Saturday, November 16, 2024

Snow chain tire sizes for vehicles

2013 Toyota Sienna LE

235/60 R17

17’’ wheels
X-Large size snow socks



2024 Tesla Model 3

235/45R18

18" Front/Rear 18 x 8.5J 38
18" König CG-9 102
Hankook Kingergy GT tires by default
Large size snow socks



2002 Toyota Camry XLE
215/60R16
Large size snow socks


Existing chains:
chains fits sae class s vehicles

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Winter 2024 bus tours from Bay Area

1. Grand Canyon, Teton, Yellowstone, Canyonlands, Arches, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley from Los Angeles.

https://www.taketours.com/las-vegas-nv/9-day-grand-canyon-antelope-canyon-yellowstone-arches-grand-teton-and-jackson-hole-winter-tour-from-los-angeles-las-vegas-5-star-hotel-in-vegas--886-19795.html


2. Antelope, Teton, Yellowstone, Mt.Rushmore from LA:

https://www.goldenbustours.com/13-day-los-angeles-to-san-francisco-pebble-beach-crazy-horse-antelope-canyon-salt-lake-city-17-mile-drive-grand-teton-yellowstone-national-park-rocky-mountain-las-vegas-night-tour.html


3. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Teton, Mt.Rushmore, Antelope.

https://www.goldenbustours.com/11-day-san-francisco-to-las-vegas-mount-rushmore-st-george-grand-teton-national-park-las-vegas-with-helicopter-night-tour.html#=It-day-9


4. Yosemite, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Los Angeles (theme parks) 10 days. Ends in LA.

https://www.taketours.com/san-francisco-ca/10-day-san-francisco-yosemite-national-park-las-vegas-and-los-angeles-semi-self-guided-tour-from-san-francisco-with-airport-pickup-286-19745.html


5. Yosemite, Los Angeles (theme parks), Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell. Ends in LA. 9 days.

https://www.taketours.com/san-francisco-ca/9-day-grand-canyon-antelope-canyon-yosemite-and-theme-park-tour-from-san-francisco-with-airport-pickup-586-19547.html


6. Yosemite, Los Angeles (theme parks or Joshua tree), Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell. 9 days.

https://www.goldenbustours.com/9-day-san-francisco-to-las-vegas-flyover-las-vegas-kings-canyon-national-park-east-rim-grand-canyon-lake-powell-tour.html#=overview


7. Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley, Capitol Reef, Las Vegas, Canyonlands, Arches

https://www.goldenbustours.com/8-day-san-francisco-to-zion-np-grand-canyon-np-bryce-canyon-np-monument-valley-lower-antelope-canyon-wilson-arch-las-vegas-tour.html


8. Yosemite, Los Angeles (theme parks), Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell. Ends in LA. 8 days.



9. Yosemite, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Lake Powell. Ends in LA. 7 days.



10. Yosemite, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Sedona, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, Valley of Fire. Ends in LV. 7 days.



11. Northern California, Oregon, Washington


12. Yosemite, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon. Ends in LA. 6 days.



13. Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, Antelope Canyon. 6 days.


Overall trips:

Wednesday, October 09, 2024

Winter 2024 Road trip from Bay Area

1. Yosemite, Grand Canyon, LV, LA

Fri, Dec 20: Drive to Merced

Sat, Dec 21: Yosemite

Sun, Dec 22: LA

Mon, Dec 23: LA

Tue, Dec 24: Drive to LV. Mojave National Preserve en-route.

Wed, Dec 25: LV

Thu, Dec 26: Drive to Grand Canyon

Fri, Dec 27: Grand Canyon

Sat, Dec 28: LV

Sun, Dec 29: Back


2. Death Valley, Grand Canyon, LV

1. Day 1 Drive to Death Valley NP; Stay (night 1) (6.5 hrs drive)

2. Night 1: Stay at DV Park

3. Day 2 look around DV and 2 hour drive to LV; stay (night 2) (2 Hour drive)

4. Night 2 Check in at LV

5. Day3 Las Vegas stay (night 3) (local drives if any)

6. Night 3 Stay at LV 

7. Day 4 : Drive to Page (night 4) (4.5 hr drive)

8. Night 4: Stay at Page, Az.

9. Day 5 : GC (night 5) (local drives)

10. Night 5: Stay at Page, Az.

11. Day 6 : Drive to Kingman via Flagstaff, all view points on the way (night 6) (4.5 hr drive)

12. Night 6: Kingman, Az (for sleep break)

13. Day 7 : Drive back home (9 hours)


3. Yosemite, LA, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, LV

Fri, Dec 20: Drive to Merced

Sat, Dec 21: Yosemite, back to Merced

Sun, Dec 22: Drive to Death Valley. 

Mon, Dec 23: Death Valley

Tue, Dec 24: Drive to LV. Mojave National Preserve & possibly Castle Mountains en-route.

