Day 24: San Diego Chargers

Had to get up very early this morning to go down to Qualcomm Stadium, in San Diego, to watch the Chargers play Arizona. We were advised to make sure we were at the ground as early as possible for the tailgate party. At the party, amongst 60, 000 people, we managed to have a good yarn with people parked next to us. The game itself was awesome, the atmosphere was great. Go the Chargers!

Diane's View

Very early start to get to San Diego for Tail Gate Party before Chargers game.

Parked next to some great locals who do this regularly (boys day out), BBQ set up hacky sac game and they were happy to let us join in.

Savannah and I got spray on tattoos and some stickers for under our eyes played some hacky sac, while Darcy ate BBQ and Rocky drank.

Great day very loud and big crowd, left a bit earlier to miss traffic good advice stopped at Del Tacos for dinner.

Day 23: Back to HB

This morning we ate at a little place called BLT's. One again we were driving and by that afternoon we made it back to Huntington  Beach. After seeing friends and seeing wal-mart (again) it was apparent to go down to the beach, and get dad a beer. We spent the afternoon with friends, and later on  that night, watched the NRL grand final at a mates house.

Diane's View

Great brekky at BLT'S, then drove down road to buy a wood carving of a Bear then we were on our way to Newport Best Western Beach Inn. We stopped at Sport Authority on the way, after unpacking the car went to Ray's, Walmart then down to HB. Darcy and Rocky had a bit of catch with Rugby ball, then Darcy and I walk the Pier to Ruby's at the end seeing Dolphins and Seals playing everywhere. Rocky and Savannah went to Hurricanes where we met up with them then went down stairs to BJ's for dinner and drinks. 

Day 22: Big Bear Lake

Today we went for a drive to Lake Arrowhead, was there alot of great scenery or what? We drove around for at least half the day, but not without eating at maccas while dad found somewhere to drink. That arvo, the whole lot of us went bowling down the road from our hotel.

Diane's View

Rocky couldn't play Golf so we drove around Lake Arrowhead twice as Rocky couldn't find please he wanted to show us, but it was very picturesque.

Rocky had a drink at a saloon where parking was a bit scarce, kids ate lunch at McDonald's across road.

Drove around Big Bear Lake stopped at park it was raining most of the morning, sign at park said beware of Rattle Snakes. Rocky and I went across the road to Nottingham's Tavern where we met a Seattle girl had a drink and some dinner.

Day 21: Leaving Las Vegas

Today we finally  headed out of Vegas. Although, before hitting the road, it was important to eat something from Wendy's and stop at the coke shop for mum. Today we were on our way to big bear lake for a few days. On the way we stopped at calico ghost town for a visit. It was interesting because dad had infact been their many years before. That arvo we made it to big bear, and had dinner at Sandy's sports bar.

Diane's View

Sleep in then brunch at Wendy's, New Coke gear for me something for Savannah and MM shop.Drive to Big Bear Lake, stopped at Baker for pit stop where I had a Snicker Ice Cream Yum, Savannah and Darcy had biggest Drumstick ever.

USMC Logistics Base, and Solar Plant were left of Calico Ghost Town, where had a look around.

Rocky ah

had been there many years ago, grabbed a Aardvark for Christmas Tree.

I had a drive to Marina Lodge in Big Bear lots of winding and very high Mt.

Dinner at Sandy's sports bar.

Day 20: ...vegas again...

Today we hit more casinos and hotels that we had yet to visit. In particular Luxor and Excalibur. At Excalibur there was a virtual 3D game system. It was just a big ball and a pair of glasses. I found it hard to keep balance and fell over twice. After Which we headed down to the Nascar cafe. Dad and i went on Speed the ride before lunch. While eating we ran into some Aussies from Melbourne. we talked to them for a few hours before calling it quits at dusk.

Diane's View

More Casino's up the strip, Excalibur, Luxor, Stratosphere, Nascar Cafe for roller coaster ride where Savannah was 1 inch to small. We had lunch a sampler tray which took us not as long as Rocky did to drink the Tower of beer he ordered, (12 pints).

Melbourne Aussies stopped and joined our afternoon drink fest and helped Rocky a little also Rocky took Jo to a black jack table where he was called a very hard to believe word, Ha Ha.

