Don't Call it "Frisco"

Sunday, 23 August 2009

Road Trip Day 4

I skipped out of Salinas quite early today after a complimentary continental breakfast. I woke too early to be hanging around waiting for the mall to open, so I hit the road and chose a random destination from my road atlas. I chose "Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk".

This "pin in the map" attraction turned out to be the most deliciously cheesy beach-front amusement park with an old-school wooden roller-coaster, log flume and merry-go-round plus all the accompanying candy floss, hot dogs, ice cream and fairground stalls.

I took a look around, ate some pop corn then resumed my journey, heading for a different mall on route to San Francisco.

More Mist

With the invaluable assistance of my Sat Nav I arrived at my San Francisco hotel in the sun shine. I checked in, parked The Beast is the tiny parking space she'll be staying in for the next couple of days and brought my bags upstairs.

By the time I'd done all that, settled in and checked the internet connection I left the hotel to find that the notorious San Francisco mist had rolled in.

I was strolling down Lombard Street where my hotel is and going towards the Presidio, an area of parkland, but formerly a military installation when I glanced down a side street and saw a yacht. That drew me down Broderick Ave towards the Marina District, an area of huge, beautiful houses on immaculate, tree-lined streets.

I reached the Marina then turned towards the mouth of the bay for my first view of the Golden Gate Bridge. I didn't get the best view possible... as you can see for yourself.

IHOP

I was feeling pretty tired by now so took the easy option for dinner and ate at the International House of Pancakes, usually abbreviated to IHOP but wasn't really impressed. Never mind, I'll make sure to find somewhere more adventurous tomorrow.

Now it is bedtime and I'm hoping the traffic noise echoing around the courtyard of the hotel subsides overnight.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Thirty

Distance travelled - 143 - Salinas to San Francisco via Santa Cruz

State count - 16 + DC

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148, 212

Misty's Misty Adventure

Saturday, 22 August 2009

Road Trip Day 3

Since the TrekAmerica part of my journey ended I've been all over the place with my eating habits. When on your own, it's easy to find yourself missing meals because there's no-one else to say "I'm hungry" or "Where shall we stop for lunch?" Also, neither of the motels I have stayed at so far offered breakfast.

So, took steps last night to make sure I had a good start to the day by finding a restaurant for breakfast this morning. I found a place which had received glowing reviews on the TripAdvisor site and enjoyed good coffee, two eggs (over easy), potatoes, white toast and sausage. Very nice it was too and a habit I need to continue as I'd never usually skip breakfast so why start now?

The PCH

So, today was the day I drove the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH. Since I was first alerted to its existence by Danny at work, I've wanted to drive it. I have been on the PCH for the last couple of days, but the section I drove today from Morro Bay to Monterrey is the most impressive. The road is cut into cliffs, sometimes several hundred feet up with sheer drops on the seaward side and cliffs threatening to drop rocks from the landward. I drove over several recent small rock falls and over even more sections of recently repaired road.

The only fly in the ointment was that the low mist I mentioned enveloping Morro Bay last night had not lifted and extended almost the entire length of this most dramatic section of the PCH.

I'm not sure how much I missed though as the road requires your 100% attention. I managed a few glances left and right on the occasional straight section, but these rarely lasted more than a couple of hundred yards. I did make sure to stop a few times and take a break and look around. My fellow road users were in no hurry either, which is commendable, but if I could have a dream come true it would be to drive the same route again, but with no one else on the road and in a car better suited to the twists, turns and inclines... something like a 1.9 litre diesel Renault Megane Convertible perhaps?

Still, mustn't grumble. The Beast did just fine and I dare say in a car with manual transmission I'd have ruined my leg making all those gear shifts.

Back to Nature

After the morning and early afternoon of driving surrounded by Harley's, camper vans and Mustang Convertibles (Grrr...) I took a break back to nature in the afternoon at Point Lobos State Reserve. It's a lovely spot where some great geology is exposed where land meets sea. There's a mix of soft conglomerate and sandstone alongside solid granite. The result is a series of crinkly bays, beaches and nicks in the coastline.

