My final post. Refreshed after a good nights sleep. As you will have noticed, there were a lot of musical references in the titles of my posts.
So, for those of you who don't know here are the titles and artists:
The Last Time................................... Rolling Stones
Homeward Bound..............................Simon and Garfunkel
All I Wanna Do...................................Sheryl Crow
Hotel California...................................Eagles
Feelin' Hot Hot Hot..............................The Merrymen
Viva Las Vegas.....................................Elvis Presley
On The Road Again..............................Canned Heat
I Can See For Miles..............................The Who
Take It Easy...........................................The Eagles
24 Hours From Tulsa.............................Gene Pitney
Is This The Way To Amarillo.................Tony Christie
Get your kicks on Route 66.....................Nat King Cole
Born To Be Wild......................................Steppenwolf
I hope those of you who have followed this blog from the start have enjoyed reading it, it has been great fun writing it and I thank you all for taking the time to read about our experiences and adventures.
I hope that some of you get the chance to do what we have done at some time in the future, I would strongly urge you to grab the opportunity to do so. The trip will stay with you forever!
Vince.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Thursday June 4th " Homeward Bound"
Well, today is the day we finally go home! It seems so long ago that we arrived in Chicago. We have done so much, stayed in some great places, seen some fantastic sights, met some great people and travelled 3200 miles in the process!
Music has played an important part of the journey, mainly thanks to the Route 66 playlist on the iPod. I don't think any of us will be able to listen to Take it Easy by the Eagles without remembering that corner in Wimslow, Arizona. Then there was the time when we were a day away from Tulsa when Gene Pitney came on singing 24 Hours from Tulsa.
Moments like these will really never leave us and always remind us of the 3 great weeks spent driving the "Mother Road".
So it was with a heavy heart that I packed our bags for the final time, they felt a bit heavier than when we arrived! Oh,those outlets!
We checked out of the hotel, put our bags in the car and went for a walk down to Santa Monica Pier.Took our pictures in front of the end of Route 66, had a coffee and a bite to eat. Got chatting to a guy in the mini museum/cubicle on the pier dedicated to R66. It has only been there a few years, was originally in a handcart, but as it got so busy it became a more permanent fixture. Really interesting guy, plenty of facts but more importantly great passion about R66.
It is hard to believe that the road nearly disappeared and it is only recently that it has become so popular. Ironically, it is mainly Europeans that are driving that interest at the moment.
Back to the van for the short drive to the airport. It covers a really great area, the rental office was really easy to find and the shuttle dropped us back at the terminal. The driver was really great, a bit of a character, he loaded all the bags, had a great line in chat and made a slow journey interesting.
The traffic to the various terminals was horrendous, mainly due to the fact that all American terminals are kerbside check in.
Bag drop and security went really well, we even checked our bags in at the First Class desk. Sandra cheekily asked if there was a chance of an upgrade! Of course the wasn't.
Grabbed something to eat, boarded the plane, we were on the upper deck. Nice seats near the rear of the cabin, 2 together. Stewardess was much better than the crew coming out.
As we took off and Sandra tried to put her headphones in the socket, they wouldn't go in. So no chance of listening to any of the entertainment channels! We asked for an adaptor so Sandra could share my jack socket but there were none.
With that the stewardess said that she would move Sandra to World Traveller Plus (Premiun Economy) if that was acceptable. So off she went to the front of the cabin.
I watched American Sniper, great film, Wild, very intense, and 2nd Marigold Hotel, funny! Sandra popped back a few times, and before we knew it breakfast was being served. The flight went really quickly and smoothly. Great plane, plenty of legroom, just a pity that Sandra couldn't be next to me for it.
We had to transfer to terminal 3 from terminal 5,where we landed, to get the bus to the car park. Picked up the car, easy drive home, no issues with driving a manual after 3 weeks of an automatic. The only thing is that everything just seems so small over here in comparison to the States. Drivers seem to be more aggressive as well over here!
Got home, unpacked, did the washing and finally grabbed a few hours sleep at 5 pm.
Our holiday well and truly over, it was good to be in our own bed at last!
Music has played an important part of the journey, mainly thanks to the Route 66 playlist on the iPod. I don't think any of us will be able to listen to Take it Easy by the Eagles without remembering that corner in Wimslow, Arizona. Then there was the time when we were a day away from Tulsa when Gene Pitney came on singing 24 Hours from Tulsa.
Moments like these will really never leave us and always remind us of the 3 great weeks spent driving the "Mother Road".
So it was with a heavy heart that I packed our bags for the final time, they felt a bit heavier than when we arrived! Oh,those outlets!
We checked out of the hotel, put our bags in the car and went for a walk down to Santa Monica Pier.Took our pictures in front of the end of Route 66, had a coffee and a bite to eat. Got chatting to a guy in the mini museum/cubicle on the pier dedicated to R66. It has only been there a few years, was originally in a handcart, but as it got so busy it became a more permanent fixture. Really interesting guy, plenty of facts but more importantly great passion about R66.
It is hard to believe that the road nearly disappeared and it is only recently that it has become so popular. Ironically, it is mainly Europeans that are driving that interest at the moment.
Back to the van for the short drive to the airport. It covers a really great area, the rental office was really easy to find and the shuttle dropped us back at the terminal. The driver was really great, a bit of a character, he loaded all the bags, had a great line in chat and made a slow journey interesting.
The traffic to the various terminals was horrendous, mainly due to the fact that all American terminals are kerbside check in.
Bag drop and security went really well, we even checked our bags in at the First Class desk. Sandra cheekily asked if there was a chance of an upgrade! Of course the wasn't.
Grabbed something to eat, boarded the plane, we were on the upper deck. Nice seats near the rear of the cabin, 2 together. Stewardess was much better than the crew coming out.
As we took off and Sandra tried to put her headphones in the socket, they wouldn't go in. So no chance of listening to any of the entertainment channels! We asked for an adaptor so Sandra could share my jack socket but there were none.
With that the stewardess said that she would move Sandra to World Traveller Plus (Premiun Economy) if that was acceptable. So off she went to the front of the cabin.
I watched American Sniper, great film, Wild, very intense, and 2nd Marigold Hotel, funny! Sandra popped back a few times, and before we knew it breakfast was being served. The flight went really quickly and smoothly. Great plane, plenty of legroom, just a pity that Sandra couldn't be next to me for it.
We had to transfer to terminal 3 from terminal 5,where we landed, to get the bus to the car park. Picked up the car, easy drive home, no issues with driving a manual after 3 weeks of an automatic. The only thing is that everything just seems so small over here in comparison to the States. Drivers seem to be more aggressive as well over here!
Got home, unpacked, did the washing and finally grabbed a few hours sleep at 5 pm.
Our holiday well and truly over, it was good to be in our own bed at last!
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Wednesday June 3rd. Route 66 " It is what it is"
Great night's sleep in our new room, didn't wake up till about 8.30! Just as well really as it was very misty and it was drizzling with rain. It was still very warm, the sea was very rough and the surfer boys were all going to the beach with their boards.
We were originally planning to go on the beach and later hire some push bikes out, but the weather changed that.
We met up about 10 ish and agreed to go for a drive until the weather got better.
Off we went to Venice Beach, we only briefly looked around the other night, so thought it would be good to do during the day.
It is only about 5 mins drive up the coast, we drove down a side road to the beach, parked up and went onto the promenade. Venice is like Camden with a beach. A whole bunch of crazies, new agers, old hippies, artists, drown and outs and tourists all crammed into one long strip along the beach.
The street sellers sell all sorts of wierd stuff, carvings, paintings, tshirts etc etc. You can have tarot readings done, get holistic treatments, even have your chakras sorted!
The place only starts waking up about 10.30, so lots of the street sellers were setting up, lots of buskers play along the promenade, they were all tuning their guitars and as always along this stretch people were out riding bikes, jogging, skate boarding,walking their dogs, or just plain walking along like we were.
We came across The House of Ink tattoo parlour. I'd read about this place online before the trip, so we popped in and asked the price for our Route 66 design. The shop was empty apart from a guy and a girl behind the counter. We showed them the design, they asked a few questions and they quoted between $250- $300. They said it would take about 2 hours. We said we would think about it and off we went.
We carried on walking along the prom, the mountains towards Malibu were covered in mist, it wasn't raining anymore and quite pleasant. We were all having discussions about having the "tatt" done, how long it would take etc, etc. Finally I decided to have mine done, Pat also said he would have his done.
So back to the shop we went.
We walked in, said let's do the tattoos and negotiated a price. We got the 2 for $220 each plus tax, a total of $250. Pat and I signed the forms, showed our ID and Nick started drawing up the designs.
Once they were done , we were prepped and stencils put in place for the tattooing to begin. I don't find tattooing painful, just a little uncomfortable at times. Nick was a really nice guy, it transpired the he and Jennifer were married, had 3 kids and had been tattooing for about 7 years at this shop. We were chatting all the time about all sorts of things, he thought the idea of us travelling R66 then getting a tattoo to commemorate that feat was really cool.
Sandra and Lel went and had some breakfast, popping in and out of the store whilst we were having it done. Both the girls were saying it was really looking good. Pat's was finished first, mine some 10 mins later, they told us how to care for the tattoo, what cream to get for it etc. We had our pics done with them and off we went. Sarnie posted the pics on Facebook later, when we got back to the hotel.
We stopped and had some brunch,we were all starving and the sun had come out by this time. As the weather had changed we decided to revert to plan A and get out some bikes. On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at a drugstore, got the cream for our tattoos and off we went.
At the hotel I checked us in online and printed our boarding passes, a really nice Australian guy was in the reception office, he was very chatty, asked about the trip etc.
When it was time to hire the bikes, we went to the office, the manager was back by this time. Bike hire was $8 per hour or $14 for 3-5 hours. Well it was close to 4pm and there was no way that after 3 weeks of eating, drinking and driving America that we would be able to ride bikes for over 3 hours! I asked the manager if he could do a deal for 4 bikes for 2 hours at $40. Without looking up he pointed to the sign on his desk and said "there's the rates". I said that I could see that, said we didn't need the bikes for 3+ hours and could he do a deal for 2 hours. His answer was "book them for 3 hours then!"
All through this brief conversation he never once looked up or made eye contact, what an asshole, as they say out here! After 3 weeks I'm becoming quite American.
We basically told him to"shove it" (another Americanism), and went on down to the beach, hired them there and selected our bikes. After a few trial turns on the pedestrian pathway it was time to hit the cycle lane!
I have not ridden a bike in over 50 years but after a few mins it seemed like only yesterday. That saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike, it is so true!
Sarnie was really good, she went off like a steam train, pedalling away like a good'un!
We eventually caught up with her, cycled past Venice and along the beach for a couple of miles. Saw some great beachfront properties, how all the locals used the facilities all along the beach. There are areas for skateboards, body building, volleyball, children's play areas and snack bars and toilets as well. It puts places like Sothend into the shade!
After nearly an hour we were back near the hire shop, so thoroughly knackered and with legs like jelly we gave our bikes back, paid our rental and staggered to the nearest bar for a beer!
The sun was out, the place was buzzing and we all agreed how nice it would be to live in a place like this.
For our last night in America we thought we would go to The King's Head pub for a traditional English meal. After showering, removing the covering from my tattoo, putting the cream on it and getting ready, we jumped in the van, headed downtown and went to the pub.
This pub is so English, it is like an old style pub, not many of those left in England now. We had pies, mash and vegetables, we have all been craving veg after 3 weeks of dining American style! They were dlicious, even though we were all stuffed, " afters" were ordered. Apple pies, trifle and rhubarb crumble, the pies and crumble with Bird's Eye custard! Handsome!
Back to the hotel to finish off the remaining beers and voddie then off to bed for our last night in America.
We have all had a great trip, so many memories, so it is with a heavy heart that we retired for the night knowing that most of tomorrow will be spent packing our cases for the journey home.
We were originally planning to go on the beach and later hire some push bikes out, but the weather changed that.
We met up about 10 ish and agreed to go for a drive until the weather got better.
Off we went to Venice Beach, we only briefly looked around the other night, so thought it would be good to do during the day.
It is only about 5 mins drive up the coast, we drove down a side road to the beach, parked up and went onto the promenade. Venice is like Camden with a beach. A whole bunch of crazies, new agers, old hippies, artists, drown and outs and tourists all crammed into one long strip along the beach.
The street sellers sell all sorts of wierd stuff, carvings, paintings, tshirts etc etc. You can have tarot readings done, get holistic treatments, even have your chakras sorted!
The place only starts waking up about 10.30, so lots of the street sellers were setting up, lots of buskers play along the promenade, they were all tuning their guitars and as always along this stretch people were out riding bikes, jogging, skate boarding,walking their dogs, or just plain walking along like we were.
We came across The House of Ink tattoo parlour. I'd read about this place online before the trip, so we popped in and asked the price for our Route 66 design. The shop was empty apart from a guy and a girl behind the counter. We showed them the design, they asked a few questions and they quoted between $250- $300. They said it would take about 2 hours. We said we would think about it and off we went.
We carried on walking along the prom, the mountains towards Malibu were covered in mist, it wasn't raining anymore and quite pleasant. We were all having discussions about having the "tatt" done, how long it would take etc, etc. Finally I decided to have mine done, Pat also said he would have his done.
So back to the shop we went.
We walked in, said let's do the tattoos and negotiated a price. We got the 2 for $220 each plus tax, a total of $250. Pat and I signed the forms, showed our ID and Nick started drawing up the designs.
Once they were done , we were prepped and stencils put in place for the tattooing to begin. I don't find tattooing painful, just a little uncomfortable at times. Nick was a really nice guy, it transpired the he and Jennifer were married, had 3 kids and had been tattooing for about 7 years at this shop. We were chatting all the time about all sorts of things, he thought the idea of us travelling R66 then getting a tattoo to commemorate that feat was really cool.
Sandra and Lel went and had some breakfast, popping in and out of the store whilst we were having it done. Both the girls were saying it was really looking good. Pat's was finished first, mine some 10 mins later, they told us how to care for the tattoo, what cream to get for it etc. We had our pics done with them and off we went. Sarnie posted the pics on Facebook later, when we got back to the hotel.
We stopped and had some brunch,we were all starving and the sun had come out by this time. As the weather had changed we decided to revert to plan A and get out some bikes. On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at a drugstore, got the cream for our tattoos and off we went.
At the hotel I checked us in online and printed our boarding passes, a really nice Australian guy was in the reception office, he was very chatty, asked about the trip etc.
When it was time to hire the bikes, we went to the office, the manager was back by this time. Bike hire was $8 per hour or $14 for 3-5 hours. Well it was close to 4pm and there was no way that after 3 weeks of eating, drinking and driving America that we would be able to ride bikes for over 3 hours! I asked the manager if he could do a deal for 4 bikes for 2 hours at $40. Without looking up he pointed to the sign on his desk and said "there's the rates". I said that I could see that, said we didn't need the bikes for 3+ hours and could he do a deal for 2 hours. His answer was "book them for 3 hours then!"
All through this brief conversation he never once looked up or made eye contact, what an asshole, as they say out here! After 3 weeks I'm becoming quite American.
We basically told him to"shove it" (another Americanism), and went on down to the beach, hired them there and selected our bikes. After a few trial turns on the pedestrian pathway it was time to hit the cycle lane!
I have not ridden a bike in over 50 years but after a few mins it seemed like only yesterday. That saying about never forgetting how to ride a bike, it is so true!
Sarnie was really good, she went off like a steam train, pedalling away like a good'un!
We eventually caught up with her, cycled past Venice and along the beach for a couple of miles. Saw some great beachfront properties, how all the locals used the facilities all along the beach. There are areas for skateboards, body building, volleyball, children's play areas and snack bars and toilets as well. It puts places like Sothend into the shade!
After nearly an hour we were back near the hire shop, so thoroughly knackered and with legs like jelly we gave our bikes back, paid our rental and staggered to the nearest bar for a beer!
The sun was out, the place was buzzing and we all agreed how nice it would be to live in a place like this.
For our last night in America we thought we would go to The King's Head pub for a traditional English meal. After showering, removing the covering from my tattoo, putting the cream on it and getting ready, we jumped in the van, headed downtown and went to the pub.
This pub is so English, it is like an old style pub, not many of those left in England now. We had pies, mash and vegetables, we have all been craving veg after 3 weeks of dining American style! They were dlicious, even though we were all stuffed, " afters" were ordered. Apple pies, trifle and rhubarb crumble, the pies and crumble with Bird's Eye custard! Handsome!
Back to the hotel to finish off the remaining beers and voddie then off to bed for our last night in America.
We have all had a great trip, so many memories, so it is with a heavy heart that we retired for the night knowing that most of tomorrow will be spent packing our cases for the journey home.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Tuesday 2nd June. "Until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard"
Not a good night's sleep. Too much noise and too hot in our cupboard! Manager wouldn't reduce our rate, his argument is we have an upgrade at no extra cost. Our argument is by upgrading us we have a worse room. He says we have a sea view, we say there is a tree in the way!
Eventually we ask to move rooms and he eventually finds us a room on the 2nd floor, much bigger and still with a sea view!
Hastily put the bags in there and off we go.
A nice stroll along the promenade to the shopping district, we decided to do the bus tour of Hollywood today. I managed to grab some things from Abercrombie and Fitch, one of my favourite stores over here, had a look at the Kings Head pub, a little bit of England in America, and went to join the tour.
Our bus only had about 8 people on it, the guide was really entertaining, even if he repeated himself a bit.
