woolfiestrip's TravelStream™ — Recent TravelPod.com entries

Final Day — Los Angeles, California, United States

Sun, 31 May 2009 18:46:05 -0400

Los Angeles, California, United States

I did organise this at LAX but the free wireless access was very limited and it was difficult to maintain a connection or open up web pages so have had to leave it until we got home to post.
Was a long trip home, 2 hours to get through customs at Sydney and then a long wait before our Adelaide flight. It was just as well our initial flight was cancelled as plane was late leaving LA and therefore late arriving in Sydney. By the time we cleared customs we would have missed our flights. People that were on a connecting flight to Melbourne all missed their flight.
Was nice to see the family when we got back to the airport, especially the girls.
Now back to normality!

Final day - We're on our way home.

The day started off with rumbles with Josh (who has too much testosterone) trying to exert his strength and dominate us. I actually beat him yesterday initially and got him off both beds but he doesn't stop, he can't lose so has to keep going. That wears me out. Today I didn't put up much of a fight and he physically lifted me off the bed. Rick tends to last longer with him and I'm surprised that neither of them has come away with any bruises. The old wet willy and the occasional wedgie or nipple cripple comes in to play (neither of the latter too are allowed on mother!). The positions they get into are indescribable and you certainly don't want to know of some of the sights that I have seen!!!

We finished off the packing and threw away most of the toiletries and unnecessary things. Got the cases closed easy enough but did have too much room in Rick's carry on bag (he bought a new one) so had to fill that up today before heading to LAX.

We had a bit of a walk around the resort before heading back toward LA. Weather was overcast when we left San Diego and had a bit of drizzle but was very light. Traffic was good on the way up and we got past LA in less than 2 hours.

Our first stop was at the In'N'Out University and the In'N'Out Company Store. We had a field day in there, so many things to choose from but we were limited to the room in Rick's carry on so had to restrict ourselves. After our little shopping expedition we headed over to In'N'Out for lunch (I am not going to confess to how many I have had in the last 2 days).

After lunch we headed down to Santa Monica and surprisingly had no problems with traffic. Traffic seems to flow much better after 10am and before 4pm. We got free parking and had a walk along 3rd Street Promenade. Looked out for celebrities but didn't see any there. I thought later though that I saw the bald bloke from Californication drive past us (will not admit to watching that filthy program either). We still had time to kill so walked along the street that looks down on the Pacific Coast Highway and overlooks Santa Monica pier etc. It was here that we actually did meet a celebrity. I didn't know what Rick was doing as he literally pounced on someone, embraced him and then shook his hand. The man seemed shocked but did agree to have his picture taken with Rick and Josh. Can you believe that we went all the way to the US and the only celebrity we come across is and Aussie. It was Dipper - Robert Dippediminico (?sp). We also visited a couple of bike stores before we headed toward LAX to return the car.

Because we weren't leaving until 11:30pm we decided to have another bite to eat before we returned the car. Did you know there was an In'N'Out Burger right next to the airport and if you cross the road the planes literally fly right over the top of your head.

We had no problems with checking in. Josh had to open up his bag at the checkpoint as we had a bottle of water in there but that was no drama. Have had a cuppa and are now trying to kill some time before the long flight.

Looking forward to seeing our girls and everyone else.

It's almost over. — San Diego, California, United States

Fri, 29 May 2009 01:42:17 -0400

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San Diego, California, United States