Wed, Dec 25: LV

Thu, Dec 26: LV

Fri, Dec 27: Hoover Dam. Drive to Grand Canyon. Stay near depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff or Page.

Sat, Dec 28: Grand Canyon

Sun, Dec 29: Drive to LA

Mon, Dec 30: LA

Tue, Dec 31: LA

Wed, Jan 1: Drive back home


4. Death Valley, Grand Canyon, warmer South Arizona

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to Death Valley

Sun, Dec 22: Death Valley. 

Mon, Dec 23: Death Valley. Drive to Las Vegas in night.

Tue, Dec 24: Las Vegas

Wed, Dec 25: Las Vegas

Thu, Dec 26: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff.

Fri, Dec 27: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend.

Sat, Dec 28: Sunset Crater volcano, Wupatki National Monument

Sun, Dec 29: Sedona, Red Rock state park, Slide Rock state park, Tonto natural bridge state park

Mon, Dec 30: Lost Dutchman state park,  Picaho Peak state park, Saguaro national park

Tue, Dec 31: Kartcher Caverns state park, Catalina state park, start driving back

Wed, Jan 1: Joshua Tree national park, Drive back home


5. Death Valley, Grand Canyon, colder South Utah

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to Death Valley

Sun, Dec 22: Death Valley. 

Mon, Dec 23: Death Valley. Drive to Las Vegas in night.

Tue, Dec 24: Las Vegas

Wed, Dec 25: Las Vegas

Thu, Dec 26: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff.

Fri, Dec 27: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page

Sat, Dec 28: Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon

Sun, Dec 29: Grand Staircase Escalante, White Pocket, Coral Pink Sand dunes, Spooky Slot canyon, Peekaboo Red Canyon Slot (technically challenging)

Mon, Dec 30: Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin

Tue, Dec 31: Cedar Breaks, Zion, stay in LV

Wed, Jan 1: Drive back home


6a. Grand Canyon, colder South Utah

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to Las Vegas

Sun, Dec 22: Las Vegas. 

Mon, Dec 23: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page

Wed, Dec 25: Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon

Thu, Dec 26: Natural Bridges, Canyonlands

Fri, Dec 27: Dead Horse Point, Arches

Sat, Dec 28: Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef

Sun, Dec 29: Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin

Mon, Dec 30: Cedar Breaks, Zion, stay in LV

Tue, Dec 31: LV

Wed, Jan 1: Drive back home


6b. Grand Canyon, colder South Utah

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to California City

Sun, Dec 22: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff. 

Mon, Dec 23: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page

Tue, Dec 24: Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon

Wed, Dec 25: Monument Valley, Natural Bridges, Canyonlands 

Thu, Dec 26: Dead Horse Point, Arches

Fri, Dec 27: Goblin Valley, Capitol Reef

Sat, Dec 28: Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin

Sun, Dec 29: Cedar Breaks, Zion, stay in LV.

Mon, Dec 30: LV

Tue, Dec 31: LV

Wed, Jan 1: Drive back home


7. Grand Canyon, colder South Utah, more time

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to California City

Sun, Dec 22: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff. 

Mon, Dec 23: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page

Tue, Dec 24: Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon, Zebra Slot Canyon, Tunnel Slot Canyon (can skip)

Wed, Dec 25: Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Bear Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges 

Thu, Dec 26: Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point

Fri, Dec 27: Arches

Sat, Dec 28: Goblin Valley, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Capitol Reef

Sun, Dec 29: Capitol Reef

Mon, Dec 30: Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin

Tue, Dec 31: Cedar Breaks, Zion

Wed, Jan 1: Great Basin

Thu, Jan 2: Las Vegas

Fri, Jan 3: Las Vegas

Sat, Jan 4: Death Valley

Sun, Jan 5: Back home


8. Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, surrounding

Sat, Dec 21: Drive to California City

Sun, Dec 22: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams or Flagstaff. 

Mon, Dec 23: Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. 

Tue, Dec 24: Bryce Canyon

Wed, Dec 25: Kodachrome Basin

Thu, Dec 26: Cedar Breaks

Fri, Dec 27: Zion

Sat, Dec 28: Great Basin 

Sun, Dec 29: Las Vegas 

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Death Valley

Thu, Jan 2: Death Valley

Fri, Jan 3: Joshua tree

Sat, Jan 4: LA or Big Sur

Sun, Jan 5: Back home


9. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, colder South Utah, more time

Sat, Dec 21

Golden Gate Bridge

Sun, Dec 22

Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon Junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24

Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page.

Wed, Dec 25

Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon, Zebra Slot Canyon, Tunnel Slot Canyon (can skip).

Thu, Dec 26

Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Bear Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges.

Fri, Dec 27

Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point.

Sat, Dec 28

Arches.

Sun, Dec 29

Goblin Valley, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Capitol Reef.

Mon, Dec 30

Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin.

