Going to California -- any suggestions... [Archive] - Canon Digital Photography Forums

inthedeck

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 10:01

Hi all,

I am going to be taking a trip to San Mateo, California for about a week, or so, in the middle of February, '07. This is the first time I will out on the 'true' West Coast (even though I have been as far as Vegas, I still feel Cali. is the 'true' WC).

I will be in San Mateo for a few days, then heading up to Nice, Ca. for two days, and then back to SM for a day, and then back home to NY.

Any ideas of things to do, while out there? I will be visiting friends, so, I am sure they will have some things to do already lined up. So, with San Mateo covered, anyone know of some cool places/things/etc. to do while up in Nice, CA? I will be near Angels Camp, with a rental car...so, I should have no issues getting around...or so I hope.

Any and all ideas are welcome...as I still have some time to research the area. Thanks in advance.

Wilt

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 11:59

From San Mateo you are 30-40 minutes from San Francisco!

Near San Mateo (about 9 miles) you can see:
- go 10 miles south to the Filoli House & Gardens in Woodside CA;
- see windsurfers off Coyote Point and SFO in the SF Bay;
- go 15 miles east out to the Padific coast , and see surfers and the Maverick's super high wave area (when there is a storm brewing);
- go 5 miles east to Crystal Springs Reservoir and hike around adjacent to a wildlife refuge area
- go 16 miles to the Stanford University campus (very rustic setting within a 10 sq mile area all owned by Stanford.

thomascanty

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 12:27

Don't forget Bubba's Diner in San Anselmo! ;)

inthedeck

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 12:50

Yeah, might have to pay a visit to Dante...and see his face when he's taking pics with the f/4L's...might be a sight to see.

Wilt, thanks for the suggestions...I will feed off this thread, once I am closer to getting there.

Anyone else with other ideas? I will be taking ALL of my gear...which isn't a helluva lot, bit it's enough to get me out there, taking pics.

Wilt

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 14:02

It would help if you indicated the type of photography you would enjoy doing on this trip...sports, natural landscape, urban landscape, 'just being a tourist', etc.

greg20d

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 16:43

from angels camp Tahoe isn't that far also the hills near there have tons of old mining towns ..

belmondo

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 16:56

Where will you be staying in San Mateo?

inthedeck

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 20:48

Well, as for the surfing suggesting, that will take care of the amount of 'sports' I would like to shoot.

I like landscapes, and I am sure there are tons of nice things to do. Night photography..same thing. I like it...and will find lots.

I have researched the caves around Nice, Ca. so that might be a good thing for the wife and I, who are interested in taking a couple of tours, etc.

Touristy stuff...well...I am sure there will be some...but that's not really the way of my hobby...I can do that in NYC too...hehe...just pretend I am a tourist. Blech.

BelM...as for where we are staying, in San Mateo, not sure really...but it's at our friends' house. I will be getting the address as soon as we are ready to get there. No worries there. As for exact location...I haven't the slightest idea. Just been told that my friend lives in SM.

All other input is more than welcome. Oh, and if I could find some 'trains' I would love to photograph them...if they are within a certain radius between SF, SM, and Nice. I have a fascincation with trains...so, if I could find a line...I wouldn't mind finding one or two.

runninmann

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 20:56

Mt. Tam, Exploratorium, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Santa Cruz, Sausalito

belmondo

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 20:59

BelM...as for where we are staying, in San Mateo, not sure really...but it's at our friends' house. I will be getting the address as soon as we are ready to get there. No worries there. As for exact location...I haven't the slightest idea. Just been told that my friend lives in SM.Okay. The only reason I was asking was because we frequently travel to the Bay Area, and we always stay at the San Mateo Marriott. If you were going to be staying there, I could have given you a name or two of people at the hotel who could possibly make your stay more pleasant. Staying with friends is much better.

Have a good trip.

inthedeck

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 21:55

belmondo

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 22:16

Thanks for the info runninman. Again, I will feed off this thread, before the final trip.

BM...thanks. I appreciate the opportunity...but you are right, staying with friends is definately better. Oh, and we will be staying in a timeshare in Nice, Ca. which should be a fabulous getaway from the humdrum of life at work. Also, will give the wife and I a little 'alone' time, on our vacation.

