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James & Tracey World Tour

a travel blog by James & Tracey

Welcome to James and Tracey's World tour Blog. We will try and update the tour as we go around (or whenever we get on internet!).
We hope you enjoy reading all about our adventures and dont get too jealous.
Please post any questions, thoughts or wishes.
We look forward to hearing from you all soon

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Life is like a box of chocolates

Monterey, United States

July 17
It was James' turn to drive. Trace was navigating and Highway 1 is a coastal road, so there were plenty of hairpins and very steep corners. On the way there were plenty of Vista points (lookouts). One of them had hundreds of Elephant Seals on the beach - they were huge! Also some friendly squirrels which seemed to like the nuts Leigh fed them (not sure if they're allowed all that salt, but they are American!)
It took around 6 hours to get to Monterey. We stopped at the supermarket to get some supplies for the BBQ. We had ribs with BBQ sauce - delicious.

July 18.
We tried to get up and leave early but didn't quite happen that way! We drove into Monterey and got the shuttle - a kind of bus that looks like a tram - to the Aquarium. We looked around the aquarium at the various fish and sharks. Saw an ocean Sun Fish - first one we've seen, shame we were'nt diving, it was massive!
Walked around the town a bit. Went into the candy store, again it was huge and so many different sweets, plus a huge selection of jelly belly beans so we got some.
We had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp. Trace had 3/4 pound garlic shrimp and James ahd a variety of differently cooked shrimp. We met a Forrest Gump look-a-like outside so had photos with him.
Got the shuttle bus back and walked along Fishermans Wharf.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 17, 2007 from Monterey, United States
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Cruise Down the Board Walk

Santa Cruz, United States

July 18
Drove up the coast to near Santa Cruz. We stayed at New Brighton State Park. ONce we parked up we headed down to the beach fro a quick dip and sunbathe, still warm enough at 6.30pm.
We all got a taxi into the nearby town of Capitola and into a lively bar called the Fog Bank. There was a great live band playing - DB Walker - so we stayed for the rest of the evening.

July 19
We had a bit of a lie in, then made our way into Santa Cruz. We got a little side tracked here as there is a huge amusement park on the front so we went straight there. The first ride was the log flume. Kev told us the person sat at the back gets the wettest, so Trace (and Kev in the other log) both sat at the front. After the first small dip Trace got absolutely covered, so the big drop wasn't so bad. We both came off drenched, last time we listen to Kev!!
We went on the Big Dipper, an old wooden roller coaster. It was really good, except Kev's camera that was in his pocket turned on and the lens zoomed out and when going round a corner the force broke it, so not so good.
A couple more rides then we were a bit peckish. So we tried our forst Corn Dog, plus the biggest doughnut you've ever seen.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 18, 2007 from Santa Cruz, United States
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Itsa Pizza

Pacifica, United States

July 19
We drove up the coast to Pacifica, just south of San Francisco. Initially the lady said they didn't have our reservation, but told her the number, who I spoke to and dates and they fitted us in - Phew!
After the van was set up and shopping was done, we walked the short distance into the town for soem food. We stopped at a pizza place for 2 x 18inch pizzas, having 12 slices on each pizza, we took 6 slices back with us.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 19, 2007 from Pacifica, United States
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Are you going to .....

San Francisco, United States

July 20
We all got up for the 9.30am bus to the Bart station (train/tube thing that goes into San Francisco). We walked a few blocks, down what looked like quite a dodgy part of town. Tried to look round the shops a bit, but they were all so big and we had so much to fit in during the day that we only popped in then out again.
We got the Cable car (which is San Franciscos speak for a tram), with thanks from a random old guy giving us a tip to catch it 2 blocks up as they never fill them at the cable car station. Got to Fishermans Wharf in time for lunch. James and I shared a Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. We then had quite a fast walk (or run for some of us) to get to pier 33 to catch the ferry.
We crossed the water to get to Alcatraz Island. We watched a video about the history of the island, where Melon fell asleep, we tried to leave him there but he was leaning on Kevs shoulder!
We walked up the hill to the Prison and got the audio tour with the other tourists. It was strange that although it was a maximum security prison for inmates (such as Al Capone), which couldn't be kept under control in other prisons, the wardens and their families lived on the island and never locked any doors or windows.
Got the ferry back to the main land. Whilst James was going to look in a camera shop we lost the lads, after about an hour of searching every bar and restaurant for them we finally found them sitting outside at a bar on their second pint - nice!
They were sat there watching the famous Bush Man. This man sits on a box holding branches infront of him with so many leaves people cannot see him. As they walk past he jumps out at them, then hopes people will give him money. Strangely, its not the people he scares half to death that give him money but the amused on-lookers. Kev and Matt decided to walk past and completely over react for James to take a photo.
Dinner was voted by the majority to go to Hooters. At the end of the meal the lads got a long awaited photos with the girls. We caught the cable car back and popped into a couple more bars. One being the ESPN bar with about 40 TVs on all showing different sports.
We got 2 separate taxis back to the RV park. It took us slightly longer to get one as none of the drivers knew where we wanted to go.
Once back at the RV park, there was no sign of the other 3, who also had the Van keys. Trace wrapped the Union Jack flag around her to try and get a bit warmer, when Si had a great idea of getting in through one of the back windows. It worked! The others turned up about 1/2 hour later, as their taxi driver didn't have a clue where he was going and they had to get another taxi.