Today was our last official day as tomorrow we will be heading back up toward LA and heading home.
It seems like such a long time since we were in Vegas, Yosemite and San Fran. Rick said today it's been such a long time since we were at Hearst Castle. The time hasn't dragged but we have packed so much in it does feel like a long time.
Wendy, Dona & Rosemary, if either of you read this can you look out for someone for me. My friend Lorna's daughter had just been diagnosed with CD and I've recommended that she joins CA. Won't be around for a few more days to make her feel welcome but I'm sure you guys will.
Glenn, Rick found the In'N'Out secret menu. The girls was rattling things off to him and he couldn't keep up. We did have the cheesy fries though and the boys loved the neopolitan shake. Thanks.
The boys have just returned from the video arcade room. I'm sitting here and the place is a mess as we've got cases opened up all over the place and repacking things.
Almost scared to come back. We've eaten like pigs since we've been here. I polished off that tub of strawberry icecream tonight and have had 2 In'N'Out Burgers today. Got a 3 Muskateer bar here and really don't think that I can squeeze it in.
We are going to try and leave early tomorrow. We have located an In'N'Out Company Store where they sell all sorts so hoping that we have time to head out there before heading back toward LAX.
This morning we went over and watched the sea lions, think we worked out which one was which. After that we spent a lot of the day driving around San Diego and doing some more shopping, and shop we did! We may even have withdrawals when we get back. This afternoon we went to Old Town San Diego and walked around the historic village and markets. After that we bought tea and looked at one of the beaches that went on for miles and had a bike/walking track along side it, no time to do any riding though today. We came back to the hotel and went in the pool and hot tub.
Better get going and do a bit more packing then head off to bed. I've tried to con another cup of tea from the man-servant. I think it is now law that he makes my cups of tea when we're on holiday! Don't worry, the law thing is a private joke between us.
Oh, we don't have the piggy flu but we are the ones that will be stepping off the plane looking like fat little piggy's! Oh, never hear anything at all over here about the swine flu but did hear something the other night. We can't hear anything from other rooms but if you are in the corridor you can hear a little noise from rooms. The people in the room opposite us have small children and the kids must have been asleep the other day when we walked out of our room. The adults were obviously having their own little private bed time and they certainly weren't quiet. Josh thought it was the funniest thing ever and couldn't stop talking about it. Rick even went back for a listen.
May not be able to blog tomorrow, depends on whether we have internet access at LAX. So this may be farewell until we see you again soon,
Check you out later dudes (sick of hearing that and "like").
Woolfies

USS Midway. — San Diego, California, United States

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:46:30 -0400

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San Diego, California, United States

