CALIFORNIA

From the gold rush days of 1848 to the present there has been a migration of people to California. It was not just the gold, but a pleasant climate, abundant resources and a beautiful landscape that attracted people until today approximately 55,000,000 people live there. Even for those never having set foot in the state, there is a recognition of the impact California has on our lives. Hollywood, Silicon Valley, Disney Land, Death Valley and San Diego are familiar names that have likely affected our life in one way or another. When we see ideas that have swept the country they likely had their origin in California. The spectacular coastline covers some 1264 miles of beautiful ocean beaches with sea and air traffic embarking from several major seaports and international air terminals. On the East side of the State, the Sierra mountains rise majestically in the North and give way to a desert on the south providing a variety of things to see and do and places to live.

CALIFORNIA THEME PARKS

One of the oldest and best known parks is Disney Land. It has attractions for all ages and interests which are high quality and memorable. From the Haunted Mansion to the Screamin' Coaster, which will give you the ride of your life, memories are made which will stay with you for a life time. All of the California theme parks offer superb entertainment. In addition to Disneyland if time allows visit the Universal Studios, which emphasizes Hollywood shows and the Entertainment industry.

SAN DIEGO

The year around “perfect” climate of San Diego offers the visitor lots of opportunity to view world renowned sights such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. San Diego is home to many U.S. Navy organizations with tours available to several famous and magnificent ships. A tour of many of the old Spanish Missions gives an appreciation of the area's early settlers and their work and lifestyle. San Diego also offers enough world-class attractions to keep you busy during your stay, including the Gaslamp District, Old Town, Seaport Village, Coronado Island, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, Legoland and, of course, plenty of beautiful beaches.

LOS ANGELES 

Los Angeles is a significant point of departure for air and sea transportation to Hawaii, the Far East, and Western Mexico. It is a melting point of cultures from all areas of the world. Los Angeles County has just under 10 million people. California was originally owned by Mexico who, after obtaining their independence from Spain mostly ignored California. In 1848 they ceded all lands North of the Rio Grande just a short time before the gold discovery at Sutter's mill. Los Angeles was designated as the territorial capitol during this era. The first official census took place in 1850 and showed a population of 1650 for the town and about twice that for the county. The discovery of gold, along with the very favorable climate, brought an influx of people, to California, who stayed to obtain their “fortune” though for most it was not in gold. There is an almost limitless supply of things to see and do in Los Angeles and the surrounding cities and other areas. The area is home to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the major theme parks and scores of museums, major sporting events and other cultural events.

SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is unique in many ways. The architecture sets the city apart and provides the visitor lots of opportunities to admire and appreciate the planning and forethought that went into building it. Perhaps the most recognized structure is the “Golden Gate Bridge”. It is breathtaking to look at as well as travel across, and for those arriving or departing by sea, to travel under. San Francisco's ethnic communities are authentic. Chinatown has existed since the 1850's and much of the food, herbs, and clothing items there are not found in the normal shopping areas. Likewise the Mission District is as Hispanic as it gets. Visitors usually insist on a trolly car ride, from Market Street to Fisherman's Wharf. The Golden Gate Park is a 1,017 acre park located within the city complete with a visitors center with displays and highlights the history and features of the area.

Redwood Forests

Three California state parks -Prairie Creek Redwoods, in Humboldt County and Del Norte Coast Redwoods & Jedediah Smith Redwoods, (Del Norte County), are located in the Redwood National Park and comprise  almost half of all the old-growth redwood forest remaining in California. Together these parks are a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, protecting resources cherished by citizens of many nations.  Nearly half of the remaining old growth redwoods are in this park system, including giants five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. They can live to be 2000 years old and grow to over 360 feet tall.Prairie Creek Visitor Center  Information, exhibits, film, bookstore, restooms, pincic area, trailheads. Located just off US Highway 101, along Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

Yosemetie National Park

Yosemite National Park is over 120 years old and consists of 1200 acres along the Western side of the Sierra.   Beautiful Mountains, lakes, meadows, forests and granite summits with endless unspoiled alpine scenery. At the center is Yosemite Valley, a half-mile deep depression carved by glaciers during the last ice age, which now has soaring 3,000 foot high domes and many powerful waterfalls, including three of the world's highest. Visitors all year can gaze up from the Valley floor to appreciate the enormity of it all. During summer (or for those willing to do an overnight ski trip in winter), the view from Glacier Point provides a breathtaking perspective from above. 

Death Valley

Death Valley is certainly at one end of nature's spectrum.  It is the hottest, lowest, and driest in the United States.  The terrain is stark but beautiful.  The area is unique in many ways.  For example it is said the evaporation in the park is 150 inches per year but the annual rainfall is but 2 inches.   There are more than 1000 different plants that have learned to adapt to little moisture.  Some develop extensive root and/or leaf systems to maximize the gathering and retention of water.  Wildlife mainly roam at night.  Larger animals usually seek higher ground during the hottest periods.   Take the opportunity to visit Scotty's Castle and learn the history of it, as well as the Park Visitors Center. There are many entrances to the Death Valley area.