Wednesday 28 May 2008
The End
First we walked up to Lombard Street.
The secnd picture is from the top looking down
It was a tough walk and there was a bit of whingeing from some quarters,when we returned to sea level, we recovered in a cafe and set off for a trollybus ride. We got on a trolly as it returned to the start of its circular route so were not charged.
We split up after this Pam and Chris returned to Pier 39, Sand and I going to a 50's style diner, I had a burger and Sand a milk shake and apple pie.
Then back to the hotel for packing, a last meal, early night and into our last limmo for the trip to the airport.
No delays, straight home
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Alcatraz etc
Very interesting, what struck me most was how small it was
considering its reputation, it will be interesting to talk to the Guys Marsh chaps about the differences between then and now.
Lunch was chowder in a loaf,
and then we split up looking at submarines and a Barnes and Nobel book shop etc.
Last day tomorrow.
Monday 19 May 2008
San Francisco
This morning we played on the cable cars,
this afternoon Pam and Sand
did a bit of shopping and Chris and I looked at some of the old boats.
Tonight we ate
on Fisherman's Wharf. Tomorrow Alcatraz
Friday 16 May 2008
More on Kauai
Friday morning it was still a bit overcast but hot and humid, so "we" went shopping, got back to the gaff in time for a few midday beers, Sand. had a Banana something or other and decided no more, Pam stopped after her Vodka, and Chris and I entertained the natives. Had to rush off to get to the free hour of Mai Tais (as shame they are not very nice)Leaving now for our evening meal
Thursday 15 May 2008
Kauai
Tuesday, Wednesday
Tuesday we flew to Kauai and arrived at the hotel early afternoon, it is very beautiful with amazing gardens and sea views.
But some how although smaller than the hotel at Waikiki it is more impersonal. However we will manage.
On the Wednesday we took an all day tour of most of the south of the Island and some of the middle. We saw sights
and gift shops, a vague wave at where captain Cook landed. Then up to the Waimea
we could not go to the end point as big busses can’t make it, then back down again and off to lunch.
The afternoon was up the east side of the Island, sights and a cultural boat trip to Fern Grotto, most of the ferns were ripped away in their last hurricane but are growing back. The return trip was singing and Hula lessons.
One of the Singers claim to fame was that he was Uncle something in Pressley's Blue Hawaii.
Tuesday 13 May 2008
The end of Waikiki
Sunday to Monday
Chris and Pam stayed behind as we set off for our Island Tour. First stop Pearl Harbour and the Arizona Memorial
then on round the Island stopping many times
at view points which gave a comprehensive picture of the Island
and the life here.
The driver was a mine of information and all the time we were in the bus he did not stop talking, the tour lasted about 10 hours and we were out of the bus for about 3 –3 ½ hours and even then he would pop up and point more things out.
Chris and Pam explored more and found a military museum and Chris bought Pam a Jeep T-shirt. They came back to the hotel and swam in the sea and generally relaxed.
On our last full day Pam and Sandy went shopping Chris and I had a walk and found a few more watering holes.Chris had a hair cut and I had a sail around the bay.
Our twin towers
Monday 12 May 2008
A bit of a Catch up
Last whole day here.
This is a bit of a catch up, when I was going bring it up to date I had an I.T. problem (the laptop would not log off and it took over a day to shut it down so I could start it up again, I still don’t know what I did but it’s OK now)
Leaving Barstow we headed to L.A. On the way we tried to get to see the Edwards Airbase Museum but were turned away as we had not pre-booked. So we just carried on to L.A. On the outskirts we headed west and ran along the north of the hills that surround L.A. then we turned south through the hills and got to the coast west of Malibu, Where we turned back east and headed into L.A. Stopping now and then to see the sights.
We found our motel, that was pre-booked, in not the best part of town
but it suited our needs. The next day we had a full day tour of L.A. It overdosed a bit on celebrity but we saw much more than if we had attempted anything on our own.
The next day was travelling, L.A. to Waikiki . We were met at the airport with a stretch Limmo ( no photo at this stage as the camera was in a bag )
After we checked in we explored the hotel had some food and crashed out. We are finding that 9.00pm is a good time to start thinking about bed and 7.30 seems a good time to get up.
The next day was a getting to know Waikiki day
sunbathing day and generally settling in day. Sand and I booked a "Round the Island tour" Pam and Chris are not going as they did it last time.
Thursday 8 May 2008
Lost in Ciderspace
Route 66
Day 10/11 Monday/Tuesday
setting off north towards Flagstaff. We turned west to Williams,
the railhead of the Grand Canyon Rail Road, and then on to Route 66.
We followed the old road as much as we could right through to Kingman where we stayed the night. Next day, moving on to Barstow via Oakman
and Calico,
both old mining towns.