Put both these days together as to us they were one long day.
Got up and went out for breakfast at Lori's Diner. Came back to the hotel and finished our packing. Made sure everything was zipped away. Headed down to the hotel lobby at 12pm and printed our boarding passes. Hung around the lobby for an hour as flight wasn't until 4.55pm. Then at 1pm we took the hotel's town car to the airport. Arrived, checked our baggage then went through security. Got chatting to a man whilst waiting airside. He was going to be on our flight. He appeared to be a musician going to London, as he had an agent who came and spoke to him. Had long discussion with him about our trip. He was quite interested. Saw him later as we boarded in one of the upmarket seating areas.
Plane was delayed by an hour due to being late arriving, and then some technical detail, apparently they were waiting for confirmation of the plane's weight and their calculations for take off whilst we sat at the end of the runway. Presumed that was quite important. Eventually took off, and circled over the top of the bay giving our side of the plane a great view of the Golden Gate bridge and Alcatraz. Everybody else on our flight seemed to know each other which was quite odd. Think they were all Argentinian
Didn't manage to sleep on flight, but did watch two movies and some other stuff. Landed at what to us was 3.30am, but was now in fact 11.30am BST. Got rail-air coach to Reading station and waited. Got on train at 3.30pm, arriving back at Totnes at 6.15pm. Got home at roughly 6.45pm. Sat down. Put TV on, amazed to find Escape from Alcatraz was on. Pointed at screen alot going saw that, been there. Then made the best ever meal, mashed potato. Was delicious.
Writing this at 11pm BST, which means I have now been up for the last 30 hours. Feeling very tired now. Apologise for any mistakes in typing. Will write a final blog tomorrow to sum up the trip. Goodnight!
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Sunday, 22 August 2010
Day Twenty Eight
Woke up late as it was so dark in room. Got ready and left. Had to be at Pier 33 to catch 10.30 ferry. No time for breakfast. Just walked straight there. Lined up, got on boat. Set out across San Francisco Bay. First glimpse of our destination.
Landed on Alcatraz. Headed up to pick up our audio guide which is included in the ferry ticket price. The guide which takes you around the cellblock is narrated by a former prison officer on the island and has contributions from 3 other wardens and 4 ex inmates. It has sound effects which bring everything to life. It was thoroughly fascinating listening to the stories and looking around.
Only when we had finished listening and went back to film the cells did we realise how quiet it was. This was due to everybody just listening to the earphones. Until that point we hadn't noticed that it was so silent. Most famous resident was Al Capone. Too many interesting facts to list them all. Most interesting story was one of the inmates saying that when he was in the pitch black isolation cell, he used to rip a button off his top and throw it in the air. Then he would go around in the dark on his hands and knees until he found it. Then he'd stand up and do it again. That is how he passed the time.
Got ship back to shore, seeing another famous landmark.
Once back on dry land we decided to have brunch as we were starving. Found an IHOP which was virtually empty and ate lots. Next we decided to find a place to buy a daypass for the local public transport system. On our way a man somehow started a conversation with us, just so he could tell us he'd been mugged when getting out a taxi and that he'd given them hell first, giving us details of his martial art background. Crossed to the other side of the street to try and lose him. We then boarded a cable car (like a tram) and travelled about. Decided it was fun so just went up and down another line later on.
By six o'clock we decided we were hungry again so headed back to the Pinecrest Diner that we went to yesterday. On the way there, a man who said he wasn't a bum followed us and told us a long winded story about how he and his girlfriend needed a couple of dollars to get bus tickets, because they had been robbed and that everyone he asked kept ignoring him like he had leprosy. He went on for about a minute as we walked, when he finished I told him that I didn't have any cash on me, which actually was true. He left and started bothering the people behind us.
Having been to New York, Washington, Las Vegas and LA and seen hardly any, San Francisco has a massive amount of homeless people. They have been everywhere we have gone. Tried to work out why we have seen none anywhere else. Are the other cities just better at hiding them than SF? Or do they do more to help them? Most ingenius sign of the day. 'Why lie, need money for beer'.
Whilst eating dinner we agreed that we had now got to the point where we are done with seeing things. Looking forward to heading home, not because we don't want to stay, could easily spend much longer here, but we are now at the point of being fed up with constantly moving. Looking forward to being in one place, not having to constantly repack and move on.
Now back in hotel sorting out everything for tomorrow's flight home. Making sure we have got it all!
 |
| The Rock |
Only when we had finished listening and went back to film the cells did we realise how quiet it was. This was due to everybody just listening to the earphones. Until that point we hadn't noticed that it was so silent. Most famous resident was Al Capone. Too many interesting facts to list them all. Most interesting story was one of the inmates saying that when he was in the pitch black isolation cell, he used to rip a button off his top and throw it in the air. Then he would go around in the dark on his hands and knees until he found it. Then he'd stand up and do it again. That is how he passed the time.
Got ship back to shore, seeing another famous landmark.
Once back on dry land we decided to have brunch as we were starving. Found an IHOP which was virtually empty and ate lots. Next we decided to find a place to buy a daypass for the local public transport system. On our way a man somehow started a conversation with us, just so he could tell us he'd been mugged when getting out a taxi and that he'd given them hell first, giving us details of his martial art background. Crossed to the other side of the street to try and lose him. We then boarded a cable car (like a tram) and travelled about. Decided it was fun so just went up and down another line later on.
By six o'clock we decided we were hungry again so headed back to the Pinecrest Diner that we went to yesterday. On the way there, a man who said he wasn't a bum followed us and told us a long winded story about how he and his girlfriend needed a couple of dollars to get bus tickets, because they had been robbed and that everyone he asked kept ignoring him like he had leprosy. He went on for about a minute as we walked, when he finished I told him that I didn't have any cash on me, which actually was true. He left and started bothering the people behind us.
Having been to New York, Washington, Las Vegas and LA and seen hardly any, San Francisco has a massive amount of homeless people. They have been everywhere we have gone. Tried to work out why we have seen none anywhere else. Are the other cities just better at hiding them than SF? Or do they do more to help them? Most ingenius sign of the day. 'Why lie, need money for beer'.
Whilst eating dinner we agreed that we had now got to the point where we are done with seeing things. Looking forward to heading home, not because we don't want to stay, could easily spend much longer here, but we are now at the point of being fed up with constantly moving. Looking forward to being in one place, not having to constantly repack and move on.
Now back in hotel sorting out everything for tomorrow's flight home. Making sure we have got it all!
Day Twenty Seven
Ate breakfast on the porch of the motel's breakfast room. Sat in rocking chairs whilst watching Hummingbirds feed in front of us. Checked out, filled up with fuel. Got into conversation with man at the next pump as he noticed our Maryland plates. Long discussion about our trip. I wondered how big his gas tank was as it seemed to be ages before it stopped and he said farewell.
Headed on up California 1, the Pacific Coast highway. Scenery was incredible. Entertained ourselves as we went.
Stopped in Carmel (Clint Eastwood used to be its mayor). Then decided to head inland to the main route as we were starting to get behind time. Flew up the rest of the way and arrived at the Omni Hotel in San Francisco at 5pm. Checked in then immediately left to return the car to the local rental office.
Eventually found it after having to go around all the one way streets which were jam packed with traffic. Dropped the car in then went to the actual office to get the paper work sorted. Stood for what seemed like a lifetime waiting for the two clerks to deal with the two sets of people in front who seemed to have no idea about anything. When finally served it took all of one minute to sort us out. Meanwhile the customer at the other counter was still the same one when we left. Sad to say bye to the car. Final distance we covered in it was just under 5000 miles.
Walked back to the hotel as it was only a few blocks away. Gave us a chance to see a bit of 'Frisco.
Hotel is stunning. Room is great. San Francisco is awesome. Went out for something to eat. Put on trousers for first time whilst in the USA as it is much cooler here. Ann suggested The Cheesecake Factory as we had seen one on the way back. It was on top of the Macy's store in Union Square. Walked there and went up to the top floor. Masses of people. Bloke said there was an hour wait for a table. We said thanks but no thanks. Saw a hobo with an iphone! How odd!
Decided to go to another place Ann had seen, the Pinecrest Diner. It was quite small but we got a table immediately. Turned out it was great. Had long discussion about the trip seeing as we are at the final stop. Wandered back to our lovely room. Sleep now.
I'll leave you with something we did whilst on Santa Monica beach yesterday. Hope you enjoy.
Headed on up California 1, the Pacific Coast highway. Scenery was incredible. Entertained ourselves as we went.
Stopped in Carmel (Clint Eastwood used to be its mayor). Then decided to head inland to the main route as we were starting to get behind time. Flew up the rest of the way and arrived at the Omni Hotel in San Francisco at 5pm. Checked in then immediately left to return the car to the local rental office.
Eventually found it after having to go around all the one way streets which were jam packed with traffic. Dropped the car in then went to the actual office to get the paper work sorted. Stood for what seemed like a lifetime waiting for the two clerks to deal with the two sets of people in front who seemed to have no idea about anything. When finally served it took all of one minute to sort us out. Meanwhile the customer at the other counter was still the same one when we left. Sad to say bye to the car. Final distance we covered in it was just under 5000 miles.
Walked back to the hotel as it was only a few blocks away. Gave us a chance to see a bit of 'Frisco.
Hotel is stunning. Room is great. San Francisco is awesome. Went out for something to eat. Put on trousers for first time whilst in the USA as it is much cooler here. Ann suggested The Cheesecake Factory as we had seen one on the way back. It was on top of the Macy's store in Union Square. Walked there and went up to the top floor. Masses of people. Bloke said there was an hour wait for a table. We said thanks but no thanks. Saw a hobo with an iphone! How odd!
Decided to go to another place Ann had seen, the Pinecrest Diner. It was quite small but we got a table immediately. Turned out it was great. Had long discussion about the trip seeing as we are at the final stop. Wandered back to our lovely room. Sleep now.
I'll leave you with something we did whilst on Santa Monica beach yesterday. Hope you enjoy.
Friday, 20 August 2010
Day Twenty Six
Woke up at 4am in complete pain. Neck was agony. Couldn't move. Had pain killers, Ann turned me over. Managed to sleep again, twice, before getting up at about 9am.
Had breakfast in the hotel before packing up and leaving. Decided to do some drive-by tourism before we left LA. First headed north. Saw a sign. Took a picture.
Drove down Hollywood Boulevard and saw the Walk of Fame, all the stars and names in the sidewalk. Saw the Kodak Theatre (Where the OSCARS are held), and the Grauman's Chinese Theatre (Where they were once held). And this round thing.
