Day 24: Death Valley to LAX

Up early this morning. Breakfast at 7:45 then on the road. A lot to do today. See a few of the geologic highlights of Death Valley before heading for Barstow ( and some serious shopping), before heading to LA to drop of the car and hit the airport do head to Australia.

Well as we drove Death Valley we visited artist drive, Devils golf course and bad water. From there it is 55 miles to highway and then onto Barstow. Now things began to go wrong. Not only was the road to Scotty's Castle closed, but the through road from Badwater was closed as well. This caused us to back track down the valley. This added about 90 minutes travel time. So, didn't arrive at Barstow until around 2:15 pm. Had stopped for gas at Barker. Had a pit stop hotdog for lunch.

Had to be on the road again for LA around 3:15. Thinking it was only 2 hours to LAX. Oh how wrong we were. The traffic was horrendious. Using Google active maps we managed via a very convoluted route to get to the Alamo rental car return by 6:15 pm. Congestion around LA was unbelievable. One piece of congestion took around 35 minutes to navigate.

Drop off the car and transferred to LAX and checked in. Now my age began to show. I left my travel document folder and unframed print in a public bathroom. Discovered my blunder only after passing through immigration and screening. On Regans advice I stopped two security personnel. They just weren't interested. One was busy going somewhere to stop and Evan talk to me. To shorten the story, we re-traced my steps and found my rolled up print, but no travel folder (this turned up at the desk prior to our boarding). 

As we boarding our Airbus 380 it began to rain.

Flight to Sydney went very well, all 14 hours of it. Fell asleep almost immediately.

Arrived in Sydney around 8:30 in the morning. It was already 30 degrees. After the cool to cold of the US it was a shock.

Finally arrived in Wellington around 3 pm, grabbed a taxi to the lounge lizards flat and picked up our car. Arrived in Greytown around 5 pm. Pleased to be back, but very tired.

Day 23: Las Vegas to Death Valley

Late start. Joined up with Kerry and Regan around 11 am, then hit the road towards Death Valley. Visiting Scotty's Castle is off the menu. The area where the castle is located was hit with a very large flash flood just before we left, so visiting there is a no go. The road is closed. Won't be open until Fall 2016.

On the road to Beatty we passed a couple of chicken ranches, Regan wasn't interested in stopping.

Late lunch at Beatty (great sandwhiches).

Stopped of at Rhyolite (ghost mining town), then entered Death Valley and Firnace Creek Ranch Resort. Temperature now around 22 degrees, which is very pleasant.

Tonight is packing night. Especially for Kerry and Regan.

Tomorrow its down to LA and the flight home.

That's it. Really getting a little tired of travelling. Don't have the resilence I once had when it came to travelling. Regan and Kerry are busy planning their next trips to the US. Regan said tonight he enjoyed travelling the Loneliest Highway (which I agree with). Both of us dislike interstate driving, way too many big rigs (and I mean big) make the driving dangerous (all are travelling around 70 to 80 mph, so little room for error).

Tomorrow. We will explore Death Valley as we move toward Barstow, then it's down to Hollywood and little last minute and I do mean last minute shopping.

This trip has been very, very good. Have visited a number National Parks which have geological features or pre-european history. I guess my aim would be continue driving Route 50 (Lincoln Highway all the way to the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland). Maybe next year, who knows?

Day 22: Shopping Las Vegas style.

After a quick but fulling breakfast we grabbed the bus to The Fashion Mall (didn't open until 11 am). Decided to take in a show tonight. Either Love or Zoomanity (R18). Went to tixt outlet. Was told that the Mirage (where love is playing) had 2-for-1 deals on tickets. Zoomanity was not playing today. So, after a little shopping we caught the bus down or up the strip ( I have no sense of direction) to the Mirage. No such deals, buggar.

Found another Tixt outlet and after a long time in the que, finally got two tickets for the 7 pm show. I hate crowds and queues.

After a quick bite to eat, we caught the express bus to the southern outlet mall. Had a few hours shopping. Fun, Fun, Fun.

The show "Love" was very, very good (based on The Beatles music). Had very good seats (second row from the stage).

After the show we explored the Forum and its many, many shops.

Had a late dinner at a very expensive Sea food and steak resturante. The crab cakes were great.

Walked back to the Paris Hotel and hit the sack. A busy, busy day. Just the mass of humanity unsettles me.

Tomorrow off the Death Valley.

Day 21: Kingman to Las Vegas

Left Kingman after a wee bit of tiki touring around. Regan needed to return a sim card to Amazon. Needed to find a UPS office as against the local post office (as was suggested from a third party.

First stop for the day was Route 66 Oatman (home of the burroughs/ donkeys). Kerry and Regan had fun feeding them. The fowls had tags on their forehead telling visitors not to feed (as they are still on mothers milk). Witnessed a shoot out between 4 cowboys (bandits). After Oatman, we hit Nevada and Las Vegas. By entering Nevada we gained an hour (from Mountain time to Pacific time). Regan and Kerry had booked into Caesars Place while we had booked the Paris. Parked the car at the self parking at the Paris. Just before this event, while on I-15 towards Flamingo Road, we were almsot involved in a head-to-nose prang. Something up front caused everybody to break hard (we were all travelling around 70 mph), the guy behind us came real close to rearing us. Disturbing and quite frightening.

Early in the evening "she who can not be named" and I took a Deuces bus down to Fremont area. The RTC in Las Vegas runs a very good bus service. For $8/ person we had 24 hour access to both the Deuces  bus ( which cruises the strip from the Mandalay to downtown-Freemont area.

The Fremont experience is worth witnessing. Covered in area that covers at least 4 blocks. Great lighting, zip lines running overhead, bands playing plus people (male and females in a state of undress). These semi- naked people pose (for a $ consideration) for photos. One group of males made up like "Kiss" with g strings only and females with breasts exposed ("she who can not be named" was less than impressed.

Having seen the sights of downtown Fremont, we headed back uptown and The paris. The Paris Hotel and casino was packed. Liked the little french resturantes and a real sense of France (just masses and masses of people). So, thats it. Time for a little sleep. Tomorrow is shopping day. Yea, time to spend some $$$.

Day 20: Grand Canyon to Kingman

Got up at 6:30 am so as to see the sun rise over the Canyon. Not as cold as expected, but had to watch for ice when walking around the rim. I noticed that crampons were recommened when venturing down the Bright Angel trail.

Sunrise was well worth the early exit from my snug and warm bed. After breakfast we packed up, left our bags with Regan and Kerry, they are slow starters in the morning. Checked out and caught the free bus out towards Hermits rest. Driving in Grand canyon is detered. They offer free shuttles (that run every 15 minutes) and stop at all vistor points as part of the entrance fee. We got off, looked and said WOW a number of times, before arriving at Hermits rest and the beginning of a trail. We worth the effort. This place has an interesting history, people in the late 1890's making money from tourism, mining etc. In the 1950's and 60's there was an uranium mine operating with in the Canyon. Thankfully the government of the time brought them out aand since then have spent millions of $ cleaning up the mess.

Got back to Bright Angel Lodge around 11:20 am. Decided to buy lunch in Williams, so off we went.

