Homeward Bound (The Immigrants Return)

Today was the last day, day 17. So after taking a while to wake up after the previous nights drinking we went to get an extra suitcase – yes I had that much extra stuff to bring back I had to buy a bigger case!

Then the laborious task of packing began. But it was faster than I’d first thought. Pizza was the lunch of the day, and after much discussion on what is an appropriate pizza topping (apparently sweetcorn and bolognese sauce isn’t normal in America?)

We chilled out and watched tv before I had to head off and say the final farewell to Melissa before jumping on the plane.

13:38 London Heathrow
Well that was a long flight. I slept through most of it but did successfully watch 2 films. The first one being Paul which was really good, but not quite up to the standard of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz. The second was Sucker Punch which was a bit, well, daft… It was a bit hard to follow and quite frankly weird. But the action sequences were quite good.

I also read some more of the Monster of Florence, which caught the attention of one of the flight attendants who was Italian. So he knew all about it anyway, which was cool as his perspective on it was I interesting to hear, seeing as he’d lived through the latter part of it. For those of you who don’t know he’s the Italian version of Jack the Ripper.

Anyway, I’m waiting for the final leg of the journey now. Not long till I’m home.

19:05 Home
I’m back baby! After a nice short flight, with a minor delay from London I’m now back sat on the couch at home.

Turns out I sat next to a couple who’d been on the San Francisco flight as well, sat literally just a seat or two over from me. So we had a chat about the places we saw, they were at the Giants game I was at too. How random!

Anyway, I’d now like to take this opportunity to say thank you again to everyone who’s been involved or I’ve met along the way on the trip.

Melissa and Angela you rock, and I’ll see you again soon! Now you get to recover from the madness that was USMAC 2011! Bring on Oktoberfest reunion… Woot

Day 16: The First Farewell… And the Last Hurrah…

Today we said goodbye to Angela as she was heading back a day before myself. We headed over the bay bridge to drop her in Oakland as she was spending the day with an old school friend then going to catch her flight later on in the afternoon.

We said goodbye, gave our hugs and winks and set off on our way. It was the moment I think I properly realised that it’s all coming to an end.

Melissa took me over to the academy of science that we’d tried to see earlier in the week but it had been super busy as it was free. So we paid and got in to a more empty museum. They have the most amazing exhibits. They even have a living rainforest, it’s stunning. We went to see the planetarium show which was mind bogglingly awesome! It’s a really good museum.

The night was spent sampling some great Thai food, then drinking with Melissa husband Martin’s football… Sorry soccer, buddies in San Francisco. A good night was had by all and I even got a few souvenirs to take home.

To finish off and soak up the alcohol we hit a place called Jack in the box for a tasty burger.

Not bad for the last day of the trip. Shame I forgot my camera! Boo!

Day 15: Big fish, Little fish, Cardboard box

After all the merriment and frivolity of last night we had a pretty chilled day today. We got up quite early considering, and headed off to Monterey to go to the aquarium. This was straight after heading to the place where the most amazing bagels are made. Nom, nom, nom!

Monterey is a seaside town which used to be the place to tin sardines. You can tell from the structure of some of the buildings (and from their names) they were the old canneries. It’s like any typical seaside town but it’s got an Aquarium to die for. It’s huge!

It’s got all the local species within and has a great concept to educate on what’s sustainable within local and national regions (it may just be US based, I need to check that but they have a great iPod app, as tested by Angela). Their tanks are pretty impressive and I got to touch a Ray fish in one of the pools which was really cool.

The best features for me were the jellyfish and the seahorse exhibit they were amazing, they even had the development cycles of the species and had some really awesome displays of the animals in their egg sacs!! I’ve got pictures and video footage it’s unreal!

We hit the gift shop and had a mosey around town afterwards. We were in the aquarium for like 3 hours or something there was so much to see. We had planned on going kayaking afterwards but due to the infamous fog and the fact we were running later than planned after lunch we decided to cancel. Yet again I failed to finish the meal, so I brought yet another box back of food!

We returned back and promptly vegetated, I’d fallen asleep on the car journey home already so it’s safe to say I was exhausted. We watched Rango which is potentially the most random children’s film of all time. And now I’m just blogging and watching Angela pack up her stuff. It’ll just be Melissa and me from tomorrow morning and we’re hoping to go the science museum after the queuing saga the other day. Damn freebies! Ha ha

And on Saturday once I pack(?!) we may head out to see Melissa’s friend Diane for a quick hike before I have to hit the airport but it all depends on time. I hope we can but we’ll see if it figures out logistically. I’m dreading packing!! It’s the worst part.

It’s being an amazing trip and I’d do it all again in an instant but it helps that I’m in good company otherwise I’d not get to do or even know about half the stuff I’ve seen. I’m getting nostalgic and it isn’t even over yet…

Better start planning USMAC 2012/13 in the coming months (he he he)

Day 14: Taking in the local culture…

A chilled day was had (minus parking drama) this morning was Crepes and a manicure for me and pedicures (again) for the girls. The manicurist commented on my dodgy nail!

Then we went to hit the museums, but we hit them on free Wednesday. The queue was immense we’d have been in it for like an hour at least just to get in. So we headed to see the golden gate bridge while the fog wasn’t surrounding it. We walked so far along it to take in the views. Its a pretty impressive view, and structure. Crazy tall too.

The evening consisted of a meal at the Stinking Rose a garlic based restaurant. Boy did we stink afterwards. The final instalment for the day was beach blanket babylon, an amazing cabaret/theatre show which is immense. Highly recommended just for the wigs and hats alone – A very pleasant surprise from Melissa the tour guide!