That's No Log

When I browsed the information leaflet issued at the gate I noticed a bit about Sea Otters and thought, "Yeah Right, I'll never spot one of those..." Well, just shows what I know. I did as they advised and looked for a log sized object with bumps at each end; the head and back flippers of the otter and there it was right in front of me.

Best of all, it was doing that trick of opening shells by bashing them against a stone balanced on its tummy.

I spent a very relaxed couple of hours at Point Lobos and felt refreshed for the rest of my journey.

Salinas

I'm now in my hotel room in the Salinas wrestling with a dodgy internet connection. It's quite a large motel, but very clean and comfortable with a Black Bear Diner on site where I've just demolished ribs and steak with mashed potatoes (I've had it up to here with French Fries) and onion rings.

There's a mall near here but as its Sunday tomorrow it doesn't open till 11:00am so I am going to have a lie-in before heading to the mall for some essential supplies.

After that, I'm off to San Francisco for a couple of days.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Nine

Distance travelled - 146 miles - Morro Bay to Salinas via the PCH and Point Lobos State Reserve

State count - 16 + DC

New Feature!

Room numbers stayed in - 203, 1, 148... I'm trying to devise some kind of "Room Number Bingo" or maybe some way of plotting them on a scatter graph in the hopes they form the pattern of the constellation Pisces. Any suggestions, do let me know.

Santa Barbara to Morro Bay

Friday, 21 August 2009

Road Trip Day 2

I spent some time before I left the Motel Hacienda this morning booking upcoming stays in Salinas and San Francisco. Booking hotels is a tedious process, even when using the TravelAdvisor website as I have been doing. It's a question of balancing price against the reviews of people who've stayed in the hotels. I've learned not to hold too much store in the reviews though. For instance, some of the previous guests at the Motel I stayed in last night gave it terrible reviews, yet I found it to be very pleasant and would be happy to recommend it to others.

Still, frustrating as the process is I am happy to have it out of the way for a couple of days.

Santa Barbara by Daylight

Once I'd got the bookings done I drove into the city, made a quick stop at Borders to by a USA Road Atlas and then parked up by the beach for a walk along Stearns Wharf and the oceanfront. My guidebook informs me that Stearns Wharf is the oldest wooden pier in the state and dates back to 1872. However, the prices of the food, snacks and souvenirs on sale are very much up to date. I declined the offer of an ice cream for over $5 and strolled of the pier and along the beach.

I liked Santa Barbara a lot, and it's setting beneath the California Hills is stunning. It's very "California" in that it's clean, crisp and sculpted to be aesthetically pleasing.

Inland

My destination after Santa Barbara is Morro Bay and I decided to let the Sat-Nav take me a more direct route than the coast road. Route 154 took me over the San Rafael Mountain range where I was treated to great view of the dusty hills scattered with the occasional bright green area of irrigated land and a lake created by a dam project.

My route kept me inland as it skirted around Vandenberg Air Force Base before returning to the coast at Pismo Beach where I stopped by to pad around on the sand again. I must get my feet wet with Pacific water soon.

Sea Mist

I arrived in the fishing port of Morro Bay to find it shrouded in a thick sea mist. This meant that the huge "Morro Rock", a volcanic plug which dominates the bay, was only visible from it's midpoint downwards.

My digs tonight are lovely and exactly the image I have an American Motel. Adjoining chalet style rooms with parking spaces outside each one. In this photo you can just see my room with car sitting outside.

Speaking of which, here's that photo of my ride I promised you yesterday. I'm still mulling over a name for her, but the current front runner is "The Beast". One thing which was resolved today was the colour. I got chatting to an aging hippy at one of the mountain pass viewpoints and he described the colour as "Ticket Red", referring to how much she might stand out to cops. Let's hope he's wrong.

Fish and Chips

I wandered along the dockside this evening to the sound of barking sea-lions and squawking gulls and looked for a reasonably priced dinner. I think I was too cautious though as I had a rather disappointing portion of Fish and Chips... oh, and that's the English meaning of chips, i.e. French fries.

