Durango, CO to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

We went to Albertsons to pick up a breakfast on the run this morning, as still have a ways to get to the Grand Canyon. 

We did also stop at Four Corners, where Colorado, Utah, New Mexico & Arizona meet. This is the only place in the US where 4 states come together. Of course, I had the obligatory tourist picture taken. 

Me & Amy, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Finally we arrived at the Grand Canyon National Park, via the east entrance. We stopped at the Visitor Center and took our first view of this natural wonder from Devil’s Canyon. For years I’d seen pictures and marveled at this place, but they don’t do the slightest justice. The Grand Canyon is just breathtaking! We set up camp at the Mather Campground before heading over to Aspen loop to walk the edge of the Southern Rim and watch the sunset over the canyon. Beautiful is word often used but it does not go near how this sunset looked. On the way back to the campsite we stopped at an amphitheater to watch a slide show of a ranger who did a 3 week hike along the Colorado River at the Canyon’s bottom.

Boulder, CO to Durango, CO

We started the day off at Rocky Mountain Joe’s – a café just outside Boulder to have our breakfast for the day. Afterwards it was back to Jen’s one last time, as we pack up the car and head off in the direction of the Grand Canyon. 

We were planning to stop at Mesa Verde National Park for the night but bushfires have set 70% of the park alight and the park is closed. We drive on to Durango, Colorado and decide to call it a night there at 7pm. After settling into the hostel we walk down to El Patio for a nachos dinner and a couple of beers. 

Later that evening we decide to go to the drive-in to see Me, Myself & Irene. Not a very good movie, but I loved being at a drive-in for the first time in a million years. Amy, however, fell asleep. A good night’s rest in the hostel and we move on to Grand Canyon National Park tomorrow.

Boulder, CO

The morning started with Amy cooking up a storm. 

We then drive the 20 miles up to Lyons, Colorado to meet up with Jen’s sister (Erica), brother-in-law (Todd) and Nephew (Noah) at the RockyGrass Festival. A day of bluegrass music set at the foot of the Rocky’s, alongside a stream. There was a very mixed crowd (young, old, hippies etc) who are all keen for a mellow day. This festival runs the entire weekend but we are only here for the day as the road trip continues towards the Grand Canyon tomorrow. We spent the day hanging around at Erica & Todd’s campsite just wading in the water. The music was background noise for a relaxing day. We didn’t stay late, as Amy is not feeling the best. 

On the drive home we drive through a Wendy’s for a quick dinner. 

The night was spent in watching Sleepy Hollow on cable.

Boulder, CO

Started of the morning in a local café for breakfast. We then headed to 2 different malls to buy replacement sandals for those that were damaged back at Arches. When we got back to Jen’s, the girls hit the pool while I checked emails and went to the camera shop to browse goodies I can’t afford. Dinner that night was again downtown, this time at La Rhumba – a South American Restaurant. A great meal was then topped off by drinks at a nearby bar in the West End that had a beer garden on the roof. The night ended at Rich’s Roadhouse – a gay/biker bar, where we played pool to all hours of the morning.

Amy & I, Boulder, Colorado

Arches National Park, UT to Boulder, CO

We packed up the tent and went into Moab again for breakfast at Pancake Haus. From there it was the 8 hour drive on to Boulder, Colorado. We saw some more wonderful scenery, this time more mountainous, as well as passing by Vail and other Colorado ski resorts. Our one stop was for gas and lunch, at an awful Taco Bell. We arrived at Jen’s place in Boulder not long after 4pm. We used this opportunity to shower up and get a couple of loads of washing done. Once Jen came home we walked to downtown and ended up at a Thai restaurant for dinner.

Jen & Amy, Boulder, Colorado

Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning and straight into Arches National Park. We started the day driving to Devil’s Garden Trailhead at the end of the park to do a 5 mile hike that included Landscape Arch, Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. All the rock formations here are formed by wind erosion and, as the park name suggests, are literally archways. Our second stop was at Sand Dune Arch (2 small natural bridges) and then a mile further along to Broken Arch, which is a predicted name as currently it is only cracked. From there it was on to the Windows, along with Turret Arch and Double Arches. 

