tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81742586265363067072024-02-20T03:28:21.559-08:00Mark StoneGeneral Ramblings...Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-7478449771901069912011-11-15T04:43:00.001-08:002011-11-21T11:03:07.135-08:00"The Stars and Stripes Forever"<p> </p><p>I've not been updating the Blog due to having too much fun in Washington and bad Internet connection in New York and not being too well. This Blog will cover the last two days in Washington.</p><p><br>Of all the places we've stayed, I think I could live here in "The Shirlington Village", everything one needs is here, just a nice feel about the place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346610291" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6346610291_0a53f1e9a5.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095845.2664" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="333"></a></div><p>One of the locals</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346610681" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6346610681_f46dee064e.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095867.6367" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="331"></a></div><p>We've really enjoyed staying here</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345748549" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6345748549_1524359c98.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095862.0034" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Best coffee & hot chocolate so far</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346450422" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6346450422_c5139832e6.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095862.9863" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>This place almost carries everything one would need....</p><p>We needed to get to the centre of Washington to drop the car back (Union Station), easier said than done.... It would have helped if I had programmed the route correctly, instead of from the station to the Hotel !!! Washington is one big one way system, well got there in the end. Some major road reconstruction going on around the station.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346464500" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6346464500_dfcaa16cec.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095915.9292" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The station is having a little facelift inside as well, its big with over 50 eating places inside, and no I didn't try all of them....just had an ice cream. We have good look around as we will catching a train out of here for our last leg of the trip to New York.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346494840" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6346494840_aa345e9c30.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095876.388" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A larger copy of the liberty bell without the crack and it rings hourly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345717087" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6345717087_d1b16d1877.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095943.7932" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>The first landmark you spot on exiting the station is the US Capitol building, so it's the first place we visit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346469842" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6346469842_e9ebfb1bb7.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095929.1396" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345715603" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6345715603_f230aa752d.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095902.3298" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>They have a visitors centre here and we spend a little time here, you can book your guided tours here but we opt not to take one. The security here is pretty heavy, just like the airport, remove belts and all bags and jackets X-rayed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345705241" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6345705241_98a8c6ce02.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095866.7021" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>"Freedom" a bronze of this statue is on top of the dome of the Capitol building. The displays and films are very informative on the US political system works and the history of Washington from the time they kicked us Brit's out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346454052" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6346454052_8874da705c.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095903.3328" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>The Washington Monument from the steps of the Capitol</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346457638" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6346457638_967a86c63f.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095897.7063" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The Supreme Court</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345725081" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6345725081_c63e169fc1.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095918.752" class="clearright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Another view of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Washington monument.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345725943" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6345725943_efcaf33cc1.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095884.9253" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345724217" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6345724217_aaa1494ba1.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095957.364" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346473274" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6346473274_e45636a404.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095918.8862" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><p>You need to see this to get the feel of the sense of lose, dedicated to those that went and those that did not come back from Korea. Over 54,000 US troops lost their lives but the UN lost well over 600,000 but these figures do vary depending where you look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346470820" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6346470820_84c41e81a2.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095923.3494" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345721463" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6345721463_050a9dc5cb.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095985.939" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This such an iconic statue, totally awesome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6358557227" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6358557227_602a9b2ba3.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095978.299" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>A lot of construction work going here and at Union Station, should be a reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial, would like to have seen this, another iconic view.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6358562875" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6358562875_d82bca7509.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095913.5657" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6358561989" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6358561989_c18d5af9fc.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095954.837" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6358559995" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6358559995_31a39288b8.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095996.993" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The Second World War memorial.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6358557859" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6358557859_38b9c81703.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095967.6292" class="aligncenter" width="332" height="500" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345718693" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6345718693_6b0c023d30.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095977.428" class="aligncenter" width="332" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>Another local...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345741297" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6345741297_c3dbc8685f.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095965.6758" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>And finally, I think someone famous lives here.... needed the zoom to get this shot...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345701999" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6345701999_13f16fea14_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095984.1536" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">By all accounts this what FDR wanted as a memorial, a slab of stone the size of his desk in front of the national archive, and here it is...</span><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6346452918" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6346452918_aa5b9c5457.jpg" id="blogsy-1321901095952.3616" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favourite pieces of art, Michael Lantz's "Man Controlling Trade", and so many Art Deco buildings, could spend a lot more time here just wandering, but we got to move on to New York now.</div>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-82913404880623778432011-11-13T05:40:00.001-08:002011-11-14T15:03:46.503-08:00"That's How They Do It In Dixie"<p> </p><p>I keep on forgetting to include the daily map....here is the one for Friday 11th</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6339672867" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6339672867_d3f360e04f.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770306.1963" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>We did 364 miles, spent nearly all of it Travelling across the State of Tennessee And then just popping across the State line of Virginia before we stop for the night.</p><p>Last night was the last of the Motels, though clean and comfortable can be hit & miss, last nights was a miss, AC / Heater working overtime and so loud, had too unplug it in the end just to think. The sink plug had to be removed by finger nails has the mechanical mechanism is missing. +'s shower good and the towels a little more fluffy than normal.</p><p>The temperature has been dropping the further East we go, down to 5 C when we stop. Overnight we had a hard frost, -2 C this morning.</p><p>Need to get a coffee, its only been a few min's on I 40 when we see sign for a Starbucks, not seen too many of these along the way outside of major cities...</p><p>All refreshed, should allow us to knock out a few miles before we need another top up. Ali's having a bit of a nightmare with navigating today, taking in too much of the scenery, all she needs to do is keep the Blue dot on the Blue line....<br>We make it to the first port of call, The Walton's Museum, the drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains was akin to to very narrow country lanes back in the UK but the scenery is stunning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344084898" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6344084898_2c407fd52b.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770299.176" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The school closed down in 1991, so now purely dedicated to the Walton's, but it is the same school the author, Earl Hamner Jr. went to. There are a fair few people here !!!, the displays are of the History of the School and the author, they have various scene set ups from the program. The Walton's was based on Earl Hamner (John-boy) experiences growing up in Blue Ridge mountains, his family and the people that he grew up with, the actual filming of the program was done in California. The following pictures are of the set over 3,000 miles away.... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344125872" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6344125872_be53169a00.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770323.3115" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="303"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6343377587" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6343377587_62103a6e13.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770330.7334" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="268"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344125064" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6344125064_887809487e.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770333.8433" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="268"></a></div><p>The actual house that author grew up in does look similar but smaller, and majority of the houses up here are of a similar build, the school is the only brick building I can see around here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344090870" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6344090870_04c0827b42.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770390.7253" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>A pretty church near the school</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344087180" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6344087180_65b59ff8f6.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770334.2168" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>As I said they have number of scenes from the program recreated, so here is a Walton's fest... Above John-boy's bedroom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344089226" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6344089226_8bd279d034.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770333.7363" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>His desk...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344088396" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6344088396_9505c68422.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770392.687" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>His type writer...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6344086256" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6344086256_c1b4bfb32c.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770401.8345" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This is an actual still that was confiscated and is now being used in the display depicting a scene where the Baldwin sisters made fathers Recipe. </p><p>Took many photo's but don't want to put you to sleep...</p><p>On the road again, well a road..., Ali is still having a problem with that Blue dot, just a few extra miles added to the journey.... I'm pleased with the Data package we got from AT&T, have only used a small amount of the 2 Gigs data purchased, helped by the free WiFi at most places we stay and some retail outlets.</p><p>Nearly there just less than 50 miles to go before Washington and I can hand the car back to Alamo, darn.... what's that, Blue flashing lights (to go with the Blue dot and the Thin Blue line....), "Afternoon Officers...How fast !!!"<br>Paranoid about the speed limit now for the rest of the journey, and that one of their mates might jump out from a bush with a cheesy grin on his face (Enos or Cletus from the Duke's)....</p><p>City limits now, and normal city driving going on by the locals, this is the part Ali's hates, keeps her eyes down on the iPad and that Blue dot. <br>We are staying just on the outskirts of Washington, in Arlington, near the Alexandria area (one of Bill's recommendations) at the Hilton - Garden Inn, and what an excellent choice.</p><p>It's a bit of culture shock, we spent most of the last couple of weeks coming across the usual fast chain networks and struggling to find independent restaurants and then eating at various diners, there not been a wealth of choice so far.<br>This is such a nice area, with plenty of different shops. This is residential and not your normal city place to stay, young family's and a large number of young couples with dogs... Its got a cosmopolitan feel about it, with a lots of outside seating which is being used due to the warm weather we are experiencing.</p><p>We book in and again another nice room with excellent WiFi, :-)</p><p>We eat at a Lebanese, a little different to what you get the UK but very nice. We around the evening of with a hot chocolate, a dark one for me and a white one for Ali, one of the best hot chocolates I had since Venice.... This coffee house is new to me...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6345732350_849c6d232e.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6345732350_849c6d232e.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770408.0183" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>PS - I did get little telling off for "A few of my favourite things..." so here is my favourite of all time...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6345737876" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6345737876_be2364cfdc.jpg" id="blogsy-1321311770387.932" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Under the influence of a few Hurricanes.....</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-3441151512077731032011-11-11T20:35:00.001-08:002011-11-12T04:16:28.839-08:00"The Trail of the Lonesome Pine"<p> </p><p>I'm afraid not many photo's were taken today, we getting to the stage that the landscape is not changing that much, once you've seen one tree in fall, well enough said....</p><p>We are now into a routine and are on the road about 09:00, no planed stops on the way today so decide to go via the new Grand Ole Opry in Opryland. This is on the outskirts of Nashville but by all accounts well worth a look, like most things we've found on this trip they've not done things by halves, its huge....