Day 2 - North Loop of the park

The first part of the day was 'ground hog day', except the temperature was hovering around 32 to 34 degrees F-32 degrees is 0 degrees C).

Had a grumpy ranger at the entrance, I asked what the weather expected was...she just answere 'I don't know I'm stuck in this booth". Great start.

We decided to head straight to Mammoth Hot Springs. Along the way we saw hearts of elk and buffalo. Just outside Mannoth we stopped at the thermal terraces- very impressive. More impressive than I expected. Spent a good bit of time walking around the boardwalks looking at the different terraces (with sinter and travertine deposits (Travertine are deposits of calcite (limestone deep beneath the surface is dissolved by the thermal water (and a weak sulphuric acid), then as the water evaporates on the surface the travertine is deposited.

 

Great model posing in front of a terrace.

Walking around the different silica terraces was a 'wee' struggle -there was a strong cold wind and plenty of snow flurries to content with. I need a coffee. Almost brought a black felt cowboy hat at the general store, in the end said 'no', when would I wear it. Also saw a 1970's VW camper charging trough the little town- a great sight.

Then it was 5 minutes down the road to Mammoth Hot Springs. This little township started life as an Army base. The US Army in the late 1880's were sent to sort out the poachers and miners, and to protect the national park. From them evolved the Park Rangers and their military uniforms. Great visitor centre, and most of the officer houses are still there and in use. More amazing was the number of elk grazing their lawns.

After a picnic lunch (it had stopped snowing and the sun was out, so we had our home made lunch (meat and a freshly baked French loaf (with a little cheese) and freshly purchased hot drinks (there was a general store open here).

Then it was back on the road again, heading to Tower Fall.

Our 'wee' car with the columnar basalt deposits in the background.

At this point of time it was close to 4.30 pm so, we decided to head back to West Yellowstone.

On the drive back we hit a small snow blizzard-snow flurries driven by very strong winds.

A shot through the front windscreen.

Stopped at Norris geyser field. Had a good walk around both the upper and lower boardwalks. By now there was no snow, sunny and just under 40 degrees F.

An example of the thermal pools at Norris.

On the drive back we saw herds of bison and elk grazing on the river flats. We drove a riverside loop and stumbled across a 3 legged elk, grazing beside the road.

Got back to our accommodation. Time to do a few household chores.

All 3 restaurants that were open last night are all closed. So we found a little bar/pizza parlour-that was tea for the night.

Tomorrow we leave the mountains and drop down to the high plains of Idaho. We are staying the night in Buhl, Idaho - a step back in time for us, as we lived there for 4 months in 1980 (September to December 26th).

Yellowstone has lived up to its reputation. A great place to visit, especially this time of the year. Very few cars to contend with. Yesterday we talked to a couple fro, Bozeman. They said in the height of summer you wait for up to an hour to get access to the features, with long lines of traffic. They also said it is not unusual to see bison standing in the hot pools during the height of winter. WE did see fresh dung and hoof prints around a number of the hot pools.

Sorry to say we saw no bears or wolves in the wild.

2 Days to explore Yellowstone National Park

Day 1 -The lower Loop taking in the upper, middle and lower thermal areas.

Good solid breakfast. Hit local supermarket to get lunch (including a great looking donut0. Then on to the visitor centre to check what roads were open.  Only one is currently closed - between Canyon Village and Tower Falls. Weather is cool (42 degree's F) with a hint of rain.

The annual National Park pass worked a treat. What a good investment (cost $80 (US) last year and it is still good.

On the drive from the West Entrance to Madison saw our first bull elk. Then a little further down the road saw our first herd of Bison. WE spent 2 hours stopping and walking among many different geysers, mud pools, fumaroles etc. Had to stop once or twice for bison (they just walk along the road at a very casual rate). The photo's below cover most of what we saw over those 2+ hours.

Silica rich hot pools

All with different coloured heat tolerant bacteria living in them.

This one was just strolling down the middle of the road.

The last stop was the lower basin and Old Faithful. Here there is an excellent visitor centre/education centre. Bathrooms!!! Yeh. Every where else was closed for winter.

Yellowstone is a super volcano. It currently sits over a plume of magma or hotspot (like Hawaii). This hotspot accounts for all the volcanic depositions in Oregen and Idaho.

WE discovered that 'Old Faithfil' was due to fountain. (Geyser to spout0 around 1.45 pm. So we waited. Then the rain set in and it rained. Around 2 pm Old Faithful lived up to its name and it happened.

