Our "on the road" journey experience through the Southwest of United States

The story of this journey comes from the desire to share this wonderful experience with people who love to travel to get to know places and cultures other than their own, and will provide some useful information to those who decide to organize your tour on the road ..

Following our tour ...

Our journey starts at London Heathrow on September 17, on a Delta Airlines flight to San Francisco. We stop in Atlanta, Georgia. The airport is huge (so much so that within it there is some sort of meter to move from one gate to another!) For us who are accustomed to the standard European airports. Being a domestic flight retrieve our luggage, which are then loaded without having to check in to wipe. Needless to mention how careful checks by staff, who once came to the "customs" we ask the reason for our entry into America. The return flight, book online with 2 months in advance and costs, including taxes, about 800 € each. From Malpensa took about 14/15 hour flight to San Francisco, over 2 hours spent in Atlanta during the stop. Remember that the time zone in California provides that the hands of your watch to be pulled back after the time of 9 hours, which exists in Italy.
Once in San Francisco waiting for us my brother, because for a few days we will be guests of my sister a few months ago she moved to Dublin.
After two days of rest we are finally ready for our tour!

Monday, September 20, Dublin - Yosemite Park - Mammoth Lake 160 miles

After a hearty breakfast with chunky (round cookies with chocolate chips addictive, especially to my boyfriend) and latte, take us to the Hertz to pick up the car we rented through the Internet.
Finally ready, we load our luggage and bags and we are ready to go!
We decide to do now full .. After initial difficulties at the pump (other than the ones we have in Italy) we feel a little awkward because of our English "school level", but thanks to a nice gentleman, we can deal with them. We put in motion our Nissan Versa (classified as a compact) and begin to devour a few miles. Only after a long road we realize to what would have been more reassuring to be on board for a more "robust". In the United States will find everywhere signs indicating the crossing of some animal size larger or smaller .. it is a fearsome bear rather than a timid deer or elk .. and the danger of nasty collisions is still there .. especially if you ride after dark, as most of the roads are absolutely no lights. Moreover, in several areas and the phones do not have the field if necessary so you'll be totally abandoned in yourself, or at least if you're lucky, you can ask for help from passersby. In our case it was not necessary, but if possible better to be sighted.

California in September, is characterized by golden hills and the contrast of green vineyards, from which we get the famous California wine. The wind turbines that run continuously stand out against the blue sky. Along the roads you will find plantations of almond and olive orchards and different .. no accident that every 200 meters you will see fruit vendors displaying in plain sight strawberries, fragrant peaches, apples, and, given the period, including pumpkins of all sizes.

Approaching Yosemite National Park the landscape changes, offering a view decidedly more rocky area with lush green forests of fir trees. With the arrival of autumn, unfortunately, falls during the other months impreziosicono the landscape tend to dry up completely, so we had already decided to head directly to the Valley. Coming from the Big Oak Flat Road, one of the access roads, we are all 'entrance to the park where to buy the $ 80 pass that allows us to save Asthe valid for all National Park of the United States. Close to the Valley stands El Capitan, a granite rock face, while in the distance, the Half Dome dominates the park. You can see green fields and if you are lucky you may see some deer up close. Only if indeed you have more than one day enjoy a walk to go see the redwoods, but what is relaxing to be surrounded by nature and find yourself surrounded by charming small squirrels that stare from every branch as if they were elves, do not expect to see nothing impressive. Likely to see huge trees really is more appropriate to visit the Sequoia Park.
I suggest instead of going before the sun goes down the Tioga Road, a beautiful scenic route that crosses the park from west to east. The Sierra Nevada will remain in our hearts.

Now in late-night in Mammoth Lake we head straight to the Motel 6 where we expected the room we booked. The room is small and not particularly pleasant, but unfounded, we managed with less than $ 60. To go to sleep just fine. The atmosphere is just one of the motel by American film, so luminous and cars parked in front of the rooms. Just beneath the covers fall into a deep sleep!