We then drove down Sunset strip, seeing lots of famous musical places like the Whisky a Go Go nightclub. Drove through Beverly Hills, seeing lots of big mansions. Ended up at Santa Monica. Parked up and went and sat on the beach for half an hour. Watched as a group of seagulls hunted around belongings that had been left whilst their owners were swimming. Tried to do some filming, but found it hard as it just made you look like a weirdo, before deciding to hit the road.
Plan was to breeze up the California Coastal highway, taking in the views before reaching our destination of San Luis Obispo, just under half way to San Francisco. Unfortunately traffic was very bad and it took as an hour and a half to reach Malibu, 19 miles away. Finally got going out of the traffic and made headway before stopping in at an IHOP in Oxnard for a very late lunch. Carried on north reaching the Peach Tree Inn just after 8pm. Saw a a strange sea mist just around sunset as we drove. It looked like clouds but was just sitting on top of the Pacific in the murky light. You can just about make it out on this film.
Neck eased up as the day went on, although Ann did most of the driving. Tomorrow is the final day of driving as we drop off the car in the afternoon in San Francisco. I'll be sure to wear a flower in my hair.
Had breakfast in the hotel before packing up and leaving. Decided to do some drive-by tourism before we left LA. First headed north. Saw a sign. Took a picture.
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| On a hill, far far away! |
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| Capitol Records |
Plan was to breeze up the California Coastal highway, taking in the views before reaching our destination of San Luis Obispo, just under half way to San Francisco. Unfortunately traffic was very bad and it took as an hour and a half to reach Malibu, 19 miles away. Finally got going out of the traffic and made headway before stopping in at an IHOP in Oxnard for a very late lunch. Carried on north reaching the Peach Tree Inn just after 8pm. Saw a a strange sea mist just around sunset as we drove. It looked like clouds but was just sitting on top of the Pacific in the murky light. You can just about make it out on this film.
Neck eased up as the day went on, although Ann did most of the driving. Tomorrow is the final day of driving as we drop off the car in the afternoon in San Francisco. I'll be sure to wear a flower in my hair.
Day Twenty Five
Wow.
Double Wow.
The best day of the lot by far. We both agree. Having had a few days of becoming a bit travel weary, today was the day we desperately needed. And boy did we get it. This will be a long blog. If you can't be bothered to read it all, at least catch the last bit. Incredible really.
Day didn't start too well when woke up with a really sore neck, it has been getting progressively worse over the last week. Bit annoyed as today was going to be an action day and didn't want to be in pain. Took painkillers, got on with it. Went to breakfast, which was ok. At the end we had to pay, but as part of the hotel deal we had two for one on breakfast. Woman said we should have been given a card saying it. Ann had to go to reception to get one. It was busy. Took ages. Made us later than we wanted to be.
Showed man card, he fetched car. Programmed the sat nav for Universal Studios and off we went. Didn't take long to get there as it is only 7.2 miles away. Got to gate. Chose preferential parking which cost an extra five dollars, but meant we were right next to the entrance, so what the hell. Had already booked and printed our tickets so went straight to the turnstile. Got in, man told us where to pick up our special passes. We had paid extra to get a Front of Line Pass which meant we didn't have to queue for any ride or show. Just show it and go down the special lane to the front.
First up we went on the Studio Tour. Showed our passes, missed out the big queue. Felt like the bit of Wayne's World 2, when Wayne and Garth have backstage passes to an Alice Cooper concert and just keep showing them off. Special Pass, let us through. Got on the first tour tram thing and off we went. The tour takes you around the actual normal studio, showing you all manner of sets and sound stages. Had to be quiet to start with as we went past a studio where CSI was being filmed. It then takes you around some streets that are there. A London one, New York, a multipurpose European one, all the time telling you what films and programmes have been filmed there. Makes you go, 'Oh yeah, I recognise that'. We saw lots of different original vehicles from things like Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. Then it went inside and became a 360 degree 3D King Kong ride. Got wet. Carried on.
Can't remember the exact order of things as we saw so many. Next some cars from Tokyo Drift on big mechanical arms showing how they move and roll over. We saw a deer which walked across the road and the guide said it was a new $1.5million anamatronic deer. Hilariously people believed her. Went through a simulated earthquake in a subway station, from the original film Earthquake, but which recently was used in an episode of Bones. A large tanker falls in and a big wave washes down through. Also a Mummy Returns piece indoors using big screens which made you think you were spinning around and around. Then we passed by this sleepy motel.
Then onwards to a Mexican town which has been used in lots of films, especially the bit where a storm surge wave comes flying down the street. In the tram thing, there were screens showing you the clips of films from each point. Stopped by the real Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. It had cars parked outside the houses and everything. Went through a western town called Six Point Texas, as it has six streets all with similar buildings, in the days of silent movies they would shoot six films at the same time each on a different street. We went past Amity Island and were attacked by Jaws. Then we went into a set from War of the Worlds. It is the real thing where Spielberg shot the movie.
We finally we passed what is usually a big lake with a giant green screen behind it. Currently it has been drained while the area is being used for something else. When it has water in it, it is used for nearly all big water scenes, like the bit in the Truman Show where he sails to the edge of the set and the flooding of the valley in 'O brother, where art thou?'. And that was just the first 45 minutes. Realised we had not brought the sun cream so had to buy some due to intense heat.
Next we went on a proper ride.
Showed special pass, got straight on. The next two clips show it. On the first one, my hand appears as I try to keep my phone dry during the ride!
The second is after we have been, showing the ending and result.
All that done and it was only 11.45am. Got a drink and decided on next activity. Popped in to look at an exhibit of old props and costumes, before heading to the Simpson ride. Showed pass, went straight in. It was a non moving ride, in terms that you car didn't go anywhere, but it did shake, go up and down, side to side quite violently. Made neck hurt.
Next went through the House of Horrors, which was the most disappointing part of the day. It wasn't that bad, but you walked through and there were people going so slow that everybody just caught each other up and then you saw all the different things happen before you got there.
Then to the Special Effect Stage to watch an interesting and entertaining show about how effects have changed over the years. Pass meant we got reserved seats that were the best. Tried to make Ann volunteer to take part, but she got angry with me. Won't tell you about the show as this is taking ages to write. On our way to lunch, we had to stop as water was rushing out over the tarmac across the path. Turned out to be a flood from the Animal Actor show, which looked suspiciously like crap water. They immediately stopped people going through it and cordoned the whole area off for most of they day. Had pizza for lunch before heading over to Waterworld.
Now, having seen the worst live action show in Vegas, I was intrigued as to how well it would be done. Pass meant we got in before everyone else and has pick of the seats. Sat in the middle, one row behind the last wet row. Entertainment started as people were entering before the main show. Some of the bit part cast members soaked the crowd in an amusing way making everyone laugh. Then the show started. It was outstanding. Filmed a bit of it which hopefully gives an impression.
It was everything the pirate show in Vegas was not. Even had a plane come crashing down into the water. Unbelievably good. Then afterwards we sat admiring the set before making our way out. Bumped into the cast as we left.
Double Wow.
The best day of the lot by far. We both agree. Having had a few days of becoming a bit travel weary, today was the day we desperately needed. And boy did we get it. This will be a long blog. If you can't be bothered to read it all, at least catch the last bit. Incredible really.
Day didn't start too well when woke up with a really sore neck, it has been getting progressively worse over the last week. Bit annoyed as today was going to be an action day and didn't want to be in pain. Took painkillers, got on with it. Went to breakfast, which was ok. At the end we had to pay, but as part of the hotel deal we had two for one on breakfast. Woman said we should have been given a card saying it. Ann had to go to reception to get one. It was busy. Took ages. Made us later than we wanted to be.
Showed man card, he fetched car. Programmed the sat nav for Universal Studios and off we went. Didn't take long to get there as it is only 7.2 miles away. Got to gate. Chose preferential parking which cost an extra five dollars, but meant we were right next to the entrance, so what the hell. Had already booked and printed our tickets so went straight to the turnstile. Got in, man told us where to pick up our special passes. We had paid extra to get a Front of Line Pass which meant we didn't have to queue for any ride or show. Just show it and go down the special lane to the front.
First up we went on the Studio Tour. Showed our passes, missed out the big queue. Felt like the bit of Wayne's World 2, when Wayne and Garth have backstage passes to an Alice Cooper concert and just keep showing them off. Special Pass, let us through. Got on the first tour tram thing and off we went. The tour takes you around the actual normal studio, showing you all manner of sets and sound stages. Had to be quiet to start with as we went past a studio where CSI was being filmed. It then takes you around some streets that are there. A London one, New York, a multipurpose European one, all the time telling you what films and programmes have been filmed there. Makes you go, 'Oh yeah, I recognise that'. We saw lots of different original vehicles from things like Back to the Future and Jurassic Park. Then it went inside and became a 360 degree 3D King Kong ride. Got wet. Carried on.
Can't remember the exact order of things as we saw so many. Next some cars from Tokyo Drift on big mechanical arms showing how they move and roll over. We saw a deer which walked across the road and the guide said it was a new $1.5million anamatronic deer. Hilariously people believed her. Went through a simulated earthquake in a subway station, from the original film Earthquake, but which recently was used in an episode of Bones. A large tanker falls in and a big wave washes down through. Also a Mummy Returns piece indoors using big screens which made you think you were spinning around and around. Then we passed by this sleepy motel.
Then onwards to a Mexican town which has been used in lots of films, especially the bit where a storm surge wave comes flying down the street. In the tram thing, there were screens showing you the clips of films from each point. Stopped by the real Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives. It had cars parked outside the houses and everything. Went through a western town called Six Point Texas, as it has six streets all with similar buildings, in the days of silent movies they would shoot six films at the same time each on a different street. We went past Amity Island and were attacked by Jaws. Then we went into a set from War of the Worlds. It is the real thing where Spielberg shot the movie.
We finally we passed what is usually a big lake with a giant green screen behind it. Currently it has been drained while the area is being used for something else. When it has water in it, it is used for nearly all big water scenes, like the bit in the Truman Show where he sails to the edge of the set and the flooding of the valley in 'O brother, where art thou?'. And that was just the first 45 minutes. Realised we had not brought the sun cream so had to buy some due to intense heat.
Next we went on a proper ride.
 |
| Almost like the Niagara golf logo! |
The second is after we have been, showing the ending and result.
All that done and it was only 11.45am. Got a drink and decided on next activity. Popped in to look at an exhibit of old props and costumes, before heading to the Simpson ride. Showed pass, went straight in. It was a non moving ride, in terms that you car didn't go anywhere, but it did shake, go up and down, side to side quite violently. Made neck hurt.
Next went through the House of Horrors, which was the most disappointing part of the day. It wasn't that bad, but you walked through and there were people going so slow that everybody just caught each other up and then you saw all the different things happen before you got there.
