Sparks fly in the USA

Thursday, we went back down to Columbus flea market as that is normally their busy day. I had to help push some guys car out as we were walking in as it was ice and snow everywhere. Even the stall holders were shovelling ice out around their little sites. There were heaps of people there. Josh and I bought gloves for $1 on the way in, best buy of the day. Bought some more cheap suitcases. Had lunch down there, kebabs on a bbq in the freezing weather. At night we went over to Barbara's (Christa's daughter ) where they all get together and exchange gifts for each other. At thanksgiving they each draw out someone in the families name and thats who they have to buy a present for. Christmas day we had to get ... read more

Wednesday night we went to Hoffmans chocolate shop that actually makes their own chocolates. Anyway out the back every year they set up christmas lights around a park area they have. Theyv'e got a huge mimiature train set going. It was nice, but of course the idea is to get you into their shop. So we bought some chocolates and had an ice cream while we were there. Thursday we got up and got away about 9am. Heading down the turnpike and went around Miami driving south. Stopped at a visitor center in Key Largo, beautiful sunny day on the way down there. We stopped at one of the keys , at a resort but there was no one on the gate so we just drove in and parked up by the sea. Found a nice ... read more

Wednasday, we caught the free shuttle bus into town from the campground. Man can the guy talk, he just waffles and in amongst it there is some really interesting stuff. He dropped us off right in the center of the 'French Quarter' by the river. So we walked down to ' Bourbon street' which is famous for its partying nature. Pretty quiet at 10.30am!! We looked around at the little nic nak shops all over the place with their touristy stuff for sale. Some, as usual is really nice, other stuff is just tacky. After lunch we caught our city bus tour. A 2 hour history tour of the area. Quite interesting , The port started in 1718 as a French-Canadian outpost. The mass importation of African slaves came by 1720. The Spanish were next, then ... read more

On monday night, Wayne took us for a look around the base where he works. Then we all went ten-pin bowling at the base. 51 lanes, not a bad size bowling centre, sports bar the works. Then we went out for tea after that. We went to a nice chinese buffet restaurant. The highlight of the night was Sophie eating a whole Octopus for $20 bucks. No one thought she would do it, but she did. Tuesady , we said our good byes and hit the road. Thanks heaps to Wayne and Jill and the girls, we had an awesome week as they opened up their house to us, and made us feel very welcome. Not far out of El Paso and we hit a border patrol in the middle of know where. Jill said they ... read more

Monday, we drove over to Bryce canyon. It’s was a good 2 hrs from Cedar city, mind you we took the scenic route. Found a little Indian shop on the way into the Park, bought some cool ornaments. Once at the visitor centre we watched the movie, bought some postcards, and had lunch. As we have missed the peak season by a week, the shuttle service has now stopped. So we got to do a self guided tour. First stop was at sunset point, where we walked down the Navajo trail. What an amazing sight, after walking down the steep hillside of soft red rock. We came to these tall spires called ‘Hoodoos’. Erosion has worn away at them over the thousands of years and left behind these magnificent shaped rocks. All the different colours are ... read more