From the West to the East and most of USA in between

We arose early with expectations of a short drive to San Fran to return the rental car and board our flight to Raleigh-Durham.Theyanks pronounce Raleigh different to us and they have ifficulty understanding where we are heading for.So we thought we better change but it is a bit tricky when you are used to speaking in a certain way.
We were one of the first down for breakfast and I am pleased to say that waffles were back on the menu again,yippee.Gretchen managaed to burn the one side of her toast that toasted.Somehow the toaster element was only working on one side.The smoke sent the front desk man running to open the front doors and let the smoke out.!!!
We had successfully got ourselves back to one suitcase and backpack each which was amazing cos when we looked at the room with all the larder we had left spread around we didnt give ourselves a chance.Last night we cleaned off the beer and wine and that was probably why we splet so sound but it had to be drunk as we werent gunna carry it and we certainly werent gunna throw the booze away!!!
A very satisfying breakfast and we were back on the road joining I-5 near the Days Inn with instructions to turn left and head for the junction of I-80 which would take us all the way to San Fran.Well the driver(yours truly) knew better and turned left and then we were in trouble going the wrongway and cars as they do on the Intersate whizzing by on both sides at 65mph changing lanes like crazy.Took the best option and left the Interstate to recover our senses and correct the mistake.Luckily the stop was an easy one and with a quick u-turn not far off the Interstate we were back on again going in the right direction.
At this point we must say we intend to write to Arnie as he needs to spend some money on Interstate-80 to improve the road surface.We have travelled over some wonderful surfaces bu this one was a shocker.There was no point trying to dodge the breaks in the asphalt as they were everywhere and we can only describe the ride as interesting t 65mph!!
Gretchen had plotted the drive and before we knew it the Bay Bridge was upon us with a toll to be paid.I thought well maybe $1.50 would do it but it was fortunate that Gretchen had a $5 note ready cos the cost was $4 !! and we Kiwis grizzle at $1 on the Tauranga bypass!!
When you look at it there is no way obvious to get into San Fran without paying a toll.We only hope that Arnie spends our money fixing the I-80 surface for next time we are here.
The check in of the rental car was a breeze and we were on our way to the skytrain to get to the air terminal and our Delta flight to Raleigh via Atlanta.We were sorry to leave our Dodge Caliber behind and it proved a great car to drive for the last 3 weeks and 4850 miles !!!!
Being Kiwis on a budget and food to eat before the flight we found a quiet corner and had an early lunch of bread rolls,fruit and juice.The backpacks were suddenley even lighter.!!
We boarded the Delta Boeing 757 new series plane and left on time for Atlanta.The flight was set for 4 hrs 30 mins but with a tail wind we arrived in Atlanta in just over 4 hours and of course had lost 3 hours in the process as we had crossed all the time zones in the USA.
Must compliment Delta on a very smooth flight and arriving ahead of time.
Atlanta airport is a big place and we had to transit to another terminal to catch the next plane to Raleigh.Thankfully there is a train that goes underground and links all the terminals which saved the 4000feet or 1.2km walk!!!
The plane left ahead of time which seemed unusual and it was a short flight of an hour.The plane was a 757 but an older series and the landing into Raleigh was interesting after some wierd noises as we made the approach.We landed fairly heavily but safely.
Our overnight stay is at Microtel real close to the airport and tomorrow we will mooch around the Outlet shops adjacent to the hotel (think we might need some more summer clothes)after we pick up the next rental car from Mr Dollar and then head off thru NC for Virginia.

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