Here is proof!

Ate our lunch in the car (nothing to write home about except the donut).

From here it was over Craig Pass (usually closed in early November) and on to West Thumb ( a lake in a caldera that is still warmed by magma- Yellowstone Lake). Apparently where the Yellowstone river drains from the lake is a very good spot for fishing. Which reminds our drive from the West entrance and Madison were saw numerous anglers in the Madison river trying their luck).

The rain by now was pretty steady, so we headed  Yellowstone Grand Canyon and water falls.

The Upper Falls in Yellowstone Canyon.

The Yellowstone river has cut a deep and long valley through rhyolite deposits and tuff. Very impressive.

By now it was close to 5 pm so we headed back to West Yellowstone and a rest.

Very good meal tonight, very European bistro (which I ruined by having a burger-which now I wish I hadn't.

Steady rain, so that a wrap.

Have decided that at least 80% of West Yellowstone is closed for the winter.

Winter is coming

Awoke this morning to a very heavy frost. Had to use an ice scratcher to remove the ice from the front windscreen.

Last nights hotel was up to the usual high standard. Good breakfast, fill the car with gas and then onto I-90 E again. Traffic was pretty light (still a large number of 18 wheelers to contend with. In Montana the speed limit for cars is 80 mph. I cruised at 75 and barley kept in front of the trucks.

The road cut through plains where cattle farming seems to be the major agriculture practise, did see some sheep. Detoured into Anaconda (now a small town) which last century was a major mining town, however, it closed in the 1980's. There were very large tailings on the paddock around the mine. Very black in colour. After a coffee in Anaconda back onto I-90 E. Finally left I-90 at Balgrade and dropped down to West Yellowstone and the Stage Coach Inn. 

They gave us an enormous room, simply stunning.

West Yellowstone, my guess is that 75% of the businesses have closed for the winter. I believe there main income is from the tourists who visit Yellowstone National Park which is right next door. 

Went for a walk to the Park information centre-it was closed. We continued on to the Grizzly and Wold discovery centre. This is a not-for-profit organisation. Saw a number of wolves, one in particular was very large. The Bears were all grizzles. They were great to watch. They also had birds of prey on show- mainly bald eagles, golden eagles and peregrine falcon.

Sorry no photo's today, the camera person was on strike. Finding a place to eat on smaller roads is very difficult. They have deli's usually attached to a casino (legal to have casino's in Montana with restricted beating limits. We stopped at one such establishment- just blew us away. The food was horrible.

Tomorrow weather permitting we will venture into Yellowstone National Park.

A little about our accommodation -The stage coach inn.

Great lobby, big staircase leading up stairs- a big gas fire (pretending to be a log fire) and lots of stuffed animals-all from the area. Will include a picture latter on. The building itself was built between 1946 and 1948. It is a unique western Swiss design (chalet). It has a sauna, hot water pool etc. Haven't tried them out yet. Would recommend this place.

What a difference a day makes.....

After a good nights sleep at Inn America , awoke to a clear possibly sunny day, but it was cool. She who should not be named had checked out this hotel on TripAdvisor. Doesn't have a good rating.

Went down to the now mandatory breakfast to find there was only 3 tables in a very small crowded breakfast area. Two of the tables was taken up with one family of 6 kids (even their parents were standing to eat). Decided to grab our breakfast and eat in our room.

Checked out, and gassed up (price of gas here was $2.45 per gallon. So cheap. Half a tank of gas cost around $15. Wow.

Drove to the historic part of town. Very quiet traffic wise. Parked at the library and walked down to the 5th post (an historic marker where in the late 1800's a family ran a ferry across the Clearwater. On a usual day of business he made US$250/ day. That would make him very wealthy in the late 1800's.

We walked along the levee (stop bank) that protects Lewistown from the lake that was formed when they constructed a dam. The level rose 35 metres, so hence the levee. There are a number of dams and locks from this point down stream. It allows large ships to come this far inland (Lewiston/Clarkson has to be one of most inland port in the US. Walked along the levee to the Lewis and Clark centre. It overlooks the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. It is also marks the spot where they and their discovery army camped (before heading west into Washington State and the west coast.

