US WEST COAST PART II

SAN DIEGO

Next stop after LA was San Diego, and in particular the world renowned San Diego Sea World.

This was an incredible place to visit. about a 2 hr drive south along the freeway heading towards mexico which afforded great views and I even think we drove past the estate where the OC was filmed. One we arrived to the Zoo it was time to splip slop slap some sunscreen on and go watch the Killer Whales! Check out the official video below!

FLAGSTAFF ARIZONA

Next stop was Flagstaff Arizona, a ski resort town in the winter with mild weather in summer due to its elevation above sea level. We used this as base to launch into two of the biggest named national parks in the USA the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley in Utah. The town itself is a cosy place with nice bars and restaurants to dine at. We went to Monument valley a 4 hr drive north to Utah and to a famous movie scene in Forest Gump where he stops running in the middle of the desert. Check it out below!

The next big ticket item was the most famous canyon in the world.. The Grand Canyon. As we departed Flagstaff for the 3 hr drive north what became abundantly clear was the change in landscape was dramatic. 1 second is desert, then slight grass, then scrubs and then into pine trees as the road signs indicated only 10 mile. I couldn't help but think shouldn't this be all desert but that'sa  myth it's quite green actually. Anyways the Grand Canyon is truly spectacular and is a must see for awe inspiring images!

Overview

I'm going to say this, The two national parks were by far my favourite destinations of the trip. They are just jaw dropping and I rate them highly amongst other parks in Canada and NZ I've been to. Curious to debate whether people think the Grand Canyon is bigger then the Blue Mountains gorge in NSW?