Crossing the desert from L.A. to Utah only increases one's admiration for the earliest settlers. The thought of making. that journey now with horse and wagon is enough to give us the shakes. As to what those guys would have made of the incongruity of Los Vegas? Zion was simply awesome. Day 1 - a hike up Observation Point. Day 2 - a quieter day including Hidden Canyon (still with scrambling) and some lesser, short walks. Day 3 - Angel's Landing, a piece of cake r...

What goes down gently and ends flat? No, not Bryce Canyon; that is flat and descends steeply. The car warning light came on while we were doing the tourist drive along The Rim yesterday afternoon; this morning the tyre (tire) was fully deflated. So we spent much of the morning getting the tyre plugged - a wonderful microcosm of small town America life. "Back in 5 minutes" means time for ham & eggs as well as coffee; "back in 2 minutes" only allows time for a ...

September 13. We should have known better than to hire our two wheeled transport from "Sea Mike Bike Rental". The forecast promised sun and the mist did clear by mid-afternoon, but no great pictures today; just 15 miles down the bike path from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach and 15 miles back. Couldn't have been better for two very out of sync, ageing bodies. Also a poisoned chalice day. Many great views of other stationery cars on the freeways. And you would have...

WELCOME! Suitcases packed and ready to go. Mad neighbour taking us to Newcastle Airport at 4.00 am tomorrow for the hop over to Paris and then the long haul to L.A. Thursday should start with a trip to the supermarket (yawn), followed by a cycle ride on the beach path south from Santa Monica (sounds better) and then time with niece Leah (hope we can stay awake). Can't wait.