Coco + Whipped cream = Heaven

What a wonderful day we have had today, we decided to take a trip to a historic aircraft carrier which is now used as a museum "USS Midway" which was launched in 1946 just after the second world war. It served in Vietnam and the first gulf war. It was then decomissoned from service in 1991.

Now I'm sure your thinking... "wow a ship..." but I'm not joking it was an amazing experience and the tour was great even though I did keep banging my head on low ceilings. You get a real feel for what the sailors must have experienced while on board the aircraft carrier. Which included... Cramped living quarters (apart from the captian and admiral... They get a 5* accommodation in ship standards.) also they have to deal with long a disorientating corridors.

We also went on an interactive fighter pilot simulator. I was the driver (not the best idea and I think my dad regretted it after. Haha) It was along the lines of you had a control stick and a speed lever and it was your job to go after japanese fighters and destory them... Sound easy huh? Well it's not... When you turn the pod you're in turns as well... When you do a barrel roll you actually do one... (I liked that) also when you try and out smart the enemy by doing a 360 degree backflips in the air... It also happens to you in real life... Pretty cool, unless you have a weak stomach. Also while you are in the ride there is a camera in there with you recording your faces and reactions on a live stream for the general public to look and laugh at you... I would I like to see what we looked like.

After that we grabbed some lunch, and then went onto to flight deck where all the aircraft were. I knew that aircraft carriers were big, but you only get a real sense of that once you have walked from end of the runway to the other end. I did take some pictures of it but as you know from all of my posts by now I can not upload them because I do not have an SD card reader for my iPad.

Once we had finished on the flight deck we took the opportunity to take a guided tour up stairs where the "Boss" and "Mini Boss" sat and watched over the flight deck operations. Also I learnt that the people that wrote on the see through status boards you sometimes see on films, had to be taught to write backwards extremely fast as they would have to stand the opposite side of the board so that the other people in the area could read what he was writing.

Sailors no longer have to do this apparently, however back when the "USS Midway" was commissioned this would have been an extremely long and hard task to do on a day to day basis.

After the tour which approximately lasted around half an hour we took a quick look at the engine room (aka "my Grandads garage" the reason for that is because it had similar machinery or what appeared to be similar, also it had that nice smell of oil.) once we had finished looking around the engine room we decided to head back to the car and go to the famous San Deigo zoo.

Don't really know how to start this. As it was our first time there we took a 40 minute bus tour around the park that covered apparently 70% of the park... Yeh... Whatever... Put it like this I'm glad that they don't charge any extra for the service, the only animals we stopped and looked at was birds... Great if your interested in Flamingos and stuff like that...

But me and my dad wernt and wanted to look at mammals e.g Tigers, Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, Polar bears. But no... Apparently the bus driver wasn't interested in stopping and looking at them... She just wanted to talk about plants and birds... *Yawn*

Anyway I better get off that rant or I could be doing this for days... Once the 'bird and plant' tour finished to went to look around the zoo for ourselves. We start off by going in a random direction (I say that because i cant remember the way we went... It's a big zoo...)

We saw the Lions... Sleeping because they sleep 20 hours a day...(I would if I was in a zoo too though.) Alright for some. We then went on to see zebras, they were at least moving and I got a couple of good pictures of them. We also saw polar bears, elephants, meercats, hyaenas, turtles, orang-outangs, koala bears, pandas (which had a very nice enclosure... A contruction site and to me the panda's looked like mexcian construction workers)

I would like add at this point, if you would like any pictures taken by me while at the zoo, please do get In contact I have a wide variety of animal pictures and will be able to provide you with a sample first.

Pricing will vary and there will be a 10% discount for family members. If you are interested please send me an e-mail to d_shep@hotmail.co.uk explaining which animal photo you would be interested in buying, thank you. (if you are a family member please wait till I get back off holiday).

That concludes both activities today. However before I go I do wish to talk about the room service we have just had delivered to the room. 12" pizza with "pepperoni, sausage, and olives" and 2 bud lights, for my dad of course... And a hot chocolate for me with whipped cream, which relates to the title of the post.

The pizza was delicious and the hot chocolate was heavenly (Tash you needed to try that) and all that while watching the film "Tomorrow Never Dies". Overall an awesome day throughly enjoyed it but guess what... Oh yeh you guessed it... I'm absolutely shattered.

So good night all, my dad and I have got yet another long day ahead of us tomorrow when we fly to New York. This may be posted a day late due to connection issues at the hotel.

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Posted in: attractions,photos,travel

Continental Breakfast

Wednesday June 29, this is our departure day for San Diego, the day we say goodbye to the faithful if asthmatic Honda and the day we attempt to check in to our continental flight.

A relatively early night last night as I neglected to post, simply relaxing after a long day walking around.

I rise at 07:30 shower make a coffee and start on the Blog, David remains listlessly asleep. We have to drop the Honda back at Alamo for 11:00, at 09:00 I shake David and we complete our packing. Check out is done with a real honest to goodness person for I think the first time this trip.

A balance of $33 to pay for the room service of the night before. I settle with cash and we take a short walk to observe the arrival of yet another aircraft carrier in port.

Becoming restless as the time ticks on we get in the car and begin our 12 minute drive to Alamo, 5 minutes in we pull into a Denny's for what we hope will be a quick breakfast. The Denny's is busy and service is a little slow. Fresh orange juice a coffee an All American Slammer and French toast with eggs and ham is devoured quickly when it arrives.

We take the check and leave having spent only 20 minutes but what seemed like an eternity as time ticks down towards the car return. Simon the sat nav guides us ruthlessly to the destination with his staccato emission of 'keep left then immediately stay in the right lane', 'In 100 yards keep right then take the next left'..

