Category Archives: USA / JAV

IPW, USA / JAV

Get Outside in California’s Gold Country 

Hiking, biking, golf, rock climbing, water sports, skiing, snowboarding, camping. When it comes to outdoor adventure, the Gold Country has it all! Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, the region has something for everyone.

National & State Parks

California is home to nine national parks and close to 300 state parks. The gem of the National Park System, Yosemite National Park, is situated in the Gold Country with entrances from three counties: Madera, Mariposa, and Tuolumne. Yosemite may be best known for its magnificent waterfalls and breathtaking granite peaks, but the park is full of dramatic valleys, lush meadows, giant sequoias, and a vast wilderness. Visitors can hike, camp, bike, rock climb, raft or  just look up at El Capitan in awe. The state park system offers dozens of options for outdoor recreation including the Auburn State Recreation Area, Marshall Gold State Historic Park, Emerald Bay State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The terrain of Prairie City State Vehicle Recreation Area varies from flat grasslands to rolling hills to cobbled mine tailings – evidence of the search for gold in the 1800s – which creates exciting trails for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Hiking & Biking

Yosemite National Park is home to many legendary hikes, whether you have your eye on conquering the summit of Half Dome or are looking for an experienced guide to take you on a multi-day hike through the High Sierra. The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is a spectacular site and hikers can take a five mile hike to Wapama Falls. Submit trails completed in Tuolumne County to earn a virtual badge through Visit Tuolumne County’s Trail Heads Program. On the southern side, the Wawona Meadow Loop Trailtraverses one of the largest meadows in Yosemite National Park. The trail is horse-friendly, dog-friendly, and bike-friendly, too. Hikers and bikers on the Arnold Rim Trail will see breathtaking vistas with panoramic views stretching from Mt. Diablo in the Bay Area to snowy Mt. Lyell on the high eastern slopes of the Sierras near Yosemite. El Dorado County is home to arguably some of the most scenic hiking in the United States. At Sly Parkriders can roll through the Sierra foothills’ diverse woodlands with rewarding downhills on the 6.5-mile loop south of the lake or take the loop around the lake with a flat, double-wide trail suited for beginner and intermediate riders. The Lake Clementine Trail is a gorgeous panoramic hike along the North Fork of the American River that passes underneath the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California, and leads to the cascading waterfall of the North Fork Dam at Lake Clementine. Several other hiking and biking trails are located throughout the Auburn State Recreation Area, including sections of the famed Western States Trail that traverses 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn. Hidden Falls Regional Park in Auburn offers 30 miles of multi-use trails with great views for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are just two of the of the region’s vast trail networks boasting unimaginably gorgeous vistas. You’ll find beautiful hiking throughout the foothills with its rolling hills, diverse vegetation, and wildlife. Just east of Sierra City, the Pacific Crest Trail winds itself across Haypress Creek, then emerges at the Yuba River at Loves Falls creating spectacular waterfalls. The sleepy Gold Rush town of Downieville transforms into a mountain bike mecca with world-class downhill and cross-country trails. Downieville has become synonymous with seemingly endless single-track trails running through heavily forested ridgelines, canyons, and mountain streams and rivers and is the home of the 14-mile, 4000-foot descent of the world-famous Downieville Downhill.

“Down the hill” in Sacramento, bikers flock to the 32-mile paved American River Parkway Trail,  which follows the river from Sacramento through Rancho Cordova to Folsom. For more leisurely exploration, hop on tandem and four-some bikes that are big enough for the whole family in Old Sacramento. Rent a road or mountain bike to explore the trails around Lake Natoma in Folsom or just cruise on an e-bike around town. 

Water Sports

The American River through El Dorado County offers an unforgettable experience for water lovers. Made famous by the 1849 Gold Rush, this is the river where James Marshall first discovered gold. Today, the South Fork is California’s most famous whitewater river. Both the upper and lower sections of the American River promise great rapids and gorgeous scenery. The upper section of the American River quickly becomes a rollicking ride over countless rapids such as Meat-grinder, Racehorse, Triple Threat, and the infamous Troublemaker. The South Fork is an intermediate Class III adventure that’s appreciated by rafters of any age and skill level. The North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River in Placer County offer intermediate-advanced Class III-IV+ adventure with spectacular scenery. In Sierra County, the Yuba River provides great Class 4 and 5 whitewater rafting nearly all summer long. Bass Lake is a year-round vacation spot just 19 miles from Yosemite National Park’s south entrance. Bass Lake offers plenty of activities including swimming, water sports, and boating.

