Friday 30 November - Rapid City to Canistota

Today was the first of three relatively long drives east to get us to Chicago on Sunday. We have finished the day in the little town of Canistota on the far eastern side of South Dakota and about 15km south of the Interstate highway. Why Canistota - a good review for a quiet Best Western on TripAdvisor is Philip's excuse. The town is in the middle of farming country and the air outside our room is freezing and perfumed with the strong smell of manure but the motel is great, the owner very friendly and we have dined in the local cafe and chatted with local residents.

Fortunately after we left Rapid City, Philip planned a detour on the Badlands National Park Scenice Loop Road and once again the scenery was awe inspiring.

At one of the lookouts Philip ventured down a marked track and came across the following sign:

After driving out of the Badlands and back on Interstate 90 we were intrigued by a series of billboards extolling the significance of the Wall Drug Store and all manner of things that could be purchased there so when we reached the Wall turn-off we headed off the highway and this is what we found.

Jenny thought all her Christmases had come at once but the cowboy was a little stiff to get into the SUV with us!




With this diversion out of the way it was back on the I-90 and the compass setting of East and the road went on and on and on and we moved into Central Time Zone so lost an hour and the road kept going. We filled in the miles/kilometres by playing the alphabet game and realised that our old brains needed the workout!

Thursday 29 November - Mt Rushmore & Custer State Park

Beautiful blue skies and sunshine here this morning, Philip still a little ragged in the health area after attempting dinner last night so when Alison and Jenny had breakfasted we buckled in and headed south. Drove through the little town of Keystone on the way to Mt Rushmore. Arrived there with the carvings looking spectacular against the clear blue sky and a chilly breeze blowing.

Watched the movie about the process of carving the faces and investigated the gift store and historic centre and then off to Custer State Park via the non-winding road option. Much of the Black Hills is being impacted by pine beetle attacks on the trees and you can get an idea of the impact in the photo below which shows an area of dying brown fir trees.

Used the honesty system to buy our $15 day pass for Custer State Park at one of the entry points and then headed off along the scenic road circuit to view the bison and other wild animals. Signs like this had us convinced that there would be trouble just around the corner - especially Alison the very nervous driver for the day. We were ready to be confronted by herds of marauding buffalo but we drove and drove and not an animal appeared to the left or right so in frustration Philip took the next photo as we were all convinced that it would be the closest that we would get to anything remotely buffalo!

Not far from this encounter with buffalo skat, we finally chanced upon a number of wild animals busily going about their business - a colony of prairie dogs.

Then the buffalo appeared in the distance

then behind a fence

then up close and personal!

We swear that no where had there been a sign advising that the Custer Park Scenic Drive was X-rated. We had also passed antelope, deer and a solitary russet squirrel on the journey but the encounters with the buffalo were the best.

Now back safely in Rapid City with late lunch 3.30pm from McDs and a load of washing in preparation for continuing the road trip tomorrow when hopefully we will take a side road into the Badlands.

Wednesday 28 November - Rapid City

Nothing exciting to share today as we have laid low. Philip still recovering and taking it easy and Jenny spending the day in bed. Philip and Alison did venture out to buy fuel and do some shopping at Walmart on the outskirts of town. Surprise at the fuel station - unlike every else we have visited people here are viewed as honest and so you can fill up before paying! The Walmart store was only a baby one compared to others that we have visited on the east coast.

To avoid cabin fever Alison and Philip went for a walk down Mt Rushmore Road and discovered a jewellery store where they purchased each other new silver rings and a dragonfly pendant for Alison.

With lack of ordinary or full meals for a couple of days Philip and Alison went to a restaurant near the motel and had the most beautiful buffalo and barley soup. Should have stopped there as the steak and potato which was the next course left Philip convinced that his stomach will never again look at large meals again. To top it off the restaurant prides itself in it's desserts - the coaster say Get Pied at CHs! The pie cabinet which we had to walk past on the way to and from our table was almost too much to take.

Hopefully all will be feeling up to it tomorrow so that we can venture out of town to Mt Rushmore.

Tuesday 27 November - Wheatland to Rapid City

Alison at the wheel again for today's journey across a very snowy landscape. Fortunately, it was not actually snowing and the roads were totally clear of snow and ice so there were no issues.

Along the way we passed signs telling us that we in Bear Country but the only wildlife that we saw were cute deer.

We came into Rapid City through the Black Hills and stopped at the Crazy Horse Memorial and really enjoyed our time there.

Alison was fortunate to buy a piece of handmade silver and copper jewellery (a pendant) made by a native american artist who was working for the day in the Cultural Centre which is part of the Crazy Horse complex.