<br>Can't do this on an empty stomach, so decide to try a Cracker Barrel, seen plenty of these on our trip so far but never been tempted.<br>First impressions, a Western styled Little Chef on speed, seated very quickly, coffee and water as we are sitting down. The only downside is the selection of food, not to our taste, Biscuit, Gravy, Grits, patty sausage and casseroled Hash Browns !!! Only the eggs were to our liking.<br>Though the other day, we did see one women have fruit for breakfast, not bad but she also ordered a glass of red wine !!! We saw her later on in the Country Music Museum having a late lunch, you guessed it with a glass of Red wine, everyone to there own...<br>We met with two couples from the UK in the Cracker Barrel who had brought their own Tea bags with them and trying to get boiling water from the waitress. She said she could get hot water, I would have stuck with coffee, everyone knows you need boiling water to scald the leafs to get a good cup of tea, but they were happy with hot water.... <br>They are staying at the Opry Hotel, and say we would need to give it at least an hour to take in a small part of it. We decide we haven't got time by time we finished breakfast and chatting, we will catch it on our next visit, but on a positive, we come across another TV favourite....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336403372" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6336403372_f03439c608.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805411.6584" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A 1969 Dodge Charger "The General Lee"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336403920" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6336403920_886d2cb364.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805390.9324" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The actor who played Cooter (Ben Jones) has opened a shop / museum to them "Good Ole Boys", what a find...</p><p>As I said, not many photo's taken today, so are few of my favourite things...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335653651" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6335653651_d60f755e55.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805484.8684" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335654151" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6335654151_2c15c87047.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805464.906" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336410930" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6336410930_9abb43983b.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805412.808" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336415312" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6336415312_0c62b57e49.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805467.7107" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336411370" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6336411370_934ed4444b.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805472.4763" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336414834" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6336414834_07ee30f60e.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805413.064" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335653421" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6335653421_11154e0331.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805401.21" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335651253" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6335651253_3a585841ab.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805478.4092" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336409414" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6336409414_4eb2d44476.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805459.357" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336408984" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6336408984_85864763b8.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805486.8398" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335651051" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6335651051_2904fa9290.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805508.6829" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335650591" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6335650591_5a041b6e40.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805445.9075" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6335652851" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6335652851_55aa6571c8.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805449.2551" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A Pig (Honda CX 500), those teenage years...</p><p>Ali will probably tell me off now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6336404116" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6336404116_37f1ce03a1.jpg" id="blogsy-1321099805441.775" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Those from Didcot will understand this one.</p><p>We stop at another first for us, a Ruby Tuesday's, excellent salad, we have missed this on our trip, will be be coming to one of these again...</p><p>Well a little reflection, tomorrow we will drive into Washington, not quite on the east coast but close enough, and the end of our driving part of the trip, estimate we will have traveled just short of 4,000 miles in 15 days. We will have a few days in Washington before catching a train to New York, a couple of days there before flying home.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-20827905139247932011-11-11T05:45:00.001-08:002011-11-11T05:45:18.960-08:00"Will the Circle be Unbroken"<p> </p><p>The Hotel had a problem with Internet connection yesterday but all fixed now, and I must admit for the first time a big hotel WiFi speed ain't too bad... </p><p>Up and out, again a lot to do but first breakfast, it's going to be like the laundrette situation but we are saved by a kind young man on a Segway who points us in the right direction.</p><p>We end up a place called Puckett's Groceries - Eatery & Live Music.... Its a family orientated place and the food is pretty good.</p><p>Our first point of call is the Mother Church when it comes to Country Music....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333784911" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6333784911_0b2e1617b4.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037415.8662" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333785511" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6333785511_fd16446c05.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037450.9724" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334539636" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6334539636_0e74cb0ae8.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037448.0671" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This place has held many different venues over the years, from religious meetings, opera, plays to finally hosting the Grand Ole Opry which is probably what it is most famous for. It has been total renovated and now again being used as a music venue, by all accounts the acoustic are second to none due to its shape and the wooden benches.<br>A little known fact, did you know that the great W.C. Fields was once a World class juggler, thats what billing had him down as....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334539074" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6334539074_084351ab67.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037425.5251" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334538852" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6334538852_f230090646.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037467.8223" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333784171" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6333784171_7858bbd9f2.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037447.552" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>This place was also famous for a music hero of mine, Johnny Cash who held this place in high regard and played here a great number of times with other artists that were part of his show.<br>One of many of his guitars that that I will see today...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333783919" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6333783919_b616052591.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037491.7563" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We spend a good hour an half here before we move a little way downtown to the County Music Museum.... Hee Haw....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333787595" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6333787595_f14265b360.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037492.252" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>They are taking down the stuff from the CMA show last night and the tower cranes are there due to building an enormous music theatre opposite the museum</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333787077" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6333787077_47b9dd33cb.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037470.4553" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>This the outside of the Country Music hall of Fame</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333786027" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6333786027_866e31b9c3.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037491.1047" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>And you thought the rock guitarist were fist to come with the double neck, here is triple neck, eat your heart out Jimmy Page...<br>We spend over four hours here a record for Alison and a museum... Well worth a visit, a must do...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333786623" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6333786623_d7c65c8625.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037476.3074" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Inside the hall of fame, one surprise was Elvis's plaque, all the others are definitely country music people.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333786379" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6333786379_7a9354c0e2.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037501.2554" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A fantastic picture representing all the aspects of America life that help mould country music</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334542332" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6334542332_038d263c82.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037484.3457" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Downtown Nashville</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334540216" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6334540216_7c10923cbc.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037494.106" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>It's been a long day an we head back to Hotel before we start the evening</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333770577" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6333770577_5602ae2f58.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037520.1829" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This place is full of Art Deco buildings</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333766829" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6333766829_162e2e9410.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037467.9792" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>And the modern</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333771163" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6333771163_093564710f.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037511.499" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We spend our last evening at Puckett's listening to Bluegrass from the Shelby Bottom String Band.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333768077" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6333768077_aab77176b6.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037523.803" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>A Hurricane...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333767871" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6333767871_f74efdb2d9.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037491.9368" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We hit the road again tomorrow....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6334522272" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6334522272_1f7fab734e.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037482.3193" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Just a little road Art </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333783663" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6333783663_bd5eb3daa0.jpg" id="blogsy-1321019037460.36" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>The map from our trip here.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-80404414879112521442011-11-10T16:15:00.001-08:002011-11-10T20:20:32.498-08:00"Gone Country"<p>Well it time to move on again, would like to have spent a couple of days more in Memphis, got to like the feel of it though it's not what I expected, real nice place.</p><p>On the road by 9:15, not too far today, just over 200 miles to do so we can take our time today. What we did need is a laundrette, we pop off the highway a few times but don't find even one, any other day we would have found plenty.</p><p>Oh well, we stop along the way at another historic place, can you remember a TV show called "Casey Jones", their was such a person....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332683349" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6332683349_a01922ffc3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038787.2837" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333435148" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6333435148_1f62754fb6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038787.7178" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332683957" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6332683957_a1aa901948.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038798.5808" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The museum wasn't open....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333433926" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6333433926_670cf65ed9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038790.9507" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333477038" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6333477038_b6934aeb76.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038832.9077" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>One for Tim</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333434410" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6333434410_f7ceb7f1d9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038776.3367" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>But the gift shop was open.</p><p>We make it to Nashville, not what I was expecting, it is a very large city. The Hotel is something else...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332665519" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6332665519_d7b773d016.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038773.3008" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333416522" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6333416522_0f8429b92a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038855.33" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333416206" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6333416206_a3a74df2bc.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038843.6538" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6332724537_6dd178c176.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6332724537_6dd178c176.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038798.3557" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332725011" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6332725011_08edce6de4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038790.103" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>It's amazing what you can do with an old Railway Station, Newbury wouldn't look like this in million years. Our room is very nice too, the sounds of trains nearby can be heard, makes Ali feel at home...</p><p>We settling in before we head out to find that elusive laundrette, we find one about two miles away. Still very cheap to do your washing here, and it isn't very long we are back at the Hotel.</p><p>It's time for tea, the town is very busy with the added interest of the CMA's going on at the Bridgestone Arena. We walk along the main street, lots of live music venues and bars but not many places to eat that is worth the effort.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332666625" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6332666625_fdd9e08308.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038802.3696" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332666245" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6332666245_d63f4f01b4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038863.1118" class="clearright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We find a sports bar that has the CMA's on, we then look for a bar with a band on, so many to choose from.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333087819" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6333087819_b79563f69c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038814.4875" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We find one but it becomes evident this a pick up joint, not long after that we leave but we do find a nice little coffee house and ice cream parlour called Mike's.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6332665901" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6332665901_7547efd943.