The Sac State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma, home to world class rowing championships, offers an assortment of watercraft rentals from boats and kayaks to stand up paddle boards and windsurfers. If you don’t have your own, SUPs and kayaks can be rented at many points along the river. Families can enjoy California’s 4th largest reservoir, New Melones Lake –located off Highway 49. This beautiful environment offers endless gorgeous days of swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The Folsom Aquatic Center, open year-round, offers aquatic fitness activities including lap swim, lessons, aqua aerobics, and a water slide and kids pool activity area.

Rock Climbing 

Rock climbing is having a moment. Between films like “The Dawn Wall” and “Free Solo” and its inaugural spot in the Tokyo Olympics, it seems like everyone is getting into the sport—or at least watching! Gold Country is home to some of the best rock climbing in the west. Why not take a lesson from the Yosemite Mountaineering School? Guides will get you on the highest—or tamest—peaks of Yosemite National Park. While in the area, a stop at the Mariposa Museum and History Center to check out its newest exhibit that traces the history of rock climbing in the Yosemite Valley. Nearby, Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides provides outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels the opportunity to experience rock climbing in Yosemite National Park, and the surrounding wilderness. Revered for their “Backcountry Gourmet” menus and signature “Alpine Start” coffee, this outfitter offers a first-rate approach to spending time in the backcountry.

In Placer County, Donner Summit is a must-do for climbers looking for quality and variety. This destination features trad, multi-pitch trad, sport climbing, and bouldering. Or head into the Auburn Quarry and scale the limestone cliffs of Cave Valley.

IPW, News, USA / JAV

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Launches into the Future With Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex Opening Spring 2022 

In an ongoing mission to bring the epic story of the U.S. space program to life, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex today announced a new attraction. Slated to open in Spring 2022, Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, will focus on the present and future of collaborative space exploration, enabling guests to experience the interstellar travel of tomorrow while celebrating what is happening right now within the space program. It will feature a showcase of NASA and commercial spacecraft hardware with immersive displays, as well as a “journey” through space, unique launch viewing opportunities and more.

The 50,000-square-foot, multi-level attraction, currently under construction in the shadow of the Rocket Garden, will engage and inspire guests through one-of-a-kind experiences, artifacts and exhibits. Featuring a comprehensive collection of modern-day spacecraft, Gateway will offer the opportunity to explore the future of space travel in a way never before possible. Through immersive education, atmospheric effects and a 4D motion theatre, guests will see, experience and feel what it is actually like to travel in space.

The striking façade of the Gateway building is designed to capture attention and spark imagination even before entering. The outside walls are accented with iridescent panels of bright turquoise that will alternate with shades of purple, replicating the constant motion and brilliant colors of the universe.

Upon entering Gateway on the first level, “space travelers” will be greeted with a futuristic design intended to set the stage for their journey. Displayed like massive space sculptures in an outdoor garden, visitors will be surrounded by actual space flown artifacts and full-scale models, placed around the floor and suspended from above to allow 360-degree viewing and interaction. They include:

  • Orion Crew Vehicle from EFT-1 Mission (space flown)
  • Boeing CST-100 Starliner Crew Vehicle (full-scale engineering model)
  • SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, officially known as Booster 1023, which supported two SpaceX missions (space flown)
  • Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser (full scale replica)
  • NASA Space Launch System (scale model)
  • ULA Atlas V and Delta IV heavy (scale model)

As well as offering a “nose-to-nose” view of the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster, Gateway’s second floor features a 30-foot, floor-to-ceiling Robotic Trail Blazers Wall with interactive, touchscreen displays through which guests can learn about almost 40 different satellites and probes in space. Also in this area will be a HoloTube presentation station where guests can learn about the high-powered James Webb Space Telescope by manipulating holographic imagery, video and animation through a touchscreen kiosk.