July 21
We got up and headed up to San Francisco so we could drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. We stopped off at the other side to take more photos.
Then set off on a mammouth drive.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 20, 2007 from San Francisco, United States
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Bass Lake

Yosemite Lakes, United States

July 21
After driving about 6 hours and stopping off for Trace to buy Harry Potter we arrived at Bass Lake. Which turned out to be a very picturesque place. We booked in at the office we found a spot on the side of the road as the sun was going down quickly slipped on our bathers and charged into the lake expecting it to be cold, but found it was the temperature of a warm bath - Lovely.
We got changed and went to the local Forks restaurant. When it came to getting to our RV pitch we were greeted by a local who claimed we were goign to have trouble getting our 30 foot long RV up the windy path and parked. However, with all of us helping, as it was pitch black and lots of trees, it was no problem for us now seasoned RVers.

July 22
We got up earlier than the others to check out the prices of their watersports on the lake. There was an early bird offer, so we went back to the RV to get the others up. Four of us hired 2 Jet Skis and the other 2 hired a small fishing boat without fishing gear. While Leigh and Melon set off to pootle around, we set off on a more fun pace. Trace and James on one and Si and Kev on the other. Trace drove responsibly for the first 15 minutes, then quickly made her escape before letting James take over to go and catch up the equally mad Si and Kev.
Once the hour was over Trace went to meet the others. James arriving with a huge grin on his face, but also a touch worried when returning the jet ski they may notice the new scratches to the front end after Si had driven into the front of him, as he was temporarily blinded from doing a jump and a big wave getting round to the back of his eye balls!
Went down to the Lake in the boiling heat of the day, which James measured with our dive watch - it was 42 degrees on the beach - we decided to take a few dips in the water, which the dive watch read the water to be a freezing 29 degrees. This place is gorgeous.
Somebody else took over the navigating from Trace as she now had Harry Potter which was now taking up 90% of her time. It seems she is in a race to finish it before anyone else.


permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 21, 2007 from Yosemite Lakes, United States
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Lodgepole, Sequoia National Park

Fresno, United States

July 22
After Melons hair raising rally down really windy roads with a massive drop to one side we finally and thankfully arrived safe and sound at the campsite. At the office they were less concerned about the camping than with the long list of rules to do with the many Black Bears in the area.
The evenings entertainment was a couple games of poker which involved winning or losing small amounts of cash from each other. Getting ready for Vegas.

July 23
We hit the road early as we had a massive drive ahead of us.
First part of oour journey involved a slight detour where we drove to see the General Sherman. This is the largest tree in the world. A few facts :- Aged 2300-2700 years; circumference at ground 31.3m; Diameter at base 11.1m; Height 83.8m; Volume of trunk 1486.6 cubic metres. All in all a very impressive tree.
When we walked back up the hill to the RV and after a short discussion, we decided not to go to Death Valley as most people we had spoken to said why would you want to go there, its boiling hot and there's nothing to see.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 22, 2007 from Fresno, United States
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Lightening with no thunder

Barstow, United States

July 23
Instead of the 120 deg F, we decided to head for the cooler 110 deg F of Barstow. This took about 5 hours of driving with a stop off at Taco Bell. When we got there we had an evening meal at Peggy Sues 50's Diner with a life size Elvis looking over us. The rest of the evening was spent by the lads sitting in the pool watching the electrical storm in the distance, followed by more poker and Trace continuing on her quest of finishing Harry Potter in record time.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 23, 2007 from Barstow, United States
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Viva Las Vegas

Las Vegas, United States

July 24
Set off around 8am (yep all got up that early!). We arrived at the flashing lights of Las Vegas and went to the hotel - New York New York no less. We cleaned the RV up then went up to our room. Wow! We were all on the 17th floor, James and I had 2 double beds in our room, a view of the pool and roller coaster.
We all had a look around the hotel - downstairs inside its more like a little town than a hotel. We had pizza for lunch, of course! We walked along the strip. Watched the water fountain show outside the Bellagio, then went inside the hotel/casino. It was amazing, thet have the largest chocolate fountain in the world there - Yummy.
After realising it was far too posh and expensive at the Bellagio we went across the street to Planet Hollywood - much more our thing. The lads stayed for a buffet, but James and I made our way back to the NYNY looking at the casino and went up to our huge room.

