Saguaro National Park, Tucson

My final Tucson destination was Saguaro National Park. For language perfectionists out there, Saguaro is pronounced 'Sa - WAH - ro'. It is amazing how many of these cacti dot the landscape. Seguaro National Park is also a featured link in the Landmarks I've Visited section. Here are a few photos of the park, and yes, they're covered by the standing quality apology.

Rugged terrain

Dry creek bed

Saguaro cactus

Another Saguaro cactus

And another Saguaro cactus

Ah, a barrel cactus!

Another Saguaro snuck in

Dry creek bed

Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson

After spending a few days in sunny southern California, it was on to sunny Tucson, Arizona. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am a huge aviation buff, so a required stop in Tucson was the Pima Air and Space Museum. Here are a few pics of some of the planes they have on exhibit. Make sure to check out the link to Pima in the Landmarks I've Visited section.

My standing apology is in effect for the quality of the photos taken during this trip.

Tail Number 86971. This was not used as Air Force One, as it does not carry the Presidential Seal. It was used for presidential staff and secret service.

Early version of Air Force One


SR-71 Blackbird. There is a sign in plain sight the commands the visitor 'Do Not Touch The Aircraft'. Of course, I saw the sign well after touching the aircraft.

SR-71 Blackbird

SR-71 Blackbird

Another view of 86971

Boeing YC-14. I took this photo because of the deep contrast of the plane against the sky.

Bomber Engine. Unfortunately, I do not remember the model.

TWA Connie, or Lockheed Constellation. The Connie is one of my favorite planes because it was so far advanced for it's time.

More Los Angeles

Here are some additional photos from around Los Angeles taken during the L.A. Road Trip of 2002-2003. Again, I apologize for the poor quality - the weather was uncooperative and my film camera was on it's last leg. Oh, did I mention I was sick the whole time? I believe a do-over vacation with a digital camera is in order (hint, hint).

Pepperdine University, Malibu

Looking west toward Point Dume, Malibu

Beachfront property, Malibu

More beachfront property, Malibu

Morning in the Park, Malibu

Neighborhood near Griffith Park. The Ride is visible in the lower right.

Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park Observatory

Hollywood Sign from Griffith Park Observatory

Griffith Park Observatory

Sepulveda at Lincoln outside LAX

San Fernando Valley from Topanga Canyon Blvd

Hollywood Freeway with downtown in the background from Mulholland Drive, above the Hollywood Bowl. This is 'the shot' all the movies use when they're blowing up L.A.

Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Drive

Hollywood to downtown from Mulholland Drive. A tighter shot of what they show prior to blowing up L.A. in the movies.

Griffith Observatory from Mulholland Drive

Hollywood Sign from Mulholland Drive

East edge of the Valley from Mulholland Drive

Interesting architecture - home on Mulholland

Venice, California

After spending Christmas in Las Vegas, I moved on to my next, and primary stop, Los Angeles. During my three days in the L.A. area, I stayed at the Inn at Venice Beach, quite a nice hotel just a couple of blocks from the beach. As I said before, my photos on this trip were a complete disappointment, but I have included some of those from Venice here.

Canal near the Inn at Venice Beach

Venice Beach from the pier

Looking north from the pier

Venice Beach from the pier

Late afternoon near the shops

Near the Venice boardwalk, late afternoon

Skate arena near the boardwalk, late afternoon

Shops on the boardwalk

Las Vegas Stopover

My next stop on the L.A. Road trip was Las Vegas. I spent a couple of days here, including Christmas. I stayed at the most excellent Golden Nugget Hotel on Fremont Street downtown. I love downtown, especially the Golden Nugget and the Four Queens. The Four Queens has an amazing mezzanine where you can dine and watch the gaming action below.

Unfortunately on this stop, none of my photos turned out well (or any on the trip, for that matter), but I've included some anyway.

Paris Hotel

The amazing Bellagio

Inside the Bellagio at Christmas

Stratosphere - View From the Top

Stratosphere - View From the Top

Stratosphere - View From the Base

Zion National Park

The second stop on my L.A. Road trip was Cedar City, Utah, which gave me the opportunity to explore Zion National Park. Most people visit the park during the summer months, but in keeping with my non-conformity, I was there in the dead of winter. The following photos are my favorites from my time in Zion National Park.

Along Kolob Canyons Road


Along Kolob Canyons Road


Along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Along Zion Canyon Scenic Drive

Upper Zion Canyon

Upper Zion Canyon

Along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

Along Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

Checkerboard Mesa

U. S. Highway 89, east of Zion National Park