We know Williams well (having spent a couple of nights here in 2011, with our Lounge Lizard youngest son, which I must commend for shaving off that rather suspectmoustache. No longer looks like a lounge lizard).

Drove on I-40 to  Seligman ( a rather interesting little town that rallied to save Route 66 in Arizona). It was just full of Rte 66 artefacts and buildings. Ate lunch on the side of the road. After looking around Seligman we drove rte 66 towards Kingman.

Had one final stop: Keeper of the Wild wild life sanctuary. Another incredible place. Would recommend this as a place to visit. (go to www.keepersofthewild.org). They had 21 tigers, a couple of wolves, bob cats, coyotes, racoons,monkeys (many species) and a grizzly bear called 'Bam Bam" This organisation rescues exotic animals and allow to spend the rest of their lives free from hunger, abuse and neglect.

I thought the grizzly and the wolves were the highlights.

Continued on to Kingman (about 25 miles from the sanctuary) and checked in at the Ramada Inn (very Rte 66 themed (murals and memorabilia). Lovely room, lousey meal, there appear to be a number of trains per hour that rumble through. Regan and Kerry finally bit the bullet and brought 2 further bags (to put all their Christmas shopping into), got them at K mart down the road (K mart here is the same as in NZ and the red sheds).

Tomorrow our Rte 66 ends at Oatman. Then it is off to sin city (Las Vegas) for a couple of days.

Next topic I think I will air my views on will be tipping. Tipping ruins this country. Adding 15 or even 20% to the bill is outrageous. Why don't the employers just pay their workers a living wage and increase the food prices. I will spend more time on this later.

As someone in our group said, "when putting together a budget for this trip I didn't count on paying 15% tips. Especially when you got the US$ at 65 cents to the NZ $.

End of topic. Off to have a sleep or help with washing clothes.  

   

Day 19: Flagstaff to Grand Canyon.

Had breakfast by myself today. "She who cannot be named" was not felling well. So, I sat at the counter (just like in the movies) and had my short stack plus bacon and of course lots of coffee.

Set of for Grand Canyon taking an indirect route (via Cameron) so as to arrive at the east entrance at Desert View. Had brought lunch at a healthy type supermarket across the road from the motel.

Now armed with our National park annual pass we detoured into Sunset Crater and Wupatki pueblo ruins. They were the same group of people that also settled in Mesa Verde and Walnut Canyon. These people were/ are referred to as the anatazi or sinagua people (sinagua means without water). Was very interesting.

While walking one of the Sunset crater walks (over lava fields and cinders) we meet a group of elderly americn women who were doing the same thing (they were aged 79 to 87). Anyway we managed, well I should say I, to led one of them off the track. Regan and Kerry went back to find her group and "she who cannot be named" and I took this woman back to the car park. It all ended well. We got to meet up with them and all the stops we made in this part of the national monument.

Finally got to the East entrance around 4 pm. We did stop off to look at the "little Colorado". At this stop Kerry and "she who cannot be named" brought some authenic Navajo jewellery. 

We stopped to see our first view of Grand Canyon at Desert View. Spent a bit of time their looking and looking with the odd WOW thrown in.

Arrived at the Bright Angel Lodge around 5pm. Ckecked in and settled in to our cabins. Then it was off to the canyon rim to see the sun set. Great views. Another WOW moment.

What a great day. I'm buggered from driving all day.

Great cabins, well appointed and comfortable. Couldn't believe the mass of people. Just as we arrived three bus loads of tourists arrived. Mainly Asian. Infact at Grand Canyon you hear a lot of different languages spoken, such is its pulling power.

Had an early evening walk along the canyon. Lots of people including Regan and Kerry filming the sunset.

Had a great dinner, then it's off to the gift shop. Regan is collecting those flat penny images, so we know where to find him. Mind you to his credit he has quite a collection.

Day 18; Gallup to Flagstaff

Let me start with the La Quinta (the hotel chain we stayed at last night). When checking in last evening I noticed two jars of "goodies" on the desk. I was about to help myself when I noticed they were treats not for humans but for cats and dogs. Thos chain for a little more $$ allows pets in the room with you. Later that evening I shares the lift with a rather large dog and its owner. Interesting.

After a good breakfast we drove through Gallup on Route 66. Stopped at the El Rancho Hotel for a few photos). The El Ranch was built in the 1920's and in its hay day hosted a few famous movie names (such as Ronald Regan). I should mention today was sunny and clear skies, but the wind chill factor took it way done  into minus territory.

After Gallup we took to I-40 again. Wall -to - wall big trucks. Drove for a few hours before stopping at Winslow. For those who appreciate the Eagles music will understand the significamce of Winslow. In their song "take it easy" there is a verse that goes something like this " Well ,I'm standing on a corner in Winslow ,Arizona, and such a fine sight to see. It's a girl, my lord in a flatbed Ford slown' down to take a look at me". 

 Well in Winslow they have re-created that scene. There is a statue of a young man (with guitar) standing on a corner and there is a flatbed ford parked across the road. Even the sovenir shop was playing Eagle's music. Great, just great.

Had lunch at a soda fountain. Had our first hot dog (they had a number of different hotdogs, each representing a state that Route 66 runs through. "She who can not be named" and Regan had a California hotdao while I had an Oklahoma hot dog.

Winslow was a great little stop.

Back on I-40 and off to the meteor crater. Been here before, expensive but interesting. Regan wasin his element (I fall asleep in the 20 minute movie presentation). The meteor crater was created 50,000 years ago. It is meant to be the most intact crater in the world.

Well, back onto I-40 and heading for Walnut Canyon National Monument. Found out we should have brought National Park Annual Pass. The ranger convinced us we would save money if we purchases one ($80 and covers up to 4 people in a vehicle). Anyway, Walnut Canyon is a site where you can walk through Anastazi ruins. Very interesting and well worth the walk ( a long way down as well as up, but good exercise).

Finally arrived in Flagstaff around dark. Checked into the motel. The motel was about 800 metres from the old town Flaggstaff. "She who cannot be named" and I went for a walk (bloddie cold with ice on the pavement) and ended up dining at a Mexican resturante. Was blwn away by the number of trains that rolled past and the length of them. both noisey and amazing. While out walking I checked out a few likely breakfast spots. This motel just offers coffee and tea, nothing else. 

Day 17: Santa Fe to Gallup (New Mexico) along the Mother Road

Up early, still plenty of snow on the ground and in the trees. After another good breakfast we decided to visit the farmers market (over at the train station). Turns out our hotel, Guadalupe Innis only 400 metres from the train station, called the Rail Yard District. Very slushy roads, but deep snow on the foot paths. Made it to the Rail District Ok. Asked for directions to the Farmer market from a guy clearing snow. "No habla Inglish", turns out he spoke only Spanish. My Spanish is more like SpanEnglish. He did try to help me. After much to-ing and fro-ing I headed off to where I thought the entrance would be. When I looked behind at the others, they were in the distance waving wildly. I took this to mean I was on the wrong track (as it turns out they were indicating a closer entrance). It was the market, I walked through it and out the other side expecting to meet them, but they were nowhere to be seen. I then walked back to our point of origin and began texting Regan. I watched a rather large passenger train leave the station (as did Regan). Still couldn't locate them. More texts, asking Regan "to show himself", more walking and consulting Navmii (which was useless as it thought I was driving). Finally, they appeared. Their waving did indicate a closer entrance, but rather than use it they walked (in the snow up to the entrance I used), resulting in me missing them all together. I got the blame and little "telling off" from "her who cannot be named".