Amy, Partition Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Me, Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Turret Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We left the park for a late lunch and to escape some of the heat. We ended up in Moab diner for a huge meal. After lunch it was back to the campsite for a swim.

We went back into Arches, stopped at Balance Rock, before heading the 1 mile to Delicate Arch, where we – and many others – watched the sunset. Due to a sandal blowout we couldn’t get as close as we’d like, but the setting sun behind this lone arch was pretty spectacular. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We went into Moab for the evening and saw Scary Movie (yawn) before packing it in for the night.

Bryce National Park, UT to Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning to pack up the campsite and drive to Inspiration Point. In the early hours we hiked a mile and a half along Navajo Loop at Sunset Point. Walking down into the hoodoos and canyon gives you a whole new perspective and appreciation for this natural wonder. I was reluctant to do this walk so early, especially with the long drive ahead today, but I am grateful that Amy made me do it (this is not the first, or last, time Amy will win over my reluctance for us to do something awesome).

Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Just after we left Bryce we stopped at a place called Fairyland. There was nothing special to see here, so time to move on. From here we started our long haul to Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. The route we take is a minor highway which, while long and windy, was extremely scenic with the canyons, salt hills and various rock formations to be enjoyed with the top down on the car. Our only stops along the way were for gas and Wendy’s for lunch. 

We arrived at Arches at 5pm and went straight into the park for a quick look around. Instead of getting out and looking around, we left to find some accommodations near Moab and the campgrounds in Arches were full. We ended up at the Funpig’s Campground. This sweet campground offered us a spot with a tin roof covering. The site also had a pool, which was all the invitation we needed to stay on site for the late afternoon. Next door was a restaurant, Bucks Grill, where I took Amy on our first real date. A steakhouse was maybe not the best place for me to take a vegetarian, but we were very limited for choice. I also came across the unusual Utah rule where you can’t be served a drink until you have completed the one you have. 

Back to the campsite for a much needed night’s sleep.

Zion National Park, UT to Bryce National Park, UT

We started the day off at Oscars, a local café, for our breakfast sustenance. We then drove into Zion again and caught the shuttle to the Court of The Patriarchs. This reminds me of the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, (but warmer and redder).

Court of The Patriarchs, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

After that hike we went back to the car and started our journey on to Bryce Canyon. We leave through the tunnel at Zion and exit on the east side of the park before driving Highway 2 (a 1-lane picturesque road) the 80 miles to Bryce.

We arrived in Bryce around lunch and went straight into the park, to the Visitors Center to watch a movie of the history of Bryce National Park. Afterwards we went to the Sunset Campground and scored ourselves a camp site. Once unloaded, we headed along 18 miles of road which runs above the National Park. In contrast to being in the canyon at Zion, Bryce’s road is up high and the canyon features run down the slopes either side. 

Amy & I, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

We made a stop at Yovimpa Point, where we saw the first of many hoodoos this park has on offer. 

We stopped again at Ponderosa Canyon to take in the breathtaking views, we also took a cheesy photo at the sign with the altitude, because I’d never been so high up before (that’ll change in a few days when we are in Denver). Whilst here, we hiked a mile along Bristlecone Loop and saw Rainbow Garden. 

Our next stop was at Agua Canyon, where the rock formation is caused by water erosion, including spectacular Natural Bridge. We next stopped at Piracy Point, Paria View and Bryce Point. While Bryce Canyon is beautiful, it is basically the same hoodoo rock formations at every stop, which makes things a bit samey and lessening the impact of the beauty. I think I much preferred Zion to Bryce.

After a long day, we left the park to hit a supermarket to purchase dinner. A quick meal before we head back to camp.

Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, UT

On our way into Zion today we stopped at the supermarket to buy lunch and water for the day’s sightseeing. I also dropped of some film to be developed.

