April 2012 – Back to the USA!
Departure date: 25 March
Flights booked: Back on Boxing Day – scored some seats using Frequent Flyer points with Qantas. Gotta love saving money!
25 March – The Journey Begins: Perth to Los Angeles
Sunday night, Ryan dropped us at the airport. Anita was holding the fort at home, and most importantly, taking care of Hunter, our Jack Russell. We were packed and ready, and by 8:45pm we were rolling toward Perth Airport.
Check-in and security were a breeze – no dramas at all. We caught up with Cath and Chris at the airport; they headed into the Qantas Club lounge while Rayls and I waited at the regular gate. No complaints – it’s all part of the adventure.
Flight 1 – Perth to Sydney (QF568)
Departed: 25 March, 11:05pm
Arrived: 26 March, 6:20am
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Duration: 3h 42m
Smooth flight all round. We even had to do a loop over Wagga Wagga because we were ahead of schedule – Sydney Airport doesn’t allow landings before 6am. Who knew?
The transfer to the international terminal was easy enough. We somehow killed four hours (airport time just disappears, doesn’t it?) before the big one – the long haul to LA.
Flight 2 – Sydney to Los Angeles (QF107)
Departed: 26 March, 11:15am
Arrived: 26 March, 6:50am (same day!)
Aircraft: Boeing 747-400
Duration: 12h 55m
Another smooth run – lovely view of Sydney as we took off. We were set to land into LAX from the west, but ended up circling around and coming in from the east. Adds a bit of fun to the descent!
Customs and immigration were surprisingly easy – bags came out quickly, and then we spotted Scott waiting for us outside. Such a great welcome.
26 March – Los Angeles
Can’t believe it – almost exactly a year since we were last here!
Scott picked us up in his “truck” (a ute to us Aussies) and took us to the Alamo rental place, where we collected our minivan. From there, we followed him to Torrance and stopped for breakfast at iHop – a classic American start to the trip!
After that, we dropped off Scott’s truck, then drove over to Long Beach to check out the Queen Mary. From there, we headed to our hotel in Garden Grove. Quick pit stop at Target across the road to grab some essentials before checking in.
We were staying at a Marriott – very nice! Cath and Chris had a bit of a rest while Rayls, Scott, and I went to Fry’s Electronics for a stickybeak.
That evening, we all met up again and headed back to Scott’s place in Torrance. His girlfriend Shannon joined us, and we had a lovely dinner at the Outback Steakhouse – funny going all the way to the US to eat Aussie food, but it was great!
Back to the hotel and straight to bed – absolutely knackered.
Viva Las Vegas! – 27–29 March 2012
🚗 27 March – LA to Vegas
Today was the big drive – around 450 km from LA to Las Vegas. We hit the road at about 8:30am after stopping at a special Denny’s on Harbor Blvd. It’s a bit of a tradition for us now – we first met Lidia here last November. She’s such a friendly and warm person, and it was lovely to see her again for a chat over breakfast.
After brekkie, we headed off towards Vegas. Stopped in Barstow for fuel and a Walmart run (of course), and then rolled into Las Vegas around 2pm. First stop – a late lunch at iHop to refuel ourselves!
We cruised down the Strip, found our hotel – the Monte Carlo – and checked in. Jet lag and age were catching up with us, so a bit of a rest was very welcome.
In the evening, we drove the Strip to show Cath and Chris the lights and spectacle – and yep, they were suitably impressed! Ended up at Applebee’s for dinner – great food and a relaxed vibe.
Later, we headed downtown to Fremont Street, the old-school heart of Vegas. Tonight’s show was set to The Doors – Break on Through. The casino lights dimmed, and the sound and visuals were amazing. Total sensory overload in the best way.
Back at the hotel around midnight – a big day and a solid start to Vegas!
😴 28 March – Settling into Vegas
Still a bit jet-lagged, so today we took it slow.