So because the night was still young we hit the yokel bar near Melissa’s pad, Winters bar. It was karaoke night so you know that the girls were going to sing. A very varied crowd was on the mike. We had hip hop, easy listening, rock and country, and even back up dancing! After a few Newcastle Brown Ales the night was a treat just like being in Stanhope but with Americans not Weardaliens.

We’re rolling through to Angela’s last day now. She flies on Friday back to Seattle.

Day 13: Valley of the Grapes

Napa time baby! Today was tge day for the wine… And boy did we try a lot of wine.

First off was Mumm where we tried that Carlos Santana “champagne” which I’m sure any fans of The Lonely Island will love. And it’s goooooood! We tried 6 sparkling wines there and had a look around the art gallery.

Then we popped into frogs leap (not stags leap) and sampled their wares they supplied some good cheese and fruit. We also played a game of corn hole… Don’t ask it’s a weird ass game! But I rocked it!!

Third stop was our picnic lunch made by Melissa at Rutherford Grove where again we sampled a few good grape juices and some good chocolate wine sauces. The sun today was toasty hot, it was into the high 80′s at some points. So lunch outside on the grass was ideal. It was a very classy day, but the best was yet to come.

Our final stop was at Terra Valentine. This was where Diane (one if Melissa’s friends) who came along on the trip to Napa, had a cousin who worked. So we totally got VIP treatment. The vineyard is bookings only normally for tastings and is a relatively small winery in comparison to some in the valley. They do damn good grape juice! It was the best all day, there reds were beautiful.

After the wine adventure we went for dinner at a local restaurant called Farmsteads where the food was amazing. The restaurant was pretty cute to look at too. I’d go back in an instant. All (or at least as much as they can) of their produce is home grown in their gardens or bought in from local sources.

So all in all a fun day was had. We gad a pretty rock star day in the middle of wine country. Out of the 400+ vineyards I think the ones we did made the day special. Everyone of them was good but the private tasting and tour were the best!

Day 12: Breakfast at Tiffanys and a night with the BFG’s

Well, well, well San Francisco is a sight – That’s a positive statement!

We started off the tour today courtesy of Melissa with a nice view of the city from one of the higher points it’s very different from the other big cities I’ve been into on my travels. The Bay and Golden Gate bridges to me are stunning although I’ve been told Bay bridge is ugly, and that’s coming from a local.

We were lucky with the mornings weather as the infamous San Francisco fog held itself at bay long enough for us to make the most of the glorious sunshine for our walkabout. We looked around downtown, Chinatown and the posh bits if the city alongside the older parts which look to have a lot of culture to offer. We went into Tiffanys and I marvelled at the shiny shiny things… Ah to be rich!

In the afternoon we went to pier 39 the more touristy pier to take in all that it had to offer. I got some photos of Alcatraz, and fingers crossed I may get to go on a tour but if not it can go on the list for next time! So we ambled around and had some lunch at a nice restaurant which offered mostly crab, so I had Sand Dabs (a White fish) with cous cous.

After a pleasant adventure we headed back and got changed (bundled up more like) and then went to the Giants vs Dodgers game at the AT&T stadium in San Francisco. I got a foam finger!

I followed it relatively well, we saw a home run a double out and all the fun in-between. Giants (the home team) won, which was nice. But we did find out on the way home that apparently the Dodgers are going into liquidation? So that’s a sad end to the rivalry they are famous for.

Tomorrow is Napa valley wine tour day, so got to get rested up for that one. Then there are only 3.5 days until the journey home, so lots to fit in, in not so much time… It’s flown over so quickly and yet we’ve done so much so far. It’ll be odd being back at work on Monday morning!

Day 11: Road Trip – Last leg (Long Beach, Malibu, Pacifica)

So after a nice stay in LA and Long Beach we had a nice chilled breakfast then set ourselves on our last leg if the great pilgrimage… It’s been amazing driving the country I’d recommend it to anyone the west coast is stunning and has so much to offer and it’s not as expensive as you might think. I’d come back in a heartbeat.

To finish our journey we travelled the scenic route so I could see Malibu. Now I could totally live in Malibu, it’s gorgeous, we stopped for fish and chips at a beachside restaurant where apparently the biker community hangs out. Saw some nice choppers and stunning Harley’s.

The drive felt longer than the others because we’d (by that really I mean I) had a day off from driving by stopping at Josh’s families house for 2 nights. Although Angela did have to drive the streets of LA for us.

I returned the rental car this morning at the airport. My first solo drive as Angela needed to catch up on some Zzz’s. I survived but yeah I need more practice at this driving abroad thing! So I said goodbye to the Toyota Corrolla handed in the keys and jumped into Melissa’s Scion back to Pacifica.

As I write this I’m looking out across the ocean from Melissa’s deck in Pacifica with a cup of tea in one hand. This is the life!

Ps – Thank you to Josh’s family for making me feel so welcome.

Day 10: Road Trip (LA in a Day – Santa Monica Pier, Runyon Canyon, Beverley Hills, Hollywood Blvd)

Santa Monica Pier was the first stop on this whistle stop adventure of southern California. I got my picture taken Forrest Gump style outside of Bubba Gump Shrimp co. Yes it is a real restaurant chain it was created after the movie was made. I was a total tourist, I was stunned by everything I saw that day!

I went up on the ferris wheel (you’ll know it from nearly every movie that has a ferris wheel, in fact I think the whole pier has been used for a lot of scenes). And bonus we saw dolphins playing in the ocean! Soooo cute and if we’d not gone up we’d never have seen them.