Zion does not allow cars just after its entrance, so we park at the ranger station and make the most of the shuttle that runs through the park. Zion is beautiful! The road runs along the bottom of the canyon, next to the Virgin River, and the canyon walls head skyward either side of you. So many red, oranges and greens together, combined with the gentle river running through just makes this place amazing.

Our first stop on the shuttle was the Temple of Sinawara, at the far end of the park. We walked for half a mile up to the river’s edge, where you then continue wading up the river through the ankle to wait deep water. I went about a mile and a half up the river while Amy waited, as she did not have the right footwear to get through the rocky water. It was a hard walk, but relaxing at the same time. The further you walked the closer the canyon walls got. Very beautiful! 

Me, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

The next stop was Weeping Rock. We walk the 2 miles up to Hidden Canyon. The last 100 yards was steep and the dodgy ledge made me feel uncomfortable. To turn around and hike back down was incredible. The panoramic views of the park were breathtaking and definitely made for climb in the killer heat well worthwhile. 

We take our lunch to the grassed area in front of Zion Lodge. It is nice to be in the shade and under a beautiful, huge, old tree. We also enjoy our daily ice cream fix. 

We leave there and walk a mile to the Mid Emerald Pool. We see some deer during our walk – which was pretty amazing. The walk was supposed to finish at the foot of a waterfall, but the summer’s heat and lack of winter’s snow melt had dried it out completely. It was a little bit disappointing but a great walk none the less. 

Amy, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

We ended the day back at the Visitors Center, checking out the ranger’s station and learning more about this great park. 

On the way back to the hotel we stopped to pick up the photos, which like all others so far, make me grateful of this wonderful trip I’m taking.

We relaxed with a swim at the hotel before a thunderstorm arrived and sent us inside for our Mac & Cheese dinner.

Yosemite National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT

We had the tent packed up and we were on the road by 8am for our long drive to Zion National Park. Days have been hot here, but we have been camping at 7000 feet so nights and mornings have been cool, to say the least. Breakfast was had at Bishop Casino, about an hour out of Yosemite.

We drove for what seemed an eternity – there is not much out see out here in the Nevada / Utah desert. We arrived at Zion National Park at around 6pm. All the camp sites were full and the local Bed & Breakfast were relatively expensive, so we end up staying at Terrace Grove Inn, not far from the entrance to the park. We went and got sandwiches for dinner at a local deli and came back to the hotel for a late night swim. 

We had a relatively early night in, as the long drive in today’s heat has taken its toll on Amy & I. And a real bed and some television is quite tempting.

Amy, Nevada

Yosemite National Park, CA

We started off at Merced Grove, only 4 miles from the campsite.  We hiked for approximately 4 miles.  It was a nice walk downhill, but to turn around and come back was a killer!  We were apparently only 100 meters from a bear, but didn’t see it.  We only knew once we were told by other hikers coming the other way. 

We drove up to Glacier Point.  Words cannot describe the view from here as we can see the valley floor, Half Dome, Nevada Falls and the valley running east.  I couldn’t believe how fantastic this place was.  We listened to a ranger give a talk about the park and the Native American traditions. 

On the way back down, we picked up a hitchhiker and took her back into the valley. 

We went for a swim at Swinging Bridge.  While the temperature was hot, it was about 35 degrees, the water was freezing, as all the rivers and lakes are snow melts. 

We go back to camp just as it begins getting dark again, and had another quiet night in the tent.

Amy & I, Half Dome, Yosemite National Park

El Capitan, Yosemite, National Park, California

Campsite, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

We drove into the valley but took a 15 mile detour to the south entrance to have a look around.  We rented bikes for 2 hours and rode around most of the valley floor.  We then went up to Mirror Lake, where we walked through ankle deep water sunbaked and generally hung out.  We returned the bikes and headed to another campsite for showers before heading back to our own camp for dinner and for the night.