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038827.9768" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Well worth a visit and with that we call it a night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6333415468" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6333415468_0499313d7d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320985038834.5925" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>From our Hotel room.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-66056783753965176472011-11-09T05:19:00.001-08:002011-11-09T06:41:30.320-08:00"Graceland"<p> </p><p>Not up so early today, just a little too much to drink made us sleep a little too well. Anyway this town doesn't do early. The music at the Blues City cafe was excellent and they serve some very good cocktails. Once up it was off to find somewhere for breakfast, need to start the engine again and clear the pipes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327508573" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6327508573_18e7ae1cca.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274266.2754" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Find this little place, all revitalised now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327456351" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6327456351_9964ff0ecd.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274340.1853" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Same place at night, great neon signs here</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328889140" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6328889140_978feb9f93.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274279.0571" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Our first stop of the day, a must when in Memphis, not too busy either.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327529829" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6327529829_7c826723a1.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274325.5095" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327518563" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6327518563_53485ee358.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274311.7725" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>What a front room...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328273610" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6328273610_3e73259532.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274313.6323" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The Jungle room.... A lot the rooms have carpet on the wall & ceilings...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327525531" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6327525531_5bb33b36b1.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274314.2488" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Took lots of pic's but taking forever to download to the Blog !!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328966404" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6328966404_b6b195b2e0.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274290.064" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>On the way back from Graceland, it blew just after this pic was taken...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328127945" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6328127945_692d241c4b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274351.0164" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328219435" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6328219435_1f63ea6de4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274284.0098" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Our next stop, this where it all started.... Mixing of Blues & Country to get Rock and Roll...<br />This place well worth a visit, music still being made here and the decor hasn't changed since the 50's </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328969700" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6328969700_ee86fde9d2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274304.109" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328141449" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6328141449_db6ce2c051.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274330.439" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>The young lady was showing us how Johnny Cash got that drum rhythm effect (drums were not seen as being fitting then, how things have changed), he would wrap a dollar bill around and through the strings, can be seen in the film Walk the Line.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328897836" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6328897836_202945c4c6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274371.4263" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328963264" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6328963264_8667aa3324.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274358.18" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Though it has seen better days the Mic that the King recorded those early hits on</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328969700" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6328969700_ee86fde9d2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274347.6704" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Busy ole day we have, next the one place I wanted to visit, this place is in the middle of Memphis, but where another great sound came from (One of the Greatest...) and mainly made up local talent, the Soul sound, this is Soulsville...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6329019202" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6329019202_3754c30645.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274389.7305" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6329013564" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6329013564_c5d40165ea.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274359.9753" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328154603" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6328154603_7503d185eb.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274324.549" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Isaac Hayes Cadillac...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328149209" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6328149209_034e548d44.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274385.4795" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This is a relative new museum on the original site, it is a big covering not just STAX output but all soul (Motown etc). Well worth a visit, just one observation, they need to either have guided tours or audio, there is a lot of reading to do and it does jump from one bit to another and then back again. They have the best selection on gifts than anyone else, spent some money here...<br />Also adjacent to the museum is new school / college to promote music in general including Soul, a well needed boost for the area as it is a little rundown (an understatement), but don't let that put you off. The people in Memphis have been some of the nicest, even the beggars are very polite. </p><p>What a day, back to the Hotel before the evening starts...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328263244" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6328263244_703df27fc9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274315.052" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>If anyone didn't know this Hotel is famous for its Ducks, the daily routine for them, which has become a show in itself.<br />In the morning the Ducks are escorted from their nighttime home (top of the Building) to the lift, they walk, should I say waddle, they go down in the lift to the lobby where they walk across a special red carpet (just for them) to the indoor fountain where they spend the rest of the day paddling around. Then in the evening it is reversed, a bit of a tourist attraction, we try and see it but we miss it, oh well can't win them all...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328219408" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6328219408_8fa0b5174c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274311.645" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>This place has been recommend to us by the women who served us coffee at the Oak Tree coffee house & Bistro. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328215828" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6328215828_9ccc8108f6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274366.0159" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328211232" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6328211232_9de6a5e326.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274391.5037" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>All to do with fishing, excellent food, we both go for the Catfish & Shrimp Combo's.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6328236896" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6328236896_af30afffde.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274368.729" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>And I'm afraid we end up at the same place as previous night, the music is excellent, same band, same Johnny Cash numbers plus the history behind them. Again a large amount of</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327472485" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6327472485_34142676a9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320849274391.0168" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Consumed...</p><p>As Alan Jackson says "it's Five o'clock somewhere" "pour me somethin' tall and strong, make it a Hurricane" and so thats What we drank all evening, listening to some mighty fine music.</p><p>Tomorrow Nashville....</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-66294509830522316052011-11-06T21:50:00.001-08:002011-11-08T17:24:53.600-08:00"Memphis, Tennessee"<p> </p><p>Once again we slept well, these budget places are pretty good, though when you first see them the Bate's Motel does come to mind and so far they score highly when it comes to WiFi.</p><p>Last night we came across this place when we were looking for a place to eat, somehow the name didn't draw us in......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321033150" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6321033150_7ee6c622b2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236974.781" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We are into a routine now but it isn't easy living out of a suitcase, first thing first, need find some where to get that essential, coffee....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325339929" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6325339929_671bcde6b4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236945.8826" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We find a little gem of a place</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326097908" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6326097908_a7679b6862_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236992.2324" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Today is relative short jaunt to Memphis, so decide to go via Hot Springs National park, this should add a few miles to the drive, 290 in all.<br />Hot Springs was the boyhood home to one William Clinton, should see plenty of dry cleaners here....<br />Arkansas people are well groomed, as are their dogs, they also have good teeth and very clean cars, well I say that as they seem to be plethora of outlets who provide these services. <br />We saw at least three car washes along the same street, and these are not just one wash bay, where us good old Brit's would queue up, no these have five or six bays as well as banks of vacuum cleaners. They have a large number of Barbers and Hair designers !!!, and when it comes to dentistry their second to none (can pick an economy pair of dentures for less than $350, bargain). Don't get me wrong I like Arkansas very much, very much like the UK countryside and forests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326102610" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6326102610_12069354ba.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236963.861" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We stop for brunch in nice little town</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326131434" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6326131434_d08e4743eb.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236990.7622" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326119784" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6326119784_03daa1f0bb.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236971.8848" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326126562" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6326126562_e5ac9754a9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236988.761" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326112644" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6326112644_c5617fba2d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236956.7278" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The roads down to Hot Springs would suit the motorcyclist amongst us, excellent sweeping corners, though the lumber trucks could pose a problem. I must say the one thing the US does really well is roads, and at present a lot of investment is being put into it. This is a nation built around the car, they think noting of travelling 80 odd miles to do their daily shopping. We notice a lot of road side advertisement give distances of anything between 50 to 100 miles, a bit much for me just visit a McDonalds...</p><p>I must admit, I've used one the ATM drive thru's, and hopefully won't need to use the Pharmacy one's...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326144692" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6326144692_c57268d2fa.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236960.6191" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The amount of Trucks on the road, must out number the cars 2 to 1, always seem to be over taking one or three, but it a sign that things are not that bad if there is a need for them.</p><p>Hot Springs was a little disappointing, one street looked OK, but most of it was a bit down at heel, lots of boarded up shops on the outskirts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326089728" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6326089728_1a1d3b749b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237013.657" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Did I take a wrong turning somewhere !!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325297649" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6325297649_f5e80ddf7b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236997.078" class="alignnone" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>This was one of the shortest drives , we arrive in Memphis by 15:30 and book into our room, very nice on the ninth floor overlooking Beal street. We are also opposite the Gibson factory and the museum of Rock & Soul. After settling in we pop over to the Rock & Soul museum and spend a couple of hours there, it was very good, well worth a visit, I was waiting for Ali this time so it must have been good. It is dark when come out but still very warm, T-shirt weather. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325269081" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6325269081_218f461037.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237033.827" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325973026" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6325973026_5947d7c42c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237030.3809" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325216811" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6325216811_d5e6440ffa.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237002.543" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Beal street is where it is going on, though it is a lot shorter than I expected, only about 400 - 500 m in length. I don't know if it is the end of the season but it is very quiet... <br />We are little peckish, so start to look for somewhere to eat and by accident fall into the Blues City Cafe, just food but live entertainment, and as turned out very good at that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6327614572" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6327614572_f300feb0c8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236981.4526" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326002406" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6326002406_a997468b54.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237050.247" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325255369" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6325255369_6c3a1b5b71.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237058.928" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The group, Gary Hardy (acoustic guitar) gave a history of the early days of the Sun Record company based around the picture in the background "The Million dollar Quartet" Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. We hear a number of the earl tunes and hits by all these artist but the spookiest of things is when he sang Johnny Cash numbers his voice was a dead ringer, it was like hearing Mr. Cash himself. Excellent....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326018970" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6326018970_db3255a96a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801236995.606" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325259631" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6325259631_f870a6ea38.