I ate a corn-dog, we have to get these in the UK they’re well nice – I’d bring some back if I had a bigger case!

We also went for a stroll along the beach front in Santa Monica and took in the sand, sun and sea. We saw a surf competition and loads a tanned and toned people, it’s like everyones main aim is to look good! I totally wouldn’t fit in here…

We drove up the various streets that you’ll all know and love up to Runyon Canyon. The views from that place are amazing, hazy through the LA smog but amazing. I saw the Hollywood sign, and some stunning houses and pools, clearly houses of the rich and fabulous.

Our last stop of the day was Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the walk of fame. It’s packed down there, tourist central and difficult to get around in but I saw various peoples stars and handprints along the way.

A packed day, but we did the most important things to me! LA is a sight to behold…

Day 9: Road Trip (Sacramento – Long Beach)

Well Southern California is totally different to Oregon and Washington, it’s hot, a little deserty looking and my god is it hot. So you catch my drift…

The drive down was about 6 and a half hours, and we only hit traffic on one section of the 405. But on the way we literally flew as we wanted to beat the 405′s road closures between certain junctions. We did stop for some drinks and gas but most of the sightseeing was from the window and when we did want to stop for photos there was no where to go!

I did however discover the other night that Newcastle brown ale is sold here in America! Which I found incredibly random so I had a couple of them with my dinner. We are staying with Josh’s Mam and Grandma for the next 2 days in Long Beach, they have a pool and the house is huge! But anyway we arrived around 7:00 had a chinwag and then Angela and me went out for dinner at a Lebanese place where they sold what looks like a Donner Kebab but with real meat not remains sprayed off carcasses and moulded into a generic meat… It was yummy.

So we’ve now planned the LA tour and are heading out in a while to go start that adventure!

Day 8: Road Trip (Hiouchi – Sacramento)

Hiouchi is a hip hop and happening place, it’s got a Gas station, a Motel, a Cafe and a Wood Carver and that’s pretty much it. We had breakfast at the cafe and then headed off to explore the Redwoods.

We dropped in at a place called Trees of Mystery but upon arriving found out it would take longer than anticipated and it was going to cost us… So we roamed around the gift shop, met Bigfoot and got freaked out by the massive talking Paul Bunyan statue. We thought it was pre-recorded, but he spoke to us as we left.

We twisted and turned our way through the redwood highway and drove through a redwood tree, it’s not as crazy as it sounds we really did it. I’ve got photographic evidence! We dropped in to see Big tree… But we think maybe we should have dropped in to see it before we wandered around the other trails in Prairie Creek State Park, it was a little bit of a let down. I think they need to do a re-measure, he didn’t look so big to me. We saw some Elk in the park – again I took photos.

We then continued our drive down the 101 to connect to I-5 and meandered through the mountains and small connecting pioneer towns (we even saw a ghost town, or remaining sections of one).

We arrived in Sacramento around 7:00 and got to our hotel, it’s randomly decorated and quite funky looking, although it looks like we’re the only ones here? And good lord is it hot down here. We went out for dinner with Josh’s cousin Dave his wife Shauna and daughter Madeline who showed us round the old town and took us to a stunning restaurant called Cafeteria, it’s a massive space with a huge deck and patio and I ate all if my ‘deconstructed’ chicken pot pie! So that’s what 3 meals the whole trip?

The old town in Sacramento looks like the kind of places you see in westerns it’s even got one of the old Steam boats docked in the Sacramento river. The other river in the area is called the American river, I think they had an off day when coming up with names!

So I’m now in the area where Terminator was governor… Crazy!

Day 7: Road Trip (Lincoln City – Hiouchi)

Today’s adventure along the Oregon coastline began with a pancake breakfast at Pig n Pancake. They’re a chain that is only in Oregon state but god do they do good pancakes! It filled us up for most of the day.

Our travels took us on a nice relaxed adventure following the 101 down to our destination near Crescent city. We’re only 15 minutes or so from it in Hiouchi.

On our way we dropped into nearly all the small towns for a look at something, from getting salt water taffy to looking around the gift shops. But mostly to look at and take photos of the coast. The highlight of the day though was the sea lion cave which was brilliant and random, we kind of just stumbled on it on the roadside. It’s the largest cave in the world and it’s home to a massive colony of Stellar sea lions who have been observed in the cave and surrounding coast for many years. To get down to the cave you take a lift which took a while to install, as initially it looked like it was accessed by a series of walkways. It did smell a little but if your looking at a species that’s diet consists of fish it’s going to smell!

We also passed a Safari park and some Dinosaurs, caught a local Market. Again, random… We missed out on seeing the safari park because we just plain didn’t know about it!

So now we’re at Hiouchi watching kill bill vol. 2 while planning the route through the redwoods to Sacramento tomorrow. I say we, I mean Angela as I don’t really know the area. But I would totally recommend doing Oregon to anybody it’s gorgeous and there are loads of camping grounds with wifi!

Right early, early start tomorrow long drive and lots to see. We’ve got to drive to a schedule tomorrow – today was so leisurely we ran a teensy bit later than planned.

Day 6: Road Trip (Seattle – Lincoln City)

Well yesterday was eventful!

We picked up the car at 7:30 courtesy of a lift from Josh. It’s a Toyota Corolla with an upgrade of a Sat Nav (they didn’t have the one we requested so free upgrade!)

