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.
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