We are back at James & Emmas house in Upland, which is 40 miles from downtown LA. We have largely been relaxing and enjoying the california sunshine. One day we drove into LA, and went to have a closer look at Hollywood sign, then for a walk along Hollywood Blvd. This is where the streets are lined with the avenue of stars, far too many to walk the full length. We also saw all the famous hand and footprints in front of manns chinese theatre. It was bizarre to see...

Arrived at Yosemite Nat Park on Wednesday after a long drive from San Fran. Thought we had been conned as we drove through loads of flat land. However it was worth the wait, as we drove into the park we were amazed to see the huge granite mountains, they looked even more impressive against the blue sky. Sheer rock faces, no snow on these mountains. Unfortunately as its the end summer a lot of the waterfallls were competley dry. However the scenery was still impr...

On Monday we did all the mian sights of San fran, using the car to its full advantage. It was lovely and sunny again. First we drove up the road from our hotel to the top of the crookedest street, and then drove down it, getting our photo taken by all the tourists. Next stop was Coit tower to give us a view of the city. Next a drive to Golden gate bridge, yes it really is that red, looked amazing against the blue sky. Walked across, and to our amazement saw dolph...

On Thursday we set off from Upland and drove through LA to Venice Beach, home of Baywatch and Muscle beach. Saw the Hollywood sign in the distance. Walked along the huge white sandy beach, then passed all the hippy shops, saw some over 60s men pumping iron on muscle beach, very disappointing! Drove up to Santa Monica and wandered through the main street with lovely shops and restaurants, then along the beach and onto the pier. Palm tree lined streets everywhere, ...

Arrived in LA on Saturday to stay with our friends james & emma who live out here. It was great to meet up with some familar faces and Craig to have a beer buddy. The flight down to LA was on 2 very small planes, 1 with propellers and 15 rows of seats! Spent the last few days relaxing by the pool and enjoying staying at a house as oppossed to a hotel room, altho im sure james prob thinks we are treating it like a hotel! We watched the england game delayed on sat ...