re: #282 lawhawk

I was in CA a few weeks back, and went to Death Valley and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. Within 85 miles of each other, you can go from the lowest point in the western hemisphere (-282 feet below sea level) to the tallest peak in the lower 48 - Mount Whitney 14,505 feet). To say that the elevation change is extreme between the two is an understatement.

It’s also the most fun I’ve had driving in years.

I haven’t been in the mountains in California yet. But I did get to drive over the Cascades in Oregon a few times (Portland <-> Bend). Desert to Temperate Rain Forest, with the altitude-induced environmental changes tossed in as well. The Columbia River Valley is also really interesting as well.

And if you ever get up into southern Oregon Crater Lake is a must see if you can manage it.