United States of America 2009

USA Holiday 2009 – Alcatraz

For some added thrill to the trip we decided that we should take the night tour of Alcatraz Island and Prison. We left early in the evening and returned about 9pm but while on the Island we walked through the prison and then guided by guides we were shown where significant events happened and experience first hand what it would have been like as a prisioner is solatary confinement.

This was one thing that I’m very happy we did and I would highly recommend it for anyone that is planning a trip to San Francisco. It is well worth the money but make sure you have a jacket as the winds from the Pacific Ocean can be very cold, even in the summer months.

USA Holiday 2009 – San Francisco Bay

On September 1, 2009, Myself and Peter went on a Cruise around San Francisco Bay and up to the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island. It was a coolish morning and the low cloud cover was great for some dramatic shots of the bridge.

Leaving from Pier 39 we went past the Sea Lions which for me was an amazing sight to see. Once we were out in the Bay we headed towards the Golden Gate Bridge and then around Alcatraz Island, which we later did a night tour of the prison and island.

USA Holiday 2009 – Palace of Fine Arts & San Francisco Aquarium

When we arrived in San Francisco we picked up our city pass and thought it might be a good chance to see some of the sights. The Palaceof Fine Arts is right next to Exploratorium, such an amazing structure, I had to take a few photos. We also went to the San Francisco Aquarium where we saw the marine life that lives in and around the bay area, along with a few other animals that I see right here at home.

USA Holiday 2009 – Napa Valley & Yosmite

While in San Francisco we planned a trip to Napa Valley for a day to visit a winery and enjoy some food on a restored train. We visited Grgich Hills Estate where we were taken on a tour and tasted the wines. Unknown to us it was Grape Stomping day and we wore long pants. There will be a next time as we both enjoyed the day out.

Although we did not plan for it we did end up going to Yosmite National Park, during the summer. It was not spectacular but it was nice to see the wildlife and go for a nice walk. Again we did not know at the time but there was a major forest fire while we were there, but that did not ruin our day but we did have to make a few detours. Thankfully the GPS knew where we were going.

USA Holiday 2009 – Grand Canyon / Hoover Dam

After visiting Disneyland, we ventured by car to Las Vegas where we spent 4 days there. While in Las Vegas we saw two shows from Cirque Du Soleil, Zumanity and “O”. Both of which I highly recommend as both were amazing and funny.

Although we did not do much gambling we did make the time to do one amazing trip to the Grand Canyon. It started early in the morning when we were picked up at the hotel and made our way by bus to the Boulder City Airfield where we boarded a plane and flew to the Western Rim Inidan Reverve of the Grand Canyon, via the Hoover Dam. Once we arrived there we took a helicopter down to the Colarado River at the bottom of the canyon where we boarded a boat for a short trip up the river. After the ride on the boat had completed we took the helicopter back up the canyon where we had lunch before heading back by plane to Boulder City and back to our hotel in Las Vegas. Worth every penny and would recommend it to anyone with a spare day in Las Vegas. Just make sure you book before you leave home.

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