Alamo it turns out is behind the airport set amongst lesser known local car hire firms, we pull into the centre line of three for cars being returned and carefully check the car for items as we load a trolley with the bags.

Shortly a representative arrives, checks the car mileage and informs us that the outstanding balance is only the thankfully unused roadside assistance at $54. He points out the shuttle bus stop a walk that really does not require the trolley we obtained and wishes us a good day.

As we turn away from the Honda I'm sure I hear it give a final whimsical wheeze. The shuttle bus soon arrives its blue and yellow livery proclaiming Alamo, the driver pause just before the stop to 'let folks off' and then pulls forward anxiously attempting to load every one of the waiting bags.

We disembark the bus at Terminal 2 (Continental) and tip the enthusiastic driver come bag thrower for his efforts as he 'places' our two bags kerbside.

Check in for domestic continental flights proves to be outside the terminal and we approach it, I hand over my ID (driving licence) and the polite Mexican gentleman attempts to check us in, frowning he hands back my ID and suggests that we try to check in 'upstairs' as this is what the computer has suggested. I am now frowning.

We take an elevator to the upper floor and walk past a row of automated check in desks, not dissimilar to the Heathrow droids, we approach a vacant one and I scan my passport. 

The droid thinks about it then beeps and displays a message stating 'reservation not found'. I swallow nervously and David asks if I had scanned my passport or his.

I look at the passport then back at the stoney faced droid, my eyes catching the distinctive logo on its brow, 'US Airlines'. A man in a stripy red and white shirt approaches from behind the droid and asks 'Do you need help sir?', my gaze drifts right to the remaining five droids on this tier of check ins 'Continental' they proudly display on their gleaming brows, 'Uh no, not now' I say pushing David towards the nearest one.

I repeat the Passport scanning process and enter the requested destination airport code, the gleaming one refreshes its screen giving the impression of blinking and proudly displays 'Check in is only possible within 24 hours of departure', the same response as I had previously received from the time limited computer in the hotel.

I turn seeking a human to come to our assistance. A passenger care assistant leans towards us 'Sir?' she asks, 'This won't let me check in' I say indicating the droid which has returned to its helpful, 'How can I serve you best' waiting state.

She walks around to the back of another droid and starts tapping on a hidden keyboard, 'Your name please sir', I tell her, 'Oh, thats strange' momentarily I think she means the name. She shakes her head taps a couple more times and her hands appear from behind the droids head with a couple of boarding cards. 'You're all set sir.' she indicates the way to security and the gates.

I ask what the problem had been, the ticket it seems is co-joined with our final flight from Newark to Heathrow, for some reason the data on the Continental system had been requiring us to check into the final flight before we could fly from San Diego to Newark. This is now apparently rectified and according to the passenger care assistant we should not have any problems checking in for the final leg.

Security even for domestic flights is tight, we empty our pockets, separate out our tech stuff and remove our shoes, I attempt to pass through the metal detector and am turned back by an officer, 'Please remove your belt sir', 'its fabric' I respond, he indicates the receptacle the belt must pass through the scanner in.

I head towards the metal detector portal, this time I am beckoned towards a hallway between two booths, 'Stop in there and turn and face the wall, raise your hands above your head palms out touching' I comply and am shortly asked to turn and step forward once again onto two marked footprints, facing a security guard.

'OK' the female african american guard says, moving her hand from her belt to rest on the posts which de-mark the queue, 'What's the machine?' I ask her, 'Full body imager' she states simply.

I retrieve my stuff, hoist my trousers a little higher (must have lost weight) before re fitting the belt and walk over to where David, who simply passed through the metal detector, is sitting. We watch several other people pass through the imager portal, a simple screen this side of the portals states its operation; imaging, analysing, OK.

We head for Starbucks and get a coffee, before connecting to the free airport wi-fi to check the blog and weather forecast in New York. 

The airport departure lounge is small but has the usual suspects in terms of shopping and eatery concessions.

We write up the blog but don't get a chance to post it before the flight is called. The aircraft we are surprised to see, is in United livery (United now own Continental) and is apparently full, the gate crew make several requests for passengers to check in their 'cabin' baggage 'gratis' few initially comply.

Boarding from the back we are nearly last to board being in seats 15E & F, naturally people ahead of us have boarded out of sequence in an effort to stow their bags, which unfortunately they seem to have achieved, our hand baggage therefore goes on the floor beneath our seats.

As we board the few behind us and some ahead voice irritation at being forced to have their 'wheely' cabin size bags checked into the hold. We depart slightly late with the promise of being on time to Newark.

I write this whilst sitting en-route to Newark, the landscape below shifting from Pacific ocean, to green undulating hills, mountains then arid dessert with sparse centres of population, we have just crossed over a vast inland lake, the land completely beige around it save for a small group of irrigated cultivated fields.

The lunch service on this aircraft is payable by credit card, I had suggested David have a McDonald’s at the airport so he is satisfied with the free coke, my cheese and crackers costs $7.49. its 20:05 New york time, our arrival is on time at 22:15.

The Taxi from airport is quoted as $62 plus tolls, on arrival at the hotel at 23:10 new york time the required fee is $75 + tip.

David points out that as New York is only 5 hours behind UK time it will be more difficult to call synchronise our use of Skype to call home.

David has written a (for him) lengthy post on the plane but his iPad cannot use the wired ethernet in the hotel so we will have to find a free public wi-fi to post it.

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Posted in: Internet,travel

Shrubbery

San Diego zoo. Established in 1922 is notably famous, along with all the conservationist work on endangered species it performs, for having one of the few Giant Panda exhibits in the world.