We visited Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, The Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are presented, and Rodeo Drive.
A different tour to the one we did a few years back, much more walking. Still very enjoyable and informative.
Met a few crazies out and about, saw a hideous yellow Roller convertible with yellow leather seats, so crass, as well as Bentleys and a host of posh cars!
We were dropped back at our hotel and we enjoyed sitting on the terrace looking at our view.
The girls went to pick up the washing and have their nails and feet manicured.
Pat and I had dropped them off and when we got back to the hotel we sat on the terrace and had a few beers.
The girls got back, had a couple of drinks as well and off we went out to the hotel we had a drink in last night for something to eat.
The food was great, we ended up being the last ones in the restaurant. We left and had a wander down
to the pier, as it was late everything was closed. We walked back to the hotel, decided to get some bikes out tomorrow to explore a bit more of the beach area.
Eventually we ask to move rooms and he eventually finds us a room on the 2nd floor, much bigger and still with a sea view!
Hastily put the bags in there and off we go.
A nice stroll along the promenade to the shopping district, we decided to do the bus tour of Hollywood today. I managed to grab some things from Abercrombie and Fitch, one of my favourite stores over here, had a look at the Kings Head pub, a little bit of England in America, and went to join the tour.
Our bus only had about 8 people on it, the guide was really entertaining, even if he repeated himself a bit.
We visited Universal Studios, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, The Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are presented, and Rodeo Drive.
A different tour to the one we did a few years back, much more walking. Still very enjoyable and informative.
Met a few crazies out and about, saw a hideous yellow Roller convertible with yellow leather seats, so crass, as well as Bentleys and a host of posh cars!
We were dropped back at our hotel and we enjoyed sitting on the terrace looking at our view.
The girls went to pick up the washing and have their nails and feet manicured.
Pat and I had dropped them off and when we got back to the hotel we sat on the terrace and had a few beers.
The girls got back, had a couple of drinks as well and off we went out to the hotel we had a drink in last night for something to eat.
The food was great, we ended up being the last ones in the restaurant. We left and had a wander down
to the pier, as it was late everything was closed. We walked back to the hotel, decided to get some bikes out tomorrow to explore a bit more of the beach area.
Monday 1st June " Welcome to the Hotel California..........."
Got all our stuff packed up ready for the final leg of the road trip, off to the beach at Santa Monica and the end of Route 66.
Whilst I packed Sandra went downstairs to get a coffee, some 40 mins later she returned! She had 2 coffees, a muffin and a breakfast sandwich. She did want an omelette, but after waiting 30 mins to be served she was told it would be a 40 min wait for it to be ready!
This 5 star hotel is totally unable to provide sufficient facilities for the guests in it's 4000 rooms! It really does flatter to decieve. The decor, surroundings and rooms are great. Where it lets itself down is how long it takes to get food, drinks etc.
I have come to the conclusion that they are not hotels in Vegas as we would expect, they might boast 5 stars but they are casinos with rooms. I cannot imagine a 5 star hotel in London operating the way the Bellagio does. It would shut down in less than 6 months!
Of course, the trials and tribulations didn't stop there. As we went to check out we were told we had to join the same line as new arrivals checking in, there must have been some 50-60 people in the queue.
When we complained we were told to check out on TV in our room. On seeing Lel and Pat we found out that the system was down, so we couldn't do that either. Eventually I grabbed a house phone and checked out that way!
Since our last visit to Vegas it has changed quite dramatically, hotels have got much, much bigger, queues have got longer, the"Strip" has got much, much busier. It has always been a party town but is now a magnet for hen and stag do's and is more like an upmarket Albufeira, Magaluf or Malia!
I for one wasn't sorry that we were leaving, it certainly isn't reflective of America and I can't see myself coming back here again.
One thing that got to us all was the fact that smoking is still allowed in the casinos, I can understand why they allow it but having been in a non smoking culture in the UK for some years it is amazing how abhorrent a smoking environment is to us now. How times change!
So off onto I15 most of the way to Vegas, flat desert scenery as far as the eye can see, bordered by mountains in either side. Scenery changes to mountainous area but we start to see the effects of the LA smog. Visibility gets worse and there is a haze in the distance hanging over the mountains.
As we near LA traffic gets busier, the freeways get wider and driving gets more manic. We hit a few traffic jams on the way but nothing like the traffic on the opposite side. It must have been crawling along for some 15-20 miles. Don't think I'll ever moan about the M25 ever again, well at least not until the next time I'm stuck in traffic!
Finally found our hotel, right opposite the beach. Sandra asked for a room with a view, we got upgraded and we ended up with the worst room in the hotel!
We had loads of washing to do, so found the laundry nearby, had something to eat in a really trendy place. California is so different to the rest of the USA, so health conscious. Every other person has a yoga mat under their arm, they are either biking or jogging everywhere!
Food was good, we opted for burgers, yet again, and Sandra's one looked like a mini Devastator challenge from the Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton!
Got back to our cupboard of a room, changed and walked along the front to nearby Venice Beach. As it was getting darker we turned around and came home. A wierd place in daylight, not somewhere you want to be of a nighttime.
Found a nice hotel on the beach with a terrace bar, so had a couple of drinks there before going back to the hotel and our cupboard.
When we got back we asked if the rate could be reduced as it was a really terrible room, far too small, even though it was classed as a sea view room.
Guy said he would leave a note for the manager, not hopeful.
Whilst I packed Sandra went downstairs to get a coffee, some 40 mins later she returned! She had 2 coffees, a muffin and a breakfast sandwich. She did want an omelette, but after waiting 30 mins to be served she was told it would be a 40 min wait for it to be ready!
This 5 star hotel is totally unable to provide sufficient facilities for the guests in it's 4000 rooms! It really does flatter to decieve. The decor, surroundings and rooms are great. Where it lets itself down is how long it takes to get food, drinks etc.
I have come to the conclusion that they are not hotels in Vegas as we would expect, they might boast 5 stars but they are casinos with rooms. I cannot imagine a 5 star hotel in London operating the way the Bellagio does. It would shut down in less than 6 months!
Of course, the trials and tribulations didn't stop there. As we went to check out we were told we had to join the same line as new arrivals checking in, there must have been some 50-60 people in the queue.
When we complained we were told to check out on TV in our room. On seeing Lel and Pat we found out that the system was down, so we couldn't do that either. Eventually I grabbed a house phone and checked out that way!
Since our last visit to Vegas it has changed quite dramatically, hotels have got much, much bigger, queues have got longer, the"Strip" has got much, much busier. It has always been a party town but is now a magnet for hen and stag do's and is more like an upmarket Albufeira, Magaluf or Malia!
I for one wasn't sorry that we were leaving, it certainly isn't reflective of America and I can't see myself coming back here again.
One thing that got to us all was the fact that smoking is still allowed in the casinos, I can understand why they allow it but having been in a non smoking culture in the UK for some years it is amazing how abhorrent a smoking environment is to us now. How times change!
So off onto I15 most of the way to Vegas, flat desert scenery as far as the eye can see, bordered by mountains in either side. Scenery changes to mountainous area but we start to see the effects of the LA smog. Visibility gets worse and there is a haze in the distance hanging over the mountains.
As we near LA traffic gets busier, the freeways get wider and driving gets more manic. We hit a few traffic jams on the way but nothing like the traffic on the opposite side. It must have been crawling along for some 15-20 miles. Don't think I'll ever moan about the M25 ever again, well at least not until the next time I'm stuck in traffic!
Finally found our hotel, right opposite the beach. Sandra asked for a room with a view, we got upgraded and we ended up with the worst room in the hotel!
We had loads of washing to do, so found the laundry nearby, had something to eat in a really trendy place. California is so different to the rest of the USA, so health conscious. Every other person has a yoga mat under their arm, they are either biking or jogging everywhere!
Food was good, we opted for burgers, yet again, and Sandra's one looked like a mini Devastator challenge from the Red Dog Saloon in Hoxton!
Got back to our cupboard of a room, changed and walked along the front to nearby Venice Beach. As it was getting darker we turned around and came home. A wierd place in daylight, not somewhere you want to be of a nighttime.
Found a nice hotel on the beach with a terrace bar, so had a couple of drinks there before going back to the hotel and our cupboard.
When we got back we asked if the rate could be reduced as it was a really terrible room, far too small, even though it was classed as a sea view room.
Guy said he would leave a note for the manager, not hopeful.
Sunday 31st May "Shop till we drop........."
Lel had a bad night last night, being sick, not sleeping. Not good really. Not sure if it was something she ate or too much sun. I would suspect the latter.
We had planned for all of us to visit the outlets today, but Lel and Pat decided against that obviously, so Sandra and I jumped in the van and eventually found the outlets.
It was soooooooooo hot! The temp was forecast at 109 degrees, it felt it as well. It was a relief to go into shops for a cool down as they all have aircon!
Sarnie stocked up on some gym gear, flip flops etc, me?, I carried the bags!
We grabbed some lunch, Chinese, it is really tasty in these food courts and very reasonable.
We carried on shopping, one guy asked if we were either Australian (usual) or Canadian (never had that one before). When we said English he said " give my regards to the Queen". Only problem was that each time we walked past him he kept saying it. Eventually to shut him up as we walked past him for about the 4th time I said " the Queen sends her love!" He looked at me opened mouthed and on we went.
Got back to the hotel about 4ish, checked in on Lel, she still wasn't great but said she would be out later even if she didn't eat.
We met about 7.30' attempted to go to the buffet in the hotel, mobbed, and you can't book! Other restaurants weren't suitable, so we decided to go and get the van and eat out. AsI was going back to the room I looked into a restaurant in the corner and the line was really short, so that's where we went.
After a 15 min wait to be seated, in we went. It was really nice, food looked good, service was good, so we ordered. Sarnie had lamb chops, I had steak and eggs, Pat had meatloaf and Lel tried the omelette.
It was delicious! Whilst we were eating Elvis and a showgirl came in to eat. It was a couple that had just got married, he was in full Elvis jump suit, complete with wig, she was wearing a feathered headdress and costume a la Moulin Rouge! Great fun.
As it was still really hot, temp in the high 90's at 10.30 pm we decided to stay and have a little flutter on the slots.
Some 3 hours later and some $20 lighter off we went to bed. Lel had gone up earlier, hope she'll be ok for the trip tomorrow.
We had planned for all of us to visit the outlets today, but Lel and Pat decided against that obviously, so Sandra and I jumped in the van and eventually found the outlets.
It was soooooooooo hot! The temp was forecast at 109 degrees, it felt it as well. It was a relief to go into shops for a cool down as they all have aircon!
Sarnie stocked up on some gym gear, flip flops etc, me?, I carried the bags!
We grabbed some lunch, Chinese, it is really tasty in these food courts and very reasonable.
We carried on shopping, one guy asked if we were either Australian (usual) or Canadian (never had that one before). When we said English he said " give my regards to the Queen". Only problem was that each time we walked past him he kept saying it. Eventually to shut him up as we walked past him for about the 4th time I said " the Queen sends her love!" He looked at me opened mouthed and on we went.
Got back to the hotel about 4ish, checked in on Lel, she still wasn't great but said she would be out later even if she didn't eat.
We met about 7.30' attempted to go to the buffet in the hotel, mobbed, and you can't book! Other restaurants weren't suitable, so we decided to go and get the van and eat out. AsI was going back to the room I looked into a restaurant in the corner and the line was really short, so that's where we went.
After a 15 min wait to be seated, in we went. It was really nice, food looked good, service was good, so we ordered. Sarnie had lamb chops, I had steak and eggs, Pat had meatloaf and Lel tried the omelette.
It was delicious! Whilst we were eating Elvis and a showgirl came in to eat. It was a couple that had just got married, he was in full Elvis jump suit, complete with wig, she was wearing a feathered headdress and costume a la Moulin Rouge! Great fun.
As it was still really hot, temp in the high 90's at 10.30 pm we decided to stay and have a little flutter on the slots.
Some 3 hours later and some $20 lighter off we went to bed. Lel had gone up earlier, hope she'll be ok for the trip tomorrow.
Saturday 30th May " Feeling hot, hot, hot............."
Awoke to temperatures in the 100's! It is planned to be 105 degrees today. Tried to get a coffee and also book a show for that evening. Over a 30 min wait to get a coffee, and nearly an hour's wait to get a show booked at consierge services. Even then she booked it online! We could have done that from the room.
We were advised by the girl on the desk to walk to the next hotel and go to the Starbucks for our coffee. Crazy! The Bellagio may be a fabulous hotel but it certainly can't deliver on the basics.
Sandra and I then decided to go to the pool and get some beds for us all to sit on.
Well, that was harder than it seemed. Every bed looked taken, loads of people walking about with towels in their hands. So we did what it seems you have to do all the time in this hotel, we paid someone to find up 4 beds. That took another 30-40 mins!
After a lot of coming and going we eventually met up with Lel and Pat, went to our beds and got the girls settled. By this time the temperature was 106 degrees, and it was only noon.
Pat and I needed a haircut, so we jumped in the van, thank god for aircon, and off we went.
We drove up "The Strip" and decided to visit the pawn shop featured in the TV show Pawn Stars. It always amazes me on TV how busy the place is and what items get brought in.
As usual in the USA, the shop has it's own parking lot, we parked up, about 4 guys directing parking in a lot that only held about 30 cars. Shows how much of a tourist attraction this has become.
There was security checking people into the shop and it was heaving inside.
It is basically a counter either side, with a pawn area to the left as you enter. At the back there is a range of merchandise and you can take your picture with a backdrop of the stars of the show!
Only in Vegas.
Pat and I went to the mall to get a haircut, eventually found the hairdressers, booked ourselves in for a haircut, as always just having our heads clippered, or a "buzz" as the Americans call it.
A girl came out to do mine, Pat got a guy. Pat's guy had more make up on the Sandra and Lel would use together, his hair had a huge quiff, was peroxide blonde and shaved at the sides to a point at the back of his neck, Ashley Cole style. He was also camper than a row of tents. When he asked Pat what we were doing in Vegas , he was very quick to tell him that our wives were back at the hotel sunbthing by the pool!
After 20 mins, we both left $35 lighter, including a tip, and went back to the hotel.
By now it was about 108 degrees, so we grabbed a beer each, and had a dip in the pool to cool off. The pool area is very nice, quite large, in fact there are about 5 or 6 pools of one kind or another. Lots of shrubbery and conifers, all set out in an Italian garden style as you would expect.
The heat was really oppressive, so father about an hour we all decided to go back inside. We grabbed a salad from the little cafe on the way back to our lifts, only a 20 min wait, the shortest yet and sat down to eat it.
As we were eating we noticed a couple of sparrows flying around inside the building, as we looked up they were making a nest in the domed area above our heads. Can't believe that a 5 star hotel allows that to happen!
We went up to our rooms to get ready for the show. We chose to go and see a show called "Raiding the Rock Vault", it has been voted best Las Vegas show for the last 2 years, replacing Jersey Boys.
We headed down to The Tropicana hotel, collected our tickets from the box office and went and had a drink before we went in. The show offers VIP packages where you get to met the band before the show, pics, autographs etc. we saw these all go in and then looked at the line waiting to enter. It was massive, so we had another drink and waited till it got shorter before we joined it. Sandra needed the toilet and was told there were some inside the theatre. As we entered she asked where the toilets were, only to be told there were none in the auditorium and she had to go back outside. Well, you can imagine Sandra's reaction! She saw a tall guy, suited and booted, and went up to him. He was English, spoke with a very posh accent and she ranted to him about the lack of toilets, he agreed, said it was ridiculous and as she carried on ranting he suggested that she write to her MP. She wasn't very happy!
Off she went to the toilet, there was plenty of time before the show started, and we all took our seats. We had a great view, near centre stage. In the front rows there were booths and tables, so for those shows with dinner this is where you would sit.
The show was fabulous, it featured rock songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Some great musicians, ex Whitesnake, Bad Company, Asia, Bon Jovi etc. It was a bit tongue in cheek, but very accomplished, and a great 2 hours of rock music. All the classic rock songs were played, the lead singer often changing for different songs.
It also happened to be the 500th show in Vegas, so at the end on came a cake and champagne to celebrate. The band introduced everyone thanked a few people including the show's producer, a guy called Sir Henry Cowell. He was a tall English guy, suited and booted. Yep, you guessed it, the same guy that Sandra was ranting to earlier about the lack of toilets in the theatre!
We went back outside to have a drink, we were all laughing about what had happened previously with Sandra. As we sat at the table, there were some raffle tickets left there, a couple of guys were singing songs playing pianos. During a break, they announced there was a raffle, they pulled out a ticket, read the number no it was one of the ones left on our table. Sandra collected the prize and of course it was a voucher for 2 tickets to see a show, "Raiding the Rock Vault"!
We told the guy we were leaving Vegas in a few days so he swapped it for a tshirts of the show. The band were doing signing sessions of merchandise right net to where we were sitting, so we persuaded Sarnie to do her "groupie" act and get the band to sign it. Whilst waiting she was chatting to people in the line, one guy had seen them 22 times before, another girl was part of the PR team. When she got to the front of the line, she really milked the moment, chatting to ech member, photos with them, getting the tshirt signed, the "whole 9 yards" as they say out here.
We went back to the hotel, had a bit of a gamble, a few drinks and grabbed a snack. Well a burger really, we're so hungry! It was delicious, it was the nearest equivalent to a kebab after a night on the booze!
We finally got to bed about 3.30 after a great night out.
