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Published: October 16th 2006
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SAN DIEGO
Skyline from the Coronado Bridge Well howdy folks how are you all dooin?
Sorry we haven't been in touch for a while but we have been on the road quite a lot and as we have mentioned before the internet facilities in the US have not been that great and rather expensive. We've had to travel to Canada for a decent internet service.
Yes we are now on our last legs and arrived in Toronto last evening - good flights and nice hotel with free internet facilities yippee! But now let's take you back to where we have been and what we have done for the past week or more since San Diego.
The drive from there to Flagstaff was much longer than anticipated so we stopped overnight at a Best Western in a place called Wickenburg having driven through a variety of landscapes of lush green tree clad mountains, to boulder/rocky mountains and the desert. Joy of joys our room had a kitchenette. Heaven; we ate in and Linda cooked. Next morning we were winding our way (winding being an understatement) through to Flagstaff the previous days roads had been very long and straight almost to the point of monotomy, I know
SEDONA
The Red Rock's picnic spot there was more of that to come.
This road, however, was a different kettle of fish, almost as trecherous as Yosemite with equal amount of stunning scenery of another kind. Passing through places like Jerome (where the road overhung the roof tops of the high level town approx 5000 ft above sea level), Cottonwood and beautiful red rocked Sedona where we stopped for a picnic. Then ever upwards to Flagstaff and mountainous forest, arriving early a week last Friday evening, fortunately no problem with accommodation. Flagstaff is one of the gateway towns to the Grand Canyon and the intention was to stay for 2 nights! Saturday, as it has on other occasions, turned into a social event, no exception to the Ken and Linda rule book and we had a bit of a session, meeting several people along the way to chat to and become friends with. So the decision was made to stay another night and drive to the Grand Canyon Monday.
What a drive and an experience - how many words would you like us to use to describe the scene - VAST, IMMENSE, AMAZING, TRUELY AWSOME even tear jerking to take it all in. We
FLAGSTAFF
A pretty church do not think that even the photos will do the scenes justice. Decide for yourselves! We spent several hours driving from the eastern end and along the southern rim before leaving the park and heading for the bright lights of Las Vegas, from the stunning and sublime to the ridiculous. Linda will keep some of her personal thoughts to herself but along the lines so much unneccessary money that could be put to better use.
Again another long drive, roads and repetitive scenery until we came to the Hoover Dam and even though it was dark by then, we still could get a good impression of the immensity of this engineering feat. Over and through the mountain and we hit the bright lights of Boulder City merging into Las Vegas. Blackpool on a good night eat your heart out, no comparison really. We found accommodation on the strip, dumped our bags and hit the lights! What an experience in the city that never sleeps, Ceaser's Palace was pretty impressive, had a drink in the bar there and Ken played the slot machines, with the help of a very nice Canadian lady from Toronto called Sandra (we shall be in
GRAND CANYON
Our first view touch). He won $40 by the way. At Treasure Island - saw an outdoor show where they had a spanish galleon sink. Anyone seen the film "Miss Congeniality" with Sandra Bullock? We managed to loose half of Ken's winnings at the Mirage - no not really!!!! Had an early morning breakfast before hitting the sack. What an Absolutely Bloody Marvellous day.
Following a reasonable rest and sleep we were on the road again heading to where we had began, Los Angeles, driving mainly through the desert. We did stop off at a 50's style diner which was interesting and arrived in LA about 7 pm eventually settling for a Motel 6 just off Hollywood Blvd, very central. Total round trip was 2,800 miles. Didn't search too far that night for something to eat calling in a place called Musso and Frank's Bar & Grill, one of the oldest restaurants in town and unbeknown to us a place frequently used by the stars! Unfortunately we didn't see anyone we knew, but we did have a fabulous meal there (in fact one of the best in America - just like Mama used to cook - ha, ha). Must have been good,
GRAND CANYON
From the Watchtower cos we repeated the process Thursday night.
Wednesday was a busy day sightseeing around the Hollywood area, either walking tours or bus tours, included in that was a visit to the Kodak Theatre (where they hold the Oscar ceremony), the Chinese Theatre where all the famous handprints and footprints are, a drive down Rodeo Drive and the Beverley Wiltshire Hotel and to a viewpoint overlooking the city (not quite the Pretty Woman trail, Sian) but interesting all the same. We also went to watch the movie "The Departed" at the Chinese Theatre that evening - good film.
Thursday was an easier day and we just pottered most of the day and then that evening we'd been given free tickets to be part of the outdoor audience to a live TV talk show, the star guest being Rod Stewart. Yes folks we saw Rod Stewart live on stage, we were stood right at the front and it was free!! He sang 4 song, was brilliant, we were seen on live TV and apparently the show can be seen on the web. I guess that may well be our 15 minutes of fame!
I think after all that it
GRAND CANYON
Another viewfrom the Watchtower was time to chill out, which we did after we dropped the car off and checked into our last hotel of our US visit before our flight on Saturday to Canada.
That, we think folks, is us up to date with our most recent escapades and adventures. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the US and had not realised how beautiful California and it's surrounding states are. Now we look forward to our last adventure and of course, as always, your much appreciated comments. Speak again soon.
Linda & Ken
Belated Happy Birthday to Gaynor
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Nicki Hybert
non-member comment
I want one....
a big ice cream that is, looks delicious. Still enjoying the travelblog entries and especially the photo's. Many of the places you have visited look surperb and I really need a holiday abroad now. The Grand Canyon looks amazing. Glad you are still having a fab time. We're just back from the Gower, managed to get in the sea again (with wetsuits this time) and William is well in to body-boarding which is great. Take care and carry on having fun. Nicki, David and Will Hybert xxx