Tue, Dec 31

Cedar Breaks, Zion.

Wed, Jan 1

Great Basin.

Thu, Jan 2

Las Vegas

Fri, Jan 3

Las Vegas.

Sat, Jan 4

Back Home


10. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, surrounding

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge

Sun, Dec 22: Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Wed, Dec 25: Bryce Canyon

Thu, Dec 26: Kodachrome Basin

Fri, Dec 27: Cedar Breaks

Sat, Dec 28: Zion

Sun, Dec 29: Great Basin

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Death Valley

Fri, Jan 3: Big Sur

Sat, Jan 4: Back home


11. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, surrounding

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Wed, Dec 25: Page. Antelope Canyon.

Thu, Dec 26: Kodachrome Basin

Fri, Dec 27: Bryce

Sat, Dec 28: Cedar Breaks

Sun, Dec 29: Zion

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Death Valley

Fri, Jan 3: Big Sur

Sat, Jan 4: Back home


12. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, surrounding

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Wed, Dec 25: Page. Antelope Canyon.

Thu, Dec 26: Kodachrome Basin

Fri, Dec 27: Bryce

Sat, Dec 28: Cedar Breaks, Zion

Sun, Dec 29: Las Vegas

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Death Valley

Wed, Jan 1: Channel Islands

Thu, Jan 2: Big Sur, back home


13. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, colder South Utah, aggressive

Sat, Dec 21

Golden Gate Bridge

Sun, Dec 22

Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23

Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon Junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24

Grand Canyon South Rim. Horseshoe Bend. Stay at Page.

Wed, Dec 25

Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, Glen Canyon, Zebra Slot Canyon, Tunnel Slot Canyon (can skip).

Thu, Dec 26

Monument Valley, Goosenecks State Park, Bear Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods, Natural Bridges.

Fri, Dec 27

Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point.

Sat, Dec 28

Arches.

Sun, Dec 29

Goblin Valley, Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Capitol Reef.

Mon, Dec 30

Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin.

Tue, Dec 31

Cedar Breaks, Zion. Drive to Vegas.

Wed, Jan 1

Las Vegas.

Thu, Jan 2

Las Vegas

Fri, Jan 3

Back Home


14. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, southern Utah, relaxed

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Drive to California City

Mon, Dec 23: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Tue, Dec 24: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Wed, Dec 25: Page. Antelope Canyon.

Thu, Dec 26: Kodachrome Basin

Fri, Dec 27: Bryce

Sat, Dec 28: Cedar Breaks

Sun, Dec 29: Zion

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Drive back home



15. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Southern Utah

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Drive dear Death Valley

Mon, Dec 23: Death Valley

Tue, Dec 24: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Wed, Dec 25: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Thu, Dec 26: Page. Antelope Canyon.

Fri, Dec 27: Kodachrome Basin

Sat, Dec 28: Bryce

Sun, Dec 29: Cedar Breaks, Zion

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Drive back home


16. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Southern Utah

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Big Sur

Mon, Dec 23: Channel Islands

Tue, Dec 24: Death Valley

Wed, Dec 25: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Thu, Dec 26: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Fri, Dec 27: Page. Antelope Canyon.

Sat, Dec 28: Kodachrome Basin, Bryce

Sun, Dec 29: Cedar Breaks, Zion

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Drive back home


17. San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Southern Arizona

Sat, Dec 21: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Sun, Dec 22: Big Sur

Mon, Dec 23: Channel Islands

Tue, Dec 24: Death Valley

Wed, Dec 25: Hoover dam, Lake Mead, Grand Canyon West. Stay near Grand Canyon depending on availability, at Grand Canyon junction, Williams, or Flagstaff.

Thu, Dec 26: Grand Canyon South Rim, Horseshoe Bend.

Fri, Dec 27: Sunset Crater volcano, Wupatki National Monument

Sat, Dec 28: Sedona

Sun, Dec 29: Saguaro national park

Mon, Dec 30: Las Vegas

Tue, Dec 31: Las Vegas

Wed, Jan 1: Las Vegas

Thu, Jan 2: Drive back home


Sun, Dec 29: 

Mon, Dec 30: Tue, Dec 31: Kartcher Caverns state park, Catalina state park, start driving back



Detours near Las Vegas:

Valley of Fire state park, Red Rock Canyon state park, Tule Springs fossil beds, Kershaw-Ryan state park-Canyon Overlook Loop, Caliente ghost town, Cathedral Gorge State Park with Moon Caves-Cathedral Caves-Miller Point Trail

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Car paint protection options

Paint Protection Film (PPF): Expensive. Has an array of brands & types. Ceramic nanoparticle option. Can be for just the front or the entire car.

Ceramic Coating: Multiple layer options. Can be applied on top of PPF.

Composite Coating: Icon Rocklear. Can apply PPF on top of this coating.

