Maria Bartlett's Recommendations


High Sierra Camp

 Miscellaneous Recommendations from Maria Bartlett

  1. This is within the US, and many may already know about this.  The High Sierra Camps in the Sierra Mountains of California offer dorm bunk rooms, cold showers and meals to go from camp to camp without having to carry a backpack and camping gear. I believe there are 7 camps, and each is a day's hike from the other. This is VERY popular so is awarded by lottery. It would be for those in good shape but a great family trip with grandchildren.


I have never actually done these camps.  Years ago, we camped in the Sierras in Yosemite High Country, but we did not do the High Sierra Camps.  The deal with the camps is you do not have to backpack a tent, sleeping bags, etc. because each Camp is one day's hike from the next and food/dorms/showers are at every Camp.  It is an ideal way to see some awesome countryside!  Here is the link to the site: 

 

 

  1. I have another tip. On our trip to India a few years ago, our tour included a stop at the Khajuraho world heritage site of Hindu temples. 20 temples remain of 85 originals built 1000 years ago by the Chandola Dynasty. Very interesting site. We stopped on our way to Varanasi, as I remember. It is central India and not always included but if you have a chance to see it, it is worth it.

  2. During a visit to Napa or Sonomo in California, there is a wonderful art collection to visit. It is the DiRosa Preserve and it includes indoor exhibits and outdoor sculptures across a large landscape.  It is a private collection that is open to the public. Mostly modern and contemporary CA artists as I remember and very interesting.  It is at 5200 Carneros Highway 121, Napa and is essentially on the southern end and between Napa and Sonoma valleys.  It was quite unexpected and very interesting.

  3. It is not international and maybe everyone already knows about this, but the most amazing collection of Tiffany Lamps is on the 4th Floor of the New York Historical Society on Central Park West.  It is part of their permanent collection and goes into the history and the design personalities, etc. Just a wonderful place!! They used to also have an amazing first floor cafe.