Now it's time for bed and a good rest ahead of tomorrow's drive along the most spectacular part of the Pacific Coast Highway and the Big Sur.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Eight

Distance travelled - 118 miles - Santa Barbara to Morro Bay, with a small detour to Pismo Beach

State count - 16 + DC

On the Road Again

Thursday, 20 August 2009

Road Trip, Day 1

Today was my first day of my self-driven road trip. I'm in charge from here on. I'm the responsible adult. I'm the designated driver. I'm the tour guide. I'm like, totally stoked!

Rental Car Blues

So, when planning this jaunt, the most complex single part was the Rental Car. No-one rents a car for 63 days and they certainly don't drive it from LA to NYC via a 6,000 mile route taking in 30 states.

That's why I spent so long finding a company, Dollar Rent-a-Car, that could do this for me. They were real helpful and suggested that I book via Virgin Holidays as they give an even better rate than Dollar do direct.

So, when booking with Virgin, I included the flights and hotel in New York and did, indeed, get a good price. However, I got crappy service. They kept contradicting themselves over duration, one-way rental fees and frequency with which I'd have to "check-in" with a Dollar office for them to check the car out.

Anyway, after a tremendous amount of hassle and repeated phone calls on my part and a replacement Rental Car voucher which I had to collect at Heathrow as the first one was wrong I believed it to be all sorted.

So, I arrived at the Dollar office at Los Angeles International Airport today with my voucher proudly in hand. Did the rental go smoothly? Did I pick up a Ford Mustang Convertible in a matter of minutes with minimum fuss? DID I FUNK!!

What a bloody shambles. Apparently my booking was cancelled as a "no show"... probably three weeks ago when I didn't arrive at JFK to rent a car as the first, erroneous voucher stated.

Anyway, some blustering by myself and very sincere apologies from the Dollar staff (who also agree that Virgin Holidays suck!) I wandered out to select my convertible.

No Mustangs

Nope, not one. We don't see many of those I'm afraid explained the garage attendant. Choose from this array of white Chrysler Sebring Convertibles. They were all dinged and scratched, so I reluctantly chose one... with a broken roof. I tried another. The attendant lent a hand and showed how the divider in the boot (trunk) works to keep luggage out of the way of the roof.

With the roof of a Sebring stowed in the boot there is about enough room for a laptop computer and a packet of chewing gum (if you like your gum squished that is).

So, regretfully, I rejected the convertible option and went back to get my Rental agreement changed to a "Full Size". I was kind of pissed (off) at this point because I drive a convertible at home and it has good boot space even with the roof stowed. I was also worried I'd end up with a stoopid mini-van or sedan (saloon).

Fortunately, I finally got a bit of good luck and though all the "Full Size" cars had gone, one arrived from the valet station and was ready to go. So, I was finally smiling as I drove off in my bright red 2009 Dodge Charger. It's a pretty sweet ride, good acceleration (now that I've worked out how to boot the throttle to get a good burst of speed) plus it is comfy, quiet and has a good stereo system... and a big boot too.

I'll take a photo tomorrow and you can see how she looks.

Movie Locations

On my trip, I plan to see a few movie locations. Today I planned my route out of Los Angeles so that I could see my first. I drove past the skyscraper which played the part of "Nakatomi Plaza" in the first Die Hard movie.

My photo isn't very good, though it does recreate officer John McClane's (Bruce Willis) first view of the tower at the start of the film. The area around the tower is quite well-to-do and there's no parking signs all over.

From Avenue of the Stars where Nakatomi Plaza, real name "Fox Plaza", is located I took a left onto Santa Monica Boulevard and drove down to the ocean and the start of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

The PCH

The Pacific Coast Highway has been a "must do" part of my trip from very early on. People rave about it and I see why. The first section from LA to Malibu is all about large bays, golden beaches, rocky outcrops and cool, rolling road. I love it already and I'm not even at the good bit yet!

Santa Barbara

I'm now in my first Road Trip hotel, the Motel Hacienda at the very far end of Santa Barbara's trendy State Street. It's a good room, perfectly fine for my needs which, given how tired I feel, is a bed and a shower.

