CALIFORNIA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS





Lorena Mitchell
American River College, Geography 350: Data Acquisition in GIS; Fall 2011
(Lorenzoca2mt@yahoo.com)

ABSTRACT
I started my project by searching & downloading data for California. I investigated the data I chose and got familiar with it. I then made the map above in ArcMap to illistrate how many attractions, and the areas they're in, with emphasis on three of my favorites. After I completed my map, I did research on each of the three I picked, getting all of the information and photos I needed from the web. This webpage was created last as a compilation of the previous steps, with the template provided by my instructor modified slightly.

INTRODUCTION
I'm highlighting three of California's most popular tourist attractions. I personally have been to each one of them, and found them very interesting. Here you'll find where they're located, price of admission, photos, and my opinion on each one.

BACKGROUND
The Drive-Thru Tree in Leggit, CA was the first on my list & furthest from my hometown, Sacramento. Its approximately 200 miles away, 4 hours driving time. I wouldn't recommend planning a trip specifically for the tree, but if near there I would definately go out of my way some to see it. I only say this because even if your car is able to fIt through the tree, the whole experience is still over in a matter of seconds. On the other hand it is a living tree in a beautiful Redwood forest, with trees that have been around hundreds of years. The scenary itself is impressive, and it's a perfect place for a rest stop, or picnic area. I personally enjoyed seeing it years ago, if your in a car with a sunroof you can see all the way up inside the tree, its completely hollowed out. It was a perfect place to take a break from driving and enjoy nature. (DriveThru Tree) will offer you any more information you could possibly need.

Old Faithful is second & probably the most popular on my list. Located off E I-80 about 90 miles, a hour and fourty-five minutes away. The "geyser" is technically an artificial vent. Most likely created accidently by someone drilling for water, and tapped into a natural hydrothermal system. (Wyoming Jones 1997) can inform you about this in further detail. The "geyser" spews scalding hot water 60-100 feet strait up in the air about every 30 minutes. I found it particularily interesting to watch, and the kids that I was occompanied with really got a kick out of it. There is actually 2 other Old Faithfuls' titled such for their timing, other than this one. This is another case where the scenary is as much of a treat as the geyser. I would make this trip again for photo oppertunities alone.


Finally my favorite, The California Caverns! This cavern is the closest to Sacramento out of the three, but not by much. Located in Mountain Ranch, CA its about 75 miles, or a hour & forty minutes away. I loved the tour I had went on & the guide was friendly and informative. The shimmering crystalline formations are amazing, stalagtites ranging from small to large clinging to the cave ceilings. The experience is definately worth the trip and cost. I found it enchanting, it seems like a whole nether world. Its hard to explain the cross between the beauty and spookyness of the cave you just have to go and see for yourself. I've provided a couple pictures, and my opinion, for more information on the cavern refer to (Cavern Tours)