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237059.5981" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6325228095" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6325228095_43df8a2898.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237058.9668" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Ali was a bit miffed that wouldn't take her on one of the Cinderella carriages, but I think it was the cocktails talking... It was time for bed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6326871141" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6326871141_1b966ac60f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320801237001.7898" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>From our room.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-64864303866821702982011-11-05T21:36:00.001-07:002011-11-15T05:20:46.663-08:00"Last Train to Clarksville"<p>Hey we had an earthquake last night, I turned to Ali to say " Did the earth move for you ?" but she was fast asleep, what a waste, won't get the chance ever again. By all accounts it registered 5.6, talk of the town.</p><p>Forgot to include the last route map, and by the way this the best high speed WiFi so far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6316874197_4e90cd8069.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6316874197_4e90cd8069.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269929.0225" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="703" height="748"></a></div><p>We recorded another 480 miles yesterday not bad for how the day started.</p><p>The room was comfortable, the shower curtain was a Supper 8 one (the Motels former life), water hot but built for Hobbits. Again we slept really well, who needs expensive Hotels. Not to far to travel today so being Sunday we don't leave to gone Eight.</p><p>First stop of the day the National Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma city (Scott - that's what in Oklahoma...), a short drive, 70 odd miles. We arrive early, makes a change, so pop into a diner for coffee and a small bite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6320513643_6a7426757f.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6320513643_6a7426757f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270006.7869" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320511667" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6320511667_145ca5ae13.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270016.6216" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>At the correct allotted time we enter and buy our tickets, while in line we hear a chinking, turned around to see a family group dressed too the nines, in the full Monty, it was the twenty years olds (boy & girl) with spurs on that got me, children can embarrass their parents.... No one batted an eyelid, I wanted to take a picture but Ali wouldn't let me. </p><p>Ali was only there to humour me, I could have stayed there all day...</p><p>I'm open about my love of Westerns, and the displays are well worth a look, though Ali lost interest at the display of Cowboy hats. In her words "that's an hour & half of my life I won't get back....", she found a seating area to wait for me.<br />What I found to be bonus was the Art on display, painters, bronzes, silver, rope & leather work what craftsmanship. Would have loved to taken more photo's but certain areas were restricted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320512483" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6320512483_357835a5b9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269951.8545" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>One of the most iconic images of the Plains Indian "The End of the Trail" by James Earle Fraser</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321111702" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6321111702_8694519b77.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270025.0017" class="clearleft" alt="" width="375" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320588049" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6320588049_3f9bbef98c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270021.9895" class="alignleft" alt="" width="320" height="400"></a></div><p>Whole section on JW, did you know when he was young he picked up the nickname of Duke, this came from his dog being named Duke, I didn't know this part...<br />There is also a film character who is named after his pet dog, anyone know who that is ?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320589235" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6320589235_623976f009.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269960.865" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="358"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321110770" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6321110770_7aaaf63b7b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270041.3394" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320589481" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6320589481_c46ee667d4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270018.7898" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="180" height="286"></a></div><p>Well worth a visit if your in the area....</p><p>Now back on the road, and the next stop I picked up from the guides I have, comes highly recommend for those people on Route 66 trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321040196" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6321040196_9ce2369657_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270007.3982" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The Rock Cafe</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320516517" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6320516517_6ea6a31454.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270009.4092" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321038664" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6321038664_9a461f477b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269979.2034" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321041206" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6321041206_464df7809d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270054.5781" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This was a little disappointing, the guides give you an up beat impression, may be we caught it on a bad day, the food was OK, but the service was poor, it wasn't that it took a long time, it's the impression that the teenage waitress serving us didn't want to be there. <br />All the other places been they ask you if you want more coffee, not the other way round. And when she did get more only did my coffee, asked if she could refill Ali's, the reply was I will need to make more like we would change our mind and not bother.<br />Needs to take a leaf out of the Mid Point Cafe, just one girl serving, who was continually going round asking if you would like more coffee, also running the till and gift shop, with a smile on her face, top marks for service.</p><p class=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6320521651_b3a156085a_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270033.2854" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></p><p>Stroud is a nice town to visit, your typical American town with nice wooden houses with porches with chairs on. We even saw a rocking chair in the back of pick up truck, remind you of a certain TV program...</p><p>Well back on the road again, Oklahoma landscape is the one we are more at home with as it is very similar to the UK. Fields that are green, cattle and now ploughed fields with the odd field with rolls of straw waiting to be taken in. A lot more recognisable trees in a state of change with yellow, orange and red leafs ready to fall. Oklahoma has a lot going for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321037820" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6321037820_82a13d2763.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269986.4067" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6321045206" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6237/6321045206_0f626d8681.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644269983.8176" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>In need of fuel, again, fill up and decide to have a break ourselves, we've seen a few of these along the way so decide to try one out. Braum's, ice cream, cum burger bar, cum a mini fresh market. Decide to try the ice creams, I note they have a Double Dip Sundae, Ali laughs and says "You wish, may be about Twenty years ago", I settle for a Rocky Road shake instead...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320523041" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6320523041_c2fc54fbc9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270033.0571" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Couldn't see Bart doing that....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320524169" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6320524169_56694ef44b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270025.2507" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We crossed another State line, we are now in Arkansas, seven in all, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. Still a few more to go...</p><p>We book into a Americas Best Value Inn ($46, about £29), great value and exceptional WiFi, what more could a chap ask for. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6320523885" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6320523885_a644383d69.jpg" id="blogsy-1320644270067.6" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>A paltry 350 + miles today, a Sunday cruise... <br /></p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-41884173970561604672011-11-05T17:10:00.001-07:002011-11-05T21:22:48.795-07:00(Is This The Way to)"Amarillo" and "24 Hours from Tulsa"<p>Not our best day today, got the mileage under belt (459) though, but missed a couple of points of interest. One down to driving right past it and the other due to time (keep passing through time zones and loosing an hour), more about that later.<br>We woke not so early today (another reason for time issues) and confronted with cold wet and windy weather. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6316745052_cefcfa6299.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6316745052_cefcfa6299.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250020.9258" class="alignnone" alt="" width="550" height="330"></a></div><p>And it got worse when we started out, freezing and snowing....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316745572" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6316745572_581c7df9e4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249960.4353" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316229537" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6316229537_c5f5b8dea1.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249951.8684" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The roads were awful, ice and slush, dodgy driving...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316228233" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6316228233_fed4e2fbe6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250045.2964" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We drive for 50 odd miles before the snow turns to rain, pheww...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316675543" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6316675543_5ae2c621f8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249972.6377" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Just heavy (horizontal) rain and the wind is something else, not a day to be on a bike.<br>The rain eases off and we get a little glimpse of blue sky. </p><p>Though petrol only £2.06 a gallon (US) I'm spending around a $100 day, not a cheap vacation.... Fill up time again....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316675749" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6316675749_22531efa90.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249966.3555" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6316725823_c7155799e2.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6316725823_c7155799e2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250037.7874" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="338"></a></div><p>We also notice that all petrol stations has a dog hanging around it looking for tit-bits, this one though is resident,it has his own mat & bowl.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317195092" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6317195092_b855febdc6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250004.1057" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317260680" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6317260680_0eca2f85e1.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250010.983" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="313"></a></div><p>Some really nice cars around, Dodge Charger here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317195336" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6317195336_4f2c4dd3f9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249985.3982" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317195592" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6317195592_9f127bca5b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250003.218" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316677487" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6316677487_45f37aabc6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250005.819" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>First goal of the day, the Mid Point cafe, we have nice lunch here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316677211" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6316677211_a7cc6fdfc2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250022.8086" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A bit windy...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316676989" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6316676989_dcb7eeab18.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250023.7393" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>I've seen this shot in a book, so I take my own.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317195850" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6317195850_0477abaa61.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249991.1113" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317279300" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6317279300_1ee8233ec2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250028.428" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This where things starts to go awry, the wind has picked up again and we have dust storms plus trucks weaving due to the heavy winds, we miss the Cadillac Ranch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6316825481" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6316825481_87b80a6454.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553249992.7097" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6316777775_2d2daf97d2.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6316777775_2d2daf97d2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250014.0706" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Someone else pic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317198346" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6317198346_42993dc2f9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250070.4094" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317197780" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6317197780_7fb63d2cf3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250062.436" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>But do find Tony Christie's favourite place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317197520" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6317197520_b4cc1bebaa.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250004.0813" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>I would to show some nice bikes but there ain't any around here, by the way a Chevy Camaro, someone on a test drive and already needs to fill up....</p><p style="text-align:left;">Our next goal is Route 66 museum, but due to timing issue it's just closed, arrghhh and doesn't open to 13:00 on a Sunday... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6317345254" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6317345254_db15d27b94.jpg" id="blogsy-1320553250099.2686" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We finally get a shot of tumble weed, the last few days we have seen lots of this stuff but never managed to catch on camera, this morning it was flying and not tumbling, gotcha...</p><p>We find somewhere to bed ourselves down tonight, we told the clocks go back tonight !!! There always tomorrow...</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-2354061424166938652011-11-04T18:02:00.001-07:002011-11-05T07:29:39.919-07:00"On the Road Again"<p>Up early again, ain't got clue what the time should be, lost an hour last night and now informed should get it back on Sunday....whatever....<br>Slept well again, shaved and showered and for the first time breakfast is included in the price of the room so it's off to the restaurant, I opt for the sheep herders omelette (ain't got a clue what's in it but it's darn good) and Ali the corn-beef hash both with proper hash browns and the American staple, gallons of coffee. Should keep us going, nearly 450 + miles today via Monument Valley.</p><p>The Motel also as a Navajo visitors centre attached but not open yet but don't have any time to spare to wait.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6313594365" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6313594365_7ded5833e3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312059.3357" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Monument Valley is only 100 miles down the road, but the scenery is wonderful. We spot small groups of horses, we presume these are wild, and in one town they are just passing through....