San Francisco, CA

A big day started just up the road at Buena Vista Cafe, where we had breakfast with Shack, a college friend of A's who we havenb't seen in at least 15 years.  This famous restaurant is home to America's first Irish Coffee back in 1932.  Of course A & Shack indulged.  A hearty breakfast for a big day ahead.

After breakfast Shack drove us to a couple of spots in San Francisco.  We stopped at the Fort Point National Historic Site, under the foggy Golden Gate Bridge, and he took us through the Presidio neighborhood, where he used to live, and eventually dropped us off at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park.  Was great to catch up with Shack, and we'll see him again on Friday when we head out to his place.

Shack,ML&B, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

At the de Young we toured the Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm exhibit.  This was great.  Paul took many photos during his days as a Beatle, and there were as many photos of fans going crazy as there were of members of the band and friends just hanging out in the US.  Black & white pictures in the wintery north of the country to bright and vibrant color pictures as they moved the tour into Florida.

Paul McCartney Exhibit, de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA

We were cut short for time at the museum, so didn't get to see any of the other exhibits.  We caught an Uber back to the hotel to pick up some warmer clothes (thankfully).  Lunch was at the In n' Out right by the hotel - after the longest wait ever in a fast food restaurant - not through inefficiency, but sheer volume.  

A half mile later we were at Pier 33, ready to head out for an afternoon on Alcatraz.  This is my 3rd trip here, and the first time in 20 years.  WHile ther was a familiarity with the place, there was a lot of new stuff to see, and share with the boys seeing the place for the first time.  The tour starts in the shower room, before getting into the main accommodations of the place.  I know it hasn't been used as a prison in over 60 years, but this place is bleak.  I can't imagine how bad it was as a prison in the 50s and 60s.  And cold - sheesh!  That wind howls through there.  The wind noise and temperature would have been a nightmare stuck in a prison cell.  The audio tour takes your through the different levels of incarceration in the building and what the inmates did for dining and entertainment.  And the story of an unsuccessful uprising.  The tour is narrated by one time inmates and guards.  On the way out I bought a book, Alcatraz From Inside by one of the narrators, former prisoner Jim Quillen.  We went out to the Industries Building, on the north western side of the island.  I had not been here on previous trips, but now it was filled with an exhibit from when Native Americans reclaimed the island in 1969 and occupied it for 19 months.  A really interesting, politically charged protest saw Native Americans raise awareness to the plight of their people and the issue of stolen land, especially sacred sights.  The final part of the island has a small exhibit talking about incarcerations in today's world.  Plenty of statistics shared did not paint a promising picture for America, who seem to have high numbers and percentages of people in jails or prisons throughout the country.

Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

L. Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

DBM&L, Alcatraz, San Francisco, CA

We were on the island for close to 4 hours, and on the ferry back, the crowd was gifted with the sighting of a whale in the bay, much to the delight of everyone.  Once off the boat, we walked some to the Embarcadero, before heading to China Live for dinner.  This was a place recommended by the hotel, and one we'd seen yesterday while walking around.  This is a great restaurant concept.  A vast dining room intertwined with a gift store.  Different open kitchen cooking areas and a robot delivering food to tables and to go orders to the front to the restaurant.  Visually it was almost over stimulating.  But nothing in comparison to the food.  It was amazing.  We ordered smaller dishes to try different things, and we just couldn't stop.  We definitely needed the mile walk back to the hotel afterwards, just to digest the best meal I've had in ages.

DBL&M, China Live, San Francisco, CA

Abaye de St Benoit du Lac & Yamaska National Park

7/18

Biosphere

Ferry to Old Port

Smokies Food Truck

Archeology Museum

7/19
Ta Pies

St Josephs

walked to to Snowdon Metro

Train to Bonaventure

Walk St Catherines

7/20

Drive to 

Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac

Lunch in Picnic Grounds

Yamaska National Park

Lynchburg, VA

After this morning's hearty breakfast at The White Hart Café we went to Bikes Unlimited to rent some bikes and ride along the river in Lynchburg.

The morning was spent cruising alongside the James River on the Riverwalk Trail.  A relaxing 2 hour ride, before the heat was turned up, made for a fun morning.  

