Time to leave USA. Had another pretty ordinary breakfast upstairs at Stratosphere and then packed up and took cab to airport. Lots of waiting around but got to Los Angeles with SouthWest airlines and then some more waiting. Could not believe they even have pokie machines in the airport at L A.
Boarded flight about 9.15 pm ready for the 12 hour flight to Auckland. Sitting in the middle again and not much room. Can't stand these people who recline their seats into your face as soon as they board. Watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty but it was pretty uninspiring. Had dinner served about midnight and the tried to get some sleep. Might have to price these sky couches if we travel again.
Arrived in Auckland about 5.00 am and had a couple of hours in transit where we bought some brandy. Boarded next flight to Melbourne to find that our seats were in Premium Economy - very nice. Room to move, large seats, can stretch legs out fully. Pity it wasn't long flight.
Arrived in Melbourne about 8.30 and then through customs without any checking and more waiting for flight to Adelaide. Can't wait to get home and have a shower. Don't know what day it is, but what does it matter?
Some pretty grand adventures.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
Sunday, 15 June 2014
It really is Grand
Up reasonably early and outside by seven waiting to be picked up and taken to airport for flight to Grand Canyon. First surprise was that we did not go to McCarran airport but a longer drive to Boulder City where Papillon has their airfield. Had something to eat and drink while we waited for about an hour for the flight. Talked to a British couple who were on the same flight.
Boarded an 18 seater plane for flight. The plane was great as it had very big windows and allowed for great viewing. We took off and soon were flying over portions of the canyon and had great views of Lake Mead and a wonderful view of the enormous Hoover Dam. It was really impressive being able to see the huge canyon with all the tributaries coming off. After about 50 minutes we landed at the Grand Canyon Airport and were then put on a bus and taken for a short drive to Bright angel lookout on the south rim of the canyon. Walked from bus through the building and outside to the most impressive view of the Canyon. We walked around the rim a bit but were totally blown away by the size and grandeur of the sight. Ate our packed lunch overlooking the view.
Bus then took us to the second viewing spot where we could see a bit of the Colorado River and the track that the mules use to go to the bottom of the Canyon. Lots of photos taken but impossible to capture the scale and size of the whole view.
Returned to bus and driven back to airport for flight back to Vegas. It was quite windy and dusty on the way home and there were lots of bumps. A couple of girls on the flight lost their lunches but we were okay having more wonderful views. Returned to hotel where we had a drink in a noisy bar and I spent $2 on the porkies, losing the money in about 50 seconds. Tony was doing the math trying to work out how much money the casino was making.
Went to the flash Italian restaurant for dinner and had food that tasted like proper food for a change. Back to room to pack up ready for leaving tomorrow.
Boarded an 18 seater plane for flight. The plane was great as it had very big windows and allowed for great viewing. We took off and soon were flying over portions of the canyon and had great views of Lake Mead and a wonderful view of the enormous Hoover Dam. It was really impressive being able to see the huge canyon with all the tributaries coming off. After about 50 minutes we landed at the Grand Canyon Airport and were then put on a bus and taken for a short drive to Bright angel lookout on the south rim of the canyon. Walked from bus through the building and outside to the most impressive view of the Canyon. We walked around the rim a bit but were totally blown away by the size and grandeur of the sight. Ate our packed lunch overlooking the view.
Bus then took us to the second viewing spot where we could see a bit of the Colorado River and the track that the mules use to go to the bottom of the Canyon. Lots of photos taken but impossible to capture the scale and size of the whole view.
Returned to bus and driven back to airport for flight back to Vegas. It was quite windy and dusty on the way home and there were lots of bumps. A couple of girls on the flight lost their lunches but we were okay having more wonderful views. Returned to hotel where we had a drink in a noisy bar and I spent $2 on the porkies, losing the money in about 50 seconds. Tony was doing the math trying to work out how much money the casino was making.
Went to the flash Italian restaurant for dinner and had food that tasted like proper food for a change. Back to room to pack up ready for leaving tomorrow.
