USA Coast to Coast 2015

[Sgt Bilco]

And now into Death Valley and no matter how many times you go there it takes your breath away. It was a relatively cool 42 degrees C which after yesterdays brutal 48 degrees it felt nice and cool. It's a huge expanse of dust and salt flats and goes down to 282 feet below sea level. Quite a contrast from the 14,000ft plus altitude we were at at Pikes Peak a week or so previously. This massive contrast is one of the many reasons I bring people across to the US and it never ceases to impress.

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[vRSG60]

This is a must do (thumbs)

[Sgt Bilco]

As you leave Death Valley, the views behind are just as good and you climb to around 4000ft in very short order.

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Got caught in some roadworks which isn't nice when it's around 40 degrees but the views are at least better than being stuck on the A55!!

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It was all worth it when we get to Frosty's and an excellent milk shake as I knew it would. I have a nose for these things you know. Quite why people stop at McShite when they have places like these on the doorstep is way beyond me!

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[Sgt Bilco]

After a hotel mix up in Bishop and a more than a few cold beers , we had a little run up Highway 385 past Mono Lake and to an abandoned gold mining town called Bodie. This place was abandoned in around 1911 when the gold seams ran out and for a few years was amongst the richest places in California. Fascinating to walk around all the old buildings and learn what life was like way back then. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

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[kurienp]

Sarge - this is the next to do on my list Awesome report and pics there. Will be watching your next trip advert on UKGSER for 2017

[Sgt Bilco]

We left Bodie and back past Mono Lake which is a lovely sight as you approach from the north.

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A nice cup of coffee in Lee Vining before heading up to Yosemite National Park via the East Entrance at 10,000ft.

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[Sgt Bilco]

So, into the famous Yosemite National Park which has to be on everyone's bucket list. It really is a fantastic place with a huge variety of stunning scenery every which way you look. Because of this, it's also one of the most popular NP's so the centre especially is very busy. I've been lucky enough to go when it's very quiet but the scenery is the same no matter how many people are there.

Pictures, especially mine, unfortunately do not do Yosemite any justice whatsoever.

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[Sgt Bilco]

As we get into Kings Canyon it starts it rain FFS. The first rain they have had for about 4 months and it comes down in stair rods and it's quite cool because of the altitude.

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Soon dries up though and we can all enjoy one of my favourite roads anywhere on the planet. It's a fantastic 25 odd miles of great sleepy curves and stunning views as you climb out of the canyon. Don't get it wrong though as it's a long way down!!

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[Sgt Bilco]

Into Sequoia National Park and to the famous General Sherman Tree. It really is a monster and the worlds largest living thing by all accounts. However, a ranger told me some years ago that there are bigger trees out there but they keep them a secret.

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Just down the road there is a fantastic overlook called Moro Rock. If anyone is ever here, you must visit this. It's a bit of a trek up to the viewing point at altitude but well worth it with fantastic views over the trees.

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A little run round to teh drive through tree. It must be big as John Gold Wing can squeeze underneath.

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You'll see in these pictures the road we have to ride which is called the General Highway. It snakes it's way down the mountain alpine style but knocks any European pass into a cocked hat in my opinion.

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[Sgt Bilco]

Out of Sequoia we start heading across to the coast on Hwy 128 which I reckon is a brilliant road. We go via the garden of California and stop at a fruit farm for some lovely fresh produce.

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On this highway there is an anonymous town called Coalinga but in this oasis there is one of the best old style burger and milkshake places anywhere in the US called the Campus. I should know as I've been to loads of them over the years. I found this place in 2005 and come back as often as possible as their BBQ meat is stunning.

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Even the old bill appreciate how good it is Non of your McShite for us.

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