The weather here obviously is more pleasant at other times of year!

Into Rapid City and easily found our Best Western motel, settled in and even got our loads of washing on. Poor internet connectivity in the room so I am actually writing this from the Breakfast Room in the main building.  Even if the connectivity is not good it is good to see that they will get us out of the complex if the snow sets in - the snow plough was parked directly opposite our room.

Only downer at the moment is that Jenny has now come down with a tummy bug. At least we are here for three nights so there is time for her to recover before we journey on towards Chicago.

Monday 26 November - Louisville to Wheatland

For those of you familiar with our planned journey, you will see that we changed today's destination from Laramie to Wheatland. The plan was that we would then be able to take a side trip to visit historic Fort Laramie. The best laid plans however don't always work out. Philip woke up sick this morning and so with Alison driving and Philip clutching a plastic bag we headed on our way. By the time we reached Wheatland after one stop on the side of the road, Philip was not at all well and the helpful staff at the Super 8 Motel provided an escort to the local hospital. Philip ended up spending a few hours in ER being subjected to drips, blood tests and ultrasound before being discharged with the diagnosis of gall bladder problems. No plans to have it removed in the USA!

Philip always needs to do something a little different whilst on holidays.

Sunday 25 November - Grand Junction to Louisville (Denver)

Great night's sleep for all in very quiet rooms last night. Continental breakfast before heading off - Alison took her tube of Vegemite to the breakfast room, Philip astonished Jenny by having toasted English muffins spread with peanut paste and topped with sliced boiled egg. Jenny meanwhile let herself be convinced by the attendant that she should forsake the sugar free syrup on her waffle and have the real Log Cabin syrup and worry about the calories when she isn't on vacation.

Finally experienced a major change in landscape for much of today's drive with Philip at the wheel.

Many miles driving along beside the Colorado River which in places was iced over.

Up to our highest point so far over 11,000 feet and through ski towns including Vail where Jenny was able to see the ski runs on the side of the valley with skiers hurtling down what we are sure would have been fairly icy slopes.

On the way down into Denver we passed Buffalo Bill's grave site and a field of grazing bison.

Louisville where we are staying tonight is on the north western outskirts of Denver and we had some tense moments driving in circles thanks to Chuck's (the Navman) instructions. Then he finally got us to our destination but for the life of us we could not see a Best Western sign. There was La Quinta, Marriott and a number of others. Philip spotted a business park entry sign and his memory jumped to attention. He remembered reading a review for the Best Western which said that it was very quiet especially on weekends as it was hidden in a business park and the signage was poor. Well we did find it and when Philip said to the guy on the front desk, we had great trouble finding this establishment - the response was "Well you are here now so you must have found it." Philip wasn't feeling the love!

We have visited a local supermarket (Albertsons) and purchased sustenance. Philip and Alison are having bbq chicken and taffy apple salad after an entree of fresh guacamole with corn chips while Jenny is having microwaved clam chowder and we will all finish with Haagen Dazs ice-cream.

Philip could not remember why he had chosen Laramie in Wyoming as our next destination so after deliberations this afternoon we have now changed the route for tomorrow and will head to Wheatland to the north of Laramie and this will give us a chance to visit historic Fort Laramie.

Saturday 24 November - Bryce Canyon to Grand Junction

Today was Alison's turn to drive so this morning Philip announced that the journey would be taking a different path to the Google Maps plan that Alison had been studying! After a great cooked breakfast at the Best Western Bryce Canyon Grand (naming it to highly recommend it to anyone else who might visit this area), we headed off along Utah Scenic Byway 12 towards Escalante, Torrey and Green River where we would rejoin the interstate highway. We were so pleased that we made this decision as the landscape once again left us in awe to the point where Jenny would comment about another vista that she had spotted and Philip would respond with "I'm blasé about that - been there seen that!" But truly how do you respond when you keep being presented with vistas like this.

This drive which took us through Capitol Reef National Park was wonderful. One minute we would be driving through Canyons and then through pasture land until suddenly once again we would drop down into another area of canyons or as we approached the interstate highway a lunar landscape that reminded one of mining tailings.

We drove to points over 9,000 feet with aspen and fir trees all around and snow on the cooler areas but clear roads. For those of you who worked with Philip in early days of the MSS Project, you might remember the significance of Ponderosa. Below you will see Philip with Ponderosa pines in the background.

