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Published: February 29th 2008
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Well the Tuesday morning started off quite early for me, as I had got home from the pub after work at 7 bells and fell sound asleep. I was well rested when the morning leavers headed off to work and others got home. I did some packing and then headed down the road with Dave to catch the bus to the car rental joint. Whilst being on time, the bus was ahead of schedule, so the trip was now requiring a further 3 mile walk in fresh temperatures to get the car. So we picked up our white chevy malibu, which was kindly, charged to us at a further $100 than what were originally quoted. The first turn out of the car depot was thankfully on the correct side of the road, so it was time to head home to collect our gear and Stew who was still battling after a massive night at Blue. The second stop was to the supermarket to collect our road trip snacks, drinks and cash. Off we flew with shadows of doubt being made about the direction we were headed once we turned off the only road that the boys know (highway 50 which leads
to the casinos or work). After some debate, I was proven correct. After 6 miles on the road, we stopped off for breakfast at one of the many hundreds of fast food outlets on the highway to Arizona. After a breakfast burrito it was time to clock up some serious miles. With the ipod pumping and the rest getting some sleep after a big night, I was able to get myself into my driving mode that has seen me clock up many a Kms between Ballarat and Jan Juc, but this time it was on the opposite side of the road.
The scenery between Tahoe and Death Valley was beautiful, snow capped mountains were everywhere. At one point over 3 or 4 miles we dropped over 2,000 feet in altitude. At the Death Valley turn off we stopped to see the highest points in America, bar Alaska. It stands at 14,500 feet tall. At this time I realized that we had cruise control on the car, which would assist me greatly for the next 700 miles. Stopped off at a little, roadside country café for lunch. The food was good but the 6 foot stuffed bear from the rafters
was a highlight. The scenery from this point became a little bit less scenic as we cut through the out skirts of LA. The freeways and highways from there had a speed limit of 70mph (110kph) so it took little time to get to our rest point in Palm Springs. We found a good motel that had a heated pool, internet and a continental breakfast for only 24 dollars each. The day tallied up to 500 miles of our supposed 670 mile trip (according to google route planner), but the thing was, there was another 250 miles to Phoenix.
The drive on the Wednesday was okay setting the cruise control on the 75mph (120kph), which is the Arizona speed limit. The interesting thing is that trucks have a speed limit of 55mph. We arrived at Arizona State Uni just after 3, which we timed well as Dave’s twin brother just got out of an exam. So the four of us were all keen to have a beer or 10. After that we headed to a bar which was a bit of a sausage fest, so we headed to a fraternity house for a bit of beer pong. I had
to pull the pin early, as I had to get the car to Tucson Hertz before 8.30, so I had to hit the road by 6. Thing is, in the state of Arizona the blood alcohol level is 0.08, but if you do blow over that you get to spend 45 days in jail, so I was not too tempted to test this out.
I got to Tuscon with 15 minutes to spare and was greeted by the hertz lady with the keys to Cookies BMW 335. This car puts most cars that I have driven to disgrace, bar the Charger of course. So in a 48 hour period I clocked up 1,000 mile on the opposite side of the road and had not had one accident. After getting the car I went to see Ali at the house and got to meet their new puppy Copper a playful rhodesian ridgeback. After a quick catch up with Ali and some breakfast and a shower I was ready to head to the World Match Play Golf Championship. Cookie along with lending me his car, was able to get me marquee tickets to the golf. I watched Tiger Woods, Stuart Appleby
and many others of the world’s best golfers warm up at the driving range. I was lucky enough to get Aaron Baddleys autograph on a golf towel. I then went off to watch Stuart Appleby and Phil Mickleson play. After watching them for a few holes I headed off to watch a few other groupies including a few Aussies. The crowds started to head up the fairway along with half of Arizona’s press club so I knew Tiger was on his way, I watched him play for 3 holes but it was too difficult to get a good view with all the crowds. He did walk past me at one point, he would have been 2 or 3 feet away, but was accompanied by heavy cops. So I went back to watch Appleby vs Mickleson match, which was probably the best game of the day, which Appleby won after a being in a few tough spots the last 4 holes. I went and watched the pros hit a further 200 plus balls after their matches. I was able to get Stuart Appleby to personally sign a golf towel for Dad, think it was my Aussie accent that got me across
the line. So I raced the black beamer back to Cookie and Ali’s and I had a good catch up with Cookie and a few beers. We headed out to tea to one of their favorite restaurants… now McDonalds would have been fancy compared to what I have eaten some evenings. The restaurant is known for the best steaks in Tucson, well I think Arizona if not America. It was one of the best steaks in my life. We also had a really nice Aussie red. The wine is called The Beauty Shiraz from Hartley Farm. I highly recommend that you try to track down a bottle or ten in Down Under if you can.
Friday was a cruisy day catching up on emails, facebook, sleep and couch time. Cookie and Ali took me to their friend’s house for dinner just outside of Phoenix and then dropped me off at the Airport. I have to rate their hospitably up there with the best I have ever had. They have offered me the world both times that I have stayed at their house when I have been in the States. The only setback on the Friday was that my flight
was delayed by 35 minutes, which meant that I was going to miss my 10.30 bus, so I had to jump on the 12.30 which arrived in Tahoe at 2. So I have spent my spare time writing this entry. I hope that every one is well and that you getting back into your routines after summer holidays.
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sue
non-member comment
Happy Birthday
Dear Micky I love getting your emails it sounds like you are having a great time. More fun than Rat Town. I am attempting to send this email to wish you a Very Happy Birthday I am sure you have got plans to make it as big as Texas Mum and I will give Chris and Joy some money to put in your bank account next weekend. It is John Howley and Laurens Weddding to-day. The sun is shining in Rat town so it should be good in Lorne. Once again Happy Birthday Keep on Partying and having fun. Love Sue