Then to the Special Effect Stage to watch an interesting and entertaining show about how effects have changed over the years. Pass meant we got reserved seats that were the best. Tried to make Ann volunteer to take part, but she got angry with me. Won't tell you about the show as this is taking ages to write. On our way to lunch, we had to stop as water was rushing out over the tarmac across the path. Turned out to be a flood from the Animal Actor show, which looked suspiciously like crap water. They immediately stopped people going through it and cordoned the whole area off for most of they day. Had pizza for lunch before heading over to Waterworld.
Now, having seen the worst live action show in Vegas, I was intrigued as to how well it would be done. Pass meant we got in before everyone else and has pick of the seats. Sat in the middle, one row behind the last wet row. Entertainment started as people were entering before the main show. Some of the bit part cast members soaked the crowd in an amusing way making everyone laugh. Then the show started. It was outstanding. Filmed a bit of it which hopefully gives an impression.
It was everything the pirate show in Vegas was not. Even had a plane come crashing down into the water. Unbelievably good. Then afterwards we sat admiring the set before making our way out. Bumped into the cast as we left.
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| Two Evil Bastards! |
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| The Cool Gang |
Even managed to get in other peoples pictures as they started taking them whilst I was still stood in the middle. The cast thought it was hilarious.
Next Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a sit down in the shade. We sat in a replica of a French town square where it was quite quiet. Amazingly even in just a random piece of set which bears no resemblance to anything, people were taking pictures of themselves against the backdrop. I would understand had we been in an actual French town square, but it was just a facade of nothing in particular.
Onward to the Shrek 4D. It was like being in a cinema and you had to wear 3D glasses. The 4D bit was due to the fact the chairs moved and spat water and air at you, so you felt the short film too. Was quite good. Jolted neck though.
As time creeped on, Ann decided that we needed to go on the Jurassic Park ride again. We had only just dried out from 5 hours earlier. Made our way down to it, used passes to get straight on, remarkably in exactly the same seats as the morning. Got soaked again. Got off, got some stuff from the ride shop and then stood and watched other boats come down. It was really funny to watch people's reactions. They don't seem to expect so much water and then laugh uncontrollably. We did this for some time.
Then our day took an unexpected twist. As we watched the boats come down, they were all filled right up as so many people were queuing. Then all of a sudden a boat came down with hardly anybody in it. Due to the fact it was much lighter the final bit of its journey was much slower as it had less momentum. As it came towards us we wondered why it was so empty. Couldn't imagine that there was no one left to fill the boat as there had been a 25 min queue that we had jumped. Then said to Ann it must have someone special on it. We then scanned the faces on the boat as it approached. I suddenly realised who it was, turned to Ann and said 'It's David Beckham'. Boat went by a couple of feet away. And there he was with his kids, plus family and friends. Thought wow that's not a thing you see everyday. Now I don't mean to grass him up, but it said on the ride to take your hat off, and he was clearly wearing a baseball cap. I felt I should say something to someone. I didn't. He went around again too. Bet he didn't even have to get out of the boat. Posh was there as well. She didn't go in the boat though. She walked past us into the shop and seemed to buy everything. After he had disappeared around the corner for another ride and before we had seen her, we were discussing the chances of seeing him here and Ann said 'I'd rather see him. Don't care about her. She's a miserable cow' or words to that effect. Turns out the woman next to us was David's mum.
Anyway, next time his boat appeared from the darkness I was ready. I thought I'll film this for the blog, that will be good. Unfortunately technical difficulties again meant it didn't happen even though I was aiming my phone at Mr Beckham. As he glided by he noticed me serrupticiously filming him, and I thought he might get the security guard with him to break my phone. He didn't. He didn't have to. I was too incompetent to manage to record it. Bugger. Was gutted for the blog.
Anyway they all moved on and so did Ann and I. Ann has wanted to have a hot dog for the last three and a bit weeks, so finally got her wish. She also made me have a Churro, which in theory sounded good, but in reality wasn't, although according to her it wasn't in the best condition.
We ended up at the Universal City Walk, which is basically lots of shops and food outlets. Bought some new flip flops as mine are absolutely knackered. Also got a Bubba Gump 'wife beater' shirt. Then we made our way home, delighted at a great day. Ann is now alseep as ever and I will be too soon. Hopefully.
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Day Twenty Four
Checked out of hotel at 11am. Woman at desk said it looks like you've had some stuff from the mini bar. I said no. She said ok I'll take it off. Gave man ticket and car amazingly appeared. Headed south down the strip and out of Las Vegas. Stopped at one last place to grab a photo.
Headed south west on I-15. Pulled over to get some fuel. Swiped card at pump as normal. It told me to enter my 5 digit zip code. Went inside. Man said for foreign cards you had to pay inside then go and fill up. He then said how much do you want? I said how the hell do I know?! I want to fill it up but I can't magically know the exact price that will be. Settled on some. Filled up a bit. Left.
Stopped for lunch at Yermo. Had seen sign 100 miles earlier advertising Peggy Sue's 50s Diner, so decided as Ann had been wanting to stop at a proper diner for weeks (but we haven't found one) we would go there. It was great. http://www.peggysuesdiner.com/ Also turns out we had stumbled onto Route 66 again.
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| Viva! |
Stopped for lunch at Yermo. Had seen sign 100 miles earlier advertising Peggy Sue's 50s Diner, so decided as Ann had been wanting to stop at a proper diner for weeks (but we haven't found one) we would go there. It was great. http://www.peggysuesdiner.com/ Also turns out we had stumbled onto Route 66 again.
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| Ahh ah hu Peggy Sue a hu a hu |
Having eaten we went into the shop to claim our free bubblegum. Ended up buying a hat.
Hit the road with another 120 miles or so to LA. Lots of traffic as soon as we hit the outer lying parts. Gradually made our way towards the middle. Arrived at The Wilshire Plaza at about 5pm. Sounds fancy, lobby looks kinda fancy. Room is not fancy. A bit manky to be honest, but we will barely be in it long enough to notice. At least we have a view of the Hollywood sign out the window. It is quite far away mind, and now it is dark it is not lit up.
Went for a drive towards the coast. Another fuel stop, another guess how much your car needs. Ended up at Venice Beach, saw the funfair at Santa Monica pier. Saw a man stood peeing against a fence, he the turned round got back in his wheelchair and started begging again. Grabbed a bite and now back preparing for Universal Studios tomorrow.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Twenty Three
Got up really late. Chose a restaurant in the hotel to have breakfast. Got seated by the waitress and given menus. Realised it was too late for breakfast as it was a lunch menu. Got up and left. Went somewhere else.
After breakfast decided to go and see the tigers and dolphins in the secret garden at the hotel. Went down the lane that said hotel guests and ticket holders. Showed room keycard and thought that would be it. Woman said that will be $30. Turned and walked away without saying a word. Not paying that to see some bloody dolphins in a hotel.
Next we hung around the casino floor watching the gambling going on. Decided to have a go on a 25 cent slot machine. Put a dollar in and got four credits. Pulled the lever and won 50 cents on the first credit. Meant we were up 25% in Vegas. Toyed with the idea of cashing in then. In the end lost the entire dollar. We then went for a stroll along the strip. Didn't get very far when we decided we couldn't bothered. Went back to room. Light on phone was flashing. Didn't know what it meant. Thought best to leave it.
Left hotel at 5.30pm to go and get some dinner. Went to The Cheesecake Factory again. Still no cheesecake as too full. Then we went for a wander around the Strip, going in and out of lots of the casinos. Went in Caesar's Palace, The Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, The MGM Grand and New York, New York. They were all casinos. Saw Superman walking down the street. Thought that was strange.
As we walked, every few seconds someone asked if we wanted ice cold water for a dollar or tried to hand us flyers for hookers. They were more expensive than the water but probably just as cold. Got quite tiresome in the end.
Watched the fountain display outside the Bellagio and the volcanic eruption outside the Mirage. Then wanted to get away from the millions of people who kept getting in the way, so went back to hotel.
Leaving here tomorrow.
Good.
After breakfast decided to go and see the tigers and dolphins in the secret garden at the hotel. Went down the lane that said hotel guests and ticket holders. Showed room keycard and thought that would be it. Woman said that will be $30. Turned and walked away without saying a word. Not paying that to see some bloody dolphins in a hotel.
Next we hung around the casino floor watching the gambling going on. Decided to have a go on a 25 cent slot machine. Put a dollar in and got four credits. Pulled the lever and won 50 cents on the first credit. Meant we were up 25% in Vegas. Toyed with the idea of cashing in then. In the end lost the entire dollar. We then went for a stroll along the strip. Didn't get very far when we decided we couldn't bothered. Went back to room. Light on phone was flashing. Didn't know what it meant. Thought best to leave it.
Left hotel at 5.30pm to go and get some dinner. Went to The Cheesecake Factory again. Still no cheesecake as too full. Then we went for a wander around the Strip, going in and out of lots of the casinos. Went in Caesar's Palace, The Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, The MGM Grand and New York, New York. They were all casinos. Saw Superman walking down the street. Thought that was strange.
As we walked, every few seconds someone asked if we wanted ice cold water for a dollar or tried to hand us flyers for hookers. They were more expensive than the water but probably just as cold. Got quite tiresome in the end.
Watched the fountain display outside the Bellagio and the volcanic eruption outside the Mirage. Then wanted to get away from the millions of people who kept getting in the way, so went back to hotel.
Leaving here tomorrow.
Good.
Monday, 16 August 2010
Day Twenty Two
Didn't get up particularly early as we knew our trip today was going to be quite short in comparison to other days. Ate our own prepared breakfast again and gradually started to gather our things. Eventually left just after eleven and headed south west.
Had a fairly uneventful journey, just trundled along gradually losing altitude on our way. Also gained an hour as we are now back in Pacific time, so 8 hours behind the UK. Suddenly, with about twenty miles to go, we saw large buildings clustered together in the distance, and knew we were nearly in Las Vegas (Ocean's Eleven, The Hangover, CSI).
Then the journey got interesting. When we left Zion, the car said we had 220 miles worth of fuel left, and we only had 170ish miles to drive. Gradually as we travelled the gap between the two got less and less until the car starting shouting at us to 'get some bloody fuel, you idiot'. So we pulled off the interstate right at the northern tip of Vegas to top up. Pulled into the first gas station we could find. Soon realised that it wasn't quite the part of Vegas to be in. Had to pay for fuel inside before you filled up and they didn't accept credit cards. Then when I went back outside to put the gas in, the guy didn't release the pump. Had to go back inside and he thought we were pump four even though I had said pump one. Eventually managed to get some fuel and not to get shot at by a gangster rapper. Left asap and headed on down to the main part of town.