Saturday, 14 June 2014
Tacky Las Vegas
Slept in a bit and went looking for breakfast. You don't even get a fridge or a kettle in your room here. Found a Mexican restaurant upstairs where we could actually buy eggs and toast with hash browns. Walked around and looked at some of the shops and then went up to the tower to see the view from the 108th floor. Also saw some idiots using the sky jump and saw the extreme rides that go over the edge of the tower.
Bought a day pass and rode the bus down to the other end of the Strip and then walked along looking at the shops and the over the top buildings - Venice, the Eiffel Tower, Circus, Circus etc. most of the shops are very tacky although there are some more upmarket ones in some of the resorts. Tony took quite a few photos of ridiculous buildings and sights. Bought some frozen yoghurt but again the cups you use for the self serve were more like buckets. Caught bus back to hotel and had a short sleep.
Went for dinner in the buffet where we could choose what to eat. We both tried to pick some fresh unprocessed food for a change. Could not believe that there was a small wedding party in the buffet with fat bride in wedding dress and groom.
Back to room for early night.
Bought a day pass and rode the bus down to the other end of the Strip and then walked along looking at the shops and the over the top buildings - Venice, the Eiffel Tower, Circus, Circus etc. most of the shops are very tacky although there are some more upmarket ones in some of the resorts. Tony took quite a few photos of ridiculous buildings and sights. Bought some frozen yoghurt but again the cups you use for the self serve were more like buckets. Caught bus back to hotel and had a short sleep.
Went for dinner in the buffet where we could choose what to eat. We both tried to pick some fresh unprocessed food for a change. Could not believe that there was a small wedding party in the buffet with fat bride in wedding dress and groom.
Back to room for early night.
Into the Stratosphere
Leisurely walk down to Starbucks for breakfast. Even I would kill for a bowl of cereal and that is saying something! Back to hotel and waited for airport shuttle. Couple of hours wait in airport with crazy seating and boarding procedures. As you check in everyone is given a boarding number and that is how you get allocated seats. Still we got there and even saw the Golden Gate Bridge and some lovely views of the Rockies covered in snow.
Landed in Las Vegas to about 95 degrees but it was not too bad. Caught the airport transfer bus and saw around a lot of the casinos etc. eventually got to the Stratosphere and booked in- what a process. Girl on desk asked if Australia was in Europe!!! Quickly went to room to get changed and Tony discovered his case lock had been removed and his bag repacked. At least there was a note from the security company.
Grabbed a taxi and headed off to The Mirage to pick up our Cirque de Soleil tickets. Looked at some of the resort areas and then decided to grab something to eat, but American food is so off putting. Everything tastes sweet, even the bread in sandwiches.
The Beatles "Love" performance was fantastic - thanks boys!!! Lots of great Beatles songs with circus and acrobatic interpretation. Walked back to hotel along the strip.
Landed in Las Vegas to about 95 degrees but it was not too bad. Caught the airport transfer bus and saw around a lot of the casinos etc. eventually got to the Stratosphere and booked in- what a process. Girl on desk asked if Australia was in Europe!!! Quickly went to room to get changed and Tony discovered his case lock had been removed and his bag repacked. At least there was a note from the security company.
Grabbed a taxi and headed off to The Mirage to pick up our Cirque de Soleil tickets. Looked at some of the resort areas and then decided to grab something to eat, but American food is so off putting. Everything tastes sweet, even the bread in sandwiches.
The Beatles "Love" performance was fantastic - thanks boys!!! Lots of great Beatles songs with circus and acrobatic interpretation. Walked back to hotel along the strip.
Friday, 13 June 2014
Glacier point - Yosemite
Small breakfast of pita bread and cheese and banana and then took our gear to leave at front desk. Got on bus for trip to Glacier Point and were regaled with lots of facts and stories by driver. Told lots of history of park, on June 30 it will be 150 years since it's enactment as a park!
Saw Yosemite Falls on way and bridal veil falls. Road to top took one and a half hours to negotiate and we did see a coyote. When we got to top there were several deer munching on the leaves of a bush. The view from the top looking down into the valley was jaw droppingly unbelievable. It was really evident that all this had been formed by ice. At one point we looked through a telescope at the top of El Capitan and there were at least 20 people up there - the mad rock climbers.
