“America was one of the best experiences of my life. I enjoyed every second of it, especially going to Yosemite National Park and I also loved LA. We saw so many amazing things and I will never forget it”
For Geographers, the world is a classroom and life is the teacher. This Easter 40 pupils and students from Year’s 10-12 and four members of staff had the opportunity to experience exactly what this means when they embarked on a 2,000mile trip of a lifetime, covering four states in the South West of the USA.
In seven days the group travelled from California, through Nevada, Utah and Arizona before returning to California. Every day was a complete contrast to the one before and the sights that were witnessed will remain with us for a very long time.
Our first full day in America saw us visit the famous landmarks synonymous with San Francisco; Golden Gate Bridge, China Town, Fisherman’s Wharf and of course Alcatraz!
The view of the city from Twin Peaks was incredible.
Having driven from San Francisco to Oakhurst for our first overnight stop, day two found us in Yosemite National Park. The contrast from the noise and congestion of a major urban area to the sheer beauty and scale of such an incredible natural environment was breath-taking. Yosemite has three of the tallest waterfalls in North America and spectacular mountain scenery, all of which were laid before us on a glorious sunny and warm day.
Tunnel view and Upper Yosemite Falls
After a night in Bakersfield day three brought us to Death Valley. Having thrown snowballs in Yosemite the previous day we weren’t perhaps prepared for the 86o F of this arid depression as much as we should have been. At over 250 feet below sea level this is one of the driest and hottest places in the continent. The barren landscape of salt flats and sand dunes, surrounded by rugged mountains was yet another contrast to challenge our perceptions of this ever changing landscape.
Road through the Mojave Desert, Sand dunes at Stovepipe Wells and the view from Zabriskie Point.
From Death Valley we reached our halfway overnight stop in Las Vegas. Having cooled down with a dip in the pool we ventured out onto the ‘Strip’ and enjoyed a meal at the ‘Hard Rock Café’ before taking in the sights and the Water Fountain display at the Bellagio.
Leaving Vegas, via the ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’ sign, we headed for one of the engineering feats of the 1930’s, The Hoover Dam. The Power Plant tour gave a fascinating insight into how the dam was constructed and the benefits that it has brought to the area, both in terms of energy production and flood control. From here we headed north into Utah, a different time zone and the stunning scenery of Zion National Park.
Before we departed on our trip, a poll had shown that for the majority of people the place they were most looking forward to seeing was the Grand Canyon. Despite temperatures below freezing, and the odd snow flurry, it did not disappoint. As we approached from the East the Canyon could been seen, like a surgical incision in the otherwise flat terrain. When we got to the South Rim and could see it at close quarters, the majestic beauty of the carved relief and the layered geological history of the past six million years laid out before us was breathe taking.
The only thing able to drag us away from the splendour of the Grand Canyon was the prospect of a final meal at our favourite diner, The Golden Corral!
The next day saw an early start for our long drive to Los Angeles. On arriving in the city we were taken on a guided tour of the sights, including the Chinese Theatre, where stars have left their hand and foot prints since the golden age of cinema, the Dolby Theatre (Home of the Oscars!), the ‘Hollywood’ sign and Beverley Hills.
After an exhausting but exhilarating 2000mile road trip our adventure was nearly over. Our final day was appropriately spent at the end of the famous ‘Route 66’, in Santa Monica. A glorious sunny day by the beach and the Pacific Ocean seemed a fitting way to end our trip of a lifetime – but the shops were calling and purchases had to be made!
We eventually and reluctantly had to make our way to the airport, say our farewells to Richard (our driver) and Bob (our tour manager), and board our homeward flight, though not before a little excitement in security!
I am indebted to Mr Barnett, Mrs Wilburn and Miss Burton for accompanying and supporting me on our amazing journey, I couldn’t have done it without them. Finally, I must expressed my huge thanks and gratitude to the 40 pupils/students who, through their enthusiasm, humour and excellent behaviour, made this a trip to truly remember!
“Encountering the different way of life and witnessing phenomenal sights such as El Capitan in Yosemite and the Grand Canyon was stunning. Not only was visiting America educational, it also boosted my confidence of being independent”.
Andy Putnam, Trip Leader