Pulled up outside the Mirage about 1.30pm and handed the car over to some bloke. Not sure we'll ever see it again. Then man put luggage on trolley and told us to ring when we got to our room. So within 2 minutes of arriving we had lost everything. Went inside to check in. Queued up for a while, then when we did check in our room wasn't ready. At this point we were feeling slightly disorientated by it all.
Now I forgot to mention yesterday that Ann reckoned she saw the same Japanese family that we saw in three restaurants in Moab, trying to check into the the Desert Pearl Inn. Then today at the check in desk there they are again. Think they are ninja family trying to silently stalk us.
We decided to go for a wander whilst we waited and ended up going into the Forum, the shopping part of Caesar's Palace. Got lost immediately. Eventually found out how to get where we wanted to go. Had lunch in The Cheesecake Factory. Didn't have cheesecake but there was way too much food. Tried to video it but it was too dark. Gradually made our way back to the Mirage to see if our room was ready. It was.
Went up to the 22nd floor and went in. Phoned down for our luggage. It arrived later, hurrah! Had to tip the man who brought it up even though that is his job. Still can't work that out.
Decided that we didn't want to go outside as it was 107 degrees. Sat on bed and watched Four Weddings and a Funeral. Eventually decided to go and explore much later. Still very hot. Walked along the strip and eventually went in to one place.
Wandered around the casino floor, watched a few things going on. Went back outside and watched Treasure Island's pirate show which included two big ships. It was appalling. Made our way back to the hotel, stopping off at a shop to get some supplies in. Lots of families wandering about with small kids late at night. Can't imagine why anyone would bring their kids here. What would you do? Only options are to gamble or play golf.
Now back typing this whilst eating a packet of 'Nerds', anyone remember them? Ann has fallen asleep as ever. And it is still 95 degrees outside despite being midnight.
Had a fairly uneventful journey, just trundled along gradually losing altitude on our way. Also gained an hour as we are now back in Pacific time, so 8 hours behind the UK. Suddenly, with about twenty miles to go, we saw large buildings clustered together in the distance, and knew we were nearly in Las Vegas (Ocean's Eleven, The Hangover, CSI).
Then the journey got interesting. When we left Zion, the car said we had 220 miles worth of fuel left, and we only had 170ish miles to drive. Gradually as we travelled the gap between the two got less and less until the car starting shouting at us to 'get some bloody fuel, you idiot'. So we pulled off the interstate right at the northern tip of Vegas to top up. Pulled into the first gas station we could find. Soon realised that it wasn't quite the part of Vegas to be in. Had to pay for fuel inside before you filled up and they didn't accept credit cards. Then when I went back outside to put the gas in, the guy didn't release the pump. Had to go back inside and he thought we were pump four even though I had said pump one. Eventually managed to get some fuel and not to get shot at by a gangster rapper. Left asap and headed on down to the main part of town.
Pulled up outside the Mirage about 1.30pm and handed the car over to some bloke. Not sure we'll ever see it again. Then man put luggage on trolley and told us to ring when we got to our room. So within 2 minutes of arriving we had lost everything. Went inside to check in. Queued up for a while, then when we did check in our room wasn't ready. At this point we were feeling slightly disorientated by it all.
Now I forgot to mention yesterday that Ann reckoned she saw the same Japanese family that we saw in three restaurants in Moab, trying to check into the the Desert Pearl Inn. Then today at the check in desk there they are again. Think they are ninja family trying to silently stalk us.
We decided to go for a wander whilst we waited and ended up going into the Forum, the shopping part of Caesar's Palace. Got lost immediately. Eventually found out how to get where we wanted to go. Had lunch in The Cheesecake Factory. Didn't have cheesecake but there was way too much food. Tried to video it but it was too dark. Gradually made our way back to the Mirage to see if our room was ready. It was.
Went up to the 22nd floor and went in. Phoned down for our luggage. It arrived later, hurrah! Had to tip the man who brought it up even though that is his job. Still can't work that out.
Decided that we didn't want to go outside as it was 107 degrees. Sat on bed and watched Four Weddings and a Funeral. Eventually decided to go and explore much later. Still very hot. Walked along the strip and eventually went in to one place.
Wandered around the casino floor, watched a few things going on. Went back outside and watched Treasure Island's pirate show which included two big ships. It was appalling. Made our way back to the hotel, stopping off at a shop to get some supplies in. Lots of families wandering about with small kids late at night. Can't imagine why anyone would bring their kids here. What would you do? Only options are to gamble or play golf.
Now back typing this whilst eating a packet of 'Nerds', anyone remember them? Ann has fallen asleep as ever. And it is still 95 degrees outside despite being midnight.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Day Twenty One
Got up and made our own breakfast in the room's mini kitchen. Skyped back home and started to get ready to leave. Seeing as we were only moving down the road, Ann emailed the next hotel to see if we could drop our stuff off early so we could go and explore. Short while later Ann checked her email for a reply, unfortunately it said they had been expecting us last night and that they had no room tonight. Oh dear, our first real problem of the trip. Decided we'd better try and find somewhere else to stay tonight. Ann went to reception to see if we could stay at the Desert Pearl Inn for another night. Luckily they said we could keep the same room, which was an absolute result. Down side is we may have to pay the other hotel as we didn't turn up. Sent them an explanation email hoping to persuade them to let us off. Heard nothing back yet.
Seeing as we now didn't need to pack, we discussed our plans for the day. We decided that as Ann described it we were 'All parked out' having seen so many in such a short time. We therefore decided to spend the day getting some r and r. Spent three and half hours out by the pool, with hardly anybody else around. Swam a bit, relaxed a bit. Ann then decided she wanted to go and get a drink, so she needed the room keycard. She asked me where it was. I said on the table. She looked it wasn't there. Spent the next 10 minutes looking for it around where we were sat. We knew it was around somewhere as you need it to get through the gate to the pool. Managed to shin a table whilst looking. Bloody hurt and made a big crashing noise. Eventually Ann spotted it at the bottom of the pool. Appears I left it in my pocket when I went swimming. Amazingly it then didn't work anymore. Luckily reception gave us a new one. Oops.
Then came back to the room and spent the rest of the day watching more of the Star Wars trilogy. Nipped out to get some food from the local shop for tea. Now going to bed before heading to Vegas tomorrow newly refreshed.
Seeing as we now didn't need to pack, we discussed our plans for the day. We decided that as Ann described it we were 'All parked out' having seen so many in such a short time. We therefore decided to spend the day getting some r and r. Spent three and half hours out by the pool, with hardly anybody else around. Swam a bit, relaxed a bit. Ann then decided she wanted to go and get a drink, so she needed the room keycard. She asked me where it was. I said on the table. She looked it wasn't there. Spent the next 10 minutes looking for it around where we were sat. We knew it was around somewhere as you need it to get through the gate to the pool. Managed to shin a table whilst looking. Bloody hurt and made a big crashing noise. Eventually Ann spotted it at the bottom of the pool. Appears I left it in my pocket when I went swimming. Amazingly it then didn't work anymore. Luckily reception gave us a new one. Oops.
Then came back to the room and spent the rest of the day watching more of the Star Wars trilogy. Nipped out to get some food from the local shop for tea. Now going to bed before heading to Vegas tomorrow newly refreshed.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Day Twenty
Disaster of a day. Worst news possible. Not sure if I will recover. Premiership season starts and Everton lose.
Got up in good spirits due to the fact I didn't know the upcoming sports news. Ate breakfast at the Canyon cafe not the El Tovar hotel as Ann had decided overnight that it was too expensive. Checked out of hotel about 10.30am, and started heading for Springdale, Utah. First part of journey seemed to take an age due to the roadworks in Grand Canyon NP and also in part due to the following.
We finally started making progress, stopping only to fill up with fuel. Gradually made our way north heading out of Arizona. Crossed over the Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back Lake Powell, only created about 50 years ago. Ann filmed this next footage and is hoping to win a BAFTA for Best Voice Over Artist.
Crossed into Utah and kept heading north. Stopped for lunch in Subway in Kanab. Got asked by a foreign gentleman about what was the most scenic route to Salt Lake City. Looked at him blankly. Not sure why he asked us when there were the people who worked in the place, but I suppose as the staff seemed to be from Belarus we were probably the better bet. At least we were able to explain to him that the road to Zion, which he thought was shut, was actually open as the hotel we were heading to had emailed to let us know the details of the roadworks.
When we reached the road in question we could soon see the extent of the repairs being carried out. Originally when work had started they had shut the road completely, but when everyone complained about it being one of only two routes into the park, they relented and only close it at night now.
Plus side was when we reached the park entrance, we didn't have to pay the normal $25 fee as it is a free weekend. Great news. Cheered Ann up by reading extracts from the Zion National Park newspaper we were given. She particularly enjoyed the bit about male tarantulas heading down the canyons. Told to shut up. Eventually made it through the works to reach Springdale. Checked into Desert Palm Inn. Went up to the room and immediately gutted that we are only here one night, despite being in Springdale for two. You can see why.
Sat on balcony in the sun for a while before heading down to the pool for a swim. It was 6pm but still absolutely roasting outside. Had much needed dip. Too many French people in the water, although Ann reckons they were Italian. Sat on the big steps in the water watching the people who were coming and going. We had to laugh at one woman whose bikini bottoms seemed to be a token gesture. Played a game of lookalikes as we compared the various characters in the pool area to people we know back home. Outright winner was the 'Chinese' Danny Board.
Went out for a late dinner. Headed to 'The Flying Monkey'. Ate too much as ever. Now back, writing this listening to music on headphones whilst Ann is watching Return of the Jedi. Might head out to sit on the balcony and look at the stars when I have finished. Contemplating the fact that by the time we wake up tomorrow morning we will have been away from Ermingtrude for exactly three weeks! Where has it gone?!?
Got up in good spirits due to the fact I didn't know the upcoming sports news. Ate breakfast at the Canyon cafe not the El Tovar hotel as Ann had decided overnight that it was too expensive. Checked out of hotel about 10.30am, and started heading for Springdale, Utah. First part of journey seemed to take an age due to the roadworks in Grand Canyon NP and also in part due to the following.
We finally started making progress, stopping only to fill up with fuel. Gradually made our way north heading out of Arizona. Crossed over the Glen Canyon Dam, which holds back Lake Powell, only created about 50 years ago. Ann filmed this next footage and is hoping to win a BAFTA for Best Voice Over Artist.
Crossed into Utah and kept heading north. Stopped for lunch in Subway in Kanab. Got asked by a foreign gentleman about what was the most scenic route to Salt Lake City. Looked at him blankly. Not sure why he asked us when there were the people who worked in the place, but I suppose as the staff seemed to be from Belarus we were probably the better bet. At least we were able to explain to him that the road to Zion, which he thought was shut, was actually open as the hotel we were heading to had emailed to let us know the details of the roadworks.