Returned to lodge and had a short rest and a bit of food and then caught the shuttle to The Ahwanhee hotel for a look. Well this is up there with the Banff Springs Hotel - old world rustic elegance. We looked but did not buy! Caught shuttle again and went to visitor centre where we looked at some of the displays and then back to lodge to await our tour bus for return to San Francisco.
On way we stopped in the El Capitan meadow to look for the "walnuts" and there were several plastered to the rock face. Stopped again for food at shopping centre and bought a burrito for $6.75. Wrong choice as it was very messy and Tony refused to eat it cos it got his fingers messy. Still I ate my half - only in America can you get enough food for two for that price.
Last stop was at Tresure Island where we saw a good view of San Francisco, some of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. At least I feel that I have seen something of the city. Back to hotel and a good nights sleep. Tony still feeling pretty rotten.
Saw Yosemite Falls on way and bridal veil falls. Road to top took one and a half hours to negotiate and we did see a coyote. When we got to top there were several deer munching on the leaves of a bush. The view from the top looking down into the valley was jaw droppingly unbelievable. It was really evident that all this had been formed by ice. At one point we looked through a telescope at the top of El Capitan and there were at least 20 people up there - the mad rock climbers.
Returned to lodge and had a short rest and a bit of food and then caught the shuttle to The Ahwanhee hotel for a look. Well this is up there with the Banff Springs Hotel - old world rustic elegance. We looked but did not buy! Caught shuttle again and went to visitor centre where we looked at some of the displays and then back to lodge to await our tour bus for return to San Francisco.
On way we stopped in the El Capitan meadow to look for the "walnuts" and there were several plastered to the rock face. Stopped again for food at shopping centre and bought a burrito for $6.75. Wrong choice as it was very messy and Tony refused to eat it cos it got his fingers messy. Still I ate my half - only in America can you get enough food for two for that price.
Last stop was at Tresure Island where we saw a good view of San Francisco, some of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. At least I feel that I have seen something of the city. Back to hotel and a good nights sleep. Tony still feeling pretty rotten.
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Yosemite Falls
Had a great nights sleep but both of us are still feeling very exhausted. Went and bought some breakfast in cafe and then walked slowly along paths to medical centre where Tony got checked out by a Physicians Assistant! He said he had a virus so no antibiotics. Caught shuttle bus and so saw around some of the other areas of the valley. Bought some pita bread and tomatoes and fruit and had lunch in our cabin. Went for a walk to Yosemite Falls and enjoyed wandering around in the forest. Got back to room and both collapsed on bed. I slept for three hours and Tony for two. Went for a walk along the river at the back of our cabin and saw a mule deer just lazing about in the meadow.
Had dinner in the mountain Lodge dining room which was very nice. Much better food than the food court.
Had dinner in the mountain Lodge dining room which was very nice. Much better food than the food court.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Unbelievably beautiful Yosemite
Up early and picked up by tour company for three hour trip to Yosemite. Really knowledgeable and interesting guide who was extremely passionate about this special place. Tony feeling rather poorly now too and I am still struggling.
Stopped about 9 am for some food and rest break. Entered Yosemite and first stop was a walk to the Giant Sequoias which was 3.2 Kms return. I knew I could not make it but Tony went and that blew him out for the rest of the day. Drove further into park and stopped a couple of times for the iconic views of El Capitaine and the waterfalls. Nothing though prepares you for the sheer size and majesty of the scenery. Got delivered to the Yosemite Lodge and tried to book in but rooms are not ready until five pm. Finally got into lovely room set off with big windows overlooking majestic cliffs. Had hamburger for tea in the cafe - not a good idea.
Stopped about 9 am for some food and rest break. Entered Yosemite and first stop was a walk to the Giant Sequoias which was 3.2 Kms return. I knew I could not make it but Tony went and that blew him out for the rest of the day. Drove further into park and stopped a couple of times for the iconic views of El Capitaine and the waterfalls. Nothing though prepares you for the sheer size and majesty of the scenery. Got delivered to the Yosemite Lodge and tried to book in but rooms are not ready until five pm. Finally got into lovely room set off with big windows overlooking majestic cliffs. Had hamburger for tea in the cafe - not a good idea.
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