Popped out to the suburbs in the morning for a look around Kohl’s and Walmart. Back to the Strip to help Cath and Chris collect their tickets for Jersey Boys at the Paris Hotel. Rayls and I tried the Half Price Show booth nearby but didn’t have any luck.
The four of us regrouped in the evening – we dropped C&C off at the Paris and Rayls and I ducked out to the suburbs again for a quick Arby’s dinner. Back in the room by 9:30pm.
Cath and Chris loved Jersey Boys, which is great – always nice when your show picks are a hit!
🎭 29 March – Vegas Style
29th March – Vegas Style
Everyone’s enjoying themselves, and so are we.
After breakfast, we headed to the beautiful Bellagio Hotel to check out the stunning indoor garden display in the main foyer. It had a Dutch theme, which was a lovely bonus for Cath (who was born in the Netherlands).
While the others admired the tulips and windmills, I dashed across the road to a Half Price Show booth to try again for tickets to The Beatles LOVE show. No luck – they don’t release those tickets until after midday. Oh well.
We wandered over to Caesars Palace, where the others soaked up the classic Vegas opulence while I flaked out on a bench with Sudoku and some people-watching (a classic Vegas pastime in itself).
Lunch was at Dunkin’ Donuts – although none of us had donuts! We went for wraps and bagels, which were actually quite nice. Then a quick stop at Fry’s Electronics on the way back to the hotel.
In the afternoon, the others rested while I went off on one last ticket hunt. I trekked through the enormous Aria Hotel (easier to get lost than you’d think!) and finally found the Half Price booth I needed… but still no LOVE. I settled on Elvis: The Cirque du Soleil show instead. Got the voucher, then had to find the Aria box office to convert it to a ticket. Ended up walking a solid 1.2 km round trip to cross the Strip… or, I may have crossed illegally just to save time. Let’s keep that between us 😄
At 5:45pm we drove C&C to the Mirage where they had tickets (booked well in advance!) for The Beatles LOVE. Rayls and I went to see the Elvis Cirque show at the Aria. It was… okay. Not bad, but not amazing either.
After the show, we picked up Cath and Chris (who loved LOVE) and returned to Applebee’s for dinner – this time served by Brandon, who had a great sense of humour.
To cap off the night, we visited the Bellagio fountains and watched a couple of their famous shows. Still magical no matter how many times you see them.
Back at the hotel by midnight. Another great day in Vegas
30 March – Back to LA
Today we packed up and said goodbye to Las Vegas… but not before squeezing in one last sightseeing stop!
Originally, we had tickets to see a taping of Hot in Cleveland back in LA tonight, but unfortunately, it got cancelled. Bit of a shame, but it did mean we had a much more relaxed day ahead of us without the time pressure.
We checked out of the Monte Carlo, loaded the car, and headed over to the Venetian Hotel for one last look at the grand architecture and high-end shops. Vegas does the whole over-the-top thing so well – even on the way out, it still impresses.
With that, it was officially goodbye to Vegas. We made a quick fuel stop before hitting the road. While fuelling up, a guy in a rented Mustang convertible asked if I knew how to open the fuel hatch. I admitted I knew nothing about Mustangs, but we gave it a go anyway. After a bit of head-scratching, I figured it couldn’t be that complicated – gave the hatch a press and bingo, it popped right open. One very relieved Mustang driver!
🏙️ 30 March – Return to LA / Glendale Motel
Back on the freeway, the drive into LA wasn’t too bad, even for a Friday afternoon. We headed straight to our new base for the next week – the Glendale Motel. Not quite as fancy as the Monte Carlo or the Marriott, but perfectly fine for what we needed.
After our usual post-drive rest stop, we headed out for dinner at Astro’s. Cath and Chris were introduced to just how massive American portions can be, while Rayls and I kept it simple with grilled cheese sandwiches. Sometimes the classics are all you need.
We rounded out the day with a quick stop at Ralphs for some groceries and then headed back to the motel.
A solid travel day – and we’re all settled back in LA, ready for the next adventures!