When we reached the road in question we could soon see the extent of the repairs being carried out. Originally when work had started they had shut the road completely, but when everyone complained about it being one of only two routes into the park, they relented and only close it at night now.
Plus side was when we reached the park entrance, we didn't have to pay the normal $25 fee as it is a free weekend. Great news. Cheered Ann up by reading extracts from the Zion National Park newspaper we were given. She particularly enjoyed the bit about male tarantulas heading down the canyons. Told to shut up. Eventually made it through the works to reach Springdale. Checked into Desert Palm Inn. Went up to the room and immediately gutted that we are only here one night, despite being in Springdale for two. You can see why.
Sat on balcony in the sun for a while before heading down to the pool for a swim. It was 6pm but still absolutely roasting outside. Had much needed dip. Too many French people in the water, although Ann reckons they were Italian. Sat on the big steps in the water watching the people who were coming and going. We had to laugh at one woman whose bikini bottoms seemed to be a token gesture. Played a game of lookalikes as we compared the various characters in the pool area to people we know back home. Outright winner was the 'Chinese' Danny Board.
Went out for a late dinner. Headed to 'The Flying Monkey'. Ate too much as ever. Now back, writing this listening to music on headphones whilst Ann is watching Return of the Jedi. Might head out to sit on the balcony and look at the stars when I have finished. Contemplating the fact that by the time we wake up tomorrow morning we will have been away from Ermingtrude for exactly three weeks! Where has it gone?!?
Friday, 13 August 2010
Day Nineteen
Woke up at various points in the night to check the time as brain was well aware we had to get up early. Various dreams all to do with not being able to find a place to see the sunrise. Got up at 5am. Ann said that she’d had dreams about not getting up in time, only to wake and discover it was still dark. Out on the road by 5.15am. Travelled east along the rim in order to find a good, uncrowded place to stop and watch. Eventually settled on somewhere facing east so we could watch it rise directly in front of us. Got out car to discover it was windy and freezing. Jumper good idea, shorts and flip flops bad idea. Found a spot to stand and wait. Frenchman annoyed us as he just kept wandering about kicking gravel instead of just waiting patiently. Eventually after a few minutes we were rewarded. He didn't fall over the edge, but the sun started to come up.
Having watched the sunrise, we decided to keep heading east to find a place to take pictures which would show the colours falling across the rocks. As we travelled along the road I suddenly braked hard and shouted ‘Camera!’ at Ann. She was slightly bemused, but all was revealed as I reversed a few feet.
Our first real wildlife of the trip and all we had to do was to be travelling at 5.30am to see it. Left Mr Elk and headed to the Grand View point. Took some pictures.
Headed back to room to go back to sleep. Got up properly at 9.30am ish, and went for a very nice breakfast across at the Canyon cafe. Wandered in the shop nearby before heading back to room. Decided that we would head to the far east of the park to see the canyon in daylight and work our way back stopping at various points. Most places were extremely busy and road works along the route didn’t help matters. Eventually we pulled over at the side of the road and took a short walk to the rim.
Headed back towards Grand Canyon village and explored various views and buildings. Saw a stuffed Mountain Lion in one place. Thought it shouldn’t be a problem taking one on if attacked. Stopped in at the famous Tovar Hotel to enquire about eating breakfast there tomorrow. Shouldn’t be a problem. Sat out on some rocking chairs on the hotel’s porch. Headed home to write blog before tea, so I can use the wifi in the cafe to post it. Extremely tired now and getting ready to move on another 270 odd miles to Zion NP tomorrow.
Having watched the sunrise, we decided to keep heading east to find a place to take pictures which would show the colours falling across the rocks. As we travelled along the road I suddenly braked hard and shouted ‘Camera!’ at Ann. She was slightly bemused, but all was revealed as I reversed a few feet.
Our first real wildlife of the trip and all we had to do was to be travelling at 5.30am to see it. Left Mr Elk and headed to the Grand View point. Took some pictures.
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| Arty! |
Headed back towards Grand Canyon village and explored various views and buildings. Saw a stuffed Mountain Lion in one place. Thought it shouldn’t be a problem taking one on if attacked. Stopped in at the famous Tovar Hotel to enquire about eating breakfast there tomorrow. Shouldn’t be a problem. Sat out on some rocking chairs on the hotel’s porch. Headed home to write blog before tea, so I can use the wifi in the cafe to post it. Extremely tired now and getting ready to move on another 270 odd miles to Zion NP tomorrow.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Day Eighteen
As we only had a short distance to travel today, we took the opportunity to have a bit of a lie in. We then had a complimentary breakfast, which according to our copy of the booking form we weren’t entitled to, but they gave us a voucher for it when we checked in, so we obliged. It was very nice too.
We then headed back to our room and hung around until 11am then checked out. Used the printer in the lobby to print out our Alcatraz tickets for later in the trip. Then headed into Flagstaff to do some shopping and to fill up with fuel.
Having given the car a working over yesterday we felt it was only fair to give it another wash, so we embarked on another crazy against the clock cleaning frenzy. I had hoped to bring you footage, but technical difficulties with the filming meant I am unable to do so.
We were then left with some spare time. The Grand Canyon was only 90mins away but we couldn’t check in until 4pm, so we had to find some other entertainment. We decided to drive 25 miles to Williams and check out an attraction we had seen.
As you can see we went to Bearizona (great wordplay), which appeared to be a brand new wildlife park. There wasn’t a great deal there, but at least we finally saw a real live bear or nine. We saw some other creatures too, but the bears were the main attraction. Phone rang whilst there, it was the same number that text the previous night at 3.30am. Didn’t actually get to speak to whoever it is.
For lunch we decided to get some sandwiches, but ended up buying aviator sunglasses and a cowboy hat instead. Figured that wouldn’t be much good at filling us up so got some food too. Went and sat by a famous road to eat it.
We then made our way up towards the Grand Canyon.
Old Joke of the Day: How do you turn a duck into a soul singer? Put it in a microwave until its bill withers.
Reached the Yavapai Lodge by 5pm and unloaded. Sorted out all our washing and headed to the nearby laundry. Chucked it in the wash and sat there for half an hour waiting. Opened the machine to find tissue over the entire wash. Oh dear, pockets not checked fully. Manage to sort it, threw some stuff in the tumble dryer and took the rest back to the room to hang it up.
Collected tumble drying and then headed for tea at the Yavapai Canyon Cafe. Food was really good. Roffe-Knightley effect occurred on a mass scale. Incredible.
Only downside is the fact there is no wifi access in rooms, so having to be creative to get this to you. Getting up at 5.30am to see the sunrise over the canyon. Can’t wait.
Final thought: In the guide to the area it says if you are attacked by a mountain lion then you should fight back. Bring it on.
We then headed back to our room and hung around until 11am then checked out. Used the printer in the lobby to print out our Alcatraz tickets for later in the trip. Then headed into Flagstaff to do some shopping and to fill up with fuel.
Having given the car a working over yesterday we felt it was only fair to give it another wash, so we embarked on another crazy against the clock cleaning frenzy. I had hoped to bring you footage, but technical difficulties with the filming meant I am unable to do so.
We were then left with some spare time. The Grand Canyon was only 90mins away but we couldn’t check in until 4pm, so we had to find some other entertainment. We decided to drive 25 miles to Williams and check out an attraction we had seen.
As you can see we went to Bearizona (great wordplay), which appeared to be a brand new wildlife park. There wasn’t a great deal there, but at least we finally saw a real live bear or nine. We saw some other creatures too, but the bears were the main attraction. Phone rang whilst there, it was the same number that text the previous night at 3.30am. Didn’t actually get to speak to whoever it is.
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| A 'Packed' photo |
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| Is for goat |
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| Get your kicks! |
Old Joke of the Day: How do you turn a duck into a soul singer? Put it in a microwave until its bill withers.
Reached the Yavapai Lodge by 5pm and unloaded. Sorted out all our washing and headed to the nearby laundry. Chucked it in the wash and sat there for half an hour waiting. Opened the machine to find tissue over the entire wash. Oh dear, pockets not checked fully. Manage to sort it, threw some stuff in the tumble dryer and took the rest back to the room to hang it up.
Collected tumble drying and then headed for tea at the Yavapai Canyon Cafe. Food was really good. Roffe-Knightley effect occurred on a mass scale. Incredible.
Only downside is the fact there is no wifi access in rooms, so having to be creative to get this to you. Getting up at 5.30am to see the sunrise over the canyon. Can’t wait.
Final thought: In the guide to the area it says if you are attacked by a mountain lion then you should fight back. Bring it on.
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Day Seventeen
Wow, what a day. A fairly long drive south, but broken up by lots of different activites.
Woken up by some spanner at 3.30am. Phone received a text and made a right noise. Looked at message half asleep thinking it must be important to send it here at extra cost. Turned out to be some muppet from the cricket club asking if I was back and if there was a game tonight. Seeing as there had never been a game scheduled for the 11th August I wondered if anybody ever checks emails they get sent. Don't know who it was from either. Tried to go back sleep whilst being very annoyed.
Had breakfast at a diner so we could eat early. Watched a fight at a baseball game on the news. Hilarious.
Left Moab at 8.15am, full of fuel and supplies, and headed south towards Arizona. Our first stop was at Butler Wash, a very small place off of a very quiet road. We completed a mile walk to see some Indian Cave dwellings.
Next we headed further south and then took a very small dirt track to Muley Point overlook, which is in the eastern tip of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. From there you get a great view south, overlooking some great sights. The track to it was just over 3 miles long and very bumpy.
We then made our way back to the main road and down Mokee Dugway, an 1100 foot drop in 3 miles on an unpaved road.
At the bottom of Mokee Dugway we then turned left onto another little track which takes you into the Valley of the Gods (Forrest Gump, Airwolf). This track was a bit rough to start with but then got much worse with steep hills and drops and massive great lumps missing. It was a good job we had a Jeep to get us through the 13 miles it lasted.
Gradually we got further into the valley until we were up close with the rock formations
On our way out of the valley we saw many things, someone driving an RV towards the really difficult bits, good luck mate, and a woman having a pee behind a car not realising cars were coming from the opposite direction too. Having got back on to tarmac we headed to Gooseneck State Park where the San Juan river meanders through. We stopped here to eat our packed lunch.
Noticed lots of dark clouds towards the way we were heading. Had no choice but to drive towards them. Stopped to top up with fuel at Mexican Hat, named after a nearby rock which looks exactly like a sombrero. Fuel very expensive, for the USA, so only put a little bit in. Also the fact there was lightning all around the gas station helped me decide to get out quickly. We then continued south to the day's main event. Went through more heavy rain and storms before reaching our last stop of the day.
