My wife and I enjoyed a trip to San Francisco, Death Valley, Grand Canyon and the West Coast last month and people were very helpful before we went in making suggestions as to where we might go. Joe Offer was particularly helpful but we appreciated all the input from those who added things which undoubtedly helped us visit some places that otherwise we might not have gone to. The previous thread is here - Previous thread. We managed to visit nearly all the suggestions apart from Muir Woods because it was just too busy to get near on the day we were travelling past - so we went to Marin Headlands and Point Reyes instead.

An example. We went to Avila when in the area and had a lovely afternoon. There was an excellent live band on playing outside on the front; a lively market; and I saw two whales including one breaching - which I had never seen before. And the missions were interesting. Still surprised that all the national park areas are charged for. I don't really begrudge paying but scenery is free in the UK so it was odd.

And couldn't get over the cost of day to day items in supermarkets and shops. AND the practice of not putting prices on things in shops so you are at the point of payment before you know what something costs - eg an apple for a dollar is madness.

I did say that I'd post some pictures in case anyone is interested.

I like to create photobooks as a memento of trips and one is in the process of being printed. One of the nice things they do is give the option of sharing the book in preview form. The quality isn't fantastic but it works. If you want to look it is at - photobook preview. It asks for a password which is 'elephant'. It does have a lot of pictures. But for the princely sum of £10 you can't go too far wrong can you?