 

Mammoth Lake - Death Valley - Las Vegas; 350 miles

In the morning the alarm clock rings at six, but I'm awake for a while .. Espoli when it comes to new destinations every minute is precious. Even the room next to ours noise of people coming in a hurry to leave.
We dress in a hurry, we appeal to all our Baggage and go running to breakfast .. we get into a nice place where the chairs are still upside down on tables by the organization. Our eyes, however, fall on the counter of goodies .. take three donuts, the calorie chocolate covered donut with a hole .. to be those covered by Omer is greedy! The "cappuccino" we serve it in those big glass of paper with the cap that you always see in movies in the hands of police officers on board their vehicles. Only now do I realize how television is capable of imparting certain images in our minds. Eaten our breakfast we share.

The tour includes a heading for Death Valley, but we walk a few miles to go back, I want to make a stop at Mono Lake. Ineffective and the unusual spectacle presented to us in the eyes it really worth it! It 's still early and there's a stillness in which we are not used. We stop to contemplate these pinnacles of rock, for the accuracy of tufa, which emerge from the calm waters of the lake .. All around are mountains that form the backdrop to this natural wonder. We take some photos, we enjoy even a moment of relaxation to stretch our legs and leave again towards Death Valley.

We expect several hours of machine and we are already late on our schedule. Everything we see, however, that makes me want to pull over and stop to take some other step, which is a rock, a road or a tree, like the Joshua tree that are truly special! Once again closed in the cockpit of the car look around us, a landscape that continues to change .. now becomes more arid, the rocks are gray, the first lighter, then darker and we are left with staring immensity of this "valley of death" that extends from California to the state of Nevada. The road is winding, an up and down the hairpin bends in the middle of gusts of wind. The temperature inside our Nissan starts to get warmer, almost suffocating, and we are forced to turn the air conditioning that I hate. And to think that in summer the temperatures go beyond 50 degrees! A sign indicating the crossing turtles makes me smile .. will not be that hot it makes me have the mirages!?!
Continuing we get near the area characterized by sand dunes or sand dunes. Out of the car to take some other Fotoricordo. To keep us company there is only a few brave tourists who challenge a tremendous heat, that almost impossible to breathe. A few minutes to enjoy this desert landscape and continue the journey.

I did not initially considered as the Death Valley be included in our tour, but since the road I could not do otherwise, and in fact as it may become a difficult task, at least to cross the board (equipped with cooler box and a few bottles of fresh water !). We we're fascinated and we likened to a lunar landscape, an experience so unique.

Now we have walked many miles in the distance we see a city .. sounds like the glittering Las Vegas ahead of us. Suddenly we find ourselves immersed in the traffic that we were no longer used in the sky are moving dozens of small helicopters. It's like being on a movie set instead of tourists coming from within 'trip to the Grand Canyon. Let us orient ourselves to reach the Planet Hollywood, the hotel where the night. Since we've come in a weekday fare is accessible, is around $ 100 including taxes. Consider that instead of staying the weekend and can often double the prices even tripled! Park in the self service and we head towards the lobby. Fortunately, the wait is not long and we almost immediately to do the check - in. Ask us to show no booking, passport and credit cards for deposits. Our room is on the eighteenth floor .. as soon as we enter we immediately notice how spacious! The bed is big and covered with pillows, but above all there is a window that occupies an entire wall, from which we can see a part of the city. Take a shower to freshen up clothes and perfumed and once we leave the room for our walk along the "strip".

As soon as we leave the shopping center adjacent to our hotel we find ourselves in front of the Bellagio. Just time to realize and now part of the spectacle of the fountains, creating water features in the music. Reproduce it every fifteen minutes and we take the opportunity to see him again. It 's all very exciting.
On the right we find the Paris hotel with a magnificent reproduction of the Eiffel Tower all lit up .. Las Vegas Blvd S. is all this .. confusion, swarming with people, music, go by taxi and limousine, sparkling lights and colors, themed hotels and shops. The air is hot and dry, although they now rest in a tank top eleven at night. We dine al fresco in a serving of the fabulous Mexican fajtas, then we leave to go see the New York New York with the Statue of Liberty. Slightly further afield there is also the Excalibur looks like a castle-style fantasy, like that of the Walt Disney logo. Without realizing it already and as we walked a lot and we spent all our energy, we call a taxi that takes us back to the Planet. We go to bed tired but very happy day.

