Apr
29
2010

Dr Who Snow!

This will make sense if you are a fan of the good Doctor and saw the episode where the rain went upwards; so: not only did it snow in the Grand Canyon but the snow actually went up!  From the base of the canyon to where we were standing!  But then to think about it, why is it snowing anyway?!!  We even camped last night in this weather! (see pic!)

SNOW. @ THE CANYON?!

This is actually snow at 9am!  Bloody foreigners are we!!

Seen some of the most awesome views- literally takes your breath away.  And the  rain and snow on the tent sounds like sizzling bacon frying!  I know which I would have preferred!!

The Grand Canyon no matter which viewpoint you’re at always amazes.  Without a doubt the most incredible natural wonder ever seen by these young (??!) yet humble eyes!

Like, Woah!

The Canyon late pm.

Apr
25
2010

ANZAC DAY drinkies!

Aswell as having celebrated St George’s Day as best we could, we are off in our ‘best bib and tucker’ (considering we’re travelling), to the Aussie High Commission in Hollywood at 9am for drinkies on the lawn, what-oh!!  Talk about getting free drinks where you can!  The Chippenham BeerFest on the 23rd would also have surficed!  Although the beer here is mostly good, it is also mostly cold and fizzy, which means having to drink it fast!  Damn and stuff!

Apr
24
2010

Weather, or not!

Glad / Sad to say that we actually went to an English-theme pub yesterday to celebrate St George’s Day!!  Was about as English as Walkabout is Aussie, but what the heck!  Put on our best English accents and went down a treat!  Drank Belgiun beer, with an Aussie in a bar in America: how patriotic are we?!! 

Oh well, all that fun in Malibu and the Santa Monica mountains seems to have used up our ‘good weather vouchers’!!  Whilst we hear news of sunny days in old Blighty, we are among the many in LA looking at the skies and asking “What the …?” !!  Clouds?  Drizzle?  Beach volleyball cancelled? !!  Good job we kept our Visa receipt cos we want a refund!

Has meant that we were able to spend some QT indoors planning trips:  Las Vegas on Monday for 2nights hotel & casino (!!); 3nights camping in the Grand Canyon; then Lake Havasu – home of London Bridge, look it up! – for a night in the Windsor Inn (!!) then back to LA in time for a trip to a brewery next Sat. 

That’ll only leave us about 6 more days in LA (camping again) before heading up the coast in a Greyhound bus to San Jose to see Robin & Tamara.  Its all GO, GO, GO!!

Apr
21
2010

Malibu, best surfed neat!

Wee what can we say?  Went for a spin in the country, ended up driving over part of the Santa Monica mountains (where the opening credits of M*A*S*H were filmed- check that, Nath?!!) having had lunch in a oceanside diner on Malibu beach.  $3 for parking mind!!

Some expert map reading (who needs SatNav?) by Jane and my skills at the wheel of the big Volvo meant we got to see a lot of the countryside!!  Did get a few good pix, one of which is here of Malibu beach in groovy sillouette!!

MALIBU BEACH BABY!

Apr
18
2010

Back from Mexico

Sorry for the week of incommunicado!  went on a 7day cruise to Mexico – a foriegn land of 30+ degrees C sun!!  And Corona.  And Limes.  and Corona and Limes!!

Taken a few reasonable pix – will try to post an album on Facebook – had a chilled time, but felt a bit strange having a holiday whilst on holiday!! 

Back in LA now and plan to visit Anza-Borreago desert State Park where there are ancient mud caves to explore, camp out under the stars/motel it!  This is the link if its of interest?!  Its near San Diego so a decent drive from LA, but thanks to Judith we now know where to go for breaky. http://www.desertusa.com/anza_borrego/anza_borrego_facilities.html

Napa Valley Wineries are beckoning as well so will also spend a couple nights there doing some intense research!  — more about that next week or so. 

Keep  your comments coming, thanks for yours Josh!

Apr
9
2010

A midweek sun-day!

The time: 9am  The place: LA  The temp: 20 C !!

Oh yep its hot.  Which means one thing…rooftop sunbathing with a jacuzzi!!  Tell yer, by 11am its a wee bit too hot so jacuzzi and a beer it is!!  We went for a long stroll along Hermosa Beach (also a good way to try and get a tan!) – loads of volleyball, skaters, expensive beach-houses etc!  We even found a bar called “Chelsea Pub” which goes to show they ain’t got no class nor nothing!! — sorry Steve old bean!!

I dont't believe it!!

Apr
6
2010

The Eagle has landed!

Roger Taylor WHO?!!

And we’re here!  Good flight in from LHR, on Air NZ.  Food was good and we managed to blag the emergency exit seats!!     In LA for this month near Redondo Beach (in view from the house here!!)  and we’ve got the use of their Volvo S.U.V and spare mobile!  How jammy?!  That means Vegas, Highway 1, San Diego etc! 

 Thanks to ‘Just Ted’ we have already found a brewery that serves food til midnight!  We’ve only been here 13hrs!!  Not even had breakfast yet!!  Talking of breakfast, we’re gonna hit Venice Beach today so that we can show them a real six pack!! 

Oh yeah, and we’ve set up a Queen Tribute Band with Mike on drums!!