Could easily be snowing in the higher elevations that time of the year so rain gear/warm clothes should be a consideration. See the General Sherman Tree. It's an incredible sight among all the other magnificent sequoias.

Gave up on printed photo publications. Became mostly advertisements. Only subscribe to Consumer Reports and National Geographic. B&H has monthly targeted articles, some of which are very good and they are FREE. Youtube has an incredible number of articles also free.

You'll find this in the guide books but don't miss the Wawona groves in Yosemite. Magnificent large and beautiful trees. Start early to get some great photos. Also the Humboldt groves further north near the California border. Awesome trees. Have a great trip.

I sympathize with the complexity issue. I am 4 days from turning 86. I have taken a different approach. I have tried (sometimes unsuccessfully!) to minimize the amount of PP processing that a photo requires by doing most of the work in the camera. That is not always possible. Don't know what your dad likes to photograph. But it might be an approach that reduces his frustration level. I have a canon 6D and the software (DPP) that comes with it meets my needs. Picture taking is supposed to be fun. I try to bear that in mind when I screw up. Good luck with your search.
alfaman

Here's to G.A.S. being alive and well. Happy Birthday. Enjoy your new toy. I'm coming up on my 86th in June and definitely feel a G.A.S. building. Isn't it fun.

Agree with all of the above. You can also write to the state of Utah and they will send you a raft of info on all of their national parks. Do not miss Deadhorse Point if you can manage it. The views are incredible. No crowds since it is off the beaten path. Went there in 2014 and can't wait to go back again. Have a great trip.

My wife and I have traveled all over Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa over a period of thirty years and never had any problems. Those include Rome, the Vatican, Paris, London, Quito, Lima, the Galapagos, Machu Pichu, Moscow, St Petersberg, Well you get the idea. I take one camera and two lenses plus a p/s. Have been on subways, buses, streetcars, in crowds and have taken over 15k pictures. You can choose to be paranoid or not and have a good time. Good personal photographic equipment management habits should stand you in good stead. Have a great trip!

Adding my two cents: Been dealing with B&H since my T90 days and have had nothing but positive experiences. Recently ordered an off camera flash bracket for a 580EX2. It looked kind of flimsy with plastic mounting hardware. Was not sure that a $500 flash would be secure on it. Called B&H and wanted to return it. Their sales person said the cost did not justify sending it back. He said to keep it or throw it away and credited me with the cost of the bracket. So he not only looked out for me but also B&H. Customer and business oriented.

Yes, google will be dropping support for Picasa in three months. Go to the google page and look up Picasa for for the specifics. There will be a transition period, however.

No word from Costco photo in Rocklin, California. That dept is ALWAYS busy. Almost daily receive email advertising their photo processing capabilities.

Ordered a U.S.A. model 6D from them. received an import version. When I called them I was told that it was shipped by mistake and there were NO DOMESTIC BODIES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. They were still advertising USA models! Returned it and won't deal with them again
If it looks to good to be true..you know the rest.

We went to Africa in 1996 (before all the security issues that face us now). We did our own research (two couples)and used Park East Africa Safaris (still in business). It was a 17 day trip. We started in Kenya and then went to Tanzania. We were in Small Toyota 6 passenger vehicles with raised roofs so you could stand or sit. There were twelve of us in the group. The trip leaders were exceptional and the entire experience was extraordinary. Our accommodations were first class. There was no limit on what camera equipment you could bring. This was predigital. My camera at the time was a Canon T90 and my longest lens was a soligor 250mm with a tc. It was long enough to get some very good shots. I used mostly kodachrome and some ektachrome. The trip was not cheap (even then!) but it was worth it. Digital technology brings in a whole new dimension. Whomever you choose have a great trip.
Alfaman

I have a Tokina 16-28mm F2.8 that worked very well on a recent trip to Paris and Normandy. Purchased at B&H for $549.00.

Just returned (June 6th) from Paris to Normandy on a riverboat and extended to St Malo/Mont St Michel. Used a 28/135mm, Tokina ultrawide 16/28mm F2.8. With my 6D was able to crank up the iso enough to use without flash in the darker cathedrals. Notre Dame/Eiffel Tower/L'arc de Triomphe need a wide angle along with the Champs Elysee. Lots to see. Took over 1100 pictures. Difficult to avoid the crowds. Have a great time. Lots of good food and wine.

I didn't see it mentioned but June lake off of 395 has some gorgeous lakes and scenery. Also, you will be passing Mammoth lakes (ski area) and you can take a gondola ride up to the top of Mammoth Mountain and see some spectacular views of the sierras. Just check on the weather; right now it is snowing lightly there.