The zoo is located in Balboa park and is again a short drive from the USS Midway. We arrive as an apparently innumerable number of summer camp children are being collected from the zoo by their parents, creating a log jam of vehicles back to the zoo drive turn off.

A zoo official bids us to stop and having confirmed we are visiting the zoo, politely suggests we by pass the queue and pull into the (free) zoo car park on our left. We happily comply and are shortly at the zoo entrance preparing to pay the $40 per person day entry fee.

The ticket clerk, a deeply tanned pleasant soul, asks us where we are from and whether it is our first visit to the San Diego Zoo, we reply that it is and as he passes across the tickets he suggests we head straight to the bus tour, which will give us a free 40 minute guided tour of 70% of the exhibits.

Once again the obligatory photo awaits at the entrance to the bus tour and as we offer our park entry tickets to join the queue we are stamped on the left wrist with the word 'BUS' and a paw print. This branding will allow us to use the park busses all day free, hopping on and off as we please.

We elect to use the lower tier of the double decker bus, having learnt from our San Francisco experience that it is easy to burn on the upper deck. The day had begun overcast with a pleasantly warm temperature, by this time however the sky was a bright cyan and a brilliant sun burned in it.

The tour proceeded past the entrance concessions and onto a concrete route past dense foliage, occasionally glimpsed through the shrubbery some fencing or netting, the driver spoke nasally describing the wealth of wildlife that may be observed, here some Flamingos, here a stripped hyena, here a spotted hyena.

We pass more Flamingos then a construction site for a new pen, the bus starts to climb noisily towards the Arctic compound where a polar bear lies asleep amongst some rocks. On the right a couple of Rhinoceros can just be glimpsed receiving a back rub from a keeper.

Then the Elephant pens, where huge 'utility trees' made of concrete and steel provide structures for food to be suspended on mechanisms which allow the Elephants a degree of play whilst they eat, this is clearly an Elephant thing as we encourage our own children not to 'play' whilst eating.

The tour continues past apparently empty compounds where the guide explains the sleep patterns of their occupants, Lions and Koalas it seems share the basic attribute of sleeping 22 hours a day, this is reflected by their lack of visibility from the low ride position in the bus, we pass some Flamingos.

The tour is concluded with the antics of a human infant whom screeches incessantly as we approach the final stop, jumping up and down and clutching his trousers, 'Mama, I need to go NOW' he cries, his mother hustling him towards the exit as the driver struggles to unlatch the low gate as quickly as possible. Mother and Son disappear rapidly, leaving the father to pacify the second infant and wrestle with a pushchair and souvenir drinks containers (large size naturally) presumably the cause of the problem.

We step off and stride out toward the Panda exhibit, which is in the 30% of the park not visited by the bus. Our route takes us uphill as the zoo nestles in the steep hills and valleys of Balboa park, soon we are feeling the strain and take a slight detour to use one of the two routes provided that include travelators.

This slight detour takes us upwards, towards a netted aviary and the Monkey exhibits, which we stroll around, the smaller apes are visible, one choosing to ride on the back of a small hippopotamus.

The Gorillas sit sullenly, staring out at the humans gawping and clicking their cameras. A family of Orang-outangs provide the most animated display although the glass wall that protects them from the visitors is smeary and proves an obstacle to clear photography.

We start to head down towards the Panda enclosure, a construction site shrouded in green hessian passes on our left as we approach, the main entrance door to the Panda house has a sign on it indicating the entry is ahead.

We can see a queuing system unfolding before us a number of people gathered at one end of it, 'No queue then', I comment to David. As we approach it becomes clear why, the exhibit has closed for the day to allow 'enhanced facility' construction to continue.

We pause at the exhibits shop and ubiquitous cafe where 'chinese fare' is offered, I have a shredded beef stir fry with rice, whilst David chooses chicken stir fry. Many Americans grumble at the absence of more traditional item such as Burgers or Hot Dogs and move on.

Disappointed with not accessing the Panda exhibit we decide to lift our flagging spirits with a journey over the park using the cable car or 'Skyfari', this bisects the zoo travelling from a location near the main entrance to the 'Polar arctic' exhibit. Due to the time there are no queues at the entrance boarding area and many departing cars are empty.

We board and anticipate a thrilling ariel experience with herds of giraffe, elephant and prides of lions arrayed below us, we are disappointed. Once again the burgeoning foliage foils most attempts to view the animals, or even the enclosures. We do get a clear view of the treetop cafe and retail outlets and once again a couple of construction areas, before alighting near the polar exhibit.

The polar bear is moving and we get a quick video before attempting to find a shuttle bus to return us to the entrance. The one bus that turns up is not in service and another is not forthcoming within the promised fifteen minute interval, so we start to walk back up the hill to the 'Skyfari' where a queue awaits, as this ride will return us to the Zoo entrance.

We are both weary now and decide not to wait out the Zoos night time program which will commence at 20:00, already entertainers are providing street music, a number of children writhe with hula hoops before a group playing what could loosely be described as 'rock-country', in an effort to win a prize, possibly a stuffed Flamingo I speculate.

We turn right and head towards the exit before reaching them. The drive back from the Zoo to the hotel is straightforward and takes around 20 minutes. We park the car and proceed to reception with the intention of cashing a travellers cheque and printing our boarding card for the following days flight.

Travellers cheques initially seemed to be accepted in most places, but since leaving Las Vegas there has been a greater reluctance to accept them, preferences usually being expressed for cash or charge card (Credit or Debit). The Hotel however is happy to accept the US dollar American express cheques and armed with folding green ones for the New York cab I attempt to check in and print our continental boarding cards.

The screen accepts my confirmation number and an animation briefly plays whilst it process the request at the server, I wait confidently. The animation finishes and a simple white screen appears with the Continental logo and the simple message, 'Sorry we cannot complete your request, check in is only possible in the 24 hours prior to departure'. I frown and repeat the exercise with the same result.