As it turned out there was very little in the way of stalls at the market. A real let down.

So back to the Inn, pack and leave for Albuquerque (well after putting air in the tires- would you believe they charge $1 for air. Our "Beast" of a car monitors the tire pressure and over the last few days had began to indicate our pressure was a little on the low side. While at the gas station we filled up (again). Regan worked it out that gas was around US 90 cents a litre ( NZ $2.20 a litre).

Made it to Old Town Albuquerque around 70 minutes later. Found the American International Rattlesnake Museum- closed (opens at 11:30). Took the opportunity to visit a gift store. I went in search of a coffee. Found a cantina, now coffee. They did offer to make some for me and they shared a little of their Mexican lunch with me (well a taste of a fried flour dounut thing, that you split open and pour honey into). I just had a nibble and a chat.

By now the Rattlesnake Museum was open. We paid our money and got a "Certificate of Bravery" for entering the realm of the rattlesnake. The museum had a good range of snakes plus a Gila monster, snapping turtles etc. Was an interesting diversion.

Now it was off to find JC Penny to pick up some smellies for Kerry (I must mention that Regans navigation system was a little off. We had a tiki tour of some local neighbourhoods or barrios. Eventually found JC, it was part on one of the biggest malls I have ever seen. It had Sears plus Macy's and JC plus hundreds of little shops (worth a full days investigation). Something Regan and Kerry are considering next year - a Mall Tour of America.

After a bite to eat we hit I-40 and headed to Grants and the Uranium mine museum. Spent a very informative 90 minutes there. Mainly underground in a reconstructed uranium mine. We had an old retired miner as our guide. He really made the tour, informative with lots of local stories that made the experience more realistic. Turns out the miners had a high cancer rate. This in part was due to the Radon gas they were breathing. Apparently if you smoked you had double the chance of getting lung cancer. All the mines are now closed (cheaper to get the material from Australia or India).

When we re-emerged from the museum the sun was beginning to set, so we bi-passed a trip to the wolf santuary and hit 40 again for Gallup and our La Quinta hotel. When we arrived the road (in parts) and the sidewalk was covered in ice.

Only resturante serving three big accommodation hotels is Denny's. So we ate there. Very impressed with their food. Even "she who cannot be named" said she would eat there again.

Route 66:

Driving through Grants meant we drove along part of the old Rte 66. Saw a number on now derelict motels and eating houses on this strip of 66.

Tomorrow we hit Arizona and a few interesting little towns associated with Rte 66 and "The Eagles"- Winslow, Arizona "Take it easy" fame. Should be an interesting day's travel.

When I get a chance to use Regan's laptop I will add a few photos. 

Day 16: Santa Fe

Heavy rain this morning. Walked down to the Plaza (thanks to my brilliant navigating skills we took the long way around. "She who cannot be named" then took over, and just like that we found the main Plaza. Then found out all the museums are closed on Mondays, bummer!!

Had a walk around the plaza to orientate ourselves. Then, it was coffee time. Found a great cafe, "she who cannot be named" had a Mexican hot chocolate, me just coffee. Spent an entertaining 45 minutes in the cafe.

As we left it started to rain, then light hail and then heavy snow. Visited the visitors centre in the Plaza, they recommended we go to the state capitol- have millions of $$ worth of art on display. Was thankful I had put on layers of warm clothes- thermal, shirt, jacket, rain jacket with gloves and beanie. I was warm.

Found the State Capitol, lived up to the information centres hype. Even visted the senate debating chamber (they are in recess until sometime in January, guess like our parliamentarians, have plenty of time away from their actual work). Still snowing.

Went to a small cafe for lunch. Great Mexican food, warmed us up.

Went back to the Plaza to take a few photos of a very snowy plaza, by now it ha about an inch of snow.

Picked up a couple of glazed donuts and retreated to our hotel room.

Regan and Kerry had been shopping at the big boxes that spread along the major highways (once again "House of Target". After which they visited the Plaza.

Around 3 pm we went with them to track down a speciality tequila store, then on to a small shopping centre with a Ross dress for less. All but I purchased.

Decided we had had enough of resturante eating, so brought a couple of bread rolls and eat in.

TV was advising that the snow storm was creating all kinds of problems on the road, with the temperature to drop well below freezing it will be hazardous driving.

Regan and Kerry had diner reservations some on the Plaza. 5 minutes after setting off, they were back. There was so much snow Regan couldn't see the road. He took the wise deciision and decided not to drive. I think they are dinning in one of the top resturantes only 40 metres from the hotel

There is a farmers market tomorrow (in the rail district) starting at 8 am. So may try and get to it, maybe even have breakfast.

Today has been a welcome rest day with no distance driving. Howeever, tomorrow its on the "road again". This time we will follow Route 66 (The Mother  Road). Read John Steinbecks "Grapes of Wrath" to get an idea of just how significant this road had to migration to the west coast during the depression of 1920's. Tomorrow we head to Albuquerque and Grants, finally stopping at Gallup for the night.

So, "that's all folks".

Day 15:Durango to Santa Fe

So lets start with the silly things I managed to complete today; 1) I left my insulin in the fridge at Best Western in Durango and 2) I started to drive down a one-way exit road, thinking it was the entrance road to the Charma visitor centre (luckily no traffic was using it, but it did give more gray hairs to "she who can not be named". In the case of the insulin, thanks to Regan's help the insulin has been found and is being sent by UPS to our Friday night's accommodation in Kingman Arizona.

Ok, that's my goof-ups for the day.
The trip started well. Left Durango around 10 am. Weather cool and overcast. Filled up at Bayfield (gas expensive $2.49 per gallon). Drove to Pagosa Springs. Stopped and brought lunch and filled up with gas. On the drive to Pagosa had to break as a mule deer was threatening to cross the road. Missed that but unfortunately I ran over a squirrel (couldn't stop as I was going 60 mph). I feel very sad about this.
Crossed into New Mexico and arrived at Charma visitor centre, where we had lunch. The centre was closed for lunch. Hit the gas station for coffee and restroom (along with a lot of other travellers).
Regan took the wheel for the run to Santa Fe. Then it started to rain, and rain consistently. About 35 miles outside Santa Fe we diverted to a small town of Chimayo to visit a church which is considered to be the Lourdes of America. Where Lourdes in France is well known for its healing waters, the church at Chimayo is known for its healing dirt. The church itself is 200 years old and is typical of the Mexican churches of this period. Sorry no photos as it wasn't allowed inside. The two photos below gives you some idea of what it looks like

Have also included a photo of the Holy Restroom (well that's what some of our group referred to them as).

By now we were a little wet. My shoes appear to have a hole in one sole, so had wet sock to contend with. Memo to self: time to get new shoes. Part of my bring old and replace when necessary.
Arrived at our accommodation for the next two nights: Guadalupe Inn. A boutique hotel/ motel. Very nice Spanish themed rooms. Regan and Kerry have a fireplace and 4 poster bed.
Thanks to them and Yelp we dined a very, very nice Mexican restaurant tonight.

