Shenandoah Park

So my brother and I went to Shenandoah Park to see the changing colors of the trees for autumn. Here is a background of the park from Wikipedia. Shenandoah National Park encompasses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Piedmont region of Virginia. The national park is long and narrow, with the broad Shenandoah River and valley on the west side, and the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont on the east. Almost 40 % of the land area i.e. 79,579 acres (322 km²), has been designated as Wilderness and is protected as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The park is best known for Skyline Drive, a 105 mile (169 km) road that runs the entire length of the park along the ridge of the mountains. The drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. 101 miles (162 km) of the Appalachian Trail are also in the park. In total, there are over 500 miles (800 km) of trails within the park. Of the trails, one of the most popular is Old Rag Mountain, which offers a thrilling rock scramble and some of the most breathtaking views in Virginia. There is also horseback riding, camping, bicycling, and many waterfalls. The Skyline Drive is a designated as a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

The Color of Autumn in Shenandoah Park

Shenandoah Park-The Entrance

Entrance to the park from March thru November is $15 per vehicle, $8 per pedestrian and bicyclist and $10 motorcyclist. Commercial buses are also subject to entrance fees. Your entrance permit is good for seven consecutive days. An annual Shenandoah Passport costs $30. A 12-month Golden Eagle Passport, good at any national park or national recreation area, costs $65. Pick up either of these passes at park entrance stations. A Golden Access Passport is free to U.S. residents with lifetime disabilities, and a Golden Age Passport is available to U.S. residents 62 or older for a one-time, $10 fee. You can get Golden Eagle, Golden Access or Golden Age Passports at any national park, monument or recreation area that charges entrance fees. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Shenandoah Park -Skyline Drive

This is the Skyline Drive which stretches 105 miles and runs the entire length of the park along the ridge of the mountains. The drive is particularly popular in the fall when the leaves are changing colors. I told you it is long. With twists and turns. That we stop from time to time to admire the views from different elevations. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Shenandoah Park - Camp Trail

There are about five hundred miles of trails that campers, backpackers and mountain climbers can enjoy. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Visitor Center in the Park

There are visitor centers in the park where one can take a break. One of these is this store where books about the camp, wilderness and plants can be purchased. Lots of souvenirs too. There is a logbook where one can write about his/her wild animals sightings while in the park. Infront the visitor center is also a good view of the ridges. Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Visitor Center (Milepost 51) Directly across from Big Meadows. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Sunset and the Ridges

Looking westward during sunset in autumn. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Another Visitor Center and Restroom Area

This is another visitor center stop. The trees in the parking area are of different colors. This is another tree in the same area. Notice the color the of the leaves of the trees. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Trees in Autumn

Afternoon sun lit tall trees during autumn. and not so tall trees as well but with the same color of leaves. Yellow. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Fallen leaves , tree trunk and vines in Autumn

Fallen leaves mixed with drying leaves of creeping vines and dry trunk tree are common sights during Autumn. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Tulip Poplar Trees

The tall symmetrical cones of light golden yellow foliage that puctuate the red, browns, and greens of many fall hillsides of the southern Appalachians are Tulip Poplars. This species has one of the most distinctive leaves of any of our trees, 8-20 cm (3-8") long or wide and broadly notched at the apex. After yellow, the leaves become brown. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Beauty in Dried Twigs, Branches and Trunk of Trees

You can find beauty in the park even in the dried brown leaves, twigs, branches of once beautiful blooming trees. This is the close-up of the core of a trunk of a tree. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Trees in Hillsides During Autumn

Trees in hillsides against a backdrop of late afternoon sun in Autumn. Shenandoah Park,road trip, budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