31 March – Rodeo Drive & Summer Shopping
Today started off with a practical mission – Chris needed some summer clothes, so after brekkie, we made the pilgrimage to that trusty American institution: Walmart. Mission accomplished.
Lunch was at Carrows, and Cath and Chris are now wise to the size of American portions – ordering smaller is the way to go! Later, we headed into Beverly Hills to wander around Rodeo Drive. Cath was thrilled to find a Georg Jensen store and even treated herself to something shiny.
We cruised along Hollywood Boulevard, past the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, but didn’t stop – we’re saving that for a tour later. We also swung by The Greek Theatre, where Neil Diamond is set to play in August for the 40th anniversary of Hot August Night – that would be an amazing show!
Back at the hotel for a breather, then Rayls and I walked to Popeye’s for some chicken while Cath and Chris finished off some Astro’s leftovers. We spent the evening in C&C’s room, playing Trivial Pursuit on the iPad and reminiscing with music and YouTube videos. Loads of fun – just don’t ask me any Entertainment questions; they’re way too modern! (Pat and Kath: tell Marty to get Trivial Pursuit – we’re playing when we get home!)
1st April – Camera Drama & Santa Monica Nostalgia
The camera finally gave up the ghost this morning, so that became priority one.
We headed to Best Buy, but they weren’t open yet, so we enjoyed a delicious morning tea at Mimi’s Café nearby. Once Best Buy opened – no luck. So we drove out to Santa Monica to visit Woodlawn Cemetery and the grave of Barbara Billingsley (aka June Cleaver from Leave It to Beaver). As a fan, it was a special moment.
We also cruised past Billingsley’s Restaurant, and – surprise – another Best Buy was across the road. Still no camera.
After a quick drive-by of Santa Monica Pier, we returned to the hotel for a break before heading south to Torrance for dinner with Scott, Shannon, and her parents, Maria and Charlie. Charlie’s a former LAPD officer, so there were some fascinating stories shared.
We tried to visit Fry’s afterwards, but it was already closed at 8:30pm – no camera today either.
2nd April – Universal Studios & Kings Hockey
Big day ahead!
We met up with Scott and Shannon at Universal Studios, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel. First up: the famous Studio Tour – a 45-minute tram ride through real sets and backlot streets. Classic Hollywood fun!
I braved Jurassic Park: The Ride and Revenge of the Mummy with Scott and Shannon – not sure if the Mummy ride was in the dark or if my eyes were just closed!
After lunch, we saw the Waterworld stunt show, complete with jet skis, explosions, and a crashing seaplane – classic theme park spectacle!
On the way back, we finally struck gold at Fry’s in Burbank – picked up a new Canon camera with GPS, zoom, and HD video. Now to figure out how it works!
Later that evening, it was off to the Staples Center for an LA Kings game against Edmonton. We had dinner at Lawry’s Carvery, met up again with Scott and Shannon, and cheered the Kings to a 2–0 victory. Loved the atmosphere – always a highlight!
3rd April – Laundry, Shopping & Baseball
Bit of a bits-and-pieces day today.
We started with a laundry run – four loads, $30, but worth it to be fresh again. Picked up groceries at Ralphs on the way back.
Around 11am, we tried to find the Glendale Galleria… got lost, of course, so out came the GPS. After a small parking drama, we found ourselves at a beautiful town square-style shopping centre with fountains, open spaces, and great lunch spots. We grabbed Italian and enjoyed the vibe.
Some shopping wins – Chris got shoes, Rayls bought a dress and a watch, and I had an ice cream. That’s fair.
Back to the hotel for a rest, then dinner at Subway and off to Dodger Stadium for a game between the LA Dodgers and the LA Angels of Anaheim. Caught up with Scott and Shannon there too. Baseball and conversation – what more could you want?
4th April – Beverly Hills, Hollywood & Cirque Night
Started the day with a drive through Beverly Hills, taking in the houses and making a stop at the infamous 10050 Cielo Drive, site of the Sharon Tate tragedy.
