wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North of SF,
except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas in SF and
the East Bay where I reside.


We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?


Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is easily
the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in advance.
Good eats in Monterey, too.



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North of
SF,
except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas in SF and
the East Bay where I reside.


We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?

A drive down to Carmel and then a ways down to Big Sur is always a treat.
Not many 600' cliffs to the ocean on the East Coast. Quality Inn (next to
the Clarion) in Monterey is where my kids stay. Very reasonable. Clean and
neat. Much cheaper than Carmel, and is only a couple miles. You can take
whale watching trips out of Monterey or out of Pillar Point Harbor in
Halfmoon Bay. Drive up Highway 1 from Monterey to San Francisco is a nice
drive. Go through Santa Cruz and HMB and end up in the City. If in San
Francisco on a Sunday Stern Grove has some great shows. Free.
http://www.sterngrove.org/ Lots of good eats in Monterey. Since the
economy is down, the Monterey Wharf has early bird specials all evening.
Politics aside with Julie Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is very good.
You could do this is a couple days. Get your senior Golden Age pass if you
do not have one as you enter Yosemite. Free entry to most Federal parks.
You will probably go to Kings Canyon and Sequoia before Yosemite, as not
real way to get there from the east side. Have not been there in years, so
no recommendations. See Yosemite Valley and then drive over Tioga Pass to
the east side. About 30 miles south of Lee Vining is June Lake and the June
Lake Loop. We are going to be there next weekend. Beautiful area. And
another 2o miles south in Mammoth Lakes. If you get to Mammoth Lakes, go
east to the Hot River and visit the hatchery and the hot springs. Very nice
geologic features. This is the Owens River area which Los Angeles dewatered
in the 1930's. Vis the movie China Town. Near Lee Vining, in Mono Lake.
Large Alkaline lake with nesting Ospreys. Go to the South Tufa viewing
area. Your Golden Age pass gets you in free. Maybe a 1/2 mile walk and
they have docents. You can look in the water and see all the brine shrimp
(Sea Monkeys) that attract millions of birds. Travel north on 395 to Reno.
Stop in Gardnerville for Basque food. JT's on the left is good, closed on
Sundays. Others recommend the one across the street from JT's but I have
not eaten there. We go to the Carson Valley Country Club on Sunday for
dinner when we drive over from Lake Tahoe. San Francisco, take the bride
to the Cliff House if it is open, they are doing a refurb. Or to the Beach
Chalet which is down The Great Hiway (road along the beach) about a mile and
watch the sunset. This is the Western end of Golden Gate Park. Beach
Chalet is a brew pub and was built by CCC and great downstairs museum. You
can eat in the bar easier than in the dining room. As you go north on the
Great Hiway just past the Cliff House, if you look over the side, you will
see the original Sutro Baths. Large swimming pool where the life guards
rode in dingys. GG Park has some great places. If either is in to flowers,
the Conservatory of Flowers is good. King Tut is back at the De Young
Museum. California Academy of Sciences new digs are impressive. The
aquarium is now there, but not as good as the old one IMO.
http://www.calacademy.org/ If time drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and
visit Sausalito. Very upscale commuity. The yacht of a Montana Billionaire
was anchored there last week in Richardson Bay.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12841782 Larry Ellison docked his old smaller
boat there at times. Have a great time. Any questions email me.

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:04:37 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

A drive down to Carmel and then a ways down to Big Sur is always a treat.
Not many 600' cliffs to the ocean on the East Coast. Quality Inn (next to
the Clarion) in Monterey is where my kids stay. Very reasonable.
.....

Thanks guys. I will pass these on to the navigator

One thing we are finding is things are suddenly cheap out there.
Suites that are $300-400 a night can be had for $80 if you will book
them now and pay. It kinda makes the Quality Inn look like not such a
great deal ;-)
With some of my points I got us into 1st class seats pretty cheap too.
It is really the only way I want to fly in my old age. You don't get
treated like cargo.

Problem with the mileage awards is getting seats at times. Trying to book a
business class for 2 to Tahiti, NZ and Aus and home. Missed out this year
on any American partner seats.

"H the K" wrote in message
m...
wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North of
SF, except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas in
SF and the East Bay where I reside.


We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?


Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is easily
the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in advance. Good
eats in Monterey, too.



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

I'm sure you haven't checked out the Atlanta aquarium.

D.Duck wrote:

"H the K" wrote in message
m...
wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North
of SF, except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the
areas in SF and the East Bay where I reside.


We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?


Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is
easily the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in
advance. Good eats in Monterey, too.



--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

I'm sure you haven't checked out the Atlanta aquarium.


I haven't been there but I have checked it out via a video and some
on-line reading. Frankly, it seems more like an Orlando theme park than
an aquarium. It's big, for sure, but that doesn't make it the best, no
more than the fact that McDonald's, by selling more burgers than anyone
else, makes the best burgers.

Besides, it's in Atlanta.

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:57:44 -0600, "Canuck57"
wrote:


"Calif Bill" wrote in message
news:_LudnWJ9qPVWV_nXnZ2dnUVZ_gSdnZ2d@earthlink. com...

Undervalued? Maybe more in line with what housing should cost.

Leaves more money for a boat!

But seriously, it at least takes out the pumped up land prices. My guess
is
that it will stay this way for some time. Oh, some areas will bounce
back,
but others will fall further.