Thanks all.I hadn't heard of 'Nice,' so I looked it up on Google Maps. It turns out it's on Clear Lake. It's a nice area, but Clear Lake is a bit of a misnomer. Every time I've been there, the lake was anything but clear. Still, it sounds like a wonderful trip. Enjoy.

inthedeck

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 22:22

hehe...well, at least I know. We weren't planning on doing much 'swimming' in the lake. Actually, my wife thought a nice day trip to the Yosemite Park area might be wonderful, so one of 7 days will be devoted to that. Should be fun...as neither of us has been to the park.

Wonder if there's any trains up that way...I would love to see some huge engines...as I collect Lionel engines/cars/tank cars, etc. All we have around here is the standard fare Metro North (commuter RR), and Amtrack...though, the new look of the Acela is nice...they just have to keep it more clean (at least I think). Sad to see the engines all dirty...especially since they are so new. Oh well...wishful thinking...hopefully I get lucky, and spot a place where trains pass.

belmondo

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 22:37

Wonder if there's any trains up that way...I would love to see some huge engines.Ironically, San Mateo has a commuter line that runs from San Francisco to somewhere south of San Jose. They also run freight on the same tracks, but very rarely. To see any real Class 1 railroading, you'll have to go to San Jose/Santa Clara and north to Oakland (other side of the Bay).

By the way, if you want to see a very large engine, there is a railroad museum in Sacramento, and they have a Cab-Forward steam engine on display there.

birdstrike

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 22:41

You can always check out the Hang Gliders at Ft. Funston.

http://www.flyfunston.org/

They make a fun sports photography target, and the coastal views are wonderful as well as the WWII gun emplacements.

http://www.batnet.com/bogart/Hang800x533.JPG

birdstrike

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 23:05

and lots of railway related stuff here, some near, some far. The main UP rail line goes through the East Bay.

Jack London Square in Oakland has some of the best street running in the country.

http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/

Other rail options you might find interesting. . .

http://www.caltrain.org/
http://www.ncry.org/
http://www.roaringcamp.com/
http://www.ggrm.org/
http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/
http://www.csrmf.org/
http://www.wrm.org/
http://www.streetcar.org/mim/streetcars/index.html

Edit to add BART: http://www.bart.gov/index.asp though I don't find BART all that interesting.

birdstrike

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 23:13

Ironically, San Mateo has a commuter line that runs from San Francisco to somewhere south of San Jose. They also run freight on the same tracks, but very rarely. To see any real Class 1 railroading, you'll have to go to San Jose/Santa Clara and north to Oakland (other side of the Bay).

Caltrain runs south to Gilroy. Freight traffic usually begins at 9:00 pm, what little is left.

By the way, if you want to see a very large engine, there is a railroad museum in Sacramento, and they have a Cab-Forward steam engine on display there.

Southern Pacific 4294 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Pacific_4294

An awesome museum. They also have (short) steam train rides. You can take Amtrak from Oakland to Sacramento (walking distance from the museum), but that would blow most of a day.

The best place for UP activity is the Oakland Yards where the trains serve container ships almost non-stop.

Wilt

22nd of January 2007 (Mon), 23:25

Wsman2

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 00:45

Well, since you'll be going between Nice & San Mateo, you'll be going through some of Northern California's world-reknown wine country (especially around Santa Rosa on 101 with Korbel (http://www.korbel.com) just to the west of town). Speaking of Santa Rosa, you might take a quick step into the Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center (http://www.schulzmuseum.org/).

I was a little confused when you mentioned Angels Camp. Angels Camp is nowhere near Nice. AC is in California's Gold Country (central CA).

As far as trains, hopefully you get a chance to ride the forementioned Cal Train (there is a station in San Mateo) and take it up to San Francisco and maybe do the cable cars and visit the museum. If at all you get a chance to spend some time in Napa (northeast bay area), perhaps you can get a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train (http://www.winetrain.com/).

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 09:17

Thanks for all the suggestions. As for the drive from Angels Camp, CA to Yosemite N.P, CA, from google map directions, it didn't seem as long as described above:
87.7 mi (about 1 hour 58 mins) so...maybe the 'real time' that it takes to get there is a long distance away? Not sure...but we would be going to Yosemite from Angels Camp, which is where our resort is.

