadt was the residence of Holy Roman Emperors and their families and courts. This epitomizes the classic winter palace.

 

        2. Marvel at the Stephansdom -- The huge church dominates the main square along the pedestrian-only Kartnerstrasse and its distinctive tiled roof and tall steeple can be seen from all over the city.

 

        3. Shop and People-watch on Kartnerstrasse -- This lengthy pedestrian thoroughfare offers a variety of shops and restaurants, and is crowded throughout the day and evening.

 

        4. Indulge in Sacher Torte -- The bakery in the lobby of the Hotel Sacher produces this world-famous pastry, and visitors, especially chocolate lovers, must give it a try while in Vienna.

 

        5. Visit Schonbrunn Palace -- Located in the outskirts of Vienna, this summer palace is modeled after Versailles. The gardens, with their fountains and gloriette are delightful to stroll. Be sure to attend the strudel demonstration, where you will be rewarded with a piece of the delicious pastry.

 

        6. Stroll the Grounds and Museum at Belvedere Palace -- Another grand residence, this beautiful mansion is just outside the city center and contains a museum of Austrian history.

 

        7. Have a Sausage at a Wurselstand -- These stands are ubiquitous and offer a large variety of types of Viennese sausage. Watch a local order one before you attempt it yourself, especially if you don't speak German very well.

 

        8. Attend a Mozart Concert at the Musikverein -- A Mozart concert is a must while in Vienna. Vendors selling tickets can be found in Stephansplatz, or you can make a reservation prior to your arrival, or speak to the concierge at your hotel. The best venue is Golden Hall (the Musikverein) which is world-renowned for its incredible acoustics.

 

        9. Stroll Through Stadtpark -- This delightful city park is located just outside the inner ring and contains statues of numerous Austrian notables, along with pleasant flower gardens and shaded walkways.

 

        10. Make a Day Trip to Bratislava -- The capital of Slovakia is only about 50 miles east of Vienna and makes a great excursion. Its compact and charming Old Town is wonderful to stroll, and it doesn't yet have the crowds that other cities endure.

 

         11. Explore Unusual Architecture at Hundertwasserhaus -- This strange apartment complex sits just outside the inner ring and attracts numerous onlookers because of its colorful, undulating walls and vegetation growing from various parts of the building.

 

         12. Check Out the Kapuzinerkirche -- This fairly nondescript church, St Mary of the Angels, is the final resting place for many of the Hapsburgs, the ruling family of the Holy Roman Empire.

 

         13. Get Away From It All in the Vienna Woods -- This beloved region, south of Vienna, is a favorite escape for city residents. There are numerous recreational activities available here.

 

     Day 14 - July 13, 2009

 

      Today we drove from Red Bluff to our midway point, Tulare, CA, in the central valley, south of Fresno.  We decided to make a detour, since we were doing so well on time, to Kings Canyon National Park, a partner and neighbor of Sequoia National Park. We had visited Sequoia back in 1993, on our first cross country trip, but we did not sample Kings Canyon. We had very limited time, since it took us longer than expected to get to the park, so we just drove to see the General Grant Tree, the park's major attraction. It is the 3rd largest tree in the world and is quite impressive. We took several photos and then left for Tulare for the night. Check out my pictures in the photo album.

     Day 13 -- July 12, 2009

 

      We spent the entire day in Lassen Volcanic National Park, a treasure of incredible scenery and geological history. We saw the excellent introductory film (20 minutes) in the Visitor Center before proceeding. It gave a description of the forces which shaped the area's prominent features. It helped us understand how the geological forces of the past created the present landscape and suggested how the environment here might change in the future.

      We spent the remainder of the day driving along the park road, stopping at overlooks, and trailheads, and walking several of the park's trails. Our only criticism of the park is the dearth of signs, both on the road, to prepare you for upcoming attractions, and along the trails, to explain the features you are s,eeing. We enjoyed Sulphur Works, steam vents escaping from the ground, issuing the unmistakable smell of Hydrogen Sulfide. Our longest stop of the day was at Bumpass Hell, the most popular trail in the park. It traverses a picturesque ridge, with incredible vistas, and eventually leads to the major thermal area of the park. Here we found hot water pools, fumaroles, geysers, and mudpots, accessed by a well-built, raised, wooden walkway. It was reminiscent of the thermal areas of Yellowstone, although much smaller.

