Las Vegas Fun

Trip Days Twenty Eight and Twenty Nine

The next day we enjoyed a lazy morning and then went to play in the hotel pools and lazy river for an hour or so before going out on the strip but this time in the opposite direction. I braved a a roller coaster ride around New York and then we hopped on the monorail to Mandalay Bay and a nice lunch at the Noodle Shop. Coming back we stopped off in Egypt and visited the Sphinx and the Pyramid of Luxor. Back to our hotel for a hour or so before we were collected for the short ride to the heliport and our night flight over the city.

Lazy River, Monte Carlo Hotel, Las Vegas

Roller Coaster around Manhattan, Las Vegas

New York sights, Las Vegas

Lunch at the Noodle Shop, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

The Sphinx at Luxor, Las Vegas

Inside the Pyramid of Luxor, Las Vegas

Rows and rows of slot machines in the hotels, Las Vegas

We had booked the earliest flight at 20.00 hrs and GC was really excited so no problems trying to keep her awake. We joined another family of three and were escorted out to our helicopter by the pilot. Six 'copters were taking off tonight. They were all very close to the buildings and one by one they lifted off the ground a few feet and then slowly moved down a predetermined route for a couple of minutes before turning and then heading for the skies.

It was incredible. There were private planes moving around on the apron near us and big transatlantic passenger jets landing and taking off not too far away. Very impressed with the amount of control these pilots had on what was quite a blustery day. We all had a headset and mic' which meant we could talk to each other and ask questions of the pilot. This was a mixed blessing though as the little boy of the other family just kept squawking "mama" repeatedly. The parents did nothing to quieten him and eventually the pilot had to ask them to move the voice activated mic' away from his mouth.

Las Vegas at night from the air was spectacular and we got to fly down the strip round the Stratosphere and back again - a ride of twenty minutes or so. The three were up in the front and GC sat next to the pilot. She loved it all. After the flight we asked to be dropped off at the Bellagio for a fountain display before getting a late supper and then taking a very tired little girl back to the hotel.

High as a kite waiting for the helicopter ride

The view from our helicopter, Las Vegas

We packed while GC slept. We had a 04.45 hrs alarm call for the morning as our flight went at 08.05 hrs. Nothing direct to Orlando during the day so we had a couple of hours to Dallas Fort Worth, an hour or so transfer and two and a half hours to Orlando. Everything went smoothly and GC caught up on some sleep on the plane. Picked a hire car and then in just under an hour we were at my cousin's place in Sandford.

Time for a week of family fun in Florida!

Catching up on some sleep on the way to Orlando

Back To Las Vegas

Road Trip Days Twenty Six and Twenty Seven

Up early after our night of boondocking we were soon on the road to Pahrump a further hour away. As we entered the town we stopped at a nice little Internet cafe for breakfast and checked out the local accommodation options. We found a few RV parks and liked the looked of 'Nevada Treasure' which promised a pool and hot tub. 

Our plan was to stay the night in Pahrump and return the RV to Las Vegas, another 60 ish miles away, for 11.00 hrs the next day. Anyway, the RV Park was lovely and we had a great afternoon messing in the pool, reading books and letting GC eat some Easter treats before retiring to the van for a night of tidying and packing. 

Nevada Treasure pool. Almost had it to ourselves

Easter treats

The next day we were away by 09.20 hrs. Twenty minutes later than I hoped but the rubbish dumping and other last minute things just took longer than expected. The drive into Las Vegas was straightforward but we got caught in some road diversions once into the city which added another quarter hour to the journey. By the time we had stopped for fuel to bring the tank up to full, we arrived at the CruiseAmerica depot dead on 11.00 hrs. This was the latest we could return it and not be charged extra - phew!

The RV handed back we were into a waiting taxi to the Monte Carlo hotel on the strip within minutes. The luggage valet took our bags and gave us a ticket in return. She informed us check in was between 15.00 and 17.00 hrs but they might let us check in early...and they did. Bags were delivered to the rooms, we unpacked a little and then went to explore the pool area and then onto the strip for a wander. We had a late lunch at the Eiffel tower and then popped into Venice for a wander. Busy day but GC loved the city which she christened 'Fairyland'.

Paris

Venice

In The Boondocks

Road Trip Day Twenty Five

Unsure whether to stay at Barstow/Calico RV Park a second night or not. After a relaxed morning playing at the RV Park we left for an afternoon visit to Calico Ghost Town just a few miles away. If the place was good and we stayed till late then we would have a second night back at the RV Park, if it was not we would make some miles towards Las Vegas. We did a hundred and twenty miles towards the big city!