Next, we visited Griffith Park, then headed to Century City, had a look around Bloomingdale’s, and grabbed lunch at Subway.
After our afternoon rest, we explored Hollywood properly – Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame, and lots of eccentric street performers (Spidermen, Minnie Mice, Transformers – you name it).
Dinner was at the Hard Rock Café. Lots of empty tables, but we still had to wait 20 minutes, and while the music was expectedly loud, the service wasn’t great. Probably wouldn’t rush back.
The evening show was a highlight: “IRIS” by Cirque du Soleil at the Kodak Theatre (home of the Oscars). It’s a $120 million production focused on the history of cinema – acrobatics, film magic, and classic Cirque artistry. The theatre wasn’t full, but the show was fantastic. We all loved it.
5th April – Warner Bros. Tour & Final Kings Game
Our last full day in LA before hitting the road – and we made the most of it.
I called Warner Bros. Tours first thing and scored us a spot for the 9:20am tour. We left at 8:30 and got there in just 10 minutes – early enough to jump on the 9:00am group with guide Marcus Baldwin.
The tour was excellent – nearly three hours of sound stages, backlot streets, and the prop department. We even saw the West Wing’s Oval Office desk – huge thrill for Rayls and me!
After the tour, lunch at Denny’s, a stop next door at Staples for a map for Chris, and then back to the hotel for the usual break.
That evening, Rayls and I headed back to Staples Center for the final Kings home game of the season. Another great night with dinner at Lawry’s again and meeting up with Scott and Shannon. Sadly, the Kings lost in a penalty shootout, but it was still a brilliant experience.
That wraps up our LA stay – tomorrow, the road trip begins! Stay tuned…
6th April – From LA to Williams, Arizona
We were up bright and early and on the road before 7am, heading east out of LA. Surprisingly smooth sailing through the traffic, and before long we were cruising along I-15, already well and truly in road trip mode.
Fuel stop at Barstow just after 8:00am, then we jumped onto I-40 – that legendary highway that stretches all the way from California to North Carolina. We weren’t going quite that far – our goal for today was Williams, Arizona.
Quick stop in Ludlow at 8:30am for a snack, and then on to Needles where we arrived just after midday for a lunch break. With a couple more pit stops along the way, we rolled into Williams at about 2:30pm. Total distance for the day: 691 km, average speed 113 kph, and at one point we hit 142 kph – not too shabby!
Williams is a great little town – only about 3000 people, but it has that classic cowboy vibe and a rich Route 66 feel. It’s also just down the road from the Grand Canyon, so there’s plenty of tourist energy in the air.
We stayed at a Quality Inn, which was fine… except the internet didn’t work (again!). Bit frustrating when you’re trying to stay connected on the road.
Dinner was at the Pine Country Restaurant in town – a charming spot with a menu full of movie quotes. We had fun trying to match lines with the films they came from. After a bit of exploring, we called it an early night. Big day ahead tomorrow.
7th April – Grand Canyon & Monument Valley
Our day began with a slight hiccup… accidentally driving on the wrong side of the road! No one noticed (thankfully) and we corrected it quickly. First and hopefully last time that happens on this trip!
We were on the road just after 8am and made it to the Grand Canyon by 9:00am. Words really don’t do it justice – it’s absolutely breathtaking. We spent around three hours soaking it all in, walking along the rim, and taking in those sweeping views.
We exited the park to the east, following the Canyon rim – more spectacular vistas – before heading towards Cameron and then Tuba City. We thought about staying overnight in one of those towns but decided to press on to Kayenta, near Monument Valley.
Unfortunately, the hotel promised Wi-Fi but once again, no internet. I made sure they got an earful about that when we checked out!
With a few hours of daylight left, we decided to head into Monument Valley. What a stunning place – giant sandstone buttes rising out of the earth, glowing red in the sun. The biggest ones shoot 300 metres into the sky. We crossed the border into Utah and back again, and the Visitors Centre gave us a great overview of the area.