We were advised by the girl on the desk to walk to the next hotel and go to the Starbucks for our coffee. Crazy! The Bellagio may be a fabulous hotel but it certainly can't deliver on the basics.
Sandra and I then decided to go to the pool and get some beds for us all to sit on.
Well, that was harder than it seemed. Every bed looked taken, loads of people walking about with towels in their hands. So we did what it seems you have to do all the time in this hotel, we paid someone to find up 4 beds. That took another 30-40 mins!
After a lot of coming and going we eventually met up with Lel and Pat, went to our beds and got the girls settled. By this time the temperature was 106 degrees, and it was only noon.
Pat and I needed a haircut, so we jumped in the van, thank god for aircon, and off we went.
We drove up "The Strip" and decided to visit the pawn shop featured in the TV show Pawn Stars. It always amazes me on TV how busy the place is and what items get brought in.
As usual in the USA, the shop has it's own parking lot, we parked up, about 4 guys directing parking in a lot that only held about 30 cars. Shows how much of a tourist attraction this has become.
There was security checking people into the shop and it was heaving inside.
It is basically a counter either side, with a pawn area to the left as you enter. At the back there is a range of merchandise and you can take your picture with a backdrop of the stars of the show!
Only in Vegas.
Pat and I went to the mall to get a haircut, eventually found the hairdressers, booked ourselves in for a haircut, as always just having our heads clippered, or a "buzz" as the Americans call it.
A girl came out to do mine, Pat got a guy. Pat's guy had more make up on the Sandra and Lel would use together, his hair had a huge quiff, was peroxide blonde and shaved at the sides to a point at the back of his neck, Ashley Cole style. He was also camper than a row of tents. When he asked Pat what we were doing in Vegas , he was very quick to tell him that our wives were back at the hotel sunbthing by the pool!
After 20 mins, we both left $35 lighter, including a tip, and went back to the hotel.
By now it was about 108 degrees, so we grabbed a beer each, and had a dip in the pool to cool off. The pool area is very nice, quite large, in fact there are about 5 or 6 pools of one kind or another. Lots of shrubbery and conifers, all set out in an Italian garden style as you would expect.
The heat was really oppressive, so father about an hour we all decided to go back inside. We grabbed a salad from the little cafe on the way back to our lifts, only a 20 min wait, the shortest yet and sat down to eat it.
As we were eating we noticed a couple of sparrows flying around inside the building, as we looked up they were making a nest in the domed area above our heads. Can't believe that a 5 star hotel allows that to happen!
We went up to our rooms to get ready for the show. We chose to go and see a show called "Raiding the Rock Vault", it has been voted best Las Vegas show for the last 2 years, replacing Jersey Boys.
We headed down to The Tropicana hotel, collected our tickets from the box office and went and had a drink before we went in. The show offers VIP packages where you get to met the band before the show, pics, autographs etc. we saw these all go in and then looked at the line waiting to enter. It was massive, so we had another drink and waited till it got shorter before we joined it. Sandra needed the toilet and was told there were some inside the theatre. As we entered she asked where the toilets were, only to be told there were none in the auditorium and she had to go back outside. Well, you can imagine Sandra's reaction! She saw a tall guy, suited and booted, and went up to him. He was English, spoke with a very posh accent and she ranted to him about the lack of toilets, he agreed, said it was ridiculous and as she carried on ranting he suggested that she write to her MP. She wasn't very happy!
Off she went to the toilet, there was plenty of time before the show started, and we all took our seats. We had a great view, near centre stage. In the front rows there were booths and tables, so for those shows with dinner this is where you would sit.
The show was fabulous, it featured rock songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Some great musicians, ex Whitesnake, Bad Company, Asia, Bon Jovi etc. It was a bit tongue in cheek, but very accomplished, and a great 2 hours of rock music. All the classic rock songs were played, the lead singer often changing for different songs.
It also happened to be the 500th show in Vegas, so at the end on came a cake and champagne to celebrate. The band introduced everyone thanked a few people including the show's producer, a guy called Sir Henry Cowell. He was a tall English guy, suited and booted. Yep, you guessed it, the same guy that Sandra was ranting to earlier about the lack of toilets in the theatre!
We went back outside to have a drink, we were all laughing about what had happened previously with Sandra. As we sat at the table, there were some raffle tickets left there, a couple of guys were singing songs playing pianos. During a break, they announced there was a raffle, they pulled out a ticket, read the number no it was one of the ones left on our table. Sandra collected the prize and of course it was a voucher for 2 tickets to see a show, "Raiding the Rock Vault"!
We told the guy we were leaving Vegas in a few days so he swapped it for a tshirts of the show. The band were doing signing sessions of merchandise right net to where we were sitting, so we persuaded Sarnie to do her "groupie" act and get the band to sign it. Whilst waiting she was chatting to people in the line, one guy had seen them 22 times before, another girl was part of the PR team. When she got to the front of the line, she really milked the moment, chatting to ech member, photos with them, getting the tshirt signed, the "whole 9 yards" as they say out here.
We went back to the hotel, had a bit of a gamble, a few drinks and grabbed a snack. Well a burger really, we're so hungry! It was delicious, it was the nearest equivalent to a kebab after a night on the booze!
We finally got to bed about 3.30 after a great night out.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Friday 29th May "Viva Las Vegas..........."
Up early for breakfast, good choice, much better than Flagstaff and Amarillo! Packed up the van and off we went.
This is old R 66 country, very basic 2 lane road, through the desert. Lots of cacti growing by the roadside, very barren landscape, dry and hot! Temperature is in the high 90's, sun shining, clear blue sky.
The drive was very interesting from a scenery point of view. High mountains, multi coloured rocks and great views. The road climbed very steeply and was very winding. It got very narrow at times but fortunately there was no traffic coming the other way! We climbed higher and higher, the views getting better with each bend. We came to a large pull in point and decided to stop for a look. As we pulled in and walked to the edge we noticed many crosses to commemorate people that have died. Don't think that they have been buried here, the ground was too rocky. Maybe ashes were scattered and the crosses are designed to reflect that. There was even a cross for a dog!
We noticed many little piles of stones, this is the way that Native Americans remember their loved ones, I think it is supposed to ensure that the spirits look after them.
We carried on driving to a town called Oatman. It is an old gold mining town, that was nearly deserted in the 50's after the mining finished. Many people then started to reside in Oatman as people started to travel the back roads.
The town still has the wooden boardwalks, old Wild West buildings and a hotel. It is the oldest 2 storey building in Arizona, it's main claim to fame is that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon night there. Apparently Clark Gable spent a lot of time here, he spent many hours drinking and gambling with the miners, he said it made him feel normal and not a "superstar".
The bar and restaurant area is amazing, it has dollar bills pinned everywhere, walls, ceiling, counters,
all signed by the people that put them up.
That tradition started with the miners, apparently they got paid monthly, didn't want to take the
money down the mine, so left it behind the bar to pay their drinks bill. Often they paid the bill in cash
at the end of the month, so the money stayed behind the bar. The tradition really took off in the 70's and still continues to this day. Estimates as to how much is there is some $150,000 but locals think it is more as the bills are layered. Of course we put ours up there, in prime spot by the steps.
We stayed and watched the Wild West shoot out that the locals put on every day. They stage a bank robbery and have a gunfight in the Main Street. The difficult thing is that as this is the only road through town and is R66, they have to stop the traffic. No mean feat. Also, Oatman is known for the wild burros that roam the town, they expect to be fed, if not that are prone to bite!
The shoot out was really entertaining, very funny and raised money for charity by way of donations after the event. It is all done by volunteers, quite old and the money raised goes to various charities.
So far this year they have raised over $81,000!
Whilst walking around we noticed a great motorcycle, not a Harley but and Indian. A truly
magnificent bike and an iconic bike brand in the USA.
The weather was really hot by now, temp in the low hundreds!
We left Oatman and carried on through the desert to Las Vegas. We left Arizona, briefly went through
California and then into Nevada. That made a total of 11 different states visited on this trip, more than a lot of Americans have seen!
Scenery was still stunning, very mountainous in parts and as flat as a pancake in others. Often the road stretched for miles in both directions as far as the eye could see. Can't imagine what those early settlers must have thought faced with that.
Lunch was taken at the Hoover Dam, a truly great feat of engineering. It has greatly changed since our last visit, visitors centre, museum and tours of the Dam. We walked across it between the states of Nevada and Arizona, clocks on each tower define the states, really wierd.
Back into the car for the last 20 mins to Vegas and the Bellagio.
A quick drive up the strip and into the parking lot at the hotel. Check in was really smooth, we had a room on the 11th floor. Very nice room, good view of Paris hotel and some of the strip.
The hotel was very busy, lots of guests arriving just for the weekend. We had a few drinks before going out for a meal. We decided to go to the Hard Rock, good old staple restaurant. On our way
there the Strip was heaving! Loads of people, hen parties, stag do's and loads of drunks all around. It
took us ages to get there but when we did it was really nice? Very spaciou. Food was good as were the Purple Haze cocktails!
After some delicious ribs we hit the shop, buying some commemorative pins and tshirts for my collection. I think Lel and Pat were a bit shocked as to how many people were here. They both were amazed by the hotels all lit up and the size of them.
Back to the hotel for a night cap after a long tiring drive. Weather still very hot, low 90's, had to keep drinking beer to keep cool!
A good night's sleep before a day round the pool for a bit of sunbathing!
This is old R 66 country, very basic 2 lane road, through the desert. Lots of cacti growing by the roadside, very barren landscape, dry and hot! Temperature is in the high 90's, sun shining, clear blue sky.
The drive was very interesting from a scenery point of view. High mountains, multi coloured rocks and great views. The road climbed very steeply and was very winding. It got very narrow at times but fortunately there was no traffic coming the other way! We climbed higher and higher, the views getting better with each bend. We came to a large pull in point and decided to stop for a look. As we pulled in and walked to the edge we noticed many crosses to commemorate people that have died. Don't think that they have been buried here, the ground was too rocky. Maybe ashes were scattered and the crosses are designed to reflect that. There was even a cross for a dog!
We noticed many little piles of stones, this is the way that Native Americans remember their loved ones, I think it is supposed to ensure that the spirits look after them.
We carried on driving to a town called Oatman. It is an old gold mining town, that was nearly deserted in the 50's after the mining finished. Many people then started to reside in Oatman as people started to travel the back roads.
The town still has the wooden boardwalks, old Wild West buildings and a hotel. It is the oldest 2 storey building in Arizona, it's main claim to fame is that Clark Gable and Carol Lombard spent their honeymoon night there. Apparently Clark Gable spent a lot of time here, he spent many hours drinking and gambling with the miners, he said it made him feel normal and not a "superstar".
The bar and restaurant area is amazing, it has dollar bills pinned everywhere, walls, ceiling, counters,
all signed by the people that put them up.
That tradition started with the miners, apparently they got paid monthly, didn't want to take the
money down the mine, so left it behind the bar to pay their drinks bill. Often they paid the bill in cash
at the end of the month, so the money stayed behind the bar. The tradition really took off in the 70's and still continues to this day. Estimates as to how much is there is some $150,000 but locals think it is more as the bills are layered. Of course we put ours up there, in prime spot by the steps.
We stayed and watched the Wild West shoot out that the locals put on every day. They stage a bank robbery and have a gunfight in the Main Street. The difficult thing is that as this is the only road through town and is R66, they have to stop the traffic. No mean feat. Also, Oatman is known for the wild burros that roam the town, they expect to be fed, if not that are prone to bite!
The shoot out was really entertaining, very funny and raised money for charity by way of donations after the event. It is all done by volunteers, quite old and the money raised goes to various charities.
So far this year they have raised over $81,000!
Whilst walking around we noticed a great motorcycle, not a Harley but and Indian. A truly
magnificent bike and an iconic bike brand in the USA.
The weather was really hot by now, temp in the low hundreds!
We left Oatman and carried on through the desert to Las Vegas. We left Arizona, briefly went through
California and then into Nevada. That made a total of 11 different states visited on this trip, more than a lot of Americans have seen!
Scenery was still stunning, very mountainous in parts and as flat as a pancake in others. Often the road stretched for miles in both directions as far as the eye could see. Can't imagine what those early settlers must have thought faced with that.
Lunch was taken at the Hoover Dam, a truly great feat of engineering. It has greatly changed since our last visit, visitors centre, museum and tours of the Dam. We walked across it between the states of Nevada and Arizona, clocks on each tower define the states, really wierd.
Back into the car for the last 20 mins to Vegas and the Bellagio.
A quick drive up the strip and into the parking lot at the hotel. Check in was really smooth, we had a room on the 11th floor. Very nice room, good view of Paris hotel and some of the strip.
The hotel was very busy, lots of guests arriving just for the weekend. We had a few drinks before going out for a meal. We decided to go to the Hard Rock, good old staple restaurant. On our way
there the Strip was heaving! Loads of people, hen parties, stag do's and loads of drunks all around. It
took us ages to get there but when we did it was really nice? Very spaciou. Food was good as were the Purple Haze cocktails!
After some delicious ribs we hit the shop, buying some commemorative pins and tshirts for my collection. I think Lel and Pat were a bit shocked as to how many people were here. They both were amazed by the hotels all lit up and the size of them.
Back to the hotel for a night cap after a long tiring drive. Weather still very hot, low 90's, had to keep drinking beer to keep cool!
A good night's sleep before a day round the pool for a bit of sunbathing!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Thursday 28th May "On the road again............."
Up for breakfast before we left, we went into the hotel area, shouldn't have bothered! Out was crap. Poor choice on everything, the coffee ran out 15 mins before breakfast closed and they refused to make some fresh even though there were about 6 people wanting some!
The van got loaded up, weather was getting hotter, it was pretty warm at the Canyon yesterday, but today started off hotter. Weather forecast is for high temperatures for the next few days, so glad of the aircon in the van!
We were following R66 again, this stretch to Kingman is the best preserved and the most travelled.
Driving through the Kaibab Forest NP again, we were joking about the wildlife we might see, coyotes, wolves, deer, burros and bears!
We took a few wrong turns, nearly ended up another dirt track but got back on track.
On one of our mini detours we saw hundreds of gophers running around the verge, going into their burrows, sitting up surveying the scene, keeping guard. They are very similar to meerkats in how they operate and behave, they are a little bit fatter, like a guinea pig. Very, very quick!
As we went along R66 we noticed a sign for Bearizona, a wildlife sanctuary, we all agreed it might be fum so in we went. Most of it was a drive through, bit like Longleat Safari park. Girl who took our money told us to keep doors and windows closed in the wolf and bear sections and to keep driving if one approached us.
The first few areas were sheep, goats and burros, then we went into the wolves section. Some 4 wolves in there and as we were driving around taking pictures one of them came right up to the van. Some others came over, started a little scuffle and stood in front of the van. Sandra was worried that the one next to her window was going to attempt to jump in. Next thing we know one of them is trying to bite the tyres on the van. Fortunately the one in front of the van had moved and we could move off whilst the other wolf was still trying to bite our tyres!
An area with some bison came next, then the bears.
There were several in there, most about 4-5 years old, a mix of male and female. They were really playful and Sandra managed to get some good pics.
At the end of the drive through area we parked up, went and had a drink before going on the tour bus around the park. This time we learnt a lot more about the animals, their habits, nature and how they arrived at the park. The guide often stopped the bus to feed some of the animals, not the bears or wolves though!
After an interesting tour lasting some 45 mins we pulled back into the parking lot. There was a bird of prey show about to start, so we went there. One of the birds flew so low it was only about 2 inches above people's heads. It would even fly in between people at great speed.
We then went walk about the other animals, including otters, porcupines, beavers and some really young bears. They were only about 5 months old, 2 were up a tree, about 30 feet. They looked like
they would lose their footing and fall at anytime but managed to avoid falling.
We had a really interesting and enjoyable time in the park, it had only been open about 4 years and there were signs of new buildings being put up. Well worth a visit if you're ever this way.
So, back on R66 to Kingman, road was really flat, straight as a die, you could see for miles in front and behind. Many more bikers on this section, even saw a group of about 15 Harley's riding along.
We passed through Seligman, and old R66 town that became derelict some years ago but has now been regenerated as more people travel the back roads. There were old diners, gas stations and even a museum. A really quaint place.
We had booked a traditional motel for our nights stay in Kingman, Top of The Hill motel, a 50's motel. It was only $50 for the night. It was easy to find, as it's name suggests, it was at the top of the hill. We pulled into the parking lot, the girls got out and went to check in. After some 5 mins, they came out with worried looks on there faces, they did not look happy. Sandra was holding her nose, Lel followed the clerk to a room. When we looked inside I have to admit it was very basic. Sandra said that the reception area was very dirty and smelly, and upon looking at the rooms both the girls said " we are not staying here!"
I have to admit the rooms looked more like museum pieces than motel rooms. I know we wanted something a bit authentic and retro for R66 but this was a step too far!
We told the clerk we would not be taking the rooms, saying they were not what we expected. He was fine, quite apologetic and off we went to check in to the Best Western down the road. It was twice the price, but much, much better. It also had a pool and laundry, we both needed to do some washing, so the girls sorted out the washing, we all went to the pool, had a drink and a session in the jacuzzi. The weather was really hot, on the drive down the temp on the car dashboard was saying 96/97 degrees.
Washing done and put away we left the pool, got ready and went across the road to a Mexican restaurant.
Sandra and I had mixed fajitas, beef,chicken and prawns. It came up really hot but some of it was burnt, a bit of a disappointment as we were both looking forward to it.
Again after a long day on the road it was back to our rooms for a few drinks before going to bed.