Nearby, guests will be transported into the future of space travel at Spaceport KSC, the first and only airport of the future. Upon entering the concourse, travelers will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of a galactic spaceport: atmospheric airport chatter will surround travelers as they peer through windows at distant views of active launches and landings. The main concourse features multiple screens that will showcase destination promo videos and departure and arrival information. Guests will then board their “spaceships” – in the form of a two-story, 4D flying theater – for one of four journeys: Cosmic Wonders, Daring Explorers, Red Planet or Uncharted Worlds. Each distinct destination allows for the possibility of a different experience with each visit.

Gateway’s rooftop will be a versatile space for both launch and landing viewing and hosting special events. Affixed to the rooftop will be a Planewave CDK20 Telescope with a Espirit 100mm triplet deep sky APO Refractor, and an Altair 125mm solar refractor will offer access to some of the sky’s most amazing celestial and solar wonders. The stunning images can then be shared for educational purposes.

IPW, Orlando, USA / JAV

What’s New in the Bradenton Area of Florida 

Only an hour’s drive south of Tampa and two hours west of Orlando, the Bradenton Area is an unspoiled slice of Florida people don’t often realise exists. With the perfect combination of wide-open spaces, uncrowded beaches and low-rise accommodations, this is the perfect destination for those looking to unwind when returning to Florida. Recently the area has opened a first of its kind hotel, as well as new restaurants and a revamped pier, ready to welcome international visitors.

Compass by Margaritaville, a brand-new concept in the USA, opened their first property on Anna Maria Sound in July 2020. Offering casual luxury surroundings, stylish guest rooms, a pool, a cocktail bar and stunning views across the water, this is a perfect pit stop for those looking for comfort and style, nestled perfectly in between the beaches and downtown Bradenton.

Two stylish new restaurants have recently opened their doors on Longboat Key; with Shore having opened in late 2019 offering an upscale and sophisticated feel right on the water, and Whitney’s having opened early 2020 offering a more laid-back atmosphere with trendy décor and live music nights.

To add a touch of class to any trip, the first luxury beach set up company opened on Anna Maria Island in the autumn of 2020. Beach Suites takes the hassle out of the holiday by having cabanas, tables, games and more all set up right on the beach. Perfect for friends get togethers, multi-generation families or romantic beach break.

The Anna Maria City Pier is back open after almost a three-year closure. The old-style wooden pier has been given a stylish revamp with floor-level lighting and at the end of the pier, a tasty fish restaurant awaits, as well as the perfect spot to reel in a catch.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in downtown Bradenton celebrates its 75th anniversary this year with the Year of Light, exploring how visible light shapes our world and how harnessing invisible energy expands our scientific understanding of the cosmos.

Bradenton Area and Anna Maria Island is focused on sustainability and efforts to reduce carbon footprint and the impact of exponential tourism.

Ed Chiles, a local business owner, is prominent proponent for several important sustainability initiatives including All Clams on Deck. Ed’s portfolio includes three local restaurants and two farms, one of which is an underwater farm, from which he sources fresh produce including seafood, for his restaurants.  

All Clams on Deck is a Gulf Coast restoration initiative focused on restoring seagrass and high-density clam sites and oyster beds to conserve the health of the eco system and water quality around Bradenton and Anna Maria Island and the surrounding coastline.

Ed pioneered the initiative to restore Pine Avenue, the mile-long main street at the heart of Anna Maria Island, retro-fitting it to achieve Platinum status, the highest green standard you can achieve in the US, leading Pine Avenue to become known as the ‘greenest little main street in America’.

Love It Like a Local is a continuous, evergreen campaign to educate tourists on how to visit the area responsibly, giving consideration to protecting the sea and coastline, the natural habitats of sea turtles and other creatures, use of multi-modal transport, recycling etc. Tourists are also encouraged to take local classes, such as arts and crafts which help them to experience life in the local community during their visit, learn about the local inhabitants (both human and animal) and feed back into the local economy.

-Ends-

For images please visit this dropbox folder

For more information visit bradentongulfislands.com

For UK media enquiries contact Barry Johnston on barry@goshpr.co.uk

About the Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Bradenton Area Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes tourism to Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key through domestic and international advertising, public relations and marketing efforts.  The destination is known for its unspoiled beaches, rich history, the easy pace of island life and a downtown energized with arts, culture and more. For more information, please visit www.bradentongulfislands.com.

