Three weeks in USA National Parks and west coast. Part 1
Way to Las Vegas. Storm and ghosts at the mine.
The most amusing thing about Americans is their creativity. On our way from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas we found ourselves moving directly into the eye of the storm. Our fellow bikers decided to proceed at any cost and we chose to have a break in this snall place furnished by old car engines and motorbikes. On every wall was attached a story of different people how they met ghosts in this place and the hosts were organizing tours to go in mines and watch them. It could be a good idea for business when we back in Europe. Fresh and inspiring.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
When the storm calmed down we got back on the road. At the beginning we didn’t even want to visit Las Vegas. But once we’d left the Grand Canyon we took a piece of legendary Route 66, which is not a state road anymore and has only touristic meaning, that led us to Vegas. The best cuisine from all over the world, day and night celebrity shows – we’ve chosen to see the Cirque du Soleil. We were like Alice in Wonderland: 24 hours of entertainment and all types of vicious performances, entire cities and different cultures are recreated in each famous hotel – entire Rome in miniature, Paris, Venice, Egypt and all others. Party every day, 24 hours, 7 days a week. Was it less shiny, dazzling, non so enormous it would be ridiculous. But in this scale of delirium it absolutely must be visited.
Area 51 and The Death Valley.
The funny thing about America that you always feel like in a movie. The military base Area 51, famous for presence of finds that testify to the existence of outer space, is right beside the big supermarket dedicated to aliens ( t-shirts, socks, liquors, sunglasses all shape and color of UFO and aliens) and it’s hard to miss this entertainment before entering the famous Death Valley .
Reading different blogs about it we were prepared for the worst. We booked a hotel and decided to fill tanks in advance because everybody told us we risk to stay without gasoline in valley ( not true ) and on a gas station right before the valley at sundown we met a biker without a place to stay and a plier in his hand’s stead. Afterwards chilling by the pool and wondering about life after Death Valley the longstreet Inn hotel & casino seemed to us empty at the beginning but around midnight the bar is filled with country band and dancers. In America everyone is able or sing, or dance.
We woke up at 5 a.m. and came to Zabriskie Point to meet the sunrise and see the desert in the first light of the day. On the contrary of what we heard, the air was quite fresh +23C even if at some points below sea level the heat arrived. No problem of gasoline and hotels if you have enough money to spend.
Sequoia Forest.
Leaving the Death Valley one of our bikes overheated and engine problems light switch on. We’ve made a decision to deviate from our route and make some checks in Fresno Harley Davidson center. Once arivved at the city we were kindly advised not visit the city center by night because of homeless and disorder. Very encouraging. After making checks and resetting lights it was the moment when our group decided to split and we took a direction to the Passific coast while others preferred to continue with Sequoia National park.
Monterey Bay.
Seeking a peaceful place by the ocean for the last week of our holiday we headed to Carmel-by-the-Sea which became popular thanks to its former mayor Clint Eastwood. Very elegant and mostly touristic town.
We left our hearts in Monterey. The plan was to stay for a couple of nights but the reality was: it’s too short. We could never understand the reason why one place means nothing to you and the other makes you thrill. Oceanarium, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. from”Forest Gump”, long evening walks along the ocean, if you’re lucky you’ll see how wales jump from water in front of the sunset skyline. Which is unforgettable. Various companies offer an excursions to see different types of wales. Sea otters, the funniest species, are practically invaded the place. You can rent a catamaran and sail colser to them, they’re very friendly.
The only delusion was 17 miles drive – a very panoramic road – where you cannot pass with a motorbike. Unacceptable.
Pacific Highway. Big Sur.
California State Route 1, the famous Highway 1, runs through all California spectacular coast. This route not only leads you from point A to point B but worths a journey by itself. On a very panoramic part of this road a blond lady with a dog in her left arm and steering wheel of the red cabriolet did a overtake really dangerous for us. Suddenly the police pickup showed up from nowhere. The lady was punished. Meanwhile we arrived at Big Sur, the place is famous among surfers for fantastic waves and for others for rocky coast and a nice bar up the hill close to the highway where you can observe a gorgeous ocean panorama when it’s not too foggy.
Return by the Golden Gate.
An epic thing every biker has to do in his life – entering San Francisco by The Golden Gate. Emotions are really different from those you feel inside the car. We’ve been even offered to pay the toll at the beginning as soon as all motorcyclists do it. And the stop on the top of the hill with famous view and photograph kissing your partner needs to be done as a last thing before leaving the country.
Here is a link to our almost 4000 miles trip:
Moto Surf Travel 
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