After some nit picking about small scratches and dints so I don’t get charged extra at the other end we headed back to Angela’s to get packed up. She drove the first stint in the city, as we figured it’d be waaaay too confusing. But then it was my turn…

Automatics are weird – a few times I reached down to my left hand side to change gear and my left leg felt redundant. But I successfully drove us to Mt St Helens, or what we thought was the observatory for it. We were wrong, so we took in the views and drove back down to I-5 to go back up to where we needed to be. Then the heavens opened, and boy did they open. It was a bit hairy for me for a bit as so much was different but we made it through to where we needed to be to find it had closed, 5 minutes ago! So we decided I wasn’t supposed to see the crater etc and moseyed on back down the I-5 to Lincoln city.

I did have to drive through a small bit of city to connect to the next road, and found Americans drive oddly. The signs just appear at the junction with little warning and nobody seems to use the lanes as we would in the UK. The slow lane was empty, the middle lane would be full of lorries and the fast lane had everyone weaving in and out of it. It’s the same on the I-5 but in the city it seemed to be like that on a scarier scale. But we made it out the other side to a Dairy Queen.

Apparently Dairy Queen or DQ is a fast-food institution here in the US. And it was good but again big portions!! I think my stomach is the size of a gnat, seriously, and I have a big appetite in the UK?

Anyway we made it past the correctional facility, which looked a bit posh. And to Lincoln city. The motel is cute and right on the beach front. We went to a local “dive” bar for a drink, before crashing for the night. It was empty but some interesting characters came in while we sat. We were treated to the film small soldiers, which was a bit random. But it was cheap and cheerful with obscure decor and a lot of pool tables.

This morning we do breakfast get “Gas” and then start leg 2 of phase 2 of the trip, down the coast to Crescent city… Then tomorrow we drive to Grants pass then down to Sacramento (this seems backwards but I want to see the Redwoods).

Day 5: Dances with Wolves and Dinner with Fish

This morning we dropped Melissa at the airport for the second leg of her journey until we meet again in Pacifica. Her flight unbeknown to us all was delayed, otherwise she probably could have come with us to today’s final Seattle based adventure: Wolf Haven

Due to Angela finding out I loved wolves yesterday she found a wolf sanctuary for us to visit – so we ditched the EMP (a perfect excuse to come back and visit) and travelled down the road to see the wolves. Wolf haven is a sanctuary, but they do breed the rarer species and have a release programme they run. They are totally volunteer run and take in wolves that have been kept as pets by the weird people who don’t get that they are WILD animals, and do what they can to allow them to live out there lives (yes in captivity) but as close as they can to a normal life.

Angela was very taken with one of the youngsters called Shadow. So much so that she has claimed him as a pet! He was very cute and had a fetching scar on his face after he’d had a scuffle with his colleague over a dead chicken. They feed what we would consider the BARF diet, but what they would know as a natural diet. So cow and chicken carcasses, and road kill with a little bit of dog food just to top it up. Only one of the wolves looked fat tge rest were lean and natural looking… And Nat (yes you miss cook) they provide enrichment to all the wolves and they all looked pretty content and chilled out. They also have a couple of coyotes, one has only one eye as he had to have it removed after an accident.

Anyway after the cuteness of the wolves we had planning to do so we headed back into Seattle and got to work booking the car and motels on the way to California! Phase two is ready to begin!

For tea we had Sushi, yes, I, ME! I ate raw fish. Most of it was rolls and stuff but I had some raw salmon stuff and it wasn’t as bad as I thought although I loved the tempura vegetables. I would eat it again, but I did find it awfully filling. But further to that I managed to eat with chopsticks, I was so proud I even kept the chopsticks much to Josh and Angela’s disgust… I can eat like a pro with the chopsticks now although from Angela’s photographs it looks a little like the evolution of Tool-Age man.

Next stop, Lincoln City!

Day 4: Taches on

Ok so today was crazy full – this morning we did Breakfast, not the artery clogging typical American… Sorry United States, not American as American is not a nationality for citizens of the US – private joke… Breakfast but still a damn good breakfast. We had cherry mimosas (a pitcher of, we keep it classy man) and French Toast which was yummy, and yes yet again I needed a take-home box.

After breakfast we went to see the Troll, yes a Troll on our way to the Market. He lives under the bridge in Fremont, he’s an art project in the area and is randomly holding a VW Beetle? Both him and the statue of Lenin, yes that Russian guy, are probably the most random ones in Seattle. But they are interesting to say the least. Fremont Market is an eclectic mix of a flea Market and craft or high end goods, a few of the stalls stood out in particular and I’ll add there websites when I get a chance but there stuff is really really cute!

The Burke Museum (part of The university of Washington) has a Wolf exhibit on at the moment so we went to take a look-see at that, and for $10 it was a good find. The exhibits were really cool considering the small space and the wolves they had on display were stunning. A random fact; only 50 Mexican wolves still roam the US and they are practically extinct, their gene-pool is so narrow they have interbred in the wild with coyotes, their natural enemies in order to breed and populate.

Post museum we went to Volunteer park to get some good views of the space needle, we climbed the water tower (107 steps) to get a good look and jeez was it pretty – 360 degree views!

Dinner was at a place called Agua Verde, so true to form I ordered an appetiser and again couldn’t finish it!! But after the quick meal we went for our evenings entertainment at the Rock Box… For those who don’t know this is a bar where you book a room with your friends and sing your little Karaoke heart out. After a bit of Dutch courage (which Melissa and Angela didn’t need) we were singing our little hearts out. Or on my case wailing the country barrier for song options was a little more random than I imagined, they didn’t know Queens I want to break free. This was selected by me due to our hip cool new glasses and Moustache ensembles!! (pictures will be coming I promise) but as they didn’t know it, it kind of fell flat. We finished up with a bit of Journey, which seemed to go down well with us all.