By the time we got back to the hotel it was 6:30pm (though it felt like 5:30 – somewhere in there we crossed a time zone and lost an hour). Another 447 kilometres under our belts, and another unforgettable day.
8th April – Monument Valley to Cedar City, Utah
We hit the road at around 8:30am for a more leisurely day, winding through Page, Kanab, Fredonia, and Hurricane on our way to Cedar City.
The route today was a real highlight – beautiful, scenic drive, with the red rocks and desert scenery keeping us company. We pulled into Cedar City around 2:15pm, where I promptly crashed. A full-blown head cold had set in, and I was well and truly done. I went to bed for 15 hours straight!
Thankfully Rayls and Amy stepped in and made sure Cath and Chris got sorted at their hotel.
It’s been a big three days since we left LA – over 1,500 km of travel, jaw-dropping landscapes, and some truly memorable stops. Time now for a bit of rest before the next stretch.
April 9 – Back in Our Second Home
We’ve always had a soft spot for Cedar City, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a friendly, mid-sized town in southern Utah – about halfway between Vegas and Salt Lake – and most importantly, it’s home to our great friends Amy and Steve Robinson.
I first met Amy way back in 1995 in a chat room (the one and only time I ever ventured into one). The internet was new, I was curious, and the rest is history. Over the years, our families have grown incredibly close – we don’t have many friends in our own countries, but we seem to have found each other. 😊
Cedar City is also home to Southern Utah University and hosts everything from the Utah Shakespearean Festival to the Summer Games. But for us, it’s just a relaxing haven.
After hitting a bit of a wall yesterday with this cold, I slept in till around 11. Eventually surfaced and we picked up Cath and Chris to visit Amy at the Heritage Theatre, where she works. She gave us a behind-the-scenes tour – it’s a fantastic facility for a town this size.
Later in the day, I crashed again. This cold’s hanging on. Steve picked up C&C and treated us all to a BBQ dinner at home. Perfect end to a quiet day.
April 10 – Slowing Things Down
A well-earned slow day today. A bit of shopping around town, then we all caught up at The Pizza Factory for dinner.
That evening, we went to the SUU Symphony Orchestra and Choir’s Easter Concert at the Heritage Theatre. Really impressive local talent – and lovely to inject a little culture into the trip. Cath and Chris walked back to their hotel while we headed home for a good night’s sleep after a quiet chat with Amy and Steve.
April 11 – Cold Weather, Warm Friends
The weather turned chilly today, so a trip to Wal-Mart for something warm was in order.
We met up for lunch at the Market Grill, where the banana cream pie is legendary – and lived up to its name.
After lunch, Rayls, Amy, Cath and Chris hit the shops while I retreated home for another rest. Still not feeling 100%.
Amy cooked up a delicious chicken dinner and we all headed back to the Heritage Theatre for a concert by New York Polyphony, a vocal quartet from NYC. The music was beautiful – a little above my pay grade, culturally, but still enjoyable.
Funny moment before the show – the organisers made quite a fuss when they found out we were from Australia. We were even introduced during the show as guests from Perth, and after the performance, we had a chat with a couple of the singers (one of whom turned out to be a Kath & Kim fan!).
April 12 – Zion & Grafton
Today we ventured out to Zion National Park – a place that never disappoints. Towering red cliffs, winding roads, and some of the most stunning scenery anywhere. Cath and Chris were genuinely blown away.
On the way back we made a stop at Grafton, a ghost town just outside the park. It’s been used in a few classic films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Quirky and fascinating.
Back in Cedar around 4pm, then a chilled-out evening with pizza and Trivial Pursuit. Simple and perfect.
April 13 – Girls’ Day in St George
Amy had the day off, so she and Rayls headed off on a girls’ day to St George, doing what only those two can do (shop, talk, laugh, repeat).