Deals, IPW, News, Orlando, USA / JAV

THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO 

Whether it’s a trip for families, couples, single travelers or a group of friends, Orlando is the perfect destination thanks to wondrous diversity that ensures an unforgettable vacation filled with unique experiences for every visitor. In short, you’ll never run out of things to do in Orlando — and you’ll make a lifetime of cherished memories while you’re at it!

For instance, if thrill-seeking is your style, you won’t be able to get enough of our open-air theme parks, expansive water parks and amazing attractions. There’s a lot more for you to discover, though, including dining, shopping, ecotourism and other things you won’t want to miss. So, get out and explore it all — there’s no wrong way to experience Orlando!

Deals, News, Uncategorized, USA / JAV

BREEZE TO LAUNCH 6 NEW NONSTOPS THIS SUMMER 

As part of its expansion at Bradley International Airport, Breeze Airways will begin nonstop service to six destinations this June.

The new destinations include Nashville, TN; Akron/Canton, OH; Savannah, GA; Richmond, VA; Jacksonville, FL; and Sarasota/Bradenton, FL.

“As both a Board Member and Connecticut resident, I’m doubly happy to be at Bradley International to announce six new nonstops from Hartford, bringing Breeze’s total destinations served from here to ten,” said Trey Urbahn, Breeze Airways Board Member. “The expansion is a result of the warm welcome we’ve received in Connecticut.  Keep flying us and we’ll keep adding more and more flights.”

“We welcome Breeze’s significant expansion at Bradley International Airport and the benefits it will bring to our community,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “The six new destinations are a major addition to our route network, supporting continued and strategic growth at Bradley International Airport. We are very pleased to partner with Breeze as they continue to increase their national presence and to offer our passengers added travel options with the introduction of these exciting destinations.”

The new routes will commence operations in June 2022, with the inaugural flights to Nashville, TN; Akron/Canton, OH; Savannah, GA; Richmond, VA and Jacksonville, FL scheduled to start on June 3rd, and flights to Sarasota/Bradenton, FL to commence on June 4th.

The new routes will be operated with Breeze’s fleet of brand-new Airbus A220s, except for the Bradley International Airport to Richmond flights. Other than Nashville, all the destinations are brand new routes to Bradley International Airport.

The airline currently operates nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Columbus, OH; Norfolk, VA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Charleston, SC. In total, Breeze Airways will be offering low-cost, nonstop flights to ten destinations. All flights are on sale at www.flybreeze.com and the Breeze app.

Breeze Airways launched at Bradley International Airport in May 2021. Nine months later, the airline has chosen the airport to become one of its operational bases, with plans to create more local jobs and expand nonstop services.

Among its hallmark offerings, Breeze Airways is committed to low fares with booking flexibility that includes no change or cancellation fees for flights changed or cancelled up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Breeze Airways was founded by David Neeleman and is his fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil’s Azul, Canada’s WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines.

News, Uncategorized, USA / JAV

New Orleans Jazz Fest is Back 

Louisiana is delighted to confirm one of its legacy festivals will return this year with an ever-impressive line-up of iconic artists. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell recently announced the music line-up for the much-anticipated 2022 Festival, scheduled over two weekends: 29th April – 1st May and 5th – 8thMay 2022.
 
Jazz Fest returns with the fabulously fun celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana, alongside unforgettable performances by nationally and internationally renowned guest artists to create one of the world’s most diverse musical festival line-ups. 
   