Somehow I think my karaoke voice may not be making regular appearances, but that could be a good thing. The world will be a happier place me thinks!

Today is the last day in Seattle so the road trip planning will be set in stone by tonight. Phase 2 of USMAC 2011 will begin on the 12th….

Day 3: I’m on a Boat

So after the Cabaret at Can Can, which was Awesome we went to the Hard Rock for tea… This late tea and alcohol consumption plus late night nattering and putting the world to rights made us a little bit late for our excursion. By like literally minutes, but when your catching a Ferry that kind of makes all the difference.

Anyway we missed the one we were aiming to get on so we popped into Anacortese for breakfast. It’s a cute little town that looks like the classic American town – well from my movie experiences anyway, although as most of my movie experiences are ones with Psycho killers, deadly viruses or crazy corn possessed children I could be mislead. Note: I am in no way, shape or form saying that Anacortese is any of the above, that’s merely my only comparison. I think it’s a cute town.

Breakfast was good, the second meal I’ve finished this whole trip… Toast and Jam, but really, really good Jam! It was proper strawberry Jam with actual strawberries in it.

To fill in time till the next Ferry we went for a look around. It’s got loads of arts and crafty like shops and is mostly touristy and randomly has a really big toy shop, but it wasn’t a chain like Toys ‘r’ Us, it was a proper toy shop. So we had a look in there.

We made it to the second ferry in good time and made our way through the San Juan islands. It’s so picturesque, Angela describes it as living in a Postcard and she isn’t far wrong. It’s stunning, we had the Olympic Mountain range poking through in the distance at one side, Canada on the other and the most calm sea it looked like you could do the Jesus thing and walk on it.

The ferry journey was an hour and we reached Friday harbour on San Juan island (there are other islands available we just went to this one specifically) at lunchtime. So we went for fish and chips at the place that claimed to be the best in the world or something along those lines and it was good, although I do like my chips a bit chunkier.

Orca spotting was next on the agenda, although sadly we didn’t see any. We went on the bus to the Coastal park to spot them, Melissa tried to escape from the bus. She was sat in front of the emergency exit and kept pushing it to keep it open for air and set an alarm off with the driver. The window is meant to fall out so if he’d known how hard she kept pushing it I’d be getting it checked coz’ the bugger wouldn’t fall in an emergency in my opinion! So after much giggling about that we walked to the lighthouse to spot Whales, and as I said we didn’t see any but I did get some photos of Canada and we saw Floyd the Sea Lion bobbing about. I got a little burnt by the sun, so I now have a lovely bag strap tan line.

After getting back into Friday harbour we had a look around the shops fir the Lavender farm and the other little industries on the island we waited and had a beer until the ferry to go back turned up. We had on board entertainment in the form of some kids doing gymnastics and trying to breakdance while on the boat, randomly. And we kept ourselves amused with some Moustaches we’d bought earlier in the day.

In order to show me more of the stunning beauty Washington state has to offer Angela drove us to Deception Pass. It’s the most stunning view ever, it’s a bridge over a stretch of water (I think it was an estuary, but I may be wrong) and the drop us incredible with evergreens surrounding and then just open water ahead. It was staggering!

After that I don’t remember much I promptly fell asleep on the car ride home, I blame the early start (7:00, we set off on our way home at 9:30ish) and the sun.

Day 2: Gas Works Park whilst riding a Duck.. Not as crazy as it sounds…

This morning Melissa and Angela went to Zumba. I however took the option of having a lie in. But after they got back from their energetic stint at the class we had a quick breakfast then took Lulu (Angela’s dog) out to Gas Works park for a run.

As weird as it’s name suggests, that’s what it actually is/was. The park is based around an old gas works which still stands but is obsolete. I have taken pictures and will upload them when I get a chance. We played fetch with Lulu for a bit and took some pictures of the city then went for lunch.

We went to a store called REI (like Millets but on a massive scale), which was kinda cool and had lunch at the cafe in there called world wraps. It was the first meal I’ve had since I arrived that I didn’t bring the majority of it back in a box. I’m having issues with portion size and eating times out here, I think it’s possibly left over jet lag… Or the plates are literally huge?

Anyway lunch was had but then the main mission of the day commenced. We went to ride the duck. This is not a crazy statement, they are an amphibious car that were built during the war(?) to aid troops, but they were slow and inefficient so some crazy fool decided to use them to tour around cities in the US. This was fun, we saw all around the ports and the city and got to go into the lake. We didn’t sink and found out random facts on the city like the fact it burnt down, and that there is a whole city underneath what we see today which can be explored in another tour. To me it sounded like Futurama, you know the whole New New York, Old New York… If not google it. But let’s hope underground Seattle doesn’t have mutants living there. Again you need to Google Futurama for that one.

So yeah, Ducks was fun – took photos, and then went to see the Space Needle. But it’s really expensive to go up in so we just looked at it from below. It’s impressive but odd. Like someone designed a spaceship then got bored when they couldn’t make it fly so they stuck it on a tower to make it look like it had a purpose, you know, or like an alien mothership got lost on the way to its home planet so landed for refuelling but liked it so much they decided to stay, and set up a restaurant. We were also near to the EMP museum which is an impressive bit of architecture but we’re going to look in that another day they currently have a big Nirvana exhibition on in there which sounds cool.

So now we’re resting after ice cream then going out to see a Cabaret show.

Update again tomorrow!

