California dreaming

Galen Rowell's favorite lens for mountain photography (in Yosemite and elsewhere) was a Nikkor 24/2.8. Yosemite is a feast for the eyes. There's lots to photograph w/ whatever kit you bring, but I'd still want to have a wide for narrow canyons and waterfalls.
 
Here's a few tips from a RFF member (me) who has been living the last 20 years near the area your going to be traveling:

1) Buy gas and fill-up well before you enter Death Valley. There are few are no gas stations there, and the distances are HUGE. Any gas you can find there will be double anywhere else. Be sure to stop at the visitors center - fascinating to visit.

2) Vegas and that area is cheap for tourists if you don't gamble. Week days are cheapest. The food, accommodations, and shopping are good. Don't expect European class of course - it's pure Americana at it's best and worst!

3) Walgreen's drug chain does a good job processing C41 in less than an hour. They are all over California - I don't know about Nevada, but I think they are national.

4) San Francisco is a good city for dining. Visit China town for great food at good prices. The sea food restaurants are also nice in other parts of the city, but not particulary cheap. The bridges over the bay are not to be missed (Golden Gate and Bay Bridge). Carmel is great fun.
 
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I grew up in Carmel and agree with Rob that 17 Mile Drive pales in comparison to Point Lobos. If you have the time for a little further drive south to Big Sur I'd check out Andrew Molera, Bixby Bridge, and Nepenthe.
 
Thank you so much for all the great responses - much appreciated.

My intentions were to take a 28/50/75 set as standard but I can never resist throwing in the 15mm VC as it's so small and has proven its value time and time again. I'll probably also add my new 135/4 as it could be handy and is a pleasingly compact lens. I'll also take my tabletop tripod.

I shall now continue my research about all the great places to try and see - whilst recognising that I can't see everything in one trip...

Kind regards
Austerby
 
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