Walked back to the Nez Perce County Museum, spent close to an hour looking at their exhibits. It is a very crowded (collection wise) but informative. Told the usual tale of European deception and eventual harm to the local Indian tribes (they are now called the Nez Perce, they however had another name for themselves. Usual story, move to a reservation or face the wrath of the US Army. Initially the locals won a numbe of battles, but eventually were wore down and subdued. The last remaining bands that wouldn't submit were trapped 40 miles from the Canadian border (where they were going to seek shelter). The Chiefs and other significant Warriors were arrested and shipped back east to Fort Leavenworth. There is more to the story, but you can Google it. Needles to say the most important chief was Chief Joseph (both Snr and Jnr). The Europeans felt very intimidated by Joseph Jnr, he was tall, well built and bowed to no one.

 The bridge to Clarkson across the Snake.

River boat (like the steam boats of the Mississippi) about to dock at Clarkson pier.

Small square in historic Lewiston. The Idaho Hotel once stood here-burnt down some time ago.

From the museum we walked around town....very quiet, we were the only people on the street. Found the Democratic HQ and discussed whether we would go volunteer and man the phone lines for them... No, not our election.

Time to quite Lewiston. Followed Rte 12, which is known as the Lewis and Clark NW trail. For about 120 miles we followed the Clearwater River, before turning away to climb to the LoLo summit (Bitterroot Mountains), over the other side lay Missoula, Montana (a change in time zones-Mountain time).

The drive beside the river was excellent, light traffic, a few trucks, but could maintain 55 to 60 mph. The river was very full of fishermen. Some in waders up to their waist, others in motor boats and still others in oar paddled boats- all fishing for steelhead fish ( a rainbow trout that spends a few years in the ocean before returning to spawn etc. 

 Clearwater River.

The day was sunny and clear with a temp hovering around 14 degrees C. We passed through two Indian reservations with a town in each- Kamiah (where we lunched) and Kooskia. 

Halloween in Kamiah.

Also past a larger town called Orofino (fine gold), didn't stop as it was across the river. Stopped at the LoLo summit at a visitors centre. Very informative. Should mention we noticed a significant number of evergreen trees (pines or spruce or???) were all very golden brown. We assumed that indicated a dieting off. Forgot to ask the rangers at the LoLo summit centre.

Must be a bit volcanic around here as we came across the LoLo hot springs (looked pretty run down). From the summit we headed to LoLo (had to watch out for moose and elk -just saw one elk). What I did notice was the posted speed limits. 70 mph(daytime) and 65 mph (night) and on a normal NZ type road. We counted at least 7 little white crosses on the side of the road.

Found our hotel for the night (EconoLodge), checked in and relaxed. Evening meal at an Irish pub (had a good plate of bangers and mash) followed by a local light beer.

Another long driving day

Today we will have to drive across the state of Washington.

Left Mark and Jeannie's in Olympia around 8.45 am. Found I-5 with Marks expertise. Travelled north on I-5. Changed onto Rte 18 to get to I-90 East. Lots of trucks but travel was relatively quick. On I-90 climbed over the Cascade Range (Snoqualmie Pass, where there were ski fields just of the interstate. Steep grades, 3 or 4 lanes, so no problem.

Dropping down on the other side of the Cascades the landscape changed to open grasslands and cattle farming. What was noticeable was the increased number of Trump/Pence signs on people's property (the east coast of Tacoma, Olympia and Seattle are dominantly democratic). The part of Washington (being on the rain shadow side of the Cascades) is normally dry. Today it rained, and rained and rained.

Got of I-90 at a small place called Vantage- nothing to write home about, a gas station, closed buildings and a small resturant. So we stopped for fuel and food. Ok but nothing to right home about.

Got onto Rte 26 (the Pulosa scenic byway. Passed through a few vineyards and orchards (especially around Royal City and Orthello. The road was straight with light traffic. Had to watch the road because of the indentations made by heavy traffics were filled with water and there was the possibility of Aqua planning (especially when you are travelling at 60 mph.

The landscape was one of gentle rolling hills. All used to grow alpha or wheat. No fences, but just the stubble left. Around Orthello we passed a very large lot farm (where beef cattle are crowded in with no grass to graze, feed hay etc. as we got closer to Lewiston the landscape changed. Now we were driving through columnar basalt (from one of the basalt flood episodes which occurred a few million of years ago (I remember teaching this at St George's in Vancouver).

Passed through a little town called Colfax (in a gully among the basalt cliffs). Changed onto Rte 195 outside Colfax. Now we're headed to Lewiston. The  descent into Lewiston was spect ulnar. We dropped from the plateau (about 700 metres above the Clearwater river. The road was steep-7% grade. You could smell the large trucks brakes. 