Sunday, September 08, 2024

List of California State Parks through library pass

 

Nonparticipating parks


Angel Island State Park (SP)
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park (SHP)
Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland SP
Bodie SHP
California State Mining and Mineral Museum Park Property (PP)
California State Railroad Museum Point of Interest
Cambria State Marine Park (SMP)
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA)
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (SRA)
Cayucos State Beach (SB)
Clay Pit SVRA
Corona del Mar SB
Dockweiler SB
Eastern Kern County Onyx Ranch SVRA
El Presidio de Santa Barbara SHP
Empire Mine SHP
Fort Tejon SHP
Governor’s Mansion SHP
Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument
Heber Dunes SVRA
Hollister Hills SVRA
Hungry Valley SVRA
Lake Del Valle SRA
Lake Valley SRA
Leland Stanford Mansion SHP
Leucadia SB
Limekiln SP
Los Encinos SHP
Marconi Conference Center SHP
Marsh Creek SHP

Martial Cottle Park SRA
Monterey SHP
Moonlight SB
Oceano Dunes SVRA
Ocotillo Wells SVRA
Pacifica SB
Petaluma Adobe SHP
Pío Pico SHP
Placerita Canyon SP
Point Cabrillo Light Station SHP
Point Dume SB
Point Sur SHP
Prairie City SVRA
Railtown 1897 SHP
Robert W. Crown Memorial SB
San Bruno Mountain SP
Santa Monica SB
Santa Susana Pass SHP
Shasta SHP
Sonoma SHP
State Indian Museum SHP
Sutter Buttes SP
Sutter’s Fort SHP
Tomo-Kahni SHP
Twin Lakes SB
Wassama Round House SHP
Watts Towers of Simon Rodia SHP
Weaverville Joss House SHP
Will Rogers SB
Will Rogers SHP
Woodland Opera House SHP


Participating parks (by county)

POI = Point of Interest
SB = State Beach
SHM = State Historical Monument
SHP = State Historic Park
SMP = State Marine Park
SMR = State Marine Reserve
SNR = State Natural Reserve
SP = State Park
SP SS = State Park State Seashore
SRA = State Recreation Area
SVRA = State Vehicular Recreation Area
WC = Wayside Campground


ALAMEDA

  • Albany SMR (also in Contra Costa)
  • Bethany Reservoir SRA
  • Emeryville Crescent SMR (also in Contra Costa)
  • McLaughlin Eastshore SP SS (also in Contra Costa)
  • ALPINE
  • Grover Hot Springs SP

AMADOR

  • Indian Grinding Rock SHP

BUTTE

  • Bidwell Mansion SHP
  • Bidwell-Sacramento River SP (also in Glenn)
  • Lake Oroville SRA

CALAVERAS

  • Calaveras Big Trees SP (also in Tuolumne)

COLUSA

  • Colusa-Sacramento River SRA

CONTRA COSTA

  • Albany SMR (also in Alameda)
  • Emeryville Crescent SMR (also in Alameda)
  • Franks Tract SRA
  • McLaughlin Eastshore SP SS (also in Alameda)
  • Mount Diablo SP

DEL NORTE

  • Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP
  • Jedediah Smith Redwoods SP
  • Pelican SB
  • Prairie Creek Redwoods SP (also in Humboldt)
  • Tolowa Dunes SP

EL DORADO

  • Auburn SRA (also in Placer)
  • D.L. Bliss SP
  • Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point SP
  • Emerald Bay SP
  • Folsom Lake SRA (also in Placer & Sacramento)
  • Marshall Gold Discovery SHP
  • Washoe Meadows SP

FRESNO

  • Millerton Lake SRA (also in Madera)

GLENN

  • Bidwell-Sacramento River SP (also in Butte)

HUMBOLDT

  • Azalea SNR
  • Benbow Lake SRA
  • Fort Humboldt SHP
  • Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP
  • Harry A. Merlo SRA
  • Humboldt Lagoon SP
  • Humboldt Redwoods SP
  • John B. Dewitt Redwoods SNR
  • Little River SB
  • Prairie Creek Redwoods SP (also in Del Norte)
  • Richardson Grove SP
  • Sinkyone Wilderness SP (also in Mendocino)
  • Sue-meg SP
  • Trinidad SB

IMPERIAL

  • Picacho SRA
  • Salton Sea SRA (also in Riverside)
  • Anza-Borrego Desert SP (also in Riverside & San Diego)

KERN

  • Red Rock Canyon SP
  • Tule Elk SNR

LAKE

  • Anderson Marsh SHP
  • Clear Lake SP
  • Robert Louis Stevenson SP (also in Napa & Sonoma)

LOS ANGELES

  • Antelope Valley CA Poppy Reserve SNR
  • Kenneth Hahn SRA (Baldwin Hills Overlook Only)
  • Leo Carrillo SP (also in Ventura)
  • Los Angeles SHP
  • Malibu Creek SP
  • Malibu Lagoon SB
  • Rio de LA State Park SRA
  • Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB
  • Saddleback Butte SP
  • Topanga SP
  • Verdugo Mountains Park Property