Meanwhile, I took it easy – pottering around and resting up.
Later in the day, I picked up Cath and Chris and drove to St George where we regrouped with Rayls and Amy, browsed Kohl’s and Wal-Mart, then had dinner at Cracker Barrel.
Amy headed home after dinner, and the four of us went to a Three Dog Night concert. It was supposed to be outdoors at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, which looked amazing, but due to weather it was moved indoors to the Dixie Convention Centre. Still a great show, and a dry one too.
Back to Cedar by 11, and we capped the night with iHop hot chocolates before dropping off C&C.
April 14 – Snow Day!
Woke up to snow this morning – it came down steadily all morning. Unexpected, but absolutely beautiful.
We bundled up and headed to Home Depot to grab some supplies we wanted to take home. A pretty laid-back day overall.
April 15 – Last Day in Cedar City
Our final full day here. Rayls and Amy dove into a craft project, as only they can.
In the afternoon I picked up Cath and Chris and we visited the war memorial – a quiet and thoughtful place.
Later we all met back at Amy and Steve’s and settled in to watch The Iron Lady. After dinner (Amy outdid herself, as always), we watched We Bought a Zoo – lovely film.
Dropped off C&C around 9:30pm. When I got home, Rayls and Amy were still crafting away and then Rayls packed some bags. Tomorrow we hit the road again
Final Thoughts
Cedar City never disappoints. It’s our little home away from home, and spending time with Amy and Steve is always the highlight. Relaxing, refreshing, and full of memories. What a special place.
April 16 – Cedar City to… Somewhere on I-5
Big driving day today – over 1,000 kilometres clocked up as we said farewell to Amy and Steve and left Cedar City behind. Sad to go – it’s always tough leaving such great friends.
After picking up Cath and Chris, we hit I-15 southbound and crossed back into Nevada, gaining an hour along the way. Rolled into Vegas just after 9am for a brekkie stop at iHop, followed by a quick run to Lee’s for some booze, then back on the road. Chris took a driving shift to Barstow, and from there we wound our way towards Bakersfield and eventually up I-5.
We didn’t have a set destination – just aimed to get within striking distance of San Francisco. Pulled into a Motel 6 about 160km short of the city. Long day, but made easier with great company, good music, and some stunning scenery along the way.
April 17 – Napa Valley Wine & Dine
A shorter drive today, just over 300km, as we made our way into the famous Napa Valley.
First stop was Walnut Creek, where Chris caught up with a cousin. Then in the afternoon we headed north into wine country and visited the Robert Mondavi Winery – a must-do for wine lovers like Chris. He was thrilled to see where some of his favourite wines come from. Napa is a beautiful part of the world – all rolling hills, vineyards, and that peaceful countryside feel. We also took a drive through Sonoma, another scenic and wine-rich area.
Dinner was at Black Bear Diner (love those places), and we stayed the night at a Best Western. A slower-paced, picturesque day.
April 18 – Redwoods, Cable Cars & Curvy Streets
Back on the road today for about 140km, heading down Highway 101 to Muir Woods. What a spot! Towering coast redwoods, some of them hundreds of years old, and a beautiful stream running through it all. It’s peaceful, shady, and a great spot for a stroll on well-kept walking trails. Definitely worth the stop.
From there, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco – a bucket list moment if ever there was one.
Next up: a drive down the famously crooked Lombard Street. It really is as twisty as they say – eight tight hairpin turns in a short 400m stretch, all downhill and paved in red brick.
We parked and caught a cable car into downtown. These are still the last manually operated cable cars in the world, and they’re a tourist attraction in their own right. It was $6 each way – and yes, I was hanging on tightly heading downtown! On the way back we lucked out and got a seat. Always entertaining hearing the driver yell “suck it in!” as we passed within inches of parked trucks.
After retrieving the car, we took a scenic drive past San Fran’s skyline landmarks, over the Bay Bridge, and out to Pinole, where we checked into a Days Inn for a couple of nights.