Thank goodness for GPS. We found our hotel easily -Inn America. Checked in, then I went for a small walk (needed after all that driving). A few fast food stores were closed and looked abandoned. Found a supermarket with an TM - they only charged 1% commission -so took out a few $$$.

In the evening we drove up Lewiston's resturant alley looking for a particular resturant. No, didn't find it. Settled on Appleby's -which turned out to be a very good choice.

Driving at night, in the rain, and in a strange town and country is very trying. Had to concentrate very hard at all times.

Tomorrow we will spend most of the morning exploring Lewiston then head east to Missoula, Montana.

A little about Lewiston. It plus its sister town Clarkson is located on confluence of the Clearwater river and the Snake River. Clarkson is located just across the snake river. Both town are named after Lewis and Clark, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1805. Well they a troop of volunteers travelled overland from the Mississipi river area (already settled by Europeans to explore and find routes to the West Coast. I think their return trip took 500 days. When they reached the North Pacific at the mouth of the Columbia river they built a fort, Fort Clapsop (I think that it is the spelling). Tomorrow we will follow their route up to LoLo pass (over the Bitterroot Mts). It is called the North West trail. It involves the Nez Pece tribe as well.

So that's it for now.

Rainy Day blues

Awoke to very wet dark day. A good day to sit around and catch up on writing this blog plus downloading the photo's from Evan's camera (mind you he was not too impressed-sent me some very critical messages via snapchat. We are trying Evan, promise).

Drove somewhere towards Tacoma for a pita lunch, then it was off to the Museum of Glass to seen a maestro from Venice (that little island you visited Evan). Had a very informative afternoon ( I even feel asleep watch a movie on the process- riveting Huh!!!).

Drove back to Olympia the long way. Mark and Jeannie's were each using Apple maps and didn't believe what directions they were giving. Needless to say when it comes to human instinct and knowledge verses GPS and maps, the latter wins hands down. Long, but fun. Got to see some very wealthy homes and a very large military base (army and airforce combined.

Eat at home, then I used Marks broadband connection to watch the 4th one day highlights and well as the AB's v's Aussies.

Time to pack as we are back on the road tomorrow - off to Lewiston, Idaho. A stop off on the way to Yellowstone National Park.

We have enjoyed our stay with Mark and Jeannie. They were great hosts-nothing was too much for them. Their house which is part of a 6 house plot overlooks the Pught Sound. They even have a 2 person kayak to paddle around. They have seen seals and orcas.

They are going to Africa in April/May next year for a month. I am tempted to offer to house sit for them. They have also suggested we meet them in Hawaii sometime soon. Which sounds like the beginnings of a plan.

So that's it for now. Sorry no photo's. Did send some to Regan/Karla via whatsapp and to Even via snapchat.

A. Day in Seattle

Up bright and early this morning-off to Olympia Airport to swap cars. Left with Mark around 7:40 am (the roadside service assured me they will be ready with a swap car, but full up with gas first. So we did. Arrived to find a note stuck to the door,"away assisting a client be back soon and ring this number". We rang and heard the phone ringing in the office. They didn't set the divert to cell function. Mark saw another note saying to pick up a rental if the office is unattended go next door to Glacial air, they will assist. So we did, no luck cannot change cars (the guy behind the counter told us the Herzt office is a one-man-band. So we waited. Clear day, but cold breeze. After 40 minutes waiting we gave up and went back to Marks for breakfast. Mark jumped on the phone and rang Dollar and Hertz. Success. All we need to do is drive up to Seattle-Tacoma (sea-tac) international airport then a swap can be completed.

Quick note: Olympia is the capital of Washington State. Their House of Representatives sit only part of the year (part time politicians). Olympia airport however has no commercial flights. So it begs the question. Why is there a Hertz office at the airport?

The day by now was both sunny and warm (around 61 degrees F). So we all took off to Sea-Tac (2 cars) the aim was to leave our replacement car at the airport and pick it up on the way back to Olympia. This plan proved very successful. The people at Thirfty were very help full. Why Thirfty, that needs a little more explaination.

Arrived in downtown Seattle around 12 noon. Parked at Pike Market and had a good walk around, even saw the fish monger a throwing large Halibut fish to one-another (about 5 metres between them).

Walked around the historic area and settle for a seafood lunch-Alaskan razor clam chowder (very nice).

Next on the list was a visit to the outdoor sculpture park (see photo's on previous page). Walked around until around 3 pm. From here we were off to the EMP (experience music project). The whole thing was paid for by some guy who started Microsoft along with Bill Gates.