I checked in, sorted my bags then went into the city for a look around.

I has a minor mis-comprehension of what the concierge meant by the centre of town being "5 minutes away". I started walking along state street but after a few minutes I realised I was miles from town. Of course, this is California. No-one refers to how long it takes to walk anywhere. I turned on my heel, unparked the car and drove into town.

Santa Barbara is clearly well-to-do and it's main drag is lines with Sushi Bars, expensive boutiques, art-house cinemas and galleries. I parked up and bought a cappuccino and a piece of carrot cake which looked much nicer than it tasted and watched the well-heeled walk by as I consulted my guide book.

I'll take a closer look tomorrow, including the wooden pier and ocean-front area.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty-Seven

Distance Travelled by road (no longer "as the crow flies") - 111 miles - Hacienda Hotel, El Segundo, Los Angeles, CA to Motel Hacienda, Santa Barbara, CA

State count - 16 + DC

Recharge

Wednesday, 19 August 2009

Day Off

For the first time in three weeks I can't start my entry by saying which Trek Day number it is. I'm a free agent again and took the opportunity to take a "day off". I don't pick up the hire car until tomorrow so it's a chance to have a good lie-in, confirm a hotel booking up the coast, start on my Google map of the route taken so far and generally sort out some "admin" stuff.

Dispersal

In the evening I met up with Kate and the remainder of our Trek group. Final gossip, jokes and anecdotes were exchanged over Mojitos (Minty rum cocktails) and a diet Coke or three before Jenny and Kelly headed off to their hotel in Santa Monica.

Now I'm on my own... well, except for the girl who is sharing my room tonight who has just finished a different check and flies home tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Six

Distance travelled - 0 - Stayed at The Hacienda Hotel, El Segundo, CA

State count - 16 + DC

Manhattan Island to Manhattan Beach in 21 Days

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

Trek Day 21

After checking out from the Luxor, we gathered beside our trusted van for the last time, loaded our bags into the trailer and climber aboard for the long trip across the Mohave dessert to Los Angeles and the end of our 3 week Trek across America.

The Mohave is mostly pretty desolate and flat, and even the few bright spots couldn't stop most of us from sleeping. Various degrees of hang-over, short night's sleeps and the accumulated effect of 3 weeks on the road meant we were shattered.

In 'n' Out Burger

Lunch was taken at "In 'n' Out Burger" which is famed for their ultra simple menu of Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double Double and Fries, plus a variety of drinks plus a number of "secret" menu options. You need to be in the know about the secret options which include triple and quadruple burgers and "animal style" which gets you extra sauce and grilled onions and can be had on either a burger or your fries.

I had a standard Double Double without tomato or lettuce and it was delicious. Highly recommended and I'm sure I'll go to one or more of their many locations in California.

Los Angeles in an Afternoon

We ploughed on into Los Angeles' horrible traffic and were dropped off at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. We joined the tourists and looked at the stars in the walk of fame where the biggest crowd was around Michael Jackson's and then to the theatre itself to check out the hand and footprints in the concrete outside. I tried a few and am quite pleased to find that I am a reasonable match for Jimmy Stewart's hands and feet.

The second stop was, inevitably, at a point overlooking the Hollywood sign. Photos were snapped through the smog with varying degrees of success plus an impromptu group shot which has turned out to be the best of the whole trip.

Last Stop, Manhattan

After what seemed like an interminably long drive through the LA sprawl, we arrived at our last scheduled stop of the Trek. We went down to the Manhattan Beach and ate Pizza. It was my first view of the Pacific Ocean, though it was pretty cold and getting dark so I will save my first paddle for a warmer day.

So, I started in Manhattan and this phase of my adventure ended in Manhattan. It seems very fitting and stuffing my face with pizza surrounded by grumpy looking seagulls was a lovely way to mark our final stop.

Hugs and Goodbyes

We unloaded the van at the destination hotel here in the suburb of El Segundo, not far from Los Angeles International Airport. Most of us were staying here for at least one night, though Uli had opted for a hostel in Hollywood and Zoey and Jayde are a short way off in Inglewood. Hugs were exchanged, tears fell and vows made to remain "Facebook Friends".