MADERA

  • Millerton Lake SRA (also in Fresno)

MARIN

  • China Camp SP
  • Mount Tamalpais SP
  • Olompali SHP
  • Samuel P. Taylor SP
  • Tomales Bay SP

 

MENDOCINO

  • Admiral William Standley SRA
  • Caspar Headlands SB
  • Caspar Headlands SNR
  • Greenwood SB
  • Hendy Woods SP
  • Jug Handle SNR
  • MacKerricher SP
  • Mailliard Redwoods SNR
  • Manchester SP
  • Mendocino Headlands SP
  • Mendocino Woodlands SP
  • Montgomery Woods SNR
  • Navarro River Redwoods SP
  • Reynolds WC
  • Russian Gulch SP
  • Schooner Gulch SB
  • Sinkyone Wilderness SP (also in Humboldt)
  • Smithe Redwoods SNR
  • Standish-Hickey SRA
  • Van Damme SP
  • Westport Union Landing SB

MERCED

  • George J. Hatfield SRA
  • Great Valley Grasslands SP
  • McConnell SRA
  • Pacheco SP (also in Santa Clara)
  • San Luis Reservoir SRA

MONO

  • Mono Lake Tufa SNR

MONTEREY

  • Andrew Molera SP
  • Asilomar SB
  • Carmel River SB
  • Fort Ord Dunes SP
  • Fremont Peak SP (also in San Benito)
  • Garrapata SP
  • Hatton Canyon Park Property
  • John Little SNR
  • Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
  • Marina SB
  • Monterey SB
  • Moss Landing SB
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur SP
  • Point Lobos SNR
  • Salinas River SB (also in Santa Cruz)
  • Zmudowski SB (also in Santa Cruz)

NAPA

  • Bale Grist Mill SHP
  • Robert Louis Stevenson SP (also in Lake & Sonoma)
  • Sugarloaf Ridge SP (also in Sonoma)
  • Bothe-Napa Valley SP (also in Sonoma)

NEVADA

  • Donner Memorial SP (also in Placer)
  • Malakoff Diggins SHP
  • South Yuba River SP

ORANGE

  • Bolsa Chica SB
  • Chino Hills SP (also in Riverside & San Bernardino)
  • Crystal Cove SP
  • Doheny SB
  • Huntington SB
  • San Clemente SB
  • San Onofre SB (also in San Diego)

PLACER

  • Auburn SRA (also in El Dorado)
  • Burton Creek SP
  • Donner Memorial SP (also in Nevada)
  • Folsom Lake SRA (also in El Dorado & Sacramento)
  • Kings Beach SRA
  • Tahoe SRA
  • Ward Creek Park Property
  • Burton Creek SP
  • Donner Memorial SP (also in Nevada)
  • Folsom Lake SRA (also in El Dorado & Sacramento)
  • Kings Beach SRA
  • Tahoe SRA
  • Ward Creek Park Property

PLUMAS

  • Plumas-Eureka SP

RIVERSIDE

  • Anza-Borrego Desert SP (also in Imperial & San Diego)
  • California Citrus SHP
  • Chino Hills SP (also in Orange & San Bernardino)
  • Indio Hills Palms Park Property
  • Lake Perris SRA
  • Mount San Jacinto SP
  • Salton Sea SRA (also in Imperial)
  • San Timoteo Canyon Park Property
  • Wildwood Canyon Park Property

SACRAMENTO

  • Brannan Island SRA
  • Delta Meadows Park Property
  • Folsom Lake SRA (also in El Dorado & Placer)
  • Folsom Powerhouse SHP
  • Locke Boarding House Museum POI
  • Stone Lake Park Property

SAN BENITO

  • Fremont Peak SP (also in Monterey)
  • San Juan Bautista SHP

 SAN BERNARDINO

  • Chino Hills SP (also in Orange & Riverside)
  • Providence Mountains SRA
  • Silverwood Lake SRA

 

SAN DIEGO

  • Anza-Borrego Desert SP (also in Riverside & Imperial)
  • Border Field SP
  • Cardiff SB
  • Carlsbad SB
  • Cuyamaca Rancho SP
  • Palomar Mountain SP
  • San Elijo SB
  • San Onofre SB (also in Orange)
  • San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
  • Silver Strand SB
  • South Carlsbad SB
  • Tijuana Estuary NP POI
  • Torrey Pines SB
  • Torrey Pines SNR

SAN FRANCISCO

  • Candlestick Point SRA

SAN JOAQUIN

  • Caswell Memorial SP

SAN LUIS OBISPO

  • Estero Bluffs SP
  • Harmony Headlands SP
  • Hearst San Simeon SP
  • Los Osos Oaks SNR
  • Montaña de Oro SP
  • Morro Bay SP
  • Morro Strand SB
  • Pismo SB

