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.

On a hill, far far away!

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.

Capitol Records

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.

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.

Almost like the Niagara golf logo!

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.

Two Evil Bastards!

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.

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.

Viva!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?!?