The other day I read that Big Sur was being evacuated because of wildfires. How is it in your various neck of the woods out there? Hope you're all safe. I know this wildfire business is frequently a problem, and sometime deliberately set, but I was taken aback with the Big Sur news since my memories of that wonderful place are all green and verdant. We stayed at the Grand Ventana Inn for one magical night on our trip up the coast. Is it still there?

Brenda

Brenda, as of today, I think the Inn is still safe, but the fire has reached California 1, with many wild animals running to the sea. There are a couple of other fires, one near Santa Barbara, and another in Sequoia National Park, we had a small one in Malibu yesterday, and about 300+ others that started with lightning about 10 days ago. Good work from (I think) Canadian airplanes, helicopters, but still going strong. I haven't heard when they are expected be surrounded or out.

It's so awful, Californian, and I hope you're in a safer zone. I hope it's all contained soon.

Brenda

Californian, we're thinking of all you out there as you get through this.

Take care.

I am booked for the TT Northern California leaving July 11th. I am wondering if we will be going. Have not heard.

We in Australia hope and pray your fires will soon be extinguished without loss of life to humans or animals.

Californian ~ Thinking of you all & hoping this dreadful time does not last long.

Thank you Dimpz, everyone. The weather is turning more humid, cooler, I hope it helps.

Dimpz, I read you will be in So. California in September, I'll be back from Europe at the end of August, I will be happy to give you a ride somewhere in this crazy city, maybe if you let me know which hotel are you staying, and when, I can get a message to you. Due to the lack of proper public transportation, it's difficult to get around. Please let me know.

Californian ~ Thank you for the very kind offer.

We arrive in L.A. two days before the TT starts & we are staying in a hotel in Hollywood for those two days as the TT hotel is out near the airport, we will transfer out to it the day the tour starts. We have booked a couple of day tours & plan a couple of walks so I hope (fingers crossed) we have the transport problem licked.

Thank you for thinking of me.

Dimpz... You have another car and driver available, we live about 15 minutes away from Hollywood by car.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Happy Traveler2,

quote:

Originally posted by Dimpz:

We arrive in L.A. two days before the TT starts & we are staying in a hotel in Hollywood for those two days as the TT hotel is out near the airport, we will transfer out to it the day the tour starts. We have booked a couple of day tours & plan a couple of walks so I hope (fingers crossed) we have the transport problem licked.

Good thing, Dimpz, but the offer still stands.
I took a look at your tour, you'll be covering a lot of territory, I imagine that coming down from Carmel to San Simeon, you'll be driving California 1, very beautiful, it's a long ride, will pass through Big Sur, hopefully the town will be saved from these fires. What a nice tour, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Yosemite, I know you'll have some "wow" moments!

HT2 ~ Thank you so much for the generous offer. What hospitable folk you both are.

Californian ~ We have never been to the U.S. before & thought this was a pretty good way to start. Colleen Anne took this tour last year & her photos are just fabulous, judging from them I can see quite a few WOW moments, & looking forward to them.

One thing I am really looking forward to is the helicopter flight in the Grand Canyon. Helicopters were one thing I swore I would never have anything to do with, but Colleen patiently assured me all would be well & I thought 'well why not?' I have always said I would never come home & say 'I wish' so I am not going to start now.

I have already found another couple & their 2 daughters from Australia that will be on this tour & I will be interested to see what the mix of nationalities will be.

Dimpz, we did a similar tour with our then 6 yr old son and my parents in 1994 and had the most marvelous time.We all often talk about it. Make the most of it. Helicopter!!! How brave you are but I'm sure you will have a great time. We watched the IMAX movie that was as good as you can get without leaving the ground. We leave 14th July for East Coast USA & Canada and will come to Ca around the 10th August when we will drive from San Fransisco to Anaheim. Will we get lost?? It's our sneaky way of seeing far more than we have planned. We actually enjoy some of our "scenic tours" as we call them.
Calafornians, from one( bushfire)wildfire area to another our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have had bad fires here regularly but one in around 1983 was very memorable and my husband, then in the army was sent out to fight it. The memory of the smell of fire everywhere never leaves you. Stay safe.

quote:

Originally posted by Aussiebird:
Helicopter!!! How brave you are but I'm sure you will have a great time.

It is a personal demon that I am determined to beat.