I had a couple of tequlia's with mark while waiting Patron very smooth. Very long afternoon Cab home.

Day 19: ... yet another day in vegas...

Slept in today, and then made our way over to hoover dam. The place was awesome. Very big. It's a wonder someone actually built it.

Diane's View

9am start off to Hoover Dam, while driving Mt goat ran across in front of car big curly horns.

We did the Power Station walk through very big, could feel water shaking the floor under our feet.

Inside on the marble floor are Indian Symbols representing electricity and turbines.

Lake Mead is the water the Dam is holding back and gets feed through the intake columns to the turbines.

New bridge was being built Rocky was amazed how much was done since he was there last year because he said there was only a bit of steel sticking out at each side.

I wouldn't like the workers job very high very scary.

We headed back to Vegas checked out more Casino's Hooter's was one where Rocky and I went by ourselves for an hour.

Got a new Hooters singlet, then Rocky took Savannah to games room again.

Day 18: Another day in vegas...

This morning we went to La Salsa next door to the MGM for a Mexican themed breakfast. seeing hos there isn't much to do in Vegas during the day time, we just speant the day walking around some shops and  casinos. eg. walmart. I got a haircut and spent the arvo sleeping in the hotel room. That night we went  to treasure island to see the pirate show and headed up to old town for dinner.

DianeView's

$3.95 breaky at La Salsa, Walmart shop, wax and nails and check out local pet shop (wow) great shop.

Lunch in room followed by strawberries in Hershey's chocolate dipping sauce Yum.

Swim for all while I read mag in the shade, quite warm in Vegas.

Savannah and Rocky went to games room, won 282 tickets came back with a Margarita in a yard glass.

Walked the strip checking out Bellagio, water show at Treasure Island just finishing drink with Rocky's help 2-3 hours later.

Bus to Old Town, lots to see biggest light show ( Viva Vision ) at Freemont St, it's 1500 feet in length, and over 2500 people visit each day.

Kiss was what we got to see, then it chaged to Alice Cooper an Ozzyin Halloween effect lasts 6 min changing to different things each hour on the hour.

We had dinner at Binions Cafe and collected a chip from casino.

Day 17: Las Vegas

We left SD today, for LV. after an early wake up call, and another shop at walmart, we were hitting the road towards a desert in nevada. Around 8 hours later, we came to a hotel/casino right on the state line called buffalo bill. We only stopped because we were told to go on this huge rollercoaster called, the desperado. IT WAS HUGE. After the roller coaster, we hit the road again, and actually got to Las Vegas that arvo.

Diane's View

Las Vegas here we come but not before we hit Walmart again, Notebook Clothes water then onto

 I 15 N.

Past March A R Base on the way, had lunch at Barstow, went to outlet shops, through the Mojave Desert nothing but Joshua trees how good they look. We could see Calico on the Mt in big white letters stopped at Buffalo Bills Casino 5pm for a huge Rollercoaster ride, then onto Las Vegas.

Rested for a bit then dinner at La Salsa checked a little bit of the strip out but needed rest.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Going on a huge rollercoaster at Buffalo Bills.

Day 16: Sea World

Today we made our way over to Sea World. The sea world over here in San Diego, first off, is much bigger and better than the one on the gold coast. It dosnt just have dolphins, it has sharks, whales etc. Enjoyed seeing shamu the most, although the Atlantis ride was also very fun.

Diane's View

San Diego Seaworld, lots of rides and kids playground for Savannah, but all I can say is Shamu Shamu Shamu, soak zone yeah we got wet, Savannah twice.

Dolphins were awesome as was the seal show.

Olive Garden for dinner all Pasta salad and soup you can eat, we had one of each Full Full Full, Erika the waitress was funny.

Cosmic Brownies again Yum.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Getting splashed by Shamu.

Day 15: San Diego

After an early awakening, we all got up to go and get a new car for our drive to San Diego. Not a kia this time but a gmc. One short drive later, we were at San Diego zoo. The zoo we pretty cool itself, with alot of different animals, but i dont know whos idea it was to build it on a hill.

Diane's View

Rocky and I up early but waited for over hour and a half which we received an upgrade to a 4x4 GMC, going to be a great Tailgate Party car for our big game towards end of trip.