Vegas tomorrow!!!!!!
The van got loaded up, weather was getting hotter, it was pretty warm at the Canyon yesterday, but today started off hotter. Weather forecast is for high temperatures for the next few days, so glad of the aircon in the van!
We were following R66 again, this stretch to Kingman is the best preserved and the most travelled.
Driving through the Kaibab Forest NP again, we were joking about the wildlife we might see, coyotes, wolves, deer, burros and bears!
We took a few wrong turns, nearly ended up another dirt track but got back on track.
On one of our mini detours we saw hundreds of gophers running around the verge, going into their burrows, sitting up surveying the scene, keeping guard. They are very similar to meerkats in how they operate and behave, they are a little bit fatter, like a guinea pig. Very, very quick!
As we went along R66 we noticed a sign for Bearizona, a wildlife sanctuary, we all agreed it might be fum so in we went. Most of it was a drive through, bit like Longleat Safari park. Girl who took our money told us to keep doors and windows closed in the wolf and bear sections and to keep driving if one approached us.
The first few areas were sheep, goats and burros, then we went into the wolves section. Some 4 wolves in there and as we were driving around taking pictures one of them came right up to the van. Some others came over, started a little scuffle and stood in front of the van. Sandra was worried that the one next to her window was going to attempt to jump in. Next thing we know one of them is trying to bite the tyres on the van. Fortunately the one in front of the van had moved and we could move off whilst the other wolf was still trying to bite our tyres!
An area with some bison came next, then the bears.
There were several in there, most about 4-5 years old, a mix of male and female. They were really playful and Sandra managed to get some good pics.
At the end of the drive through area we parked up, went and had a drink before going on the tour bus around the park. This time we learnt a lot more about the animals, their habits, nature and how they arrived at the park. The guide often stopped the bus to feed some of the animals, not the bears or wolves though!
After an interesting tour lasting some 45 mins we pulled back into the parking lot. There was a bird of prey show about to start, so we went there. One of the birds flew so low it was only about 2 inches above people's heads. It would even fly in between people at great speed.
We then went walk about the other animals, including otters, porcupines, beavers and some really young bears. They were only about 5 months old, 2 were up a tree, about 30 feet. They looked like
they would lose their footing and fall at anytime but managed to avoid falling.
We had a really interesting and enjoyable time in the park, it had only been open about 4 years and there were signs of new buildings being put up. Well worth a visit if you're ever this way.
So, back on R66 to Kingman, road was really flat, straight as a die, you could see for miles in front and behind. Many more bikers on this section, even saw a group of about 15 Harley's riding along.
We passed through Seligman, and old R66 town that became derelict some years ago but has now been regenerated as more people travel the back roads. There were old diners, gas stations and even a museum. A really quaint place.
We had booked a traditional motel for our nights stay in Kingman, Top of The Hill motel, a 50's motel. It was only $50 for the night. It was easy to find, as it's name suggests, it was at the top of the hill. We pulled into the parking lot, the girls got out and went to check in. After some 5 mins, they came out with worried looks on there faces, they did not look happy. Sandra was holding her nose, Lel followed the clerk to a room. When we looked inside I have to admit it was very basic. Sandra said that the reception area was very dirty and smelly, and upon looking at the rooms both the girls said " we are not staying here!"
I have to admit the rooms looked more like museum pieces than motel rooms. I know we wanted something a bit authentic and retro for R66 but this was a step too far!
We told the clerk we would not be taking the rooms, saying they were not what we expected. He was fine, quite apologetic and off we went to check in to the Best Western down the road. It was twice the price, but much, much better. It also had a pool and laundry, we both needed to do some washing, so the girls sorted out the washing, we all went to the pool, had a drink and a session in the jacuzzi. The weather was really hot, on the drive down the temp on the car dashboard was saying 96/97 degrees.
Washing done and put away we left the pool, got ready and went across the road to a Mexican restaurant.
Sandra and I had mixed fajitas, beef,chicken and prawns. It came up really hot but some of it was burnt, a bit of a disappointment as we were both looking forward to it.
Again after a long day on the road it was back to our rooms for a few drinks before going to bed.
Vegas tomorrow!!!!!!
Wednesday 27th May. "I can see for miles...................."
Up early for breakfast as today a long trip. We set off after breakfast to drive to the Grand Canyon. We decided to do a round trip of the South Rim. The roads are well sign posted and the route took us through the San Francisco Montains. One of the peaks has snow on the top, it is the highest point in Arizona at 12633 ft. It dominated the scenery everywhere we looked. We were in Navajo territory, climbing higher and higher in altitude and the scenery got more and more dramatic. As we went along highway 64 we hit a stretch called Desert View. It goes for miles and is a combination of desert and canyon formations, many are spectacular and breathtaking, Lel and Pat were saying " look at that over there" each time we turned a corner or bend. Little did they know what awaited them!
We eventually arrived at the entrance to the Grand Canyon Natonal Park, the ranger was quite humorous, asked where we were from and explained that the guide would need translating as it wasn't in English but American. He wished us a good stay in the park and hoped we enjoyed our stay. I have to say that virtually every American we have met has been really friendly and genuinely pleased that we are using ther couuntry. All are really amazed when we say we are travelling Route 66 and all wish us a safe journey.
We parked the van and proceeded to walk to the watchtower area on the South Rim. This is a build built by the native indians for protection. It gives a great view across the canyon. A few years ago when we first visited I came remember the "wow" factor on my first view over the rim, it certainly doesn't lessen on the 2nd visit!
Sarnie was taking pictures on her phone, am sure some of you have seen them but we were all in awe of the natural beauty before us. The colours of the rocks are amazing and the mountains look like they are a painted backdrop. It doesn't seem real as strange as that may seem.
It is really hard to describe how amazing this place is, you really do have to see it to appreciate how wonderful it is.
There were mobs of people there, so many more than when we last visited. We travelled around the rim, stopping at each viewpoint to take in the ever changing view.
Many pictures were being taken including "selfies", panoramas and normal shots.
After some 2 hours we arrived at the visitors centre where we had a break for lunch.
Sandra and myself couldn't get over how much the place had grown and changed since we were last here.
I hate to think how many visitors this place gets each year!
We saw a few helicopters flying people into the Canyon, maybe something to consider when we get to Vegas.
Our drive took us back through the Kaibab National Forest area. The landscape was really different to our drive to the Canyon. Still spectacular, on our way back Lel was trying to get a picture of the mountain with the snow on it, but each time she tried the trees got in the way! Eventually we managed to get to a clearing and she got some nice shots.
We arrived back in Flagstaff tired after our long drive, so we had dinner in the restaurant next to the hotel, TBone steaks, delicious!!!!!!
A few drinks in the room and then to bed.
Lel and Pat were still talking about how amazing the Canyon was, think it really made an impression on them.
We eventually arrived at the entrance to the Grand Canyon Natonal Park, the ranger was quite humorous, asked where we were from and explained that the guide would need translating as it wasn't in English but American. He wished us a good stay in the park and hoped we enjoyed our stay. I have to say that virtually every American we have met has been really friendly and genuinely pleased that we are using ther couuntry. All are really amazed when we say we are travelling Route 66 and all wish us a safe journey.
We parked the van and proceeded to walk to the watchtower area on the South Rim. This is a build built by the native indians for protection. It gives a great view across the canyon. A few years ago when we first visited I came remember the "wow" factor on my first view over the rim, it certainly doesn't lessen on the 2nd visit!
Sarnie was taking pictures on her phone, am sure some of you have seen them but we were all in awe of the natural beauty before us. The colours of the rocks are amazing and the mountains look like they are a painted backdrop. It doesn't seem real as strange as that may seem.
It is really hard to describe how amazing this place is, you really do have to see it to appreciate how wonderful it is.
There were mobs of people there, so many more than when we last visited. We travelled around the rim, stopping at each viewpoint to take in the ever changing view.
Many pictures were being taken including "selfies", panoramas and normal shots.
After some 2 hours we arrived at the visitors centre where we had a break for lunch.
Sandra and myself couldn't get over how much the place had grown and changed since we were last here.
I hate to think how many visitors this place gets each year!
We saw a few helicopters flying people into the Canyon, maybe something to consider when we get to Vegas.
Our drive took us back through the Kaibab National Forest area. The landscape was really different to our drive to the Canyon. Still spectacular, on our way back Lel was trying to get a picture of the mountain with the snow on it, but each time she tried the trees got in the way! Eventually we managed to get to a clearing and she got some nice shots.
We arrived back in Flagstaff tired after our long drive, so we had dinner in the restaurant next to the hotel, TBone steaks, delicious!!!!!!
A few drinks in the room and then to bed.
Lel and Pat were still talking about how amazing the Canyon was, think it really made an impression on them.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tuesday 26th May. " Standing on a corner".....................................
Before we left Hoolbrook there was one thing we all wanted to see. Holbrook has a motel called the Wigwam Motel. Some of the rooms are wigwams. Well, not actual wigwams, they are concrete in construction and there are 16 in total. We had tried to book a night in them but they can't be booked online and when we called there was no availability.
We took some photos, there are also a collection of vintage cars outside. Some need some tlc, but all were iconic models from the past.
Off we set after the photos were done. Near to Holbrook is an attraction called the Petrified Forest. Some 255 million years ago trees that had fallen down started to decompose. Over many years instead of breaking down completely they remained intact and turned to stone due to the make up of the soil.
This area was a hot bed of dinosaurs millions of years ago and overtime many fossils and bones have been discovered here. They are all on show in a museum. The petrified trees are just lying all around the area. They look like trees but when you touch them they are stone. It is really strange and quite amazing. Some of the trees have crystals in their make up, there is a variety of colours, quite fascinating really! As we drove around the rest of the park the scenery was really dramatic, rock formations of many different colours and sizes. Very impressive. Towards the end of the drive through the park is the Painted Desert. This area is where the many layers of rock have been uncovered through erosion and there is a myriad of colours on show. Truly impressive.
As with all the State Parks, some of the Rangers are volunteers, all very knowledgable and passionate about what they do.
After leaving the park we drove on down I44 until we got to Winslow. We had to stop here to stand on a famous corner.
If you know the Eagles, you'll know what I'm talking about! They have a statue on this corner to commemorate the line from Take It Easy. It goes: " I was standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona, such a fine sight to see. There's a girl my Lord, in a flatbed Ford, slowing down to look at me"
The statue is of a guy with a guitar, it is by a lampost and behind it is a mural of a girl driving a flatbed Ford. It is at the junction of 4 roads, all the shops on the corners were blaring out Eagles songs. A real tourist attraction. There is even a massive R66 sign painted on the road in the centre of the junction.
Off again a few miles down the road and we came to the Meteor Crater site. Millions of years ago this was where a meteorite crashed into Earth at some 26,000 miles per hour. It created a hole in the Earth some 2 miles in circumference, 20 football pitches would fit inside it. What was amazing was that although there were lots of visitors it was so quiet!
Off again to Flagstaff to our motel, we found it after a couple of wrong turns. There is a restaurant, diner actually, attached to the motel. We thought let's go there for a drink. Felt that we needed it after our day of nature! Unfortunately they didn't serve alcohol. The guy in the diner recommended going to the bar next door. It is called the Museum Club and is well known on R66. I discovered that it was built in 1915. It is a log cabin, very large inside. We went and had a drink, were greeted by Missy Jane, she seemed to be the owner. She was a real character, she told us that it was a major music venue and that night 3 live acts were playing. We thought that sounds ok, we asked what musc they played and we were told Country Rap. We decided to give it a go so bought some tickets.
So it was back to the room, showered, changed and off to the diner for a meal. I had fish and chips, it was huge, 4 pieces of fish, I was stuffed!
We went to the Museum Club, where Bubba Sparkxxx was playing. In we walked to the sound of rap, no country. All the guys had their hats on backwards, baggy shorts, long sox, sneakers and write walking around saying "yo paaaaaaarrrrrrtttttyyyyyy"!
The bass was deafening, couldn't understand what the guy was singing apart from the occasional "get down". Every song was cheered loudly by the crowd, then Bubba came on. He had a DJ behind him who kept shouting "say yo". We all had to "give it up for Bubba Sparkxxx as he came on, and as he entered the stage the crowd went mad, rushing to the stage to get a good view.
Bubba's from Georgia and used the word "Motherf......" a lot!
He told unusual that he had been touring all over the world, yet this was his first gig in Flagstaff! Well we never heard any country, only rap. It certainly sounded like "C"rap to me.
We left about midnight and when we got back to the room we Googled up Bubba. He's quite something in the rap world but just not my cut of tea, give me the Eagles any day!
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Monday 25th May. 4 states in a day!
As we had missed going to Oldtown Albuquerque last night we decided to go early this morning. We took the shuttle bus from the hotel, it was very quiet as today is Memorial Day in the U.S. A public holiday. Oldtown is a collection of Spanish/Mexican buildings, a collection of restaurants, craft shops and souvenir shops.
There are little alleyways leading to plazas decorated with flowers, plants etc. all the buildings are terracotta in colour. It is really quaint. There was a Christmas shop there, so as always, Sandra and I bought a decoration for our tree. These always remind us of past holidays.
After an hour or so we took the shuttle back to the hotel and set off on our journey.
A big trip today, leaving R66 to divert North. We were in Indian country, or should I say Native American country. At a gas station one of the assistants advised us of a festival with native dancing, crafts etc. unfortunately it wasn't on our route, so we had to skip that one.
The terrain was very sparse, mountains in the distance, earth and rocks very red in colour. Not much vegetation, what there was looked very dry.
We were driving some 200 miles too go to a unique spot n America. It is the only place where 4 states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona all meet. It is called 4 corners, and of course the Americans have made it a National Monument. After some 4 hours drive, we arrived there. The Flags of all 4 states are flying as well as the Stars and Stripes. We lined up, eventually we got to stand at the point where all 4 states meet and took our picture.
So our R66 road trip has meant that we will eventually visit 10 states instead of 8 due to this detour.
We were staying in a place called Holbrook, on R66, so off we set.
The landscape was now changing, far more rocks, more hilly but adds always the road was really good, well maintained and very little traffic.
After several hours we arrived n Holbrook, found our motel and went for something to eat. We went to a Denny's across the road. It was quite busy, a tour party of Brits were in there. Our server was a guy called Robert, he was rushed off his feet but was very cheery. Several things we tried to order were not available but we all settled for the TBone with shrimp. It was really good, nice and tender. Robert was still rushing around like a loony, sometimes he needed to be reminded of what we requested but would put that down to how busy the restaurant was.
We went back across the road, had a few drinks in our room then went to bed. It had been a long tiring day, travelling some 500 miles!
There are little alleyways leading to plazas decorated with flowers, plants etc. all the buildings are terracotta in colour. It is really quaint. There was a Christmas shop there, so as always, Sandra and I bought a decoration for our tree. These always remind us of past holidays.
After an hour or so we took the shuttle back to the hotel and set off on our journey.
A big trip today, leaving R66 to divert North. We were in Indian country, or should I say Native American country. At a gas station one of the assistants advised us of a festival with native dancing, crafts etc. unfortunately it wasn't on our route, so we had to skip that one.
The terrain was very sparse, mountains in the distance, earth and rocks very red in colour. Not much vegetation, what there was looked very dry.
We were driving some 200 miles too go to a unique spot n America. It is the only place where 4 states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona all meet. It is called 4 corners, and of course the Americans have made it a National Monument. After some 4 hours drive, we arrived there. The Flags of all 4 states are flying as well as the Stars and Stripes. We lined up, eventually we got to stand at the point where all 4 states meet and took our picture.
So our R66 road trip has meant that we will eventually visit 10 states instead of 8 due to this detour.
We were staying in a place called Holbrook, on R66, so off we set.
The landscape was now changing, far more rocks, more hilly but adds always the road was really good, well maintained and very little traffic.
After several hours we arrived n Holbrook, found our motel and went for something to eat. We went to a Denny's across the road. It was quite busy, a tour party of Brits were in there. Our server was a guy called Robert, he was rushed off his feet but was very cheery. Several things we tried to order were not available but we all settled for the TBone with shrimp. It was really good, nice and tender. Robert was still rushing around like a loony, sometimes he needed to be reminded of what we requested but would put that down to how busy the restaurant was.
We went back across the road, had a few drinks in our room then went to bed. It had been a long tiring day, travelling some 500 miles!
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Sunday May 24th. Midpoint
Awoke to sunshine, a relief from yesterday's weather. The forecast is still for bad storms although more to the southeast of where we are. Hopefully we will travel far enough west to drive out of the area.
The reports of damage are very bad, most rainfall in a day in the history of Oklahoma City. 3 people have died, 2 in Texas and 1 in Oklahoma. We knew the storms were bad and think we were very lucky not to get stranded somewhere. That good old British Spirit got us through!
Went down for breakfast, needn't have bothered.
Met by a waitress with a wig that was on a bit crooked, she looked like she belonged in a cartoon strip. We sad we would have the buffet, gave her or vouchers and sat down. Music was still too loud for breakfast time. The waitress had said the orange juice was not refillable, just one glass. Sandra poured the coffees and I poured the orange juices. The waitress asked if we were together, despite talking to us less than a minute ago. When we said yes, she said we could either have coffee OR orange juice but not both. Sandra and I looked at one another in disbelief, after all this is the country of free refills on coffee, soft drinks and juices. The waitress asked us if we wanted to pay for the juice, we said no and left them there. She then proceeded to pour them back not the jug!
