The Wonders Of California

There was a fun song that came out in the nineteen sixties that had the refrain “I don’t care what you say I won’t stay in a world without love.”  Is it even possible to imagine what a world would be like if we didn’t have such a place as wonderful as California?  I know imagining America without a California alone is almost impossible to do.

California is so rich with sights and great places to visit that one has to plan not one but many trips there to truly take in all it has to offer.  Why a visit to Los Angeles alone can fill a week and you would still leave behind so much to do and see.  Here in the home of our great movie industry, the idea of hanging out near the major studios to catch a glimpse of a movie star is pretty hard to resist.  And you can pass your time waiting by going to Grauman’s Chinese Theater to put your own feet in the famous imprints on the walk of fame.  There you can see if your shoe size lines up with such greats as Marilyn Monroe, Marlin Brando, Dustin Hoffman or even Lassie.

While in LA don’t forget that this is the area of the country where you can check in at the original Disneyland.  Yes while the Florida and other locations that have been built since then are wonderful, don’t miss the chance to sing “It’s a Small World After All” with the anamatronic figures that will delight you and your children in those historic rides in Disneyland.  

Anywhere you go up and down the California coast, one thing will continue to draw your eye is the amazing California coast.  The sight of those waves making huge breakers on the rocks and beaches has been the object of art for many painters over the years.  If you live in a land-locked state or even if you have enjoyed the coast lines in the gulf states and the eastern seaboard, the California surf will be yet another viewpoint of the majesty of God’s creation in the oceans that grace our fair country.

It might take another whole trip to enjoy the exotic locations all around the city of San Francisco.  But give it that time because this is a town you want to take in on foot or by traveling on their famous and historic street cars.  For a small city, San Francisco will charm you so thoroughly that you would swear you were in one of the quant and charming villages of Europe, Spain or Greece.  The sight of those breath taking hills that the residents have to drive each day will probably bring back some great movie you saw that was filmed there.  And it’s easy to get goose bumps standing on the corner of Haight and Ashbury and reflect on the birth of the Hippy Movement in the early sixties right on that spot.

There is just so much to do up and down this big and diverse state that you will want to have a car at your disposal just to tour the paradise like conditions that residents enjoy there every day.  A tour of the wine country in northern California is another experience that has become famous for charming visitors of all ages.  You can even retrace the voyage of the characters in the movie Sideways which won an Academy Award and further added to the lore and fame of this wonderful part of California.

California may not steal your heart away from your home town and state.  But one this is for sure.  Your trip to California will leave you with dozens of exciting memories and it will leave you with something even more lasting.  You will come home with a determination that you have to get back to California and continue to enjoy the many treats this great American state has to offer.

Travel Photography Tips – 7 Tips For Taking Good Vacation Photos

Taking good pictures on your family vacation is pretty easy when you know some basic photography skills. Here you will find some really simple things you can do to take your travel photos from so-so to fabulous.

Add Drama to Your Pictures

You can add interest and visual appeal to your pictures by adding some drama to your pictures. One way to add drama is to show scale. You can show scale in your pictures by having a person stand next to something enormous like the World’s Largest Redwood so you can see the full impact of the image.

Get Rid of the Clutter

When you’re seeing exciting new things, it’s easy to ignore the background. But before you press the shutter release, always take a look at the image you’re photographing. In some cases, moving a few feet could eliminate unwanted clutter like power lines, billboards, or people walking through your picture.

Take Pictures of the Locals

No matter where you are traveling in the world, learn how to say some basic things like “May I please take your picture?” in the local language. Make sure to have a small notebook and pen to write down names or emails of people so you can offer to send them a picture.

Candid and Unique

Candid shots when traveling are the best, but occasional portraits of the family in front of spectacular views and famous landmarks are part of almost every vacation album. Don’t forget to get in the vacation pictures too by using the self timer or remote shutter.

Aside from the mandatory photos, shoot what interests you, not what you think should interest you because it’s on postcards in all the stores. You can always pick up some postcards to add to your vacation souvenirs. Unique subjects make great travel pictures so look out for these opportunities.

Every Picture Tells a Story

You may also want to tell the story of your trip so make sure to take pictures from the moment you departed to the time you returned home. Include special vacation highlights like a fun activity you did, new friends you made or the place you stayed. Once you get home and look at all of the pictures, select those pictures that best reflect your trip and frame them on your wall to remember.

Recruit Additional Picture Taking Help

If you are traveling with children, give each child a camera (use disposables for the young ones) and encourage them to take pictures too.

Then when you return home you can create a fun photo album to remember your vacation. While on your vacation, make sure to make notes so you can later add captions to your photos.

Camera Care and Maintenance

If you’re going to be near or in the ocean, bring one-time use or waterproof camera.The salt water and sand from the beach can seriously damage or ruin your camera so be extra careful no matter what type of camera you’re using.