San Diego here we come, Zoo first lost to see even some we know well.

The kids found out how scared I am of heights (sky rail) very high big hill.

Shopped at Ralphs this time for groceries, after dinner we had Cosmic Brownies very yummy.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Going to the zoo.

Day 13 and 14: More Disneyland

On days 13 and 14 we weant back to Disneyland. This time we got more ride photos, and weant on all the things, we had not actually been on yet. Highlight of the two days was probably scaring savannah on tom sawyer island

.

 

 

Diane's View

Disneyland again how Halloween it's looking and what lovely gardens.

Halloween carvings being done, even popcorn machine turner is the Boogie man from Nightmare Before Christmas.

More rides, Tom Sawyer Island, Mark Twain and a few Aussies around.

Savannah made a Dog at Build A Bear $$$, met up with Lisa our travel agent and friend from Gold Coast, we had dinner and drinks at House of Blues.

I even had a drink so Darcy now has a souvenir glass or two.

Denny's was desert on walk home.

Magic Morning wasn't so magic, computers were down but will get it next time back also received fast passes for that day.

Great Log ride photo, Buzz Lightyear ride, Rock climbing for Savannah, Hill Billy's Show, lots of Signatures and photo's from Characters and the Haunted House very cool.

Darcy and I had afternoon tea at Rainforest Cafe while Savannah and Rocky did more Signatures, then we all met up at House of Blues which was a late afternoon relax for Rocky.

Celebration Street Party was something to see very lively, and then dinner at Captain Kidds.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

The street parade.

Making my build a bear Dog Marty.

 

Day 12: Universal Studios

Went to Universal studios today. Its not as big as Disneyland, but probably just as cool. I had a bucket of endless popcorn, so i didn't go hungry, and the whole place was decorated with dummies n' corpes for halloween. It was creepy.

Favourite Ride: Revenge of the Mummy and Terminator 2: 3D

Diane's View

Car hire for the day then on to Universal, where we did Backlot tour first ( MUST DO ) then Animal Show, Mummy Ride, Water World, Jurassic Ride all with endless popcorn.

Savannah and I got 2 great shirts, Darcy and Savannah got 2 great sketchers.

Darcy missed Bill and Ted show not enough time for everything, Savannah found a friend DONKEY which was great he loved her even through all the other crowd he spotted her and called her name.

We met up with Lisa our travel agent there. 

Drove home for 39 cent Del Taco's, another big day.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

My best friend !DONKEY!

Day 11: Hollywood

Today, dad's mate ray took the family and i on a tour of hollywood. We walked along the 'stars' and hung out at the kodak theatre. I got a photo with the stars of my idols. For lunch we ate at a Hooters bar. There i met heather and ate a nacho burger. After being in downtown hollywood, ray took us the sunset strip. Once there we chillaxedc at the Rainbow Bar and Grill. Many famous bands and faces have hung out there including, Guns N' Roses and The Motley Crue. The

inside is full of photos and other cool stuff. I thought it was very awesome.

   

                                         

Diane's View

Ray was our personal tour guide for the day after picking us up at Hilton HB dropped our luggage at Anahiem Plaza.

Hollywood here we come doing the usual tourist stuff Stars walk, Chinese Thearte then Hooters for lunch.

Visited Hoolywood Lookout great view of Hoolywood sign and Hollywood Bowl then went on to Rainbow Club for a drink where we seen lots of famous pics.

Across the road was Hustler wheer Miss Ryder stole from and Viper Room down the road where a Mr Rivers died.

Another big day then droped back to our Hotel. 

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Photo with Harry Potter Hand and Footprints.

Day 10: wal-mart

This morning we weant back down town. to another bar. Caught up with all our friends again, this time at Killarneys Irish Pub. Dad had a few bloody marys too much. I had coke, and just watched the dozen NFL games on the TV's. After finishing at the bar, we weant back to the shops. This time it was walmart in our sights. I spent alot of money on shirts and football geer. Ill probably be back there again sometime.

Diane's View

Up early and down to Pharmacy for Antihistamine and Cortisone cream.

