San Francisco

I saw a bear today...big grizzly foraging for ants, quite close too, how exciting for me! We're on our way back from Yosemite park now, as we didn't make it on Tues. I checked my mail late on Monday evening, after having posted my last blog. The company cancelled on us with less than 24hrs notice! But it was OK, as they offered us a visit to Hearst castle instead! So Tuesday was spent on the internet trying to organise another way to see Yosemite, Las Vegas and LA. It was impossible to match our previous itinerary, so we opted for a day trip today, Thursday, as nothing else was available. Then we have go catch a bus (8 hrs or so) down to LA tom, so see Vegas from there.

So yesterday we went into San Fran for a 'free' day. It wasn't planned, so we went to North Beach, and the home of the Beatnik writers. Then up Coit tower, for panoramic views of the city. We wandered over to the art Institute (well struggled with the hills), and then went shopping along the piers.

As again we had an unexpected evening we went out for burgers....yes more large food.

So today Sarah and I were up before 6 for our trip. Quite a small van, and a maniac driver, but the scenary was stunning. Just as you picture American Parks should be, with rushing water and steep, glacier formed, granite cliffs. There were a lot more people than I was used to, coming from NZs landscapes though. We saw deer and multi-coloured birds, and our bear! We also went up to see the Giant Redwoods. These Sequoias are the most massive natural living organism (the coastal redwoods are taller though.) Although I still preferred the Kauri from NZ.

So tomorrow another long day...and we're off to see the plastic people of LA.