So not technically in California, but hey. The Yosemite Bug was excellent fun, the friends we met were fantastic. Some of the lads took a Mustang down the coastline, jealous, but we were heading off to Vegas. Second day of Yosemite was absolutely stunning again, we trekked up through the parks high up to the waterfalls and mountains El Capitan and the half dome. Granted, the climbing nearly killed me!!...as well as being unfit, the altitude was a bugger. We had to stop further down as the nausea wasn't too pleasant. The afternoon was my favourite, we visited the Sequoia trees, similar to Redwoods. Truly a magical experience, these huge monstors, some over 3000 years old. Welcome relief to get back to the Bug where we were staying, we treated ourselves to the Spa both nights which was heaven. All of us piled in, except for Melanie who couldn't find a bikini. Think I may have converted a few to some acupunture too?
Wednesday we were dropped off at Merced to catch the Greyhound to Vegas, while the others went back to San Fran. Our bus was late and the driver was something out of Corporal Punishment - he went mental if anyone spoke on the bus, and even told a lady to shut her kid up or he'd remove them!! We missed our connection and ended up back in LA and another bus to Vegas, so after a 14 hour trip through the desert on the bus the hotel room was a blessing. A real "Planes, trains and automobiles moment". Sarah & I walked up the Vegas strip, pretty to look at with the lights, but I wasn't too impressed with the overall feel of the place, it's grubby, seedy, dirty and all geared to remove the money from your wallet. Some people like it, but it doesn't float my boat.
Now,..the Grand Canyon. There's a story. We got up at 5am, and got lucky on an upgrade to the West side of the Canyon. The coach driver was an excellent guide, we drove through the Joshua Trees on the way. Weather was getting dull and by the time we reached the top the rain set in, and so did the fog. Apparently it only rains about 10 days a year, and we were in it!! So, after an interesting trip to get to Las Vegas, then a journey to the Canyon...we didn't see a thing really - hilarious!!! Although, we had a real laugh about it, and got to see the Hoover Dam which is impressive and the lifeblood to the region.
Today, we're back in Santa Monica another 6 hour bus ride here. It's our last day in the United States, it's been amazing, fun and met some wonderful people already. Rarotonga awaits....yipppeeee