The console that I'm working on pops up a message advising me I have 119s remaining before auto log off. I decide to check in at the airport the next day.

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Posted in: attractions

Seapower

With one full day to spend in San Diego its a tough choice as to what to do. Being the eighth largest city in the USA and second largest in California it has much to offer from its neighbourhoods or city villages as they have been termed, including its old town, down town area, italian quarter etc.

The city's economy in recent decades has been closely linked with its deep water harbour and association with the worlds largest Naval fleet, the US Pacific fleet. We have already witnessed evidence of this in our short walk yesterday.

It perhaps is fitting then that today we decide to select a visit to the Aircraft Carrier USS Midway, first launched in 1945 after the second world war, now a museum, as the first part of todays itinerary, this and the fact that the UK no longer has an Aircraft carrier of its own to visit.

We depart the hotel a little later than usual, once again having made use of Skype to catch up on the news from home, the £10 credit has lasted well and after the calls a balance of £1.96 remains. I remain impressed by its ease of use and clarity of each call.

The drive to the USS Midways berth is short and uncomplicated and we pull into the car park on the jetty alongside the massive vessel having paid a reasonable $7 for four hours parking. Entrance to the ship is by ticket only and these are procured from a cabin at the foot of the access staircase, The general admission ticket is $10 for adults and $8 for youths, travellers cheques not welcome.

The obligatory photo concession awaits us on the vast Hanger deck and we pose in front of the now standard green cloth, a scene can be photo shopped in at the exit of the relevant attraction, the going rate for all these types of concessions is $20 for two 6x8 pictures.

Commissioned in 1942 at a cost of ninety million dollars the USS Midway was the largest carrier of her day, too big even to pass through the Panama Canal. Later refits increased her deck area and aircraft capability even more, with the cost over runs on one of these precluding similar refits on sister ships.

The history of the Midway includes the interesting first test firing of a missile (actually a captured V2 rocket) from a seaborne platform. The ships last major action was undertaken during the 1991 Gulf war where she sortied missions for operation Dessert Shield.

The ships command areas are dressed as they would have appeared during that mission. In walking around the ship it is interesting to note the contrast between the space given over to machines and machinery and that provided for the 4000 men that lived and worked aboard her.

This extends throughout all aspects although the tower tour illustrates the confined space in which the sea and air command crews operated, it was pointed out on the bridge that the current command area is effectively twice as large following refits as when Midway was first commissioned.

The original bridge walls still in place forming a central enclave from which the helmsman steers the ship and orders are recorded as they are given.

A second striking anomaly in this technological behemoth is the relative antiquity of the apparatus which both controls it, powers it and supports its mission delivery. The USS Carl Vinson a Nimitz class Nuclear carrier sits at a berth across the port from the USS Midway, we wonder how its systems may appear to us, clearly the technology in use here is robust and proven.

In the CIC (Command information centre) below the bridge we see examples of current technology, touch screens and large display systems, somewhat anachronistically grafted into a control room in which chart tables, blackboards and huge circular cathode ray tube based radar displays abound in the compact space.

Concluding our tour of the tower we step out onto the flight deck which is populated by aircraft typical of those which operated from this carrier. 

The exception being an F14, the real star of the 1980's film Top Gun. The F14 on display bears the legend USS Enterprise on its twin tail, the audio tour for this exhibit explains that the F14 was considered too large an aircraft to operate from USS Midway.

It goes on to explain that Midway had recovered two F14's launched from Enterprise when shortly into their flight the weather turned bad.

One of the pilots of these aircraft goes on to detail the experience of attempting to land on the smaller pitching deck of the Midway.

The audio tour itself is well done, at each exhibit a number is displayed which when entered into the audio device handset provides narration regarding the exhibit and occasionally the option to play specific audio commentary from a user of that equipment.

We hear about the landing officers job and his emergency escape padded net which he could throw himself into over the side to avoid a crashing aircraft, various aircraft and their mission types are described, as is the steam catapult operation 0 to 150mph in two seconds.

The Sea king responsible for the recovery of each of the Apollo lunar missions is also accessible from the flight deck and we hear how for Apollo 13, Jim Lovell (commander) sat and chatted with the flight crew during its return to the ship as quarantine for the failed crew was unnecessary.

As we walk around the ship David comments how it smells like his Grandfathers workshop, 'The oil' I say, 'yes that's it and the metal' replies david. On the engineering deck further memories are stirred when we come across the repair workshop, its lathes, shapers, bending machines and heavy duty vices.

The engine room is below an engineering command area where a resin crew observe gauges and monitors long since static. Passing them down some steps we enter the main engine room, silent apart from a German tourist discussing the details of the engine systems with one of the Docents, (voluntary tour guides).

Its now 15:00 we've been aboard four hours and our parking ticket has expired, so its time to leave, we decline the photo purchase offer, having invested in a variety of flight simulator experiences during our visit and disembark for the second stop of the day.

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Posted in: attractions

Retrospectives

Sitting in beautiful San Diego tonight, thinking about the last two days.

Our departure from Tucsyan and the Grand Canyon and our long journey to our Palm Springs rest stop before the 'short' two hour drive here today.

You will understand I hope, that whilst we have not posted in a couple of days there has both been little to say (mainly due to the nature of the days, which consisted primarily of travel) but also in mitigation the internet access at Palm springs Renaissance resort was chargeable ($12.95+taxes).

In looking back Its important to say that whilst Tucsyan was a small cluster of restaurants, hotels and shops, either side of the four lane highway that runs right up to the Grand Canyons southern rims entrance.

