the US doesn’t seem to have to the same kind of snobbery levels that exist in the UK. It really does make a pleasant change. In fact it has to be said that the stereotypical view that exists in the UK towards Americans is so totally wrong. They are some of the friendliest, kindest and most helpful people we have come across in all of our travels, nothing is ever too much trouble. America has been a hugely pleasant surprise and California is simply wonderful.

Our first stop on our journey down the coast was Santa Cruz, famous for its traditional funfair and university. We decided to take the coast road all of the way which meant driving through San Francisco, which isn’t too difficult as everything is in blocks so you really can’t get too lost! The only real problem we have encountered whilst driving in America is the lack of signposts. American signposts are particularly rubbish, they are

always last minute and there aren’t very many of them! But that aside Rob managed to navigate us through the city without to much difficulty.

The drive down to Santa Cruz was very picturesque and we arrived mid afternoon. The state park campsite we found was very expensive and very busy - they only had approximately 6 available pitches. After chatting with the ranger we realised that this was really our only option as the other campsites in the area were privately owned and would be even more expensive. Having said that the campsite was set in a really nice location and thankfully the pitch we had offered some shade. We had hit Southern California in the height of holiday season and we were humming and harring as to whether we should completely change our plans and go somewhere a little less busy. We browsed our books and toyed with the idea of driving to Kings Canyon but we had already had