Washington 2024
Glacier Lake

Hartman Travels - USA 2024

13 May 2024 – Touchdown in Los Angeles

So here we are — finally in Los Angeles!

We left home in Dawesville just after 8am and drove to Scott’s place in The Vines, where we left our car. Scott kindly dropped us off at the airport — thanks, mate! It felt a little unusual flying on QF10 and going through immigration in Perth instead of Melbourne, but that’s the current process. The aircraft, VH-ZNE, a Qantas 787 Dreamliner, had just flown in from London, and many of those passengers were continuing on to Melbourne with us.

We took off from Perth right on time at 1:15pm and had a smooth flight to Melbourne. There, we transferred to international departures and made our way to Gate 5 for the long haul to LA.

The flight to Los Angeles left right on time at 9:30pm Melbourne time. Rayls and I were seated right down the back of the plane — just two seats in the row (aisle and window), which meant no third person to crawl over when needing to stretch or visit the loo. Even better, the middle row of three seats behind us was completely empty. As soon as the seatbelt sign went off, I jumped across and claimed it. Rayls kept our original two seats to herself for a bit of extra room, and I stretched out across the three in the middle. I’m notoriously bad at sleeping on planes, but I managed a solid seven hours — a bit tight, but far better than staying upright for 15 hours.

We landed in LA an hour early, which was a welcome surprise. Unfortunately, immigration was packed, and it took about an hour to get through. After collecting our bags, we hopped on the rental car shuttle — heavy traffic, but only about 10 minutes to the Dollar Rental facility.

Renting the car was a breeze — no pressure to upgrade (for once!). The attendant offered us a choice between a red or grey vehicle. Rayls and I both said red, so naturally, we got the grey one.

I tried to pair my phone via Bluetooth, but the car wouldn’t show up, so Rayls had to navigate to Anaheim the old-fashioned way — phone in hand, in the dark, through LA traffic. Fun times.

We’re staying just near Disneyland (not visiting this time), and after checking into the hotel, we made a quick trip to Target for some essentials, followed by a late bite at Denny’s. We finally called it a night around 10:30pm.

Tired but happy to be here — looking forward to what the next few weeks bring!

14 May 2024 – Fabic Finds and Fast Food Favourites – A Chill Day in LA

Today was always going to be a quiet one—and it delivered just that. We slept in until 11:30am, catching up on some much-needed rest before tomorrow’s drive to Las Vegas.

I sorted out a small tech issue in the car by disconnecting the Bluetooth and plugging in the phone via cable. Success—GPS and music are now working perfectly again!

Our first outing was to M&L Fabrics, with a quick stop at Maccas along the way for a bite. Rayls spent a good hour browsing and came out smiling with a few lovely finds. That shop never disappoints.

From there, we made a few more stops—Walmart, then back to Target, and finally Arby’s for dinner. Rayls is a big fan of Arby’s, so it was the perfect end to a relaxed day.

We even managed a quick look through a local thrift shop before heading back to the hotel to rest and recharge for the next leg of our trip.

15 May 2024 Vegas for a Night – Laughter, Lights & 10.5km

After a four-hour drive from Los Angeles, we’ve landed in Las Vegas—for just one night. The drive started off slow, as expected, with heavy LA traffic. Things only began to open up past Victorville, and from there, it was smooth sailing at 70mph.

We made a quick pit stop in Barstow (restrooms, of course!) and arrived in Vegas right on 2pm. Since we’ve been here plenty of times before, we’re treating this stop as more of a breather than a sightseeing tour. Tomorrow, we’re off to Cedar City, Utah.

Around 5pm, we Ubered over to the Strip. First stop: my old favourite, The Coca-Cola Store. I always love poking around in there—nostalgia and fizzy vibes everywhere—but came out empty-handed this time.

We then took a leisurely 2km stroll down the Strip to Harrah’s, where we had tickets for Menopause the Musical. The show follows four women who meet at a lingerie sale and bond over shared experiences like hot flashes, memory lapses, night sweats, and everything else menopause throws at them—all to the soundtrack of classic hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Definitely more Rayls’ kind of show, but I had a good laugh too!

After the show, we skipped the Uber and walked back to our hotel. With all the exploring, we clocked in 10.5 kilometres on foot today—not bad for a “quiet” stopover.