The line-up for 2022 includes the following performers; The Who, Stevie Nicks, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Buffett and The Coral Reefer Band, Luke Combs, Lionel Richie, The Black Crowes, Willie Nelson & Family, Erykah Badu, The Avett Brothers, Norah Jones, Lauren Daigle, Ludacris, Billy Strings, Nelly, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Death Cab for Cutie, Ziggy Marley: Songs of Bob Marley, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, Lukas Nelson & POTR, Randy Newman, Melissa Etheridge, Boz Scaggs, Kool & the Gang, Third World, CeeLo Green As…”Soul Brotha #100” (A James Brown Tribute), Irma Thomas, Big Freedia and The Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Deals, USA / JAV

Rocky Mountaineer’s Epic Train Journeys: Rockies to the Red Rocks 

Experience the American Southwest by luxury train on Rocky Mountaineer’s newest route, Rockies to the Red Rocks. From vast canyons and chromatic deserts, to red sandstone landscapes that twist through the bright blue sky, this stunning rail route is filled with highlights best seen from our expansive glass-dome coaches. The two-day train journey travels between Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The breathtaking scenery is complemented by vibrant storytelling, regionally-inspired cuisine and impeccable service.

Journey through two days of extraordinary landscapes between Moab, Utah and Denver, Colorado. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. Available in SilverLeaf Service, this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with highlights best seen by train,  including Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield and crossing the Continental Divide. If you want to explore more, you can also book one of our carefully curated packages, with options to start or end your journey in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. 

Deals, Ireland, News, USA / JAV

Dublin-Seattle Route Recommencing in May 

Aer Lingus will reinstate its direct flight route from Dublin to Seattle on 26th May. The five-times a week service will fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which will unveil an expanded international arrivals facility this spring. Improvements include eight new gates, increasing passenger capacity and reducing connection time, and a new aerial walkway connecting passengers to the South Satellite terminal. From world-class museums and galleries to farm-to-fork restaurants and indie boutique shops, there’s plenty for Irish travellers to enjoy in Seattle.

Skyline from the Waterfront
Pike Place Market
Deals, IPW, Las Vegas, News, USA / JAV

‘Wind Dancer’ Grand Canyon Excursion with Maverick Aviation 

Depart the Las Vegas Strip and start your journey to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. Soar over the iconic Hoover Dam while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Mead and the Mojave Desert. Enjoy intimate views of Temple Rock, a unique rock formation on the shoreline of Lake Mead and Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano.

The ground drops away as you enter the Grand Canyon, descend and land 3,500 feet below the rim at a private landing area on Hualapai Indian Territory. Champagne, beverages and a snack box are served approximately 300 feet above the mighty Colorado River. Witness the stunning red rock formation of the Bowl of Fire from the air as you return to Las Vegas.

Conclude your adventure with a breath-taking flight over the Las Vegas Strip and above the mega-resorts. The Wind Dancer is approximately 4 hours (hotel to hotel).

Deals, IPW, News, Orlando, UK, USA / JAV

Take a trip to the city made for thrill-seekers Orlando 2022

The heart of Florida is home to world-famous theme parks, Disney delights and exhilarating studios. Venture to Orlando – made for family-fun and grown-up giggles.

A holiday to Orlando is an adventure for the senses. Let your laughter out, feel the wind ripple through your hair on rollercoaster rides and watch wildlife with wonder when you arrive in Florida. Orlando is the ultimate hub of excitement, bursting with fly high rides and make-a-splash water parks – with entertainment for everyone. Find fairy tale magic in Walt Disney World, meet the most loveable characters and watch fireworks light up the night over Cinderella’s Castle. Discover the energy of Universal Orlando Resort, with its white-knuckle rides and memorable movie moments.

See the vibrancy of International Drive. Start with Denny’s for a mammoth breakfast of oversized pancakes, then venture through the enthralling upside-down world of Wonderworks. Shopaholics can lose themselves in Orlando International Premium Outlets, with its discounted designers and oodles of frozen yogurt stalls. Or head over to glistening Lake Eola’s downtown, for the colourful Sunday farmer’s market and free yoga on the lawn. If taking a swing on golfing greens is more your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Orlando. Soft sand banks, palm trees and crocs in the water hazards – watch out.

Enjoy different activities every day of your Orlando experience.

USA / JAV

Summer in New York, Top 6 Things to Do – Silvija Travel Tips

From the spectacular skylines and stunning architecture to the sensational food culture and superb art scene, summer in New York is an adventure like no other. As the balmy breeze replaces the wintry air, New York evolves into an urban jungle filled with street performers, artists, food stalls, festivals, markets and more.