I went to my room, introduced myself to my rather surprised room-mate (the rooms are cheap as we double-up with other TrekAmerica passengers) then joined the remained of our group for a drink in the hotel bar.

A Word About The Group Dynamic

During the trip, the thing I have found hardest is adapting to a "group dynamic". I am very much used to being on my own and being free to do what I like, when I like. Living with 11 other people under sometimes stressful conditions was a challenge that I met pretty badly. The difference in age didn't help, nor did the fact that I don't drink. This, combined with my need to have my own space when possible created a distance between myself and the rest of the group which was hard to bridge. We started well, but once the rains started falling and camping made living conditions someway short of ideal, I began to feel a barrier build between us.

The distance came and went, and by the time we reached Vegas and I let myself go a bit, things began to heal. It's a shame that happened so late in the trip and I regret not being fully included in the close knit friendships which have grown on the trip.

Still, it was a learning experience and any coldness in relations never really detracted from the places we visited. Our Trek leader, Kate did a lot to help and was a source of solace on several occasions. Many of the group reached out too and I am very grateful to those who helped keep me from feeling completely outcast.

Next Chapter

So the next chapter of my adventure starts soon. I have a day kicking around El Segundo as I don't fancy going into LA itself during my brief stay here, then I collect the car from the airport and I'm off on the grand drive.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Five

Distance travelled (as the crow flies) - 236 - The Luxor Hotel and Casino, NV. To The Hacienda Hotel, El Segundo, CA

States entered - California

State count - 16 + DC

Burgers eaten - 8

Pizza count - 4... not a very healthy eating day

And So, The End Is Near

Monday, 17 August 2009

Trek Day 20

First things first... Following up from yesterday, the Passport was found and handed in at the bar. Drama over. Everyone can travel home with full documentation.

Well, today, my last full day of the tour started late. After a late night last night I took a lie and enjoyed my queen-size bed.

With Internet at $14.99 per day, I'd not taken it up yesterday but activated it this morning instead. With two blog entries uploaded and emails checked, I called home to catch up on news before getting ready for a stroll along The Strip.

Las Vegas is calmer by day, and I was surprised at how peaceful it was as I left my hotel. The crowds gradually appeared as the day went on and as I reached the middle of the strip, but it was nothing compared to the night-life.

I spent the day snapping photos and wandering aimlessly through high-end shopping malls at several of the casinos. I walked as far as the Wynn Encore about 2 miles from the Luxor before turning around and heading back. It was a great way to spend a few hours though it did mean I had a scant 20 minutes to get ready for dinner and an evening out.

Best Leader, Ever

We had Chinese for dinner and the restaurant kindly set us up with a private dining room which was a nice way to have our last dinner together. We also filled in our feedback forms for Kate.

I gave Kate heartfelt "Excellent" scores across the board. I think she has been wonderful from beginning to end and am sincerely impressed with her knowledge, preparation, thoughtfulness, tolerant, fun, unshakable attitude through 3 weeks of sometimes challenging conditions. She's a lovely person and with a less professional and kind leader, I may not have completed the Trek. I certainly wouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Free Shows

My first stop after dinner was Hooters hotel and casino. Frankly I wasn't impressed with either the venue or the staff. All in all, it was pretty flat... if you catch my drift.

I bailed after one diet coke and took a taxi to the other end of the strip to take in a couple of free shows. First was the Volcano in front of the Mirage. I didn't get a very good spot, but the eruption looked pretty cool.

Next was Sirens Cove at Treasure Island. This was more spectacular, with moving, and sinking ships, fireworks, fireballs and scantily clad dancing girls. It was pretty cheesy, but typically Vegas, so I'm glad I grabbed a good viewpoint and stayed for the show.

I'd met up with some of the group now and we took a cab back to the bar where we went last night. As few drinks then I headed back to the hotel to pack.

Last day in the van tomorrow takes us across the dessert to La La Land.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty Four

Distance travelled (as the crow flies) - 0 - stayed at The Luxor Hotel and Casino, NV.

State count - 15 + DC