Saturday 6th October 2001

Home to Las Vegas

Left Huw & Nikki’s house in Bourton-on-the-Water at 07:09 and arrived at the car park for Heathrow one hour later.

Checked in luggage and us with no problems. Had a full English breakfast and did some shopping in duty free.

Took off at about 11:35. Flew up over the Midlands, Lake District and Glasgow - then on to Greenland over Keflavik, Gothab. Time is 14:45 British time - temperature outside is minus 60° - speed 551mph. Time we’re due to arrive in LA is 13:50 - they are 8 hours behind us. Could have gone on a later flight in Business Class but via Washington and much longer. This flight is going on to Honolulu.

Flew over Hudson Straits and watched Bridget Jones’ Diary. Also flew over Iqaluit, Kuujjuaq, Foxe Basin, Churchill, Lake Winnipeg, North Dakota, Salt Lake City, Wyoming, Denver, Nevada, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and California.

Arrived in LA a bit early so had to wait a while for connecting flight to Las Vegas. Incredible scenery from the 44 minute flight - from city to mountain range and then desert. No problems with journey - both flights fine - arrived at 18:00 their time.

Collected car from Alamo Car Rental. We have a 7 seater so plenty of room. Checked in at the Hilton after driving down The Strip - what a sight. The Hilton is out of this world and huge - but, so far, everyone very helpful and friendly. There are gambling machines everywhere and casinos which stretch for miles it seems. Nikki gambled $5 and lost!

Had a rest then went and had something to eat. Then went to explore. It is all larger than life and incredible - the traffic is mostly at a standstill so walked or took taxis. Saw a wonderful display of dancing waters to Celine Dion! 

In bed now. It is 10:00 Sunday morning British time but 02:00 Las Vegas time. Very long day - 28 hours!

Sunday 7th October 2001

Las Vegas to Grand Canyon

Good night’s sleep - awoke about 08:00 (time here) so that’s OK. View from room is fantastic - on 13th floor - room and bed brill - even my own 3 seater settee.

Huw & Nikki just woken up at 09:15 and Huw supplied ‘room service’ - huge cup of coffee! Had breakfast at the Hilton - sack of pancakes, maple syrup and a lovely OJ.

Checked out of the hotel and left luggage in the car at the Hilton car park and went for another look around Las Vegas - doesn’t look quite so good in the daylight! Met some very chatty taxi drivers though.

Collected the car and made for the Grand Canyon - before we left the hotel, Huw & I put 25c in a gambling machine and I won $10!

Very long drive to the Grand Canyon but came in via Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam - that is quite something. The scenery along the 270 odd miles very impressive - real ‘cowboy’ country ranging from very high mountains to plains & desert. Some scrubland but up near the Grand Canyon lots of trees. Road signs warn to beware of Elk but have only seen cows - some Herefords!

Security quite tight as America today started to bomb Afghanistan. The roads stretch for miles and although quite straight, quite undulating. Even saw a mountain near here with snow on it. Temperature around mid 50°’s at night but it was 85° - 90° in Las Vegas and very hot. Glad of air conditioning in car and rooms.

Booked into Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn tonight. Very nice! Upgraded our rooms as they did not have any non-smoking rooms. We will cope. All very tired. Early to bed I think. 20:30 here but 04:30 in England. Just going to get something to eat. Even a phone by the loo!

Monday 8th October 2001

Grand Canyon to Pahrump

Breakfast at 07:45, Leaving at 09:15 for Grand Canyon. Breakfast was gorgeous as usual in America.

Left for short drive to Grand Canyon Park when we saw our first sight of the Canyon. It is breathtaking. I still can’t believe it or describe it. It is immense - so much to see and take in.

We stopped off at several view points all just as ‘awesome’. Lots of little Marmosets running around and birds which just glide for ages on the air currents. Travelled around the park - it even has its own train but we were unable to reach the west rim as Huw remembered you now have to take a bus which takes about 3-4 hours so no time for that.

Left the park after lunch to head back for Las Vegas - different route - about 300 miles. Unfortunately got stopped for speeding by some roadworks. Different rules apply where men are working. Policeman a bit severe to start with but had a good laugh when Huw told him his weight and height in stones and feet & inches. Fine only applies in that state and doesn’t apply anywhere else so Huw is only a fugitive in Arizona!

Roads go on for miles as straight as the eye can see - through desert and mountain ranges. Car goes on cruise control so only steering to be done - no wonder they have TVs in lorry cabs.

Entered Las Vegas at dusk so lights very beautiful. Parked at The Stratosphere and bought tickets to the top. Nikki bought ticket to go on the roller coaster at the top of the tower - very brave. Huw and I chickened out on that one but she did it!

