Page 1

1990 2002 2003 2004 2006 2006 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2013 2015 2018 2019
Moab, Canyonland, Archer Nat.Park, Grand Canyon
 Moab - Grand Canyon

After almost getting involved in a crash with a lady driver and extensive shopping at the Denver Wale Mart we drove via famous and expensive Ski Resorts (Vail to Moab. The temperature got hotter and hotter and to top it all, we overtook a Highway Patrol in full speed (90 mph) and got, after some chasing, a ticket! I was a bit pissed off but it was my fault, I did not spot them in time. Was maybe busy with my Budweiser, which Nancy put away before my interview with the officer. Moab is a very hot spot and the KOA had not much shade.

The nearby Arches National Park and Canyonlands are very impressing and we visited them early mornings. The temperature climbed too high (>48°C) in the afternoons, so we used this time for a siesta.
From Moab we our route took us via Mexican Hat and Monument Valley to the Grand Canyon. A very scenic route. No traffic and very hot! We arrive at the Red Feather Lodge in the evening and had to eat outside. The local "Italian" Restaurant was horrible but next day at the Steak House was OK. Grand Canyon is always spectacular! However a full day was sufficient since we did not wanted to climb down to the bottom of the canyon. Oliver and Nancy where looking forward to Monument Valley, they also missed the civilization, speak shopping!

Las Vegas - San Diego - Los Angeles (Hollywood) - San Franciso

We decided to take the fastest route to San Diego. Initially I opted for the scenic one, but the heat was to intensive and uninviting for a long detour through the desert! My passengers where also a bit tired of long hot drives and where looking forward to the Pacific Ocean. So I programmed my Tom Tom to lead us direct to the Motel 6 Center (very good) where we arrived at approx 16:00. This was not bad since we booked the Great San Diego City Tour, departing "early" morning at 07:30. The tour was OK but they skipped the excursion to Tejuan (Mexico) do to lack of participants. A pity! Next day we visited San Diego Sea World, expensive but the shows were fun. The Harbor Cruise was another must and worthwhile. We saw a lot of military hardware, pelicans and sea lions.

Page 2

 Vegas & San Diego
 Los Angeles & Hollywood
 Malibu-Six Flags-SFO

In Las Vegas we got the very sad news that my mother died in Switzerland. We where all shocked but decided in the end to finish the tour. We could not return in time and since we made all bookings for flights, hotels, etc, in advance it would have been too complicated. We all did not like this conclusion but nothing else was feasible. We did not really enjoy the rest of Vrgas but masde the best out of it. Than we drove down to San Diego, drove than on to Los Angeles. Hollywood and the Universal Studios where the main attraction and we liked the place.

Since out time was almost up, we drove vis Malibu and Six Flag, Magic Mountains, on to our starting point: San Francisco. From there we flew back to London and on th Zürich

After the visit of Sea World, we drove straight to Los Angeles (Hollywood) where we checked in at the Motel 6. Next morning the 6 hour City Tour. This always gives a good overview of the most prominent spots. In this case Beaches, Down Town and of course Beverly Hills, etc...The Motel 6 was situated a view steps from the "Walk of Fame" and was perfect. As always in big cities, the shopping part was for me very stressful. Nancy however has other ideas on this subject! Oliver was excited to see Michael Jackson's Home and of course the flower decorated star on the Hollywood Blvd. For my part, I liked the outback more but one must make compromises in live!

 The 7`760 km trip came to an end. The budget proved to be spot on and there would not been room for one day extension! All bookings and arrangements via internet in advance. Worked perfect and thank to the TomTom (GPS), navigation was absolute stress free. Only in one case (Salt Lake City), we had to search for the Motel 6 (confusing address), otherwise we where always spot on, also time wise. Also the mix KOA (cabins) and Motels (Motel 6 can be recommended) proved to be an economical solution. For me it was a first, to prepare a trip in all details in advance, even transfers in London. To my surprise I did not felt restrained by this rigid framework, to the contrary, it avoided a lot of, otherwise, common problems and confusions. Really a relaxed trip