Dinner was at Sizzler, followed by some late-night Kmart retail therapy.
April 19 – San Francisco in the Sun
A beautiful sunny day for more exploring.
We crossed back over the Bay Bridge and headed to Fisherman’s Wharf, where we wandered around Pier 39 – full of shops, seafood spots, street performers and sea lions. From there we drove into Union Square, checked out Macy’s, and had lunch at Lori’s Diner – a classic 50s-style place with jukeboxes and checkered floors. Loved it.
In the afternoon we took in some more incredible views from either end of the Golden Gate Bridge. What a sight – with Alcatraz, the bay, and the city skyline all sparkling in the sun. One of those pinch-yourself travel moments.
Back at the hotel around 4:30 for a rest, then the girls went off to Michaels while the boys hit Best Buy, and we wrapped up the day with dinner at Applebee’s.
April 20 – From San Francisco to San Simeon
Another road trip day – about 374 kilometres of California coast magic as we began the journey back towards LA for our final days in the USA.
We hit the road just after 9am and made great use of the carpool lanes to speed our way across the Oakland Bay Bridge, making a short detour into San Mateo. Chris has family history there and wanted to see the place again – though, as with most places, time changes everything.
We picked up Highway 1 around Santa Cruz, a creative, slightly alternative town where we stopped for an early lunch and a look around. Then it was on to Monterey, which oozes history and a strong link to the 60s music scene.
Monterey was the site of the legendary 1967 Pop Festival, where artists like Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, and Otis Redding blew audiences away. The place is still buzzing with that legacy. We visited the marina, saw some impressive seals, and honestly the seagulls here are something else – not sure if they’re a different breed or just very well-fed!
A short drive took us to Carmel-by-the-Sea. This gorgeous little coastal town is as quirky as it is charming. No streetlights, no parking meters, and high heels banned without a permit! The Clint Eastwood connection (former mayor) gives it extra flair, and it’s incredibly dog-friendly too. We wandered and browsed for a couple of hours.
From there it was into the wilds of Big Sur. The road hugs the cliffs tightly for over 100km – all twists, turns, and jaw-dropping views, despite a persistent sea fog that added an eerie beauty to it all. One of those drives where the journey is the destination.
We ended the day in San Simeon, near the famous Hearst Castle, staying at a Days Inn and enjoying a memorable dinner at the Big Sur Californian Café. Special mention to Chris Dorsey, our cheerful and witty server, who kept us entertained through a delicious, leisurely meal. We finally wandered back to the motel around 9pm, well-fed and very ready for rest.
April 21 – Castles and a Winter Dance Party
The fog was still clinging to the coastline as we left San Simeon around 9:30am and made our way back to Hearst Castle. While Rayls, Cath, and Chris joined the official tour, I opted for a quieter morning – pottering around in the car, taking in the scenery and enjoying some downtime.
Even from the outside, Hearst Castle is something else. Perched high on a hill, this sprawling estate built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst is all grandeur and excess: 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, an airport, even a private zoo (complete with wandering zebras, no less!). The Neptune Pool, with its Roman-style columns and epic ocean views, is especially impressive.
After the tour, we hit the road again and drove about 100km south to Arroyo Grande for the night. Checked in to a Motel 6, did a quick Wal-Mart run, and grabbed some downtime.
The real treat of the day came in the evening at the Clark Theater, where we saw the Winter Dance Party Show – a brilliant and officially endorsed tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper. The show recreates their final tour before that fateful 1959 plane crash, and it absolutely delivered. Non-stop 50s hits – “Peggy Sue,” “La Bamba,” “Chantilly Lace” – all performed with high energy and authenticity.
Rayls and I even got to meet the performers afterwards – a great way to cap off the night. A top show and a reminder that, despite Don McLean’s lyrics, the music never really died.
April 22 – Back to LA
The road trip is nearing its end.