St George

16 May 2024 – From the Strip to the Scenery of Cedar City

Today we hit the road for the 280-kilometre drive from Las Vegas to Cedar City, Utah — a smooth and scenic journey with mostly two or more lanes and a generous speed limit of 75mph (which jumps to 80mph once you hit Utah!).

Because I could, we left the hotel in Las Vegas with the roof down on the Mustang and cruised the Strip convertible-style — a fun, breezy way to start the day. Once we left the Strip behind, the top went back up and we settled in for the drive.

We passed through Mesquite, our last stop in Nevada, before dipping briefly into Arizona for about 40 kilometres. That stretch included an absolutely stunning drive through the Virgin River Gorge — towering rock walls, winding roads, and truly incredible scenery. One of those places that makes you want to pull over every few minutes just to take it all in.

At the top of the Gorge, we crossed into Utah at St. George, where we stopped for a bite of lunch and a visit to Fab Fabrics, a local quilt shop (Rayls was happy!).

From there, it was another 80 kilometres to Cedar City, where we’ll be spending a few days with our good friends Amy and Steve — staying until Tuesday.

First order of business wasn’t quite so fun, though — I’d lost a tooth filling and needed to see a dentist. Thankfully, Amy had already lined up an appointment for me. It wasn’t enjoyable (and definitely not cheap), but at least it’s sorted.

The rest of the day was much more relaxed. We chilled out back at the house and caught up on some TV, recharging after the drive.

Looking forward to some downtime here in Cedar City with friends!

17 May 2024 – Cedar Breaks – Snowballs at 9,900 Feet

Today we took a scenic drive about 50 kilometres up to Cedar Breaks National Monument—sitting at an impressive 9,900 feet above sea level, it’s higher than any point in Australia. It’s been a long time between visits; the last time we were here was back in 2001, and on every trip since, the park has been closed for the season.

This time, we got lucky. The views from the top were just as breathtaking as we remembered. Cedar Breaks overlooks a vast, half-mile deep geologic amphitheatre carved out over millions of years. The rock formations, colours, and sheer scale are simply stunning.

It was a bit nippy up there—definitely windy—but we didn’t mind. In fact, we even managed to have a bit of fun in the lingering snow with a snowball toss or two.

After soaking in the views, we headed back down and stopped for a late lunch at Jimmie John’s. Then it was a quick stop at Home Depot and Walmart before heading back to the house for a quiet evening.

18 May A Quiet Day in Cedar City

After some busy days on the road, today was always meant to be a quiet one—and Cedar City delivered.

While I stayed back, Rayls and Amy headed out to JoAnn’s for a bit of fabric browsing. Later, Rayls and I made our way to Groovacious, a charming little record store with loads of personality. I’ve been on the hunt for a particular John Fogerty album that’s proving impossible to find. The store owner and I got chatting—he mentioned seeing Fogerty in Vegas a few years back. Naturally, I had to one-up him by sharing that I’d seen Creedence Clearwater Revival live in Perth way back in 1972. He was pretty impressed by that!

Just next door was a hardware store, where I grabbed a good deal on some drill bits. Then we popped into Ace Hardware, where—believe it or not—you can pick up a rifle or two if the mood strikes. I passed, but it was an interesting browse nonetheless.

Dinner was a treat—Amy and Steve kindly shouted us a meal at Applebee’s, one of our go-to favourites whenever we’re in the States. The food was great, but even better was the company.

It’s always a slow and peaceful time in Cedar City, and that’s exactly how we like it. No rush, no fuss—just enjoying the small things and spending time with good friends.

19 May – Just Hanging Around – Cedar City Life

Today was the quietest of quiet days—just hanging around the house, enjoying the calm and not doing much of anything. Sometimes these are the best kind of travel days: no plans, no schedules, just taking it easy.

For anyone keeping track of the more unusual stats from our trip:

  • Walmart truck count: 107
  • Quilt shops visited: 2

Yes, we’re keeping score. Why not?

Cedar City continues to charm us with its peaceful pace and simple pleasures.

20 May Cedar City Strolls and Farewell Feasts

Another gentle day here in Cedar City—this little town always seems to wrap us in a warm hug.

Rayls and I took a leisurely stroll up the main street this morning, soaking in the relaxed pace and small-town charm. We stopped for lunch at Market Grill, a cozy spot that hit the spot perfectly.