Day 1: Pedicure virginity lost, Maltby City lunch and Redhook Beer…

Ok guys, so today I lost my pedicure virginity. And I have nicely teal painted toenails… Good god was I ticklish! But that was a nice way to start the day, post Angela’s yummy breakfast.

Then off we went to Maltby city. Now for those of us in the UK city may seem a bit of a stretch, it was smaller than Frosterley… But that’s what the sign said? Anyway, we had lunch which was nice at the Maltby Cafe which was a cute cafe and the food was nice but I think I’m still a bit jet-lagged as I couldn’t eat it all.

At which point we went to Redhook brewery for a “tour” now the tour involved $1 a lot of beer samples but not so much touring. But it was very entertaining. I’d recommend the Pilsner which was my favourite or the EBA which was second runner.

Then we went to look at Chateau St Michele winery but we missed the tour and we get to do the Napa valley wines next week so wine will be then.

Tonight we’re off to play bananagrams at the Pub with Angela’s friends so a bit of a beer day. And Zumba tomorrow night??? For those of you who acknowledge my lack of coordination you’ll find this fact highly amusing… If I survive I’ll re-post tomorrow.

The Immigrant’s Journey

11:02
Ok so I’m waiting in the departure lounge at Newcastle airport… This feels familiar! 21 minutes till they open the gate for my flight and basically there are only so many times you can be attacked by the perfume sellers and the random person who decides I look like I need a credit card to consolidate my debt – I’m sorry but if I had debts I wouldn’t be going on holiday, maybe she should find a more appropriate place to stand?

Next stop Heathrow Terminal 5 to find my way to flight connections, then off for my final flight to Seattle. Oh and for those of you who may be concerned I’m feeling much perkier, but whether the airplane food agrees with my condition or not is another matter!

I’ve bought a book to keep me entertained about some serial killer from Florence who is somehow connected to the Meredith Kercher murder… So I’ll review that once I finish it for those who may be interested. Although it may be a bit weird to review a true story, it’s like giving the actual murderer a rating out of 5 for effort and originality. Morbid!

Right back to people watching and waiting for flight 1 of 2.

13:34
I made it to Heathrow, minor turbulence and a lot of fluffy clouds later! Now I just have to wait till 13:50 to find out which area of the immense terminal 5 I have to be (I’m in A now but I could end up anywhere). You’d think they’d at least tell you which part of the terminal you have to be in advance because its huginormous, gigantastic I mean there are 2 mini harrods’ here – it’s practically a metro centre (nice northern reference there).

So I wait! But as I flew over London I spotted various stadiums, the O2 arena and the big wheelie thing and the gherkin doodad on canary wharf, so at least I can say I’ve seen a bit of that today. I feel sorry for the poor buggers who live right under the flight path though… It must be a nightmare to sleep underneath that noise.

Right 10 minutes till I commence mission 2.1 Find my flight Gate! I will update once I arrive on tge final questions did I get food provided and did I have any annoying snoring people behind me this time!

14:02
At gate B32, small tube journey and massive escalator stroll. But good god is Heathrow huge, Charles de Gaulle last year is nothing in comparison… It’s scary how much space in the world is taken up with airports. Wow, says the small town girl in the big world!

05:58 (UK) 11:00 (USA)
Ok so I arrived just after half 4 and made it through immigration and was welcomed at the entrance by 2 crazy people in Earthwatch t-shirts!

My second flight was fine but Jesus was I exhausted when I arrived I think I looked dead. The entertainment on the flight was fine I watched limitless, red riding hood and then was amused by the people watching.

I’ll set the scene for you – A mother and her 2 children were sat in front mother in the aisle, youngest kid in the middle (say 4/5), eldest child in the window seat (around 6/7).

Anyway she was watching a film with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman who had sex intermittently throughout the film, so to protect her child she would shield the screen from his eyes… Little did she know her other kid in the window seat, he was watching the same film and was rewinding the sex scenes to re-watch them. After about 10-20 minutes she realised, then instead of making him turn off the film because he was clearly underage she made him block the screen from the middle seat child!! Random parenting lesson there guys, it’s fine if they start watching it and you haven’t noticed. But on a more serious note, maybe airplanes should invest in some age restriction doodad?

Anyway, I didn’t eat just drank lots of fluids. We had a catch up while I kind of died slowly and in the morning I’ll be fresh for what the day brings…

Flight Info – Check, Passport – Check, Brain – Check?

Well I’m now on the last leg of waiting. It’s days now till I fly and good golly gosh am I excited.

I packed yesterday, but am going to have to re-pack tonight now I think – you know when you think you need everything but the kitchen sink, well it looks like I even packed that and I’m trying to travel light! I’ve finished printing all my travel documents. I’m checking in online on Wednesday morning so that makes life easier.

You’d seriously think I wasn’t going on such an adventure I mean I’m literally going on a proper mission but I think because I’m going to stay with Melissa and Angela I feel like I’m just popping over to stay with friends for a few weeks – When actually I’m flying for about 9-10 hours and going halfway across the world. Funny how my brain works – when it is working…

Our most recent itinerary is as follows so for all those who follow my adventures it’ll give you a rough idea of the mission ahead!

6th – Arrive in Seattle, go see a show

7th – Sightseeing; Pike place Market, Ride the Duck(?), Space Needle (woot), EMP Music Museum, Bananagrams (again ?)