SAN MATEO

  • Año Nuevo SP
  • Bean Hollow SB
  • Big Basin Redwoods SP (also in Santa Cruz)
  • Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property
  • Butano SP
  • Gray Whale Cove SB
  • Half Moon Bay SB
  • Montara SB
  • Pescadero SB
  • Pigeon Point Light Station SHP
  • Pomponio SB
  • Portola Redwoods SP
  • San Gregorio SB
  • Thornton SB
  • Castle Rock SP (also in Santa Cruz & Santa Clara)

SANTA BARBARA

  • Chumash Painted Cave SHP
  • El Capitán SB
  • Gaviota SP
  • La Purísima Mission SHP
  • Point Sal SB
  • Refugio SB
  • Carpinteria SB (also in Ventura)

SANTA CLARA

  • Henry W. Coe SP (also in Stanislau)
  • Pacheco SP (also in Merced County)
  • Castle Rock SP (also in Santa Cruz & San Mateo)

SANTA CRUZ

  • Big Basin Redwoods SP (also in San Mateo)
  • Henry Cowell Redwoods SP
  • Lighthouse Field SB
  • Manresa SB
  • Natural Bridges SB
  • New Brighton SB
  • Salinas River SB (also in Monterey)
  • Santa Cruz Mission SHP
  • Seacliff SB
  • Sunset SB
  • The Forest of Nisene Marks SP
  • Wilder Ranch SP
  • Zmudowski SB (also in Monterey)
  • Castle Rock SP (also in San Mateo & Santa Clara)

SHASTA

  • Ahjumawi Lava Springs SP
  • Castle Crags SP
  • McArthur Burney Falls SP

SOLANO

  • Benicia SRA
  • Benicia Capitol SHP

SONOMA

  • Armstrong Redwoods SNR
  • Austin Creek SRA
  • Fort Ross SHP
  • Jack London SHP
  • Kruse Rhododendron SNR
  • Robert Louis Stevenson SP (also in Lake & Napa)
  • Salt Point SP
  • Sonoma Coast SP
  • Sugarloaf Ridge SP (also in Napa)
  • Trione-Annadel SP
  • Bothe-Napa Valley SP (also in Napa)

STANISLAUS

  • Henry W. Coe SP (also in Santa Clara)
  • Turlock Lake SRA

TEHAMA

  • William B. Ide Adobe SHP
  • Woodson Bridge SRA

TULARE

  • Colonel Allensworth SHP

TUOLUMNE

  • Columbia SHP
  • Calaveras Big Trees SP (also in Calaveras)

VENTURA

  • Carpinteria SB (also in Santa Barbara)
  • Emma Wood SB
  • Leo Carrillo SP (also in Los Angeles)
  • Mandalay SB
  • McGrath SB
  • Point Mugu SP
  • San Buenaventura SB

Monday, August 12, 2024

Mid-size cruelty-free automobile options

Tesla Model Y
Vegan seating


Hyundai 
Ioniq 5 & 6 have leather wrapped wheel
Sonata SEL AWD
Vehicle & Powertrain Coverage
Powertrain Warranty
10-Year / 100,000-Mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty
New Vehicle Warranty
5-Year / 60,000-Mile
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Anti Perforation Warranty
7-Year / Unlimited Miles
Anti-Perforation Warranty
24 Hour Roadside Assistance
5-Year / Unlimited Miles
24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Parts, Accessories and Emissions Coverage
Warranty Replacement and Parts
12-Month / 12,000-Mile
Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Federal Emission Defect Warranty
8-Year / 80,000-Mile
Federal Emission Defect and Performance Warranty
CA Emissions Control Warranty
7-Year / 70,000-Mile
California Emissions Control Systems Warranty
Electric and Hybrid Powertrain Coverage
 image test
Hybrid System & Components Warranty
10-Year / 100,000-Mile
Hybrid/EV Battery Warranty

Hyundai Nexo 2023 has leather wrapped wheel

Hyundai Sonata SEL without the convenience package doesn't have leather



Kia
Kia Sorento: Large and capable, the three rows of seating in the Kia Sorento provide space, while the AWD system provides safety.
Kia K5: The luxurious K5’s upper trim levels are AWD-equipped.
Vehicle & Powertrain Coverage
Powertrain Warranty
10-Year / 100,000-Mile
Powertrain Limited Warranty
New Vehicle Warranty
5-Year / 60,000-Mile
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Anti Perforation Warranty
7-Year / Unlimited Miles
Anti-Perforation Warranty
24 Hour Roadside Assistance
5-Year / Unlimited Miles
24-Hour Roadside Assistance
Parts, Accessories and Emissions Coverage
Warranty Replacement and Parts
12-Month / 12,000-Mile
Replacement Parts and Accessories Limited Warranty
Federal Emission Defect Warranty
8-Year / 80,000-Mile
Federal Emission Defect and Performance Warranty
CA Emissions Control Warranty
7-Year / 70,000-Mile
California Emissions Control Systems Warranty
Electric and Hybrid Powertrain Coverage
 image test
Hybrid System & Components Warranty
10-Year / 100,000-Mile
Hybrid/EV Battery Warranty


