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I looked out of the window as often as I could whilst on the bus and train journey from L.A. to Yosemite National Park. The landscape changes were extreme and I was leaving the city life behind me to embrace a bit of fresh air. Being on the road as a solo traveller again caused me to grip my pack with more caution than the past couple of weeks. Best to be safe right? There didn't seem to be any dodgy characters in sight, but you can never be too certain. When I finally arrived into the village in the valley, I brushed off my boots and tiptoed into a swish hotel to use their baggage storage facilities. I couldn't help giggling when I saw my duct taped pack sitting next to several polished Louis Vuitton cases. I may not have the look that appeals to everybody, but at least it adds character to everything everywhere!

Extreme opposites in California

Coffeecat
2006-08-12 14:40:01

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feet and followed the trails into an area fit for a snow princess. It was bliss. As soon as my heart rate slowed down, I was able to hear snowflakes fall into the white blanket around my feet. The trees towering over us occasionally creaked, and drew our attentions to their own beauty. A few sequoia trees that had first taken root nearly 800 years ago, were identified by some some snow crusted information panels that I actually read; I can admit to skipping a few of the educational footnotes in my time! After a couple of hours we continued
The lads on the bus spoke of nipple dome although I still opt for it's true name, Half Domeour expeditions to another area of the park called Badger's Pass. Some of our group enjoyed a few hot chocolates whilst others strapped into snowboards. I opted for a couple of cross country skiis and ended up having an afternoon to myself perfecting techniques I had learned as a child. I whisked along the tracks singing with my itunes and entertaining those that I bumped into around the corners. Snow showing up in the morning had been great, but this was definitely more of a rush. I thought of the trips to 100 Mile House with my dad and my first pair of skiis, followed by adventures in Quebec as a teenager complaining about frozen hands, and now here I am on my own, enjoying every moment of it. I guess the folks should get a few thanks for introducing me to such a refreshing sport. I returned to the hostel and was justifiably exhausted. I had all ready extended my time in Yosemite by a day so I started making plans for the next leg of the tour in the morning, to San Francisco.

I met Andy at breakfast and ended up joining him on the drive to San Francisco. Who wouldn't take driving with a good looking Aussie in a convertable over a scheduled rail journey?! We talked about everything under the sun and before we knew it, had approached the city streets. Not being in a major rush, we decided to cruise ...