My First Trip Report Begins- USA & Canada

[irv]

We are parting here the next day, so we spend the rest of the day exploring (and taking photos).

Our next destination the Grand Canyon, we are getting close to the end of our journey and returning home, need to make the most of it.

A few final photos.

 

[irv]

Goodbye Utah, we were on our way to Arizona. Interesting trip, following the Vermillion Cliffs, which go on and on and on.

We come to an interesting place, the Cliff Dwellers Lodge where we stop for a bathroom stop, don’t think if we come back this accommodation will be on the agenda.

Next stop we arrive at the Navajo Bridge which crosses the Colorado River's Marble Canyon near Lee's Ferry, built in the 1920’s what great structures, so different to home.

Obligatory photos, grand Canyon here we come.

 

[irv]

Continued

 

[irv]

A longer trip than I thought however we were here. Booked into the El Tovar Hotel, built in 1905, still in original condition.

Hey it’s a room, we are only here one night before we head back to Vegas.

A 20 metre walk to the rim, my first thoughts were a bit of a disappointment after Bryce, however when you compare the geological time lines, here is the grand old lady, doesn’t need bling, happy with her aged appearance.

My initial South Rim shots.

 

[irv]

After dinner out with tripod trying to capture the sunset over the canyon.

 

[irv]

Up early the next morning for a walk along the rim, we were headed back to Vegas today for a short flight to LA, R&R before our flight home.

Next stop Annaheim and Disney.

What a spectacular early morning walk, in my opinion mornings are the best time of the day, for the spirit and photography.

 

[irv]

Continued

 

[JohnM]

Awesome photos! Brings back memories with a high quality perspective!

 

[irv]

We are on our way back to Vegas, leave via the south gate as we need fuel, our flight to LAX departs 5.30pm so we leave plenty of time just in case.

We rely so much on technology these days, some times the old ways are much less complicated. I loaded Here maps on the mobile, not only are they free but they have proven reliable. About halfway down AZ 64, the GPS has a meltdown, tells us the quickest way to LAX is to turn around and go back to UTAH, the way we are travelling will take 12 hours.

I look up, wide open sky, no obstruction, no idea. And because I have become so reliant on these aids had not even looked at a map. I know we are heading in the right direction, however we arrive at a service (Gas) station and the better half goes in to acquire old technology, a map. When she eventually comes out she tells me nothing wrong with the GPS, this is a dead zone, and she is armed with directions.

As promised we turn off towards Williams and the GPS goes back to normal, but goes to show backups can be important.

We arrive back in Vegas, drop the car off and catch the shuttle to the Airport, still can’t get used to the concept of pokies in the departure/arrival lounges.

We are booked on Southwest, cheap flight back to LAX, interesting concept in Y, no booked seats, take your pick, and the better half was in a different boarding bracket to me. First time we have sat apart on a plane, she apparently sat with a couple of blokes who gave her advice on all the things you should eat in the USA, which were all the things we avoided.

Arrived LAX, we have 3 nights, 4 days staying at Anaheim, first visit to Disneyland.

 

[RooFlyer]

I try to always have a map as well as the GPS. With a GPS you know where you are going, but don't know were you are!

Southwest sounds like EgyptAir domestic in the 1990s.

 

[Bindibuys]

Southwest sounds like EgyptAir domestic in the 1990s.

Great, I have 5 flights with EgyptAir, I do hope they have improved, especially since my tickets are in J.

 

[irv]

I try to always have a map as well as the GPS. With a GPS you know where you are going, but don't know were you are!

Southwest sounds like EgyptAir domestic in the 1990s.

Rooflyer

Wasn't a bad flight, about an hour. Others may correct me here but they offered upgraded seats at the front for a $100. If they were better than your standard seats (which I must admit I never looked) $100 for an hours flight

 

[irv]

Hello LA, we were back, quick enquiry with the Hilton in Anaheim as to best way of getting there, given shuttle details, 20 minutes later on our way.

Friday night, LA freeway and traffic accident, we hit a standstill.

The driver we had obviously knew his way around, pushed his way into other lanes, I had no idea where we were but he got us out of the gridlock and on our way. So we were driving through suburbs with a 35 MPH speed limit, I could clearly see the speedo, bit faster than this. :shock:
Arrived around 9.30 pm or about a 2 ½ hour trip to the Hilton Anaheim, welcome back to LA. Room service and good night.

Next morning we walk outside to plus 100 degrees F temperatures, clearly blowing in from the West. We had debated whether to catch transport back in to LA to explore, just too hot and;
a) we had a pool, b) we had air conditioning, c) we had a bar.

Wandered down and found Disneyland, a 10 minute walk, booked our tickets when we arrived back, it was a feet up for the rest of the day.

 

[irv]

Disneyland, our first visit. In our late 50’s still a quiver of excitement

Two days, day 1 Disneyland California, 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] days Disney land Adventure Park.

Doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always be a kid again for a short time. I love adrenalin rides, my better half, not so much.

However I con(vinced) her onto a couple, she dug her heals in after that, however was able to get her on one the next day.

There was only one ride she really wanted, the merry go round, so she had her indulgence.

We saw the Disney Parade, transported me back to my childhood, we thoroughly enjoyed this part of the journey.

Quite a few Australians here, good to hear the accent after so long, and talk to a fellow Aussie traveller.

A few photos.

 

[irv]

Continued



And a final photo of me in the Princess Chair

 

[Muppet501st]

Awessome TR and it's inspired me it write one for my next adventure.
Not being a fan of LA traffic, and heading back to Disneyland from the east coast, we flew into SNA. Closer to Anaheim and less traffic.

 

[irv]

Dinner and a few drinks back at the Hotel, shuttle booked and we are picked up, the trip is over.

Shuttle trip is a lot quicker back than on the trip out, arrive at the Airport for our journey home. TBIT was a huge improvement from 4 years ago, as we await boarding QF 12.

Had booked seats 66 D&E, we are not real tall so plenty of leg room, exit row without the additional charge. I am much better sleeping on the way back than over, the better half sleeps most of the journey, I sleep, doze, stay awake, but that is me.

Land in Sydney, oh joy Smartgate is offline through out the country, look at the queue. Apparently this coincides with predicted industrial action and the people are not happy, neither are the people manning border entry. Doesn’t matter how much you whinge, all in the same boat.

Smartgate tries to come alive a couple of times, doesn’t succeed. By then they have extra staff arrive, and we are on our way, transit domestic and a wait of about 90 minutes before we board our flight home

Land at PMQ, daughter and Grandson, who has been allowed a day off school to greet us, are on hand.

Arrive home, dog goes ecstatic, cat goes who are you ?

That concludes my first Trip Report, not as hard as I thought once you get into the swing of things. Thank you for your likes and comments, I know I have refreshed some memories, and given some insight to others. The next big trip is now being planned, a bit down the track, however the next will be live.

Bon Voyage

 

[Major]

Well done. A great TR...thanks for sharing

 

[drron]

Irv you're a natural.Great trip report and certainly did back memories.
Now just have to work out how ans when we work PEI into our schedule.I know I will be asked when I get home.

 

[irv]

As an aside I just did the adds walked 498 klms during our trip, was 6 kg lighter when we came home. So in retrospect holidays are good for your health in more ways than one