Toyota 
2025 Camry LE doesn't have leather. SE, XSE, XLE have leather.
2024 Mirai doesn't have leather.
Camry AWD
Prius AWD
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles


Mitsubishi 
Cross ES, LE, Ralliart, Black have fabric. Others have leather.
Outlander: has leather
2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance (3 Oil & Filter Changes, 3 Tire Rotations and 1 Cabin Filter)
10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-Year/Unlimited-Mile Roadside Assistance


Mazda
CX-50
3-year/36,000-mile1 New-Vehicle Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile1 Powertrain Limited Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile1 24/7 Roadside Assistance Program




 Powertrain Limited WarrantyNew Vehicle Limited WarrantyAnti-Perforation Warranty
Hyundai10-Year / 100,000-Mile5-Year / 60,000-Mile7-Year / Unlimited
Toyota5-Year / 60,000-Mile3-Year / 36,000-Mile5-Year / Unlimited
Honda5-Year / 60,000-Mile
3-Year / 36,000-Mile5-Year / Unlimited
Nissan5-Year / 60,000-Mile
3-Year / 36,000-Mile5-Year / Unlimited
Chevrolet5-Year / 60,000-Mile
3-Year / 36,000-Mile6-Year / 100,000-Mile
Lexus6-Year / 70,000-Mile4-Year / 50,000-Mile6-Year / Unlimited

 



Thursday, July 04, 2024

Chennai - Anbil - Tapovanam options

In Tapovanam, Tulabaram is available only from 10-10:45 AM. Crowded on weekends & can take more time. Be there by 9:30 AM. Puja will end by 10-10:15, after which Tulabaram can be done. Call ahead with the approximate weight, so that they have the approximate weighing scale. They offer Rice (Arisi), Sugar (Sakkarai), Vellam (Jaggery).

Minimal 1
Day 1: Chennai to Trichy, Kumbakonam, Thajavur or Srirangam. Stay.
Day 2: Anbil, drive to Tapovanam. Stay. Sights en-route or detour to Koothanur.
Day 3: Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Drive back.


Minimal 2
Day 1: Chennai to Tapovanam. Stay.
Day 2: Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Drive to Anbil. Darshanam in the evening. Stay.
Day 3: Drive back. Sights en-route or detour to Koothanur.


Minimal 3
Day 1: Chennai to Srirangam. Stay.
Day 2: Anbil Darshanam in the morning. Koothanur Darshanam in the evening. Stay in Vaitheeshwaran Kovil.
Day 3: Drive to Thapovanam.
Day 4: Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Back to Chennai.


Minimal 4
Day 1: Drive to Koothanur. Stay in Kumbakonam.
Day 2: Wake up early. Drive to Anbil. Darshanam. Drive to Thapovanam.
Day 3: Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Drive back.


Minimal 5
Day 1: Chennai to Tapovanam. Stay.
Day 2: Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Drive to Srirangam. Stay.
Day 3: Drive to Anbil. Darshanam. Drive to Koothanur in the evening. Darshanam. Drive back. Arrive late night.


Minimal 6
Day 1 (Sat): Chennai to Thiruvarangam Perumal Kovil (open whole day). To Thapovanam, check in to Ashramam. Visit Thirukkovilur in the evening: Veerataneshwarar Shivan, Ulagalantha Perumal. Visit Siddhalinga Matam. Back to Thapovanam. ~ 260 km
Day 2 (Sun): Pada Puja & Tulabaram. Drive to Srirangam. If time permits, Srirangam Kovil, Thiruvanaikkaval Kovil. Stay. ~200 km
Day 3 (Mon): Anbil Darshanam in the morning. Koothanur Darshanam in the evening. Thirunallar Darshanam. Stay. ~170 km
Day 4 (Tue): Back to Chennai. Possible visit to Thiruvengadu and/or Pichavaram. ~300 km