The possibilities are endless in the iconic ‘city that never sleeps’ from kayaking the Hudson River to Shakespeare in the Park and everything in between. Start planning your summer in New York with our travel expert Amanda’s list of the top attractions and events that you will only experience in the Big Apple.

Union Square Greenmarket


Established in 1967, the famous Union Square Greenmarket hosts the largest gathering of regional farmers, bakers, and fishers around and provides New Yorkers with the best locally grown and sourced foods the area has to offer.

Frequented by locals and chefs, Greenmarket produces a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, artisan bread, jams, pickles, cut flowers, wine, coffee, ciders, honey and more

Explore Central Park


Escape to scenic Central Park to enjoy an afternoon of literary readings, boating on the lake, or sunbathing in Sheep’s Meadow. Summer activities include walking tours, catch and release fishing, yoga, running and fitness tours, hiking, and overnight camping. Visitors can also borrow a Field Day Kit consisting of a wiffle ball and bat, football, soccer ball, frisbee, jump ropes, cones and more from the North Meadow Rec Center.

Coasters at Coney Island


Coney Island – this legendary New York landmark is the epitome of American pop culture with its renowned boardwalk, iconic attractions, and scenic ocean views. For decades this waterfront promenade has been a nostalgic retreat from the sweltering pavements in the city and offers movie nights, concerts, shopping, rides, boardwalk games, a sandy beach, Friday night fireworks, and the ever-popular Mermaid Parade.

Kayak the Hudson River


A great way to stay cool during the summer in New York is to hop in a kayak and soak in what is arguably some of the best views of Manhattan from the Hudson River. Kayaking the Hudson is a unique urban adventure for all ages and skill levels. Experience the tranquil river while you are surrounded by the distant sounds of the urban jungle and picturesque views of the cityscape.

Top of the Rock


The historic landmark of the Rockefeller Center offers visitors the opportunity to shop, dine and explore the city from a vantage point unlike any other. This famous New York attraction is known for its unique shopping experience, live recordings of popular shows, and the iconic observation deck complete with unobstructed 360-views of the cityscape. With something for everyone and unlimited Instagram-worthy opportunities, the Rockefeller Center is perfect for tourists wanting to feel on top of the world.

Bike the City

Rather than spending hours on your feet, or on a bus that glides past every landmark, New York bike tours offer a convenient alternative to exploring everything the city has to offer. Biking provides tourists with the opportunity to cover more ground, interact with the city, explore hidden gems, and dive further into the diverse neighbourhoods of New York.

To book your holiday in New York contact youur local travel agent.

www.delfi.lt
IPW, USA / JAV

Palm Springsas ir Joshua tree nacionalinis parkas Pietų Kalifornijoje, JAV

Palm Springsas ir Joshua tree nacionalinis parkas Pietų Kalifornijoje, JAV. Kur bekeliautum visada neapsakomai įdomu susipažinti su dar nematytomis vietovėmis, susipažinti su vietiniais žmonėmis ir jų kultūra. 

Lankydamasi pietų Kalifornijoje, JAV, turėjau puikią galimybę pakeliauti po Palm Springsą. Tai kurorto juosta Coachella slėnyje šalia Joshua Tree nacionalinio parko.

Labai neįprastas vaizdas atsiveria kai karštą dieną kepinant saulei keliauji po dykumą su snieguotomis San Jacinto kalnų viršūnėmis.

Palm Springsas yra vienas žinomiausių pietų Kalifornijos kurortų. Čia visada gausu įvairaus amžiaus lankytojų,  besimėgaujančių puošniomis palmėmis ir sodriai žaliomis golfo aikštelėmis. Klimatas čia nepriekaištingas-net 355 saulėtos dienos per metus.

Trumpam poilsiui stabtelėjome viešbutyje„Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa”, įsikūrusiame nuostabiame Coachella slėnyje. Tai tikra dykumos oazė Kalifornijoje. Po svetingo priėmimo, gausaus ir gardaus maisto , pasigrožėję kraštovaizdžiu vėl patraukėme į dykumą.

Užsukome į „BMW Performance” vairavimo mokyklą, esančia Palm Springso dykumoje. Čia smarkiai padidinome savo adrenalino kiekį. Didžiuliai dulkių debesys pakildavo iš po ratų, kai riaumojantys lenktyniniai BMW automobiliai lyg šokių aikštelėje darydavo įvairius žadą atimančius veiksmus. 