Didn't do the blog last night as was too full after a big meal and then very relaxed after sitting for an hour in the hot tub (which was the biggest one we've ever been in).
We got up yesterday morning and had a quick look around the resort. Will have to have a walk around today, they have their own private beach area on one side and want to have another look at the seals. They have 2 permanent seals here. From time to time they take in other sick, injured or abandoned young seals and help to strengthen them up and assist them to return to the wild. They two that they have as permanent residents are both severly visually impaired and can't return. Billy was found as a 3 month old pup and was blind when he was rescued. He's the nosy one though and more interactive than Gracie. He knows where people are and does head over to check them out (still wondering about that since he can't see but you go down there and along he comes).
The weather is certainly interesting. It is gray most mornings and then clears up nicely. Clouds tend to roll over again in the evening and the temperature drops when the clouds come in. Some say it's because they live on the coast and according to the Americans, if you live on the coast anywhere this is the weather you get! Others say May gray, June bloom. Certainly can't complain though as the temperatures have been pleasant for most of the trip, even the heat we had initially was nice.
We spent most of the day on the retired navy carrier the USS Midway. You do an audio tour as well as a guided tour on the 'island', the tall bit that sticks up where they navigate the ship from and guide the planes. There are also heaps of interactive things to do along the way so Josh had an absolute ball. He was also singled out in the island tour and was allowed to sit in the 'boss' chair (he's the guy who navigates the planes taking off and returning - mainly focuses on the returns as the mini-boss assists with the ones taking off). He also got to be the captain and sit in that chair. They have retired and restored planes on the flight deck and in the hanger as well as helicopters on the flight deck. Some of them are open so you can climb into the carrier parts of them or into the cockpits.
The USS Midway was where the initial planes in Desert Storm were launched from. We saw the room where they actually made the plan of attack and saw the map where it had all of Day One's targets. Also saw the room where they received the official word from the White House to go ahead and start firing. I remember that day well when the US attacked Iraq which resulted in the Iraqi's pulling out of Kuwait. I was watching it on the TV and Nicole rolled over for the first time! The initial sea to land missiles were launched from the Midway.
We also saw one of the initial GPS receivers. When it was introduced they still had to do most of the naviagation the old way, by estimation, what they could view and using stars as there weren't many satelites around so the receiver would only work for short periods each day. They say that a good navigator though could pin point their location within 1.5 miles of the GPS location.
There were many different types of mess halls too depending on what your role was on the ship and whether your role was a clean or dirty one. The food in each varied too but they still claim that they navy feed their recruits better than any other division regardless of their statue. The Captain and Admiral both had their own kitchens in their quarters and private chefs!
Hard to believe we spent most of the day on there but there was so much to see and it was very informative. Was also a very large ship and I don't know how many times we went up and down stairs.
We were also able to view the USS Ronald Reagan which is still in service and was meant to leave port yesterday but was delayed. Would have been nice to have seen her go out to sea. The USS Midway carried 4500 people when it went out to sea, the USS Ronald Reagan carries 6000.
The area around where the USS Midway is docked is lovely too and has a few memorials, some to ships, one to Bob Hope and another huge statue showing the sailors saying goodbye to their sweethearts.
We went to an Outback Steakhouse for tea last night. Was funny as when we walked in they the song they were playing was one by Shane Nicholson so felt more Australian than the restaurant normally would. We did finish off the meal with another "Thunder From Down Under" dessert but this time we all shared it as it is just too much.
After we got back we headed down to the pool. I spent the whole time in the hot tub, the boys went between pool and hot tub. After that we went back to the video arcade room, all games in there except one are free. We had been in there for a little while in the morning, Rick found one that does the old Galaga and Space Invaders. Josh loves the shooting ones and car racing ones.
When we got back to the room we showered and then had to force ourselves to eat some icecream that we had in the freezer. Josh had some fudge icecream and I had my Haagan Daaz Strawberry one. Will have to finish off the tubs tonight though.

San Diego. — San Diego, California, United States

Wed, 27 May 2009 01:58:41 -0400

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San Diego, California, United States

Had a good start to the day and decided to shop around before heading down to San Diego as couldn't check in until around 4pm (we arrived at 5). Checked out some bike stores, book stores, clothing stores and got a hat for Josh from Lids. Oh, got him another PS3 game, that's all now.
Had a fairly decent drive down here and stopped off once at a rest stop. There were signs up with regards to rattlesnakes so was very careful. Also saw more squirrels but these ones are known to bite so left them alone.
Found the hotel ok and have a large room over looking the garden area and the bay. We also look down on a pool area where there are a couple of sea lions swimming around. Hope to check them out in the morning. We must be close to the airport as can hear planes flying over.
Found another couple of bike shops although one was closed so will have to return. Had tea tonight at an asain diner called Pei Wei's, food was quite nice and not at all expensive. You paid before you sat down so no tipping necessary. Did a bit more shopping before heading back to hotel. Rick has crashed and Josh has finally wound down. Better get going to bed myself. Haven't decided on what we are doing yet tomorrow but I'm sure we'll work something out. Might try and steer Rick away from bikes though, he's already found a rental place. I haven't told him that there is actually a place within walking distance from here!