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314131816" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6314131816_977f5ba404.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312088.7827" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6313601599" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6313601599_448bba4405_m.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312091.9832" class="alignright" alt="" width="240" height="159"></a><!--<br/--><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6313598089" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6313598089_29354363af.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312033.0964" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314230828" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6314230828_163cf28183.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312057.2063" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>I'm afraid Ali had to put up with me playing my Western themes (from movies) on the iPod, but we are in the place that some the best John Wayne films were made, except for True Grit. Ali did think it was a bit much when we were paying our entrance fee that theme from the Magnificent Seven was blaring out of the stereo....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6313717749" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6313717749_2a07379cd1.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312074.3535" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>An hour half later we are there...WOW...WOW</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6313720537" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6313720537_aa94daaf19.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312078.5864" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314387515" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6314387515_8817783a4f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312041.9683" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>By all accounts this was John Wayne's favourite view, just behind me when I took this is a Hotel called the View and all the rooms face out on to this scene. Most of the photo's taken are from this point enjoying a coffee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314388815" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6314388815_df284c2a37.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312076.6118" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314405281" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6314405281_b5afec7f62.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312134.7246" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We did have to pay a $5 per adult fee to get into the Navajo Tribal park but worth it, also you can drive down through the pillars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314986600" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6314986600_269479796a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312142.7131" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314994598" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6314994598_0fa5901f43.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312096.4216" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This photo shows shadows of the clouds scudding across the rocks, very pretty scene.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6315005888" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6315005888_fdbb73f122.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312106.709" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314403639" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6314403639_18781d87e8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312136.8718" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314908364" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6314908364_334b841412.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312118.2283" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Not quite a cowboy, a Navajo, they do trails on horse back, and if you fancy it, overnight camp out.<br>We spend a good hour and more so much to see but need to be hitting the road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314924956" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6314924956_d541031739.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312102.3013" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>One for you Steve G, Mexican Hat Rock.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314423409" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6314423409_4f959a323c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312112.4856" class="clearright" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>We have lots of miles to do before we rest, we pass through vast landscapes and deserts of different colours, the wind is up and lots of dust storms, an experience in themselves. We have noted that outside city's and towns that most people seem to live in caravan type dwellings or RV's. They give the impression of temporary, we pass through whole towns of them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314408997" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6314408997_6201c857b3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312094.4556" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Can't see the end of the train.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314929480" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6314929480_6097ba5fa6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312129.9915" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A lot of the journey runs along side the Santa Fe railroad, and I say we are impressed with the size of these trains and the amount there is, couple of miles another one, they maximise the runs here. There also a lot of Trucks on the road which Ali ain't too keen on, they do have a tendency to pull out on you when your overtaking.....</p><p>We make it to Albuquerque in good time, book into a motel, get our laundry done and pop out for tea. We find a place, I've found that go to place that has most cars outside of it and you can't go far wrong. This time it's Chilli's and the Margarita's are very good. <br>I'm not one for cars in general but see a corker yesterday, Z 28, what a beauty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6314948296" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6314948296_43f2ea93ca.jpg" id="blogsy-1320503312087.9285" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div></div>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-50832072170072847682011-11-04T05:28:00.001-07:002011-11-04T07:24:28.242-07:00"Getting Your Kicks on Route 66"<p>Today is going to be a long trip, nearly 400 miles and a number of stops on the way. We leave Vegas around 07:15, there are number of conventions in town, went to get our early morning coffee and the place is a wash with them, mainly SAP but also a car parts one ! all the gamblers have gone to bed.<br />The iPad is fully functional again with the data package, had a thought on why we lost signal when the other day, it was around the Air Bases and Area 51 zone !!! Or just a poor area for reception. <br />The route in Tripper and Ali's OK'ish with the software, we follow the route out until we come across our first Hurdle, road close, no diversion signs.... At least with the iPad Ali can find another route through by good old map reading. There is a lot road construction going on at present but somee diversion signs would be nice. We get on the right route in the end and head out of the city, and the traffic gets lighter, not the best road manners I've come across, people in a hurry to get to work.<br />We are heading for Hoover Dam first, but we get there we stop for breakfast in Boulder city, and very nice it was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312006578" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6312006578_66fb3fbafe.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741334.787" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Having a few problems downloading pic's today, so less of them shown though we took loads today.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6311512477_26324c3dca.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6311512477_26324c3dca.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741371.1663" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="1024" height="680"></a></div><p>This mixes two interests for me, Engineering and Art Deco.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311494281" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6311494281_1b93b38c21.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741339.8884" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311548687" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6311548687_9c5861aacc.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741375.472" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311544163" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6311544163_7b93268dd7.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741379.679" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We leave Nevada for Arizona but run out of road, they've changed the road layout again, head back into Nevada across the Hoover Dam for the second time, not that I'm complaining. We find I 40 heading for Kingman and the start of Route 66.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312085836" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6312085836_b20d1fe531.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741388.6895" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A different time zone, loose an hour....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312089944" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6312089944_ea003cae5e.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741419.664" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312087824" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6312087824_e1bc20988b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741413.7021" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>On Route 66, roads are in better condition than thought they would be, better then home....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312092614" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6312092614_168db77c3b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741409.1162" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312095662" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6312095662_d4c4288f50.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741373.7195" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>I'm limited on the photo' s I can download, where I am and WiFi keeps dropping out, but gives you a flavour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312153650" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6312153650_a04cea976b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741382.7888" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>That big hole in the ground, WOW..... The photo's don't give the impression of size, need to experience it for yourself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311627943" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6311627943_769d199e45.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741429.468" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311599351" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6311599351_99f0eb32b8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741362.1829" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Hopefully I'm not blocking out the view too much.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6311603697" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6311603697_a3f387fd3e.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741394.4668" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>It was dusk when left the Grand Canyon, managed to see the a number of different views from a number of points. This one was taken along the desert view route heading for Tuba city, by then it was getting pretty dark.</p><p>We had another 80 miles to travel before we reached Tuba city, it's an experience driving in pitch dark only the star light to guide you, the temp drop down to zero at one point. We didn't come across many cars till we reached Tuba city limits. We found the Hotel no problem, it's run by the Navajo nation, and very comfortable it is, though WiFi could be better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6312110950" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6312110950_35ccd05fd9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320415741344.1748" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>This is the route we took, Tripper worked very well, we drove 395 miles today. Monument Valley tomorrow, can't wait.<br /></p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-67227648950744372012011-11-03T05:55:00.001-07:002011-11-03T07:20:00.259-07:00"Viva Las Vegas" or not !<p>I've not quite made my mind up about this Town, it does something's really well, and others, how you would term it, not a good look. I think everyone should visit at least once and make their minds up. I know people who love it, and others, well you know (a marmite thing).<br>A good look, the buildings (over the top) and huge, the shops, the shows (worth a visit alone). <br>Not a good look, the porn hawkers (everywhere at night), the beggars, 50 year old waitresses in short skirts, baby buggies next to slots. I suppose you need the rough with the smooth, but not at these extremes... Well that's off my chest...</p><p>Not so early today, slept really well, we were out of the room after 10:00 am, the Town had some kind of normality about it today, the porn hawkers gone as well as the beggars. We had a good walk around the shops, I managed to loose my sunglasses (it wouldn't be a holiday otherwise...). Watched them sink to bottom of the lagoon while trying to take picture of scenes of Treasure Island, another reason to go shopping.</p><p>This Blog has been the longest to write so far as the WiFi is the worst, taking forever to down load photo's or do anything...frustrating arrghhh....</p><p>Another thing, there seems to be a lot family's, and young ones at that, always thought of Las Vegas as an Adult venue...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309184054" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6309184054_2bc39dd1b7.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977540.8337" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Rooms are excellent, bed A1, shower just as good, only downside is WiFi, phone coverage and no in room coffee making facilities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309157084" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6309157084_ac51129cf2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977547.2617" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>One of the things we wanted to see is a show, a must when in Vegas, and so many to choice from. My thought, Vegas.... Elvis.... We were going to do it from home and pre-book but the prices were out of this world, well for a show anyway. Vegas is not cheap, we thought lets take a gamble (Ha Ha) and see what we can pick up there. It paid off, there are number of registered ticket booths throughout the strip (TIX4TONIGHT) and we picked up half price tickets (good seats) to see the Elvis celebration by Cirque Du Soleil at the Aria.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309191360" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6309191360_899ca8e917.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977496.3274" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>By the way, out all the resorts the Aria is the one we liked the most, very contemporary, no theme just understated. If we were going to come back we would stay here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309192030" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6309192030_01efc5dc52.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977537.9841" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>My sort of taste, Ice pillars.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308671597" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6308671597_feabebb74c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977462.2676" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308669603" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6308669603_a42f79282c.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977543.7239" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309189822" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6309189822_04f026806e.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977466.4543" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308668057" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6308668057_2d5ae85be7.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977500.0906" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308667263" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6308667263_f6d9f37532.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977535.8218" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Oh where did you get that hat ?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308666533" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6308666533_ec4bea6d23.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977529.8308" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>This where I lost my sunny's, leaning over to get this pic, just watched them sink to the bottom....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309186496" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6309186496_44e0b56e05.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977514.1309" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309185626" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6309185626_67e4b3ac8e.