Tomorrow we plan to explore the plaza and other stuff which are about 1 mile away (1.6 km's). It is cold enough tonight, so we may get snow. 

 

Day 14: Mesa Verde and Anasazi people

Great breakfast, very good selection ( had my first waffle). Scheduled to get underway at 10 am. Regan asks for the keys to the car...can't be found. Big searches in both rooms, no key. Did Regan drop them at the bar he and Kerry visited last night? The suddenly "she who can not be named" finds them. She had put them in some obscure place in our room. Crises averted. Off we go. Yours truly then makes a major mistake, turning left at a stop sign I start driving down the wrong side of the street "She who can not be named" aged a little in those few seconds. AS for me, I wasn't concentrating.

Mesa Verde is about 36 miles West of Durango, a quick drive away (at 65 mph). Get to the visitor centre to learn that the only pueblo usually open for self guided tours is closed to to rock falls. The other pueblos are closed for winter. We  drove up to the museum for 1 pm ranger talk. We walked to an overlook and she spent an hour explaining their life, reasons they abandoned the site to migrate south west and south east of Mesa Verde (which in Spanish for Green Table). These early pueblo people were dry land farmers, relying on summer rain and spring snow melt. They grew corn, squash etc plus hunted deer, rabbit, squirrel and later on turkey. One of the current theories as to why they moved was because it wasn't where they were meant to be (shaman influence), other reason could have been, over population, competition for resources which may have lead to conflict. Because they did not have written language there is no definitive evidence. The current Pueblo people have their legends, but they apparently offer little explanation. Analysis of pottery  indicates they drank cacao (chocolate), indicating they were trading with either the Maya or with other Mexican tribes).

After the talk we drove around two loops which had many stops to look at either surface sites (Kivas or religious buildings where they held ceremonies (especially during winter)  or buildings set in alcoves.

By 4 pm we were Pueblo-ed out and hit the road back to Durango. Saw a few mule deer on the way down from Mesa Verde.

"She who can not be named" and I went to a local cafe come bar for a late dinner. The place, OTC (Old thyme cafe) is an institution in Durango. The locals eat and watch sports ( had 4 screens all showing different football-American). An interesting night.

Tomorrow we are off the Santa Fe. Rain and snow is forecast. Hopefully will get access to Regan's laptop and finally get some photo's on.

The Best Western in Durango has WIFI, but the set up will not allow our apple i phones or i pad to connect. Very, very frustrating!! Leaves me to wonder how did we get on 35 years ago? Are we too technologically depended?

Day 13: Montrose to Durango

Woke to a sunny but cold morning. A heavy frost on the car. Good breakfast at the motel (wonderful omelet). Head up to Black Canyon of the Gunnison. At the visitors centre it was -3 degrees. The ranger was very friendly, in fact I believe he was relieved to have visitors. Let me explain how the Black Canyon was formed. The exposed bedrock is Precambrian metamorphic rock ( Schist and gneiss). Now Precambrian dates it back about 2 billion years before present (BP). Then there was some volcanic activity, and this resulted in two things happening. 1.l igneous intrusions occurred in the metamorphic rocks and, 2. The surface magma created the co

nditions to capture and incise the  rive flowing on the surface. The captured river has become incised within the metamorphic rocks and over geological time has created a very steep vertical canyon.

We drove along the rim stopping at vantage points before returning to Montrose. At one point we set of on a "wee" hike but abandoned it after a few hundred meters. I was glad, as we had read a warning on the notice board about mountain lions and what we should do if we came upon one. Not for me.

Back n Montrose "she who can not be named", Regan and I had lunch at at a local cafe while Kerry checked out the Christmas section of "House of Target", apparently ranked one of the better Target stores in the West. We joined her for brief time and Regan brought Christmas wrapping etc.

Left Montrose and headed down Rte 550, the "Million Dollar highway. How it got its name is really up for debate. Either it was the cost of putting the road in (very high and very windy) or because the gravel they used came form the gold and silver mines (tailing) and still contained much silver and gold.

to begin with the road passed through rich farming country, then it began to climb. A kinda extended version of the Rimataka's, but way longer -about two hours long. PLENTY of snow, plenty of avalanche warnings and the odd avalanche tunnel. Pretty road, but when you are stuck behind two large trucks, very slow (no passing or pull out lanes).

The route passed through two small towns, Ouray (I will check the spelling later) and Silverton. Oujay looked prosperous and a real small town with most of the buildings from the 1870's and no box stores. Silverton, Regan missed and had to do a U turn. Well it was dead. Most of the businesses had closed (due to the Durango to Silverton excursion train ceasing its season on October 31st). We went looking for a cafe (hot chocolate for them and coffee for me), No luck. Ended up having a cup of tea at a micro brewery cum bar cum pizza joint. The building was original -floor and ceilings from the 1870's.    Regan and Kerry drove down to the only food market in town while "she who can not be named" and I walked, and walked very briskly, it was bloody cold. Turned out it was more than a few blocks away.
Silverton:

 

Continued on to Durango and our accommodation for the night. Went up market eating that night at "The Palace", expensive but just Ok.

Must mention our motel offers "Happy hour" for about 2 hours each night (right next to the indoor heated pool), they gave each of us 2 free drinks (drinks were $2 after that plus a selection of nibbles. Two big glasses of "chateau de cardboard" later I was feeling pretty good.

Tomorrow off to Mesa Verde National Park. Regan and Kerry are joining us due to the train mentioned above not running.

so.....that's all for today folks (pictures later I hope).

Day 12: Moab to Montrose, Colorado

Today has been dedicated to Regan, "he who bombed the bathroom", in other words blocked the toilet up. A fact he was quite proud of!! The air bnb at Moab was fantastic. Would highly recommend it. It was a 2 bedroom condo out near the Moab golf course. It was very comfortable, we could have stayed wasy longer. Anyway, Regan destroyed one of the two bathrooms this morning. To rectify the issue he had to go out early to find a hardware store and get a plunger. Once purchased it solved the problem. Well done Regan.

Also took the opportunity to vacuum out the car, which was much needed. Seemed like we had half the desert in the car.

Sadly we had to leave and our first stop was the Moab rock shop for Regaon to buy a couple of complete, uncut geodes. She who can not be named and Kerry to the opportunity to do a little shopping. Me, well I just drooled over their selection of fossils (the best were from Africa and very expensive).

We then quite Moab via a very scenic road. We drove beside the Colorado River and very steep red rock canyons. Road was shit but the scenary was fantastic. Saw some antelopes and a few prairie dogs on the way to I-70. Passed a few ranches that are now Ranches and Resorts all nestled beside the Colorado River.

I-70, 80 mph (140 kph approx). Very quickly arrived at Grand Juntion and Best buy. Stopped at a local park for a picnic lunch. Sunny but cold breeze. After a great picnic we hit Rte 50 to Montrose. Cruised through one neat little town (Delta). Satisfying little town, no Walmart or other box stores, just ma and pa stores.

Arrived Montrose and our accommodation (thanks to GPS). Were expecting an Econ lodge but found it is now a Stay Wise Inn. The front desk was very helpful, even offered to take off the pool and spa cover, so we could use them. We declined the invitation.