Remember that not every picture will turn out good as even the seasoned photographer will take some bad pictures from time to time. The best solution is to bring extra memory cards and have a way to upload your photos each day while you’re away.

Always remember to recharge the batteries and replace the memory card every day so you can be ready for whatever photo opportunity comes your way. By doing this, you’ll be ready to go in the morning!

As you can see, taking great travel and vacation pictures can be a lot of fun and relatively easy just by following these seven tips. And, by the time you return home you will have a lot of fantastic pictures to share with your friends and family.

Watch in HQ. In this video, it shows me, Loraine and Gretchen travel to Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA. We wanted to do something before summer vacation ends. So here, it shows us driving through the forest to get to Big Basin Redwoods SP. We captured some nice views on the road. Then we suddenly saw huge redwoods when we arrived at the park. First, we hiked along the Sequoia Trail. It was a nice trail with large redwoods and a bridge we crossed on. But we decided to turn back since we were time poor and I wanted to go to the Redwood Trail as well. So we headed back to the park headquarters, examined a large redwood that was hollowed out by fire and then had a nice break by the snack store. We also found a cool museum. Then it was unto the Redwood Trail. The trail was easier and there, we found a fallen redwood, the Animal Tree, the Chimney Tree, the Father of the Forest and the Mother of the Forest!! There was also Opal Creek. We also saw the unique curly wood of some redwoods along the way. It was a beautiful park indeed. Believe it or not, this is the oldest state park in California, it was established in 1902. The first state park in CA! Continuation of this trip at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA is on video Part 2. Enjoy the videos! 🙂

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Please don’t say inter net. and i saw them at safeway when i was little

THe commmericals state all of these things people do because their is a tomorrow, like toastmasters, but then the commerical throws in not having broccoli and dairy in the past week. Why does Hilton Garen Inn believe avoding broccoli and dairy is beneficial???

For my book hiding spots from villains not SECURITY

According to the hotel’s Web site, access to the fitness area is included in the Daily Resort Fee. What does "access" mean? Does the Daily Resort Fee include use of the fitness equipment? I ask because, the Web site also states that for an additional daily fee, registered hotel guests can access spa facilities that include the "Exercise Room." Basically, what I’m trying to figure out is, when I stay there, will I have to shell out additional money on top of the Daily Resort Fee to use the gym equipment?

Growing popularity of Hot tubs

Hot tubs are growing in popularity all over the country as East Kilbride based The Hot Tub House are finding out. Their huge range of luxury hot tubs and spas are getting enquires not only form all over the UK but from all over Europe as well as they are getting requests to deliver to Spain, Portugal, France and Greece.

Like a spa, a hot tub has built-in jets to provide warmth, relaxation and a massage-effect on people’s muscles and joints. They both are used for therapeutic reasons and socialization. In the early days — the late 1960s, early 1970s — hot tubs were made from wood, including cedar, redwood, cypress, teak or a composite. In the mid-1970s, the technologically advanced portable acrylic spas were introduced, replacing the wooden tubs in popularity.

Today, the terms hot tub and spa are used interchangeably. The word “spa” is often associated with a health resort destination or a commercial establishment where patrons can get aesthetic services, massages, facials, etc. Thus, the term hot tub is more specific in describing that hot, bubbly tub, and has experienced a resurgence in usage to distinguish it from a day spa.

It’s easy to see why everybody is keen to get their own piece of affordable luxury when you take one look at the tubs in action you can instantly see how they can seriously improve your quality of life. That’s before you even set foot in one. Lie back in the sculpted seats and you will soon wonder how you coped with the daily grind without one of these in your own back garden. Hot tubs and spas have been medically proven to benefit those who are lucky enough to use them. Stress is massaged away by soothing bubbles of warm water while music plays on your own fully fitted marine grade sound system and beautiful LED lights help you to really forget everything that’s happened in your day. You could easily spend a while evening just relaxing in the hot tub with family and friends forgetting just how much time you have spent outside!! Of course the UK has the perfect climate for owning a hot tub as it is not too hot and not too cold meaning that you can actually make sue of your fantastic new hot tub all year round meaning that it is exceptional value for money.

When considering a hot tub you will want to think about how you are likely to be using it. Will you have lots of friends over? Will you want a lounger? Will you need lots of seats? What entertainment options will you need such as a TV or CD player? Making these decisions early on will help when you are looking to make your decision to ensure that you select the correct model and get the most out of it. You may also like to consider having some kind of shelter over it such as a wooden gazebo or hut which would be able to protect you from the elements outside while still allowing you to enjoy your hot tub outside.

It is widely recognised that a benefit of warm water and soothing massage is to relieve anxiety and relax tense muscles. It has also been shown that 20 minutes in a hot tub also helps relieve high blood pressure, headaches and chronic pain due to stress.