B&L, Lynchburg, Virginia

Dad, L, B & Mom - Riverwalk Trail, Lynchburg, Virginia

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Crisp for a somewhat healthy lunch.  By the time we were back it was hot (again) and we spent a while just relaxing, trying to decide what to do in the afternoon.

After reading the hotel literature we opted to drive to the half hour east out to Appomattox - the sight of the end of the Civil War.  The boys weren't enthusiastic at first (no learning during Spring Break) but that was all to change.  We virtually had the place to ourselves upon arrival.  It seemed weird that such a significant historical event happened in this rural area near absolutely nothing.  Again, my knowledge of the area and event are minimal, plenty of volunteers and readings make sure that's not the case when you leave.  After a month or so of retreating west and a lack of supplies, both ammunition and food, General Lee surrendered at Appomattox when surrounded and outnumbered by General Grant's army.  Here, in the McLean House, the first treaty to end the Civil War was signed marking victory for the Union.  This well kept area has an eerie feel to it, but it is amazing feeling to add another landmark I've been to that I could never imagined 21 years ago when I left home.

McLean House, Appomattox, Virginia

Our last Lynchburg meal was at the much lauded Hot & Cold Café.  This Indian / Mediterranean restaurant had been spoken highly of by a lot of locals and hotel staff, and was a great meal to finish our Spring Break adventure before we head home in the morining.

Mom, Dad, L & B at Hot & Cold Café, Lynchburg, Virginia

Charleston, SC

So while mum was over visiting she decided she wanted to go to Charleston.  She'd seen it once as a child in a movie she'd forgotten but always wanted to check it out.  So her and I packed up the car 19 May and drove down for a night.

We got to the Holiday Inn in the northern part of town and set off for a wander around town.  We walked all the way down King St to Market and walked across to the indoor markets before stopping for a quick bite at a pub on N Market St.  Leaving in a hurry, we walked up to the port and just made it onto the last Fort Sumter Tour.  The 45 minute ferry ride took us out to spend a couple of hours out at Fort Sumter - where the American Civil War started.  Really interesting place full of history.  I can only imagine how magnificent it looked in its full glory.  A 2 hour history lesson from the National Parks Service before our cruise back to Charleston.

Upon arrival we went to the Tourist Info Center, before doing a lap of the town on the free trolley.  The trolley stopped not far from the hotel.  I had decided on dinner over at Shem Creek.  I had eaten at a bar there 12 years ago with A, and after 10 years in the desert just love the idea of waterfront eating.  We ended up at the Waters Edge where we enjoyed a great seafood meal while overlooking the creek.  Glad we went over the bridge to Mt Pleasant for this.

Me & Mum @ Water's Edge, Mt Pleasant

After a nice breakfast in the hotel.  We walked back down to Market St to get on an Old South Carriage Company ride through Charleston.  To stem the flow of traffic, the horses are directed on 5 different routes via a lottery system.  Fortunately for us, our trip wound through the southern tip of the city.  An area we had yet to explore.  We spent close to 2 hours seeing some beautiful homes and churches, as well as getting a great historical rundown of the city.  After the tour we walked down to the see the homes of Rainbow Row.  It was then that the weather turned nasty and we jumped on the trolley back to the hotel.  From there we headed home.  Mum had a blast and it was nice to be away for a day. I wonder where we'll go when she comes back next year.

Death Valley National Park

It's hard to believe that we have lived in Vegas for nearly 8 years and never made it to Death Valley. With a day off work, A's mom in town celebrating her and my birthday, and A still well enough to travel before the boys arrive next month, it was a good time to make the journey.

It is still relatively cool in Vegas and we knew Death Valley would be warmer, so timing was also right weather wise.

We left early for the 2.5 hour drive north-west. It is a fairly non-descript drive through the desert all the way and not much fanfare when you get to the park either. But the National Park itself is awesome.

Our first stop was at Zabriskie Point. This small hike leads to the overlook where you see the 200 square miles of salt flats that Death Valley is known for. A magnificent start to the days proceedings.