Me, Mirror Lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park, CA

It was a bad night’s sleep – still getting used to sleeping in the tent.  Heaps tired!  From the campsite we drove to the center of Yosemite.  We stopped at Bridalveil Falls, where we stopped to do a small hike.  Amy pushed on a little further up the falls. 

We drove into the valley and had some lunch some ice cream before going to the Ansel Adams Gallery.  Ansel Adams is a famous US nature photographer.  We drove up to El Capitan and rested in the car before walking to the base to spot rock climbers.  In the early evening, we drove to the Ahwahnee Lodge (a ritzy hotel inside Yosemite National Park).  From here we did an hour long guided tour with one of the Park Rangers. 

After that we headed back to camp where it was too dark to cook

Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Sausalito, CA to Yosemite National Park, CA

We got up early this morning and re-packed the car and headed out to Yosemite National Park.  It was a relatively uneventful 3 hour drive, except finding out about Amy’s fear of bridges. 

We arrived about 12pm and went straight to the campsite first.  We are staying at Hogden Meadows, near the western entrance, a full 26 miles from the valley floor. 

After setting up the tent, we drove into the valley to get our first real view of Yosemite.  WOW!  This place is absolutely amazing.  One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  After wandering around the Ranger’s Station, checking out the Ansel Adams gallery and getting some supplies, we headed back to the camp. 

I drove back out, as Amy drove in.  This gives us both a chance to get a great look at everything.  On the way back we stopped at Yosemite Falls.  The waterfall had only a misty flow, being mid summer all the snow melt had finished for the season.  All the same this is another beautiful part of the park.  I think over the next few days, actually weeks, I’m sure the words “amazing”, “awesome” and “unbelievable” will be used extensively (maybe even over kill). 

Dinner was cooked on our little gas cooker at the camp site.  It is dark by 8.30pm and because we have limited equipment, it was bedtime for us.

Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park, California

Sausalito, CA

Today Amy, Natalie, Peggy, Robbie and I are going to Alcatraz.  I’ve been looking forward to seeing as part of my trip here to the US. 

We get Rob and park at Fisherman’s Wharf in order to catch the ferry across to the island prison.  This place has a real aura to it.  You can sense the history of the place and with our audio guide, we lap up everything Alcatraz has to offer.  The tour took us around 3 hours and I had a blast.  Really enjoyed getting inside the walls, cells and the stories of the notorious prison that had housed Capone and other criminals – the worst of the worst they say.  

Amy, Natalie, Me, Robbie & Peggy, Alcatraz, San Francisco, California

Once back on the mainland we head over to McCormick & Kulleto’s for lunch, which is back from Fisherman’s Wharf, but again giving another great view over the Bay. 

We dropped Robbie off back at Chris’, and Amy and I did some last minute shopping for our trip starting tomorrow. 

Amy, Peggy and Nat are having dinner together while I head over to San Francisco to have one last meal with Robbie, Chris and Casi – who are now back form the weekend away.  We stayed in and just spent time catching up – a perfect end to this mini trip.  Who’d of thought us 3 guys would be meeting up in San Francisco 10 years after high school.  

Robbie, Me & Chris, San Francisco, California

Robbie continues on to Atlanta tomorrow for his conference, while we begin our 7 week cross country journey by heading to Yosemite National Park.

Sausalito, CA

I took Amy’s car in the morning and headed over to meet with Robbie at Nagle’s. 

The girls are off to do their own thing today, while Rob and I are going to hang out.  We walk down the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf and duck into Denny’s for breakfast.  We spend some time here (this place reminds me of the old Pier One under the Harbour Bridge).  From here we walk through the trendy North Beach area and Chinatown before checking out downtown San Francisco.  We did a little shopping and aimless wandering before we caught the Tram back up to Chris & Casi’s place to rest for the afternoon. 

Amy and Natalie met up with us before we headed to a friend of Amy’s, Mike Shack – an old University of Arizona buddy who lives in San Francisco.  He is a great character and the 5 of us headed out to Via Vento on Fillmore Street for dinner.  This restaurant was awesome and the lively company made for a fantastic evening. 

