Letters: Headed to Lee Vining, Calif.? Take this advice with you

I found the Lee Vining article so annoying that I actually put down the Travel section to write this email [“You Can’t Help But Be Hooked” by Hugo Martin, April 3]. To characterize the Whoa Nellie Deli’s menu as “humble” is ridiculous. Lobster taquitos anyone? Ahi sashimi?

There are many other such items on the menu, all beautifully presented. And that meatloaf the author mentioned? It’s made of buffalo — not really your ordinary meatloaf at all. The last time we were there they had daily specials that approached gourmet status.

It would have been nice if the author had mentioned that there is a boat that will ferry you across Saddlebag Lake to the trailhead. I suppose people would find that out once they got there, but it would be good if they were prepared for the cost.

Without the ferry you’re looking at an additional three miles of hiking above and beyond the eight miles mentioned in the article.

If travel articles are supposed to prepare you, then this is a major failure. Hikers don’t usually carry a lot of money, so you’d most likely be stuck with hiking those extra miles, fuming all the while at Martin’s lack of thoroughness.

Nancy Long

Long Beach

Chasing the best airfares

Regarding airfares [“What to Expect With Airfares,” by Catharine Hamm, April 3]: She offered good advice.

Times readers who have a membership with the Automobile Club of Southern California might be interested to know they can get great fares on the club’s Web page.

I just purchased a round-trip, first-class ticket from Los Angeles to New York for $775.20 (which includes all taxes). Not bad when most coach seats start at $400 and up.

David Tulanian

Los Angeles

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Hamm’s information about chasing the lowest fares was very helpful. You may be aware of a website that has been around for a long time: Yapta.com

I have used it on several occasions when I was looking far in advance of my travel date. I input potential flights, and it keeps track of the prices, producing a graph after a period of time.

It’s a good barometer of the price range I can expect to pay. Several years ago a fare I was watching nearly tripled for about 36 hours, then went back to its former range. Glad I didn’t have to book during that slice of time.

Thanks for keeping us informed.

Marcia Hanford

Glendale