It is interesting how it shook out here (Naples Ft Myers). If you are
in an established neighborhood the prices reset to 2003-2004. but
sales are slow. People who can accept that can sell their house.
Waterfront is still pretty valuable as long as the 2006 peak didn't
confuse you.
If you are in a new neighborhood that was built out in the boonies,
even if it is gated, golf course, mini mansions you are in free fall.
Those are the ones where people just walked away and the country club
folded. (something like a third of all gated communities).
The funny thing is $80,000 trailer price never changed much through
the whole roller coaster ride. There is an "adult" park up river from
me with water access and they are still getting $70-80k for a 25-40
Y/O trailer.
You can get a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, pool/spa, never lived in home, in
Lehigh or the Cape for that. ... as long as gang tags on the garage
door don't bother you.

Sounds like a good deal, as long as you can own a rifle or handgun for when
the gang comes by for the TV or the car.

wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North of SF,
except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas in SF and
the East Bay where I reside.


We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?
The coast road in itself is just a beautiful drive. Monterey is nice.

On Jul 21, 6:33*am, H K wrote:
D.Duck wrote:

"H the K" wrote in message
om...
wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. *North
of SF, except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the
areas in SF and the East Bay where I reside.

We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?

Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is
easily the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in
advance. Good eats in Monterey, too.

--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

I'm sure you haven't checked out the Atlanta aquarium.

I haven't been there but I have checked it out via a video and some
on-line reading. Frankly, it seems more like an Orlando theme park than
an aquarium. It's big, for sure, but that doesn't make it the best, no
more than the fact that McDonald's, by selling more burgers than anyone
else, makes the best burgers.

Besides, it's in Atlanta.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What a stupid ****!

Frommer's Review

Since it opened to continual massive crowds in late 2005, the world's
largest aquarium has had Atlanta abuzz about its 8 million gallons of
fresh and marine water, home to more than 100,000 animals representing
500 species from around the globe. The aquarium includes five stunning
exhibits, including "Cold Water Quest," "Georgia Explorer," "Ocean
Voyager," "River Scout," and "Tropical Diver," each featuring
inhabitants of those environments. Crowds have been so big that
tickets are issued based on your preferred time to enter the aquarium.
Tickets to the 4-D theater are a few bucks extra, or for an additional
$50, visitors can experience a behind-the-scenes tour. Advance booking
online is highly recommended. There's a restaurant on-site.

The Aquarium & Behind the Scenes Tour
March 4, 2008
Rated 5 of 5 by Valerie_C from Lawrenceville, Georgia

The aquarium itself is well worth the money, with amazing animals that
you might otherwise never see. I love the fact that the aquarium is
free flowing, with different exhibits branching out from the main
lobby. Because of this there is no time limit on your visit and you
can view certain exhibits multiple times. The food is great
(especially the desserts), though it is a bit pricey. There's also two
gift shops, filled with the basic toys, shirts, and keychains, as well
as unique art and jewelry.

On my last visit we did the behind the scenes tour ($25 for members
$45 for non-members). Though pricey, this tour was worth the money.
You go behind the scenes of the Tropical Diver Tank, Beluga Whale
Tank, Whale Shark Tank, the labs and hospital area, food prep area,
etc. You're guided by a knowledgeable staff member who can answer just
about any question you might have. I'd recommend this tour to anyone
who has the extra money to spend.

Best aquarium in the world!”
Georgia Aquarium
keithandmissy 4 contributions Cleveland, Tennessee
May 14, 2009 1/1 found this review helpfulI know my title sounds over-
the-top, but I've been to many aquariums and this is by far the best I
have seen. If you are looking for a completely immersing aquarium
experience, then this is it. Built by the founder of Home Depot, this
aquarium is very Disney-like. Theme is a major factor throughout the
different areas of the aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium combines
entertainment and information like no other. I have been to the
Vancouver Aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium, etc. and none can touch
the Georgia Aquarium as far as presentation. Where the Georgia
Aquarium falls short, in my opinion, is they are a little lighter on
the outright education side of it, and their prices for admission and
food are outrageous. However, I would say it is worth it considering
the experience you get and the fact that the money is going towards a
worthy cause (conservation, research, and community programs and
entertainment).

On Jul 21, 1:35*am, "D.Duck" wrote:
"H the K" wrote in messagenews:xv6dnVJH4r78jPjXnZ2dnUVZ_jpi4p2d@earth link.com...





wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. *North of
SF, except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas in
SF and the East Bay where I reside.

We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?

Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is easily
the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in advance. Good
eats in Monterey, too.

--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

I'm sure you haven't checked out the Atlanta aquarium.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The Monterey aquarium is okay, nothing great. Atlanta's is considered
one of the best in the world. The rest of Monterey is just tacky
touristy.

"Loogypicker" wrote in message
...
On Jul 21, 1:35 am, "D.Duck" wrote:
"H the K" wrote in
messagenews:xv6dnVJH4r78jPjXnZ2dnUVZ_jpi4p2d@earth link.com...





wrote:
On Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:55:51 -0700, "Calif Bill"
wrote:

SD is just as expensive as here in the places I want to live. North of
SF, except for the Marin Peninsula is more affordable than the areas
in
SF and the East Bay where I reside.

We are going to be out there on one of our Fky/Drive vacations, into
SFO, down the coast highway a ways and then over the woods out east,
flying out of Reno.
We plan on spending most of our time in Yosemite, Kings canyon,
Sequoia and points north. Is there anything we should see over on the
coast?

Monterey...the town, the aquarium, the coastline. The aquarium is easily
the best in the country. Best to buy your tickets on line in advance.
Good
eats in Monterey, too.

--
A wise Latina makes better decisions than a dumb elephant.

I'm sure you haven't checked out the Atlanta aquarium.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

The Monterey aquarium is okay, nothing great. Atlanta's is considered
one of the best in the world. The rest of Monterey is just tacky
touristy.

Not. There are nice places in Monterey and couple nice launch ramps and
good place to Kayak.