The Getty Museum

Since its opening in 1997, my friends based in LA had been urging me to visit the place, knowing that I am fond of museums. But hectic schedules prevented me from going to the place. But then that day, I missed one appointment, so off we went to the Getty Museum on a hill. The picture was taken from wikipedia, since my photos were limited only to short distance shots inside the museum complex. As a background, below is the article about Getty Museum. The Getty Center, designed by architect Richard Meier, is the flagship museum of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Its design has feng shui influences. It has a seven-story deep underground parking garage with over 1,200 parking spaces. It is located on a hill in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California overlooking Interstate 405 and is open to the public for free (although there is a charge for parking). The Getty Center is high enough that on a clear day, it is possible to see the snow at Big Bear as well as the Pacific Ocean and the entire Los Angeles basin. Much of the buildings and grounds are made of travertine. Other parts are made of white marble. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-Work of Art

The building stone is travertine, from Bagni di Tivoli, Italy, the same source as the Coliseum, Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica colonnade. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-Arrival Plaza-Museum Entrance

This is where guests get off from the tram. Stairway leads to the main door of the museum. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-The Tram

The trams bring the guest to the museum located on a hill. At first, I did not want to go. I am afraid of heights. But then my companions insisted and advised me not to look outside the tram's window. The ascent is not frightening. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-The Trees

At this angle, you may think that this is just one tree. But when you move backward or forward, you will see that this is only one among the many that lined the different parts of the Getty Museum garden. The trees were planted in a row that when viewed from one side, you only see the tree closest to you. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-Garden-Bouganvilla Trellis

Sculpted trellis fountains forged from rebar overflow with bougainvillea. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum- The Garden Maze

The reflecting pool and maze at the bottom of the Central Garden. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-Rest Areas

Wherever you go, you find trees for shades. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-Outdoor Cafe

Outdoor museum cafe. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum- The Fountain

budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Getty Museum-The Bouganvilla Trellises

There are not only one. There are more with lots of flowers. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Globe

I toured, was toured and then toured guests at the Universal Studios-Hollywood. This is the globe at the entrance of the theme park. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Universal Studios-The Signage

Universal Studios Hollywood opened in July, 1964 as a guided tour through the studio's Los Angeles backlot complex. Visitors boarded trams that took them along various soundstages and set pieces, some in working use for filming and others strictly for the visitors' entertainment. Over the years, Universal added more special-effects laden experiences to the tour, such as Jaws and King Kong. Today, the Backlot Tour is just one of many rides and shows at USH. Allow me to give you a tour via pictures. The person in the pic may not necessarily be me since I may had acted as photographer or I was simply alone touring. We start from the entrance with the big sign. Baka naman mawala pa kayo. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Entrance