First we saw an exhibit on the evolution of guitars (see the statue on the previous page), then we visited an exhibit of Nivanna (they started in rural Washington) and Jimi Hendrix (born in Seattle). Both were very interesting (got to see a a guitar donated by Eric 'slow hand' Clapton.

Next on the visiting list was the Sci-fi exhibit, exceptionally well done (had Cybor men and daleks from Dr Who.

Finally we visited the WoW exhibit -all the way from NZ.

By now I was 5pm. So we went to a coastal suburb for dinner-Ray's. Very nice. Had cod and a diet drink.

Back to Sea-Tac to pick up our replacement car (they were ready and waiting for us. As I walked up to the booth, they guy came out with the keys and documentation he said "ready to go Ronald". Now that is service.

The car is a Nissan Sentra and has GPS!!!!

Drove back to Olympia with Marks help (I needed it -6 to 8 lanes of traffic going both ways, plenty of spaghetti junctions etc.

Great day, made better by having a car without a windscreen crack. Thank goodness for CDW insurance.

More photos

The Astoria tower

View from Astoria tower

Astoria bridge

Astoria bridge, Washington State in distance.

Shots from Mark and Jeannie's house

Three photos from the outdoor sculpture park in Seattle

Us ( moi, Mark and Jeannie's at Pikes Market. Seattle.

Better late than never photos

Astoria -bridge in back ground

Astoria wharf frontage

Astoria 

Historic Eureka

Rain

After another good breakfast (this time the hot food was bacon, scambled eggs and link sausages), I had oats!!! We hit the road.

Drove down to the Oregon coast as Rte 101. Hit rain, and rain and more rain. Stopped briefly at Seaside (at a Safeway) to buy wines and cheese to take to Mark's. Not cheap if you don't have a Safeway card. 

Stopped in Astoria for lunch. Interesting town. Built at the mouth of the Columbia River. Home to the pilots that navigate the large ocean going freight ships over the sand bars at the rivers entrance. At Astori the oven pilots give way to the river pilots that then navigate the ships a 100 odd miles up the river to Portland. So along the rivers edge were lots of building with banners proclaiming them to Pilots no 12 or 14 etc. Most now turned into resturantes or shops. Before the Astoria bridge was built the only wat to cross a very large expanse of water was by ferry boat. The original town was built on the river (on piles) as there was step hills along side the river. In 1923 a fire destroyed most of the town (the piles can still be seen), so the town moved on to land -the streets just go along the hill (a bit like Virginia city). Drove up to the Asotoria colum (which is 125 feet high, which we climbed-some 164 steps) for a view over the Columbia and inland. The tower was built in 1911.

Now we crossed the Astoria Bridge- some 5 miles across (and very high to allow ocean going ships to pass over). Carried on Rte 101 North. Mixture of small towns (based on sea food, namely oysters ). The drive covered large tracks of wetlands (with sloughs) and forest. 

No rain today, just overcast with a temp of 12 degrees.

Coming into Olympia had to use data and Google maps to get us close to where they live. Then Marks instructions took over. Finally arrived around 4 pm. Great drive.

The crash continues to grow. I rang roadside assistance and arranged to swap cars tomorrow morning here in Olympia.

Great to catch up with Mark and Jeannie's again (they had visited us back in February, and spent time with me up at Mahanga). 

Had a great night drinking wine and eating cheese followed by pulled pork. 

Then off for a long overdue sleep.

Until tomorrow.

Driving the I-5 North

Today is going to be a long day of driving the interstate north.

We slept late, had breakfast around 10 am.

Diane is an interesting person to talk to. She is a homeopath, she works 3 days a week out of her home here with Regen. When they brought the property (both of them sold their respective homes to buy this one) they added some additional rooms, one is Diane's office/consulting room and one her den (office). It is a lovely warm house and the animals just add to it.

Left around 11 am hit I-5 and drove, and drove, and drove. Stoped for lunch and gas and drove some more. Interstates are very good for going fast (if you don't mind all the 18 wheeler trucks cruising along at 65 mph. In reality I-5 is a race track.

The one noticeable thing about driving I-5 was how the big billboards advertising accommodation or some attraction now includes where to stop and buy some Marijuana, those billboards blew me away. 

Arrived at our accommodation- Quality Inn, Tigard around 5 pm. By now the weather was around 10 degrees and very overcast -but no rain.

The Quality Inn was just as good, big comfortable bed, great leather chairs plus ottoman to sit on, but alias only a 32 inch TV screen and rather patchy internet connectivity.