Breakfast didn't improve from there. There were no cereals, the hot choice was poor, bisquits (scones to us), grits ( don't even think about those!) and some dodgy looking eggs and bacon. We settled for some toasted muffins and coffee. The only good thing out of that choice was the muffins, the coffee was the worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted!
Checkout was just as bad, the hotel wanted to charge us the wrong rate. So, that hotel will not be getting a favourable review on Tripadvisor!
As we were all hungry we jumped in the van and drove to the nearest McDonald's for breakfast and coffee. Much needed and sooooooooo tasty!
Off we set on the drive to Albuquerque, along the Interstate. Old Route 66 runs parallel to I40 at this t and in many places the I40 was laid over the top of R66.
It was an easy drive, good weather. We stopped at midpoint, missed the turn off , had to turn around
and go back a junction. Got to the midpoint service station, took or team photos, went to the bathroom and we got talking to a guy and his family. He originally came from Hemel Hampstead, had been living in the USA for 30 years and was on his way back to Nashvlle. His son plays in a band there.
Just as we were about to leave the gas station lady told us to go across the highway and have our photo done at the official midpoint sign. So, we went there, had a look in the Sunflower souvenir shop, got talking to the owner. She loved to chat, was telling us about her nterviews with Ewan McGregor and Billy Connolly. She said Ewan was great but that she couldn't really understand what Billy was all about!
Our trip was mile after mile of Interstate, the scenery was flat and went on for miles as far as you
could see. Lots of herds of cows, and loads of wind farms. Seems the main source of income is either
cows or turbines. Seems odd that cows are responsible for producing methane which is bad for the
environment, yet they are standing alongside wind turbines they are supposed to counteract the effect
greenhouse gasses have!
We passed what looked like a slaughterhouse, there were thousands of cows there, all in pens waiting to be turned into steaks and burgers! I don't think I have seen so many cows in one place at the same time. Looking at the land and the size of that herd you can maybe understand how difficult it must have been to be on a cattle drive all those years ago.
The weather was still ok, a few dark clouds in the distance but nothing to really worry about.
We arrived at Albuquerque, eventually found our way to the hotel. It was in the business district, so very quiet. Check in was so much more professional, friendly and efficient than yesterday. Rooms were great as expected. It was early so we went downstairs for a beer. We arrived just as the bar opened. It was sunny so we sat outside, the girls had sangria, boys had beers. At 5 pm it was happy hour, so the girls had cocktails, the beers were cheaper so naturally we carried on drinking. Next up was the fizz at only $40 a bottle.
Decided to get ready to go out,we wanted to go to the Oldtown district. It is an area of original buildings in a Spanish/ Mexican style with bars, shops and places to eat. We asked for directions at
the desk but were told that area closes about 8 pm every evening. We decided to go there early
tomorrow before we left, so ate in the hotel.
We all ordered ribeye steaks, they were massive. We also got some potatoes with it, all were boiled but in different colours. Normal, red and purple! Despite looking strange they were really nice. We had a few drinks in the bar then went to bed.
The reports of damage are very bad, most rainfall in a day in the history of Oklahoma City. 3 people have died, 2 in Texas and 1 in Oklahoma. We knew the storms were bad and think we were very lucky not to get stranded somewhere. That good old British Spirit got us through!
Went down for breakfast, needn't have bothered.
Met by a waitress with a wig that was on a bit crooked, she looked like she belonged in a cartoon strip. We sad we would have the buffet, gave her or vouchers and sat down. Music was still too loud for breakfast time. The waitress had said the orange juice was not refillable, just one glass. Sandra poured the coffees and I poured the orange juices. The waitress asked if we were together, despite talking to us less than a minute ago. When we said yes, she said we could either have coffee OR orange juice but not both. Sandra and I looked at one another in disbelief, after all this is the country of free refills on coffee, soft drinks and juices. The waitress asked us if we wanted to pay for the juice, we said no and left them there. She then proceeded to pour them back not the jug!
Breakfast didn't improve from there. There were no cereals, the hot choice was poor, bisquits (scones to us), grits ( don't even think about those!) and some dodgy looking eggs and bacon. We settled for some toasted muffins and coffee. The only good thing out of that choice was the muffins, the coffee was the worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted!
Checkout was just as bad, the hotel wanted to charge us the wrong rate. So, that hotel will not be getting a favourable review on Tripadvisor!
As we were all hungry we jumped in the van and drove to the nearest McDonald's for breakfast and coffee. Much needed and sooooooooo tasty!
Off we set on the drive to Albuquerque, along the Interstate. Old Route 66 runs parallel to I40 at this t and in many places the I40 was laid over the top of R66.
It was an easy drive, good weather. We stopped at midpoint, missed the turn off , had to turn around
and go back a junction. Got to the midpoint service station, took or team photos, went to the bathroom and we got talking to a guy and his family. He originally came from Hemel Hampstead, had been living in the USA for 30 years and was on his way back to Nashvlle. His son plays in a band there.
Just as we were about to leave the gas station lady told us to go across the highway and have our photo done at the official midpoint sign. So, we went there, had a look in the Sunflower souvenir shop, got talking to the owner. She loved to chat, was telling us about her nterviews with Ewan McGregor and Billy Connolly. She said Ewan was great but that she couldn't really understand what Billy was all about!
Our trip was mile after mile of Interstate, the scenery was flat and went on for miles as far as you
could see. Lots of herds of cows, and loads of wind farms. Seems the main source of income is either
cows or turbines. Seems odd that cows are responsible for producing methane which is bad for the
environment, yet they are standing alongside wind turbines they are supposed to counteract the effect
greenhouse gasses have!
We passed what looked like a slaughterhouse, there were thousands of cows there, all in pens waiting to be turned into steaks and burgers! I don't think I have seen so many cows in one place at the same time. Looking at the land and the size of that herd you can maybe understand how difficult it must have been to be on a cattle drive all those years ago.
The weather was still ok, a few dark clouds in the distance but nothing to really worry about.
We arrived at Albuquerque, eventually found our way to the hotel. It was in the business district, so very quiet. Check in was so much more professional, friendly and efficient than yesterday. Rooms were great as expected. It was early so we went downstairs for a beer. We arrived just as the bar opened. It was sunny so we sat outside, the girls had sangria, boys had beers. At 5 pm it was happy hour, so the girls had cocktails, the beers were cheaper so naturally we carried on drinking. Next up was the fizz at only $40 a bottle.
Decided to get ready to go out,we wanted to go to the Oldtown district. It is an area of original buildings in a Spanish/ Mexican style with bars, shops and places to eat. We asked for directions at
the desk but were told that area closes about 8 pm every evening. We decided to go there early
tomorrow before we left, so ate in the hotel.
We all ordered ribeye steaks, they were massive. We also got some potatoes with it, all were boiled but in different colours. Normal, red and purple! Despite looking strange they were really nice. We had a few drinks in the bar then went to bed.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Saturday May 23rd. Is this the way to Amarillo?........................
Greeted this morning by a wet start, very misty, hardly any visibility. Put on the TV to watch The Weather Channel and heard the following: potential flash flooding and heavy thunder storms in West Texas and Oklahoma over the next 3 days. Up to 6 inches of rain forecast over the weekend. Serious risk of tornados the in that area as well!
Did we contemplate delaying moving on? Maybe stay a couple of extra days in Oaklahoma to ride out the storm? Of course not, we're British and used to a bit of bad weather!!!!!!
After a brief breakfast, room was too small for all the people, we set of for Amarillo. Wipers, lights and windscreen blower on we made our way down R66. First inkling as to how bad things could get was when we drove past a lake some 20 mins into our journey and the water was almost over the banks.
Still we carried on. Rain wasn't too bad and R66 was easy to follow so all was looking good. Had a couple of stops for coffee and toilet breaks, came to a section near a town called Calumet when the instructions said turn left at the house. We all went ????????????
Anyway, along the road we went, saw the house, saw the road so down it we went. I say road, it was more like a dirt road. We carried on, the dirt track got worse and worse, no signs of life and it looked like it carried on for miles! The earth in Oklahoma is very red in colour and as we went down this dirt road in the rain the mud splashed up the side of the van and turned it from white to red!
The road was getting muddier and muddier and more remote. Eventually we came to a 4 way junction with a slightly better road surface. We turned right hoping that we would come out close to the town of Calumet. The road turned into a dirt track after about 100 yards and was worse than the one we had just left. Being British we soldiered on, of course we did!
Eventually we came to a "proper road", one with Tarmac! We turned left and picked up a highway, good old "Rand" had come to or rescue. After some 6 miles we picked up R66 again and carried on. We planned to stop at Elk City to look at the National R66 museum. The sky was getting darker and
darker, the rain was getting heavier, the wind was getting stronger and as we travelled along old R66 the puddles were getting wider and deeper!
Suddenly, it looked like night time although it was only 11am. With that the skies opened and the rain
came down in torrents. It was so fierce that the wipers on fast speed hardly cleared the windscreen of water.
We decided to abandon R66 and go on the Interstate to Elk City. Traffic was slow and the spray was bad, visibility down to about 20 yards, but we managed to make good progress. We saw the turn off for Elk City and took it, as we turned off we noticed that the road was more like a river! Water was gushing down the road, unable to go anywhere and forming puddles across the highway. As we got closer to the town centre the puddles started to join up from either side of the road, so it looked more
like a river. Fields were flooded, sidewalks couldn't be seen and if we travelled over 5 mph we sprayed water everywhere.
We finally reached the R66 museum car park, but couldn't get out as the car park was under 4 inches
of running water. The rain was torrential, so no sign of it stopping. As is the case in all emergencies
like this we do the only thing possible......... Turn to food. There was a KFC opposite, so we went
there to get something to eat and wait a while. The front part of the restaurant was slightly flooded.
We went to order food and I asked the way back to I44. The staff said that the roads out of town were
closed due to flash floods! Have just posted a video of the flooding on Facebook. A customer said
there was still access to I44 but a staff member said that the police had advised her that access to I44 had been shut.
We had noticed the police had closed the road we entered town on, so things had got worse in the space of 15mins.
When asked when the roads would reopen, a staff member said 15-16 hours, the rain was forecast to last for 3 days!
With that we decided to try to get to I44 and drive to Amarillo. Off we set, rain still lashing down but the road was a little better than the previous one. Eventually we made it to I44 and carried on our way.
The next thing was the thunder and lightning, the skies got darker, the rain got heavier, but we carried on! Slowly but surely the rain eased, the skies brightened and the driving got easier. In fact as we
crossed the Texas State line the rain stopped!
We made good progress, stopping at the Welcome centre for a comfort break. There were 3 guys on
Harley's drying their stuff out, wouldn't have wanted to have been on those during that storm. I'm
sure Billy Connolly would have given up faced with those conditions.
We saw the aftermath of the storm all the way into Amarillo and in fact we noticed something really dark in the distance. It was a mass of rain clouds and as soon as we hit the city limits the heavens opened. We found our hotel with not too much difficulty, Sandra and Lel went to check us I in. After what seemed ages, out they came. Apparently the hotel couldn't find our booking. Eventually got checked in, room is a good size, massive bed, sofa, table and desk. Bathroom a bit small though. The
hotel is undergoing renovation (another one!)' a bit naughty that it isn't on Booking .com website. We went to get something to eat, but the hotel diner was playing music so loud we couldn't hear ourselves talk. We left and went a block down to the Olive Garden where we had a great big blowout!
We went back to our hotel, had a freshen up, and Lel and Pat joined us for a few drinks. After the day we had I don't think any of us fancied too late a night.
We planned our next week's journey, we are going to Four Corners Monument, the only site in the U.S. where 4 states come together. We will also visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and eventually make our way to Las Vegas here we'll stay 3 nights in the Bellagio. Sarnie cannot wait!
Did we contemplate delaying moving on? Maybe stay a couple of extra days in Oaklahoma to ride out the storm? Of course not, we're British and used to a bit of bad weather!!!!!!
After a brief breakfast, room was too small for all the people, we set of for Amarillo. Wipers, lights and windscreen blower on we made our way down R66. First inkling as to how bad things could get was when we drove past a lake some 20 mins into our journey and the water was almost over the banks.
Still we carried on. Rain wasn't too bad and R66 was easy to follow so all was looking good. Had a couple of stops for coffee and toilet breaks, came to a section near a town called Calumet when the instructions said turn left at the house. We all went ????????????
Anyway, along the road we went, saw the house, saw the road so down it we went. I say road, it was more like a dirt road. We carried on, the dirt track got worse and worse, no signs of life and it looked like it carried on for miles! The earth in Oklahoma is very red in colour and as we went down this dirt road in the rain the mud splashed up the side of the van and turned it from white to red!
The road was getting muddier and muddier and more remote. Eventually we came to a 4 way junction with a slightly better road surface. We turned right hoping that we would come out close to the town of Calumet. The road turned into a dirt track after about 100 yards and was worse than the one we had just left. Being British we soldiered on, of course we did!
Eventually we came to a "proper road", one with Tarmac! We turned left and picked up a highway, good old "Rand" had come to or rescue. After some 6 miles we picked up R66 again and carried on. We planned to stop at Elk City to look at the National R66 museum. The sky was getting darker and
darker, the rain was getting heavier, the wind was getting stronger and as we travelled along old R66 the puddles were getting wider and deeper!
Suddenly, it looked like night time although it was only 11am. With that the skies opened and the rain
came down in torrents. It was so fierce that the wipers on fast speed hardly cleared the windscreen of water.
We decided to abandon R66 and go on the Interstate to Elk City. Traffic was slow and the spray was bad, visibility down to about 20 yards, but we managed to make good progress. We saw the turn off for Elk City and took it, as we turned off we noticed that the road was more like a river! Water was gushing down the road, unable to go anywhere and forming puddles across the highway. As we got closer to the town centre the puddles started to join up from either side of the road, so it looked more
like a river. Fields were flooded, sidewalks couldn't be seen and if we travelled over 5 mph we sprayed water everywhere.
We finally reached the R66 museum car park, but couldn't get out as the car park was under 4 inches
of running water. The rain was torrential, so no sign of it stopping. As is the case in all emergencies
like this we do the only thing possible......... Turn to food. There was a KFC opposite, so we went
there to get something to eat and wait a while. The front part of the restaurant was slightly flooded.
We went to order food and I asked the way back to I44. The staff said that the roads out of town were
closed due to flash floods! Have just posted a video of the flooding on Facebook. A customer said
there was still access to I44 but a staff member said that the police had advised her that access to I44 had been shut.
We had noticed the police had closed the road we entered town on, so things had got worse in the space of 15mins.
When asked when the roads would reopen, a staff member said 15-16 hours, the rain was forecast to last for 3 days!
With that we decided to try to get to I44 and drive to Amarillo. Off we set, rain still lashing down but the road was a little better than the previous one. Eventually we made it to I44 and carried on our way.
The next thing was the thunder and lightning, the skies got darker, the rain got heavier, but we carried on! Slowly but surely the rain eased, the skies brightened and the driving got easier. In fact as we
crossed the Texas State line the rain stopped!
We made good progress, stopping at the Welcome centre for a comfort break. There were 3 guys on
Harley's drying their stuff out, wouldn't have wanted to have been on those during that storm. I'm
sure Billy Connolly would have given up faced with those conditions.
We saw the aftermath of the storm all the way into Amarillo and in fact we noticed something really dark in the distance. It was a mass of rain clouds and as soon as we hit the city limits the heavens opened. We found our hotel with not too much difficulty, Sandra and Lel went to check us I in. After what seemed ages, out they came. Apparently the hotel couldn't find our booking. Eventually got checked in, room is a good size, massive bed, sofa, table and desk. Bathroom a bit small though. The
hotel is undergoing renovation (another one!)' a bit naughty that it isn't on Booking .com website. We went to get something to eat, but the hotel diner was playing music so loud we couldn't hear ourselves talk. We left and went a block down to the Olive Garden where we had a great big blowout!
We went back to our hotel, had a freshen up, and Lel and Pat joined us for a few drinks. After the day we had I don't think any of us fancied too late a night.
We planned our next week's journey, we are going to Four Corners Monument, the only site in the U.S. where 4 states come together. We will also visit the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and eventually make our way to Las Vegas here we'll stay 3 nights in the Bellagio. Sarnie cannot wait!
Friday, May 22, 2015
Friday, May 22nd. "Oklahoma City is mighty pretty".............................
Awoke to heavy rain and bad weather warnings for Oklahoma and parts of Texas for the next few days. There was even a tornado warning!
We drove out of Tulsa, for a few miles, then hit a detour. Of course that threw us off the way we needed to go, so we took a guess, found a Route 66 sign and followed it. Only problem was we found ourselves at the Hard Rock where we were yesterday!
We needed some gas so pulled into a gas station, fled up, got some coffees and I asked the staff if they knew the way to R66.
A guy in a cowboy hat said " how far you going?". I said LA. He said "what all the way on 66?". I said yes. He explained that the I44 at this point is also the old R66, so we needed to follow that. He gave me directions as to where we needed to get off the Interstate and follow R66. I thanked him and as I said goodbye he said in a Dck Van Dyke English accent " Don't you mean okey dokey?" I said Luvvly Jubbly and he fell about laughing! He wished me a good trip and to keep safe.
The rain and spray made driving difficult on the Interstate but we took our time, kept a safe distance from cars in front and were ok. However as always there are the nutters who drive too fast, too close and with no lights on.
We picked up R66, saw an accident where a car had spun off the highway, police were on the scene. That served as a reminder to drive carefully.
