From the Valley of Death to the City of Sin

Tues am: From a Yosemite dawn with the scent of cedar trees heavy in the air, through a burning haze in Death Valley, to that great mirage in the nevada desert, Vegas. A 10 hour drive and 1,500 miles on the clock. Stopping off at "Manzanar" where 10,000 japanese americans were pretty much imprisoned during the 2nd world war by the US Government because of "national security". Incredible!

Weds 7am: Helicopter trip to our champagne breakfast after landing next to the Colorado in the pre-dawn light of the Grand Canyon. Cool.

Weds 9 pm: Up in the air again - this time on the world's highest rollercoaster - 1,000 feet up on top of the Stratosphere, screaming out into the Vegas night, the Strip a haze of neon down way below. Crazy crazy - the other rides were even more insane.

Thurs 4 pm: After shorter drive (just 4 hrs 30 today) we collect our thoughts on Santa Monica beach waves thundering in off the pacific tide.

As we return to Santa Monica, where we started 2 wks ago; Over blue haze horizon the sun sets on our road trip way out west. 2,000 mile round trip crazy unforgettable rollercoaster ride

Awesome

Last night we watched the sun set and the moon rise from on top of "glacier point" in Yosemite, at 8,000 feet looking down on to a valley 4,000 feet below - a straight drop - a mile down.

We could see 10,00 foot peaks in a view stretching from the setting sun in the west to the Tioga Pass some 50 miles away in the east. We ended up sitting their with a few other lucky souls just watching the sun paint kaleidoscopic colours on the peaks in Yosemite - as if the tips of mountains were dipped in red, orange, purple... and then the famous "alpenglow" as the sun had set and the photographers wrestled for the best view (not too strenously - we were on the edge of the mile drop) - the peaks, in particular half dome, were lit silver but the rising moon. I could go on and on. But it's 7:30 am and we've gotta drive through Yosemite, then Death Valley and on to Vegas. 500 miles and a 9 our trip. Better go! Each journey just gets more incredible.

On top of the world

Hey guys. Wow - what a week. Sorry not to catch up with you sooner but we've been a tad busy. Thanks for your emails.

Since our last email we've (I've...) driven 1,128 miles; climbed to 10,000 feet; watch the sun set over the pacific; clung to the edge of the world in our yurt, listening to the midnight barking of seals on the beach below; been out to alcatraz at night time; walked across the golden gate bridge; driven thru the wild west to yosemite and seen the most incredible place - yosemite valley with bridalveil waterfalls, monolithic rocks 10,000 ft high, birds of prey soaring above; got drunk in North Beach, Frisco, in the "beat" heartland, entertained by the drunks and all sorts... gottta go

Big Sur

So many highlights. The drive along Route 1, Pacific Ocean just a salt spray away, then climbing up along Big Sur to the magnificent beaches, such as in Julia Pfeiffer National Park. We stayed in a Yurt at Trebones, the hippest place for an overnight stay, lying on our bed watching the stars.

On we traveled, to San Francisco, arriving at dusk to a muffled banshee cry of a police siren lost in the fog. Perfect introduction to the perfect American city. 

The hepcats, bums, beats and hippies may be long gone, but the vibe remains. Not to mention Alcatraz, the Marin Headlands & Muir Woods. Hitchcock fans will go crazy at the opportunity to spot the various location shoots for Vertigo.