East Coast & Eastern Ghats drive: 1 month
East Coast north to south:
Day 1: Chennai to Vandalur zoo, Muttukadu boat house (water sports), crocodile bank. Stay in Mahabalipuram.
Day 2: Drive to Vedanthangal bird sanctuary, Mudaliar Kuppam: water sports, Pondicherry (Puducherry).
Day 3: Pondicherry: Chunnambar boat house (water sports), Paradise beach (ATV ride, fish spa, water sorbing, bungy trampoline, gyro ride, Canoeing, Kayaking, Swimming, Jet Skiing, surfing) 
Day 4: Pondicherry: Ousteri Lake / Ossudu Lake wetland national park (boating), Auroville, Arikamedu (historical), Karaneshwara Nataraja pyramid temple, botanical gardens
Day 5: Drive to Chidambaram kovil, Pichavaram mangrove forest boat ride, Vedaranyam kovil, Point Calimere (Kodikkarai) wildlife sanctuary jeep safari (can get to interior with warden's permission_ or drive through, Chozha light house. Stay
Day 6: Muthupet boat ride in lagoon, till Point Calimere, Thondiyakaadu wildlife sanctuary, Udayamarthandapuram Birds Sanctuary (Ramsar site, needs permission), Voimedu wildlife park. Stay
Day 7: Drive to Thiruvarur temple, Koothanur temple. Stay in Kumbakonam or Thanjavur.
Day 8: Anbil Darshanam. Trichy butterfly park (largest in Asia), 37 feet Sanjeevana Anjaneyar, Kalanai, Sittanavasal Jain caves. Stay in Trichy.
Eastern Ghats south to north:
Day 9: Pachai malai
Day 10: Puliancholai, Kolli Malai
Day 11: Jarugumalai, Salem (tallest Murugan vigraham), stay in Salem
Day 12: Yercaud sky park (roller coaster ziplining, rope course, glass sky walk, sky surfing, sky cycling, aviary, night park, laser show, mystery tunnel, trampoline, aquarium)
Day 13: Yercaud Grange Tree Top adventure park (ATV, zipline, rope course, water bike, archery, shooting, tree climbing, Lake crossing, kayaking, water roller zurfing, trampoline, 4x4 offroading, coffee plantation, mechanical bull riding, tent camping)
Day 14: Yercaud
Day 15: Shevaroy hills
Day 16: Hogenakkal water falls
Day 17: Kalvarayan hills
Day 18: Yelagiri Xtreme Adventures (Zipline , bungee jumping, sling shot, ATV ride 250cc, shooting, archery, water zorbing, human slingshot)
Day 19: Yelagiri Cloud forest park & zoo (animals, birds that sit on our hands & drink from hands, feed rabbits, birds, chicks, bamboo walk, butterfly garden, archery, golf etc)
Day 20: Yelagiri Wild Zone (zurfing, human slingshot, zipline, atv, rope walk, archery, paint gun, ATB biking)
Day 21: Yelagiri Thrill valley (zipline, human sling shot, paintball shooting, atv, rope course)
Day 22: Yelagiri Mountain View adventure park (Zipline, Paintball, ATV, Bunjee Ejection, Giant Swing, Trekking to waterfall)
Day 23: Yelagiri Cuckoo birds park, other attractions
Day 24: Jawadhu hills
Day 25: Sathanur dam & crocodile park, Tapovanam Stay
Day 26: Tapovanam Pada Puja & Tulabaram, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore Stay
Day 27: Vellore fort, golden temple, Armamalai cave. Kanchipuram. Drive back to Chennai

Monday, July 01, 2024

Navagraha Shiva temples

Mangadu Valleeshwarar: Shukran. Shukran's Dasha Bukthi is 20 years, the longest

Poichallur near Pallavaram, Pammal: Agastheeswarar: Shani. Shani Dasha Bukthi lasts 19 years.

Vada Thirunageswaram near Kundrathur. Rahu. Rahu Dasha Bukthi lasts 18 years

Kovur Sundareshwarar: Budhan: Budhan Dasha lasts 17 years.

Paikada near Porur Ramanathswamy Swami, Sivakami Sundari: Guru. Guru Dasha lasts 16 years.

Kundrathur: Kailasanathar: Chandran. Chandra Dasha lasts 10 years.

Gerugambakkam Naganathar Swami: Kethu. Kathu Dasha lasts 7 years.

Poonthamalli Vaitheeshwaran with Chevvai Padam, Thaiyilnakayki: Chevvai (Mars). Chevvai Dasha lasts 7 year.s

Kolappakkam Agastheeshwarar: Suryan: Surya Dasha lasts 6 years.

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Pune pilgrimage

Outstation trips from Pune:

Pandharpur Panduranga Vithoba Vittala: Book darshan ticket online for lesser time in queue

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga

Trishunda Ganapati with 3 trunks

Shirdi Sai

Triyambakeshwar Jyotirlinga

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Mahabaleshwar temple: Shiva Linga in the form of a Rudraksha

Alandi Vitthal temple, Dhyaneshwar birthplace

Bhuleshwar temple, Vigneshwari

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga

Neelkhanteshwar temple

Ekvira Devi temple

Narayani Dham temple, Lonavala

Wagheshwar temple

Kondana caves

Bhaja caves

Badami fort

Jejuri Khandoba

Shani Shingnapur

Tuljapur Bhavani Shakti Peetha

Audha Nagnath Jyotirlinga

Naldurg fort

Malshiras Siddheshwar Shiva temple

Akkalkuva Dutta Dattatreya temple