The roadways fairly straight and of a good quality. Along the way we saw lots of old fashioned caravans and Winnebagos, including a couple of Airstreams, travelling in a convoy. As it is a holiday weekend over here it looks as if they were traveling to some kind of meeting or rally.
Instructions were easy to follow today and we made good time. Some guy cut us up in traffic, pulled right across into our lane, do not know how I managed to slam on my brakes and avoid hitting him.
We drove into Oklahoma on R66 getting great views of the Captol building. We found or way to our hotel, unpacked and rested before going out to dinner. We went to Applebee's, these always remind Sarnie and myself of Val, my sister. They were her favourite place to eat, especially when we wen't to visit her. Food was good and not too expensive. Got back to our room about 9.15, had a drink and chat before going to bed approx 11pm.
We have a long drive tomorrow, some 250 miles, so are getting an early start. I hope we will drive through most of the bad weather tomorrow.
We drove out of Tulsa, for a few miles, then hit a detour. Of course that threw us off the way we needed to go, so we took a guess, found a Route 66 sign and followed it. Only problem was we found ourselves at the Hard Rock where we were yesterday!
We needed some gas so pulled into a gas station, fled up, got some coffees and I asked the staff if they knew the way to R66.
A guy in a cowboy hat said " how far you going?". I said LA. He said "what all the way on 66?". I said yes. He explained that the I44 at this point is also the old R66, so we needed to follow that. He gave me directions as to where we needed to get off the Interstate and follow R66. I thanked him and as I said goodbye he said in a Dck Van Dyke English accent " Don't you mean okey dokey?" I said Luvvly Jubbly and he fell about laughing! He wished me a good trip and to keep safe.
The rain and spray made driving difficult on the Interstate but we took our time, kept a safe distance from cars in front and were ok. However as always there are the nutters who drive too fast, too close and with no lights on.
We picked up R66, saw an accident where a car had spun off the highway, police were on the scene. That served as a reminder to drive carefully.
The roadways fairly straight and of a good quality. Along the way we saw lots of old fashioned caravans and Winnebagos, including a couple of Airstreams, travelling in a convoy. As it is a holiday weekend over here it looks as if they were traveling to some kind of meeting or rally.
Instructions were easy to follow today and we made good time. Some guy cut us up in traffic, pulled right across into our lane, do not know how I managed to slam on my brakes and avoid hitting him.
We drove into Oklahoma on R66 getting great views of the Captol building. We found or way to our hotel, unpacked and rested before going out to dinner. We went to Applebee's, these always remind Sarnie and myself of Val, my sister. They were her favourite place to eat, especially when we wen't to visit her. Food was good and not too expensive. Got back to our room about 9.15, had a drink and chat before going to bed approx 11pm.
We have a long drive tomorrow, some 250 miles, so are getting an early start. I hope we will drive through most of the bad weather tomorrow.
Thursday May 21st. "24 hours from Tulsa" and a year older!
Awoke today a year older and officially an old age pensioner! Yes folks, I'm 65! Had a few cards to open, got my prezzies before I left and loads of birthday wishes from friends on Facebook. "Thanks y'all", as they say in this part of the world.
Managed to pack all our new purchases into our cases, loaded up the van and off we went. Easily found our way to R66, Lel navigating today.
Today's trip took us down fairly straight roads, through a lot of farmland. We saw lots of herds of cows.
I had finally worked out how to play my iPod in the van, so we were listening to the playlist I had put together for the trip. Much better than trying to find a decent radio station and no talking!
We were really enjoying the trip, passing by some R66 icons, old service stations,diners etc. Many were closed, maybe opening up after this weekend. It will be Memorial Day here this weekend, officially the start of the summer season in the States.
We drove over some real old bridges, those of you over a certain age may remember Meccano sets, a construction set that enabled you to build all sorts of wonderful stuff. The bridges all looked like they had been made from "adult" Meccano sets!
Saw a group of guys on Harley's having their picture done at an old service station, they looked like they had just come from the film "Wild Hogs".
We drove through some old towns, many of which looked a bit neglected. This is because in the need for speed, the old Route 66 is no longer the main ways get to the big cities along the route. Interstate 44 has taken it's place. Subsequently many of the businesses have closed due to lack of custom. There seems to be a move to restore some of these small towns to their former glory and they look really nice places. Hopefully as long as people keep doing this road trip that trend will continue.
Stopped for a coffee at a place that said Sports Bar, was the only place we'd seen open to be fair. As we walked in we saw, 6 pool tables, it was really dark and a group of people were drinking at the bar. Remember this was 1 o'clock in the afternoon. It was like walking into one of those places you see in
a film. We asked for coffee and some cheese burgers. The food wasn't a problem for the waitress but ironically it came up quicker than the coffee!
Have to say both were excellent.
That was in a little town called Webb City, one for you Rich!
Following the route today was much easier, we left Mssouri, entered Kansas. Pat was asleep in the front and he woke up just in time to see us leave Kansas and enter Oklahoma. The Kansas section s only about 13 miles, easy to miss if you are asleep.
Music was playing, everyone had been singing along at some stage to one of their favourite songs, when we suddenly saw a sign that said "Tulsa 48 miles". It was at this point that "24 Hours From Tulsa" started playing on the iPod! How spooky, it couldn't have been timed better!
We were all in hysterics trying to sing the words at the top of or voices. I'm sure each time we here that song we'll remember that moment. Priceless!
Saw a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just outside Tulsa, stopped and had a look whilst we grabbed a
coffee in McDonald's, then it was straight into Tulsa on I44 to our hotel.
So far all the hotels have been good and this one is no different. Massive room, king size bed. The girls did some much needed washing and we had a few beers to celebrate my birthday.
After showering and getting changed we asked the guy on reception a good place to eat, he recommended a place called Prhyme, a upmarket restaurant a few blocks away in downtown. The hotel provide a free shuttle bus service so off we went. Our driver, Nick, also said it was a great place to go.
I have to say both were spot on, we were greeted by Ben, he seated us at our table and explained the menu to us. We ordered a bottle of Veuve Cliq to celebrate my birthday.
We all ordered mixed grill, some with all meat, some with meat and fish. The food was excellent, so tasty and cooked to perfection. The service was first class. A second bottle of Veuve was ordered and duly drunk. A great restaurant.
We went next door to a bar for a drink, it was a bit of a quirky place, it had lots of art on the walls, so not sure if it was a bar with art, or a gallery that sold drinks!
Called the hotel after a few drinks and got the shuttle back to the hotel.
A couple of people today asked where we were from, one guy asked if I had a Texan accent! Another said there was no difference between the Geordie and Liverpool dialect. At least they didn't think we were Australian!!!!!!!!
Managed to pack all our new purchases into our cases, loaded up the van and off we went. Easily found our way to R66, Lel navigating today.
Today's trip took us down fairly straight roads, through a lot of farmland. We saw lots of herds of cows.
I had finally worked out how to play my iPod in the van, so we were listening to the playlist I had put together for the trip. Much better than trying to find a decent radio station and no talking!
We were really enjoying the trip, passing by some R66 icons, old service stations,diners etc. Many were closed, maybe opening up after this weekend. It will be Memorial Day here this weekend, officially the start of the summer season in the States.
We drove over some real old bridges, those of you over a certain age may remember Meccano sets, a construction set that enabled you to build all sorts of wonderful stuff. The bridges all looked like they had been made from "adult" Meccano sets!
Saw a group of guys on Harley's having their picture done at an old service station, they looked like they had just come from the film "Wild Hogs".
We drove through some old towns, many of which looked a bit neglected. This is because in the need for speed, the old Route 66 is no longer the main ways get to the big cities along the route. Interstate 44 has taken it's place. Subsequently many of the businesses have closed due to lack of custom. There seems to be a move to restore some of these small towns to their former glory and they look really nice places. Hopefully as long as people keep doing this road trip that trend will continue.
Stopped for a coffee at a place that said Sports Bar, was the only place we'd seen open to be fair. As we walked in we saw, 6 pool tables, it was really dark and a group of people were drinking at the bar. Remember this was 1 o'clock in the afternoon. It was like walking into one of those places you see in
a film. We asked for coffee and some cheese burgers. The food wasn't a problem for the waitress but ironically it came up quicker than the coffee!
Have to say both were excellent.
That was in a little town called Webb City, one for you Rich!
Following the route today was much easier, we left Mssouri, entered Kansas. Pat was asleep in the front and he woke up just in time to see us leave Kansas and enter Oklahoma. The Kansas section s only about 13 miles, easy to miss if you are asleep.
Music was playing, everyone had been singing along at some stage to one of their favourite songs, when we suddenly saw a sign that said "Tulsa 48 miles". It was at this point that "24 Hours From Tulsa" started playing on the iPod! How spooky, it couldn't have been timed better!
We were all in hysterics trying to sing the words at the top of or voices. I'm sure each time we here that song we'll remember that moment. Priceless!
Saw a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino just outside Tulsa, stopped and had a look whilst we grabbed a
coffee in McDonald's, then it was straight into Tulsa on I44 to our hotel.
So far all the hotels have been good and this one is no different. Massive room, king size bed. The girls did some much needed washing and we had a few beers to celebrate my birthday.
After showering and getting changed we asked the guy on reception a good place to eat, he recommended a place called Prhyme, a upmarket restaurant a few blocks away in downtown. The hotel provide a free shuttle bus service so off we went. Our driver, Nick, also said it was a great place to go.
I have to say both were spot on, we were greeted by Ben, he seated us at our table and explained the menu to us. We ordered a bottle of Veuve Cliq to celebrate my birthday.
We all ordered mixed grill, some with all meat, some with meat and fish. The food was excellent, so tasty and cooked to perfection. The service was first class. A second bottle of Veuve was ordered and duly drunk. A great restaurant.
We went next door to a bar for a drink, it was a bit of a quirky place, it had lots of art on the walls, so not sure if it was a bar with art, or a gallery that sold drinks!
Called the hotel after a few drinks and got the shuttle back to the hotel.
A couple of people today asked where we were from, one guy asked if I had a Texan accent! Another said there was no difference between the Geordie and Liverpool dialect. At least they didn't think we were Australian!!!!!!!!
Wednesday 20th May. Retail Therapy!
Awoke today to our first bit of rain, skies were grey and it was a lot colder. Over the last few days it's been in the 80's, today low 50's!
After Sandra doing a bit of CPR on her credit card, she had to call to confirm her recent spending, we decided to set off for the Outlet stores.
They were only about 30 mins outside the city, easy to find and deserted. We arrived about 10.30, it was pouring with rain and they weren't under cover. So pac a macs on off we went fortified by a Starbucks!
First store was Michael Kors, followed by loads of others! Everyone we met in the stores were really helpful and chatty except the ones in Gap and the Manager in Calvin Klein.
Had really great service in Levi's and a shoe store.
Surprisingly I spent more than Sarnie, now that has to be a first! Levi's, Converse, Calvin Klein and Under Armour all benefitted from me! The Levi's deal was the best, £25 a pair, they cost £85 at home!
We had some lunch in the food court, Chinese, that was really tasty and filling, then hit the road.
It was really raining but we managed to find our way back to where we needed to be. We got a bit confused and stopped at the Route 66 State Park information centre. Really helpful guy, must have been late 70's if not older. He put us back on track and off we wen't. Travelled through lots of small towns, with various comfort breaks on the way.
During one of these Sarnie took over navigating as Lel's eye was causing her some trouble.
We did go wrong a cople of times, nothing to do with Sarnie's navigational skills, the worst one was where the R66 sign showed straight ahead when we should have turned right! We drove for miles through some of the Mark Twain National Forest, eventually found a place to stop and managed to get ourselves back on track wth the help of "Rand McNally", that trusty atlas that my sister, Val, got me some years back.
As time was getting on we drove down Interstate 44 into Springfield. We found our street ok but it went on for miles, masses of hotels, miles of retail plazas, it is called Battlefield Retail after a Civil War battle. I'm sure all those guys who died fighting in the battle for the rights of slaves would really appreciate they've been remembered with a massive retail area!
We finally found our hotel, checked in and went across the street for a meal. We had bought some alcoholic supplies in St Lous, so we all ended up in our room for "one for the road" as Sarnie says!
Hotel is currently being refurbished, so some evidence of building work going on, not ideal but at least it s only for a night.
I would say today was the most tiring day so far but we did cram in all that retail therapy!
After Sandra doing a bit of CPR on her credit card, she had to call to confirm her recent spending, we decided to set off for the Outlet stores.
They were only about 30 mins outside the city, easy to find and deserted. We arrived about 10.30, it was pouring with rain and they weren't under cover. So pac a macs on off we went fortified by a Starbucks!
First store was Michael Kors, followed by loads of others! Everyone we met in the stores were really helpful and chatty except the ones in Gap and the Manager in Calvin Klein.
Had really great service in Levi's and a shoe store.
Surprisingly I spent more than Sarnie, now that has to be a first! Levi's, Converse, Calvin Klein and Under Armour all benefitted from me! The Levi's deal was the best, £25 a pair, they cost £85 at home!
We had some lunch in the food court, Chinese, that was really tasty and filling, then hit the road.
It was really raining but we managed to find our way back to where we needed to be. We got a bit confused and stopped at the Route 66 State Park information centre. Really helpful guy, must have been late 70's if not older. He put us back on track and off we wen't. Travelled through lots of small towns, with various comfort breaks on the way.
During one of these Sarnie took over navigating as Lel's eye was causing her some trouble.
We did go wrong a cople of times, nothing to do with Sarnie's navigational skills, the worst one was where the R66 sign showed straight ahead when we should have turned right! We drove for miles through some of the Mark Twain National Forest, eventually found a place to stop and managed to get ourselves back on track wth the help of "Rand McNally", that trusty atlas that my sister, Val, got me some years back.
As time was getting on we drove down Interstate 44 into Springfield. We found our street ok but it went on for miles, masses of hotels, miles of retail plazas, it is called Battlefield Retail after a Civil War battle. I'm sure all those guys who died fighting in the battle for the rights of slaves would really appreciate they've been remembered with a massive retail area!
We finally found our hotel, checked in and went across the street for a meal. We had bought some alcoholic supplies in St Lous, so we all ended up in our room for "one for the road" as Sarnie says!
Hotel is currently being refurbished, so some evidence of building work going on, not ideal but at least it s only for a night.
I would say today was the most tiring day so far but we did cram in all that retail therapy!
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Tuesday 19th May. Gateway to the West.
After a disappointing night last night we really wanted to see the true St Louis. So it was an early start to do a river boat tour, visit the arch and do a trolley tour of the city! Feel tired just writing about it.
Our hotel was right by the arch so it was a brief walk to the arch, we bought a combi ticket for a riverboat cruise and arch experience. The boat trip started at 10.30, we walked down to to riverfront, boarded the boat after having a customary photo taken. We found some seats on the upper deck at the rear of the boat and off we went. I'm sure most people do not appreciate how big the Mississippi River really is. It really was the lifeline for early America. It carried all types of goods, both North and South, because of that it isn't the most picturesque river going. However the architecture along the river reflects the history of the trade that took place all those years ago. Also, because the river is fast flowing, many electric plants border the banks, several are now derelict but still have a kind of beauty about them.
On the trip there was a school trip, so lots of kids running around, teachers not being able to control them, you know all the usual stuff!
The trip took about an hour, we got off and Pat and I went to do the arch experience. The arch is 365 feet high and 365 feet wide. You go up to the top in a really small capsule, it holds five and takes about 4 mins.
At the top there are several small windows, no bar or seating area, or cafe. There is really no room! However, the views are fantastic. Coming down takes 2 mins!!!!!
We met the girls back at the hotel and we then walked to where we could catch the trolley bus.
Eventually found where the tour left from, our guide was Dusty, really good. So laid back, very informative and he made the tour very interesting and funny.
He plays a game whereby whenever he talks about something that is free he gets a person on the bus to ring a bell and all the passengers shout "ABSOLUTELY FREE". The bell is the same was the ones used to attract attention on hotel desks, you hit them on the top and it goes "ding". A young boy, Tyson, from Calgary was chosen and off we went. We were touring round in an old trolley, Dusty was
pointing out all the sights as we went around and telling us facts as we went. It was amazing how
much n the city was "ABSOLUTELY FREE". The zoo, museums, tours etc, Tyson was ringing that bell all the way round on that bus! St Lous is a lovely city, didn't know much about it other than it has an arch, is renowned for jazz and blues and the Cardinals play baseball there. It has masses of green space and it is well kept, no litter and there is a big building programme going on to restore some of the old areas near the river. Great place well worth a visit on a tour.
Dusty had pointed out and recommended a cople of blues bars so we decided to go and eat there later and try and catch some blues.
We stopped in a Irish bar, always one wherever yuo go in the world, and got chatting to the waitress who was heavily pregnant and expecting her baby n four weeks. Over here she will only get 4 weeks off work, unpaid, and her hourly rate is only $3.75 per hour, the rest she has to make up in tips.
After our 3 free dinks at the hotel between 5.30 and 7.30 we got changed and went to one of the places recommended specialising in oysters. We sat in a courtyard with a stage at the end, ordered our food and drink and as we were eating a guy started setting up on stage. I thought it was a bit strange
that he was on his own with a guitar but thought I was going to hear some real authentic blues along the lines of Robert Johnson and Sleepy John Estes (look them up folks). However what we got was a poor singer, who we could hardly hear and who sang no blues! We left there and wandered into a bar just up the street. As we walked in we saw 6 old guys onstage singing blues and playing their hearts out.