We all agree that one of the highlights of the day was to see petroglyphs carved by the people of the Fremont culture. Check this link:
http://www.nps.gov/care/historyculture/fremont.htm

We arrived safely in Grand Junction after 5.00pm, enjoyed dinner at a Denny's Restaurant beside our motel and then were able to talk with Jessica via FaceTime. How lucky are we to be able to be so far from home but be able to talk with loved ones face to face including our pets!

Friday 23 November - Zion Canyon to Bryce Canyon

We are slowly working our way north and east across the US. Couldn't believe it this morning on check out when the fellow who served Philip and who has never visited Australia announced that he was an Aussie Rules fan and supported St Kilda and also followed the Gold Coast Suns. Fortified by a hot breakfast this morning including a tailor made omelette for Philip, we drove back into Zion NP and headed along the scenic road which runs up the bottom of the canyon. Magnificent vistas along the way being lit up by the morning sun. Alison managed to fall down a slope near the creek but only hurt her trousers and pride! After sighting some deer on the road and some intrepid souls walking a very steep track up one of the rock faces we decided to head out of Zion towards our next destination. Philip who was driving scored the luckiest break of all - there was a car towing a large trailer ahead of us at the Zion Tunnel and they must have paid the "one way only fee" so he didn't have to worry about hugging the centre line.

The drive to Bryce once again had us all marvelling at the different landscapes that this area of the USA presents. Praise God for such a beautiful creation. Early afternoon saw us booked into our hotel and heading into Bryce Canyon National Park. Jenny was over the moon as there was a reasonable amount of snow on the ground and rock faces especially as we headed up into the park and reached our highest point of some 9115 feet (2778 m) at Rainbow Point.

Philip struck up a conversation with a local from Salt lake City at the overlook. It was his first visit to Bryce but he had visited the Gold Coast and Byron Bay to surf. Jenny wanted to make snow angels but had to make do with throwing a snow ball at Philip.

One of the overlooks was called Piracy Point and Philip insisted on wearing his Pirates of the Carribean Johnny Depp hat for the occasion. A little girl walking towards him as he left Piracy Point, exclaimed "an indian" and she had to be corrected by her dad - "No that's a pirate."

With all our driving, we only spotted one bear!

Thanksgiving - Thursday 22 November - Grand Canyon to Zion Canyon

Started the day by returning to the Grand Canyon South Rim to see how different things looked with the morning light. Not many people had started the day so it was wonderful to look at the majesty of the canyon without the noise of others. After we had our fill, we headed along the South Rim road heading to the east and stopped at a few overlooks (note not lookouts) to catch a different perspective. Then into Desert View for a visit to the Watchtower.

With many more pictures on our memory cards both camera and human and Jenny having purchased a Dream Catcher, we headed off away from the Canyon and to the north across the Painted Desert. The changing landscape reminded us all of the many facets of God's creation and how beautiful they are.

Probably the highlight for us was our stop at the Navajo Bridge across the Colorado River on the road to Kanab where we were able to have a very close encounter with a Californian Condor. Only his mother could really love him!!!!!

Alison had taken on the driving just before this and was having fun with me telling her to move away from the road edge - just what she had done to me on my first day! We headed across a changing landscape of rocky cliffs, mesas, scree slopes and incredible colours from white through pink to red until we finally reached the towering cliffs of Zion NP. Someone had said to us at the Grand Canyon - you think this is great as you look down, wait until you get to Zion and have to look up. Part of the entry drive to the park is through a mile long two lane tunnel carved through a mountain. Alison enjoyed that part of the drive - NOT!

This view looks back up to where the tunnel cuts through the mountain and you can see an opening which is one of the "windows" cut into the outside tunnel wall.

Wednesday 21 November - Vegas to Grand Canyon

This morning started not so well for one member of the party. Philip woke up and needed to give back last night's dinner in more than one way!!! Strange how things run in the family last time Jessica ate at Excalibur she ended up in day hospital. At least Philip was able to get his act together and drive to Tusayan AZ.  A highlight along the way was the diversion down to the Hoover Dam and drive across the dam wall from Nevada into Arizona. Lost an hour in time doing that as a result of different time zones.

The trip was uneventful and the speed limit of 75mph in Arizona certainly helped us reach our destination in good time. Arrived at our motel at about 2.30pm and unloaded and that then gave us plenty of time to watch the changing colours of the Grand Canyon as the afternoon set in.

Much to Jenny's disappointment the only animals that we spotted on the way into and out of the Park were elk - no bears.
We have had a sumptuous dinner at McDonalds and now settling in for the night at Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn as the temperature outside drops. We are about 6,500 feet above sea level.