     At the northern end of the park, we walked around Lake Manzanita, an area near the main campground, offerring many recreational activities. We simply enjoyed the tranquility and serenity of the scene and watching the birds and ducks. We even saw a white-tailed deer who emerged less than 10 yards from where we were walking.

    When we finally left the park, we headed for Redding, the major city of the area. There we stopped briefly at the city's greatest source of pride, the Sundial Pedestrian Bridge, presumably the largest working sundial in the world. It was actually quite impressive and we took several pictures (see the photo album). Then we had a wonderful dinner meal at C.R. Gibbs American Grill, an excellent restaurant. Lee and I both were overwhelmed with their Fish 'n' Chips. 

     Day 12 -- July 11, 2009

 

       Today we drove from Wine Country to Northern California and the town of Red Bluff, one of the gateways into Lassen Volcanic National Park. En route, we packaged and shipped our wine. When we arrived at our destination, we explored the area a bit. We actually headed north to get a closer look at Mount Shasta, one of a number of volcanic peaks from Lassen in the south to Mount Rainier, near Seattle. This string of mountains includes Mt St Helens and Mount Hood, besides the ones already mentioned.

       In the late afternoon, we stopped at a restaurant/bar called the Riverside Cafe. It has a delightful setting, along the banks of the Sacramento River, which runs right through Red Bluff. We had a drink and enjoyed an outside table overlooking the river. Later, we had a very-filling dinner at a Mexican restaurant, called Casa Ramos, near our hotel in Red Bluff.

     Day 11 - July 10,2009

 

       On our last full day in Wine Country, we went to our final three vineyards, mainly to buy the remainder of the wine that we plan to ship home. We first visited the Valley of the Moon Vineyard, a very nice experience with a friendly and knowledgeable dispenser of wine. Next we headed for B R Cohn, a vineyard begun by the long-time manager of the Doobie Brothers band. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't Doobie Brothers music blasting in the tasting room, but we had a great time, nevertheless. Last, we went to Kenwood Winery and sipped our last wines of this memorable excursion. When we returned to our hotel, we actually crashed by the pool for several hours, before a repeat meal at the Red Grape (good, wholesome food at reasonable prices).

       Day 10 - July 9, 2009

 

        We began our Napa Valley day with a visit to the Hess Collection Winery, a place highly recommended by several travel guides. We only did the tasting, half-price since we had coupon, and the wine was very good. Hess is a name very familiar to us since their wines are marketed all over the country. Then we drove northward on the Silverado Trail, much quicker than Route 29 and with less traffic. We stopped briefly at the Sterling Winery, but decided not to take the aerial tram to the tasting room since we had tasted so many wines the day before.

       We continued north to the Alexander Valley Vineyard and enjoyed the tasting experience there. This winery is a lot more low-key, a much smaller operation and, for us, more intimate and enjoyable. We bought several bottles of their more reasonably priced wines. Next, we headed south to visit the much-touted Castello di Amoroso, a castle erected over about twenty years, reminiscent of the great castles of Europe. It was indeed impressive, at the end of a long driveway lined with Lombardy Poplars. We wandered around the exterior of the castle, taking pictures and admiring the authentic construction, and then left. We made one more stop, at the Frank Family Vineyard, where we sampled some white and red "bubbly" before continuing to dinner reservation.

      Michael Ciarello has a cooking show on the Food Network, and we had heard about his new restaurant, La Bottega. We were able to get an early (5:45) reservation and looked forward to a lovely and romantic dinner. It turned out to be just as fabulous as we expected it would be. The service was impeccable and all of the food, from appetizer to entree, was excellent. This was certainly one of the trip highlights!