Drinks were cheap, there was only a $5 cover so we sat down. The group were called The St Louis Social Club, a group of friends all from different bands that get together every 3rd "Toosday" of the month to play "toons" together. They were fantastic! They finished their first set, went and chatted to everyone in the room and seemed really pleased that people came to watch them.
For the 2nd set they were joined by 2 more guys. One, playing guitar, who looked like he had just come from the office and a young guy playing sax. He was getting married the next day and had come from his bachelor party too play.
They were great additions to the other guys. We then get a huge black guy up on stage who sang 2 songs and blew everyone away with his voice!
They finished playing at 12.30, so we left and went back to the hotel. What a great night after the disappointment of the night before.
Our hotel was right by the arch so it was a brief walk to the arch, we bought a combi ticket for a riverboat cruise and arch experience. The boat trip started at 10.30, we walked down to to riverfront, boarded the boat after having a customary photo taken. We found some seats on the upper deck at the rear of the boat and off we went. I'm sure most people do not appreciate how big the Mississippi River really is. It really was the lifeline for early America. It carried all types of goods, both North and South, because of that it isn't the most picturesque river going. However the architecture along the river reflects the history of the trade that took place all those years ago. Also, because the river is fast flowing, many electric plants border the banks, several are now derelict but still have a kind of beauty about them.
On the trip there was a school trip, so lots of kids running around, teachers not being able to control them, you know all the usual stuff!
The trip took about an hour, we got off and Pat and I went to do the arch experience. The arch is 365 feet high and 365 feet wide. You go up to the top in a really small capsule, it holds five and takes about 4 mins.
At the top there are several small windows, no bar or seating area, or cafe. There is really no room! However, the views are fantastic. Coming down takes 2 mins!!!!!
We met the girls back at the hotel and we then walked to where we could catch the trolley bus.
Eventually found where the tour left from, our guide was Dusty, really good. So laid back, very informative and he made the tour very interesting and funny.
He plays a game whereby whenever he talks about something that is free he gets a person on the bus to ring a bell and all the passengers shout "ABSOLUTELY FREE". The bell is the same was the ones used to attract attention on hotel desks, you hit them on the top and it goes "ding". A young boy, Tyson, from Calgary was chosen and off we went. We were touring round in an old trolley, Dusty was
pointing out all the sights as we went around and telling us facts as we went. It was amazing how
much n the city was "ABSOLUTELY FREE". The zoo, museums, tours etc, Tyson was ringing that bell all the way round on that bus! St Lous is a lovely city, didn't know much about it other than it has an arch, is renowned for jazz and blues and the Cardinals play baseball there. It has masses of green space and it is well kept, no litter and there is a big building programme going on to restore some of the old areas near the river. Great place well worth a visit on a tour.
Dusty had pointed out and recommended a cople of blues bars so we decided to go and eat there later and try and catch some blues.
We stopped in a Irish bar, always one wherever yuo go in the world, and got chatting to the waitress who was heavily pregnant and expecting her baby n four weeks. Over here she will only get 4 weeks off work, unpaid, and her hourly rate is only $3.75 per hour, the rest she has to make up in tips.
After our 3 free dinks at the hotel between 5.30 and 7.30 we got changed and went to one of the places recommended specialising in oysters. We sat in a courtyard with a stage at the end, ordered our food and drink and as we were eating a guy started setting up on stage. I thought it was a bit strange
that he was on his own with a guitar but thought I was going to hear some real authentic blues along the lines of Robert Johnson and Sleepy John Estes (look them up folks). However what we got was a poor singer, who we could hardly hear and who sang no blues! We left there and wandered into a bar just up the street. As we walked in we saw 6 old guys onstage singing blues and playing their hearts out.
Drinks were cheap, there was only a $5 cover so we sat down. The group were called The St Louis Social Club, a group of friends all from different bands that get together every 3rd "Toosday" of the month to play "toons" together. They were fantastic! They finished their first set, went and chatted to everyone in the room and seemed really pleased that people came to watch them.
For the 2nd set they were joined by 2 more guys. One, playing guitar, who looked like he had just come from the office and a young guy playing sax. He was getting married the next day and had come from his bachelor party too play.
They were great additions to the other guys. We then get a huge black guy up on stage who sang 2 songs and blew everyone away with his voice!
They finished playing at 12.30, so we left and went back to the hotel. What a great night after the disappointment of the night before.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Monday 18th May. Abraham Lincoln
Up early for breakfast as we wanted to tour Springfield and visit Abraham Lincoln's Museum and tomb. We set off just after 9 am and walked a few blocks to the old train station. It was converted to a museum a few years ago and featured some of the costumes from the film. We coldness 't get in, so walked around the town. It was really quaint, they have tried to preserve some of how the town looked when he was alive.
We went into a gift shop and was greeted by a Labradoodle called Winston. He was so excited to see us, his tail was waging 19 to the dozen. His owner put him behind the counter and he immediately left up onto the counter and laid down, surveying all around. He was a really lovely looking dog, a puppy really.
We eventually went a booked tickets for the Abraham Lincoln museum, we were greeted by some really nice volunteers, very welcoming and so pleased that we were visiting their town.
The Abraham Musem was a fascinating place. It covered all his life, had displays of where he grew up, his first house when married, and a replica of his time in White House. I don't think people outside of America appreciate what he did for civilisation and mankind in general. He was vehemently opposed by people on both sides of the argument but stuck by his principles.
It was such a pity that 1.3million people died fighting both for and against his ideals.
The exhibits were really interesting, especially the recreation of his tomb, creepy really. What amazed me was the fact that more people saw hm when he was dead than when he was alive!
We then went to his tomb, very impressive. The Americans really know how to show respect to ther ex presidents.
We then set off on the trip to St Louis!
Following the guide we travelled down old R66 all the way.
We met a guy with a replica Model A Ford that was painted in Pepsi Cola logo. He was also towing a trailer and doing R66. Am sure we will see him again on our travels.
Whilst we stopped to fill up with gas, I managed to spray Pat with petrol on his new shorts, so he had to change them.
We followed the Interstate nearly all the way to Missouri. Nearly went wrong on the Interstae close to the border but managed to go to the visitors centre. Met a really nice guy called Dave who gave us maps, directions, ideas and good wishes for our journey. We set off and arrived at our hotel, checked in with no isssues.
Hotel was really great, very old decor. Bed is massive, lots of space in the room. Breakfast is included as is 3 free drinks per night between 5.30 and food aaaaaat that time as well.
We were all hungry, so grabbed a salad as we didn't t to eat too much. When the salads arrived they were massive!!!!! Managed to get through them but we were all stuffed.
Showered and went out, but struggled to find anywhere to eat and drink. Ended up watching baseball next to the St Louis Cardinals stadium on wa 35 ft TV!
Had a few beers and came home.
Sunday May 17. "Get your motor running, head to on the highway"..........
So it starts today, a dream trip down the Mother Road. We were all a bit tired after partying last night but met at 9am to go pick up the "van". As all four of us are named drivers we all went. Took a cab to the rental office and there already was a queue with only one assistant!
He was really good, very efficient, not a pushy type. He looked a bit suspiciously at Sandra's licence, it is the old paper type. He asked if it was a museum piece!
We went to the downstairs garage to pick up the vehicle, not the best organised, again only one guy working to deal with all these customers. He didn't' have a clean van for us, so had to get one from another rental company!
So we get the van, leather seats, fully loaded, automatic opening rear doors and boot, rear view parking camera, etc, etc.
Loaded our luggage back at the hotel, checked out, said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff, especially Candice and set off.
We drove to the van downtown to where R66 officially starts, took the customary photo and set off on the first leg, some 200 miles to Springfield IL.
Getting out of Chicago took some time, lots of lights, speed restrictions but we got there in the end.
Using a great guide for R66, very detailed and easy to follow. Car is easy to drive, like sitting in an armchair.
Passed through lots of small towns, signage is easy to follow. Stopped off at an old R66 landmark gas station at Odell. It had a little museum of memorabilia, Sandra signed the guest book and nearly stole a fridge magnet. She had picked one out but I saw a better one and paid for that. The one that was on the counter I gave back to the lady. Lel then bought hers, the same one I gave back to Sandra. It was only when we were outside that Sandra gave me the fridge magnet she had in her pocket! We went back inside and gave it to the lady. She was unaware that we even had it.
Took the obligatory team photo and set off again. After a few stops and 1 or 2 slightly wrong turns we made it to our hotel in Springfield, where Larry checked us in.
Room was massive. We asked Larry to recommend a good place to eat and a lady staying in the hotel suggested we try Saputos, a family run restaurant a few blocks away.
After a shower and freshen up we set off. Very old fashioned family restaurant, could have been straight from The Sopranos!
Food was excellent, massive portions. Girls had a bottle of fizz, waitress was really sweet, she had to get someone to show her to open it. She said she had never opened a bottle of champs before.
We drove back to the hotel and retired after a long day.
Everyone we've meet has asked where we are from, amazed that we are doing R 66 and wishing us well for the trip.
He was really good, very efficient, not a pushy type. He looked a bit suspiciously at Sandra's licence, it is the old paper type. He asked if it was a museum piece!
We went to the downstairs garage to pick up the vehicle, not the best organised, again only one guy working to deal with all these customers. He didn't' have a clean van for us, so had to get one from another rental company!
So we get the van, leather seats, fully loaded, automatic opening rear doors and boot, rear view parking camera, etc, etc.
Loaded our luggage back at the hotel, checked out, said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff, especially Candice and set off.
We drove to the van downtown to where R66 officially starts, took the customary photo and set off on the first leg, some 200 miles to Springfield IL.
Getting out of Chicago took some time, lots of lights, speed restrictions but we got there in the end.
Using a great guide for R66, very detailed and easy to follow. Car is easy to drive, like sitting in an armchair.
Passed through lots of small towns, signage is easy to follow. Stopped off at an old R66 landmark gas station at Odell. It had a little museum of memorabilia, Sandra signed the guest book and nearly stole a fridge magnet. She had picked one out but I saw a better one and paid for that. The one that was on the counter I gave back to the lady. Lel then bought hers, the same one I gave back to Sandra. It was only when we were outside that Sandra gave me the fridge magnet she had in her pocket! We went back inside and gave it to the lady. She was unaware that we even had it.
Took the obligatory team photo and set off again. After a few stops and 1 or 2 slightly wrong turns we made it to our hotel in Springfield, where Larry checked us in.
Room was massive. We asked Larry to recommend a good place to eat and a lady staying in the hotel suggested we try Saputos, a family run restaurant a few blocks away.
After a shower and freshen up we set off. Very old fashioned family restaurant, could have been straight from The Sopranos!
Food was excellent, massive portions. Girls had a bottle of fizz, waitress was really sweet, she had to get someone to show her to open it. She said she had never opened a bottle of champs before.
We drove back to the hotel and retired after a long day.
Everyone we've meet has asked where we are from, amazed that we are doing R 66 and wishing us well for the trip.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Saturday, 16 May. "Where you at?"
Up early Saturday morning for the trip to the airport to collect my iPad. Pat came with me, the girls hit the gym and then the laundry to do the washing.
Pat and I had a 15 minute walk to get to the station on the line that goes to O'Hare airport. The ride out there took about 35 mins, very pleasant, full of people either with luggage or security passes. So either catching a plane or going to work.
We collect the iPad, no ID needed and travel back to the city.
As we walked back to the hotel we tried to find the location of the car hire office where we need to pick up the car tomorrow.couldn't find it, but had a pleasant walk back, eventually meeting the girls just as they were about to go shopping!
We had decided to do the bus tour of the city today so booked the tickets and walked to the Water Tower, a few blocks away to get the bus.
Our guide was a black guy, Lance "Romance". He was absolutely fantastic. He made the whole tour interesting, funny and informative. His knowledge about his city was unbelieveable. Every time we stopped at a location he would hold a conversation with someone he knew,always starting with "Where you at?"
Chicago is the home of the skyscraper, and you can really appreciate that on the bus tour. What is amazing about Chicago is the diversity in the city. You have the skyscrapers but on the lake there are 18 beaches. The city operates on 3 levels, so you have underpasses and tunnels to keep the traffic moving.then you have the parks and waterfront area,pier and last but not least some old buildings and architecture that has been preserved alongside the modern bits.
I didn't know that Chicago was the 3rd largest city in the States and was so interesting. Most people think Chicago is all about Al Capone and mobsters. It has much more history than that.
We stayed on the bus all the time, we didn't want to miss any of Lance "Romance's" commentary! When we got off we were near The Hancock Tower, so we decided to grab something to eat and then
go to the observation point on the 94th floor. We had a sandwich each but of course in America a
sandwich is nearly the equivalent of a 3 course meal back home.We were in a cheesecake shop that was rammed, queues out the door, very noisy. The cheesecake 🍰 selection was huge as were the portions but it had to be done!
With full bellies we went upstairs to the Hancock Tower. The girls didn't want to go to the observation deck so decided to go to the Signature bar on the 96th floor. Their reason for it doing the
observation deck was they don't like heights but can overcome that fear when alcohol is available!
When we got to the top the vies of the city are amazing, 360 degrees from the Tower. You can really
see how the skyscrapers make Chicago what it is. You also get an understanding of how all the diverse aspects interact with each other to make a great city. At the Hancock Tower they have
something called "Tilt". What this involves is standing in a section of the window, holding on to the 2 bars either side and the window section then tilts downward slowly to an angle of approx 30 degrees. The whole experience lasts about 5 mins and is truly awesome (American influence already).
Pat and I then went back down the 94 floors to the lobby to go back up 96 floors to meet the girls.
They had managed to grab a table for 4 by the window. There was a large queue, or line as it is
known here, and security were checking ID. Pat didn't have his with him, so they wouldn't let us in. We texted the girls and they arranged for security to come and collect us.
You should have seen the look on the faces of all those people waiting in line when we were escorted, with profuse apologies, by the security manager to the front of the line, put in the lift first and then taken to the table in the bar where the girls were. I am sure all those people in the lobby were
wondering " Who are theses 2 guys? How famous must they be to jump this line and get treated like
this?"
The girls had got the customary bottle of fizz, has to be done. The views were great, the sun was starting to go down so several drinks later and a few dollars lighter,we decided to move on and have a drink somewhere else.
We eventually ended up in a customary haunt whenever we are abroad, The Hard Rock. We got on
the cocktails, Sarnie with her "cosmos" the rest drinking one called "Purple Haze".
They had live music and the band were setting up. They were called Wedding Banned, and looked
kind of weird. The bassist had on skintight shorts, sunglasses and a headband with Bruce on it. The
lead guitarist looked like Prince, both in stature and visually. The lead singer looked like a toned down Dr John(look him up)
When they started playing it became apparent that they were very tongue in cheek.That was reinforced when they played Rick Astley, Never Gonna Give You Up!
The Purple Haze cocktails were flowing and we were having a great time. Lel and Pat went home and Sandra and I carried on drinking.The girl behind the bar who had great all evening looked at the signed receipts and mentioned that there wasn't a gratuity. We explained that the we have were still drinking. Her attitude changed, we listened to the rest of the set and asked for the check.Sandra paid her and I called her over to give her a tip.I explained here ever tip was only $20 as she had assumed that we were not going to give her one when the first check was paid.She was threw the money back across the bar and said she didn't want it and I could keep it.We left,grabbed a MacDonalds in the biggest MacDonalds in the world and then walked back to the hotel.A great day out in a fantastic city.
Road trip starts tomorrow!
Pat and I had a 15 minute walk to get to the station on the line that goes to O'Hare airport. The ride out there took about 35 mins, very pleasant, full of people either with luggage or security passes. So either catching a plane or going to work.
We collect the iPad, no ID needed and travel back to the city.
As we walked back to the hotel we tried to find the location of the car hire office where we need to pick up the car tomorrow.couldn't find it, but had a pleasant walk back, eventually meeting the girls just as they were about to go shopping!
We had decided to do the bus tour of the city today so booked the tickets and walked to the Water Tower, a few blocks away to get the bus.
Our guide was a black guy, Lance "Romance". He was absolutely fantastic. He made the whole tour interesting, funny and informative. His knowledge about his city was unbelieveable. Every time we stopped at a location he would hold a conversation with someone he knew,always starting with "Where you at?"
Chicago is the home of the skyscraper, and you can really appreciate that on the bus tour. What is amazing about Chicago is the diversity in the city. You have the skyscrapers but on the lake there are 18 beaches. The city operates on 3 levels, so you have underpasses and tunnels to keep the traffic moving.then you have the parks and waterfront area,pier and last but not least some old buildings and architecture that has been preserved alongside the modern bits.
I didn't know that Chicago was the 3rd largest city in the States and was so interesting. Most people think Chicago is all about Al Capone and mobsters. It has much more history than that.
We stayed on the bus all the time, we didn't want to miss any of Lance "Romance's" commentary! When we got off we were near The Hancock Tower, so we decided to grab something to eat and then
go to the observation point on the 94th floor. We had a sandwich each but of course in America a
sandwich is nearly the equivalent of a 3 course meal back home.We were in a cheesecake shop that was rammed, queues out the door, very noisy. The cheesecake 🍰 selection was huge as were the portions but it had to be done!
With full bellies we went upstairs to the Hancock Tower. The girls didn't want to go to the observation deck so decided to go to the Signature bar on the 96th floor. Their reason for it doing the
observation deck was they don't like heights but can overcome that fear when alcohol is available!