Abandon going to Black Canyon of the Gunisson until tomorrow. Instead we found JC Penny, Ross dress for less and Target. Kerry and "she who can not be named" did a little shopping. Regan and I drank coffee and followed along (for the experience).

Eat Mexican tonight. What a great selection of food and it tasted excellent as well. Sorry no photos today as it was a travel day. By the way the Mexicanrestaurant was called Mi Mexico. 

So that is all folks. I hope my Lounge Lizard (LL son) does my lawns this weekend. I will be requiring proof of work ASAP.

Ah, that's all folks.

Moab

Woke this morning to solid coating of snow, a few cm's at least. After a leisurely breakfast we headed out to Arches National Park. Being Veterans day today, park entrance was free (saved $25). Arches, what can one say. Simply unbelievable. Hard to do it justice with words, so will add some photos later.

The day was clear, sunny if a little on the cool side ( 3 to 4 degrees).

Spent about 5 hours driving to and walking to a variety of spectacular arches or geologic formations. Did a little hiking which was fun.

Having been beaten back yesterday by the snow storm at Canyon lands, we headed back ( about a 45 minute drive). This part of Canyon lands is called Island in the Sky (as it is often above the cloud cover, so appears as an island in the sky. Drove on to Grand view point overlook (to the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers). Watched the sun set Murphy Point. Temperature dropped significantly once the sun set. Drove back to Moab, picked up dinner and another donut, so that's it. I hope the pictures I post real soon does justice to these two outstanding national parks.

On reflection both parks we far from crowded, making for a more personal experience.

Our Moab accommodation is great. Very fast WIFI. Get a few interesting snap chat messages from my lounge Lizard son, with his interesting mustache.

Writing a blog where "she who can not be named" (sorry Harry) has editorial sway is demanding and one has to be a little PC at all times.

Further reflecting, why we didn't visit here 35 years is beyond both of us. This is a place you could spend a week or two exploring. What we did before Ma google, Navmii, ipads and smart phones is beyond me. I think we just muddled along, got lost, then found but had real fun. Way more laid back than today. We just disappeared of the face off the earth, Now we check emails at least 4 times a day, read NZ newspapers constantly and even txt each other when shopping. The excitement and mystery of travel really has gone.

Tomorrow we head to Colorado and in particular Montrose and the Black Canyon of the Gunisson, and perhaps a K mart or Walmart for Kerry to continue her Christmas shopping.

Day 10: Price to Moab via Canyon Lands National Park

Woke to an overcast day, due to snow today, so that front will finally catch up to us. First on todays menu was to visit The Prehistoric Museum in Price. What a great museum. Full of different dinosaur fossils. Spent a great deal of time there, perhaps looking for a relative.

Continued on Rte 6 all the way down to I-70. The posted speed limit on I-70 is 80 mph, great driving. Almost missed the Moab turn off. Just re-entered the interstate after having lunch at a rest area, and Bang! there it was Moab exit.

By the time we got up to the CanyonLands ranger visitor centre it was beginning to rain. Stoped at one view point, then pushed on to upheaval dome. By the time we got there it was beginning to snow (temp had fallen to 0). At this point discreation was the better part of valour. We decided to abandon our tour and head for Moab. Well the snow began to fall harder, thankfully we followed a grader truck back to the main highway, the truck cleared the snow from the road.

Finally arrived at our accommodation - 1 2 bedroom condo about 10 minutes out of Moab. Great place, warm and spacious and a kitchen.

Went into Moab and shopped for groceries, no restaurant meal tonight. Finally had my first donut, simply wonderful. Sorry pictures will follow. 

Day 9: Ely to Price, Utah

Had to get an early start today as we loose an hour because we move into Mountain time. Quick breakfast in the Jail House coffee bar (got $2:50 per person per meal). Quick fill of gas, and off we headed. First stop was mean't to be the Ward charcoal kilns (built in 1876 to provide charcoal to the local mines....missed the turn off, so carried on to Baker.

Sad to say Baker was closed for winter. Plenty of cars and trucks parked around the place but nothing open. Detoured to visit an archaeological site where ruins had been discovered. The site was used by the Fremont people. I have included a photo below.

Then it was off to Border, a gas station come restaurant, come motel come gambling casino WOW what a mouthful. Got a Highway 50 "T" shirt. Yea!!!

Then onto to Delta, Utah. Brought lunch then checked out Topaz site memorial site. During WW2 12000 Japanese - American people were interned without any legal regress for about 3 years. This was one of 10 sites. In total 120,000 people were interned. Sad, very sad. But it raises the question. What did we New Zealanders do to people like this during WW2 . Guess what. No picnic tables. Just strong cool wind. While there we witnessed the ultimate in tourism. A bus of elderly people drove up. First one side of the bus parked outside the information boards, then the bus turned around to let the other side see them. Without leaving their seats.

Drove back to Delta, gassed up and moved on. Drove highway 6 through Eureka, Utah. Another dying mining town. Got on to I-15, then hit Hwy 6 again and down to Price. Arrived just after dark.
Ate out. Memo to self, don't believe the information online about restaurants. The pictures paint incredible food. However, the reality is far less than that.

End of story.  

PS. For the past 2 or 3 days we have been monitoring a storm which is meant to bring snow. To date this has not happened. To date this has not happened. In fact the temp got to 15 degrees today. But, the wind was strong (not Wellington strength, but windy and cool). Note tomorrow we will drive through Wellington, Utah.

Day 8: Austin to Ely

Woke to a very cold morning. Brass monkey weather here in good ole Austin. Last night it got down to -6 !!!
Set of in the freezing cold looking for some breakfast. Started to walk up Austin's main street. Most of the shops were closed or should I say derelict. Were going to go to the Toiyabe for breakfast (highly recommended on Trip advisor). Gave up and retreated to the International Cafe and bar. Got talking to the owner, he has owned it for the past 9 years and is in the process of refurbishing it one room at a time. It has 24 rooms. So, sometime soon it will be back to what we can remember it was in 1980!. He also said it was the first time in 3 years that snow had fallen.
Now for our motel. It turned out to be the only motel in town that allows pets to stay. By the sound of things early in the morning we had two small dogs living next door (they pined when ever their owners left their unit -which was from 6:30 am on-wards. The motel advertises itself as a quaint motel. I would sell it as basic.

The hotel we stayed at in April 1980. Now a cafe and bar.

Austin around 9 pm. -5 degrees.

Around 9:30 we left Austin and headed for Ely (pronounced EE ly), First stop was another petroglyph site - Hickison Petroglyph. Went for a walk (in some snow). Regan found a number of deer or elk footprints in the snow. Was a good 15 minute walk and very informative.

Hit the road again, heading to Eureka. Well sad to say Eureka was closed. One couldn't help but get the impression that it like Austin was dying, which is really sad.

Eureka Opera House circa 1870's.
Stopped for lunch, nothing to write home about. However, forgot to get my highway 50 passport stamped ( a little about this later).