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977563.4763" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309184880" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6309184880_90bd2609e2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977577.6748" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We went to the show and it was fanstastic, didn't think people could do such feats, the human body is an amazing thing. There are number of different shows being put on by Cirque Du Soleil at different resorts throughout Vegas. The Mirage are showing a celebration to the Beatles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308622389" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6308622389_554e6272ea.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977503.8374" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309145118" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6309145118_b28eb2299f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977553.5042" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6309148454" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6309148454_a06785ca0e.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977496.6323" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308642255" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6308642255_4bdc69cae8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977585.0154" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Took a few photo's of the strip at night, and ran the gauntlet of the hawkers. It is an amazing town,will we be back...I couldn't say, the shows might tempt us but other than that its a tick in the box.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6308646527" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6308646527_f62f42c79a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320329977541.9966" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p style="text-align:center;">And something to end the night with, Grand Canyon tomorrow....</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-88035749581233342332011-11-02T07:09:00.001-07:002011-11-02T10:28:01.513-07:00"Egyptian Ballet" (The Sand Dance)<p>Again up early, slept really well, recommend Vagabond Inn's, very basic and seen better days but clean & comfortable. On the road by 07:15 heading out of Ridgecrest, the light is fanstastic wish I had wide angle lens so you could appreciate the size of this country (may be next Birthday).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306023374" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6306023374_41a63a7dfe.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865826.9512" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Ridgecrest first thing, it has a Naval Base in the Desert... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305501079" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6305501079_e9083afc19.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865783.61" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305502901" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6305502901_ba88c44a51.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865823.405" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We travel about 60 miles before the need coffee hits, stop at a Truck stop, should have kept driving, dumped the coffee aargh... Drive a way more and come across a little cafe, may be the last chance to get coffee and bite to eat before we enter Death Valley proper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305508097" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6305508097_f15079d055.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865801.2278" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305505791" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6305505791_58787bd091.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865863.4255" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Some stock opposite the cafe.</p><p>Well full of Steak & Eggs and enough coffee to float a Battleship on we we enter Death Valley National Park.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306033652" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6306033652_197648e7d5.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865847.8225" class="clearleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306049262" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6306049262_9d906104e6.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865786.9595" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Vanishing point in both directions.... Great film by the way, a must see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305524017" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6305524017_65f7e37995.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865851.7458" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p style="text-align:center;">Salt Flats at Owens Lake</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306051280" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6306051280_8d1ae4a113.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865784.8894" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Made us giggle... So far we haven't see many cars or bikes and the roads are excellent.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305534649" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6305534649_daa0215c8a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865829.2195" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Panamint Springs</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305541665" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6305541665_5d794fd53d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865831.6821" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We are well 7,000 ft here in the middle of nowhere very windy and restrooms, well sort of, holes in the ground and the smell, what are they like when the temp is up... Phooheee....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306121808" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6306121808_82fcccb810.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865861.034" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305550477" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6305550477_d1203e33f2.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865853.5413" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305552693" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6305552693_50de7ee588.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865800.917" class="alignright" width="332" height="500" alt=""></a></div><p>This one is for the Rush fan's</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306076678" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6306076678_2a7cdcbdcf.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865859.6584" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>It' all about the Geology here.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305557101" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6305557101_95634f398f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865848.8357" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>You just don't get the scale of the place from the Photo's, stunning is only the start....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305562149" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6305562149_d14c130763.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865861.075" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305559011" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6305559011_a6787a2b13.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865903.3926" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Mesquite Dunes</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306087604" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6306087604_4db03f23d7.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865909.3328" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The Badlands at Zabriskie's point - Furnace Creek</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305569141" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6305569141_4f5da4072d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865872.8372" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306118578" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6306118578_ed4c586b45.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865839.6404" class="aligncenter" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><p>We thought this chap was zipping along (note the small motor attached to the back wheel), plenty of people on push bikes and the Motorbikes out number the cars. The long sweeping roads are bike made.<br>We were a little concerned about fuel through here, but shouldn't have worried, must have been two or three Petrol stations on the route.<br>And on the subject of fuel, found that the C/card didn't work in the pumps, always wanted a zip code. And you also needed to pay up front or leave your card with the cashier before you pumped the fuel. Also some places you needed to flip a leaver once you removed the nozzle, took a few minutes to realise this... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305597947" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6305597947_aa69be5961.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865850.7769" class="clearleft" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306124434" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6306124434_62a64ef52d.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865872.8467" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This doesn't really show that it was very windy, but the blurring of the distance is actually dust storms. This also where technology let us down, lost connection on the iPad but we still had the maps on the iPad and the good old map book. The roads were also well sign posted so wasn't a problem, may be a SatNav could be useful....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305612207" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6305612207_64c78ea740.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865863.6125" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>On the I 95 now and heading to Las Vegas, stop at India Springs for a ice cream (Peanut Butter lolly...very nice) and coffee. Pass by a large Air Force base and it occurs to me that just over those mountains is Area 51....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306126414" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6306126414_e9b91bb83f.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865929.9966" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We hit Las Vegas, still no connection so do it the old fashion way, paper map. Its like any other city, the driving of locals needs a lot to be desired. With Ali's navigation skills we get to the Hotel, first impressions, a bit big and over the top. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306135884" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6306135884_ee60c5f153.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865911.2322" class="clearleft" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><p>Not all bad.... The good old pig....</p><p>Book in and the receptionist gives us a map to get to the lift, how big is this place ! We need the map....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6305629777" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6305629777_0f063c2abf.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865943.5593" class="clearleft" width="500" height="332" alt=""></a></div><p>The view from the room and a very nice room at that, a little more expensive than the Vagabond, good old <a href="http://www.hotels.com/">Hotels.com</a> done us proud again.</p><p>We head and have look around, as I said previously, over the top. Not too impressed with the hawkers, just ignore them but their everywhere trying to press flyers in your hands, also wearing tee shirts for Girls direct too your room, the seeder side.<br>We manager to find somewhere to eat, Outback's, went there with Ali back '95 when we visited Florida. We have a good feed, and take in more of the strip before heading back to knock out some ZZZZ.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6306114261" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6306114261_63afbc5951.jpg" id="blogsy-1320254865930.1614" class="alignleft" alt="" width="470" height="500"></a></div><p>The route taken today 303 miles in all</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-21626629733689266552011-10-31T22:41:00.001-07:002011-10-31T22:41:54.911-07:00"The Big Country"<p>Up early, got ready to move out by 08:00, it was a little chilly when we loaded the cases, 2 C, just a little nippy. All loaded, let's move on out... Not long before we are into Nevada, straight up into the mountains, car starts flashing warnings of frost, I also find that the car has electronic compass, very handy.<br>On the other side of the mountains the views just open out, WOW.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301414250" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6301414250_cdce7d6522.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970507.6665" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301415994" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6301415994_65a4479435.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970524.0933" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300917311" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6300917311_e216a348f7.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970479.027" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A hour in I spot my first Cowboy on horseback, tick, stop for fuel and coffee and head South along 395 towards Independence, the scenery is stunning, this is cattle country the wide open spaces far as the eye can see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300888211" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6300888211_b50b49283a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970476.0479" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301422122" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6301422122_0425e1df7b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970483.592" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Stop mid morning for brunch</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300886145" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6300886145_a48432d495.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970522.2642" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301432172" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6301432172_f1dd6463c8.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970529.2114" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301431670" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6301431670_4c66cf1589.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970491.9155" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301427888" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6301427888_b90abbcb02.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970576.0916" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Ali again in charge of the camera</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300919639" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6300919639_6742d9e2c4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970572.4644" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Mammoth Lakes, we have good look around this Ski resort.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6301450042" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6301450042_fd067afa3a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970581.9602" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Who is that handsome chap....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300918311" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6300918311_4c2de7d842.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970526.1797" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300916851" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6300916851_64145193d3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970567.9995" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We make very good progress to Independence so drive on to Ridgecrest, somewhere in the Mojave desert near Death Valley and it's only 24 C, pleasant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6300916209" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6300916209_7a643afd03.jpg" id="blogsy-1320125970582.0059" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>We have driven well over 320 miles today, stopped a number of times, and still made very good time. We check out a few motels and go for a $48 place with WiFi, a good choice. We end up eating at a Steak & BBQ place called Casey's, and the BBQ is dry rubbed, hmmm...</p><p>Now listening to Radio 2 through the Internet, Alex Lester, I'm enjoying the shoe.... Night, night.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-7636860325044047382011-10-30T18:29:00.001-07:002011-10-31T07:25:08.975-07:00"Hit the Road Jack"<p>Today is the day we start the trip proper, we get up and pack and pop out for some breakfast to fortify us for the first leg. The less said about breakfast the better, it wasn't Pergamino's, it was OK, once I got the right order and the coffee was adequate.<br />We checked out and was on the road by 10:00 (only 200 + miles today), using the iPad for navigation. We were using a App which has a lot of potential (<a href="http://www.zurapps.com/ipad/en/RoadTripper.htm">Road Tripper</a>, works with Google maps), but like most things needs getting used too, only a couple of unscheduled diversion but nothing that caused any problems. Most of the time we were looking for names on directional signs (one's which were for a fair few miles off). <br />The weather was warm and sunny again, and we settled into one of the US's finest driving machines.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6296712171" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6296712171_53c58ffda4.