The town provides affordable, friendly accommodation with good access to the national park and hosts the primary heliport serving the Canyon.

We didn't invest in a helicopter experience as the awesome sight of the canyon as we crested the path from the car park at Mathur point will live with us eternally.

We naturally did make use of the selection of eatery’s and can recommend the Steak Ranch which provides wholesome steak platters complete with salad entree, corn on the cob, baked potato, bread roll and re-fried beans.

The steak is cooked to order, we ordered 'rare' the outer surface was grilled on a barbecue, the inner meat red and bleeding.

Davids 12oz Steak was partially completed (allegedly too chewy for his braces), my 6oz steak was fantastic complete with deep fried butterfly prawns.

We did revisit Grand Canyon in the evening, arriving at 19:30, just as the disc of the sun slipped below the horizon, crowds of people stood on railed outcrops of rock as its last rays lit the rocks in brilliant reds and yellows.

The reason we where there was to attend an astronomical society event. In the national park service theatre a local photographer presented slides of pictures he had taken at night with optical equipment and natural light, many of the photographs where amazing, the long exposure photos appearing as if taken during the day, whilst actually being lit by reflected city lights or the full moon.

At the end of the presentation the photographer held a raffle for framed examples of his work, simply by calling out birthday dates, the first was that of my Grand daughters, when no one claimed it, the second was a day off my wife’s.

We concluded the evening in the pure pitch dark of the Grand Canyon, with the milky way spanning the blackness, constellations pointed out by a ranger using the native American names, as they moved through the sky whilst the earth revolved; revolving man – the plough, revolving woman – Cassiopeia.

The following day saw us rise early and set out towards Palm Springs. Simon the Sat Nav's course correlated closely with co-driver Davids 'Bing' printed route. The initial 87 miles and right turn onto the next 176 miles where completed without issue.

Simon once again threw us a curve ball as we approached the end of the 176 mile segment, the printed route had us turning off at exit 148 of I40 towards Blyth on US95 South, simple Simon seemed to want to drive 20 miles further and turn off on US95 South.

I followed our printed route (basically to stop for gas), where yet another mechanism was involved for activating the pump, this time pre pay inside then lift the lever which holds the dispensing nozzle at the pumps side before placing the nozzle in the car and dispensing the fuel.

In front of us on the forecourt an elderly Lincoln Continental driver was furiously barracking the driver of a large ageing Ford pick up, which had just swung into his rear quarter. We pull away as a police highway patrol car pulls alongside.

Simon guides us back onto the highway we've turned off, claiming a 30 minute saving in transit time.

After about 20 miles the sat nav takes us off the highway, up a slip road at which it asks us to turn left and continue on the road for 10 miles, after we have driven 50ft or so we pass a sign stating 'Pavement ends 500ft', Simon reiterates 'Go straight ahead'.

I pull the car into the side and stare grimly at the rough stone surface that the road becomes ahead as a track leads into the mountains ahead.

'Not a 30 minute saving there' I suggest to David, turning the car and heading back the way we came, with Simon bleating petulantly to 'Turn around when possible', 'Make a U turn ahead'

We reach Palm springs three hours later after a brief stop at McDonald’s at Havasu City. Havasu City is notable for; its Lake, Lake Havasu and London Bridge,which was moved here as a tourist attraction in 1967. We pass the bridge and its surrounding mock castle hotels as we drive out of the collection of low rise low rent buildings which skirt the highway.

Palm springs itself contains the type of housing portrayed on most exported American TV series, large houses set back from the neat roads, with well manicured lawns, boats and cars pulled in front of large garages, verges with sprinklers and Towering cultivated palms.

The Hotel is large and imposing, we pull into the space in front of the lobby and unload the car, no valet or bell hop appears. The temperature outside the car is again oppressively hot but the sprinkler thwapping away amongst the shrubbery cools the air with its reclaimed water mist.

David waits with the bags while I pull the car round into some parking (which we later discover to be the Valet parking area), thereby mistakenly avoiding both the $10 self park charge and the $18 valet park charge.

The check in is quickly accomplished and after checking internet availability (costly) we head for the large central pool, which is so popular with the other residents that no towels are available for latecomers, we settle down at a table beneath the shade of an umbrella in the lee of some cabanas with their water mist cooling systems.

Some other guests have drinks and I venture out to an advertised food court just off the pool area, no food just many empty servery tables and cold barbecues. Back at the pool, I enquire of other guests where they got their drinks, as they answer a waiter appears at my elbow and asks if he can be of help.

We eat that night in the hotel, as a brief walk in the hot night air confirms that the only establishments around the hotel are either medical clinics, other hotels or private housing. The meal in the hotel is excellent (seared tuna on wild rice with wasabi paste, Turkey club sandwich and chips) and reasonable value.

The following morning sees us on the road once again, Simons directions this time are flawless, as if in penance, although the drive to San Diego is straight forward the traffic is demanding of attention as the vehicle which comprise it are both fast and numerous. The city roads have many traffic lights, numerous intersections and merging highways, Simon is constantly speaking 'Keep left then immediately keep right', 'Turn left then keep left', 'keep left' 'Keep left then keep right'

David supports by observing Simons display, whilst I keep watch on the traffic and the road, twice David corrects my choice following the verbal instruction as the display makes the instruction more clear.

We soon arrive, tense, at the hotel and are fortunate to be able to check in despite it being 11:00. Car parking here will be $10 a night and we are in the first of several accommodation blocks. 

We are on the second floor with a balcony room overlooking the concert arena and part of the marina. It is a well equipped and comfortable room, better yet has full unsecured wireless access for guests.

The temperature in San Diego is similar to San Francisco and we elect to go for a walk to see if we can find lunch, having skipped breakfast.

