Hello from Dave at the Green Tortoise Adventure Travel
This is the first "adventure travel" blog entry. Many people don't realize that the Green Tortoise started as an adventure travel company, and the hostels came later. Yes, it was just one man, one bus, and one big dream. Somehow, the dreaam turned into a variety of trips, from 2- to 36-days long, as close to San Francisco as Yosemite National Park, and as far as the East Coast (USA), Alaska, and Central America. Even the shortest trip on the Green Tortoise is an adventure. It's sounds corny, but it's true! It starts with our passengers. Who takes the Green Tortoise? Well, the same type of person that stays at the Green Tortoise hostels: fun people who want to explore the world and get to know people.
So hop on the Green Tortoise and ride in style. Our sleeper coaches are custom-built (by us), with an emphasis on sociability and comfort. So you aren't stuck in one seat, staring at the back of someone else's head. Instead, you can sit at a dinette table and get a game of cards going. Or lie down in comfort and take a nap, any time of day. At night, if we aren't camping, the bus interior converts so everyone gets to sleep laying down! Our unique bus interior allows us to do much of the driving at night, with more time during the day, outside and enjoying the destinations. Our gourmet, group prepared meals, add to the fun and value.
Death Valley National Park
Spring is the perfect time to visit Death Valley National Park. The
days are sunny and warm, and nights are cool. Recent rains mean there's
a good chance for a spectacular wildflower bloom, and we've got two
more trips this season, departing March 13 and March 27, 2009. Death Valley is a wonderland of strange landscapes, like the colorful Golden and Mosaic Canyons, the lowest point in North America (Badwater) and the giant Mesquite Sand Dunes. But my favorite things about Death Valley are the spectacular scenic drives, the hike around (or into) Ubehebe Crater, and the star-filled night sky.
Green Tortoise Death Valley trips leave from San Francisco late on Friday night, and return early on Tuesday morning (pick ups and drop offs are also available in Bakersfield, for LA or Las Vegas area travelers). For more information, click the link below:
Baja Beach Daze
We've also got two more trips this season to Baja California, Mexico. The highlight of this trip is the 5 days at our eco-camp on the Sea of Cortez, called Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach!). The landscape here is spectacular. Our beach camp is wedged between the blue sea and the towering Sierra Gigante (Giant Mountains!). Swimming and snorkeling is excellent here, and the hiking is too. We've got optional planned activities here (kayaking, mule rides, boat ride), but you may want to spend time on your own. It's your choice! But there's more to Baja--stops in Loreto, San Ignacio, and Ensenada give you time to try the local cuisine, shop for arts and crafts, or get to know some locals. Bring your camera--Baja is totally photogenic!
Green Tortoise Baja Beach Daze trips depart San Francisco on Friday night, with pickups in Los Angeles and San Diego on Saturday morning. Drop offs are available in all three locations. For more info, click this link:
Next time you're in San Francisco (staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel, of course) be sure to stop by our travel office, located right inside the hostel, and say hello. Or maybe we'll just see you on the bus!
Dave@GT
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