When we got to the top the vies of the city are amazing, 360 degrees from the Tower. You can really
see how the skyscrapers make Chicago what it is. You also get an understanding of how all the diverse aspects interact with each other to make a great city. At the Hancock Tower they have
something called "Tilt". What this involves is standing in a section of the window, holding on to the 2 bars either side and the window section then tilts downward slowly to an angle of approx 30 degrees. The whole experience lasts about 5 mins and is truly awesome (American influence already).
Pat and I then went back down the 94 floors to the lobby to go back up 96 floors to meet the girls.
They had managed to grab a table for 4 by the window. There was a large queue, or line as it is
known here, and security were checking ID. Pat didn't have his with him, so they wouldn't let us in. We texted the girls and they arranged for security to come and collect us.
You should have seen the look on the faces of all those people waiting in line when we were escorted, with profuse apologies, by the security manager to the front of the line, put in the lift first and then taken to the table in the bar where the girls were. I am sure all those people in the lobby were
wondering " Who are theses 2 guys? How famous must they be to jump this line and get treated like
this?"
The girls had got the customary bottle of fizz, has to be done. The views were great, the sun was starting to go down so several drinks later and a few dollars lighter,we decided to move on and have a drink somewhere else.
We eventually ended up in a customary haunt whenever we are abroad, The Hard Rock. We got on
the cocktails, Sarnie with her "cosmos" the rest drinking one called "Purple Haze".
They had live music and the band were setting up. They were called Wedding Banned, and looked
kind of weird. The bassist had on skintight shorts, sunglasses and a headband with Bruce on it. The
lead guitarist looked like Prince, both in stature and visually. The lead singer looked like a toned down Dr John(look him up)
When they started playing it became apparent that they were very tongue in cheek.That was reinforced when they played Rick Astley, Never Gonna Give You Up!
The Purple Haze cocktails were flowing and we were having a great time. Lel and Pat went home and Sandra and I carried on drinking.The girl behind the bar who had great all evening looked at the signed receipts and mentioned that there wasn't a gratuity. We explained that the we have were still drinking. Her attitude changed, we listened to the rest of the set and asked for the check.Sandra paid her and I called her over to give her a tip.I explained here ever tip was only $20 as she had assumed that we were not going to give her one when the first check was paid.She was threw the money back across the bar and said she didn't want it and I could keep it.We left,grabbed a MacDonalds in the biggest MacDonalds in the world and then walked back to the hotel.A great day out in a fantastic city.
Road trip starts tomorrow!
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Getting better
Well, things are looking up. After a sleepless night, awoke at 2am and didn't get back to sleep again, I got up about 6am, wen't down for breakfast and began making sure all passwords were changed on my apps, websites etc.
I tried to track my iPad via the Cloud but no luck. Sandra joined me for brekkie a bit later and went back up to the room about 8am. I still carried on changing passwords etc in case someone was trying to access personal details.
We were going to see Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field and were advised to leave about 11am for a start at 1.30.
When I got back to the room, good news! Sandra had tried to call Customer Services at AA re the iPad and had left 2 messages, when she got back after breakfast there was a voicemail saying they had my iPad and I could collect it.
Things were looking up! All I had to do was collect it from the airport. Arranged to do that Saturday morning. We have a Cubs game to go to.
We set off for the game, following Cubs and Pirates fans on the train from Chicago to Addison on the red line. It was similar to going to Spurs, but more refined.
We arrived at Addison, got off and walked to 50 yards to the stadium. We found a bar for the girls to sit in whilst we went and collected our tickets from the collection point.
Mike, the server, was a bit old, not very "Trekkie", so it took a little while to get them issued.
With our tickets in hand we went Back to the bar where the girls were and proceeded to get on the beers. The day was getting more like a Spurs day out by the minute!
Several Michelobs later it was time to go in.
We had good seats, just behind the plate on the 2nd tier. Close to the action but just out of the way for misfits to avoid us. More beers and a hot dog followed.
The game was fascinating, easy to see what was going on and simple to understand. Fans are mixed together, can drink in their seats, and vendors are all around the stadium selling beers and food.
Some 4 hours later, lots of beers, many toilet breaks and an extra inning because scores were level after 9 innings. Eventually, the Cubs won 11 10. It is really strange as the crowd only started to get a little vocal in the last few innings. Bought a Wrigley Field t-shirt and pin badge. Also got a first time at Wrigley Field certificate. A real nice touch!
Certainly nothing like the atmosphere at White Hart Lane! "
We jumped the train back to Chicago and walked the short distance to our hotel.
For the evening we went to the Weber Grill restaurant on North St. The food was good, service excellent and portions very sufficient. Following that we went to the Hose of Blues to see some live entertainment. It is in an old theatre and the group were fantastic. They played a mix of Stax, soul and Mowtown. The singer, who seemed to be a guest singer, had a great voice. The place was packed. At first when we arrived it was the interval and there was a karaoke going on. Members of the audience were on stage miming to songs with the crowd voting for their favourite.
The winner was a girl who "sang" Bohemian Rhapsody, she was great. Had all the actions, was very theatrical and was an easy winner!
Entertainment finished about 11.30, we had a look in the store, bought a Blues Brothers t shirt and made our way home.
A fun full packed day out!
I tried to track my iPad via the Cloud but no luck. Sandra joined me for brekkie a bit later and went back up to the room about 8am. I still carried on changing passwords etc in case someone was trying to access personal details.
We were going to see Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field and were advised to leave about 11am for a start at 1.30.
When I got back to the room, good news! Sandra had tried to call Customer Services at AA re the iPad and had left 2 messages, when she got back after breakfast there was a voicemail saying they had my iPad and I could collect it.
Things were looking up! All I had to do was collect it from the airport. Arranged to do that Saturday morning. We have a Cubs game to go to.
We set off for the game, following Cubs and Pirates fans on the train from Chicago to Addison on the red line. It was similar to going to Spurs, but more refined.
We arrived at Addison, got off and walked to 50 yards to the stadium. We found a bar for the girls to sit in whilst we went and collected our tickets from the collection point.
Mike, the server, was a bit old, not very "Trekkie", so it took a little while to get them issued.
With our tickets in hand we went Back to the bar where the girls were and proceeded to get on the beers. The day was getting more like a Spurs day out by the minute!
Several Michelobs later it was time to go in.
We had good seats, just behind the plate on the 2nd tier. Close to the action but just out of the way for misfits to avoid us. More beers and a hot dog followed.
The game was fascinating, easy to see what was going on and simple to understand. Fans are mixed together, can drink in their seats, and vendors are all around the stadium selling beers and food.
Some 4 hours later, lots of beers, many toilet breaks and an extra inning because scores were level after 9 innings. Eventually, the Cubs won 11 10. It is really strange as the crowd only started to get a little vocal in the last few innings. Bought a Wrigley Field t-shirt and pin badge. Also got a first time at Wrigley Field certificate. A real nice touch!
Certainly nothing like the atmosphere at White Hart Lane! "
We jumped the train back to Chicago and walked the short distance to our hotel.
For the evening we went to the Weber Grill restaurant on North St. The food was good, service excellent and portions very sufficient. Following that we went to the Hose of Blues to see some live entertainment. It is in an old theatre and the group were fantastic. They played a mix of Stax, soul and Mowtown. The singer, who seemed to be a guest singer, had a great voice. The place was packed. At first when we arrived it was the interval and there was a karaoke going on. Members of the audience were on stage miming to songs with the crowd voting for their favourite.
The winner was a girl who "sang" Bohemian Rhapsody, she was great. Had all the actions, was very theatrical and was an easy winner!
Entertainment finished about 11.30, we had a look in the store, bought a Blues Brothers t shirt and made our way home.
A fun full packed day out!
Friday, May 15, 2015
What a Journey!!!!
Well, we are finally here and what a journey!! We left about 5am for Heathrow, just before the M25 Lel informed us she had forgotten their driving licences. So back to theirs to pick them up and off we went. Got to Heathrow, parked the car, checked in, went through security, all very easy. Little did we know!!!!!
Had breakfast and a few beers before boarding the plane. When we got to our seats, Sarnie was a row behind, had the same row number but due to the layout of the plane it was effectively a row behind.
There were no individual entertainment screens, only central tv screens down the middle of the plane. The nearest to Sarnie was about 20 feet away.
The hostesses were all in their 50's and 60's, looked as if they had seen better days as did the plane. we requested to be moved to better seats but as the plane was full we were told that wasn't possible. However, there were 6 seats at the rear, but we were told these were allocated. We later found out that this was where the staff sat!
The service was atrocious, we had attitude from the staff. I was told to "zip it" by a senior crew member as the others needed to get the drinks out. We had to pay for our drinks, a couple of JD's and cokes, a "voddie "and coke and a couple of beers. We gave her some dollars but were told they didn't take cash, so we paid by card. Amazingly, we didn't get a receipt and were told to go online and print one out!
When we went to order some more drinks wet were informed that they had "run out"
The staff member who told me to "zip it" also said no thank you to Sandra when she tried to give her some rubbish to take away!
As you can imagine we were not happy.
Things didn't improve with lunch, we had no earphones to listen to the radio or watch the film but then we could hardly see the screen anyway!!!
When Sandra asked what were we supposed to do for the remaining 7 hours of the flight, she was told read a book or have a sleep.
Things continued in this vein for the remainder of the flight. As we were landing people were getting up and going to the toilet, crew members weren't checking on tray tables, seats and seat belts being in the right position, all the basic safety stuff that happens on take off and landing.
We sat there open mouthed and shaking our heads.
We eventually got off the flight from hell and joined the queues for Immigration. Some 1 hour and a half later we eventually got through It was so hot and we were met by a really happy Immigration officer,(not). We grabbed our bags, eventually found where our shuttle bus was due to pick us up, waited or another 30 mins and eventually got picked up.
We proceeded to visit every terminal in O'Hare airport and at each stop our driver had to have a cigarette.
Sarnie had got chatting to an old couple from South Africa who were also doing Route 66, but an organized coach tour. The husband did not shut up! I know Sarnie can chat but this guy was Olympic Gold Medal class, with that lovely dulcet South African accent.
Traffic from the airport was a nightmare and to cap it all on the way to the hotel it started to rain. Thought this was the 'Windy" City, no wind just rain.
Arrived at the hotel, were greeted by Candice who immediately restored our faith in customer service! She was a real pleasure to talk to, efficient, friendly, helpful and genuinely made us feel welcome. Think she should get a job in customer service training for crew members at American Airlines.
Our room was great, on the 22nd floor, massive bed. As we were starving by this time it was a quick change and off for something to eat.
A couple of blocks away we found a TGI's, practically empty, so in we went. Found out the the "Bulls'' were in the playoffs that night and ass TGI's only had 1 screen working, it was very, very quiet. We had a few drinks, beers, cocktails and Prosecco, great food, steaks, burgers and ribs, what else would we have, we're in the USA!, and went back to the hotel suitably stuffed saying that our evening had rescued our nightmare of a day.
Not for me, it didn't. Got back to our room to discover that I had left our iPad in the seat pocket on the plane. Frantic phone calls to American Airlines Lost and Found dept. Hit the internet to change passwords etc on the apps. tried to locate it with find my iPad but no luck. Have locked it and taken it off my Apple account, just hope it has been found and is in lost property at the airport!!!!!
Don't hold out much hope though.
Eventually went to sleep, but woke up at 2am, wide awake and haven't been to sleep since. Am going to see the Cubs play baseball tomorrow and take in some Blues tomorrow night. Guess after B.B.King dying they"ll all be packed. Should make for a good experience as they all pay tribute to the great man.
So, not an ideal start to our road trip, but it can only get better. Mind you, if I don't get the iPad back, that'll be $400 spent to get a new one!!!!!!!!
Further updates tomorrow.
Had breakfast and a few beers before boarding the plane. When we got to our seats, Sarnie was a row behind, had the same row number but due to the layout of the plane it was effectively a row behind.
There were no individual entertainment screens, only central tv screens down the middle of the plane. The nearest to Sarnie was about 20 feet away.
The hostesses were all in their 50's and 60's, looked as if they had seen better days as did the plane. we requested to be moved to better seats but as the plane was full we were told that wasn't possible. However, there were 6 seats at the rear, but we were told these were allocated. We later found out that this was where the staff sat!
The service was atrocious, we had attitude from the staff. I was told to "zip it" by a senior crew member as the others needed to get the drinks out. We had to pay for our drinks, a couple of JD's and cokes, a "voddie "and coke and a couple of beers. We gave her some dollars but were told they didn't take cash, so we paid by card. Amazingly, we didn't get a receipt and were told to go online and print one out!
When we went to order some more drinks wet were informed that they had "run out"
The staff member who told me to "zip it" also said no thank you to Sandra when she tried to give her some rubbish to take away!
As you can imagine we were not happy.
Things didn't improve with lunch, we had no earphones to listen to the radio or watch the film but then we could hardly see the screen anyway!!!
When Sandra asked what were we supposed to do for the remaining 7 hours of the flight, she was told read a book or have a sleep.
Things continued in this vein for the remainder of the flight. As we were landing people were getting up and going to the toilet, crew members weren't checking on tray tables, seats and seat belts being in the right position, all the basic safety stuff that happens on take off and landing.
We sat there open mouthed and shaking our heads.
We eventually got off the flight from hell and joined the queues for Immigration. Some 1 hour and a half later we eventually got through It was so hot and we were met by a really happy Immigration officer,(not). We grabbed our bags, eventually found where our shuttle bus was due to pick us up, waited or another 30 mins and eventually got picked up.
We proceeded to visit every terminal in O'Hare airport and at each stop our driver had to have a cigarette.
Sarnie had got chatting to an old couple from South Africa who were also doing Route 66, but an organized coach tour. The husband did not shut up! I know Sarnie can chat but this guy was Olympic Gold Medal class, with that lovely dulcet South African accent.
Traffic from the airport was a nightmare and to cap it all on the way to the hotel it started to rain. Thought this was the 'Windy" City, no wind just rain.
Arrived at the hotel, were greeted by Candice who immediately restored our faith in customer service! She was a real pleasure to talk to, efficient, friendly, helpful and genuinely made us feel welcome. Think she should get a job in customer service training for crew members at American Airlines.
Our room was great, on the 22nd floor, massive bed. As we were starving by this time it was a quick change and off for something to eat.
A couple of blocks away we found a TGI's, practically empty, so in we went. Found out the the "Bulls'' were in the playoffs that night and ass TGI's only had 1 screen working, it was very, very quiet. We had a few drinks, beers, cocktails and Prosecco, great food, steaks, burgers and ribs, what else would we have, we're in the USA!, and went back to the hotel suitably stuffed saying that our evening had rescued our nightmare of a day.
Not for me, it didn't. Got back to our room to discover that I had left our iPad in the seat pocket on the plane. Frantic phone calls to American Airlines Lost and Found dept. Hit the internet to change passwords etc on the apps. tried to locate it with find my iPad but no luck. Have locked it and taken it off my Apple account, just hope it has been found and is in lost property at the airport!!!!!
Don't hold out much hope though.
Eventually went to sleep, but woke up at 2am, wide awake and haven't been to sleep since. Am going to see the Cubs play baseball tomorrow and take in some Blues tomorrow night. Guess after B.B.King dying they"ll all be packed. Should make for a good experience as they all pay tribute to the great man.
So, not an ideal start to our road trip, but it can only get better. Mind you, if I don't get the iPad back, that'll be $400 spent to get a new one!!!!!!!!
Further updates tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Packing started!
Packing started tonight. Only minimal stuff being taken, hopefully we'll buy some stuff out there when we hit the outlets and shopping malls!
Maps, guide books, tickets, hotel booking etc all in the case. Just have to sort out my camera stuff, am sure loads of pictures will be taken!
Should all be done by tomorrow afternoon, so we can put our feet up tomorrow night in readiness for Thursday's early start.
Leaving about 5am, better to miss rush hour on the M25! We can always grab a breakfast and a few champs before we fly!
Only Sarnie at work tomorrow, Lel, Pat and myself all finished work.
Am sure we will all be so excited that we won't get much sleep tomorrow night!
Maps, guide books, tickets, hotel booking etc all in the case. Just have to sort out my camera stuff, am sure loads of pictures will be taken!
Should all be done by tomorrow afternoon, so we can put our feet up tomorrow night in readiness for Thursday's early start.
Leaving about 5am, better to miss rush hour on the M25! We can always grab a breakfast and a few champs before we fly!
Only Sarnie at work tomorrow, Lel, Pat and myself all finished work.
Am sure we will all be so excited that we won't get much sleep tomorrow night!
Monday, May 4, 2015
Route 66 road trip: Tattoo
Route 66 road trip: Tattoo: At the end of the trip I'll get this tattoo done as a momento.
Nearly time
So, soon to be off on a trip of a lifetime. The idea was floated some 3 years ago and is now just over a week away. Flights, car, hotels in Chicago and Santa Monica booked. Dollars obtained and suitcases ready to be packed!
Sandra and Myself are going with our friends Lel and Pat. We are all really looking forward to it.
Will be in Chicago for a few days before picking up our car. Have got tickets for a Cubs game on Friday 15th May, will also hit some blues bars for some live music!!!!!
Atlas and guides at the ready, iPod loaded with blues, rock and driving tunes.
Route 66 here we come..........................
Sandra and Myself are going with our friends Lel and Pat. We are all really looking forward to it.
Will be in Chicago for a few days before picking up our car. Have got tickets for a Cubs game on Friday 15th May, will also hit some blues bars for some live music!!!!!
Atlas and guides at the ready, iPod loaded with blues, rock and driving tunes.
Route 66 here we come..........................
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