Kiek baugoka, bet tu gi žinai  jog profesionalūs instruktoriai ir platus takelis užtikrina tavo saugumą .

Po įspūdžiais kupinos dienos apsistojome “Palm Mountain Resort” kad atgauti jėgas kitos dienos kelionei. Labai šiltas priėmimas, gardus maistas ir baseinas po atviru dangumi puikiai atgaivino. 

Sekančią dieną mūsų laukė kelionė “Red Jeep Tours”. Raudono Džipo vairuotojas-tai tikrai profesionalus vadovas. Jis be galo įdomiai, su linksmomis istorijomis ir legendomis papasakojo apie Caguilla indėnų protėvių istoriją, kultūrą, gyvenimo būdą ir legendas. Stulbinantys uolienų dariniai ir didžiulės vėduoklinės palmės bei daugiau nei 150 augalų rūšių vilioja keliautojus į šias vešlių palmių oazes. Tai viena didžiausių natūralių palmių oazių Šiaurės Amerikoje. Karštą dykumos saulė truptį vargino, tad buvo neapsakomai smagu pasimėgauti gaiva paslėptoje vandens oloje, kur vanduo teka didžiąją metų dalį.

Pasigrožėjus Kalifornijos dykumos oazėmis laikas pakilti į šalia esančius kalnus. Pakilomė daugiau kaip 2,5 km. į kvapą gniaužiančias Chino kanjono uolas San Jacinto valstybiniame parke. Aukštyn mus kėlė “Palm Springs Aerial Tramway” – didžiausias pasaulyje besisukantis oro tramvajus. Lėtai besisukant tramvajaus vagonui maždaug dešimties minučių kelionės metu galėjome grožėtis  įspūdingais vaizdais, atsiveriančiais slėnio apačioje. Pasiekę viršutinę kalnų stotį – 8 516 pėdų – 2600 m aukštį apžvalgos aikštelėse mėgavomės įspūdingu kraštovaizdžiu. Čia yra visų mėgiamas 50mylių-80,5km. pėsčiųjų takas kur daugelis keliauja su palapinėmis pasiruošę pabūti gamtos apsuptyje keletą dienų.

Mūsų kelionė Kalifornijos Dykuma tęsėsi. Kitą dieną mūsų tikslas buvo “Joshua Tree National Park”.Nuostabaus grožio Trumpalapių Jukų  Nacionalinis  Parkas yra  didžiulė saugoma teritorija pietų Kalifornijoje. Parko plotas 3 200 km2. Jame susiduria dvi dykumos – Mojave ir Kolorado. Joshua Tree nacionalinis parkas nėra panašus į jokią kitą vietą pasaulyje. Joshua medžiai, nors ir panašūs į medžio ir kaktuso mišinį -tai visai ne medžiai ir iš tikro priklauso jukoms. Jos turi ne medieną, o agavoms būdingą pluoštą. Jų čia labai daug ir kitur jų nerasi. Jukos gali išgyventi šimtus ir net tūkstantį metų! Aukštis – iki 15 m. Nepakartojamo grožio dykumos peizažą papildo milžiniški rieduliai. Įspūdingai atrodo didžiuliai  akmenys su gamtos sukurtais veidais ant uolos .Gražios kalnų ir slėnių panoramos. O galbūt tai: „Aš vis dar neradau to, ko ieškau”,( “I still haven’t found what I’m looking for,”) – roko baladę, kurią išgarsino Roko grupę U2 iš jų 80-ųjų albumo „The Joshua Tree”.  

Kasmet į Joshua tree nacionalini parką atvyksta daugybė žmonių, norinčių pasimėgauti giedru dangumi ir grynu oru, ramybe, tyla ir grožiu, kurį galima pamatyti tik dykumoje.

Amerikoje plyti daugybė nenusakomo grožio kampelių, kuriuos sukūrė gamta. Kiekvienas mano apsilankymas USA palieka daugybę įspūdžių ir su kiekviena kelione aš vis labiau įsimyliu Ameriką! 

#IPW #USA #PalmSprings