Disneyland. — Anaheim, California, United States

Wed, 27 May 2009 01:36:19 -0400

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Anaheim, California, United States

Before I write about Disneyland I'll respond to some comments.
Lorna, with regards to AC/DC. What do you mean by you missed out on getting tickets. We are over here and were able to organise for Rick to get a ticket! AdelaideNow has a petition to try and secure another concert, you may need to sign that.
Nicole, glad you like the Roxy shoes. They may end up getting worn before I get home as may need to wear them on the plane, then, if you are really, really nice, I might hand them over!
Alisha, Dad was wearing his new skechers on the tandem and no, you are not stealing any of my new dresses. I have bought Season 7 of 24 so will have to watch it when we get back. Hoping the new dvd player will play it as it's not PAL, if not the PS3 will. Bought 2 books too.
Robyn, hope your mum is OK, not the most pleasant thing to have on holiday. Weather has been good too us although odd. Often very overcast and cloudy in the morning and then blows over late morning. Have been in shorts and t-shirts every day except once when we decided to put on jeans. Oh, did have jumpers one day in San Francisco. Apparently LA only had rain over 2 weeks in January so they are wanting a bit more.

Disneyland - "Celebrate Today".
Well it was certainly different seeing Disneyland without all the Christmas trimmings. It was their Memorial Day weekend and we could see that the traffic on the weekend going into their was shocking so put of our visit until the public holiday Monday (hoping people would be heading home). Was a good move as the park wasn't nearly as crowded and certainly a lot better than when we were there last. We were only 1km away from the entrance so decided to walk there instead of getting a bus or driving, was a nice walk though.
We did the Buzz Lightyear ride 4 times. That was so addictive. Also went on Space Mountain, Autotopia and then the Avalanche ride. It's incredible how they squeeze people onto those rides. Saw an absolutely huge man and didn't think he'd fit but he managed to get his fat a_s on there. Josh and I managed to get Rick on to the Teacups. Girls, can you believe Dad actually went on there and we went fast on it too. He did feel funny though for quite a while after. We went on to It's A Small World after that and then too Toon Town. Oh, Josh was told he wasn't to heely around the park, unlike last time. Did the Roger Rabbit ride and the other roller coaster that broke down on us last time. Took the train around the park too and also a ride on one of the old boats. After that we took a barge over to Tom Sawyer Island and then the boys did a canoe ride. On the island I climbed up some treehouse and took a picture from the top. Not the best place for someone my size, think it was designed for kids but I got up there. There was also a maze of caves which Josh loved but not easy for us oldies to try and sqeeze through while your half bent over. After the canoe we did the Haunted Mansion, Tarzans Treehouse, the river jungle ride (did it later again too), the Tiki Room and the Indiana Jones ride. Before the fireworks we did some shopping and then after the fireworks it was back to Buzz and Autotopia. The fireworks were absolutely fantastic, best show we've ever seen. Rick did video it so it will be interesting to see how it turns out. We also saw Tinkerbell fly over and she did it a couple of times.
Had to walk back again though after, certainly could feel the feet by the end of the night.

LA Times - News Break - Recession Has Ended — Anaheim, California, United States

Mon, 25 May 2009 01:31:29 -0400

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Anaheim, California, United States