I will have to formulate a list of things to do...I know there's so much to do...just that I don't have all the time in the world. Eventually, I have to return to work... :lol: as much as I don't want to have to... :rolleyes:

Again, thanks...and I will keep gathering ideas from this thread. All the input is much appreciated.

thomascanty

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 09:22

Thanks for all the suggestions. As for the drive from Angels Camp, CA to Yosemite N.P, CA, from google map directions, it didn't seem as long as described above:

From Angels Camp it's certainly doable. I stay in Jackson (north of Angels Camp) for a week several times a year. When I head home, I often take Highway 49 south to the 120 and into Yosemite for a few hours before continuing on home to the Los Angeles area.

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 13:42

Thanks Lonnie...nice to know...as that would be a great place to visit. This is the first time in my life (an wifes life) that we will be visiting Cali. Should be a great experience, both as a visit, as well as picture taking excursion.

thomascanty

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 13:55

Thanks Lonnie...nice to know...

Um, I might have spoken a little too soon there. I just reread your first post and noticed you're going in February. The 120 into Yosemite will most likely be closed at that time of year (yearly winter closure). During winter the 140 (in Mariposa) and maybe 41 (in Oakhurst) are the only highways likely to be open, and I wouldn't even attempt the 41 without chains handy just in case. That would make your day trip quite a bit less possible.

When calculating travel times on these highways, keep in mind they are one lane (each direction), very windy mountain roads. So don't use typical 65mph highway speeds to figure travel times. Except for a short stretch with a 65mph limit on Highway 49 between Chinese Camp and Moccasin Creek (where the 120 splits off toward Yosemite), the speed limit is usually 55 with very frequent 35's and even 25's as they pass through the small towns here and there.

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 14:05

Hmm...might have to research that trip a little more. Don't wanna ruin the rental car. If it makes sense, we will do it...otherwise, we may have to plan it at another time of our life.

Nonetheless, thanks again.

thomascanty

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 14:07

Don't wanna ruin the rental car.

It's a rental car? Hell... Pay for the extra insurance and take your chances! http://www.ldphotography.net/Smilies/rotfl.gif

(Just kidding, of course... ;))

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 14:10

hehe...yeah... http://www.ldphotography.net/Smilies/rotfl.gif

As much as I would love to do that...it's still a serious risk, when we are 3K+ miles from home. As much snow driving experience as I have...it shouldn't be 'difficult' but again, never having experienced that scenario...I will have to think more about it.

Should be a fun trip though, regardless of where we go. Lots of great ideas here already.

thomascanty

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 14:16

Oh, and one more thing I meant to mention earlier.. Make good use of this site (http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/). That's CalTrans' online highway status site. There's a toll free number on there that you can call from your cell phone to check while on the road too, though in my experience (with Cingular and T-Mobile), cell phone signals are pretty weak to non-existent on these highways in most places.

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 14:23

^^ Cool...will keep that in mind. Thanks.

Wilt

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 16:23

As someone else noted, Nice CA is nowhere near Angels Camp.
Nice is at Clear Lake, well to the north of the SF Bay area.
Angels Camp is well to the west of SF Bay area, and is 192 driving miles and 4 hours away from Nice.

If you will be at Angels Camp, that is 2:15 and 88 miles distance from Yosemite village. I suggest you research your itinerary with more clarity, and we can provide better information on what is practical to accomplish or visit, given the time of year.

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 16:48

Wilt...yeah, my wife had just informed me that she 'updated' the location of the resort. The one in Nice, CA didn't have any room, so she booked the one in Angels Camp, CA 95222.

So, we will still be staying in San Mateo (Sat. night, Sun, Mon, Tue) then heading to Angels Camp for Wed, Thurs, and checkout Fri. when we return to San Mateo. Then, back to NY on Friday night...so we are back in NY Sat. morning. That's the official itinerary. Apologies for all the confusion...but..it's not my fault... :)

Wilt

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 18:03

One tip I have for you is not to plan too closely for the return from Angels Camp to the Bay Area...traffic can be horrendous and turn a 4 hour drive into a 7 hour drive, for example, due to traffic alone. You have the advantage of driving back, against the flow of traffic out of the Bay Area on Friday, but weather and/or something unexpected could delay your arrival in San Mateo for your flight home! And there is also the dense commuter traffic starting Friday mid afternoon in the Bay Area to contend with.

inthedeck

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 19:35

Wilt

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 19:42

Thanks Wilt. I will keep the traffic situation in mind. Our flight leaves from San Jose at 10:45 p.m., so hopefully, we will be back much earlier than that. Maybe grab something to eat, with our friends, and then had back over to the airport...before jumping onto a redeye. At least we have all day Sat. and Sun. of the weekend we return to realize we are going back to work...argh!