 We soon find a pleasant restaurant a short walk from the hotel, passing many marine supply outlets and busy yacht yards.

The Red Sails Restaurant serves a delight of sea food and traditional meat dishes (burgers/steak) and also serves breakfast until 14:00. 

After the meal we walk a little further, finding some irony in a road sign that advises we are on the Tsunami evacuation route, some 50 yards from a Sushi restaurant.

We turn and head back to walk down the sea front, observing a US naval vessel arriving back to port as helicopters sortie from the nearby airbase. 

A flight of F22 aircraft visible on the tarmac in the distance. In the main Harbour two aircraft carrier flat tops are visible left of the downtown skyline.

As we walk a Navy Apache helicopter launches from its base and orbits the bay, a Sea King helicopter practises hovering over the water, translating backwards for a period of time.

Fishermen on the pier ignore the continual air traffic as they watch their lines.

A poster at a closed bait shop seeks 'Mantis Shrimp' for research and reward, advising caution as the claws can break fingers.

We return to the hotel and the pool and spend the remainder of the afternoon under the warm sun in the polynesian setting of the resort.

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Posted in: Internet,Route,travel

Awesome

The Grand Canyon. 

Words alone cannot describe the magnificent vistas of the Grand Canyon.

It's impossible to describe the breathtaking view as you emerge from the lightly wooded plain that conceals its grandeur, to gain your first sight of its rim.

Ten miles distant the other rim visible and lightly veiled in the morning haze, the sun casting long shadows from the temples of rock that rise from the canyon depths.

The chasms and fissures, rippling down to the canyon floor where the spume and foam of the surging Colorado river ,as it cuts through the rock, catch the light offering a glimpse of its power as it falls 14,000 feet from the Rockies down to the gulf of California.

Despite having watched the IMAX presentation last evening and having been numbed by the variety and quantity of Canyon pictures present in every cafe, hotel and gift shop in the area, the reality of the Grand Canyon as you gaze upon it cannot be captured by mere technology.

The Canyon is simply only observable up close and personal, anything else is a cipher of its physicality and wonder.

Nothing more to be said only 'Sorry', these pictures do not do it justice, you'll have to make time and come and see it for yourself!

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Posted in: photos

The Hoover Dam

Today we will journey to the Grand Canyon national park by way of the Hoover Dam.

At least that's the plan. You will recall that Simon the sat nav has a way of conspiring to lead us away from our desired route, electing to use the most efficient route.

Checking out of the New York, New York is completed without contact with real people as is the Norm it seems.

The TV helping us check our account and complete the check out process.

While waiting to collect the car from the valet I attempt to get Simon to demonstrate the route it has selected, it does so, slowly! I figure out how to speed it up and the Valet turns up with the car. I stuff Simon into my pocket turning him off as we load the car and pass a tip to the valet for his efforts.

He offers to give us help with directions, which I decline, I have Simon and David who has been introduced once again to the pre printed Bing (nee yahoo) map route directions.

With the air conditioning fending off the Nevada heat I slot Simon into his holder on the windscreen and activate it. The screen remains defiantly monochrome indicating no satellite signal, curious it was fine outside the car.

We drive off our printed directions seem straight forward, right, right, then left onto I15 south. Simon remains recalcitrant, I power it off and on as we wait at an intersection, voila satellites found navigation active.

We have however made a loop round the hotel grounds whilst Simon settled into his role, its directions start to match the pre printed route and off we go. Aside from a small variation once on the I15 Simons route matches that which we have prepared, so we settle into what promises to be a forty minute drive to Boulder City and the Hoover Dam.

We arrive at the security checkpoint on the Dams approach road at around 09:30 and are waved through. A multi storey car park sits on the left just short of the Dam and we turn into it to pay a $7 parking charge.

Its busy and we eventually find a bay happily undercover on the fourth floor of five. We grab a few pictures from the parking level of the Dam and the new bridge which provides a bypass to it, before heading to the elevators and moving down to the ground level.

We step out of the elevator into the Nevada heat and walk down the slope towards the Dam, pausing only to take pictures of memorials to the men that built the dam, those that died in its construction and those who worked tirelessly to achieve agreement on its inception.

Two bronze winged figures reach to the heavens either side of the American flag, commemorating the achievement of construction that is the Hoover Dam.

We walk a little further in the heat to take more pictures from the Dams road deck, before heading back uphill to the visitor centre entrance, where we purchase a power plant tour for the reasonable total cost of $20.

This tour is the middle of three tour types offered and includes a 30 minute film presentation on the construction of the Dam, in addition to guided tours within the dam itself. The film is an interesting combination of still photographs and newsreel footage of the time with subtitled narration and explores not only the construction but the political background to the need for its construction.

Moving on from the theatre we wait in line for preceding tours to clear the elevators which will take us the 500ft down into the dam. There are two elevators each with a capacity for 40 or so people, the elevators are fully utilised to the consternation of a few who find it claustrophobic.

We will use these elevators three times in our journey through the dam, each time waiting in line until the previous tour has cleared.

The first stop is at one of the lowest levels to stand in a purpose built tour room, which itself is constructed in a cavern around the pipes which route the waters of lake Mead to the generator rooms. The guide describes the pipe diameters, volumes and speeds of the water passing through the system.

The description for me is unnecessary detail as the floor vibrates continually with the energies involved. We move on back through the tunnels toward the elevator.

The elevator proceeds down stopping at the generator room on the Nevada side of the dam.

We walk once again through small tunnels cut through the rock, small corrugated sections occur occasionally routing water away from the passing tourist as it permeates spaces in the rock.

Before us a double door of thick steel opens out onto a beautiful mosaic tiled art deco style mezzanine level.