Track through the Monument Valley (2001, A Space Odyssey, Easy Rider, The Searchers) was our third off road trip of the day. Ann was quite happy to not go off road again.
Having completed all our scheduled stops for the day, we then started the 170 mile journey south to Flagstaff, Arizona and the Pony Soldier Inn. Arrived at 8pm. Unloaded then headed to IHOP, having enjoyed the one in Michigan so much. Ate a scrumptious dinner before heading home. To make things even better we noticed the sat nav saying the time was 8.50pm, not 9.50pm that we thought. Turns out Arizona goes to Pacific time in the summer, so we had gained an hour. Awesome. Now I can finish this and still get to bed early. Result.
Tomorrow's aims: Get up later, wash car.
Woken up by some spanner at 3.30am. Phone received a text and made a right noise. Looked at message half asleep thinking it must be important to send it here at extra cost. Turned out to be some muppet from the cricket club asking if I was back and if there was a game tonight. Seeing as there had never been a game scheduled for the 11th August I wondered if anybody ever checks emails they get sent. Don't know who it was from either. Tried to go back sleep whilst being very annoyed.
Had breakfast at a diner so we could eat early. Watched a fight at a baseball game on the news. Hilarious.
Left Moab at 8.15am, full of fuel and supplies, and headed south towards Arizona. Our first stop was at Butler Wash, a very small place off of a very quiet road. We completed a mile walk to see some Indian Cave dwellings.
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| Cave Dwellings |
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| A certain famous valley in the distance |
Gradually we got further into the valley until we were up close with the rock formations
On our way out of the valley we saw many things, someone driving an RV towards the really difficult bits, good luck mate, and a woman having a pee behind a car not realising cars were coming from the opposite direction too. Having got back on to tarmac we headed to Gooseneck State Park where the San Juan river meanders through. We stopped here to eat our packed lunch.
Noticed lots of dark clouds towards the way we were heading. Had no choice but to drive towards them. Stopped to top up with fuel at Mexican Hat, named after a nearby rock which looks exactly like a sombrero. Fuel very expensive, for the USA, so only put a little bit in. Also the fact there was lightning all around the gas station helped me decide to get out quickly. We then continued south to the day's main event. Went through more heavy rain and storms before reaching our last stop of the day.
Track through the Monument Valley (2001, A Space Odyssey, Easy Rider, The Searchers) was our third off road trip of the day. Ann was quite happy to not go off road again.
Having completed all our scheduled stops for the day, we then started the 170 mile journey south to Flagstaff, Arizona and the Pony Soldier Inn. Arrived at 8pm. Unloaded then headed to IHOP, having enjoyed the one in Michigan so much. Ate a scrumptious dinner before heading home. To make things even better we noticed the sat nav saying the time was 8.50pm, not 9.50pm that we thought. Turns out Arizona goes to Pacific time in the summer, so we had gained an hour. Awesome. Now I can finish this and still get to bed early. Result.
Tomorrow's aims: Get up later, wash car.
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| Fast Show tribute |
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Day Sixteen
Headed out to breakfast at 8am as instructed. Just as Niagara, sat with everybody else and had no choice in what to eat. Old American woman started conversation with us by asking if we had been to Tokyo before as my t-shirt had it written on. Said no. She persisted with the conversation efforts. Where are you from? Where are you heading? When we mentioned Las Vegas as one of our future stops it gave her the opportunity to go on endlessly about Cirque du Soleil. Have you seen them before? Are you planning to see them in Las Vegas? Erm no. I said I wanted to go on one of the gondolas in the Venetian Hotel. She said it wasn't the same as Venice. Really? I thought an over the top, freak filled, neon fantasy land was just like a canal based Italian city. All the other guests were French. We left as soon as we had finished eating.
First stop was a gas station not for fuel, but for water and other drinks. Then we headed up to Arches National Park (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma and Louise)(Movie theme now back for next part of trip). Parked up and did a 3 mile round trip walk. We arrived just before 10am hoping it we be not as hot as later on. It was still very hot
Whilst sat in shade relaxing watched an old couple attempt to go around the arch. Took a picture to sell to news companies as I thought the woman was going to fall down the revine. Unfortunately she didn't.
Headed back down to car and then embarked on some drive-by tourism, where we drove around some of the other locations in the park, wound down the window, took a picture and sped off.
Headed back to Moab for lunch. Went to Subway. Ann really pleased as they had tuna and not just meat. Saw some people in there who had been in the same restaurant last night. Took sandwiches back to the B & B and sat in the cool dark room. Rested up and then set off heading to Canyonlands NP (Con Air).
Went to the Grand View Point. Two sets of people who were at Arches in the morning were there. How odd that they turned up exactly at the same time.
Decided to do more drive by tourism. Used a toilet at one of the stops. It was a earth closet. It was full of flies. Euurggh. Moved on very quickly.
Having finished our tourism for the day we headed back to the diner style 'Denny's' for dinner. The same people we had seen at Subway and in the restaurant from the night before were just paying their bill. They must think we were following them. Ordered all you can eat pancakes for $4. Starts with a stack of 3 then they bring extras 2 at a time. Managed a grand total of .........3.
One last stop before home was to look at the Apache Inn, where John Wayne used to stay when filming in the area. Apparently not so good now.
Got home at 8pm. Decided we would leave in the morning before breakfast and get it elsewhere as we want to be on the road by 8am, not just starting breakfast with a load of French people.
First stop was a gas station not for fuel, but for water and other drinks. Then we headed up to Arches National Park (Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Thelma and Louise)(Movie theme now back for next part of trip). Parked up and did a 3 mile round trip walk. We arrived just before 10am hoping it we be not as hot as later on. It was still very hot
Whilst sat in shade relaxing watched an old couple attempt to go around the arch. Took a picture to sell to news companies as I thought the woman was going to fall down the revine. Unfortunately she didn't.
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| Go on, fall! |
Headed back to Moab for lunch. Went to Subway. Ann really pleased as they had tuna and not just meat. Saw some people in there who had been in the same restaurant last night. Took sandwiches back to the B & B and sat in the cool dark room. Rested up and then set off heading to Canyonlands NP (Con Air).
Went to the Grand View Point. Two sets of people who were at Arches in the morning were there. How odd that they turned up exactly at the same time.
Decided to do more drive by tourism. Used a toilet at one of the stops. It was a earth closet. It was full of flies. Euurggh. Moved on very quickly.
Having finished our tourism for the day we headed back to the diner style 'Denny's' for dinner. The same people we had seen at Subway and in the restaurant from the night before were just paying their bill. They must think we were following them. Ordered all you can eat pancakes for $4. Starts with a stack of 3 then they bring extras 2 at a time. Managed a grand total of .........3.
One last stop before home was to look at the Apache Inn, where John Wayne used to stay when filming in the area. Apparently not so good now.
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| Not A patche on what it used to be. |
Monday, 9 August 2010
Day Fifteen
Woke up with a start mid dream. Brain must have remembered that we wanted to get up early. Woke Ann up, sent her off into the shower and went back to sleep.
Set off, fuelled and supplied up, heading south at 8am. Made good progress early on, dipping in and out of Idaho as went. State number 13, I think. We seemed to breeze along, no roadworks, no traffic, we watched the scenery gradually start to change. Entered state number 14, Utah.
Stopped for lunch at Subway in Price. The Roffe-Knightley Phenomenon mentioned yesterday rang true as ever, with the shop being empty when we walked in and by the time we had ordered there was a queue of about 15 people.
Decided to refuel before we headed onwards, but unfortunately the power had gone off so we couldn't at any place in the town. Lady in gas station asked us which way we were heading. Next gas was about an hour drive. Car said we had 108 miles left til empty. We decided to carry on. Watched the miles gradually tick away as we drove in barren lands, not a single real village or anything. Eventually we reached two gas stations, both of which were unsurprisingly packed.
Finally reached the B and B in Moab at 4.50pm. Checked in and relaxed for a bit. Headed into town for something to eat. Ended up smelling of garlic again. Walked around shops afterwards. Ann had a go at me because I couldn't remember where I had stayed 16 years ago when last here.
Not looking forward to breakfast as just like the B and B in Niagara it is at a set time around a big table with everyone else. Last time out Ann poured orange juice everywhere in protest. Can't wait to see what she does tomorrow.
Set off, fuelled and supplied up, heading south at 8am. Made good progress early on, dipping in and out of Idaho as went. State number 13, I think. We seemed to breeze along, no roadworks, no traffic, we watched the scenery gradually start to change. Entered state number 14, Utah.
Stopped for lunch at Subway in Price. The Roffe-Knightley Phenomenon mentioned yesterday rang true as ever, with the shop being empty when we walked in and by the time we had ordered there was a queue of about 15 people.
Decided to refuel before we headed onwards, but unfortunately the power had gone off so we couldn't at any place in the town. Lady in gas station asked us which way we were heading. Next gas was about an hour drive. Car said we had 108 miles left til empty. We decided to carry on. Watched the miles gradually tick away as we drove in barren lands, not a single real village or anything. Eventually we reached two gas stations, both of which were unsurprisingly packed.
Finally reached the B and B in Moab at 4.50pm. Checked in and relaxed for a bit. Headed into town for something to eat. Ended up smelling of garlic again. Walked around shops afterwards. Ann had a go at me because I couldn't remember where I had stayed 16 years ago when last here.
Not looking forward to breakfast as just like the B and B in Niagara it is at a set time around a big table with everyone else. Last time out Ann poured orange juice everywhere in protest. Can't wait to see what she does tomorrow.
Sunday, 8 August 2010
Day Fourteen
End of week two is now upon us and we can't quite believe it. Seems like we have been here only a few days.
Got up fairly late and wandered over for breakfast. Watched in astonishment as a couple sat not far from us ate enough food for 10 breakfasts. Back to the room to Skype people before checking out bang on 11am. As we didn't have far to travel to our next hotel we decided to have a quite day in and around Jackson and the southern part of Grand Teton NP.
Went for a walk around the town. Looked in a gallery at very expensive framed photographs. In the town square they have four arches made up of elk antlers that have been shed by the animals.
Next we made our way to the Snow King resort for another sporting challenge.
Final standings of the second major (Par 52 course):
1. Knightley: 52
2. Roffe: 57
The amazing Roffe-Knightley phenomenon worked again. When we started playing golf there was no-one on the course. By the time we finished the last hole there were people queueing to get on the first tee. Every place we go, shop, restaurant or whatever, it goes from empty to packed in a number of seconds. Is quite annoying.
Wildlife Watch - Day Two
Got in the car and headed back into Grand Teton National Park. Headed towards Teton Village. The route we took ended up with a section of unsurfaced road. Tested the 4x4 out. Ann didn't like the bumps. No bears.