In the evening, the four of us shared dinner at Chili’s, a familiar favourite that always delivers. Good food, great company—what more could you ask for?

Tomorrow, we say goodbye (for now) to our home away from home. We’ll head west to Las Vegas and then continue on to Barstow. While we’re looking forward to what’s ahead, part of us will stay behind here in Cedar City, where the quiet moments mean the most.

21 May 2024 – From Cedar City to Barstow – Four States in One Day

It was an early start today with a follow-up visit to the dentist—stitches out, all good! With that sorted, we packed up, said our goodbyes to Amy and Steve around 10:30am, and hit the road south toward Las Vegas.

The drive took close to three hours, giving us time to reflect on our lovely days in Cedar City. Once in Vegas, Rayls made the rounds—Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, and Target—a well-earned shopping fix.

Then it was back onto I-15 for the next leg: Las Vegas to Barstow, which added another two and a half hours behind the wheel. Today’s journey had us passing through four states—Utah, a stunning stretch through the Virgin River Gorge in Arizona, into the buzz of Nevada, and finally crossing into California. All up, about 550 kilometres. Definitely our longest driving day of the trip so far!

Tomorrow it’s onwards to Los Angeles and then an evening flight to Seattle. Another chapter of the adventure awaits.

22 May 2024 – Planes, GPS, and Midnight Madness – Barstow to Seattle

Here I sit at Ontario International Airport—no, not the one in Canada—the one tucked just outside of Los Angeles. I’m making use of the Dunkin’ Donuts Wi-Fi, which is, impressively, stronger than the official airport connection. Go figure.

Today had all the makings of a stressful travel day, but surprisingly, most of it went fairly smoothly—until it didn’t.

We kicked off the morning in Barstow and made the 210-kilometre drive to Carson, a suburb of LA. There, we dropped in to visit Maria and Charlie, our soon-to-be in-laws. It was lovely to catch up and drop off a bit of excess luggage before continuing the journey.

Knowing how unpredictable LA traffic can be, we left early for Ontario Airport. Along the way, we made a couple of familiar stops—Walmart and the Ontario Mills Shopping Centre—for some last-minute errands and time-killing. We returned our rental car just before 6:00pm, well ahead of our original 8:09pm flight. That’s when the delays began.

First came a slight delay. Then a longer one. Our new departure time crept to 9:20pm. Eventually, we boarded… and then unboarded. Apparently, someone plugged the power source into the plane incorrectly, setting off an alarm. We had to head back to the terminal until a mechanic reset the system. Our eventual takeoff? 10:05pm.

That delay brought its own kind of panic. Our car rental pickup in Seattle closed at 1:00am. We landed around 12:20am, and I was on edge the whole time. We made a dash to the rental shuttle, got there with 15 minutes to spare, and found ourselves third in line. A close call, but we made it.

Our rental? A brand new Mazda CX-30 with just 9 kilometres on the clock. Not miles—kilometres. So new, it hadn’t even been switched to MPH. While I prefer GPS directions in kilometres (“turn left in 300 metres” makes way more sense than “2000 feet”), I do like the car’s speedometer in miles when I’m in the U.S. The mix-and-match system was a bit of a brain-bender at that hour.

From there, it was a frustrating final stretch. The GPS had us making two wrong turns (or I did—it was 2:00am after all). When we finally reached the hotel, we were greeted by the overpowering smell of cigarette smoke in our room. I went straight to reception—not to switch rooms (I was far too tired), but to make sure they knew it wasn’t us. They offered to move us, but at that point, all I wanted was sleep.

And sleep we finally got—eventually.

23 May 2024 – Morton, Washington

Here I sit tonight in the small town of Morton, Washington, reflecting on a day full of memorable moments.

We started the day in a less-than-pleasant hotel room — not the best night’s sleep, but we pressed on. The plan was to meet up with a longtime online friend, Shawn Inmon, an author I’ve chatted with on Messenger for years. Today, we finally met in person.

We drove about 50 kilometers south of Seattle to Tumwater, where we caught up with Shawn at a Starbucks. He’s a talented writer, specializing in time travel fiction — my favorite genre. His books center on characters who live full lives, pass away, and then return in a younger version of themselves, retaining all the knowledge and experience of their previous life. These stories are set in the fictional town of Middle Falls, Oregon, and Shawn is currently working on the 21st book in the series.