Natalie, Mike, Amy, Me & Robbie, Via Vento, San Francisco, California

After dinner we went back to Mike’s for drinks and more hanging out.  On the way back to Sausalito, we dropped Robbie off back at the Nagle residence.

Sausalito, CA

I got up early and went out to San Francisco Airport again, this time to pick up Robbie at 7am.  Robbie meets Amy for the first time – that’s got to be a lot for her to take in.  We head back into town for Robbie to stop at the Nagles’ house, where he is staying while they are in Jacksonville for the weekend. 

Once freshened up and rid of his luggage, which fortunately for me was filled with VB, Wizz Fizz, Jaffas, and Spacefood Sticks (ahhh! the little things from home) we head back over to Sausalito to have breakfast with Natalie and Peggy in a local café.  After breakfast we wander around the little bayside town and after a while Robbie and I split from the girls and their shopping frenzy and head to a pub for a couple of beers and a few games of pool. 

Dinner again was at the Cat and Fiddle (why not – it is the perfect restaurant) and afterwards World War 3 is started with Trivial Pursuit.  Underestimated by our opponents, Team Oz were very unhumble winners and will undoubtedly hold this over the girls’ heads for many years to come. 

Late in the evening I drive Robbie back over the bridge to his accommodations for the night.

Sausalito, CA

Amy and I were up early and headed north to San Rafael to have breakfast with Chris and Casi.  We just ate in a café near Chris’ work.  After breakfast we spent some time in and around San Rafael with Casi and her sister, Lisa.  As always it was great to catch up with the newlyweds.  After this trip, who knows when we’ll see them again. 

The bulk of the day is spent at P’s just relaxing.  A good time to catch up on laundry and snoozing. 

Amy & I, Sausalito, California

We did drive out to San Francisco Airport to pick Natalie, who’s flown in from Atlanta for the weekend, at 6.30pm.  We spend the night in, but make the most of celebrating Natalie’s birthday with cake.

Reno, NV to Sausalito, CA

Just woke up and continued my drive into San Francisco.  Went via South Lake Tahoe making only 2 stops, once at Denny’s for breakfast, and once by a cop for speeding.  I put the big Aussie accent on thick, and luckily he let me off with a just warning.  Phew! 

Once in San Francisco I drop the car off downtown and walk down to the ferry terminal in order to catch the 1pm ferry over to Sausalito.  On the other side I am met by Peggy (or Aunt P as Amy affectionately calls her).  Peggy is Amy’s friend, Natalie’s aunt, and is kindly putting us up for the next few nights.  Peggy’s apartment is beautiful, with a huge balcony overlooking the Bay.  Unbelievable! 

Amy arrived from Portland at 3.30pm and it was a wonderfully warm reunion.  That evening the 3 of us had dinner at the Cat and Fiddle in Sausalito.  This is a great restaurant with a patio which hangs over the Bay.  Fantastic food, incredible view, and wonderful company!  A couple days here meeting Peggy & Natalie, as well as catching up with Robbie, who is arriving in the US for a work conference on Saturday.  This should be a great way to send us on our cross country drive.

Me, Sausalito, California

Las Vegas, NV to Reno, NV

We called Kendra this morning and organized for her to have lunch with us.  We caught a cab from the Hard Rock, picked her up and went to TGI Fridays for lunch.  Food here was good. 

After lunch we headed down to the airport to pick up my rental car, which I am taking to San Francisco tonight.  It was in the late afternoon that I dropped Melissa and Kendra at work and then continued my drive north on the 95.  I drove for about 7 hours, stopping at only a McDonalds in Beatty for dinner along the way.

Again just before I got into Reno, I was too tired to continue driving, so I pulled into a rest area and slept in the car for the night.