Got to the village, parked up and headed to the cable car to take us to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,500 feet/3185m above sea level). Stood around at the top, took some nice photos before heading back down. No bears.
Had lunch in a place next to the cable car station. Made the decision to share a burger and chips, which as it turned out was an excellent idea. Plenty of food for two of us normal sized people. No bears in restaurant. Having seen no wildlife at all in either two parks we had just about given up hope, then suddenly our prayers were answered as we finally saw an elusive bear!
Got back in the car and headed south to Alpine, our next hotel location. Only took an hour, so checked into the Flying Saddle Resort by 5.30pm. Unloaded and then walked around the place. Discovered the swimming pool and jacuzzi were empty, so ran back and got our stuff to get in quickly. As it turned out we spent an hour in there with no-one else around. Relaxed in the water and recalled the last two weeks.
Now had dinner and contemplating tomorrow's long journey south to Moab, another 450 miler, which should be our last long travel day.
Got up fairly late and wandered over for breakfast. Watched in astonishment as a couple sat not far from us ate enough food for 10 breakfasts. Back to the room to Skype people before checking out bang on 11am. As we didn't have far to travel to our next hotel we decided to have a quite day in and around Jackson and the southern part of Grand Teton NP.
Went for a walk around the town. Looked in a gallery at very expensive framed photographs. In the town square they have four arches made up of elk antlers that have been shed by the animals.
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| Stag-gering! |
Final standings of the second major (Par 52 course):
1. Knightley: 52
2. Roffe: 57
The amazing Roffe-Knightley phenomenon worked again. When we started playing golf there was no-one on the course. By the time we finished the last hole there were people queueing to get on the first tee. Every place we go, shop, restaurant or whatever, it goes from empty to packed in a number of seconds. Is quite annoying.
Wildlife Watch - Day Two
Got in the car and headed back into Grand Teton National Park. Headed towards Teton Village. The route we took ended up with a section of unsurfaced road. Tested the 4x4 out. Ann didn't like the bumps. No bears.
Got to the village, parked up and headed to the cable car to take us to the top of Rendezvous Mountain (10,500 feet/3185m above sea level). Stood around at the top, took some nice photos before heading back down. No bears.
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| View from the top |
Had lunch in a place next to the cable car station. Made the decision to share a burger and chips, which as it turned out was an excellent idea. Plenty of food for two of us normal sized people. No bears in restaurant. Having seen no wildlife at all in either two parks we had just about given up hope, then suddenly our prayers were answered as we finally saw an elusive bear!
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| Picinic Basket |
Got back in the car and headed south to Alpine, our next hotel location. Only took an hour, so checked into the Flying Saddle Resort by 5.30pm. Unloaded and then walked around the place. Discovered the swimming pool and jacuzzi were empty, so ran back and got our stuff to get in quickly. As it turned out we spent an hour in there with no-one else around. Relaxed in the water and recalled the last two weeks.
Now had dinner and contemplating tomorrow's long journey south to Moab, another 450 miler, which should be our last long travel day.
Saturday, 7 August 2010
Day Thirteen
If ever there was a day of two halves this has got to be it.
The morning started badly with the worst breakfast we have had so far. Just very poor for the amount of money we paid for the room. We decided that Buffalo Bill Cody who founded the town would be turning in his grave. The town was just not very nice, nothing like we had pictured a smallish western town.
Checked out at 10.30am, stopped for gas, supplies and to give the car a wash. Windscreen was so dirty you could not see anything. It was a do it yourself wash on a timer, which meant hilarity ensued as I ran around the car with different hoses whilst Ann selected the wash type and shouted out how much time was left. We just about managed it.
Headed 50 miles west into Yellowstone National Park. Expectations were high for a bear sighting. Ann tried to pour cold water on my bear with a gun theory saying it wouldn't be able to hold it in its paw. I replied it had two paws and it would hold it between both in an action cop stance. The conversation ended there as she knew I was right.
We soon realised however that the chances of seeing anything were minimal. Although it is a very scenic place it appeared you wouldn't really be able to explore it without trekking miles off the road. Trees along all sides meant you couldn't see anything beyond a few feet away. The only accessible roads were the main ones around the park which everybody else is on too. At one point we came across a bunch of people who had all pulled over and were staring into the forest taking pictures. Bear, we thought, but alas it was just a deer. At that point we realised that if one deer could cause that much excitement then you obviously don't get to see much wildlife at all. We may have been wrong and other parts we didn't get to may be better, but we decided that we would head up to see the main attraction before moving south towards our next port of call.
Arrived just in time to see the Old Faithful show which was good timing, although the actual eruption wasn't quite as big or explosive as I had imagined. Ate a really ropey lunch in the cafe alongside. At that point we were quite miserable about how the day had been so far.
So we made our way south out of Yellowstone towards Jackson Hole, where we would be staying the night. Experienced some interesting weather on the way.
However, our day took an upwards turn from that point on. As we headed into Grand Teton National Park, we suddenly found what we had been missing in Yellowstone, stunning scenery but the space to be able to see across it. The thought of spending tomorrow in this area cheered us up immensely.
Arrived in Jackson Hole, which is just south of Grand Teton, at 6.30pm. Checked in to the Lexington and immediately impressed by it and the town. Every other place we have been in the last few days, has looked the same, McDonalds, Burger King etc, full of rubbish places, no identity of their own. Jackson is completely different, a place with its own character.
Headed out for dinner and went to the Bunnery. http://www.bunnery.com/ Ann had a burger, I had the marvellous dish from the menu of scrambled egg and coffee cake! Great little place, great service, left a big tip.
Wandered through the streets, browsing in shops before heading to the best night's entertainment you could wish for. Here the videos do the talking.
Getting ready for bed soon, safe in the knowledge we have found somewhere really quite special compared to lots of the tat we have seen recently. A great finish to the day. Looking forward to tomorrow!
The morning started badly with the worst breakfast we have had so far. Just very poor for the amount of money we paid for the room. We decided that Buffalo Bill Cody who founded the town would be turning in his grave. The town was just not very nice, nothing like we had pictured a smallish western town.
Checked out at 10.30am, stopped for gas, supplies and to give the car a wash. Windscreen was so dirty you could not see anything. It was a do it yourself wash on a timer, which meant hilarity ensued as I ran around the car with different hoses whilst Ann selected the wash type and shouted out how much time was left. We just about managed it.
Headed 50 miles west into Yellowstone National Park. Expectations were high for a bear sighting. Ann tried to pour cold water on my bear with a gun theory saying it wouldn't be able to hold it in its paw. I replied it had two paws and it would hold it between both in an action cop stance. The conversation ended there as she knew I was right.
We soon realised however that the chances of seeing anything were minimal. Although it is a very scenic place it appeared you wouldn't really be able to explore it without trekking miles off the road. Trees along all sides meant you couldn't see anything beyond a few feet away. The only accessible roads were the main ones around the park which everybody else is on too. At one point we came across a bunch of people who had all pulled over and were staring into the forest taking pictures. Bear, we thought, but alas it was just a deer. At that point we realised that if one deer could cause that much excitement then you obviously don't get to see much wildlife at all. We may have been wrong and other parts we didn't get to may be better, but we decided that we would head up to see the main attraction before moving south towards our next port of call.
Arrived just in time to see the Old Faithful show which was good timing, although the actual eruption wasn't quite as big or explosive as I had imagined. Ate a really ropey lunch in the cafe alongside. At that point we were quite miserable about how the day had been so far.
So we made our way south out of Yellowstone towards Jackson Hole, where we would be staying the night. Experienced some interesting weather on the way.
However, our day took an upwards turn from that point on. As we headed into Grand Teton National Park, we suddenly found what we had been missing in Yellowstone, stunning scenery but the space to be able to see across it. The thought of spending tomorrow in this area cheered us up immensely.
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| Grand Teton's impressive vista |
Headed out for dinner and went to the Bunnery. http://www.bunnery.com/ Ann had a burger, I had the marvellous dish from the menu of scrambled egg and coffee cake! Great little place, great service, left a big tip.
Wandered through the streets, browsing in shops before heading to the best night's entertainment you could wish for. Here the videos do the talking.
Getting ready for bed soon, safe in the knowledge we have found somewhere really quite special compared to lots of the tat we have seen recently. A great finish to the day. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Friday, 6 August 2010
Day Twelve
Woken up by blokes on Harleys driving around the car park for no apparent reason. To make it worse Ann then befriended some.
Make waffles again for breakfast. On the road by 8am as we had a long journey ahead. Made our way north into South Dakota to join the I-90 to take us quickly west. Had bonus as we switched to Mountain Standard Time not far in, meaning after two hours travelling it was still only 9am. Tuned into K-Mullet for more entertainment.
After four hours we got bored so we took a thirty mile detour to see something in the Black hills.
Whilst there we tried to take a comedy picture of ourselves in front of it, but before we could, a Japanese man came rushing over and said 'No, No, let me, let me' and then took it for us, which wasn't half as fun. Turned out he just wanted to get us to take his family's picture.
Headed on down to see the Crazy Horse monument whilst we were there. Didn't want to pay to look so took a picture from a distance.
On through Custer City to stop in Newcastle for lunch. Whay aye pet! Filled up with gas at a station filled with blokes on Harleys. Then carried on heading back up towards the interstate.
Saw a train.
Eventually off the interstate into the Big Horn mountains. Drove up steep road until over 9000 feet above sea level. Took quite a time to get up and down the other side. Sat nav seemed to think we should have been doing 65mph not 25mph. At least it worked again today.
Was on the look out for bears. Asked Ann what she would do if we got ambushed by a bear with a gun. She didn't answer. Thought of a new motto, 'Guns don't kill people, bears with guns kill people'. Needless to say no bears spotted. Came up with a plan for the drive into Yellowstone tomorrow. We are going to take two lots of food so if a bear with a gun ambushes us we can hand over our 'Picinic Basket, Booboo' and still have some grub left. I'm smarter than the average bear!
Arrived in Cody, Wyoming at 7.30pm after a 620 mile drive. Checked into the Cody Legacy Inn. Arrived too late to go to this evening's rodeo in town. Drove past it to have a look. Stopped at Bella Italia for dinner. Everything was smothered in garlic, at least we don't have to worry about being attacked by vampires now.
Back in hotel now about to go to bed. Hopefully will sleep although the fact we seem to have a room under a staircase means people are now clonking up and down. Also the extractor fan doesn't go off, although according to reception it is meant to stay on all the time. Funny idea as it just makes a bloody racket.
At least tomorrow doesn' involve driving hundreds of miles. Hurrah!