8th – GasWorks Park, Green Lake, Kayaking on Lake Union – Eat Mexican at Agua Verde, karaoke on Capitol Hill (singing, me, this will be believed if it happens, although I think the whole of Seattle will be killed by my beautiful tones)

9th -10th – San Juan Islands, ride mopeds and watch orcas

11th – Mt St Helen’s

12th – Chill day

13th – Drive to Lincoln City (5 hours)

14th – Drive to Crescent City (6.5 hours) See Redwood Forest

15th – Drive to Sacramento (6.5 hours)

16th – Drive to Long Beach

17th – Los Angeles; Runyon Canyon, Walk of Fame and other various sights

18th – Pacifica – The Ultimate SF tour including such fantastic sights as The GoldenGate Bridge, Lombard St., Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, Haight/Ashbury… Then baseball game ~ Giants vs Dodgers!

19th – NAPA wine tour

20th – Museums Academy of Sciences/DeYoung, Legion of Honor, or MOMA… followed by “Beach Blanket Babylon” & North Beach

21st – Trip  Santa Cruz, Monterey, or Mt.Tam/Sausalito/Tiburon

22nd - More museums, more city, or more road trippin’  (see how we’re feelin’) 

23rd – Fly Home

24th – Arrive home (minus volcanic ash interuption or other such events!)

So all in all a hell of a trip although I know a lot of the above has been adjusted for various reasons but it’s nice to have a rough idea of the visit. I’ll be updating daily and posting photos to my Photobucket so hopefully you can join us on our adventure. It’s nicely acquired the name the USMAC (United States – Melissa, Angela, Claire) West Coast Takeover Tour 2011 – we should totally get t-shirts!!

And for those who were with us last year in Nova Scotia I’m wearing my Earthwatch shirt on the flight over, you know, just in case they don’t recognise me at the airport. Plus I look like I’m on a field trip ha ha!!

Right I think this will be my final update before I travel so I wish you all a happy 4th of July, oh and Happy birthday to Tweed and his siblings for the 4th and 5th. A whole year since they came into this world 365 days, as if my little pup is a pup no more.

xoxo

Time’s a ticking…

Well it’s getting nearer to adventure time, one more working test before I go and a few more weeks of work then off I fly! I’m going to have a Skype session with Miss Blemker some time before I go just to catch up and finalize bits and pieces but otherwise it’s all going to be played by ear.

The Northern Monkey is off to the USA. I think I’m in shock – I never thought I’d get to go to America so that’s another destination to tick off the bucket list. There’s still loads more places I need to visit before I die, namely Australia, Mexico and I’d like to see some of Asia, I say some of as I’ve not overly done any research but I’ve heard from friends who’ve been out there that it’s amazing. I don’t count Europe as places to visit as they’re kind of a given. I think really that covers the whole world bar the poles but my geography isn’t too good so that’s debatable ha ha.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather holds out for the working test this weekend, although they’ve been lucky with the weather every other weekend so I’m hoping a pattern is emerging. It’s new ground this time so I’ll remember to take my notepad to write down what happens and as promised I WILL remember to take photo’s or video’s if I get the chance. I wonder who’s running their dog’s this time?

Anyway I figured an update was in order as I’ve not posted for a long time. But when I’m away I will be updating as regularly as I can. Also it’s not long till Grouse season starts yay!

xoxo

Not long now… But what’s left to do?

So as the countdown continues it has dawned on me – am I ready?

I know all the paperwork is sorted, my passport and flights and things are done and dealt with. But there has got to be something I’ve forgotten to do/sort/figure out? I’m trying and trying but I cannot pin what it is!

As such I decided to concentrate on other things and so now I am being distracted by TV and my promotion documents, which if you ever have to fill them in are there as a way to put you off wanting to be promoted… seriously a 20 page document is not my idea of fun!

So then as a distraction from the distraction I then got highly absorbed into friday night television, yes I’m at home on a friday night but you know what I don’t care. I’ve got things to be saving for plus I’m not on my finest on a friday evening I’m all tired from work, which although it’s not overly strenuous on a friday I do find that as it’s the end of the week I’ve used all my energy up and need the friday night and sleep saturday morning lie in to get my wind back!

Anyway I’m rambling again. I’m mainly writing this as it’s been a while and I figure I may as well write something new as I’ve been getting so many views lately – I have to say I’m quite charmed by the reading of my ramblings. So thanks guys.

Right, back to figuring out what it is I’ve forgotten, only 131 days / 18 and a bit weeks / 4 and a bit months till I fly out now, time’s running out man…

So in case of death – Repatriate!

Travel insurance is, although essential, an annoying necessity. Most of all because I HATE small print. If it’s that important why don’t they actually make it in massively huge text so that 1. You can actually read it and 2. You know exactly what you’re getting.

I’m twisting mostly because there are loads of cheaper travel insurance deals I can get but not one of them includes repatriation… Which according to my mother and others is a highly vital part of a travel insurance deal. Mostly because if  – worst case scenario – I die while I’m away they can bring my body back, or in the case of a serious injury or illness they will pay for me to be flown back to the UK for our wonderful NHS service and care. I say wonderful through gritted teeth as up till now – all I get told is I’m an anomaly if I do have something wrong with me!!

So as I scroll through the endless (and I mean endless) insurance quotes and there teeny tiny small print so I know what I’m getting included for my money, I wish that instead of this stupid comparison button that they have on this particular website. That there was a big ticky box chart that had what I NEED from my travel insurance so that I don’t have to go the long way around to find it!! I mean the car insurance is much easier to sort than travel insurance it’s like they want to put you off travelling?

It will not be stopping me but it is infuriating to say the least. So the search continues… I sound like a right cheap skate though, I’ve just realised that as the most expensive deal I’ve come across so far is around £50 for the trip but even so, if I can save cash then I will. So consider this my plea for travel insurance to be made more transparent in what they offer and also make selection easier.