We then drove on to the Furnace Creek Visitors Center to get some ideas of what to do. We quickly found out that we wouldn't be able to do everything in 1 day and will have to make the journey back some day to see the northern and western parts of the park. We drove about 28 miles to the northeast to Stovepipe Wells Village, where stopped for lunch. Only a mile further was the Mosaic Canyon, where we stopped and did our only real hike of the day. We spent just over an hour making our way through a moderately elevated trail. It was nice to be out of the car, but certainly warmer than I expected.

A, Mom & I at Mosaic Canyon

Back the way we came, again past the Visitors Center and on to Natural Bridge. Again we got out here and walked the short distance up to the bridge. We didn't go further as we wanted to see more and time and daylight were running out.

Natural Bridge at Death Valley National Park

Our next stop was at Badwater. This overlooks the salt basin which, at 282 feet below sea level, is the lowest point in the USA. Just a vast expanse of salt flats that go nearly as far as the eye can see. There is a significant increase in temperature here and we walk out for about a mile to try and get an idea of how big this is. Pictures taken do not do it justice.

A & I at Badwater Salt Flats

We continue 55 miles to the south, to the Park's exit near Shoshone. Ashford Mill and Jubilee Pass are supposed to be areas where the flowers bloom, and are said to be a spectacular sight. We are here probably 3 weeks to early to sees this, but that gives us another reason to come back.

The only thing less exciting than desert scenery on a drive, is the desert at night. We took the drive back through Pahrump before getting into Vegas around 9pm. A great days exploring and definitely a place I would want to go back to, though next time I want to check out Scotty's Castle. Another US National Park to take off the bucket list.

Mum & Craig's Visit

Sunday was a day exploring the Strip and then I had to work on Monday. Because we didn't do enough driving Saturday, this morning Mum, Craig and I drove out to the Grand Canyon National Park. It's a good 4.5 hour drive, which was extended when the main road leading into the Canyon was closed because of an accident. We were diverted and extra 1.5 hours through Flagstaff. While the drive felt endless, I'm glad we got to go this way. The weather was literally freezing and we drove through and around snow covered mountains. I think all of us were in awe. 

And then you get to the Grand Canyon. It never ceases to amaze me how vast this place is. There is no photo that has ever done this place justice. It is just breathtaking. And Mum and Craig's jaws rarely left the ground. We spent a few hours here just walking on top of the rim, taking in the various vistas. I feel blessed to have had several opportunities to see this natural wonder. Again, I don't think I've been that cold in a long time, but I'm glad we got out there. 

We got back about 11pm and just crashed.

Craig & Mum @ The Grand Canyon (and yes, it was that cold)

Mum & Craig's Visit

Up relatively early this morning to head up to Utah and into Zion National Park. After a stop in Mesquite we were in the park and wandering around by the late morning. I gotta say - I love this place. It gets better every time I come here. This the first time I'd been here when it was cold and I could only think how beautiful it'd be covered in snow at winter. I'll be back. I think Mum & Craig thought it was great. Nothing like it back home. We did a few small hikes, including my favorite up to the river, though it was way to cold to wade up it. Another thing I like is the drive to and from, so many varied landscapes that are so picturesque. 

We got back into Vegas at 8pm and had a casual dinner at Paymon's.

 Mum, A & Craig @ River Walk @ Zion

 Mum & Craig @ Weeping Rock, Zion National Park

Craig, Mum & I @ Zion National Park

Hoover Dam Tour

San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies @ AT&T Park

What I remember (in 2024)

On August 3, Trish, A & I flew to San Francisco and spent 3 (free) nights at the Hyatt at Union Square (work perks).  We did a trip out to Alcatraz and went to a Giants Game.  The Giants play at AT&T Stadium, right in downtown San Fran, on the bay.  The stadium was built with Barry Bonds in mind.  The left hander, with all his power can hit the ball out of the stadium and into the bay, where people will wait in boats and kayaks to collect the souvenir.  He did it at our game, but it was a foul ball.

Colorado 2 (Matt Halliday, Choo Freeman home runs) defeated San Francisco 1 (Omar Vizguel home run) in 11 innings.

