29 Dec 2010

OK this is it. D day. Lots of rain now and weather forecast is not the best. Still, better then what JFK went through. I think they are still digging out. This morning, Steve will be picking us up and heading to Venice Beach for brunch. Our Flight leaves at 11:30pm local time and the rest of our traveling company should all be here so a small celebration will be in order. Providing of course that everybody makes it. My next communication will be from New Zealand.

28 Dec 2010

Last full day in L A. Sightseeing today visiting the walk of stars and the concrete markers at Graumens. Took a picture of the Hollywood sign. Earlier today we repacked our cases and sorted what goes and what stays in the car till we return. Dinner with Steven then back to the Marriott.

27 Dec 2010

California!!! Tonight's Marriott is at LAX which is 104 miles away and passing snow capped mountains on this final bit of Route 10 or as they say here, " The 10 ". Checked into the Marriott at LAX, changed and went off to have dinner with Whitney's son Steve, and his friends Mary and Georgio. Mary, who is a flight attendant with UAL left to work a flight to JFK and we went to see Steves apartment. I think my RV has just about the same room.

Boxing Day, 26 Dec 2010

Loved Texas but it was good to finally move onto another State. First came New Mexico where we got our first look at Giant Cactus as well as more spectacular scenery, then Arizona. Past Tucson and into Phoenix where stopped for this day. Visit with my Sister Fran at her new place. Being the great gourmet cook that she is I knew we would be in for a treat and was not disappointed. My Niece Lisa, her son Max, his cousin Mat and is Mother Dawn and her husband Dave joined as. Did I loose anybody yet? Great evening, lots of laugh and catching up. Back to the Marriott for the night.

Merry Christmas

Up early and on our way to El Paso. 530 miles away and last stop in Texas. We found ourselfs driving through some of the most beautiful vistas In this State. Not a single billboard to spoil the views. Thank you Lady Bird Johnson for this. Stopped for lunch at a rest area in the desert. PB&J may not be your typical Christmas meal but it was special to us. Arrived in El Paso checking into the Marriott and soon got a call from my Daughter Ann the she is engaged.
She sounded so happy and excited. What a great Christmas present yet somewhat bitter sweet that now I must step aside in her life for Tyler. I do like him which helps. Early dinner and turn in.

Remember the Alamo

After checking in at the Marriott we made our way to the Alamo which was two blocks away.
It was closed. Oh well. Anyway, when we checked into the hotel the room they gave us was not finished being refurbished so it was off to another room. This time the card keys wouldn't open the door. Lots of apologies made with an offer to comp our dinner this evening. Gleefully accepted. We made our way to get some groceries and found Centrel Market. It is better then Wegmans. At least bigger. But this is Texas after all. Tomorrow we head to ElPaso.

December 24

Christmas eve and we're on our way to San Antonio. Had breakfast at Tony's in Sealy TX served by a genuine Santa Elf. This will be the shortest segment of our trip and we'll be glad to have a lot more time to look around when we arrive. May even get to see the Alamo.

Houston

Uneventful ride to Houston until we got here. The GPS could not locate our hotel and we were hopelessly lost trying to find it. Nighttime and rush hour were no help either. Anyway, find it we did and will plan to give this place a miss on the way back. Tomorrow, San Antonio.

Lunch

We're halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge Louisiana, one
of the greatest culinary area's of America, and just had lunch at Chick-Fil-A. Go Figure

December 23

Happy "Festivus" Day everyone. On our way to Houston TX. Sorry for the lack of photos but I seem to be having a problem attaching pictures direct from the iPad. I have no problem putting pictures in but getting them out again...... Hopefully, when of you readers can guide me on this. For now, I'm just going to sit back and enjoy the ride. 70 more miles and it will be my turn to drive.

Dec 22

Stopped for the night at the Marriott Fairfield Inn, Spannish Fort AL. Tomorrow we're off to Houston TX but for now, dinner.

December 22nd

1035 and we're on our way. A little late owing to our cat Sophie who decided to hide. We were not planning to take her on this trip of course but she wasn't going to take the chance. Weather is overcast and perfect for driving. Whitney is taking the first driving segment. Our normal routine is to switch over every one hundred miles which seems to work pretty well. We've got several books on CD's to enjoy and help pass the time.

December 20th

Two days left before we hit 95 north and turn left on 10. Packing is just about done and rechecked, still I'm sure we will leave something behind like money or tickets or whatever. I'm hoping  that California dries out a bit before we arrive.

December 14, 8 days to go.

Woke up this morning to find the bird bath frozen over. The Southern Hemisphere is starting to look more appealing then ever.

08 Dec.2010

Hotel Reservations made for our stops across the country. Ordered both New Zealand and Australian dollars. All our traveling companions have now received their trip packs from Lindsay Monell, our Travel Agent. She has done a fantastic job putting this together. These days do seem to be flying by and ready or not, the 22nd is coming fast.

December 1st, 21 days to go.

OK everybody, this is my first attempt doing a Blog. I sort of feel like a cave man writing on his wall. Anyway, December 22nd is the target date set for our road trip to Los Angeles to pick up a Qantas flight to Auckland New Zealand to board a Ship which will take us to Sydney Australia then fly back to LAX to pick up our car for the return trip home. Can't wait to see how many ER's I'll see before we get home. (private joke). I'll try and keep this interesting as we go. In the meantime, lots to do.