The level overlooks the eleven generators in the generator hall, two overhead cranes sit immobile on their rails above the generators, the closest draped with the stars and stripes.

The guide goes on to explain the detail of the room and its equipment, once again facts and figures abound, for this tour they simply underpin the immensity of the achievement and practicality of the solution in respect of water management and power generation.

The guide is at pains to point out that whilst the Hoover dam is not allowed to make a profit, no American tax dollars are invested in its upkeep or continued operation as a tourist attraction, it is essentially self funding.

We return back via the elevator to the observation platform where we can take more pictures of the Dam (The large object in the background) and the new bridge.

The Cafe and some welcome refreshment (which I won't describe as it seems this aspect of our road trip is causing some consternation), is our final stop before heading back to the car.

Observing yet another queue at the elevators for the car park, we elect to stagger up the four floors in the noon day heat (not my first choice).

The car however is reasonably cool having been shaded and we once again engage Simon who guides us out the lot and attempts to take us over the Dam.

I ignore it and elect to retrace our steps in an attempt to pass over the new bridge, there may be a photo opportunity as we cross I suggest to David. This is misguided, we actually pass a car park which provides foot access to the bridge as we depart on the Dam road, the view from a car using the bridge of the Dam is non existent.

The journey from the Hoover dam although not lengthy, being approximately three hours, is fairly dull. 

The dry barren Nevada landscape flashes past as we travel on the Interstate.

Once in Arizona it is a while before the landscape starts to become yellow in colour and populated with many low round gray green bushes, like thousands of cheerleaders pom poms hugging the terrain.

At Kingsman we make a left turn and start to head in towards the Grand Canyon, the interstate allows us to do 75mph, the Honda enjoys the road, until once again we start to climb and the cruise control set at 75mph causes it to rapidly change down in a vain attempt to maintain the speed.

The roadside scenery is much greener now and includes trees, which break the strong wind which whistles across the plain landscape.

We finally pull into the hotel at 17:53, a long day of driving behind us we check in quickly, discover we have a good wireless internet connection in the room, unpack the car and head back to reception to use the free coffee urn. No coffee in the room.

The Red Feather Lodge offers typical American motel style accommodation, by which those of you that remember our 2009 Florida road trip, will recognise the style.

It is however very convenient to the Canyon, without being in it and is located close to other amenities.

After unpacking the car we take a walk around Tuscyan.

Eventually entering the Information centre where we enjoy a snack meal (again no detail, just to reassure you that David enjoys it), before procuring IMAX tickets to watch a National Geographic film of the Grand Canyon, that evening.

The film is spectacular in scale, informative in content and nauseous in its delivery as the IMAX format has you reeling with vertigo as the camera steps into the abyss and pitching in sympathy as it follows explorers braving the white water rapids of the colorado river as it passes through the canyons base.

We return to the hotel humbled and exhausted, there to blog and veg out with the TV.

Tomorrow, we have to decide how to 'do' the canyon...   

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Posted in: hoover,photos,travel

Tips for visiting Las Vegas

Check in at the hotels is after 15:00, if you get there early the hotel may offer the opportunity to check in early, check out the possibility at the information desk.

Using the Valet to park the car is easy if a little unnatural to Europeans, remember to tip the Valet that takes the car and the one that collects it on your return. The car can be accessed via the valet at any time - Don't lose your valet ticket.

If you've arrived before checking time, the Bell Hop will look after your bags and bring them to the room for you after you've checked in, tip $2 per bag, don't lose your bag check, not only does it have your bag reference info but also the Bell hops contact number.

Show tickets can be purchased at the hotels or in advance. Its Cheaper to arrive and then use Tix4Tonight, this service is available at various locations on the strip and offer discounted show tickets. One such location is outside the MGM Grand.

When you check in you will be given a book of vouchers which will offer discounts at various locations in the hotel, check these out before using the hotels services.

Tix4Tonight also provide a 3D map of the strip which is useful for finding your way around, this booklet handily contains discount vouchers for numerous attractions, restaurants and shops.

Items can be shipped to the hotel  in advance of your arrival, be aware that if doing so they will probably charge a small handling fee for receiving and holding the item.

You can walk easily down the strip. The strip is an eight lane highway with a tall median so crossing between sides must be performed using elevated walkways. These exist near the MGM Grand and The Bellagio.

You can stay cool during your walk by using the Casinos as air conditioned walkways. Alternatively use the Mono rail, which although relatively cheap at $5 one way, $12 per day or $30 for three days, its distance from the actual strip makes it a little inconvenient.

Nevada in the Summer is HOT, when you walk around make sure to keep hydrated, you can buy drinks at many locations. At most of the pedestrian crossing points you will find 'entrepreneurs' with coolers full of ice selling bottled water for a dollar, we didn't use them, preferring the air conditioned casino outlets. (see the slushy)

On the heat and sun, remember to cover up, this doesn't mean necessarily cloth yourself from head to foot, but it does mean use sun block. Although the heat will discourage walking in the direct sun, it doesn't take long to burn.

Finally, remember to use the fast check out when leaving, it saves time and is very convenient, easily done through the TV or by phone.

Gambling, its your choice, there are many forms on offer and most casinos have a children's room which offers an easy introduction to the attraction of it. Casinos being conference and exhibition centres also try to cater to other tastes.

Communicating with home, Internet is included in the hotels resort fee, take a computer or a mobile that can run Skype and you will able to call home very cheaply.


Take care and you will enjoy your vacation in this busy, exiting, desert city.

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Posted in: gambling,travel

What Happens in Vegas

The heat and travel stresses of the previous few days have finally taken their toll, the consequence is we don't awake until 09:00.