July 25
James and I had Craps lessons in the morning - a whole hour of a man explaining everything about Craps (the game you always see played with the Dice) We understood everything (kind of) when we left. We had brunch with Melon and heard about last nights' goings on they got in very ealry this morning!
James and I went for a swim in the pool, then Kev and Si came back from there Canyon Helicopter tour and joined us in the pool.
Si, Kev, James and I all had dinner at the Chin Chin chinese restaurant. We then went to the roulette tables and played. I won James some money as he put 2 chips on my birthday (19) and it came in, he then lso all of it!
Went to the Irish bar for a drink and some live music.

July 26
James and Si went for one last swim in the pool. We packed our bags, checked out and said farewell to the lads. They went to the airport and we went downtown to our new home. The USA hostel - a bit more basic than the NYNY.
We settled in then headed back down the strip on the bus. We walked by Treasure Island hotel with all the pirate shipe outside. James took me to Venice (the Venetian) then Paris, then he bought me the biggest Ben and Jerry's ice cream ever!
We walked through Planet Hollywood shops. We were inside but the ceiling was painted blue with clouds, so it gave a feeling we were outside. As we walked along the clouds became slightly darker, then it began to rain and thunder! All very cool, but wierd as we were inside.
We went to the Planet Hollywood casino as we had an appointment for 90 minutes about the new hotel they were building and wanted to sell the rooms (in other words a time share presentation) We sat there patiently for the 90 ,minutes listening and looked round the show room, got introdused to the manager - who Trace did not like as he addresses and shook hands with James first and kept saying the English dollar was strong against their dollar which wouldn't last - stupid man we have POUNDS!! Once we told them we weren't interested as we had no money cos we are travelling the manager was extremely rude. The other guy was nice, so we got our voucher for our free stuff and left.
We walked to NYNY hotel to have a ride on the Roller Coaster. It was quite good actually, a few big dips and actually go upside down.
Walked back to Planet Hollywood and had our free buffet. This place is amazing. So many different things to eat. We started with the seafood - prawns, oysters, fish, crabs legs. Next course was some meat and veg. Trace went for 2 desserts as it was free! After resting for a bit we headed upstairs for the next free bit of the day - to see the show Stomp. It was really good, and quite loud.
We gothe bus back to Downtown. Stopped off at the Fremont street experience. A huge ceiling that has pictures/film played on it. We had a bit of a look around and more of a gamble, but lost, so walked back to hostel.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 24, 2007 from Las Vegas, United States
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Toot Toot

Flagstaff, United States

July 27
We left Vegas with small bags, as the hostel had storage facilities.
We joined a massive queue for the Greyhound bus service to Phoenix, Arizona (except we aren't going that far). Once on the bus we settled in to the 5 1/2 hour journey to Flagstaff. We did stop 1/2 way for a meal stop - McDonalds which was awful!
We arrived at Flagstaff and rang the hostel to came and pick us up, an hour later they arrived, it only took 5 mins to get to the hostel, so goodness knows why it took them so long!
We walked to the local supermarket to get some supplies for tomorrows journey.

July 28
We didn't really need the alarm we had set to get up early as the trains here seem to go all night and still honk the horns. Anyway we made it out and walked to the local bus stop for our next onward journey.

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 27, 2007 from Flagstaff, United States
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How Big?

Grand Canyon Village, United States

July 28
It took the bus 2 hours to get to the Grand Canyon South Rim. We were dropped off and headed straight for the rim. We got on the Red route (Americans pronounce it rowte - wierdos!) bus. First stop was Maricopa point. Here we got our first good look of the vastness of the canyon - it is huge. We walked to the next 3 lookout/Vista points, then decided it was pretty hot so jumped back on the shuttle bus for the next viewpoint. To Mohave Point, here we could see the Colorado river. Not what we were expecting as it was dirty, but apparently it carries a lot of silt along with it. We hopped back on the bus to Hermits End, where we had our lunch sitting looking out at the canyon - not a bad view!
GOt the shuttle back to where we started and hopped on another bus (the blue route) then walked across to the green route bus. We got dropped off at South Kaibab trailhead. He we walked down into the canyon. We reached Ooh Aah point and said "ooh" and Aah" at the view, it took us half an hour to get to this point. It is 183m/600ft down into the canyon and teh round trip is 1.8miles/2.9 km. We walked back up the hill (in the 110 degree heat) it also took half an hour but by the time we reached the top we were sweating buckets! We got the bus back to Maswik lodge where we had a well deserved ice-cream and beer/wine!
We then got on the 2 hour bus back to Flagstaff

permalink written by  James & Tracey on July 28, 2007 from Grand Canyon Village, United States
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