Crowd: 39,014

Trish & I @ AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

A @ The Baseball, San Francisco, CA

AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

Barry Bonds hit one into the Bay, (but it was a foul)

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

What I remember (in 2024)

I flew out to The Grand Canyon with Robbie on Scenic Airlines, as a comp from work.  The small 8 seater plane was bumpy as all hell going both out there and back.  I'm sure I still have fingernails embedded in their seats.  Absolute great day though, as is any day at the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Robbie, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

From The Plane, Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Fethiye, Turkey to Pamukkale, Turkey

Hieropolis, Pamukkale

Travertine Pools, Pamukkale

Me @ Travertine Pools, Pamukkale

What I remember (in 2024)

We checked into Aspawa Pansiyon straight of the bus, and then headed out to see Pamukkale straight away, as the next full day would be spent at Afrodisias.

We went up to see the Hierapolis, but I think time was against us to go in.

We did however go to the Travertine Pools.  Where was everyone?  Again, maybe because it was late afternoon, but there were very few people around while we there.

On the way back to the Pansiyon, we stopped for a feed and the owner was telling us his son was currently in Australia.  He wanted to show me where, so bought out his address.  The guy was living in Coogee.  Small world.

Tucson, AZ

The morning started on the campus of the University of Arizona walking from faculty to faculty.  We walked past the football stadium, which is bigger than the Sydney Football Stadium, I was totally blown away.  The campus is huge and it takes a long time to cover the grounds.  We also went by Amy’s old Sorority House.  We stopped at the Sausage Deli for lunch – this, ironically for a vegetarian, is another of Amy’s Tucson favorites.  After lunch we drove west of the city, up through Gate’s pass, over to Saguaro National Park.  We stopped at various points to take pictures of these massive 12 foot plus cacti. 

Me, Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Again this was another landscape I’d never seen before, and made me feel like I’d stepped on to the set of an old Western movie.  On the drive home we stopped at the pharmacy to pick up some photos and for our daily ice cream.  We also did some shopping at a second hand store.  When we got back to the hotel, we went down the afternoon and spent the late afternoon relaxing there.  We had dinner at Rosa’s restaurant – Amy’s favorite Mexican restaurant in the world.  After dinner we had drinks at Shelter before settling in for the night.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Again the day started at Yavapai Lodge for breakfast – but a lot earlier today as we need to get all our energy reserves for the upcoming day. 

We drove the Bright Angel Trailhead and then spent the early hours of the day hiking down into the Canyon. On the way down we were passed by 2 groups riding mules and I was having a hard time deciding who was having the more uncomfortable trip down. While we made 3 miles down, we were still 9 miles from the Colorado River, and never going to make it there and back in any period of time we had. We stopped at a water station, before making the much harder climb back up the canyon wall. The views, both down and up, were again like noting I never thought I would see. It is a shame today was so hot that we couldn’t hike further down and see more. This place is truly a natural wonder. 

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Amy & I, Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

3 miles into Bright Angel Trail looking back up at South Rim, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Once back on top of the rim, it was a mere ice cream lunch before resting back at the campsite for the afternoon. We spent the afternoon writing in diaries and playing Boggle and ending with a mac and cheese dinner. Again we headed to Mather Point to enjoy the colors of the sunset over the canyon. What a great way to end our stay at the Grand Canyon!

At Sunset, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

We went to Yavapai Lodge for breakfast this morning, and to stock up on water bottles for the day. We caught a shuttle bus to bright Angel Lodge, and then another to an area called the Abyss. From here we walked along the South Rim (heading west) for 3 miles to Pima Point. All along the way we had spectacular views of the canyon. We caught another shuttle to Hermit’s Rest (the westernmost point on the rim Road). After walking back a ways, we caught the shuttle again back to Mojave and then walked the mile to Hopi Lookout before getting the shuttle back to the campsite.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Amy & I, Grand Canyon, Arizona

That evening we drove outside the park to the town of Tusyan, to watch a movie about the Grand Canyon at the Imax theatre. We stopped at a local pizza place there for dinner before heading back into the National Park for an evening hanging around the camp.

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.

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