It may also have something to do with being up after midnight putting out the blog!

After making a couple of Skype calls home, we finally get downstairs into the Casino by around 10:45 and we head towards the 'America Cafe for a late breakfast.

The cafe is interesting in that it has a gigantic 3d mural of the United states suspended from the ceiling.

We read that the mural was put together in fibre glass at the New York Navy yards before being transported by road across the US to this display location.

David orders a smoked salmon and toasted bagel dish, I settle for a simple omelette with sausage, peppers, cheese and spinach added to the mix. The waiter brings a flask of coffee which we both use.

One interesting aside regarding the Hotel accommodation, is that the room neither contains a Fridge, mini bar or any coffee making facilities, clearly that is what the casino is for, this despite the room rate varying from $79 to $2799 per night.

We discover during our stay that in addition to this technique to get you to use the casino floor, the hotels have a propensity for making it easy to enter them but then have a confusing array of signs to enable you to discover the exit, hence protracting any visit to the casino floor.

Fortified by breakfast we head over the link bridge between New York New York and the MGM grand in the hope of finding the Mono rail station.

We have a map that indicates that the terminal station of the monorail is at the rear of the MGM grand and the occasional sign within the Casino confirms this. After a long trek we discover the monorail ticket machines and procure a full day pass for $12 each rather than the single use ticket at $5.

The monorail is similar to the ones in use at Disney in Florida and smoothly glides us behind the casinos on Las Vegas Boulevard, we alight at the Harrah station which is the closest to our required destination of the Venetian and Madam Tussauds.

Stepping out of the Harrah Casino onto the strip the heat once again blasts into us and we snap a few pictures of Treasure Island and The Mirage before stepping onto a travelator which whisks us up towards the lobby of Madam Tussauds just prior to the Venetian.

We hand over our $10 per person discount coupon extracted from our strip map and settle the balance of $40, the attendant tells us to take as many pictures we like and to interact as much as possible with the exhibits, David for one makes the most of the offer.

The exhibit also includes a walking experience in which you are invited to take part in a tour of an secret facility in which human experimentation has been taking place. As you walk through the darkened tunnels of the facility attempts are made to frighten the wits out of you, basically a fresh spin on the old haunted house exhibit.

We went in with six people, only five of us returned, I think the sixth was either part of the act or the exhibit was a little too real.

David makes a quick call from a red phone before we finally depart Tussauds much to the chagrin of its owner, who we think may have been Tiger Woods although I'm not so sure, something about an Oval office.

We exit through the gift shop where David try's on a new pair of sunglasses.

I repeat the exercise much to the apparent irritation of a true fan of the 'King' who states loudly; 'Real funny, ain't they', the funny part I think is how things which are surely meant to be humorous can fail to touch the fans funny bone.

Moving on into the Venetian we do our bit for Anglo-American relations by taking a picture of an elderly American couple in front of a giant flag of the United states, they return the favour for us.

One thing we can commend this country for is its strength of identity, you can't walk 10 yards without seeing the flag and although we are approaching independence day this is also our previous experience and we hold it generally to be true.

The large flag in this instance forms the centre piece of an American themed area prior to the Casino floor, which celebrates Veterans and Americans.

We head back to the Monorail via St. Marks square, pausing briefly to take in a pocket operatic performance by a group of troubadours. We grab a water and soda at a vendor in Harrahs and consume these before disembarking the monorail at the MGM Grand.

Now we have a date with The Mob at the Tropicana, which is connected by overhead walkway to the MGM Grand, so we head in the appropriate direction.

This interactive exhibit is a history of the Mob and its links with Las vegas. It consists of a number of set pieces in which actors interact with you (Mainly David) and you make decisions which ultimately affect the outcome.

Davids decisions included taking an unofficial cut of a package he was required to deliver to the mob boss, not spilling the beans to the New york Irish cop and ultimately electing to have a Casino cheat introduced to a hole in the Desert.

Our reward for these decisions (oh and failing to flinch when being shot at) was entry into the 'family', although we never got to kiss the Don's ring! Not a metaphor rather a new mob custom following the release of 'The Godfather'.

The central portion of this exhibit is a mob museum which contains descriptions of the famous mobsters that ran las vegas and their casinos. In the museum a documentary film plays on a loop relating the production story of 'The Godfather' and the deals that where done between the studios and the Mob in the making of it.

The narration is in english english and we both laugh as we exit as its a Channel 4 production and the closing audio is the Channel 4 anchor stating that 'coming up are two back to back episodes of the Sopranos'. (Do you think Channel 4 know? Still what happens in Vegas...)

David aches from walking and my knees are done in, so we swing by the room for a break consisting of a couple of Ben & Jerry's ice cream dishes.

The break is short and we soon head downstairs to the Coney Island area of the hotel, where David try's his hand at games of mechanical chance, attempting to win a new ipod mini, iPod Touch and finally in desperation Angry Birds. Eight dollars poorly invested if you ask me.(But then you won't).

Finally we walk across to The Excalibur and through into the pyramid shaped Lexor, the architecture within this casino hotel is striking, the main buildings pyramid shape forms a series of stepped corridors off which the guest rooms are accessed.

In attempting to leave the Luxor the way we entered we find it impossibly to identify the route and end up walking back and forth across the Casino floor attempting various levels and always appearing to be able to see our destination but not reach it.

We end up skirting the building before re-entering it and discovering a subterranean route in which travelators bring guests in but narrow walkways allow them to leave if they can be found. This is almost sinister in its appearance and David is thoroughly unimpressed, mainly due to weariness and aching limbs.

We make one stop at a store in our hotel where David invests in a fridge Magnet for one of his sisters before finally heading back to the room to write it up.

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Posted in: travel