I had hoped for a sympathetic reconstruction of an old western mining/cowboy town. I didn't expect it all to be authentic but I was really disappointed by the mixed up presentation - some old (not much) and some rebuilt - all laid out around a tarmac high street and most of the buildings given over to retail use. I don't think they had much use for pot pourri and scented oils in the old west but I could be wrong! Still, we had a train ride a quarter of a mile in a loop around a hill for eight minutes which GC really liked.

Prison breakout. Barstow/Calico RV play area.

All aboard the Calico Express!

There were not many RV parks on the road to Las Vegas. I had fancied 'Boondocking' for a while, which means just pulling off the road somewhere in the 'boondocks' (back of beyond) and using the van utilities only. Wifey was OK to try and GC was really excited by the prospect. I identified an almost boondock site at a 'primitive' campground at Afton Canyon - 3.5 miles along unpaved roads to a very secluded canyon with just tables and pit toilets for utilities.

We got there with the RV along some pretty steep, rocky tracks but decided, beautiful though it was, it was just too remote if something went wrong. There was no one else around and no phone. Wifey (who has not driven the van at all) did not fancy trying to get us out should I have a sudden injury or illness and we were both worried it might be a rowdy spot for youths/yobs/bikers late at night. 

We tried for another site forty miles further on but while it was not as remote as the first it offered nothing special as a place to stay. We resigned ourselves to drive eighty odd miles to Pahrump and the promise of an RV spot. However, about sixty miles before Pahrump in the Mojave Desert we came across an off road layby with a great view of the setting Sun over the mountains. We made camp, lit a fire and toasted marshmallows. I told GC not to play in the road but who could help it?

Nice heating.

Great view.

Be safe playing on the road!

Winding Down

Road Trip Days Twenty Three and Twenty Four

A couple of very laid back days. We stopped at Lake Isabella RV Park for two nights. It was nice with complimentary ice cream socials and pancakes for breakfast. We got chatting to a nice family with four kids from Bristol so GC had some playmates again. 

The first day shopped and had a picnic by the lake, played in the Splash Zone and rode on the local 'Banana Bikes'. On the second we had a generally productive morning doing chores and even managed to organise an Easter Egg Hunt for GC. In the afternoon we hit the road again (mainly very long and very straight roads) to Barstow/Calico and found a RV park there.

The last few days are providing time to relax after the hectic driving and doing of the first two weeks. We are planning our stops so the road bit is not to long and we have time to play with GC and relax a bit ourselves. Will soon be in Las Vegas and so will need our energy for that!

Riding a 'Banana Bike'

Pancakes with Maple Syrup. Yum!

Can she stay dry? Err...no.

The road to Barstow

Butterfly Beach

Road Trip Day Twenty Two

Wifey writes

We woke in San Simeon to find that our RV was parked right in front of the trail to the beach. We set off and found that not only were there loads of big beautiful orange butterflies that went into free-fall now and again and looked like autumn leaves but also blue jays and white frilly butterflies too. 

We spent some time reading about the Mountain Lions that might attack us, the ticks that may attach themselves to us and the plovers that we may step on before deciding to risk it and go for a paddle on the beach. GC and I really enjoyed jumping the waves while Daddy laughed his socks off as I almost fell in the sea!! 

Sadly the tide was coming in and we realised that we would have to make fast tracks back to the camp site before we were charged another night for the site. We galloped back and swiftly exited the camp. We had decided to stop a little along the trail for lunch. Daddy found somewhere nice for lunch looking out to the lovely sea. Tuna sandwiches again though - GC's favourite and looking that way for some time to come. 

We continued along to Lake Isabella. The road was long and twisty and MAC kept pulling over to let the fast cars past. This made the drive nicer for them (as many gave us a cheery wave) and for us as we could proceed along that narrow rocky road with some caution. 

When we arrived at our KOA we found it was not only full of family friendly things such as the splash zone (fountains and sprinklers for kids) and a play area, but activities such as the ice-cream social that night where we made the acquaintance of some Brit's with young children willing to play with GC. 

Sunday promises pancake breakfasts for us all too. MAC was pleased to find a receptionist who was born in the same place as him in the UK and I was pleased to find someone who had grown up in Pickering. Although I was less pleased to realise that when he asked who I would know there it was only people old enough to be his mother!