Reports in todays LA Times have stated that the recession that the US economy has been facing has now ended. The change has come about thanks to the recent spending of Australians while they were on vacation in California. Apparently hundreds, or maybe thousands, has been poured by Australians into US economy. Reports also state that one Australian even offered to buy an Irvine bicycle shop.
No point telling you what we've been up to. Pictures will tell it all. We've also been out to Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Geez is the traffic shocking. It is their Memorial Day weekend so a public holiday tomorrow and everyone is doing their little vacations or getting out and about. We were bumper to bumper on the I-5 going toward Santa Monica. There were thousands of cars. Some of the electronic signs on the side of the road were informing that there was an accident miles ahead and that 3 lanes were totally blocked. Thanks to TomTom we were able to get off and travel on an alternative route but we could still see the cars backed up on the I-5. Cars were very where down at Santa Monica. We eventually found a park and hired a tandem bike and a chopper for Josh and rode around. Josh loved the chopper, he was buzzing around all over the place and cutting people off left, right and centre. The tandem was interesting. The person in front is responsible for balancing, steering, gears and brakes. I had to remember to peddle at times, Rick did most of the work. If he stopped peddling I had no choice to stop as you can't peddle. He'd start again and I'd be distracted and then, oops, better start peddling. It's pretty hard not to get distracted with all the sites that you can see. Some people were walking dogs and some others just had their puppies out. I did catch Rick looking around, I had to keep an eye on the track! There was thousands off people down the beach and down Venice Beach there were groups of people dancing, including girls dancing on their roller skates. We traveled back via LAX and the I-105 and traffic was really good that way, didn't get held up at all.
Oh, we did see the stacks of people going to Disneyland this morning, certainly hoping that some have to head back tomorrow and we don't have too many crowds to deal with.
Rick got a ticket to see Fleetwood Mac last night at the Honda Center. He absolutely loved it and was able to find his way there and back without me navigating. Seeing Fleetwood Mac is something he has always wanted to do so it's been a dream come true. They did about 90% of the Rumours album plus others and Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham did some of their own solos. Mick Fleetwood also did a 5 minute plus drum solo. Rick was seated front centre so had a good view. He didn't operate the camera well though so didn't really get any good shots. He says that the concert lived up to everything that he thought it would be.
Better get to bed soon, have to get up early tomorrow. Oh, thanks for the messages about Josh having to take a week of school when we get back. He's wrapped as has a few games to play. Any offers for child care???? We are hardly hearing anything at all here about the swine flu. Haven't heard of any schools or anything being closed and there are large groups of people everywhere. The main thing on the news here is about the LA Lakers.

Knott's Berry Farm — Anaheim, California, United States

Sat, 23 May 2009 01:34:33 -0400

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Anaheim, California, United States

Day started off nicely with a big breakfast. The dining room ended up being chocker block so I'd guess that this place if very full and everyone likes the breakfast. They have cereals, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, yoghurt, fresh fruit, toast, croissants, muesli, fruit juice, tea, coffee, milk, bacon, bagels, potato bake thing, waffles, syrup, jams, tortillas, muffins, raison bread, and a couple of other hot dishes. Oh, and pancakes and Josh even had french toast this morning but he left some of it and said it wasn't as good as when Alisha makes it.
We got to Knott's Berry Farm just after it opened. You can check out the rides on the website at Knotts.com (I think). Rick went on the log ride and the Ghost Rider and spent the rest of the time holding bags. Josh went on one by himself, it was like th Wipeout on the Gold Coast. Josh and I went on every roller coaster there and we also took in a few of the shows there. We had to watch the Wild West stunt show twice as Josh loved it that much. Oh, Rick also went on the stage coage, pulled by horses and the old train.
The park is a lot older than Six Flags and has a lot of different areas, all based on old time USA. Was quite interesting and music was not all doof, doof, doof but a lot of the old Rock 'N Roll music.
It's a bit off putting when you look around and you are the only adult lining up for rides amongst all these teenage kids. You see the odd person my age but not often especially on the good rides. One that we went on just shoots you off and you go up a huge track which is pretty well straight up. You have a couple of seconds at the top and they you get thrown straight down.
Mum, no signs of the swine flu but surprised we can still talk after all the screaming we've done.
Rick and Josh had some Knott's Berry chicken for their tea tonight, that went down well. Josh has spent most of the night in the pool while I had to do washing. We are running out of clothes as haven't washed since Yosemite.

Warner Bro's. — Anaheim, California, United States

Fri, 22 May 2009 02:04:04 -0400

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Anaheim, California, United States

I HATE L.A TRAFFIC.