Then it was on to Ely and the Jail House motel and casino. Ely, is another mining town, this time based on copper extraction. Our motel is very nice. Comfortable and warm. The WiFi is no existent.
Th motel is located in the middle of old Ely, with a really old casino across the road. Went for a walk to try and find the eco- drug store. You guessed it. It was closed (but only for the day). We were looking for a "t-shirt" that said "I survived driving the Loneliest Highway". Saw them back in Eureka, but only as sweatshirts. Once again we drew a blank.

Went out and got Mexican. Was nice but had one wee problem - 4 meals and 3 forks.

Should mention our waiter in Austin. He was friendly and well informed. He first thought we poms, then Aussies, so finally we told him. Turns out he has a relative or two living in Christchurch. I mean distant relative. He had lived in Austin for about 20 years. Our motel check-in person 44 years. Anyway he made eating at the International pleasant and enjoyable.

So that's all she said folks. Hit the hay early.

The Official Hwy 50 Survival Guide

Toursim Nevada provides this passport. In July 1986, Life Magazine described Nevada's highway 50 which runs from Ely to Fernley as the "Loneliest Road in America". The document covers a brief history of the towns along the highway; Carson City, Fernley, Fallon, Austin, Eureka, Ely and Baker. You are meant to have your passport stamped at each town. Then post it in and get a certificate to say "you survived Highway 50". I managed to get 3 stamps. Bugger!

Day 7: Virginia City to Austin

Nice sunny but cold day. But first, let me tell a little about the Golden Hill Hotel. Originally built in 1861 it is reputed to be the oldest functioning hotel in the state of Nevada. I had booked the two original rooms with balconies. The rooms were called Rosie's and William's, both were reputed to be haunted (more on that later). We had Rosie's room. Painted pink with a very high (off the ground) four poster bed. The floor had a definite slope to it. The bath room was authentic also....stone floor, old bath with a shower attachment taped on the surounding metal rails for the curtains. It functioned very well. And of course a door out to the balcony, where you could look up and down the road.

Behind the hotel was the V&T railway track and behind that the Yellow Jacket mine, apparently 30 miners were killed in a mine explosion sometime in the 1880's. The folks who own the Gold Hill also own all the other buildings around the area, and all are offered for accommodation. I would recommend staying at this hotel.

Around 9:30 we drove into Virginia City. Stopped at the Palace for breakfast. Then we started to explore. Virginia City has been described as a tourist trap, and in someways I agree with that observation. We visited the visitor centre and got our Highway 50 or "Loneliest Road" survival booklet or passport (it's a tourst gimmick, but we joined in). Virginia City owes its fame for the silver and gold taken out of the surrounding hills, especially the Comstock Lode. Because of the silver and gold Virginia City became the largest city between Chicago and San Francisco. A vast amount of wealth was generated over a very short period of time for small number of people. For the local miner the pay was 25 cents per day. Later cornish miners flooded in and because of their mining experience were paid $4 per day ( alot of money in the 1860's, when you consider 15 cents bought you a solid meal).

We walked along "C" street, the main street. Visited St Mary's in the mountains Catholic church ( on E street). The church was built by the Irish miners in the gothic style, very impressive and well worth a visit. Following this we visited the Comstock History Centre (it told of the valuable contribution Chines miners made to the industry (they did all the hard and dangerous work- just like what has been played out in SoHo's tv show "Hell on Wheels". A small one room museeum which has a locomotive as its central display. Worth a visit.

Next we visited the "Way it was" museum. Again a very compact museum $3 entry, but worth a visit. Lastly we went on the mine tour operating out of the Ponderosa Saloon. The tour went about 150 metres back into the hill. According to the guide, mines on both sides made mega dollars for their respective owners, while the mine we toured made $450, the owners lost millions. The tour showed us the working conditions, which would have been horrendous.

Should mention that Mark Twain worked for a local newspaper and honed his story telling skills before he moved to San Francisco and then back east for the novels that made him famous.

We headed down 6 mile gully back to Highway 50. We drove to Fallon and found a very big Walmart...so shopping we went. Ended up having a picnic lunch in the Walmart parking lot. Filled up with gas and headed for Austin. 

We stopped at Grimes point to look at the petroglyphs. These were made by primitive hunters and gathers who lived beside a now vanished lake called "Lake Lahontan". The petroglyphs were carved into basalt boulders and were very abstract. Well worth the visit.

Next stop was Sand Mountain. Big sand dunes made of the fine material deposited by the late plistocene or holocen glaciers. Today being Saturday it was busy with "Off roaders" riding the dunes (dirt bikes and dune buggies). Regan was busy taking photo's when one of the locals pulled up and offered to take him to the top for better shots. Regan jumped at the chance, he was gone about 15 minutes and really enjpyed the experience.

Finally arrived at Austin around 5:20 pm, just gone full dark and -2 degrees. Got settled in our rooms. We ate at the International Hotel, now just a saloon and resturant. This was the same hotel we stayed at 35 years ago (when we wandered into Austin on our way to Death Valley). Tomorrow we will explore the treasures of Austin before heading east to Ely.

Just a note: The International Cafe and Bar-where we stayed all those years ago, was moved here board by board from Virginia City in 1863. When we stayed here it had a brick exterior, now it is wood.

I will post photos when I get access to Regans laptop.

Day 6: Diamond Springs to Virginia city

Firstly let me explain we for the next 7 days will be driving Highway 50, also know as the Lincoln Highway. The stretch of 50 that goes through Nevada is called "The Loneliest Highway", a marketing title. Anway originally Highway 50 ran from Maryland ( Atlantic coast) to San Francisco. It takes you through small town america. Today 50 starts in Sacramento, California, if you are driving east like us) but still end on the coast in Maryland.

It was very sad to be leaving Stan and June, not knowing if I will see and talk with them again. We have been friends for more than 25 years. They are wonderful hosts, caring people and very generous in everyway possible. I often joke that is my "farewell tour", as I get to meet up with friends there is a possiblity I will not see again.  For these fine people and Linda in LA this may well be the case.

Shopped for luch and fruit before we hit 50. The trip over to Lake Tahoe went well. There had been a snow dump a few days ago, so the scenary looked like the two photo's below  

Arrived at Lake Tahoe around 1 pm. Decided to try the restaurant Stan and June had recommended. Very nice setting. After lunch we strolled down to the docks. As you can see in the photo below the lake is at a very low level. Drought time here in California. 

Afte lunch we followed 50 further. This time we stopped at a vista lookout. The photo below gives a view over Lake Tahoe ( a flooded volcanic crater) to the far side of the lake

WE then travelled about 30 minutes to Carson City (capital of Nevada). Tried to find the visitor centre, went right past it, so no "Loneliest Road" survival booklet or passport. Drove on to Virgina City (left 50 and got onto Rte 341. Arrived at the Gold Hill Hotel around 4 pm. Eat at their restaurant that night. Very nice meal. The photo below was taken by Kerry as we arrived in Virginia City. It a side shot of the Historic Fourth Ward School. In it's hay day of the 18870's over 1000 students attended. A 3 story building which unfortunately is closed for winter. Damn! I wanted to look around it.

The View outside from our room in the Gold Hill Hotel. Looking across main at one of their other accommodations.

As we are staying in Rosie's room tonight (and they say it is haunted) we could have a visitation!!!