Las Vegas, NV

A late start to the day meant that it was too hot to do anything, so the TV and air conditioning kept me company until late afternoon.  I walked up to the Strip and had dinner at Fatburger before walking around and taking photos near the MGM, New York New York. 

From here I jumped on the bus and went to Fremont Street – the old part of Vegas – where I took some more photos.  I caught a cab back home and it wasn’t long before Dave and Melissa were home.  In the meantime I spoke to Amy on the phone.  We had our usual beers in the spa and eventually went to bed around 2am.

Fremont Street, Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, NV

Breakfast this morning was at 10am at the Hard Rock Hotel – but of course, I’m with Dave & Melissa. 

From here we caught a cab down to Mandalay Bay where we went into the new aquarium exhibit – Shark Reef.  This was OK, but nothing compared to Denver.  We jumped on a monorail that went past the Luxor to the Excalibur.  We walked through this and New York New York Casinos to get to the Manhattan Express Rollercoaster, which Melissa and I went on.  This would have to be the scariest roller coaster I have ever been on as I was still shaking half an hour later.  We crossed the road to the MGM where we caught the monorail to Bally’s. 

From here it was a quick cab ride to the Sahara, where we met up with Kendra and Mike at the Nascar Café.  They have another rollercoaster here – which starts and stays at 90 miles per hour.  It goes under the sidewalk, through a loop and around the Sahara front entrance before going straight up (in about 45 seconds) before doing everything backwards to the beginning.  I think I was lucky to hold down anything I’d eaten from the last week.  What a ride!  Had another beer in the café before crossing the road to the Holy Cow Restaurant, where we had dinner – mmmm steak.  We jumped into Kendra’s van and went back to Dave and Melissa’s for a couple of drinks before going up to the mini golf arena, where we played around.  Once finished we played arcade games and got into the baseball batting cage, where I was hitting balls coming at me at 60 miles per hour  (normally they come at 90).  Although afterwards my hands hurt we definitely had a ball (no pun intended).  We didn’t get back home until 3am and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

Las Vegas, NV

I got up at 11am, and in the 40 degree heat, started my day off by riding Melissa’s bike up to the Strip to drop some film in to be developed. These are mainly photos from Salt Lake City and the roll of San Francisco that Dave found.

I decided to go for a ride and look around. First stop is Ellis Island for lunch, where I also watch the end of Pat Rafter in the Wimbledon final.

After lunch I ride out to Paradise Road and head north until I get to the Stratosphere. I then headed south, taking in all the sights of Las Vegas Boulevard. Mind you the heat was killing me.  By the time I got back to Walgreen’s my film was ready, so I headed back to the apartment. I caught the Spooners just before they were heading to work and proceeded to spend the afternoon indoors – a bit of television, bit of email, heaps of air conditioning. When they got home we spent a couple of hours in the spa. Bedtime at 3am.

Salt Lake City, UT to Las Vegas, NV

Vans Warped! Rock! Here I come. Well so I thought – but on with the story.

I left the hostel at noon and down 2nd and North Avenues for 75 minutes to the Utah State Fairgrounds. Here I lined up for half an hour to get in. I am looking forward to seeing The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Supersuckers and Lunachicks in particular. When I hand over my ticket, security searches my camera bag and refuses me entry and the basis that I have a “professional camera”. Protests fell on deaf ears and without baggage storage my only option is to sell my ticket and head back to the hostel. To make matters worse it rained on me on the walk back.

On the way back to the hostel I change my Greyhound ticket to the 5.30pm bus this evening, instead of the one I had reserved for tomorrow morning – all done out of spite. Once back at the hostel I checked out, but am still charged for the room, and make my way back down to the bus station. I stop at Crossroads again for lunch.

At the Greyhound I met Stephan, a German guy on his way to Flagstaff. The bus leaves and hour late and is unexciting all the way to Vegas, although Stephan is good company. We arrived in Vegas at 2am, after sleeping the last 20 minutes. I jump in a cab to Spooners and arrive to find them in the spa with Coronas waiting. The Spooners know me too well.

