USA West Coast Driving Tour

[Surfdaddy]

Oh, and SciFi Fan, you should let me know about your Sci Fi interests, too!

[SciFiFan53]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surfdaddy Oh, and SciFi Fan, you should let me know about your Sci Fi interests, too!

I like the hard-core technology based sci-fi - stuff that is based on current best science knowledge extrapolated into the future. Still have a fondness for "first contact" stories. I don't like the current trend to put all fantasy into the sci-fi genre and also don't like the the bizzarro sci-fi stuff that seems like a drug-induced dream.
We have been living out of the US for 2 years, so haven't had access to much in that time. Got some recommendations for books by Neal Stephenson(sp?) that I will start on after we get back to the US in December. Any other recommendations?

[Surfdaddy]

Not familiar with Neil. Absolutely read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card if you haven't already. Also Childhood's end by Arthur C. Clarke. One of my favorites is The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Heinlein, but that one is a little harder to read -- but it is very funny and touching.

Let us know when you decide what you will do for your vacation, we'd like to hear about it!

[F4mandolin]

Eastern Oregon hides some beauties, as long as desert doesn't bother you. Plenty of mts in places. Plenty of empty empty roads....one of the least populated areas of the US.

[walkinwood]

To add to surfdaddy's itinerary (thank you!), see Mt. St. Helens. Its a remarkable landscape, and it isn't too far off the route.

[F4mandolin]

Ahhh, Mt St Helens....Hmmmm, I grew up in Castle Rock near the mtn, I was there when it blew up (much to the chagrin of my uncle who lost his brand new home on the toutle)....isn't that much to look at. I would put it in a big "you gotta go there" before the blow up.....Spirit Lake was a great place to be during the summer. Quiet....peaceful....plenty of fish, rivers clean and clear....no more (kind of negative sounding but.....). If it this is a "see the things that most people don't" tour.....go elsewhere. The good part....if you only want to leave I-5 for 30 miles or so it works.