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| Howard and Hilda |
After four hours we got bored so we took a thirty mile detour to see something in the Black hills.
Whilst there we tried to take a comedy picture of ourselves in front of it, but before we could, a Japanese man came rushing over and said 'No, No, let me, let me' and then took it for us, which wasn't half as fun. Turned out he just wanted to get us to take his family's picture.
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| Just a few more steps back! |
Headed on down to see the Crazy Horse monument whilst we were there. Didn't want to pay to look so took a picture from a distance.
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| Crazy Horses - click on it to see it better |
Saw a train.
Eventually off the interstate into the Big Horn mountains. Drove up steep road until over 9000 feet above sea level. Took quite a time to get up and down the other side. Sat nav seemed to think we should have been doing 65mph not 25mph. At least it worked again today.
Was on the look out for bears. Asked Ann what she would do if we got ambushed by a bear with a gun. She didn't answer. Thought of a new motto, 'Guns don't kill people, bears with guns kill people'. Needless to say no bears spotted. Came up with a plan for the drive into Yellowstone tomorrow. We are going to take two lots of food so if a bear with a gun ambushes us we can hand over our 'Picinic Basket, Booboo' and still have some grub left. I'm smarter than the average bear!
Arrived in Cody, Wyoming at 7.30pm after a 620 mile drive. Checked into the Cody Legacy Inn. Arrived too late to go to this evening's rodeo in town. Drove past it to have a look. Stopped at Bella Italia for dinner. Everything was smothered in garlic, at least we don't have to worry about being attacked by vampires now.
Back in hotel now about to go to bed. Hopefully will sleep although the fact we seem to have a room under a staircase means people are now clonking up and down. Also the extractor fan doesn't go off, although according to reception it is meant to stay on all the time. Funny idea as it just makes a bloody racket.
At least tomorrow doesn' involve driving hundreds of miles. Hurrah!
Thursday, 5 August 2010
Day Eleven
Woken up at 4am by some idiot in a van playing loud music in the car park outside the hotel. Annoyed.
Got up and had the continental breakfast. Made waffles with the batter and waffle iron provided in the breakfast room. Ann burnt some toast beyond recognition. On the road by 8.45am. Glad to leave Fort Dodge. Easy navigation as we got on Highway 20 and stayed on it the entire day. The motel the other end was actually on the same road so impossible to get lost. Trust the sat nav to work all day without a hiccup.
To pass the time we listened to K-Mullet and a man singing about his pretty van, at least that is what I think he says.
The station also proclaimed to be 'Top dogging country'. Kept driving and driving, Sac City being one of the many places we drove through. Eventually got out of Iowa and into Nebraska.
Hit many creatures today, mainly butterflies, the odd bird and nearly some sort of stoat things. Long straight roads, not much to see.
Ann carried on taking pictures of the water towers in each town. She thinks they are where the aliens live. Not sure if she means space ones or Mexicans.
Stopped for lunch in Plainville. Went to Subway our favourite sandwich shop.
Kept ploughing along the 20, only hold ups being caused by roadworks at various points. The longest delay being twenty minutes without moving waiting for the pilot vehicle to come back and guide us through.
Saw weird thing on the horizon. Thought my eyes had gone funny. When it got closer realised it did really look like that.
Eventually made it to the Trade Winds Motel in Valentine, Nebraska. Another decent place. Outdoor pool but didn't get a chance to use it due to many fat people taking up the water space. The car park resembles a scene from 'Wild Hogs' with loads of Harley Davidsons on their way to the 70th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Went into Valentine to get some food, was looked at kinda funny by some of the locals.
Bed soon, before a mammoth days travelling tomorrow.
Trip Facts
We have now covered over 1500 miles in the car.
States we have been to so far:
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
District of Columbia - Not a state, a complete separate entity
Michigan
Wisconsin
Iowa
Nebraska
Got up and had the continental breakfast. Made waffles with the batter and waffle iron provided in the breakfast room. Ann burnt some toast beyond recognition. On the road by 8.45am. Glad to leave Fort Dodge. Easy navigation as we got on Highway 20 and stayed on it the entire day. The motel the other end was actually on the same road so impossible to get lost. Trust the sat nav to work all day without a hiccup.
To pass the time we listened to K-Mullet and a man singing about his pretty van, at least that is what I think he says.
The station also proclaimed to be 'Top dogging country'. Kept driving and driving, Sac City being one of the many places we drove through. Eventually got out of Iowa and into Nebraska.
Hit many creatures today, mainly butterflies, the odd bird and nearly some sort of stoat things. Long straight roads, not much to see.
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| Straight! |
Stopped for lunch in Plainville. Went to Subway our favourite sandwich shop.
Kept ploughing along the 20, only hold ups being caused by roadworks at various points. The longest delay being twenty minutes without moving waiting for the pilot vehicle to come back and guide us through.
Saw weird thing on the horizon. Thought my eyes had gone funny. When it got closer realised it did really look like that.
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| What is it? |
Bed soon, before a mammoth days travelling tomorrow.
Trip Facts
We have now covered over 1500 miles in the car.
States we have been to so far:
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Delaware
Maryland
Virginia
District of Columbia - Not a state, a complete separate entity
Michigan
Wisconsin
Iowa
Nebraska
Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Day Ten
Stop Press!! Did some research on the sat nav website and found the answer to the problem. Doesn't stop it happening, but does restart it instantly.
Up early as important appointment to make and to say goodbye to Craig and Tara. Has been a very quick visit but immensely enjoyable. Thanks for having us guys, it was great to see you. Hope you enjoy watching the park crash video.
With sat nav now working a treat, left Rockford at 8.45am and arrived at Muskegon ferry port at 9.45am. Boarded catamaran and ate some breakfast whilst we crossed Lake Michigan.
To entertain ourselves on the three hour trip we watched the Miley Cyrus film that was showing but without paying to hear it. Instead we, I say we, I mean I created an alternative dialogue. Eventually Ann told me to be quiet.
We also decided that if we create our own real Jurassic Park we would have door knobs instead of handles so the velociraptors can't open the doors.
Crossed our first time zone so now six hours behind BST. Arrived at Milwaukee at 12pm Central Standard Time. Headed out into Wisconsin on I-94 towards Madison. Stopped at McDonald to use their free wifi so Ann could Skype home.
Then I-151 to Dubuque, crossing the Mississippi.
Stopped to get sandwich from Subway. Got asked where we were from as they 'Don't get many accents here'. Then we joined I-20 for 188 miles all the way to Fort Dodge. To pass the time Ann took photos of water towers and we listened to K-Mullet radio.
Arrived Fort Dodge at 7.15pm. Sat nav couldn't find hotel. We did. It is a Comfort Inn. Seems ok. Went to Pizza Hut for tea as it is 5 yards away. They appeared to have fried the pizzas. Back now ready to sleep. More travelling tomorrow!
Up early as important appointment to make and to say goodbye to Craig and Tara. Has been a very quick visit but immensely enjoyable. Thanks for having us guys, it was great to see you. Hope you enjoy watching the park crash video.
With sat nav now working a treat, left Rockford at 8.45am and arrived at Muskegon ferry port at 9.45am. Boarded catamaran and ate some breakfast whilst we crossed Lake Michigan.
To entertain ourselves on the three hour trip we watched the Miley Cyrus film that was showing but without paying to hear it. Instead we, I say we, I mean I created an alternative dialogue. Eventually Ann told me to be quiet.
We also decided that if we create our own real Jurassic Park we would have door knobs instead of handles so the velociraptors can't open the doors.
Crossed our first time zone so now six hours behind BST. Arrived at Milwaukee at 12pm Central Standard Time. Headed out into Wisconsin on I-94 towards Madison. Stopped at McDonald to use their free wifi so Ann could Skype home.
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| Car phone! |
Stopped to get sandwich from Subway. Got asked where we were from as they 'Don't get many accents here'. Then we joined I-20 for 188 miles all the way to Fort Dodge. To pass the time Ann took photos of water towers and we listened to K-Mullet radio.
Arrived Fort Dodge at 7.15pm. Sat nav couldn't find hotel. We did. It is a Comfort Inn. Seems ok. Went to Pizza Hut for tea as it is 5 yards away. They appeared to have fried the pizzas. Back now ready to sleep. More travelling tomorrow!
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Day Nine
To write this I am sat out in the backyard enjoying the barmy evening.
Today started with a lie in, getting up at 9am. Put our washing in the machine, as running out of clothes. Got ready and went out with the family for the day. First stop was the IHOP, the International House of Pancakes. Menu was large, the food larger. By the time we finished we felt we didn't have to eat again for the next 3 weeks.
We then travelled to down town Grand Rapids, to have a look at where Craig works before heading to the shores of Lake Michigan. Parked up and went to the beach. Cracking weather again. Had a great time. Kyle was a natural kite flyer.
Left the beach at 2.30pm and headed into the nearby town of Saugatuck. Went to an ice cream shop and ate some very nice ice cream. Ann had cashew nut and caramel and I had cookie dough and cappuccino. Ann was impressed with a 'Bear Claw' dessert thing made of nuts, caramel and chocolate. Went into a gift shop to look for postcards. Heard a crashing sound from the other part of the shop. Presumed either Kyle or Ryan had knocked something. Found out later that Craig had fallen over into a shelf. Found a park so the kids could have a play.
Headed home for tea. Saw firetruck on the way, which was big news in the car. Got kicked in eye by small child whilst waiting for dinner. Craig made spaghetti bolognese. Sat out in garden to eat. Was still very warm. Ryan followed the family balance trait by falling off chair three times during dinner. Afterwards we had toasted marshmallows followed by an unusual outdoor experience.
Rounded the evening off with more X-Box action. Now sleep before heading west to Fort Dodge tomorrow.
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| Apparently £120,000 worth of house! |
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| Pancake Heaven |
Left the beach at 2.30pm and headed into the nearby town of Saugatuck. Went to an ice cream shop and ate some very nice ice cream. Ann had cashew nut and caramel and I had cookie dough and cappuccino. Ann was impressed with a 'Bear Claw' dessert thing made of nuts, caramel and chocolate. Went into a gift shop to look for postcards. Heard a crashing sound from the other part of the shop. Presumed either Kyle or Ryan had knocked something. Found out later that Craig had fallen over into a shelf. Found a park so the kids could have a play.
Headed home for tea. Saw firetruck on the way, which was big news in the car. Got kicked in eye by small child whilst waiting for dinner. Craig made spaghetti bolognese. Sat out in garden to eat. Was still very warm. Ryan followed the family balance trait by falling off chair three times during dinner. Afterwards we had toasted marshmallows followed by an unusual outdoor experience.
Rounded the evening off with more X-Box action. Now sleep before heading west to Fort Dodge tomorrow.
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