After dinner, just watched a little TV. Tomorrow we drive to Mark and Jeannie's place in Olympia, Washington.

So, that's all folks-until tomorrow..... Sorry let me bring you up to date with the growing crack in the wind screen. Today it reached a fill 12 cm's and it grow daily. While at Regen's I rang roadside assistance (after all I am paying US$7 plus Tx a day). They offered me two choices...stop in at Eugene while driving north today (not a choice due to my Navmii isn't going) or wait until we get to Olympia (it is the capital of Washington State after all), which we figure is the best choice.

When are we going to have a holiday?

This is the question posed to me by she who cannot be named when I woke her up at 8 am this morning. A good question as to date we have camped in Wellington airport and then had a long drive to get back to my original itinerary.

Last night we stayed at the Comfort Inn Humboldt Bay. very nice and comfortable, we had a king size bed which was we accommodating and the pillows were spot on for me. But, best of all was the 45 inch LED TV. Great.

Breakfast's at the hotels to date have been very good. Today they offered hot food (apart from the waffle machine); scrambled eggs, sausage pattie with gravy and biscuit - not for me. Just had the usual. Though to be clear 'she who can not be named' did break out to eggs.

Left the hotel around 9.30. Stopped for gas ($2.65 per US gallon. Not bad when you are driving a car that gets around 38 mpg.

Our first stop was historical downtown Eureka (right on an estuary). When we arrived it was just us, a few older street people-drinking coffee or packing up their belongings or a few older people walking down to the board walk to fed the seagulls. We walked along the board walk and then around the Victorian buildings. Nothing opens until 11 am in Eureka. (Photos to follow, once the photographer gets up and gives me the memory card). So around 10.30 we called it quits and hit the road. From Eureka to Regen's home just south of Medford is about 3 and a half hours driving.

The drive north to Crescent city was pretty nice scenic wise. Drove through a number of small hamlets which seemed to have either a cafe or tavern but all having wood for sale. Must be a depressed economy in this part of Northern California. The vegetation was either Redwood forest, beaches or swamps/wetlands (where she who can not be named saw a couple of young elk grazing, me I was concentrating on driving.

Missed the short cut coming into Crescent City so had to carry on into town to join 199 to Grants Pass. The town seemed quite affluent, plenty going on, including a farmers market. I think 'she who can not be named would have liked to stroll through it (parking was difficult to say the least). From Crescent city we turned inland and climbed over the coastal mountains to Oregon. A good if slow drive. A few stop/go situations where they are working on the road. Stopped at a rest area (the only one on this road) for a break and to finish off the sandwhiches we bought in Fort Bragg (yesterday). Nice and sunny, but a little cool -about 12 degrees C. The rest area had signs about not feeding the Bears, we didn't see any. Then it was off to Oregon.

In Oregon passed through a few small towns, one or two looked depressed. But what did strike me was the appearance of marijuana shops.Here in Oregon it is legal to purchase and smoke for personal use, you just can't smoke it in public. In Oregon the vegetation changed. The Redwoods gave way to meadows and spruces and different types of pines.

Grants Pass ( a booming city-full of Walmarts, Targets etc). Here we joined I-5 south for a 43 mile drive down to Regen's place. We arrived around 3 pm and meet his new partner (soon to be married) Diane plus two dogs (Merlin and Saddie) and two cats (whose names I never bothered to know).

Regen has just over an acre of land. Very narrow (about 22 metres across, but very long). Spent the rest of the afternoon just talking. Around 5 pm decided to take the dogs for a walk in the hills. Great 3 mile walk in the growing gloom of evening. Spent the night talking and talking and talking. Evan may have got a commitment to visit us in NZ

So that's it. Another good drive. But the question is, have I answered the question posed at the beginning of the day? Perhaps 10 days in Fiji or Tahitit would have been a better choice?

A Big Drive

Today will be a very long drive (6+ hours) to get us back on the itinerary.

After a reasonably early breakfast, typical hotels fare, we hit the road. Drove Rte 1 through San Francisco. Typical heavy traffic congestion (with lots of traffic lights) we got to 101. Ran into fog on the Golden Gate Bridge. Stopped at a vista point for views to Alcartraz (shrouded in Fog), downtown San Fran, could see just the tops of the high rises.