We left Arroyo Grande in the morning and drove the 350 kilometres back to LA. Our main stop along the way was Simi Valley, where Cath and Chris explored the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Rayls and I had already visited back in November, so we poked around the local area – even stumbled across a quilt shop, though it had clearly been closed for a while (still worth the detour!).
Once back on the freeway, traffic got pretty heavy – no surprise around LA – but we eventually arrived in Anaheim, checking into the Red Lion Hotel, just a stone’s throw from Disneyland. A comfortable place, though the Wi-Fi left a lot to be desired.
After the usual afternoon rest, we grabbed dinner at the IHOP next door, and later wandered down the road to Dairy Queen for dessert. Simple pleasures.
April 23 – Nixon, Lidia, and Pasta
By this point, we were all feeling the effects of three weeks on the road – tired and definitely starting to shift into “go-home” mode.
We spent the morning at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. Another well-presented museum, with plenty of material to absorb – interesting to compare it with Reagan’s, and worth the visit.
For lunch, we had a lovely reunion with our friend Lidia, catching up at a local Denny’s. One of the bonuses of repeat visits to the US is reconnecting with familiar faces – always a highlight.
Back to the hotel for our now traditional afternoon rest, and later that evening Cath and Chris shouted us dinner at the hotel’s pasta restaurant – a generous gesture and a relaxed final full evening together.
April 24 – Final Day Rituals
Today was our last full day of the trip.
Scott met us and very kindly drove us up to Hollywood, giving Cath and Chris the chance to get a proper, close-up view of the Hollywood sign – a must for any first-timers.
On the return we checked out a few stores – Radio Shack and Joanne’s among them – for some last-minute bits and pieces.
Back at the Red Lion by mid-afternoon for a rest, and then dinner at Outback Steakhouse – bringing things full circle, since Outback was also our first meal out at the start of this trip. Nice way to bookend the journey.
A bit of packing and organisation tonight. Tomorrow night we board our flight home.
It’s been a big trip. A great trip. But I think we’re ready.
April 25 – Last Day in the USA
The end of our incredible journey was finally here.
After a morning spent packing, we squeezed in quick trips to Radio Shack and Marshalls for last-minute shopping. Then Cath, Rayls, and I wandered down to Downtown Disney for a final look around.
Back at the hotel, we finished packing and loaded the car for the last time. We then met up with Scott in Torrance, who kindly drove us to the airport.
Early check-in was a relief, and it was great to hand over the bags. But the night wasn’t quite over yet — we all headed to Shannon’s parents’ house in Carson for a warm dinner and conversation. Maria and Charlie made us feel right at home.
By 8:30 pm, we returned to the airport, dropped off the car (which had clocked an impressive 4004 miles on the trip), and caught the shuttle to the terminal. Security was smooth, apart from a hiccup with Chris’s boarding pass, but all was sorted quickly.
Our gate was 101, where we waited nearly two hours before boarding QF108, the Airbus A380.
A delay of over an hour meant a late takeoff at 1:30 am, but once airborne, we had a final glimpse of LA beneath us as we banked eastward over Torrance and Carson, crossing the vast Pacific Ocean.
The flight was long — 15 hours and 4 minutes, covering 12,534 kilometres. The journey was bumpy for the first hour, but overall uneventful.
April 26 – In Transit
A quiet day spent mostly on the plane. We left LA early morning (technically just after midnight), and arrived in Sydney 15 hours later
April 27 – Home at Last
Our arrival into Sydney was delayed by an hour and a half, which meant missing our original Perth connection.
Instead of the 10:10 am flight, we were rebooked for a 12:10 pm departure. Frustratingly, the earlier flight was still at the gate when we arrived, but we made the most of the extra time.
The flight from Sydney to Perth was smooth, and before long we were back on home soil.
Reflections
Another fantastic trip completed. So many wonderful sights, experiences, and new memories — but as always, the highlight was the time spent with friends in Cedar City.
Already looking forward to the next adventure!
That’s it, all done!
Thanks for reading.
