Deb and Dan's World Tour: September 2006

The Hollywood sign as viewed from Hollywood Boulevard

After our monstrous journey from San Jose to L.A., we spent the next few days exploring L.A. and Hollywood at our leisure. We weren't blown away by L.A. and Hollywood but to be fair we didn't see everything. We didn't make it to any of the studios for example but that's not really our bag.

We drove through Beverly Hills briefly which looks to have some fantastic properties and we cruised down the Sunset Strip but we're not really sure what all the fuss is about. We did, however, happen across the Viper Room which is Johnny Depp's bar on Sunset Boulevard. It would have been rude not to have gone in, especially if by some chance JD had been in town so we went and purely by chance Natalie Cole was performing. She was amazing. The Viper Room wasn't what we expected, not all that plush really but great for an intimate gig and the sound was fantastic.

As we were staying on Hollywood Boulevard, we didn't have to go far before stumbling across the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We also saw the Chinese theatre which has the rock walk out front. Basically, this is where celebrities of film, music and theatre have stuck their hands and feet into wet cement to leave their mark, as it were. Unfortunately, we didn't see anyone famous - oh, apart from Homer Simpson.

Natalie Cole performing songs from her new album at the Viper Room, Sunset Boulevard, L.A.

Johnny Depp's Viper Room, Sunset Boulevard, L.A.

We thought this was funny but we'd had a few at the time (No Parking sign on the tree in the middle of a field)

The Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard

Johnny Depp's star on the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard

The Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard

On the road from San Jose to Los Angeles we saw some great scenery again. The journey was going really well and we made great time until we hit a diversion. There was a brush fire that was close to Interstate 5 so the road had been closed. The diversion cost us two hours and what was already going to be a six hour journey turned into eight. Good job there was plenty to look at!

En route to L.A.

Nodding Donkeys pumping oil - en route to L.A.

Ooooh pylons!

We hooked up for beers with our mate Oli near San Jose, CA - good to see you mate & cheers for the beers xx

After leaving Vallejo where we stayed for a night after the Napa Valley, we headed to San Francisco. Our route in took us over the Bay Bridge and we continued through the city to find the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, the weather by the Golden Gate Bridge is always a little foggy and rainy so we didn't get any decent shots. Remarkably, the weather around the rest of the city was lovely for our two-day stay.

San Francisco is lovely. We really wished we could have stayed longer. It has a nice feel to it, difficult to put into words. The streets are really pretty and the houses are decorated in different colours. It's a little Brighton-esque I suppose. Dan and I went to Pier 39 and ate at Bubba Gumps. We took a boat trip to Alcatraz as well which was brilliant. We had the audio tour which is really informative and interesting, not at all boring. The place has a right stink to it though, that wasn't so good! We saw the cell that Al Capone was rumoured to have stayed in and we heard about some of the escape attempts, one of which resulted in a number of inmates and guards being shot. The views of the city from Alcatraz are gorgeous which further added to the inmates punishment, teasing them with what they were missing out on.

After Alcatraz and before leaving for San Jose to meet up with our friend Oli from back home who was in the States on business, we drove around the city to find some of the world-famous San Francisco streets which are often used in films and adverts (Sony Bravia advert with the coloured balls, for example). We drove down Lombard Street which is famous for having a section of tight hairpin turns. The steep section, surrounded with flowers, is a tourist attraction and people were queuing to drive down it. All in all, San Francisco was very enjoyable even though we didn't get to experience everything it has to offer. I imagine we might make our way back there one day.

Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA

View from Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA

Dan and me at Alcatraz

The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Alcatraz grounds

San Francisco mainland as viewed from Alcatraz grounds

"Broadway" - Cells at Alcatraz

A thoughtful Dan in the Recreation Ground at Alcatraz

Dan on the can - One of the cells in Alcatraz

Not sure what I'm smiling about

A typical cell in Alcatraz - Looks better than some of our accommodation...

Some of the more recognisable inmates from days gone by in Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island greeting

Alcatraz from the mainland

Our accommodation in San Francisco, CA

"Life is like a box of chocolates"

"These are my special shoes"

Just to prove I eat too!

After Oregon, we journeyed through to California. Our first stop was the Redwood National Park where we entered the "Avenue of the Giants". This is a 30 mile stretch of the park that boasts some of the largest and oldest Redwoods in the world. The size of some of these trees is unbelievable. We made our way to the Shrine Tree which is a drive-thru tree. Toying with the idea of squeezing our rental car through, we stood by as three young ladies drove their pick-up through with no drama whatsoever. Seeing as how our Chevvy was a wee bit smaller, Dan decided to take on the challenge. He made it easily as you'll see below.

After Redwood, we made our way to the Napa Valley. There are some very reputable wineries in Napa such as Berringer among others. We visited Merryvale to do a bit of tasting for the afternoon (like we knew what we were doing) - all good fun. Our host was quite knowledgable and helped us to savour some fine whites and reds. We treated ourselves to a bottle of Chardonnay so he let us have the tasting session for free, nice chap.

During this journey we saw some fine scenery, gigantic trees, vineyards, beautiful sunsets, dramatic mountains and crystal clear lakes. It was good to see this side to America.

Vineyard in Napa Valley, CA

Another vineyard in Napa Valley, CA - the micro environments in the valley provide for the same type of growing conditions found throughout the whole of France