SJ Airport is just about the same driving time from Angels Camp as the SF Airport, no loss, no gain...about 2hr40min. SJ Airport has had some horrendously long security lines on Friday late afternoons, but hopefully most of that may have passed by the time of your flight.

Wsman2

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 20:01

SJ Airport is just about the same driving time from Angels Camp as the SF Airport, no loss, no gain...about 2hr40min. SJ Airport has had some horrendously long security lines on Friday late afternoons, but hopefully most of that may have passed by the time of your flight.

SJC (http://www.sjc.org) juuuuust "sped" up their security procedure for those who are registered travelers.

Wilt

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 21:42

SJC (http://www.sjc.org) juuuuust "sped" up their security procedure for those who are registered travelers.

Nice to know if you are a 'regular' who frequently uses SJC, but of no benefit to visitors nor to those who normally use a different airport in the SF Bay area. I live 15 min. from SFO and the only reason I used SJC the last time (when the security lines were up two levels into the garage!) was that I had cheap seats for my wife who was coming along for the weekend, on a business trip of mine. The 'cheap' cost us with more time in line. In chatting with airport staff, it seems SJC is very often packed like that on Friday night!

joegolf68

23rd of January 2007 (Tue), 21:55

If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair.

;)

inthedeck

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 20:02

Thanks for all the tips. I have been researching on my own, as well...and wish I had more time to spend out there, but life at work is such, where even a week off seems like it's not warranted, with everything going on. Alas, I have to stay sane somehow.

Keep em coming folks...

Dan-o

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 20:36

When you leave can you take some people with you. :)

inthedeck

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 20:43

Ha...no. We have enough, here in NY. Thanks for the offer though, Dan-o.

hijinks

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 22:18

Don't go. Stay away from Communist controlled states!

inthedeck

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 22:23

Don't go. Stay away from Communist controlled states!

And why do you believe that?

Secondly, I notice that you are from TN. I will be visiting there, with my wife, for a weekend. Going to Nashville...to possibly scope out a new residence. Live anywhere close to there? Could you give a few pointers?

hijinks

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 22:38

inthedeck check your pm.

thomascanty

25th of January 2007 (Thu), 23:34

I had an idea for you today. If you can't make it to Yosemite while you're here, try Calaveras Big Trees State Park instead. It's a great park just up Highway 4 a ways (east) from Angels Camp. It's remote and far from any major city, and few people know about it, so there's never a crowd there. It also reminds me quite a bit of Yosemite. It's one of my favorite state parks in California.

inthedeck

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 00:08

Fantastic...thanks for the suggestion, Lonnie. I will have to pass this along to the wife...and have her research it. She gets home earlier...as she's a teacher...so, she's got the time. Of course...I could check it out at lunchtime...

thomascanty

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 00:10

Fantastic...thanks for the suggestion, Lonnie. I will have to pass this along to the wife...and have her research it.

Here's the official site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551

Google will probably turn up a lot more info on it.

inthedeck

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 00:14

Nice...thanks for the link. Man, I am so looking forward to this trip. Too bad a week is going to seem to short. Oh well, better a week, than none.

bitteraspects

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 01:04

theres a lot of nice places across the bridge in oakland

bitteraspects

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 01:04

If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair.

;)
yeah, and have fun in castrol.

Wilt

26th of January 2007 (Fri), 10:14

yeah, and have fun in castrol.