Las Vegas - Bryce Canyon; 260 miles

Wake up call at 7.30.
The light floods the room from the window, but Las Vegas seems to be still asleep and the city has been transformed. Now the streets are empty, there is silence and the chaos is back order. After a good night's sleep I feel much regenerated. Let the Planet and we head to Paris for breakfast.
The funny thing is that we can get in and out from other hotels even if you are a guest. Walking in Paris is really like the walking dead for a few of Paris, for accuracy seems to be back in Montmartre, a hill in the north of Paris, the bohemian center where there is the Sacred Heart. We eat our breakfast with the usual croissant and some hot cappuccino.
Before leaving Las Vegas to go see The Venetian, the hotel that faithfully reproduces Venice. We remain open mouth .. everything, Piazza San Marco, the tower, the bridge, the channels .. and of course the gondolas with gondoliers! Back into the car and resume our journey. We smile at the thought that we did not even have a bet at the casino, but we did not instill in Las Vegas and we are happy for that.

We head to the Bryce Canyon. Even today there are many miles to go, but it's very good looking ingiro that sit in the car and does not weigh much. Sometimes we give the leadership changes. We pass a sign that indicates to us that we are entering in the state of Utah, who also will remain in my heart the most. The road bisects the landscape, the spaces seem endless and even though we are in the middle of nowhere we feel that we are not lacking anything. We fill the eyes of shapes and colors and the immensity that surrounds us. It 'hard to understand until you try it.
After more than five hours by car and a couple of stops at last we get to our destination. We cross a road from which we see the Red Canyon, and as the name implies, is struck by the brick-red color of these rocks. I imagined a more arid zone, but I am surprised of the meadows and trees that we see through. Bryce Canyon City is very pretty, country style.

Finally here is the entrance to the park ranger and perform the salute our past. Continuing we find another sign marking the crossing of other animals .. this is the time of the marmots! After less than a mile meet at once the signs to Sunrise point, but since it is already late afternoon we head to Sunset to enjoy the natural wonder of light illuminated by the sunset that enhances its beauty.
We leave the car at the car park and after a few hundred yards we reach the view point. What we presented is an absolutely breathtaking performance. In reality this is not a true canyon but rather a plateau where erosion has given rise to these hoodoos, pinnacles of rock or red. We remain a few minutes to contemplate the uniqueness of the landscape that stretches around us, an amphitheater of peaks that are lit by the pale pink shades more intense under the rays of the sun. Everyone present seems to gather in a sort of mystical silence.
We decide to follow the Navajo Trail, just over two km down to about 170 m across the main amphitheater. The path is open to all who have desire to totally immerse yourself in the heart of the park .. that little effort will be rewarded by inspiring views and unique.
They spend almost three hours without even realizing it, I do not go away anymore, it is still walking among the rocks and trees, but James points out that the sun went down for a while and soon to be dark.

We leave the park and head to the Best Western Ruby's Inn. Via the internet I had read many positive reviews on this hotel, but the feedback has proved even better than expected. The structure is very characteristic, in Western style. The lobby is welcoming. Here too, the check - in is fast and we now deliver the keys to the room we booked. The complex is divided into several lodges, our Lakeview Lodge is located in front of a small lake that the rising of the moon also becomes very attractive. The sky is clear and starry, the air is crisp. We allow ourselves an hour of relaxing in our room that is impeccable, both for comfort and for cleaning. At 20.30 we go to the restaurant, which is also very characteristic, the only flaw waiting .. obviously all are here.
Then we discover that in fact the food is very good and we are both soddisdatti dinner service ... 's atmosphere and makes it even more special ...

Bryce Canyon - Arches - Monument Valley; 440 miglia

We woke up at dawn, after a fantastic night's sleep. It must have been tired or maybe the peace that surrounds Bryce but I'm sure it was a memorable night's sleep!

The breakfast restaurant there that we need to print a beautiful smile on his face. We prefer a more classic American breakfast that consume other accommodations. Hot toast with butter and jam, a couple of blueberry muffins, my usual latte and a nice glass of filter coffee for my boyfriend. Without the burden of energy leaves the infamous Ruby's Inn and healthy before we go to Bryce Sunrise Point to enjoy the show one last time .. the sky is clear blue, slightly streaked with pink and the view is fabulous. He will remain in our minds. To conclude, while we are about to leave the park, the trees I see a happy family of deer .. Snap a photo and we are excited to watch them for a while.