Salt Lake City, UT

Last night I arranged with Chris to meet up and drive out to Park City, Utah. This is 20 miles east of Salt Lake City, and the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. We stopped at the Olympic site first and spent over an hour watching people practice on the freestyle and K-20 jumps. We then drove around into Park City, which looked like a great, clean city and a haven for the rich during ski season. Park City is also where the Sundance Film Festival is held each January. We walked around here for a while and had lunch at a local pub. Usually to drink in Utah, you need to become a member of the bar (usually around $5) or have someone sponsor you. For some reason Chris and I weren’t questioned.

Freestyle Jumper @ Olympic Park, Park City, UT

On the way back into Salt Lake City we stopped at the Hard Rock Café to pick up some more pins for Dave and Melissa. We were going to have a drink here as well, but opted against it when membership was bought up.

We went back to the hostel and decided we’d meet up later for a Chinese dinner. I walked up to the library, six blocks up the hill, to check my email. Upon my return, Chris and Alexandra suggested going to a concert in Bringham Young Historic Park. Each Tuesday and Friday in the summer an hour performance is put on for free by a variety of acts. Tonight it was Julie se Azevedo – a local celebrity – who plays original songs on a guitar and piano. We sat in the park, enjoying the setting sun, listening to the very personal songs and generally relaxing.

That finished at eight and we walked up to Pagoda Chinese restaurant, with another addition, Jean-Paul, a Swiss guy we met in the park. I had a great Chicken Chow Mien dinner.

After dinner I called Amy and spoke for an hour.

On the way home I was going to stop at the house with the massive US flag to take a picture, but to my disappointment someone had stolen the flag (Losers!).

Salt Lake City, UT

I got up this morning and walked up the hill to the State Capital. This great building looks south over Salt Lake City, and although the view is a little hazy, there are plenty of good photos to be taken. I went inside and joined one of the guided tours, which gave a history of both the city and the building. I had a wander around on my own afterwards to take some more snaps.

Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City, UT

Inside Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City, UT

I left there and went down the hill to Hansen’s Planetarium. The entry to this museum was also free and, amazingly, there was no one inside. The small museum had plenty of lunar artifacts, as it seems Salt Lake City provides plenty of support to such programs.

From here I walked over to Temple Square – the home of the Mormons. In the square we were given a guided tour of the building as well as a rundown of the Mormon belief. The main temple was being renovated so we couldn’t go in. But we (the group I was with) did see the Tabernacle, which is where a large organ (11,000 pipes) is situated and where the famous choir performs nightly. We also went into the tourism / visitor center, which had a statue of Jesus and many religious paintings. Also, I went into the Assembly Hall, which is basically a small church.

Mormon Temple, Salt Lake City, UT

Assembly Hall @ Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Tabernacle Organ @ Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Afterwards I went to the Crossroads Mall for a late lunch / early dinner, before heading back to the hostel. I made my nightly call to Amy before hanging out with Chris and Alexandra (also from Switzerland) on the steps – chatting away.

Salt Lake City, UT

Today will be an unorganized stroll through downtown. I leave the hostel at 10am and head west of the city, where I am keen just to look around. I stop at a small café for breakfast and then just wander aimlessly for a while. There is a Hard Rock Café here so I walk the 7 blocks east (then 5 blocks south) to buy some pins for Dave and Melissa. It’s a pleasant stroll, and while the weather is hot, it is not too bad.

I head back into downtown and pick up a local free paper to see what’s on. On Saturday the Vans Warped Tour is on (Green Day, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Nofx, Supersuckers etc) so I decide that if I can get tickets I will stay and extra 2 days. The ticket outlet is 2 blocks further away from where I just came from. So out I go again, stopping along the way to check my email. Tickets are only $27, so not a problem. I grab some fruit and water on my way back to the hostel and, once there, extend my stay for an extra 2 nights.