Tuesday 20 November - Las Vegas

Off to the cheap ticket outlet in time for opening at 10.00am this morning hoping to get tickets to Human Nature but alas either none available or the previous night was their last show. So we settled for our second choice of Australian Bee Gees Tribute show which is just across the road at Excalibur. Breezed through New York New York and into Excalibur to purchase the bargain buffet deal - $35 each and allowed to eat all day at both Excalibur or Luxor. So late breakfast and then to souvenir shopping before late lunch!

A digression from the road trip to say that we had a lovely FaceTime session with Jessica and the dogs last night and Patch was very vocal but I have to add the photo below to show how relaxed at least one of the boys is while we are away.

Meanwhile Alison and Philip have had great trouble keeping Jenny under control as she has been chasing all manner of men today including firstly two cast members from Thunder Down Under - she can publish details and photos of that encounter. This afternoon she accosted a security card for a quickie - picture that is!

This afternoon Alison and Philip gave the Navman a workout and finally convinced it that there are more states in the USA than California. Hopefully we will now be able to navigate to Tusayan in Arizona tomorrow.

Now heading off to dinner at the Excalibur Buffet before the Bee Gees show. Show was great - the three guys looked the parts of Maurice, Robin and Barry and sang well for pommies backed up by Australian drummer and guitarist.

We all need to get a good night's sleep so we can get away by 8.30am for our long drive to Tusayan and the Grand Canyon South Rim.

Monday 19 November - Las Vegas

Slept in this morning. Jenny collected her winnings from her spree on the Breakfast at Tiffany's slot machine on Sunday afternoon.

Headed across the road bridge to Excalibur and breakfast of hot cinnamon scrolls and coffee. Continued the walk through covered areas and moving walkways to the Luxor where we marvelled at the lobby inside the pyramid then through more walkways to Mandalay Bay but ended up not paying to see the shark aquarium as we have done that type of thing at home. Alison stopped along the way for a Men at Work Show!

Jenny headed back to the Tropicana while Alison and Philip went in search of an optometrist to see if Philip's sunglasses could be repaired. Had been told that there was a business like Spec-Savers in the Las Vegas Fashion Mall so headed there on foot. For those of you who know the LA Strip that is some distance - past Treasure Island. Glasses now repaired and safely housed in a super duper hard case, managed to buy a universal camera battery charger as well so now Alison will be able to shoot to her heart's content with our little Pentax camera. Could not face the long walk back to Tropicana so took a cab with the nicest driver who actually was from Thailand.

Now back from our first Las Vegas show experience. Las Vegas the Show - highly enjoyable. Another watch of the Bellagio fountains and n ow back at the hotel enjoying supper.

Sunday 18 November 2012 - Las Vegas

Safe exit from LA this morning with only one spat between Philip and Alison over which ramp to use to get to the freeway. Ended up heading the wrong way for a while but all was redeemed with a circuit of the Angels Stadium. One detour due to roadworks on an off-ramp on the outskirts of LA but we managed to follow the signs and get back on track. The navigator was no help as it would not recognise any location outside of California!!! We had printed off a set of directions from Google Maps and that was perfect to get us to the hotel. So we are now safely parked and have transferred our luggage to our rooms. On the 8th floor of the Club Tower but looking to the airport not the strip. Heading off now to have late lunch at 4.07pm!!!!

Thought that we might swap our Ford Escape for the Pink Cadillac! Dined in the Food Court at MGM Gand and then Jenny returned to the Tropicana while Alison and Philip did the walk down the Strip as far as the Bellagio and watched the fountains dance at 7.30pm. Then back to a ticket outlet and purchased tickets for Las Vegas the Show for tomorrow evening.

Saturday 17 November - Anaheim

Slept in this morning and then off for the bargain breakfast at Captain Kidd's. Then over the road to Downtown Disney for some looking and shopping. Took a few "selfies":

and then introduced Jenny to Build A Bear. Visited Fossil Shop and Alison ended up with a new watch and Philip a new wallet. Then a juice bar for a healthy late lunch and a stop to talk to a lonely Melbourne woman travelling by herself. Then Jenny had to succumb to a desire for something that she had been eyeing for the last two days and she can be seen below flossing her teeth!

After that it was back to the Clarion and a rest in the lobby and read of newspapers while we waited for the maid to finish in our room. Got to pat a beautiful little nine week old Siberian Husky puppy who was staying at the hotel. Alison and Philip then headed off to pick-up our transport for the next 15 days and what a nice vehicle it is. A 2013??? shiny black Ford Escape with leather upholstery.

Philip managed to drive it safely back to the hotel inspite of Alsion's demands that he slow down - he was only doing 32mph in a 40mph zone. We head off to Vegas tomorrow and hope we are not chased by one of these -