The End

It was quite cool in the morning when we set off to do our last bit of sightseeing.
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

Alcatraz etc

Early start down to pier 33 and off to Alcatraz.

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.

Alcatraz etc

San Francisco

Apart from me having to be gone over thoroughly by Security at Kauai airport it was an uneventful day, arriving in San Francisco at about 10.30 pm local time. Our limmo. this time was even more stretched than last time. The only drawback was that it had a minute boot, most of the luggage was up with the driver and one case had to come inside with us.
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

More on Kauai

After our day trip we had an easy day burning our bodies by the pool, but then the weather turned, shame I hear you all cry,we are having quite a lot of haze. It is known locally as vog and it is caused by the erupting volcano on on Big Island. Thursday night we had our meal under an umbrella in our usual cafe and looked along the shore line it was grey ,raining and looked just like at home, if you ignored the palm trees.
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

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

Canyon,

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.

Back then to the hotel with a stop, in the tour bus, at a supermarket to get some booze (small Bud light $5.50 in the hotel)

The end of Waikiki

Our airport transfer

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

A bit of a Catch up

Tuesday Morning in Waikiki

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.

This is going on a bit but as we have almost caught up, I will continue later.

Lost in Ciderspace

You will note two entries for Route 66 the earlier one got lost and did not appear but after I had done it again it miraculously reappeared so I have left both in.

Route 66

Day 10/11 Monday/Tuesday

We left Sedona after going to see Cathedral Rock,

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.