All went to down town HB to Killarneys Irsh Pub, where Savannah and I walked around shops, ( New Purse) for Savannah Rocky had a Bloody Mary with Eddie ( Mayor of HB ) Darcy watched more NFL.

We had a Walmart visit so cheap then dinner with Ray and Chucky's back to Hilton for another walk down to Dariy Queen for Desert.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

New Purse.

Day 9: HB

 

On day 9, we put disneyland on hold after three days, and visited our friends in Huntington Beach. The weather wasnt crash hot, so there was no swimming going on. Mum and I weant shopping before we came back and met up with dad, his mate ray, chucky and the HB Mayor, eddie @ the huricanes bar and grill. Mum and savannah quickly ran off as dad and i speant the entire arvo at the bar. After three hours or so, it was aparent that we needed to go back to the hotel. But not without pizza..

Diane's View

Off to Huntington Beach which was what they call very soupy, but that didn't stop shopping at Westminister mall.

Then to down town HB to visit with friends at Hurricanes Bar and Grill, where Savannah and I left the boys and headed to the Hilton which was a little walk down the road where we took in sights of the Peir and locals.

Rocky had a soak session and Darcy watch college football they arrived back many hours later at which time Savannah and I had a swim, about 10.30pm that night I woke with a allergic reaction to the chlorine.( NOT GOOD )

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Shopping at Westminister Mall..

Day 6, 7, and 8: Disneyland

Day 6 7 and 8 can be summed up simply. Early mornings. Late nights. Disneyland. Disneyland was very cool. Many memories came back to me from when i was 7, ten years ago, when i went to America in 2000. Savannah enjoyed it as much as i did. One of the reasons was that she got to join the High School Musical dance crew on stage in a show. Not my my cup of tea, but she loved it. Mum and dad, they just liked the break of stopping and having a 'little' break from car driving.

Favourite Ride: Tie between Indiana Jones; Temple of the Forbidden Eye and The Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror.

Diane's View

Disneyland Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald Duck and many more.

Big rides came first the only quiet day we had, finished big rides by lunch.

But there was much more to do. Great watching Rocky and Savannah skipping around the park.

Late night dinner at I Hop.

Next morning early start, small rides first still not a bad run around the park.

Savannah was a star with High School Musical twice, then it was more big rides some were closed first day.

World of colour water show was great even if it was hard to see. Rocky being the dad he is had Savannah on shoulders walking back and forth.

Another late night dinner at Millies.

Another early start all shows, 3D Muppet show, Soarin over California, Haunted Mansion and Fantasmic which is.

late night again, dinner at Denny's.

Savannah's Daily Highlights

High School Musical, Splash Mt and Donald Duck.

Day 5: L.A.





After waking up early (again) the family and i made our way down to the beach of Monterey to spot alot of seagulls, some seals swimming around and even a few dolphins jumping out of the water only 10 maybe 15 metres away from the shore. After that we finaly got on our way on a long, long car trip on HWY 1 to L.A. There were many stops along the way to spot animals etc. I got a little sick of it, but mum and dad enjoyed it. It made sence to pull over and see things though... as i may never see it all again anytime soon. Savannah though, wouldn't know about what was going on; she was asleep. However, one thing i did enjoy doing was pulling over at white rock beach. There we saw a number of sea lions, and ONE elephant seal. I didnt spot it at first, it looked like a huge rock. That was until dad pointed out that it was snoring. It was atleast 3 metres long, and would have to way atleast half a ton. For the rest of the day, it was driving. We finally came to LA that afternoon. Mum and Savannah were quick to spot the famous "Hollywood" sign on the hills.

Diane's View

Poridge for breaky and a lovely walk on the beach to see the many sea animals and birds, then a drive down the Famous HWY 1 o Big Sur National Park, to stretch our legs up the mountain.( Great View)

We saw the camping ground where Rocky and Mick had lunch on their tour 2009.

We drove to Piedras Blancas ( Rocks White ) where Savannah feed squirrels and we saw the biggest Elephant Seal we will probably ever see.

We then drove on to Cayucos for lunch at Morro Strand Beach, then on the road again 3 of us had a nap so Rocky multitasked drove, read map and took photos ( US SLEEPING ).