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691523.1038" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A Chevy Traverse LT, our transport for the next 15 days till Washington DC, not the Mustang soft top we should being doing the trip with but need to be practical, that's why I have a Ali, though she was tempted...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297268866" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6297268866_d34524a1ae.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691597.6667" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="351"></a></div><p>Our route today, 210 miles to Lake Tahoe, a gentle easing in....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297273474" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6297273474_4480f5c7bc.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691561.171" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="354"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294337111" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6294337111_c470c36b02.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691533.9436" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We left the and headed for Hyde street</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6296729509" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6296729509_b837052297.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691601.032" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>At the junction of Hyde and Lombard, we take a right (left would take you down the famous crooked street) which joins Route 101 and across that bridge (Ali's in charge of the camera today).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297125987" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6297125987_ca820a160a.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691600.6248" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297251826" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6297251826_320750ed26.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691625.684" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6296717589" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6296717589_ea4a94c489.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691635.7432" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The roads are busy and landscape brown due to lack of water, we head for the Napa Valley, and then on to the national protected water ways. See hundreds of birds, but only one I know, the White Heron, the others are wading birds of one species or another.<br />Lots of interstate driving, most of time it's six lanes across.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297245836" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6297245836_deeab88fc9.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691594.7014" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Ali likes this sign, one of her favourite tipples</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297609562" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6297609562_3dc80fdf32.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691567.8333" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The roads are wide till we get past Sacramento, where we start to see a little more green and before we know it we are on single lane road with long sweeping bends surrounded by pine forest.</p><p>The temp is falling from 22 C to 16 C, we have the windows down and smell of the pine is great. We are in Gold mining country, we pass through Placerville where prospectors once blew fortunes living it up, what we see now is lots of cabin's for weekend use. The traffic is busy going the other way, its Sunday so end of weekend and people are heading back to the city. We make a stop at Fresh Ponds Deli & Dinner for coffee and to pick a freshly made sandwich (safe it for later). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297085853" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6297085853_9502ccaa51.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691582.4263" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="336"></a></div><p>Another 50 mile we spot Lake Tahoe, we are at 7,000 ft (that what the sign says), if you look close at the picture you can see the lake in the distance just under the far ridge of mountains.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6298235739" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6298235739_65004ec00b.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691615.547" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Lake Tahoe, we sit and breath in the view and tuck into that beef, cheese and pepper sandwich, first leg ticked off. Though the sun is warm on the face it's pretty nippy when out of it, in a few weeks this place will have snow and be full of skiers and snowboarders. We start to look for a place to stay, best done on foot here, and as we walk we come across a guy in his 50's sat on the beach playing his guitar and singing, and I must say it was very good.<br />We try a few places out near the beach, Best Western $78, a family run place again $78 but there was a women complaining (didn't catch what it was about). The one we went for is a newish place, 3 <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/m/place?cid=10704056903889888294&q=3+peaks+resort&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=3+peaks+resort">Peaks Resort & Beach club</a>, $47 for a King, it has a communal hot tub.... We decide to do some laundry instead in the onside facility, all done for $3 (soap, washing & drying), first time I sit down and read a few chapters of the book I brought with me. <br />We also have a little chat with our son,Tim, on the iPad message App, the wonders of technology and free WiFi, it's just gone midnight in Hull and he is after recipes as he and his friends are doing a come dine with me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6297241118" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6297241118_dc2ef7dfa3.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691617.9448" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The 3 Peaks resort</p><p>We nip out to get tea and find a Mexican dinner, can't tell what I had as I went for a taste of everything and good it was. Back to the resort and sleep. Tomorrow another easy trip Tahoe to Indepenence, 200+ mile trip through a number of National Parks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6298768194" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6298768194_02cf29c874.jpg" id="blogsy-1320070691578.1167" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="352"></a></div>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-16720059400151281792011-10-29T06:58:00.001-07:002011-10-30T08:07:42.663-07:00"Left my heart in San Francisco"<p>Wow... What a city, our time was brief here but lot done today, we drive out here tomorrow and start the road trip proper. <br>Again breakfast at Pergamino's, something different with eggs in, an omelette. A Denver for me and a Hickory smoked Turkey for Ali.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6294785454_56c04bff47.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6294785454_56c04bff47.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222090.8633" class="clearleft" alt="" width="1024" height="680"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294258337" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6294258337_47f7d56d44.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222019.154" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>Our moto for the next three weeks....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294258035" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6294258035_9eac7da7a4.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222006.162" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Another wall, a few satisfied customers..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294785758" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6294785758_be11c76b35.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222004.8835" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Our first mission of the day is get on a sight seeing tour, best way to get a lot seen in a short space of time. There are dozens to pick from. We go for one which just hits the main part of down town part of SF.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294241519" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6294241519_ca0437e929.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222047.6045" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Not a good picture of China town, the most densely packed part of SF, and it was.... I didn't see as many Chinese when I was in Shanghai, it was more like London at rush hour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294241113" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6294241113_1c3c26a015.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222077.5967" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Little Italy visited, very European with all the cafe's and people sat out watching us go by. SF also as a little Japan and little Mexico....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6294337111_c470c36b02.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6294337111_c470c36b02.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222068.9688" class="clearright" alt="" width="680" height="1024"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6294469845_3382820555.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6294469845_3382820555.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222027.7583" class="clearleft" alt="" width="680" height="1024"></a></div><p>After the tour we still had a couple of things to do which meant going in to down town SF (well only just). We decide to walk, it was only a couple of miles !!! but up an down hill, they are killers on the knees. Needed to check out trying to pick out a mobile data package for the iPad, tried Verizon first but no joy so off to AT&T. "Oh sure", name up on the display but it only took 10 min's at most, I had visions of being there for hours, very efficient. They explained what I needed to do, the micro sim was free, just plug in and follow the instruction they gave. They said that I most probably need a US postal address, but I had already come that conclusion when initially looking into it, lucky I work for a American company and who I had their address. <br>The next task was to pick up the hire car, but first a little retail therapy, lets have look at the Levi's store, straight in straight out, $78 for a pair of 501's, down on the Wharf they were only $55... Pop into good old Macey's, less than $43, equates to around £28. Wander around a few more shops looking for a small bag for Ali, bags and shoes go together like bread & butter. What a selection in the shops, Ali picks up a small bag only, knows what she wants. </p><p>We pick up the hire car, very nice, this shall do us, we head back to the Hotel (only take a few min's) to drop off and head out for a late lunch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294335905" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6294335905_22df0d4c4d.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222097.5376" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294339137" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6294339137_3c4690e15f.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222065.5378" class="alignright" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>We share a Chicken & Pesto sandwich (remember portion size) and a local beer, goes down well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6295008502_991387d0b8.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6295008502_991387d0b8.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222095.987" class="clearleft" alt="" width="1024" height="680"></a></div><p>The local boy's & girls sunbathing </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294338841" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6294338841_0bcdd9ed1a.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222035.0186" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Watch "As The boat comes in"</p><p>We spend the rest of the afternoon doing tourist things, looking around, picking up a few things before evening falls. The day has been long, so a pick me up is needed, back to Boudin's and hit the cocktail bar, "It's Five O'clock Somewhere" </p><p>With $60 worth of booze inside us, the munchies hit, so we hit Alioto's....another must when here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294866186" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6294866186_ee5eb3ac6c.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222035.5747" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294865870" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6294865870_1f30b88f6e.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222029.8083" class="clearleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6294998682" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6294998682_ed0cec09d7.jpg" id="blogsy-1319987222059.4595" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The starter, Clam chowder in a bread bowl, the best, and the main, Dungeness crab in a bay sauce, I've got to say the best Crab I've every eaten WOW...WOW.</p><p>We end the night having hot spiced Pumpkin Coca at Ghirardelli's, what an end to our stay in SF, we will be back, so much more to see and experience.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-85193191914392057242011-10-28T22:57:00.001-07:002011-10-28T23:14:41.524-07:00"On the Dock of the Bay"<p>The editor and chief thinks the last submission was a little wordy (that's because I forgot the camera !!!), so as someone said a picture is like a 1,000 words, so I'm going to try less is more.</p><p>We slept well but still fully awake around by 06:00, so an initial coffee before getting ready and hitting the streets. On another of Steve's recommendation for breakfast, on street map it is only 300 metres down the street from the Hotel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290806358" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6290806358_bd0e6f1ca6.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797857.183" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>On Columbus Avenue, it does as it says on the Tin</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290286487" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6290286487_0577353169.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797881.9614" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290286695" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6290286695_dc3bc3f793.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797788.681" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>"The Pig Out" the sausage had a taste of sweet aniseed (strangely, not unpleasant)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290806552" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6290806552_ac6defb386.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797881.5615" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The wall of Coffee - the neighbourhood dark and Italian blend was very good, though Ali liked the Hazelnut, everyone to their own....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290285691" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6290285691_5845959ec3.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797837.4685" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Lady Stone</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290811894" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6115/6290811894_8a484244a2.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797890.786" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Nick's so got a photo this time...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290291233" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6290291233_f7b5ddcc3b.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797866.2974" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Art Deco Heaven</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290291425" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6290291425_a31e064c1e.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797890.4536" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A novel way to conduct a tour, but this is San Francisco, no more than you would expect...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290812132" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6290812132_042bc7d7ca.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797808.8215" class="alignleft" alt="" width="332" height="500"></a></div><p>One of many of these classic trams</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6290363451_37e5570b44.jpg" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6290363451_37e5570b44.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797823.1135" class="alignright" alt="" width="450" height="678"></a></div><p>From pier 33 we climbed the 200 odd steps to get to Coit's tower, built to celebrate SF Firemen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290812780" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6290812780_2022ae8956.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797822.383" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>A long walk along Lombard street to see this bit of road</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290292753" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6290292753_61aeb530c3.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797890.002" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Hyde street classic</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290883944" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6290883944_dfe54ce92b.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797870.4546" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>"The man from Del Monte, he say Yes"<br />SF Home of Del Monte</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290812572" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6290812572_c1a3db3311.