I spend the evening writing in my diary and hanging out with a German girl (who’s name I didn’t get) and Chris (a Swiss guy who is traveling around the US). I made my nightly call to Amy, who was on her way out, but we talked for longer later in the night. 8 days before I see her.

Boulder, CO to Salt Lake City, UT

Happy Independence Day! Well not really.

The cab picked me up at 7am for the $5 ride to the bus stop. I waited for late running bus and by 8.30am I was on my way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The bus made a couple of stops along the way and pulled into Cheyenne at 11am. The next bus was supposed to leave 45 minutes later, but it was also an hour late – and packed to the rafters. I sat next to a young Oregonian guy named Vince and chatted most of the way. I hate Greyhound – and the 2 kids sitting in front of me who, for some reason, needed to put their seats all the way back, so my knees were up my nose. The trip to Salt Lake City is extremely uneventful. We make 3 stops – in Larime, Rawlins and Rock Springs (all in Wyoming). The scenery is merely rolling hills as far as the eye can see – and nothing else.

The bus pulled into Salt Lake City at 9pm, and I then walked up the hostel. Along the way I passed many families and blocked off streets, celebrating Fourth of July. I also past this amazing historical house, which had an American flag hanging of it which was at least 2 storeys high and nearly as wide as the house. I checked into the hostel and went straight to bed. I will start tomorrow off afresh and hope Salt Lake City is good value. Oh! And of course I rang Amy again tonight.

Boulder, CO

Today it is time to organize to moving along. I walked to where the Greyhound Station is (via Kinko’s to check email). It takes over an hour to walk there. A ticket to Salt Lake City will cost me $76 and take 11 hours – leaving tomorrow morning at 8am.

I walk back towards town, once again a different way. I walk through the Pearl Street Mall again and stop at the candle store to buy a present for Jen for letting me stay.

From here I walk back to the apartment, getting a sandwich from Snarf’s on the way. When I get home Star Wars is on the television followed by an old Liverpool game. Heaven. Surprise, surprise I call Amy and we talk for 2 hours again.

I make the most of my last night in Jen’s house as tomorrow I have to co-mingle with that breed of people called the Greyhounders and also deal with being in a hostel again – just what I always wanted.

Boulder, CO

Once again I have a nice long sleep in this morning.

When I get myself organized, I decided to walk to Chautauqua Park, which takes 45 minutes walking, heading southwest. Here there are some hiking trails, which take you up the hillside near the formation of rocks known as Three Irons (because of their shape). The combination of my complete lack of fitness and the thin air – I am over a mile above sea level – sees me make it only half way up the trail I have chosen. The view from this height, back to Boulder, is quite spectacular. So after a few photos of the surrounding landscape, it was back down the hill.

Foothills Of The Rockies, Boulder, CO

3 Irons, Boulder, CO

I walked a different way back to town, through a suburb, which is dominated by the university and its students.

I stopped at the same Irish bar as Thursday night to have lunch. An enjoyable steak with endless cokes was just what I needed. It was 4pm then, so I headed back to the apartment. I stopped to buy a sandwich for dinner and some snacks before making myself comfortable in front of the television again for the evening.

As per usual I had a marathon phone call with Amy. I am so dying to see her again that it’s driving me insane. Not long now.

Boulder, CO

I decided that I had better do something today, seeing as though I’m in a new town and it is a great day. I walk east, down to near where the shopping center is. I resist the temptation to go into the huge record store, but find a spot to check my email. From here I walk back along Pearl Street, stop at Snarf’s (a sandwich shop) for lunch and then head up to the Pearl Street Mall to wander around the 4 blocks of pedestrian mall. Plenty of nice shops to look through.

People here seem really laid back, considering the type of people ie younger people, old hippies, yuppies and café latte-ing people who think it’s cool to be seen in Boulder.

I head back to the flat and spent the afternoon and night watching television. I spoke to Amy, as always. Only 2 weeks to go before I see her again – can’t wait. Dinner is last night’s pizza, as once again I am settled in front of the television until the early hours of the morning.