Then back onto Rte 101, 3 lanes both ways, traffic all going 80 mph plus (speed limit 65 mph). We decided to get back to Rte 1 (coastal rode), so we dropped onto 138 throgh vineyards (all looking rustic and very unlike NZ vineyards). What a road, very windy, very demanding. Stopped at Boonville for a break and coffee. Quaint is a word I would use to describe Boonville. Good coffee and according to Lynley, great empanadas. Drove through coastal redwood fores before we hit Rte 1, fog!!. Didn't stop in Mendocino (we were booked to stay there last night, will go back someday), the town from the road look very New English(ish). Stopped in Fort Bragg (at a Safeway) to buy a sandwich plus 6 pack of water and a few bottles of wine. The road back to 101 was long, with many bends, so slow going.

While at Fort Bragg, we discovered a crack in the car windscreen. Will need to contact Dollar and sort something out. We will monitor the crack between now and Olympia.

Route 101 was just as hectic, lots of road works. Diverted to Avenue of the Giants to drive between giant redwood trees.

By now it was around 3.30 pm. So decided that Eureka and our motel was still and hour away. 

Finally made our motel Comfort Inn around 4:45 pm. Checked in a started to relax.

Went for a small walk and stopped in to Have Chinese. When we were given a fortune cookie, yours truely forgot there was my fortune in it.....I ate it with out thinking...Lynley just about fell about laughing.

So that's it took us almost 8 hours to get here. Tomorrow will be much easier. 

I must report that the photographer started work today. I will try and include a few of her 'great' shots here.

Golden Gate in fog

Statue at Golden Gate vista point: dedicated to all lost seamen.

Driving the Coastal Redwoods on Rte 128

Yours truely with out upgrade car. A Kia somethings....

Avenue of the Giants. Giant Redwoods.

Giant Redwoods with our car for scale.

What type of day will it be?

Well today is either going to be a 'ground hog day' or an 'up,up and away day'.

We made sure we were at Jetstar check in around 7.30 am. The plane actually left and arrived in Auckland on time, wow hard to believe. We even got a $10 credit each from Jetstar to spend on drinks/eats. We are at a loss to explain why we got it, but are greatful.

Arrived at Americam Airlines 40 minutes before check in started. Wow, great start. Checkin and re TSA was done on line (using kiosks). So all sorted. 

The flight departed on time. The Dreamliner was very comfortable. Service was good, movie selection was very good. So, had a 12 hour movie binge, well got a few hours sleep. Arrived in LA around 6 am. The temperature was around 25 degrees (very warm). Got through immigration and customs with very few problems or delays. The it was a sprint to catch the flight to San Francisco. After walking through 3 or 4 terminals to arrive at our gate....a bus. Yes, a bus. We then were taken on a 'tiki tour' of the airport runways. It's like a mini highway out there. Well, we ended up at a isolated terminal (only accessible by bus). Anyway, managed to get to the gate about 10 minutes before boarding. The fligh north to San Francisco was very god, clear, sunny day (by the way when we departed at 8.15 am the temperature was up to 27 degrees. Had a good flight, followed the coast. Saw The Hearst Castle and the San Simeon wharf.

Got the free train shuttle to the rental car centre. I don't know how, but once again we got taken in..up grade for $5 per day (nice newer car) and roadside assistance (well we are heading into the mountains), so an extra US$ 300 added to our travel budget.

After a few moments of doubt, we hit the road and found our hotel. We checked in at 10.30 am (yes they had a room available). So we showered, and changed our now smelly clothes. The receptionist also allowed me to make a couple of long distance calls (at no charge). Very sunny, warm day outside, so we went for a walk down El Camino Real to try and find a mall. But mainly just to stretch our legs and catch some sunshine (a partly helps with jet lag), stopped for lunch at Pita Pad, just managed to beat the crowds (they were queued out of the door. Had a good strawberry chill. Then we carried on walking...and found the mall (yes Kerry it had Sears, JC Penny and Target). Had a quick look around Targets Halloween displays, before heading back to have a few hours sleep. Later we walked further up from our hotel to check things out. This was around 6 pm and the temperature was more manageable , we also checked out our eating choices. While out walking we discovered the main retail street (The avenue), from the types of shops you could have been in any small town USA (very interesting). 

Surprise, surprise guess what ethnic food we ending up eating....Yes you guessed right..Mexican. It was good food. In my defence it was Lynley that choose it, not me. Would you believe it but they did not have guacamole!!!!! Apparently the cost of avocado's is extremely high (just like last season in NZ). The waiter said it costs US$200 for a tray.

For the rest of the evening we will be organising ourselves for tomorrow's big drive ( to catch up with my itinerary. Unfortunately meeting up with old friend Cory and visiting Mendicino has gone..we will now drive Rte 101 to Eureka (about 5 1/2 hours driving).