And for the sake of my sanity can everyone include repatriation in their insurance – for the love of god, if I select one that doesn’t I’m never going to hear the end of it if, woe betide something horrific does go wrong – but I have every faith that it won’t, even if I do keep getting told the apocalypse is upon us. But somehow I doubt that my death will be a forewarning of the end of the world!

xoxo

Who’s for a Cuppa?

The decision has been made – we’re travelling on a wing and a prayer. Yes we’re figuring it out as we go… The general plan is sorted. Arrive in Seattle, go to see Angela and get her to get her tour guide hat on.

From which point various outings to Vancouver, a Winery and seeing the Space needle are most definitely occurring. Then jump in the car and head down the road; inland for so long, then heading out to the coast taking in all the sites. Seeing the redwood forests, the beautiful coast and all the bit’s in-between until we reach California. Where Melissa will takeover as tour guide and take us to another Winery (we like the grape juice!). The Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco bay, along with Pacifica. Then probably LA and the rest of southern california we can fit in!

I want to see as much as possible and take in all I can of the big American experience. It’s all so exciting I nearly wee’d a little!

I now though have no idea what to pack. I want to travel relatively light, with all the travelling I think it’s better to take a small amount of clothes and then wash but I don’t want to under compensate and take too little. But 20 days is a long time so maybe if I take 10 days worth of stuff then wash the middle of the trip and start again… I hate luggage and packing, mainly because I’m bad at it. I was a total flake last year for Nova Scotia – if it wasn’t for the packing list we got of essentials I would have totally forgotten the most important stuff like my hiking boots. But then I’m sure my Mam would have reminded me about them! She’s a handy packing aide!

The problem now is I’m so overly excited that by the time it actually comes around I’ll be so worn out from all the buzzing around for 6 months waiting I’ll probably be dead when I get off the plane! So I think I may take some teabags, I love tea, I’m a true Brit.

The USA needs to stock up on some good tea – Typhoo or Yorkshire Tea, they’re the proper brew none of this PG tips, mind Sainsburys gold leaf fair-trade tea makes a damn good cuppa at work, so I’m not a total tea label freak. And I HATE Earl or Lady Grey tea, it’s all flowery and rubbish – it tastes like Parma-violets in tea, and Parma-violets were never good. They were all little and ewwwwwww.

The MOST hated sweet EVER (Not 100% fact, but I sure don't like them)

I was more of a Love Hearts or Refresher girl… wow I’m totally rambling now, about tea and sweets – so back to the program, and talking of programmes Frasier is on – or as it’s now known – The Seattle research show.

So I will bid you adieu, with my thoughts of tea, and sweets. Goodnight xoxo

No, I’m not a Spy…

Today, because I’m a citizen from one of those lucky countries that the US doesn’t deem to require a VISA to enter the country, I filed and was approved for my ESTA (Electronic system for Travel Authorization) into the US, and what a random lot of questions.

But because I don’t have a mental disorder (although some would say that’s debatable) or Gonorrhea, I’m not or have never been involved with criminal espionage or had any persecutions associated with Nazi germany or its allies luckily I was admitted entry.

I understand why they ask all of this stuff but when you fill it in you do giggle. I mean how many people who enter the US would admit to seeking entry in order to engage in criminal activities, I’m not – but for people who are, would you say so??

So now it’s official I’m allowed to enter the US… $14 later

So roll on the 6th(?) of July – that’s the estimated date I intend to fly out on – and the craziness which will ensue upon my arrival.

xoxo

ESTA Website (for all you happy travellers out there) https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html?_flowExecutionKey=_c82B7DC5B-505F-9C25-EB38-AA97FD866F01_k00DFC028-59B4-42FC-DCAE-8EB7795CA847

Slowly, Slowly, Catchy, Monkey

Well the more intense planning stages are about to commence. That’s right folks the real pricing has begun and jesus, it’s going to be expensive but worth it!!

So far I’ve got my travel costs down, that’s right down to £1200, but considering how much I spent on my expedition last year that is nothing. And I’ll probably never do the same trip again especially once I get myself on the property ladder, so till then may as well enjoy myself.

Next stop is passport central. My passport needs to be sent off and updated as I can’t get my Visa unless I have at least 6 months to a year so off to the passport office we go for documents and the like. On a bonus note I think I have to get a new passport photo, so a trip to the hairdressers and a beautification may be in order, as I look HORRIFIC on my last photo and my driving licence isn’t overly special either. Don’t want to scare the immigration guys at the desks!!

Sooooo the current plan still stands I think… Train to Heathrow, Flight to Seattle, Drive to Pacifica, then Vegas, Then fly home again, and all in 20 days I think I calculated it to be. 7 in Seattle, 7 in Pacifica/San Francisco and 4 in Las Vegas, plus 2 days flying/travelling!! Woooooooot

The USA should be afraid, be very afraid!!

See you soon my American friends xoxo

West Coast – America 2011

Route Plan, USA 2011

Yes that’s right folks – I’m doing the US of A in 2011, travelling from Seattle, WA to Las Vegas, NV via San Francisco, CA. The whole trip should take about 3 weeks, so a nice long holiday this coming year.

Driving all the way baby, yeah! I’m going to visit a couple of amigos from my Nova Scotia expedition last year, and I can’t wait it’s going to ROCK! Planning starts imminently but first I have to order a new passport and also sort out my immigration stuff then finalize the finer details of the trip such as stops, hotels and the such.

Expect more updates as the year goes on – now to get giddy and save some money!

xoxo