We got up this morning with plenty of time to spare before our Warner Bro's tour. We know the traffic can be bad so we allowed an extra 40 minutes for our journey just in case. We should have allowed an extra hour as a half hour trip ended up taking us 2 hours, sometimes we were travelling at 10mph. We've certainly seen enough of the traffic. We were speaking to a couple of policemen and they commented that there is a lot more traffic on the road than there was when we were here last.
Because of the traffic we didn't make our scheduled tour but were allowed on a later one. The tour was very informative and we were given opportunities to take pics but there were times when our cameras had to be locked away. Some of the things we saw were the old ER sets, Central Perk from Friends, some of the Gilmore girls set, the church from Lost Boys, a street from New York including the subway, the studio where Ellen Degeneres was taping and her Porsche was parked outside. We went into a prop place, a museum that had outfits starts had worn, including Heath Ledgers Joker outfit and a whole floor dedicated to Harry Potter. We also went onto the set of the Mentalist, although they have just wrapped up the first season. We also went into Monica and Ross's house where they had grown up and saw the park where Ross played rugby and another where Phoebe used to go jogging. J-Lo is also about to start a new movie and we saw them doing up the street for that. There was also a lot of talk about some program that the yanks love called Chuck, don't think we've heard of that. Oh, they love Simon Baker over here.
After Warner Bro's we headed up to the Griffiths Observatory and we could actually see it this time, it wasn't surrounded by fog. Josh loved it here. We were able to go inside. They've just finished refurbishing it and it's all set up to tell people about astronomy, chemicals, meteors and time using various methods to measure it. It was free to get in and had so many things to touch and try. There is also a theater in there named after Leanord Nemoy.
From there we headed down to Hollywood and found Kiefer Sutherlands new star and Hugh Jackmans new imprints at Gruemans Theater. The Virgin Megastore is closing down and they had a lot of sales on but I don't think they were much cheaper than a lot of our prices. Did pick up a couple of games and did make savings on ear plugs for the iPods. Also stepped into Hooters, boys tried very hard not to look like they were looking!
After that we had to hit the I-5 and make our way back home. Again, hate the traffic although Rick did sit back a bit. He had chatted to the police about the traffic and they gave him a few pointers. Thankfully we only took about 10 minutes longer than the GPS had stated and not 2 hours.
Just up the road from where we are staying is a PF Changs. We headed there for tea, was very nice but too much. They did give us a doggy bag so have some left overs for tomorrow night. Unfortunately, we ate that much that we didn't have room for dessert.
Hoping to head off to Knotts Berry Farm tomorrow.
Oh, we are staying at the Residence Inn Anaheim Maingate. Numbers is 714-533-3555 and we are in room 214.

Hearst Castle — San Simeon, California, United States

Thu, 21 May 2009 01:54:51 -0400

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San Simeon, California, United States

We've had an interesting day. Have travelled down to Anaheim but didn't leave San Simeon until after lunch so we didn't take time for many stops between there and here. We travelled down the Pacific Coast Hwy which was very lovely and of couse, the houses at Malibu are fantastic.
Before we left we visited Hearst Castle. On the way there we saw some zebra mingling in with cattle, that in itself was a sight to behold. We were told that the zebra stay with the cattle as it is a mountain lion region, if a mountain lion approaches the zebra take off and the cattle are usually taken.
Hearst Castle, this place is unbelievable and it would have been lovely to have been able to visit it while Mr Hearst was there and had his zoo up and running. To think he had the main house/castle and the 3 guest houses is almost unbelievable and everything he had set up for his guests comfort, he didn't miss anything.
We were taken up the 5 mile road to the castle by a tour bus and then guided around. You are not allowed to touch anything and have to stay on the designated carpet areas when you are inside a dwelling. Step off the carpet and they told us alarms would sound. They were right, my foot was on the edge of the carpet and that was enough to trigger off the alarm.
Hearst spared no expense when building the castle, so many things were imported, he had hand made tapestries, numerous works of art and ancient artifacts, gold plating on doors and gold in the tiles in the swimming area. His kennels were air conditioned and that was very unusual for a century ago. Also his unique collection of animals, polar bears, kangaroos, lions, deer etc. He must have been very eccentric. His guests were all famous people too and they were all looked after well. The gardens too were beautiful.
Josh was on his best behaviour (there were a couple of young children who weren't, their parents let them run free despite being told on numerous times that there children weren't allowed to touch (or whack) statues or play in fountains. One man even had to take his son out of one room, he was made to, because of his sons behaviour. We had a main guide who did all the talking and then another who kept an eye on people and made sure we followed the rules as well as offered assistance or answered questions if we had any and sought her out. Josh asked her what something was in the garden area (some ancient egyptian coffin with a big name that was made from lime and decomposed bodies), she went into great detail with him. I saw her watching him and half way through the tour she took us aside. She told Josh he was very handsome and looked like a prince and couldn't stop talking about how well mannered and behaved he was. We ended up missing out on some of the main guides commentary but we did have our own private tour with Bev pointing out things of interest and showing Josh things he'd be interested in. She also introduced Josh to one of the security guards who told Josh that the makers of the Harry Potter movies visited the castle before making the movies and that Hogwarts dining room was based on Hearst dining room. Some people of the tour were looking at us funny, I don't think they liked the idea that we were having VIP treatment! We couldn't believe how taken Bev was with Josh. In the end she thanked us and said we had made her day special. We even got hugs goodbye from her.
After leaving there we saw more squirrels before heading our journey. One of them will be pooping well as it took licquorice from Rick!
Traffic from Santa Monica out was horrendous. Certainly wouldn't like to be living in LA and having to commute, would have to rely on the Metro!
We're not staying on the main street near Disneyland like last time but about 0.5km away from there. We are next to ?the Garden Walk, a new shopping complex. Hopefully we will get to go there tomorrow night for tea, they have a PF Changs so looking forward to that.