Ventura was our next stop at Vons for groceries including earplugs and nose strips for snoring people.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Feeding the Squirrels.



Day 4: REALLY BIG TREES!

Another early wake up. This time to both get ready for the next car ride, and to go and see the Sequoia Trees. If you don't know what they are, google it, or in a blunt description, "they're real big." How big? Some of them are as tall as the stature of liberty. Yes, that big. We went on a hiking trip around the area, saw about 100 squirrels, and several bucks and doe. Apart from the trees, the rest of the area is very very awesome. Despite there being no bears around, the mountains, and cliffs in the region are massive. Some of them have to be at least 5000 feet tall. After leaving the park, we headed back onto the road. This time to Monteray Bay. We saw some rednecks on the way, no bears though. Upon arrival, we quickly  found a hotel, and settled down with Mc'donalds for dinner.

Diane's View

We went to Yosemite Village where Darcy posted cards.
The view's are fantastic we even saw a Doe with a Fawn in a meadow.
We drove to Mariposa Grove to see the Sequioa Trees (WOW) they are big.
While walking the woods we saw some Bucks, Squirrels, Chipmonks and a Woodpecker pecking how cool.
We drove on to Oakhurst for our lunch stopped at Luis Resivoir for a pit stop.
We then drove on to Monterey Bay and stayed at Monterey Bay Lodge, had dinner at a very flash McDonalds.

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Being very close to a big Buck (Male Deer).

Day 3: Yosemite

Today, we headed to Yosemite National park. We left San Fran at around ten, and hit the road in our rental car (it's not a chevy... it's a kia). We spotted alot of animals on the way. Many of them were dead. Some were alive. It was funny watching mum and dad argue along the way though. Four letter words were used quite frequently inbetween arguments. Not to worry, it's all on camera. When we got to our cabin, and unpacked, we spent the arvo looking around the national park. Didn't see any bears. I thought i did once however, but it was just dad's beard in the mirror. When we came across an area in the river where we could swim, we hoped out and jumped in. Despite the water being too cold for my liking, I enjoyed it anyway. The sceneary in the area is very impressive, trees, rocks and things. Alot like you'd expect the place to be, only better.

Diane's View


Yosemite National Park what a place, (scenery, wildlife) fantastic.
The wildlife we saw, Stellar Jay's ( birds), Deer, Creek Guppies a few Squirrels.
We swam in a very cold Merced River that was the back drop for Yosemite Lodge where we stayed. We were shivering but it was fun, local man was using one end for Fly Fishing as we return to Rocky, who was eating corn chips and drinking beer on bank.
We saw Cathedral Rocks, Bridemaids Falls and talked with a local from Oklahoma who had seen 2 Grizzly Bears the day before and 1 that day not far up the road, (a bit scary).

Savannah's Daily Highlight 

Merced River swim.

Day 2: Breakfast in the middle of the day

After day one, the whole family was in need of a long nights sleep. We got one... and it was too long. We had slept for 13 hours and woke up at 11. Well, after scrambling everything together, we managed to be out of the room at around 12 and make our way back into the city. This time we decided to catch a cable car to fisherman's warf. As dad and i were the biggest on board, we were both apointed "door men." I decided today to buy some gifts for myself and friends while i could, i also stopped into Burger King to try myself a Dr Pepper. A LARGE Dr Pepper. In Oz, a large drink is about 600ml give or take. In the US, a large was about the size of a bucket. I drank my bucket of Dr Pepper with pride. After the warf, the family and i  came back through china town. We hunted down a chinese resturaunt (oh how ironic?) and ate a meal with some of the locals. Dad had more beer. After that, we hiked back to the hotel. Another long sleep will be needed before tommorows car trip.


                                                                      Diane's View



First stop Macy's, new shoes. Wouldn't believe it there was a shoe sale on lots of busy women many waiting men. Found Reebok's for under $40 Aus.
Took Cable Car down to Fishermans Warf ( A MUST DO ). Many shops lots of tourists.
Walked back through Chinatown and had lunch at Uncles Restaurant, got my salted plums on the way.
A very safe city to walk around lots to look at including those who walk with animals such as ( chooks under arm) and ( lizards on leash).

Savannah's Daily Highlight

Skechers light up shoe's.