The lights of Las Vegas from the top of the tower were incredible - this is the 7th highest building in the world but doesn’t seem as high as the World Trade Centre. We then got a taxi to the far end of the Strip and saw the dancing water show at the Bellagio Hotel. It is incredible. Were going to get one of the legendary buffets but too many queues - so left Las Vegas and travelled to our hotel in Pahrump which was great. 

Huw very tired. The rooms had a massive bath (hot tub) so we all indulged ourselves when we could find the switch to turn off the jets of water. Another huge room with a little kitchen with a fridge and microwave.

Tuesday 9th October 2001

Pahrump to Yosemite

Had breakfast just down the road from the hotel. The doors had guns for handles and the seats around the bar, some were saddles. As usual around here there were hundreds of gambling machines.

Travelled up to Death Valley which again is incredible. The mountains, the flats, the dunes - we reached the lowest point below sea level on dry land and then we were climbing up thousands of feet. Temperature today has ranged from 91° to 36° in Yosemite.

Death Valley is never ending - has signs with 77 miles to next filling station or next road junction. Had to turn off the air conditioning in the car as the temperature gauge was going up & up.

Travelled up to Yosemite National Park in daylight but came through the park in the dark. Dramatic temperature drop and car warning system warned of ICE. 

Fascinating names of towns along the route. Stopped at a place called Pine for lunch which was run by an Irish chap from Belfast so had a chat with him. Stopped at another little place for coffee called Lake June and Huw bought a fleece!

It was scary coming through the park in the dark - very twisty but we stopped by a lake and it was so quiet and the sky is incredibly clear - so many stars.

Staying tonight at the Cedar Lodge Hotel. Had to remove everything from the car in case the bears come round - they will even break into your car for toothpaste. Nikki would love to see a bear. Huw is looking for Elk but we have only seen a mouse so far!

Nikki feeling a bit under the weather today - actually felt cold in Death Valley - feeling a bit better this afternoon. Huw tonight says he feels very wobbly but I think he is very tired.

Ordered a burger in the bar for tonight as the restaurant is closed - nearest restaurant is 18 miles away! Bed soon for me I think.

Wednesday 10th October 2001

Yosemite

Sweet Water Creek, Slate Creek to Bear Creek for petrol - a journey of 34 miles (1 hour) to fill up. Lady at petrol station told us so much about California. All the fruit and veg they grow and Los Angeles is known as the ‘armpit’ of California.

Went in to the Yosemite National Park in daylight this time and it was really incredible - the boulders that have crashed down to the river, the cliffs and peaks and the trees - and then the flat fields.

There are actual camp sites in the park - I don’t think I would fancy it with the bears about. All the rubbish bins are ‘bear proof’ and the campers all have containers to put their food in. Not able to leave any food in the car at the car park - not even toothpaste.

We stopped to look at the El Capitan rock which had some climbers on it that looked like little flies and then we saw Half Dome which is just breathtaking.

Not much water about though so not many waterfalls but we did see a couple. The Merced River is so lovely with all the boulders in it and the little pools formed along it. You could sit and look at it for hours.

We had lunch in Yosemite Valley after taking one of the tour buses around some more of the park. Huw then drove us up to Glacier Point which is about 9,500ft above sea level so again some spectacular views.

The roads are incredibly twisty with forests of pine on all sides. In places there have been fires which are left to burn as it is natures way of clearing it for new growth but it looks very sad with all the bare tree trunks and branches left.

We have seen several deer today and some tiny chipmunks. Also lots of grey squirrels. The Park Ranger told Huw where we could possibly see some bears at Curry Village but although we waited a long time - no luck.

When we were back at the hotel they had a couple of pictures of a bear trying to get into the reception area/gift shop on Monday night. They have lots of carved wooden bears around the hotel which are lovely - we would like to take them home.

Had a lovely meal in the hotel tonight. 

Thursday 11th October 2001

Yosemite to San Francisco

Leaving the Cedar Hotel today so had breakfast - a lovely buffet style breakfast with all sorts of lovely fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, pancakes, cake, porridge etc. Lady in restaurant has the most incredible hair-do!

Left for last visit into Yosemite National Park to visit the Sequoia trees. It was quite a walk - a mile it said but mostly down hill so quite a hard trek back. Huw had several ‘heart attacks’ on the way back! The trees were incredible - some even had a tunnel through them and the bark on the trunk is very strange - it is fire proof!

Left the park for the 180 mile drive to San Francisco through the Napa Valley where all the fruit & veg grown and grapes for wine. Miles of orange groves and amazing fields & fields of pumpkins. They celebrate Halloween much more out here.

They are only able to grow the fruit by lots of irrigation for water as that is very short out here. Drove by some hills that looked amazing as they were covered by hundreds of wind turbines. 

The road in to San Francisco is incredibly busy with lanes of very fast traffic but we soon see the city and cross over the Oakland Toll Bridge with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance and Alcatraz - much smaller and closer to the land than I thought.