Muscular relaxation occurs when warm blood reaches deep into the muscles. This relaxation effect helps to deaden muscle pain by easing any pinching of nerves or blood vessels and by helping the muscle rid itself of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.

You’ll find yourself becoming incredibly popular too as your friends queue up to share a cool drink and have a fun dip in your tub.

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Hukuru Misikiiy – a mosque built on coral stones

The Maldives is the ultimate destination in luxury travel, the accommodation is pure indulgence and the price is to match. Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this sect of islands is a tribute to Mother Nature at its best. The skies are the bluest, and the waters inviting, while the sand will just slip through your fingers. Based on coral, these islands feature a variety of marine life and a piece of paradise that you never knew existed. Perfect for a secluded holiday or a romantic getaway, The Maldives will leave you with memories and moments that will last long after your tan has faded. United by one faith (Islam), the locals are cheerful and will add warmth to your holiday in Maldives.

The most obvious thing to do in The Maldives is to go diving as the seas surrounding the islands are abundant in corals and a vast variety of marine life. To further understand the heritage and deep religious roots that The Maldives has, a visit to Hukuru Misikiiy will be a great opportunity. Built in 1656, during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I, Hukuru Misikiiy is an enchanting mosque made out of coral stone. The interiors and exteriors of the mosque are intricately decorated with Arabic scripture and motifs, whilst the doors and window frames are made of redwood, teak and red sandalwood, making it a picturesque sight. Known to be the oldest mosque in the country, Hukuru Misikiiy can be found in the capital of The Maldives.

From luxury Maldives hotels to resorts, this beautiful group of islands is a haven for honeymooners, divers and sun worshippers. John Keells Hotels Group brings together a level of simplicity and elegance that is much desired, and evident in their suites, rooms and numerous facilities. Make the most of your Maldives travel, and make a reservation with John Keells Hotels Group, a respected and popular chain of hotels with presence in Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Sean going up on the Wraptor at the West Coast GTG; June 6th, 2009. Redwoods River Resort, Leggett, California. www.masterblasterhome.com www.roptekwraptor.com

Hotel California Eagles Lyrics

Whether you’re hitting the state’s theme parks or national parks, capturing photos or catching the waves, it just makes sense to have a comfortable RV as your home base.

Hotel California Eagles Lyrics

To make trip planning easier, here’s a quick list of California RV camping ideas to stir your fantasies. Gather the family ’round and build your dream trip. You’re going to love motorhome camping in California!

Attractions for the Kids
You can’t travel California with kids without visiting one of the world-famous theme parks. Travelling by RV keeps trip costs reasonable – imagine what you’ll save on hotel rooms, rental cars, and fast food!

Start your trip in Anaheim at that most famous of theme parks, Disneyland! And while you’re there, save time to enjoy Disney’s California Adventure. If travelling with Lego fanatics, head for Carlsbad, California to Legoland. A wild and crazy time awaits you as you discover rides, thrills and challenges for the entire family.

If vintage fun suits your fancy, spend your vacation in Santa Cruz and experience the oceanside amusement park. The Giant Dipper rollercoaster, built in 1924, is sure to thrill the kids, and don’t miss the beautiful carousel that’s been around since 1911. For families with lots of interests, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo offers sea creatures, thrilling rides and wildlife in the same theme park.

One last “must do” for theme park aficionados: the Wild West themed Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park. From Camp Snoopy to some of the most famous roller coasters in the world, you’ll be glad you turned your RV toward Knotts Berry Farm.

Cruise the Beaches
Who could visit California without hitting the beach? With more than 450 beach destinations, you could spend a year on the road and not visit them all! California beach cities have become part of American legend – Malibu, La Jolla and Monterey. Add some time there to your family’s own legends by cruising the coastline in motorhome comfort.

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Let Your Family Go Wild
Another way to experience California is to really get into the wild. With nearly thirty National Parks Service sites in California, your kids can explore nature and history the entire summer. Head for Muir Woods National Monument, part of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where giant coastal redwoods have been preserved and studied for a century. At northern California’s Lassen Volcanic, see where volcanoes have erupted in the past one hundred years! Yosemite, King’s Canyon, Sequoia – if you’ve been meaning to visit one of California’s historic National Parks, why not do it this year? Most National Parks offer easy RV camping, so even the least hardy camper can experience it all!

And don’t leave California’s state parks off your list. Treat your family to spectacular views and wildlife photo opportunities as you hike the trails of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe. Fish for bass and hit the cycling trails at Folsom Lake. If you’ve never experienced the California desert, Anza-Borrego State Park is the place to go. The variety of wildlife you’ll find there, from bighorn sheep to roadrunners, will excite the most jaded city dweller.

Whether you’re looking for the endless wave or craving a wild ride on a roller coaster, an RV journey through California is the cure. Winter or summer, there’s something fascinating to see in California. Plot your course, rent your RV and get started!

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