This was my third time to visit Universal Studios. My friend drove and dropped us in the morning before she sped away for work. It is our decision to come to the most famous theme park on a weekday. Less people, small crowd. It was early morning and the gates were closed. We decided to hang around near the ticket booth where it was cooler. A family of three approached my bench. Must be Mexicans. The father was asking me in halting English, if I have a ticket. I thought he was inquiring about the purchase of tickets, so I pointed to him the ticket booth and the automated ticket machine. It turned out that he got a coupon for 4 tickets for $ 99 only. I could have pretended that I was their companion but I was worried that it could be a scam. Those travel scams and rip-offs that I watched in the TV made me one suspicious CAT. What if I would be made to pay the whole package when I did not spend a single cent for my ticket. It was courtesy of my friend/host. I saw them walk away. I could see the frustration in the faces of the two kids. I just thought that maybe they will find somebody who will agree to go with them as a family member. Inside, I did not bump into them. Pictures, pictures and more pictures. Not me. I am not the tourist. I am now the guide. Two young men approached and offered to take our photo together. No thank you. I have to admit Mouse that the movie of Mr. Bean with a guy who run away with his camera after offering to take his photo turned me into a paranoid traveler. The camera may not be expensive but it was full of memories even with blank film inside. I do not say that they are scammers, but they do not look like they are going inside the park. Now wait, why did I think of that ? I am talking to myself mouse, do not mind me. I am really PARANOID. So off went to the gate with Halloween decors. Haaah, we were the first in the line. With backpacks and a small cap to protect us from te scorching morning sun, we peered through our shades, shifted our weights from one leg to another, watched cute babies in their strollers as we waited for those staff in costume to open the gates. Then a lady dressed in long black dress came and announced that the gate where we are supposed to gain entry is not going t o be opened. Shuckssss. Why wait for so long to make the announcement? The line already tripled and to disband us would make us go back to square o ne. Two little girls pulled each other hair. I want to pull the hair of the woman, myself. Haah. So we joined another line. I heard familiar language spoken. Ahaaa Filipinos. A family of four, an old woman (maybe the lola), a young couple and a spoiled BRAT were just a few heads away. Those heads walked away to join their friends. Now we were standing next to the Filipino tourists. Come now, why I knew they were tourists and not locals? First, the young woman was carrying a purse(a handbag for you); locals have backpacks regardless of age.The old lady was wearing a Sunday pair of shoes. They did not talk to me. I like to believe that they were haughty. You know if you are not a local and you can go to Universal and Disneyland, your bankbook is healthy. The young man...the husband was friendlier. Must be because, he worked in Singapore and has traveled in a few countries.I have been to Singapore myself and we exchanged notes. He laughed when I told him, I stayed once in Changi Hotel,(Changi airport for you) at the back of those seats with the immaculate carpet as my sleeping mat. The connecting flight was only a few hours apart and staying in the hotel outside the airport was not a practical one.(read: trying to save for one electronic gadget that I desperately want to add to my collections). The wife's smile was a fake. It was like drawing a pic and stretching the lips to both sides of the face in order to make it appear smiling. The brat was pulling the father's hands to get his attention. Time to say..okay cya inside. Then the gates opened. No time to take out the grapes and the apples inside my backpack. No food inside, the warning said. They searched my backpack. A light jacket???. The security frowned. A jacket for this weather....Excuse me, where I came from, it was already cold. I did not know that it was still summer out here. The fruits were missed. Thanks to the jacket. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

Universal Studios-The Tram

This is the tram. This is the only ride where you can get in the soundstages and setpieces. Sakay na. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Fast and the Furios (blue)

The blue car from the movie The Fast and the Furious. Yey budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Fast and the Furios (pink)

This is one of the cars used in the movie The Fast and the Furios. I like the pink color. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Cinema

The Incredible Hulk is a Marvel Comics superhero. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Fast and the Furios (red)

The red car in the movie, The Fast and the Furios. Great color. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Flintstones

Yabayaba dooh. The Flintstones except there is no Fred. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-The Hulk

The Hulk is the alter ego of Dr. Robert Bruce Banner. Banner is a scientist who, as a result of exposure to gamma radiation becomes a large, superhumanly strong, (usually) green creature of pure rage whenever he becomes angry. Although the Hulk is usually classified as a superhero, he and Banner share a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-like relationship. In his most common incarnation, the Hulk has little intelligence and self-control and can cause great destruction. As a result, he has been hunted by the military and other superheroes. Because of this, Banner considers the Hulk a curse. Although an atypical superhero, the Hulk has consistently been one of Marvel’s most popular. In recent decades, the character has been portrayed as a symbol of inner rage and Freudian repression. His existence has been explained as an aftereffect of abuse Banner suffered as a child and latent multiple personality disorder. The Hulk has been featured in several mediums other than comic books, most notably a popular late 1970s/early 1980s television series and a 2003 film. budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS-Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is a 1993 film adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg, of the novel Jurassic Park written by Michael Crichton and published in 1990. The film is followed by The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Jurassic Park III (2001), and Jurassic Park IV in 2008 (expected). I don't know but everytime I get by the place where Jurassic Park is, I get goosebumps. I was expecting that anytime, a dinosaur is going to appear and wolf me down. Scary!!!! budget+travel,Italy,Rome,Vatican City,Switzerland,France,Tower of Pisa,Eiffel Tower,Golden Gate ,Universal Studios,Disneyland