Yosemite National Park, originally uploaded by Monty Elm.

This was the first stop during our trip around the Western states: California, Nevada and Arizona. Yosemite Natl Park is located in the far east of California, having driven past the affluent Bay Area, into the agricultural-based Central Valley. Remember your sunmaid raisins? They are probably grown in the Central Valley, together with your stone fruits like peaches, apricots and nectarines. Cherries, oranges and what not... all found here in the Central Valley, where it's piping hot. Beyond that, lies Yosemite. Was Yogi Bear yosemite or yellowstone? Can't remember, but this is a postcard worthy shot of the park, with the cliffs and waterfalls. Quite a number of things along the way but they are mostly cliffs and waterfalls, so i think this photo encapsulates everything about Yosemite. Following Yosemite, we headed out towards the Mojave desert.. not quite Saharan-like, you still get scrubby vegetation peppered across the sandy landscape and the ocassional stunted tree. Again, furnace hot. Crossing the desert takes you into Nevada - the moment you cross the state line, you see Casinos. Just right across the california-nevada border lies a couple of casinos. Handy for people who just wish to gamble and not bother driving another hour in Vegas. Vegas next.