Beyond his time travel series, Shawn has also written a couple of heartfelt memoirs about how he met his wife, lost touch, and then reconnected. Beautiful, real-life love stories — the kind I know Rayls will enjoy. Shawn was kind enough to give us copies for her to read, which was a lovely gesture.

After parting ways with Shawn, we headed further south to Chehalis, where we had a much-needed late lunch at Applebee’s and wandered through a nearby Walmart — a classic American experience.

Next, we drove another 50 kilometers to Mossyrock, Shawn’s hometown and the inspiration for many of the locations in his Middle Falls books. It was fun to explore the area and recognize references from his stories. You could almost feel the fictional world coming to life around us.

From there, it was just a short 20-kilometer drive to Morton, where we’ll be spending the night. It’s the lead-up to Memorial Day weekend here in the U.S., so accommodations are getting tight — and expensive — which might make the next few days a little challenging when it comes to finding places to stay.

On the practical side, I did figure out how to switch the Mazda’s speedometer to miles per hour, which makes driving a bit easier. Unfortunately, I still can’t get the cruise control working — just one of those small annoyances on the road.

All in all, a great day of new connections, familiar fiction brought to life, and small-town charm.

24 May 2024 – Unexpected Waterfalls and Roadside Rescues – Morton to Quincy

We began our day in Morton, setting out on what we thought would be a fairly straightforward drive. But sometimes the best travel memories come from the unexpected—and today was one of those days.

Driving along Highway 12, we reached a small town called Randle. On a whim, we turned right, lured by the idea of seeing Iron Creek Falls. We assumed it would be a scenic little town stop. Instead, after a beautiful, winding drive through thick forest, the GPS led us to… nothing. Just trees, road, and silence.

We began to head back, slightly puzzled, when we spotted a small sign: Iron Creek Falls, 500 feet. We followed the track and were so glad we did. The falls themselves weren’t large—just a few metres high—but the spot was pure serenity. The sound of water, the cool air, and the peaceful surroundings made it a true hidden gem.

On the way up, we’d passed two men walking down the hill toward Randle. We’d exchanged waves. On our way back, the same two—Tom and Peter—flagged us down. Turns out they were road workers whose truck had become stuck in snow. With no phone reception in the area, they were facing a long walk back to town. Originally, they asked if we could call their partner once we reached phone range, but instead, we gave them a lift back to Randle.

As it turns out, Tom and Peter are part of a family of road workers, and Peter lives in Mossyrock—he was particularly intrigued when we mentioned Shawn Inmon and his Middle Falls books. A great chat with two very grateful passengers—and we were happy to save them from a potential six-hour hike!

After dropping them off, we continued east along Highway 12. In Packwood, we passed a lively flea market on both sides of the road. One stall was selling Australian Cattle Dogs, and Rayls couldn’t resist cuddling one of the puppies—very nearly bringing one home, I’m sure.

The drive further along Highway 12 treated us to some stunning scenery. We made several stops at scenic outlooks to take it all in—lush valleys, winding rivers, and forested hills stretching out for miles.

By around 1:30pm, we rolled into Yakima. Not the most welcoming of towns—lots of signs of homelessness and some rough edges—so we didn’t linger long.

From there, we hit Highway 82, then joined Interstate 90, making our way northeast toward Spokane. We decided to stop for the night in Quincy, having covered 370 kilometres today.

A day that started with no particular plan ended up being full of surprises—hidden waterfalls, chance encounters, puppy cuddles, and breathtaking scenery. Just the kind of travel day we love.

25 May 2024 – Quincy to Spokane – Quiet Roads and City Lights

Today’s journey took us from Quincy to Spokane, covering about 225 kilometres along quiet, scenic roads. We opted for the more picturesque route and were rewarded with a peaceful drive—just us, the open road, farmland stretching out on both sides, and the occasional rocky hillside to break up the landscape.

Compared to the busy highways of California or the crowded streets of Seattle, the stillness here was a welcome change.

Spokane, our destination for the day, is the 97th largest city in the USA—a mid-sized city with a relaxed pace and a few interesting sights to take in. We spent the afternoon exploring a bit before settling in for dinner at Texas Roadhouse, one of our familiar favourites. You just can’t beat their bread rolls and cinnamon butter.