The wind is your friend!!!! — Sausalito, California, United States

Wed, 20 May 2009 01:46:57 -0400

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Sausalito, California, United States

The wind is your friend.........
I know some people will know what the title of todays blog means.
Oh, Mum, we got your message but your time was out by an hour, was close on midnight when you called and had just gone off to sleep, heard the phone but couldn't get to it in time.
It was still foggy when we got up this morning although estimated temperature was meant to be 22 degrees Celcius. We left the hotel and walked one block and then decided to turn back as it was quite cold. We grabbed jumpers and headed out again. A few others took notice of us and also returned for jumpers. We walked back down to Fishermans Wharf and hired some bikes for the day. They told us that the sun would come out, fog would clear and we wouldn't need our jumpers, they were wrong, it stayed cool/cold all day. We were given comfort hybrid bikes, tell you what, there is nothing like your own bike. Josh had to wear a helmut but the law here is you only have to wear one if you are under 18.
We rode along toward the Presidio area and down to the Palace of Fine Arts. From there we rode to the view points below the Golden Gate Bridge and then uphill to the bridge viewing area. You could not visualise the entire bridge at all today due to the fog. We biked across the bridge, Rick video taped his first crossing, I stopped to take a few pictures along the way. Once we got to the northern Vista point Rick went back and redid the bridge again. The wind did play havoc at times although didn't stop people.
After the bridge we rode down into Sausalito and then around the bay there to Tiburon. We only travelled about 30km, but felt like a lot longer. There were a few hilly spots along the way and the bikes were heavy. We also had to contend with the wind, some times it was quite blowy, had to keep reminding myself that they wind is my friend. We did stop of at a couple of bike shops in Sausalito, Rick grabbed a top and fingerless gloves, I grabbed some winter riding gloves and used them for the rest of the ride.
Very different riding here, you have to ride on the other side of the road too and the brake levers are on the opposite side than ours.
Despite the fog and the wind riding over the Golden Gate Bridge is definitely one of the highlights of the trip.
Was glad to return the bike, we took the bikes at 10:15am and returned them at 6:30pm so was a long day. Headed back to In'N'Out for tea, not sick of them yet and there's not much gluten free places around San Francisco. We were watching a homeless man while we were eating, one lady stopped and gave him a penny, can you believe that and he was grateful to her. We decided to buy him tea, he was very happy with that.
Leaving San Francisco tomorrow and heading down the coast to San Simeon. Hopefully we don't have problems with fog tomorrow.