Lynley is catching up with local politics on CNN. 

So, that it's wil fill in our travels tomorrow.

Hopefully, we will have our camera person on deck tomorrow for photos.

The Flight to no where or camping at Wellington Airport

Today, the day of the long flight (yea right).

After a relaxing start to the day (great breakfast) we got the hotel shuttle to the airport. Got to the Jetstar check in - too early, come back at 9.45 am. So off we went. Duely arrived back at check in, everything went smoothly until it came to the boarding pass and bags. Duh! Apparently Jetstar have a policy off not working with Qantas code shares, namely American Airlines. Turns out Jetstar would only take us and our bags as far as Auckland domestic terminal, Warning bells began to ring.

The flight to Auckland was due (emphasis on due) to arrive at 12.35 pm. Our flight to LA was due to leave at 2.20 pm. 90 minutes to retrieve our bags, get to the international airport and check in... No way!!.

Rang our travel agent immediately, pointed out the issue..no way can we make the AA flight. Our regular agent was on vacation, so someone unsure of what to do was given the problem to solve. Got to the gate.... Jetstar was going to be 10 minutes late..rang travel agent..what is happening, then Jetstar flight was delayed by 20 minutes...means arriving at Auckland domestic at 1.25 pm. No way are we going to meet the AA flight...another phone call or two...Agent advises not to get on the flight, retrieve our bags and await further instructions....the idea was to get an Air NZ direct to San Francisco (yea right). At 3 pm our agent advised us we could go on Air NZ for an extra $2000+ (yea right).

Finally. Around 4 pm, pulled the plug. Got the agent to get us a room at the Brentwood for the night while she was working on getting us on tomorrow's flights. Went back to the hotel and began the rapid calling to cancel or re-adjust bookings (accommodation and rental car). Unfortunately, it means we may not be able to catch up with Cory in Lucrene CA. 

We decided that I couldn't drive to Mendocino (about 31/2 hours north of San Francisco), so planned on staying the first night around SFO airport.

Now here it is almost 7 pm and we have finally received our tickets for tomorrow's big adventure. Unfortunately we are flying to Auckland on Jetstar, but 5 hours before the AA flight us due to leave. Yea Ha. Only problem is the short time gap between arriving in LA and departing for SFO. Have been assured that the time gap is acceptable (we will have to wait and see).

Cancellation fees are now banking up, so I am in for long discussion with either the Travel agent or or travel insurer (should be interesting).

So, here we are eating room service (not sure who is going to pay for that).

Moral of today's story, don't trust travel agents itinerary, and Jetstar can't get a flight away on time (plus don't trust Jetstar to keep you informed or show any empathy with its customers.

So that is it..thanks to the kids for plenty of advice and in the travel agent who worked well beyond the 5 pm quitting time to get things sorted.

Looking forward to an early rise tomorrow so to get to the Jetstar check in by 7.45 am.

Here's hoping

 

Here we go again

2016, we are off to the USA again. Not going to continue driving route 50, but will focus on the North West. We aim to continue north of San Francisco and complete route 1 which ends just after Fort Bragg. We intend travelling as far north as Olympia (Washington State), before heading East to Yellowstone National Park. Where possible will travel the back roads or byways where possible. 

From Yellowstone we head south to Idaho with the idea to re-visit Buhl and Twin Falls,Idaho. We lived in Buhl for around 4 months in 1980. We hope to find the small flat we lived in again.

Now we head West to join Highway 50 at Fallon, Nevada. Will spend a night in Carson City before heading to Yosemite National Park. Finally, we will re-visit Stan and June in Diamond Springs. Just in time to spend Election Day/night with them. I must admit this along with celebrating Halloween in West Yellowstone look to be the main highlights of this trip. Just may have to buy a bottle of vino to either celebrate a Clinton Victory or drown our friends sorrows.

Really looking forward to being "on the road again".

Drove over to Wellington in the afternoon, checked into the Brentwood Hotel in Kilbernie. The hotel is somewhat dated, but very comfortable. for the price would recommend it. It offers a 24 hour airport shuttle service.

In the evening meet up with the boys and their partners and had a late supper/dinner at "Mexico". Good selection of dishes and very authentic.

Tomorrow we begin the long flight to San Francisco (by American Airlines Dream liner), looking forward to that experience, not the 12 hours flight time.

So begins the USA farewell tour (part 2), the North West section.