Tomorrow, we move another step closer to one of the highlights of this trip—Glacier National Park. Can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

26 May 2024 – Waterfalls, Gondolas, and the Centre of the Universe – Spokane to Wallace

We began our day in Spokane, taking time to explore the jewel of the city: Riverfront Park. The Spokane River winds its way through the city, tumbling over basalt rock formations and two dams to create the largest urban waterfall in the USA—a truly impressive sight.

To get the best view, we boarded the Spokane Falls SkyRide, a gondola that floats right past the roaring falls. It was a fantastic experience—peaceful in the gondola, yet surrounded by the raw power of water cascading beneath us.

From there, we hit the road again—I-90 eastbound—and stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel in Smelterville (though we’ve affectionately dubbed it “Smeltsville”). We had planned to check out Kellogg, but somehow missed it entirely, so we carried on until we reached the historic town of Wallace, Idaho.

Now, Wallace is no ordinary town. In 2004, the mayor declared it the Centre of the Universe—and who can argue? After all, no one can prove otherwise. The official Center of the Universe is marked by a manhole cover downtown, and the locals celebrate it every year.

Beyond the quirky claim to fame, Wallace is genuinely scenic and packed with history. Tucked into the mountains, it has the feel of an old mining town frozen in time, complete with charming buildings and a big sense of character. According to legend, the locals are affectionately known as Wallys.

27 May 2024 – From Wallace to Columbia Falls – Big Skies and a Short Skip to Glacier

We travelled 280 kilometres today, crossing into Montana and settling into Columbia Falls—just under 30 minutes from our next big highlight: Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park.

Our first stop of the day was Mullan for fuel, followed by a scenic drive that eventually brought us into Kalispell. Lunch was at Wendy’s, which came with the usual dose of fun trying to navigate the ordering system with our Aussie accents. Our order went through under the name “Giry,” which we’re guessing is how “Gary” sounds with an Aussie twang to American ears.

Our hotel tonight is nestled in a beautiful golf estate, not unlike The Vines back home—quiet, leafy, and very well kept. A lovely setting to rest up before tomorrow’s adventure into Glacier National Park.

Being Memorial Day here in the U.S., a lot of restaurants were closed, so dinner options were limited. We ended up with Subway, which did the trick.

28 May 2024 – Coloured Stones and Snow-Capped Peaks – A Day at Lake McDonald

Today we reached the highlight and heart of this road trip—Glacier National Park, and more specifically, the stunning Lake McDonald along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.

We began the day in Columbia Falls, just a short and scenic drive away. As we arrived at Lake McDonald, it didn’t take long to see why this place is a favourite for so many. The lake is framed by snow-capped mountains, and its shoreline is a natural mosaic of coloured stones—maroon, deep red, green, blue, and more.

These vibrant rocks owe their colour to iron content. Over countless millennia, they were broken down and swept into the lake from ancient geological layers. The green ones, interestingly, formed in deeper water and have less iron—nature’s chemistry on full display.

We spent nearly five hours around the lake, exploring walking trails, taking in the fresh mountain air, and simply soaking up the atmosphere. No crowds, no rush—just the kind of peaceful, natural beauty that makes travel worth it.

Around 2:00pm, we began the journey back toward Kalispell, stopping for lunch at Freda’s Café, a great local find. From there, it was another 200 kilometres on to Libby, our stop for the night.

Dinner was at Henry’s Restaurant—a satisfying end to a memorable day.

29 May 2024 – Mountain Roads, Quilt Shops & Catching Up from Colville

Typing this one from a Macca’s in Colville, Washington, after last night’s hotel turned out to be a bit of a dud—no Wi-Fi in 2025 still feels like a surprise! So here I am, catching up on the journey with coffee in hand and golden arches overhead.

Despite the Wi-Fi woes, yesterday was a fantastic day. We took the scenic route from Montana, crossed briefly through Idaho, and made our way back into Washington State—a drive filled with jaw-dropping scenery, winding roads, and plenty of quiet stops to take it all in.

The trip was perfectly balanced: five quilt shops for Rayls (and five new reasons for her to smile), and countless lookouts, mountains, and forests for both of us to enjoy. We took lots of photos, and while I can’t upload them here at Macca’s, I’ll share them tonight once we’re settled into our next hotel in Wenatchee—another leisurely and scenic drive on the itinerary.

One of the joys of taking these minor backroads is how quiet they are. We’ve pulled over many times to admire the view, and more often than not, not a single car passes us for five minutes or more. It’s just us, the landscape, and the peaceful rhythm of the open road.