There were a number of other guests staying, looking for a haunting experience(mainly females). They appeared to have a good night in the saloon, drinking and singing along to country and western music. Does Taylor Swift come nto this genre?

Our room was directly above the bar. Regan offered us the use of ear plugs. But promptly at 11 pm off went the music and theraucous women and quiet descended. We await the arrival of Rosie!!! 

Day 5: A Lazy Day in Diamond Springs

First let me tell you a little about Stan and June. We first meet them in the mid to late 1980's. We corresponded with each other in a effor to establish a teaching exchange. I was teaching at Nayland College and Stan at Escondido High. While the exchane didn't eventuate, we remained friends and visted one another at various times.

Today was a lazy day with two very good friends, time to catch up on kids and grandkids etc. June took us on a 3 km walk around the local lake. A very nice walk improved considerably by there being sunshine (it was a little cool).

Around 2 pm we got a text from Kerry informing us they were about 1 hours drive from Sacramento International Airport. Stan guided me from his house to the airport ( about 1 hours drive) to pick up Regan and Kerry. We arrived about 2 minutes before they did. Great timing.

Got Regan signed up as the extra driver and headed back to Diamond Springs and Stan's house. The kids (Regan and Kerry spent the evening catching up on washing and regaling us  with their adventures. They sounded to have had a great and exciting time in LA, San Francisco and Yoemite.

Tomorrow we are on the road again. Off to Virginia City via Lake Tahoe. Hopefully the weather will hold. They are predicting 8 inches of snow over the weekend. We are defintely in late autum early winnter. I note there has already been a heavl snowfall in Flagstaff Arizona (very early for this time of the year).

Day 4: Monterey to Diamond Springs

Nice quiet start to the day. We only have a 4 hour drive to Stan and June's house over in the foothills of Diamond Springs. So started with a leisurely breakfast ( they even had almond milk). After which we strolled down a walkway which is the remains of the old railway line that serviced the sardine factories. This walk/cycle track runs for 18 miles, would have been great to have more time and biked it. Perhaps next time.

Our stroll ended at the Monterey aquarium. What an incredible complex. Part of it built in one of the old sardine factory's. So had very detailed explanation of how they functioned and just how hard the workers has to work - 14 hours per day (starting at 4 am) standing in cold water. Not much fun I bet.

The museum is extremely well set up for children,

First we watched the sea otters being feed, which was interesting. All were female and were used to act as surrogates to young otters who are orphaned in the wild.

After this it was off to the "open sea" display. It was just incredible, large schools of sardines, turtles, mako sharks, tuna etc, all in an environment representing what we could expect in the ocean a few hundred kilometres of the coast of Monterey. This time they feed the turtles and sardines. Both this feeding and the otters was very educational. The naturalist running the programme admitted that the tuna and sharks take the odd sardine.

From here we visited the penguins (from Africa) as well as the wharf sea environment. Here we watched a diver feeding the many and various fish species, including Leopard sharks). By now the time was around 12:30 pm, so we had to hit the road. Now the fun began!

Firstly we got lost  trying to find Rte 1 again. So we decided to fill up with gas, now that is chapter in itself. Thankfully the staff were understanding and tolerated and assisted me. Believe it or not but to completely fill "the beast" took only $40 (we are getting 10 litres/100km running on sports mode. Have since changed to eco mode.

So, after this little trial we successfully found 1 and cruised along at 65 mph. We left 1 to get across to the 101. Now we hit a traffic jam, down to 5 miles an hour. The reason, a big rig and a small truck had hit one-another just on the 101 off ramp. Once passed this and the 101 things speed up again. From the 101 we had to get to the I-5. On the 5 the traffic was down to 15 mph. Now all this led to a longer trip than Ma Google had quoted. We got to Diamond Springs in the dark around 5:30 pm.

Once we left I-5 we traveled through farm country. We passed through acres and acres of strawberries, apricots and nut farms, then into cattle country. Great vistas and interesting.

That evening we went with Stan and June to a local Mexican restaurant. It was very good and authentic. So that was the end of a very exhausting day.

Day 3: Cambria to Monterey on route 1

Early start, out of the motel around 7:15. Day is cool but sunny. Drove down the road to Redwood cafe for breakfast. Would describe it as a " Ma and pa" establishment,  Had a few locals eating , but what was interesting was their familiarity with the waitress ( on first name basis, the conversations went something like this; local " you got new nails? I like the colour". Waitress:" got them a week ago and thanks"). They knew each other's business.  We then drove about 15 miles up the coast to Hearst Castle, had a 9 am tour booked. The tour was off the " casa grande" or grand tour of the main rooms I.e the living or entertainment room, the banquet room and the smoking or Ballard room plus the movie theater. The place was full of 15 and 16th Century artifacts ( European) from Italy, Spain and Persia. After the tour we were free to wander around outside. So we did. Looked at the Neptune pool ( Greek or Roman architecture). The pool was drained as repairs were underway. I will dedicate a whole page to this later on.

From the castle's visitor centre we drove down to the beach to San Simeon. Consists of a few houses (all built around the mid 1800's). One the general store was still operating and had been in the same family since 1919! Walked out to the end of the wharf, good swell coming in and a few men fishing off it. Headed further north on rate 1 to see a colony? Of sea elephants. Really busy place, wall to wall animals, big males, smaller females and their young. Also a lot of humans watching them. It was well organised with 3 or 4 guides/ watchers giving the general masses information. I figure if the sea elephants are here so are the white pointers.

Now it was a slow windy drive up rite 1 to Monterey. Spectacular scenery , lot of traffic, but thankfully no large trucks! Also, lots of road works. Finally made Monterey  around 3:30. Pleased to say my navigator worked well and we found our motel very easily - Cannery row inn.

Checked in, then went for a walk along cannery row, made famous by the author John Steinbeck. In his prize winning novel " Cannery Row". Actually cannery row got its name from the factories that canned sardines which were caught off the coast in great numbers. So great in fact that the fishing stock collapsed in the 1950's. Now it's a tourist trap of souvenirs , food outlets, large hotels and the aquarium .

What was interesting were the number of different migrant groups that serviced cannery row. First there was the Japanese ( one man in particular being responsible ), then came the Sicilians, Philippinoes etc - a real melting pot.

After walking around, using the local walkway, which ran along the shoreline we headed out for dinner. Must mentioned while walking we saw sea otters and a harbour seal. Lynley thought she saw Pelicans as well.

Dinner was at Buba Gumps ( from the movie Forrest Gump). Great selection of sea food all southern style, all deep fried or grilled. After 3 days off no sweet food I gave in - had a bread pudding, on the pretense of sharing it with Lynley. She left me stranded, had to leave half behind.

So that was our day. Tomorrow we head inland into the foothills of the Sierras to Diamond Springs to catch up friends Stan and June plus meet up with Regan and Kerry ( who are currently in Yosemite).

Day 2, Route 1 LA to Cambria

Good start to the day. Ok breakfast at Best Western Airport Plaza. Te hotel then transferred us to Alamo to pick up our car. We upgraded as the vehicle we had booked could not handle 4 large suitcases. So, some $600 later we headed off.

The vehicle is a nissen SUV, a gas guzzler. Nice and new (only 20K on the clock) and the built in technology impressed.