Came up the incredible hills to the Radisson Hotel which is a Japanese hotel. I have a paper screen in my room and a sunken bath and beautiful Japanese gardens and fish. Got a taxi into the town to Pier 39 and saw all the seals - making a dreadful row!

I had a drive on the way up - very strange with being an automatic with cruise control. All you have to do is steer and with the roads so straight it seems difficult to keep in a straight line!

Friday 12th October 2001

San Francisco to Monterey

Lovely breakfast in hotel’s ‘Dot Restaurant”. Went back down to the pier and went in the Aquarium. Wonderful with loads of fish, sharks, ray, conger eels, octopus and one really horrible looking fish. We walked through a glass tunnel so were able to see them from underneath. We then went to another part where you were able to touch things so we stroked a ray fish, a shark (!) and some sea urchins. Very strange looking things - the ones with tenticles actually closed around your fingers when you went near them.

Went and saw the sea lions again. One was injured but the people looking after them already knew about it. Some very large boats in the harbour. Walked further along and caught one of the famous trams that go up the very steep streets in San Francisco. We got off at Lombard Street and looked down there. Then caught the tram back down.

We then caught a trolly bus back to the car. I had a couple of runs in taxis and the car down the famous hills ( Nob Hill). We then drove out and across the Golden Gate Bridge with wonderful views over the bay and Alcatraz. Nikki and I were both surprised by its size - smaller than we had thought and also how near the shore it is.

We then set off down to Monterey and booked into our hotel there - another lovely place

Saturday 13th October 2001

Monterey to Los Angeles

Today we had to be up early and check out of the hotel as well. We are booked to go on a whale watching trip at 08:30.

Loads of sea lions again and also some lovely little sea otters who were on their backs in the water - very cute. The lady who is to be our guide is a naturalist who is working with David Attenborough on his series.

We very quickly spot a lot of dolphins who swim and play around us. They are so quick but an absolute delight to watch. We then head further out into the bay and open sea to see if we can see any whales. This is a very long trip - 6 hours and we go out a long way. There is also a photographer on board hoping to get some shots for magazines.

The sea looks very calm but is actually very rough and we are going pretty fast. Poor Huw is very sea-sick despite taking a pill (as are many others) but Nikki & I are fine.

Fairly soon we spot 4 Blue Whales - they are so enormous we can hardly believe it. They blow spouts of water, hump their backs and dive. We see a couple of the well-known tail flips. They dive for up to 10 minutes and then surface again but away from where they first went down. What a sight! We watch them for some time - it is wonderful to see. They are massive!

We then head further out to sea for the boat crew to do some research work I think. Poor Huw - it now gets really rough. We are just heading back when somemore whales are spotted and dolphins - two sorts - white ones without a dorsal fin. The whales - two again this time are Humpback Whales and again are huge but not as big as the Blue Whales.

We then head back and quite a lot of the passengers are very pleased - including Huw! Nikki & I were fine and enjoyed it but I never realised how deep the troughs could be!

We head back to the hotel and book a room for a couple of hours for Huw to have a sleep and recover. Nikki & I walk down into Monterey for a quick browse. It is a lovely town.

We leave about 18:00 and head for Los Angeles - a very long drive down the coast - about 350 miles. First we call in Carmel - this is a lovely place but obviously where all the rich folks live (including Clint Eastwood!)

Huw is still very groggy and, although he tries, is unable to drive so Nikki & I agree to do 50 miles each and see how we go. Huw goes to sleep in the back. 

The road, at first, is very, very bendy but the view of the coastline was wonderful and another lovely sunset. Takes a long time but we eventually reach LA. Huw woke up feeling better and took over the driving. It’s about 02:30 and the traffic is still very busy - bit scary for Nikki & me!

We checked in at the Beverly Garland’s Hotel (Holiday Inn) in Hollywood and just crash out in bed. We are all exhausted. Wake up the next day about 11:00!

Sunday 14th October 2001

Los Angeles

Have a good breakfast in the hotel and head off for Universal Studios - later find it was just down the road from hotel but we went about 20 miles!

Arrive at studio - security very tight. They check under the car with mirrors and all our hand luggage searched. We had been told it was closed!

Had a wonderful trip around the film lots and see how all the effects are done in lots of films - plus all the sets for lots of movies - real Hollywood!

2005 miles done by Monday night.

Arrive at airport about 16:30 to check in for flight home at 19:35. Very tight security. I get searched very thoroughly and even have to go back and put my shoes through the scanner. Take off my watch, glasses etc but still set off alarm! Eventually get through to Gate 77 and have coffees etc at Starbucks. Huw goes back out for a last cig - no smoking much in the USA now.

We were not able to get window seats but get the whole of the middle row to ourselves so can spread out. Quite cold on the plane so we all wrap up in blankets. Time of arrival 13:25.