30 May 2024 – Scenic Roads to Wenatchee – A Gentle Wind Down

Thursday evening, and we’ve arrived in Wenatchee, just a few hours east of Seattle. Hard to believe, but tomorrow night we fly back to Los Angeles—this leg of the adventure is nearly complete.

Today was another reminder of how glad we are to have taken the scenic route rather than powering down Interstate 90. The choice gave us a more relaxed pace, and the rewards were many—breathtaking mountain ranges, shimmering lakes, and winding roads framed by dense, peaceful forests.

There were no quilt shops today (a rare thing!), but we made plenty of stops just to stand in awe of the views. Sometimes a slower journey brings the richest memories, and today was one of those days.

Tomorrow we loop back to Seattle for the flight south, but tonight we’re soaking up our final evening in the Pacific Northwest, grateful for the roads we’ve taken—both literally and figuratively.

Rayls Angel
Rayls Angel

31 May 2024 – Back in LA – Wrapping Up the Pacific Northwest Road Trip

We’re now settled into our Los Angeles hotel, and after a long, full day, it’s nice to put the feet up and reflect on what’s been an incredible journey.

We started this morning with a leisurely stroll along the river at Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee—likely the Wenatchee River, though we never did confirm. It was a peaceful way to ease into the day before hitting the road for the final leg of our Pacific Northwest road trip.

Originally, we had planned to stick to the scenic route home, but the GPS had other ideas. After about 10 miles on the interstate, we realized the detour and doubled back to catch Highway 2 and the stunning drive over Stevens Pass. This detour turned into a highlight—especially the town of Leavenworth, a delightful Bavarian-style village tucked away in the Cascade Mountains. Quaint shops, alpine charm, and an unexpected cultural twist in the heart of Washington.

From there, it was classic road trip scenery—towering peaks, forested valleys, and winding roads—until we re-entered the sprawling suburbs of Seattle. We stopped for lunch at Chick-fil-A, fueled up one last time, and then it was time to return the rental car.

A quick tally: we started with just 9 kilometres on the Mazda CX-30 and returned it at 1,480 miles, which translates to roughly 2,375 kilometres. Quite the journey—and every bit worth it.

Unfortunately, SeaTac Airport was a bit of a mess. Security alone took an hour, and we were misdirected to the wrong gate—cue a mini tour via three separate airport trains to finally arrive at Gate N12. With a bit of good fortune, we were able to check two of our carry-on bags for free, thanks to a last-minute gate announcement. Our flight left 35 minutes late, but we made up time in the air and touched down in Los Angeles around 10:00pm.

After a shuttle to the car rental centre, we were handed the keys to a well-worn red Nissan with Florida plates and over 55,000 miles under its belt—quite the contrast from our nearly-new Mazda. Still, it runs, and it’ll get us around LA for the next few days.

Our hotel is in a great location, and we’re looking forward to three nights here before the next chapter of the trip begins. For now, it’s time to rest—and maybe start flipping through some of the many memories made on the road.

1 June 2024 – Paying Tribute in Los Angeles

Today was one of quiet reflection and nostalgic moments, as we spent time honouring memories of friends and revisiting some LA legends.

We began with a walk around Silver Lake, retracing steps we took in 2012 with our friend Scott McKenzie, not long before he passed. Scott, best known for his hit “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair),” was frail during that final walk, but it was filled with conversation and warmth. Now, every time we visit LA, we honour him by repeating that same walk and pausing in front of his former home. The website I created with Scott’s blessing—scottmckenzie.info—is still live, a tribute to a remarkable man and a musical era.

After that, we went looking for more pieces of showbiz history. Years ago we visited the graves of the Three Stooges—Moe, Larry, and Curly—but missed Shemp. So we made our way to Home of Peace Memorial Park, only to find (of course) that being a Saturday, the Jewish cemetery was closed. Note for next time.

Across the road, we explored Calvary Cemetery, where we visited the crypt of Lou Costello, a childhood favourite of mine. I once performed the “Who’s on First” routine with a police colleague in front of the Commissioner of Police—a career highlight of a different kind! We also paid our respects to Ted Healy, the original brains behind the Stooges before their vaudeville and screen fame. Not sure if he was a good bloke, but since we were in the area, it felt right.

