driving in california ...

[chokkie]

Hi folks, we're visiting California in a co uple of weeks time, flying into San Francisco airport and hiring a car for just under two weeks. Is there anything we should know about driving on Ca roads, speed limits, etc. - we'd be grateful to be told, please. (In the same way that, when you're driving in France, you have to keep high-vision vests in the car, a spare pair of specs, a breathalyser kit, etc)

Can't seem to find any information about this on the web nor in any of the books that we've got at home.

Hope someone can help, many thanks,

Chox.

[atalanta]

No, don't under any circumstances visit Yosemite. A viral outbreak has killed two tourists recently, and made four more ill. It starts with flu-like symptoms, and may take six weeks to incubate. It is called Sin Nombre hantavirus, and it kills one third of the people whom it infects.
See report in New Scientist, 8th Sept 2012.

[Eve]

I read that about Yosemite too, very sad as it's an amazing place - I remember having a gorgeous breakfast there too after staying overnight in a log cabin though one of the lads' cabins was attacked by a bear during the night (it didn't get in!).

Alcatraz is fantastic, a definite must go! Monterey is nice too and a good aquarium. I LOVED Venice Beach. A good vantage point of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must see too.

[zebo]

The problems in Yosemite concern sleeping in the "luxury tents" at Curry Village, deer faeces etc have become trapped between the double walls of the tents and caused potentially an enormous problem. I personally wouldn't allow this to prevent me from visiting a wonderful place.
If you want to visit Alcatraz, book a day or two before you want to go, it's almost impossible to buy tickets on the day.
Check if you'll be there during Navy Week, the Blue Angels fly above the Bay, it's wonderful to watch, the city is heaving!