Have fun in motor oil :confused: ;) you mean 'Castro' not 'Castrol' no doubt!

belmondo

28th of January 2007 (Sun), 11:53

There's the Castro District of San Francisco, Castroville, and Castro Valley. They're all within driving distance of San Mateo. I suspect the reference was to the Castro District of San Francisco.

bitteraspects

30th of January 2007 (Tue), 03:26

Have fun in motor oil :confused: ;) you mean 'Castro' not 'Castrol' no doubt! BAHAHAHAHAH. yeah. lol:oops:

inthedeck

30th of January 2007 (Tue), 09:48

Inside joke? Something about the 'Castro' area that people are concerned about? Just curious...I am sure my friend out there has the low-down as to where to go/not go, in and around San Mateo...so, I should be OK there.

Man...can't wait...another couple of weeks to go!!!

belmondo

30th of January 2007 (Tue), 10:31

The Castro District's primary claim to fame is that it's heavily populated by gays. Some people think that's humorous.:rolleyes: Beyond that, there's very little to distinguish it from the rest of San Francisco. There isn't much there to attract tourists, so chances are you won't be going there.

My apologies.

inthedeck

30th of January 2007 (Tue), 11:33

Gotcha. That makes sense now. People are people...life happens. That's all I can say about that topic.

4x4rock

31st of January 2007 (Wed), 14:36

If you're staying in Angels Camp, you may also want to take a few hrs and drive through HW 49 to see some old mining stuffs.

Norcal is pretty big and I think you'll have a great time.

Bring extra batteries and CF cards. :D

inthedeck

31st of January 2007 (Wed), 14:42

Yeah, definately going to be bringing CF cards, and Batteries. I have a 2GB, 1GB, and 2 512GB cards, alongside a gigamini, which easily stores everything that I push it's way. Then, I have one Canon battery, and 2 Sterlingtek ones...and one charger. Rocket blower, CPL filters (hope to get some GND's, before leaving), and a bag/tripod/camera/lenses/money/food/place to stay/wife/luggage/etc. Hehe, I think I should be OK...otherwise, I can always buy stuff when I get there...not like it's devoid of people...hehe.

Oh, and 4x4, thanks for the tip on the mining places.

thomascanty

31st of January 2007 (Wed), 15:49

I can always buy stuff when I get there...not like it's devoid of people...hehe.

There are people there, but the area is devoid of camera stores. Make sure you have what you need before you go...

Wsman2

1st of February 2007 (Thu), 01:57

There are people there, but the area is devoid of camera stores. Make sure you have what you need before you go...

If you have to, check out Keeble & Shuchat (http://www.kspphoto.com/activepages/main.html) in Palo Alto. Prices might be a little high, but they'll be the ones to have more of the quality gear. The 290 Store (K & S is on 2 sides of the street) is where you'll find most of the camera gear & accessories.

inthedeck

13th of February 2007 (Tue), 10:29

Well, there's 4 days left till the trip. I think I am pretty prepared, and should be all set, as long as I remember everything. So far, the bag is quite loaded with all the necessities.

Taking the 5D, 17-40, 70-200, 15mm FE, 50mm, 100mm, and either the 300 or 400. Tripod, 4GB of cards, rocket blower, hoods, filters, portable storage device (20GB), batteries, charger, remote button, lens pen, etc.

Should be a fun trip, and am totally looking forward to getting away from work for a week. Thanks to all for your suggestions...and hopefully I get some decent shots...and have most of all, enjoy the time off.

inthedeck

16th of February 2007 (Fri), 17:44

Ahhh...the weekend is finally here. Tomorrow, my wife and I will be out on a week long trip, to California. I am sure it will be a pleasant time. Thanks again, for everyone's tips...I am sure to check the thread once we get there.

I will hopefully have some nice shots to post, once the both of us come back. See ya.

Dan-o

16th of February 2007 (Fri), 21:02

Just in time for the rain :(

inthedeck

16th of February 2007 (Fri), 23:39

Better than ice. I'll take it. We don't land till tomorrow night, but a week away from my real job is a good week away.

thomascanty

16th of February 2007 (Fri), 23:45

The forecast I saw for Angels Camp only had one day of rain (Sunday) and only a 50% chance at that. Shouldn't get in the way too much.

inthedeck

17th of February 2007 (Sat), 23:21

Thanks all. We went to JFK today, not knowing some imperative info. and once we went to check in, we found out that the flight was cancelled! :(

I rebooked for Sunday evening, so let's hope tomorrow is a better day. Still looking forward to getting there! I hope it happens...it would be a great thing.