Later in the day, we caught up again with Maria and Charlie, Shannon’s parents. We’ll be seeing more of them tomorrow for lunch. By 4pm we were back at the hotel, Rayls doing some repacking, and me enjoying some vintage American TV. I’m hooked on TVLand and MeTV with their black-and-white classics. Rayls tolerates them… until Perry Mason comes on—then the line is drawn!

2 June 2024 – Quiet Moments Before the Flight

Not much to report today—a quiet and easy-going one as we gear up for our return to Australia tomorrow.

We had a very pleasant lunch with Maria and Charlie at JB’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Torrance. Always lovely catching up with them, and a relaxing way to spend our last full day in the States.

Dinner was Jimmy John’s, kind of like Subway—but much better in our opinion. Quick, tasty, and no fuss.

We’re now winding down the evening with a classic on TV—My Cousin Vinny, always good for a few laughs.

Bags are mostly packed, alarm is set… next stop, home.

3 June 2024 – Flight Day – Planes, Burgers & the Long Haul Home 🇦🇺

Sitting at Gate 154 at LAX, waiting for QF96 to board. We’re here early, but that just means less stress—and the plane’s already at the gate, ready to go in a couple of hours.

We tried to sleep in this morning and stretched it out as long as we could. Eventually checked out of the hotel just before 11am. After a light brunch, we headed to the In-N-Out Burger near the end of the LAX runway—a great spot for plane spotting. Couldn’t find parking at first, so we ended up on the other side of the airport and stumbled across the guy who runs the LAX Live Stream on YouTube. Watched him for a bit—interesting operation!

Eventually circled back to In-N-Out where I managed to snag a park and sat watching planes land while Rayls read her book. Simple pleasures.

At 3pm we made our way to the airport proper and checked in our (slightly too heavy) bags with Qantas. I managed to improve our seats to a pair right at the back—just the two of us, no one to climb over if we need to move.

Back to In-N-Out one more time for some last-minute plane watching, then returned the trusty red Nissan (which had clocked over 55,000 miles!) and jumped on the shuttle to the terminal. Security was smooth and we’ve now got a comfortable window to departure.

The last day of the trip always feels like a bit of a non-event. Qantas flights to Australia always leave late in the evening—tonight’s 8:40pm is earlier than usual—but with hotel checkout at 11am and not wanting to stray too far from the airport, it’s a bit of a waiting game.

Still, watching planes and soaking in those last few moments of LA sunshine wasn’t a bad way to spend our final hours.

Next stop: home. Australia, we’re coming back.

4 and 5 June – Homeward Bound – Back on Aussie Soil

QF96 departed LA on Monday night pretty much on schedule. As flights go, it was about as smooth as you could hope for. Being right at the back of the plane meant overhead bin space was at a premium, but it all worked out. Both Rayls and I managed to get some sleep – a small victory on a long-haul flight.

We touched down in Melbourne just after 5:00am on Wednesday – and yes, somehow Tuesday vanished into thin air, thanks to that curious magic of time zones and the International Date Line.

Immigration was straightforward, but our bags took about 20 minutes to appear. Then came the schlep to the domestic terminal – no shuttle bus or train required, which sounds good in theory, but when you’re weary and dragging luggage as senior travellers, it’s still a bit of a mission.

That said, as much as I love travelling in the USA, there’s a real comfort in being back on Australian soil. Familiar voices, familiar coffee, and that unique blend of warmth and sarcasm that says “you’re home.”

We’re now waiting for our final leg: Melbourne to Perth, scheduled for 9:20am, landing around 11:30am.

Looking forward to a shower, our own bed, and a solid cuppa.

Home Life Resumes (Sort Of)

We’re slowly settling back into normal life.

Rayls has spent the day unpacking and working her way through a mountain of laundry, while I’ve been downloading and sorting through our photos. You wouldn’t think it would be such a chore, but with just over 1,000 photos between us, it’s taken longer than expected. Still, a great collection of memories — time to start putting together a new travel photo book.

Ollie is clearly thrilled to have us home. He’s slotted straight back into our routine as if we never left.

Even though we’ve only just returned, I’m already thinking about our next adventure. Most likely the UK next year — we have some unfinished business there after Covid disrupted our plans last time. That said, a part of me keeps looking back toward the USA. I just can’t help it — there’s something about those open roads and small towns that calls to me.

Anyway, that’s it for another trip. Thanks for following along.

— Gary