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797899.157" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>Every time I see these streets, one thing comes to mind, Steve McQueen in that Green '68 car</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6290936978_c1cc6d37a9.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6290936978_c1cc6d37a9.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797839.6426" class="clearleft" alt="" width="1024" height="680"></a></div><p>The evening brings on a must when you visit SF, always book long before you arrive, we booked way back in June</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290294285" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6290294285_68f5330566.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797920.1921" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>What a way to end a day</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290294097" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6290294097_0764426c03.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797847.9834" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>This inspired another classic film with Clint Eastwood </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6290294477" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6290294477_602a85a97d.jpg" id="blogsy-1319867797873.2278" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>What can one say.... Good Night</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-12426729851188246072011-10-28T08:44:00.001-07:002011-10-28T08:44:17.260-07:00"Let's get this Holiday started....."<p>Woke early, things to do, shave, shower, walk the dog (in the dark & rain).... Oh ! go on Holiday.... After the scare of last night everything went to plan today. Spent some time trying to put the out of Office on my Laptop using the iPad without any success, so had to dig out the Laptop and use web access but managed to do it without putting fist through it (the only heated moment).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6289039692_e6dc5c5df2.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6289039692_e6dc5c5df2.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380347.9585" class="clearleft" alt="" width="478" height="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6288519341" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6288519341_dd60f9e360.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380381.3696" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="373" height="500"></a></div><p>With that done, just waited for the Taxi to pick us up, on time, train on time, what a miserable day, bye bye Didcot... Only a short ride to Reading and hop on the Heathrow coach, bye bye M4 (no hold ups). Arrived at T3, just a little wait to off load the luggage. On to security, manage to trigger the metal detector so had a good going over (studs in the jeans, these trendy brands). The terminal was busy (half-term still !) got a coffee, even had time to look around the stores before the gate opened, even that went smoothly, got called as we walked into the lounge, nice one. Best seats in economy, right at the back, no one to kick or rock the back of your chair.</p><p>Fell asleep during taxing but woke as soon I was thrown into the back of seat but managed to nod again. Though the flight was long (10 hrs 50) it went smoothly, I've had worse business trips. Took some pic's on my iPhone which automatically downloaded to the iPad when we got on to the Hotels WiFi (pleased with iOS & iCloud)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6288968256_25551fde6f.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6288968256_25551fde6f_z.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380413.6091" class="clearleft" alt="" width="1024" height="765"></a></div><p>No guessing who our carrier was.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6288449349" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6288449349_0f71ac523c.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380456.0522" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p>Over Greenland 3 hrs into our trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6288449595" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6288449595_2d5063fae1.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380396.6008" class="clearright" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6288969026" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6288969026_8f028580cb.jpg" id="blogsy-1319816380449.3948" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div><p>Just over Northern Canada.</p><p>Landed at San Francisco (SF) 15 min's early, and went through security quickly (a surprise in itself....), and outside it' was 23 C though it felt warmer. Into a Taxi and straight to the Hotel on Fisherman Wharf (Best Western - Tuscan Inn), no messing trying to find it, and $50 lighter (didn't seem that long in the Taxi...). Booking in was a dream and happy hour had started on wine tasting (free glass to start you off), though we went straight to the room to drop our gear off.</p><p>A little peckish now, so start to explore Fisherman Wharf, plenty of tourist shops selling the normal holiday tat, but also plenty of places to eat mainly sea food. Decide to look for Steve's recommendation of Nick's, and straight away we are standing in front of it (how about that !). <br/>I need to describe it as in my rush I've left my camera & phone back at the Hotel (bugger!!!). It's called Nick's #5 Lighthouse, very small inside but pleasing and a good atmosphere, outside they are selling shell fish take away (smells excellent). <br/>The staff are of the senior generation and first rate, no sooner seated iced water and bread on the table, drinks ordered, I go for a local beer, Steam beer. We are sat in the middle of the restaurant looking out on to the Wharf with boats and sail ships (3 masts) with the Golden Gate bridge in the distance. The interior is worn but nice, lots of model ships and nautical pictures, with the odd model plane hanging from the ceiling ??? The lighting is a first long rows of red and green grapes (must be something to do with wine theme with the Napa Valley not being far away) with Art Deco hanging chanderliers (wish I had my camera) an eclectic mix but some how appropriate.<br/>The food is quick and very hot, Ali's warned me not over do it because of portion size but I don't listen (eyes bigger than my belly - hey steady on, I can see your faces now). Well I go for the Crab chowder in a bread bowl with oyster crackers (wow...), mains (this is where I get into trouble) a selection of sea food, crab, scallops, oysters, octopus, shrimp, local fish, well I struggle (told you so look from the good lady).<br/>I waddle out of Nick's in little discomfort, a walk along the waterfront should see to that, it's dark now and sun setting behind the Golden Gate is a well worth seeing scene (wish I had a camera...). It's a warm evening, even spot a couple people swimming in the bay !! The buildings are made up with a lot of Art Deco, something else the US does well, we stop for a coffee (Ghirardelli) and sit outside people watching, listening to the sounds of SF including the world famous cable cars. Coffee drank and we make our way back to the Hotel (also in the Art deco style) through the neon streets filled with bars, restaurants, galleries and tat shops.<br/>Well that's the end of the first day, been awake (except for the naps) for more 24 hrs now and it's caught up with us, so it's nighty from us, sleep tight.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-91644385820942476642011-10-26T22:56:00.001-07:002011-10-26T22:56:46.722-07:00"Last minute Panic"<p>Well we at the start of our trip, it's been an eventful week, busy at work and no time to take it easy and just slip into holiday mode. It doesn't help that my PC, well outlook start to play up and even worse when IT spent time trying to fix it, they get it working, after a fashion, and then try and tweak it at the end of the day totally screwing it up. Chill Mark, it can wait till you get back.</p><p>Got home later than I wanted with a bit of a face on, went down well with Ali... Start to pack the bag, Ali already done and a little concerned about the weight but I checked them against the bathroom scales, and within the 23 kg limit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6285436108" target="_blank" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6285436108_6d001f4e1f.jpg" id="blogsy-1319694994873.9678" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div><p>The small one is hand luggage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6284914855" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6284914855_5b372973c9.jpg" id="blogsy-1319694994867.1592" class="alignleft" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div><p>Well bags packed, let's check in online, that where things got a little heated... Needed the passports, Ali's passport - check, my passport..."have you seen my passport darling" PANIC.... "WHEN did you last have it...." I know I had it on the last Business trip, only a few weeks ago.<br>House turned upside down, atmosphere getting chilly though I'm about to boil over but trying to keep calm in my body language. I must checked the same jacket 15 times...and still nothing. Scenes of calling the airport and trying to get a replacement, nightmare... "Did you wear a suit to this meeting" it all start to flooding back, one grey suit, one passport PHEWWWW... I don't think I've heard the last of this one.</p><p>All checked in, boarding passes printed, this morning a scene of calm, though the dog knows something's up. Oh well, he will have a nice holiday at home with the house sitter.</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-78135063214776689152011-10-22T09:52:00.001-07:002011-10-22T10:47:23.075-07:00"What am I doing...."<p>Managed to post a Blog and delete all at the same time, it going be some time before I become any good at this, if at all...<br />Still having problems posting video and seem to be limited the number of pic's I can post, so please bear with me...</p><p>I'll see how many pictures I can post on this post, they all so seem to display differently in the Blog....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268070167" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6268070167_1753eb1e3e.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322073.2842" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p>This is Bart who will be staying at home with the House sitter, that reminds me need get a step so the House sitter can reach the Fan lights but more importantly so she can reach the Micro-wave (from a family of Hobbit's)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268060231" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6268060231_75904fe149.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322115.834" class="alignright" alt="" width="374" height="500"></a></div><p>This is the main guide we have used to plan most of the routes, that and MS Streets & Trips for mileage. I highly rate this guide, the best I've come across. Just the packing to do now....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268123683" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6268123683_13cd238a92.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322044.696" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p>The new Bike, very happy with it for the daily commute (100 m/day)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268597026" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6268597026_171c4c67c1.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322082.149" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="332"></a></div><p>The old one, sadly missed, did 82,000 miles in five an half years and still going strong when I traded her in for a younger model....</p><p>And yes she got to do 17 laps around the Nurburgring </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268649654" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6268649654_0e4b81d458.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322078.1292" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="374"></a></div><p>The Doombar sandbank off Rock, and yes Sharp's beer is named after it</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268123401" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6268123401_d18bc1e9bf.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322131.5083" class="alignright" alt="" width="373" height="500"></a></div><p>One of the water Lilly's from our new pond</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268652074" target="_blank" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6268652074_0a13998c31.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322110.0454" class="alignleft" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>The Market at Cotignac, this where we normally go for our annual holiday, we will back there next year Ruth</p><p>Seem to have managed to post a large amount of pic's, wonder why I had trouble last time !!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/16726046@N04/6268602758" target="_blank" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6268602758_493d251159.jpg" id="blogsy-1319302322109.546" class="alignright" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div><p>And finally a picture of our boy wonder, always needs a haircut... But we love him all the same, hey Timmy Tot's...</p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-15035620227853219422011-10-08T03:49:00.001-07:002011-10-10T11:07:35.920-07:00American Adventure 2011<p>Well time is nearing, most things are in place so it's just the little things now. Fine tuning on the routes now and every time we look at the books we find something else, and it doesn't help that we've been watching Billy Connolly's Route 66 trip on ITV. Oh well, we will have a great time anyway.</p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a style="MARGIN-BOTTOM: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6222944266_82a71c0709.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="clearleft" id="blogsy-1318094051623.3293" height="332" alt="" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6222944266_82a71c0709.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>Only two half weeks now before we fly out, one long flight to San Francisco.<br />Things to do:<br />- Alison's ESTA<br />- I-pad car power supply<br />- I-pad Data SIM card (will buy in the US)</p><br /><br /><p>We did have a scare last week when the I-pad crashed and wouldn't start-up... Phone call to Apple who sorted it within a matter of seconds (connect to power charger and press the on/off switch & menu button at the sametime for 20 odd seconds - soft reset).<br />Would have updated the Blog using the I-pad last week, this is how we will keep everyone updated during our trip over the three weeks.<br />Managed to find a decent App for Blogging, I did think we may have to buy a notebook but Blogsy, what a find.</p><br /><br /><p>Will be checking Blogger from my PC to see how it looks, will attempt to include some video next time from the new camera. </p>Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8174258626536306707.post-76523954430273905162011-09-02T15:59:00.000-07:002011-09-02T10:16:48.042-07:00First Time....I don't know where this will lead, but for now I'll go with the flow, first Blog and all that.
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<br />Why Blog ? I don't know, may be facebook is a bit limiting. Find I type a load txt and then find I can't post it, a little frustrating...
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<br />May be it's the idea of just put down stuff on my mind, have got to that age where you become a little theosophical in my old age, whoa thats a bit deep...
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<br />May be I'm in a happy place, life going well... no more than this morning, got up early to make lunch box for the good lady and take the lad to the station for last day of Summer his job before he goes back to UNI. That is today when he finishs his shift, back in hand off to Hull, more than likely won't see him until Christmas. No emotional send off, just see you later take care, will keep up with his antics on Facebook though he does use it less these days.
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<br />After droping the good lady off to work (station run again), got back home and off for a walk with the Old dog (Bart - 12). Dog enjoyed himself and so did I. Left him in the garden taking in some sun, and I went off for a big breakfast at Root 1 (best full English around, due to good quality ingredients). Also spent a few quid on plants, a new found interest in the garden, may be age related... Also popped to PC World to buy a camera adaptor and general mooch around and all the goodies. Back home and try the adaptor out, now can transfer pic's to the iPad (Road trip gear).
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<br /><span >Or it could be that we are going on a road trip in Oct/Nov time and thought we (I) might put this down for our friends and family to see. We have been planning this for a long time (few years), we have 21 days to get from San Francisco to New York, around 3,000 miles will be driving (15 days) equates to 200 miles a day.
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<br /></span>Also have spent sometime trying to get to grips with Blogging, and how to do it on the move. Will be trying to update on the move using the ipad, thought I would need to buy a netbook as upto a few days ago this would have been difficult, until I found Blogsy. Will need to try it a few times.
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<br />Well that's all for today, next time I'll try to jazz it up a bit with different txt styles and may be some photo's.
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<br />Mark Stonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05143284076408198777noreply@blogger.com0