The road to Arches National Park is really long, but just as enjoyable. The curves that follow us through the trees sway gently in the midst of unspoiled nature. The sky is blue and the gray asphalt rushing before our eyes. We meet a group of bikers that make us a tremendous envy. We pass the horizon and disappear, leaving behind only the noise of their exhausts that breaks the silence. Turn on the radio but we can only tune to a station, of course country music.
We're taking the scenic byway 12, a scenic road that passes from Escalante. Then we put on the 24 through the park instead of Capitol Reef.
I no longer even follow the directions of the navigator, and with map in hand we go back to Utah. Move from one park to another is not difficult, but there are few well-marked highway. Another positive note, besides the fact that petrol is cheap, the highways are absolutely free.

After several hours of travel finally the background of the rocks will read Arches National Park. After a few miles, crossed the entrance, the car start to climb a few turns and suddenly we realize that the park is bigger than we thought. Unfortunately our time is short so we continue to view points that count the most. Then get over Park Avenue, Petrified Dunes and arrive at Balanced Rock, where we marvel at how nature has created similar sculptures.
We reach The Windows section and took some photos sorry they can not follow any trail. The effect creates the contrast of red rocks with the deep blue sky is beautiful and makes this unique wilderness.
Arrived at 'Upper Delicate Arch viewpoint, the vantage point closer to the Delicate Arch, we are a little disappointed to find that you need to travel to reach the arc of a path nearly 5 miles, round trip would take about 2 hours and then us this time we do not. We climb the rocks to admire this impressive sandstone arch that stands perched on the rock wall. People who are right there in the photograph in comparison seem to moving dots. The sun beats down on our heads and start to feel tired.
It 's time to leave Arches, we head towards the only exit in the opposite direction of the park following the road that led us to the last viewpoint.

To reach Monument Valley must walk about five hours away. The sun has now taken away the last ray of moon light and a great round and is already in the pale sky. After several miles we are finally on highway 163 which leads to the Navajo Nation Reservation, but unfortunately it's already dark and we can not as we would like to enjoy the scenery. But we perceive the sacredness of this land and the idea that we are almost there your heart starts to beat faster with excitement.
The road is straight and slightly downhill across a plain dotted with buttes and mesas, however, special rock formations.
Suddenly we see something in the distance and when we understand that this is a small coyote remain enthralled, but suddenly disappears into the darkness. He seems to have wanted to welcome us!
Finally we arrived at The View Hotel. Usual ritual of check-in and exhausted, we take refuge in our room, unfortunately almost empty stomach because the restaurant has already closed and there seems to be very near.
This facility opened at the end of 2008, being located right in the heart of the park and the nearest town, Kayenta, is about 30 km.
Before falling into a deep sleep from our balcony we enjoy a starry sky that has no equal! The full moon creates a halo of light around the Mitten and the impression from afar is to hear the old songs sung by the Indians ...

Monument Valley - Page - Mesquite; 320 miles

We woke up early as usual. Armed with camera and tripod on the balcony we rush to capture a truly magical moment .. The air is cold and the sun is still hiding shyly behind one of the Mitten, but in a few moments the dawn light up the entire Monument Valley who will take this unique colors and 'image will be etched in my mind like a postcard coming from far away ..
After a breakfast with memorable views of the Tribal Park are ready to leave for Arizona.

The next step is Antelope Canyon. Arriving near Page, we encounter a dirt parking lot near the power plant. From here the tour organized. Everything is managed by the Navajo Indians who by their own means accompany you to explore this canyon, off just two meters long and about 200, once crossed by the Colorado River. Depending on the position of the sun in the sky we choose the tour of 11.30. Then you'll know why.

After a short ride our guide, made a detour on a dirt road and the window glass of the groups that follow us laugh on open vans and are now at the mercy of the clouds of sand we leave behind us. But as the saying goes well who laughs last laughs and soon we arrived at Antelope remain covered up and, in an attempt to get out of it, our Indian friend melt the engine and the hood is smoke everywhere! We remain puzzled but tells us not to worry, that in one way or another we will report back.