Condor Moment

Road Trip Day Twenty One

"Highway closed twenty miles ahead. Did it say open from 16.00 hr?" We were driving south along Highway One which clings to and twists around the cliffs of the Pacific coast. Condors were an aim of the day. I had been told of a point where they roosted and great views of these huge birds could be obtained. We were going south anyway, so stopping for a while to see these magnificent creatures did not even give rise to a diversion.

We found the required landmarks but could not see Condors along the cliff, in the trees or at wing. Seeking local knowledge at the Coast Gallery and Cafe the news came the Condors could be seen at many points and at various times but there was no specific place or time - you just had to keep your eyes open. We enjoyed the coffee and sought clarification of the road closure also. 

There had been a rock slide and the highway was only open for a few hours from 16.00 hrs each day. There was no way round without retracing our steps back to Monterey and going inland. We were in no rush and decided to enjoy the views and overlooks en route. I got a few pics which do show a little of the great scenery but don't do it justice at all - the light being too high and harsh for landscape photos.

Private? Criminal!

Beach Waterfall

We obtained a reasonable position in the throng of vehicles halted by the road closure and within less than an hour of waiting we on our way. Just before Cambria - our turn point inland to the east - we stopped for the night at San Simeon Campground. We have been trying to cut down on the long driving days and hoped to make the most of the coast tomorrow before leaving the ocean behind us. 

We never did see any Condors but it was a small negative to an otherwise lovely travelling day. Wifey thought the drive was beautiful. GC didn't care for it although can't give any reasons why. Troubled child!

Pacific Coast

Road Trip Days Nineteen And Twenty

Two very relaxing days. Just 90 odd miles down the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway through Santa Cruz and on towards Monterey stopping at Moss Landing. A winding road which affords spectacular views over the ocean and lots of little beaches to stop and relax.

We broke the journey once for a picnic break. GC had great fun beachcombing and getting us all wet by challenging us to "chase the waves" - a fun game she invented to see who could get as close to the incoming water without actually getting wet. We played this over the course of the day at various times. None of us stayed dry but only GC actually fell over!

Can't catch me!

Mummy save me!

Daddy I've got wet knickers!

Time for some posing

Found an RV park at Moss Landing - a nice little arty seaside place which also is a good place to join whale watching boat trips. We booked for the next day and then treated ourselves to another dinner out. Well why not when you have a renowned fish eatery - Phil's Fish Market - on your very doorstep? We all enjoyed the food and wifey was really glad to get a some great Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bun. The live blue-grass band were pretty darn good too!

Yummy!

Next day was still and calm as we joined the whale watching boat - Sanctuary. Along with us, as passengers, there were five Spanish tourists, a pair of pro looking photographers - one from Norway and one local, and a television crew from Channel 5 (UK). They were getting footage for a documentary called 'Whale Adventure' due for screening around Christmas 2012 looking at the migration of Grey Whales from Baja to Alaska. It sounds interesting.

Mike the captain and Dorris the guide explained the drill and dished out sea sickness stuff to those who wanted it. We were going to get a sea band for GC but none would fit her. The Spaniards got one each but no one else bothered. We set off into Monterey Bay. The wind was expected to increase later and Captain Mike wanted to make as much distance as he could before conditions got too rough.

Straight out for an hour to the mouth of the bay didn't provide any sightings. GC was really enjoying riding on the bow riding the waves though. Unfortunately, at some point she came aft to the rear of the cabin to shelter from the wind and then some sea sickness caught her. She spent the rest of the trip looking miserable and cuddling Mummy.

Lenses at the ready!

We spent about three hours in total looking around the bay and didn't spot any whales. The wind had got up and there was lots of swell and white caps. The guys with big lenses thought they spotted one and started shouting excitingly. I couldn't see any sign of whales and could only spy some big patches of floating sea weed. The captain also thought the same and nothing came their excitement. The length of their lenses had been making me feel slightly inadequate but now I felt somewhat better.

Once back into the harbour GC perked up on the flatter surface and we all got a close up with the various Pelicans, Sea Lions and Sea Otters resident in the area. As we hadn't seen any Whales though we were entitled to a free repeat trip on another day. We wondered if we should try again the next day but decided we didn't want to risk another disappointing, nausea inducing trip for GC. One of the guys from the TV crew had told me about some Condors which roosted just near the highway about an hour south on our intended route. We had a plan for tomorrow!