On leaving Alamo, we immediately got a little lost. The Navmii isn't working, but thankfully had down loaded a map onto the ipad. Anyway, we missed the turn off to the 405. However, after al ittle tiki tour around we found it. After that it was 405 to 10 down to Santa Monica, then on 1 along the coast. Passed through Malibu and other famous surfing beaches. Out to sea we could see the oil platforms around the Channel. At Oxnard we joined Rte 101. Stayed on this until we arrived at Santa Barbara. Got off the 101 and immediately took the wrong turn and got lost (again). I must have a word with my navigator. Parked up and went for a stroll around the block. Found Santa Barbara Coffee Roasting company so stopped for a coffee and a bite to eat. Well the food selection was minimal to say the least. Both of us had a interesting interlude with the bathrooms here. The light kept on turning itself off, thus rendering one in total darkness. After much fumbling the light could be re-activated.

After our coffee break we found the place we were originally looking for - Stearns Wharf. Turns out when we came off the 101 we should have turned left rather than right. Anyway we parked up and walked out onto the pier or wharf. Bit on the windy side and threatened to rain. So, we left Santa Barbara and hit the 101 North.

Our next deviation was to get back on Rte 1 and drive through Lompoc and Guadalpe. What a large area of horticulture, acre upon acre of strawberries and vegetables. It was now raining. With about 20 miles of rte 1 left we cut out and joined the 101 again ( having driven through Santa Maria). At San Luis Obispo we left 101 and rejoined route 1 again. Finally arrived at Cambria around 4:30 pm. Checked into the motel (we are the only ones staying here). Real 1960 style motel, but with good free wifi. Decided to go eat around 5:30 pm. Went to Linns pie cafe, which on our arrival was just shutting up shop. However, they allowed us to order and eat. Good selection on the menu. Their New England clam chowder was good (mind you I rarely eat New England chowder so what would I know!).

Now here it is around 7:30 pm in our motel with the heater going staying warm.

Tomorrow we have an early start tomorrow as we have to be at the Hearst Castle visitor centre at 8:40 am for the 9 am tour. The, we continue on rte 1 to Monterey.

Finally a few words on Best Western Airport Plaza. The hotel is old and a little tired (looks to be still the 1970's or 80's. However, the service was excellent. The room was well away from the main road so the noise was much reduced. Did hear the roar off traffic from 6 am on-wards. Lynley said she heard the planes taking off or landing at LAX. They froze my chill bags for my insulin, provided a suitable and adequate breakfast (not hoards and hoards of people eating. The breakfast room was mainly outdoors around a much diminished pool. Well, would you believe a spa pool. Anyway they offered the usual fare ( cereal, doughnuts, waffles etc) plus scrambled eggs, rolled oats. The hotel also ran us over to Alamo (at no extra cost). This was much appreciated as I would have either organised a taxi or end up going back to the airport to get an Alamo shuttle.

Having a few issues getting photos to put on this blog. For some unknown reason ipad and iphone bluetooth won't recognise each other. Need to sort this out plus why the navmii app as well.

Post script on last night in LA. With Linda we settled on eating at TGI Friday. Busy, busy, busy, we had to wait 20 minutes for a table. Families everywhere. Looking around we were the only caucasians on the premises. Meal was under whelming to say the least. The bill offered a range of tip suggestions based on 20%, 10%, 8% etc. Cheeky.

Thanks to an app set up for me by Karla we are able to keep in contact with Regan and Kerry who are currently in San Francisco. Great to know what they are up to including photo's.

On the Road again, Day 1

What an early start. Taxi turned up at 4:30 am to take us to the airport. Can recommend staying at the Chateau de Regan. A very comfortable night. On Saturday night we had dinner with Evan and talked with Karla prior to our departure. The flight over to Sydney as acceptable, made more so by the AB's defeating the Wallabies and winning the world cup. Arrived early than scheduled so grabbed a train into circle quay, then a Ferry onto Manly. Manly was very warm and sunny. Full of beach type people and families. Both the train and ferry ride was very relaxing and enjoyable. While in Manly we visited the Sealife Santuary. While it didn't look much from the outside, it was very well presented on the inside. The sanctuary is on three levels. The top level is dedicated to the local small blue penguins (which were worth watching for some time). The second level had displays showing the water environment of the coral coastline, marine estuaries as well as jelly fish, cuttle fish etc. The bottom level covered the ocean (had Greynurse sharks, turtles, manta and eagle rays plus many types of schooling fish). While walking around the observation tunnel, we watched people in scuba gear, in with the Grey nurse sharks etc, the sharks swam a few cm's from the scuba people (not for me). Would recommend the Sealife Santuary if you have a few hours to spend in Manly. After this we strolled up the corso, to Manly Beach. At this point we decided to return to Sydney airport and prepare ourselves for the 12+ hour flight. The return trip went off with out any hiccups. The ferry's arriving around midday, were extremely full (Day trippers).

So, we arrived at the International airport with over 4 hours to spare. Immigration and customs went smoothly. The e-gate rejected me, so I was taken to a person and then screened for explosives (shoes, clothes, belt and both the inside and outside of my backpack. Just as we were about to board the whole airport was closed down due to electrical storms overhead. It took about 1 hour for the storm to pass and us to be boarded and get underway. What a long flight, all of 13 hours.

Arrived LAX around 2 pm (local time). Immigration was like being at Disneyland during the festive season. This was due to about 5 airlines arriving around the same time (from Moscow, Paris, Soul, Australia and I think Indonesia). Wave upon wave of people all trying to clear customs and immigration. Thankfully they had electronic gates, but these were soon overwhelmed. Anyway, after about and hour we got to a gate. Scan passport, take a copy of finger prints and then take a photo. We both had difficulty getting 4 fingers  read (required extra assistance from the locals), also the photos taken and then printed on a pass were less than flattering, in fact, mine made me look downright old!!!!

From there it was off to join another queue, this time to meet a real Border control person. This didn't take too long, and then we were off to get our bags (which were already on the baggage conveyor) and off to join one last queue and into or onto the streets of LAX. It was chaos, buses, shuttles, private cars and taxis everywhere. Found our pick up point for the hotel transfer and waited, and waited and waited. Finally in sense of desperation I phone the hotel, and duly 15 minutes later they turned up. So it took from 1:30 pm to 3 pm to clear customs and immigration and from 3 pm to 4 pm to get to the hotel. A shower, shave and S later we both feel refreshed. Tonight we are going out with Linda (long time friend in LA) for a meal.

Finally a few shout outs. To the Qantas flight crew who kept me in ice (to keep my insulin cool while traveling a big "thank you", also to  a young bar man in Sydney airport who without hesitation gave me bags of ice for the same insulin and finally for the security woman at Sydney screening who gave me assistance in getting said insulin (now surrounded in ice water) through all the screening.

Travelling with a months supply of insulin is not fun, especially when you have such long lay-overs. I managed to soak my back pack because the two zip lock bags I used for the ice could not retain the melted water.

The Best Western hotel we are staying at is managed by Fijian Indians, so we got to discuss the AB's world cup along with a Fijian who happened to register at the same time we did. So that's it folks! day one, room is still moving. So its off to bed and get some sleep. Tomorrow the road trip begins in earnest.