We are ready at the entrance of the canyon to get into that dark cave of the earth. Here 's effect erosion has carved the cliffs giving forms really indescribable. After the first steps in the darkness reach of more space and we remain fascinated by the play of colors. From this time because the sun's rays penetrate perpendicularly creating beams of light visible so that you can touch and feel the canyon takes on different shades of colors ranging from purple to pink to orange .. seems to be in another dimension! The journey takes about an hour and a half, during which continues to take a picture after the other almost exhausted the memory of my digital camera!
I am happy to be at Antelope Canyon.and I think an experience like this really worth all the miles we have traveled to get there!

Unfortunately, it's time to start then, tired but satisfied, we go back on the road, this time to the town of Mesquite, in order to minimize the hours of road ahead of us tomorrow to return to Dublin. This time we decided to improvise and spend the last night of our tour at a Best Western, Asthe we have already found good about this hotel chain.

The staff here are very friendly and courteous in fact shows, and the room is very nice and clean. Leave your luggage in the room will take the opportunity to use the swimming pool, but most of the small hot tub that is available to guests at no extra cost. Without realizing it becomes late and hunger begins to bite! We are preparing the car and go looking for a place to eat, but aside from a McDonald's there is not much. Let's go to Eureka Casino Resort, where we find "Experience the Buffet", very impressive with the huge aquarium that is all 'entry, but it is already 21:15 we are told that the restaurant is closing. Sad and hungry again we stroll to Mesquite. Eventually we find a little place hidden on the sign flashes "Home Plate 50's style". From the outside you would not much, but inside is really nice, style happy days!
Here a waiter makes them feel welcome and makes us sit at the table, on the red leather banquettes. We leave the lists and as usual we try to figure out what to order .. for me a pot roast dinner, or a tender roast with green beans and baked potatoes with various sauces, and grilled pork chops for two James! That is two good pork chops with french fries! The meat is fabulous, cooked to perfection and the service is impeccable. After dinner when we bring the bill do not believe our eyes .. just $ 18! Yet it is. We leave a big tip and leave happy. If you happen to be in Mesquite you can not try this place! Will thank you for the belly and the wallet!
The day ended well this time ..

Mesquite - Dublin; 650 miles

After a good hearty breakfast we load your bags and leave again. Today we travel many miles to return to Dublin.

Leaving behind us the Nevada with its roads through a region of arid and rocky, and Las Vegas so far far seems like a mirage, we decided to head towards the coast of California to make our return to more pleasant and interesting. After a few hours the landscape begins to change and let's check some new files wind turbines. The golden hills stretch as far as d 'eye toward the horizon and occasionally seen in some distant herd of cows and oxen. A detour to the city of Los Angeles or Santa Barbara would prolong our journey of several hours, so we decided to head for the freeway for a walk along this scenic route along the Pacific and which connects Los Angeles to San Francisco.

The 'last stop before arriving in Dublin to do in San Simeon. See you in a dirt parking lot of the guys with the surfboards that move away from their pick up. We park ourselves. In the air you breathe deep and pungent smell of the breeze coming from the ocean. It 'exciting that this is right before our eyes .. But the strange thing is to see one side of the Carrega grazing animals and on the other hand, these huge and crowded beaches of sea lions if they are lying under the sun! Some roll, others are still and seem to be sleeping, but really I think are vigilant and disturbed by the crowd of people who are intent on photographing them. One more little one seems to be close to us .. but the wooden fence divides us, Asthe these animals are not always very peaceful and it is understandable why.
Of the sea I never had fear, but being in front of the ocean is really a strange effect, you realize how hard you shake in this vast expanse of water and then perceive the fragility of man before the greatness of nature ..
We leave this beach and walk a few miles to find a vantage point from where the latest photo shoot. The road is not straight but curved, the vegetation here is dense. Just after a curve where there is an open space approach .. on dirt is a sign of other tires .. probably stop many people enjoying the view from here. We once again we are really lucky and we enjoy a fabulous sunset over the Pacific .. but as the sun disappears behind the horizon, flares on the rays of the sky and the ocean is an image that can not be described .. you should just see it with your eyes ..

Have a good trip at all,

Klaudia.