Farewell USA - it's been a adventure!

Well that's it the adventure is over!  Time to pack my bags and head home. 

Had a great farewell last night.  Met up with 2 guys from North Carolina, Josh and Rodney, who are working here at the moment and a couple of Kwis who head back to NZ tomorrow.  Ended up in a local seedy bar called Godmothers and meet a local LAPD guy and his friends.  Really enjoyed myself - bit tired today but can sleep on the plane all the way home.  Also have a video of me doing Karaoke - this will not be making YouTube.

The highs for me on this trip.  The people, the scenery, the bike!

The lows, mastercard lost and trying to use the temporary one (going to write a complaint about it). WiFi service at most hotels/motels is shocking always cutting out and signal very weak.

But above all - Bring on 2014 “I'll be back".

Location:LA

Last day in the States

Caught the 142 to Long Beach and went and saw the Aquarium.  Now was expecting big things here but was a tad disappointed.  Kelly Tarlton and the Antarctic Center in Christchurch are more impressive but still enjoyed.  

Had lunch at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co restaurant named after the movie and the seafood was excellent.  Had a good yarn with waitress there as she had spent 3 weeks in NZ and loved it.

While in Vegas one our disappointments was we went to Hooters but it was very big and just another casino and frumpy old staff everywhere.  So spotted this Hooters bar (and no I wasn't looking for it just appeared), so had to go in and have a brew.  Now I have had instructions from the Tuesday night squash guys (especially Peter Clay) to get photos get photos.  I am sorry Jan but they made me do it and by the way they were all lovely young ladies.  If you want a good meal , some good beers and good service, go to one of these bars they are great and surprisingly there were lots of families dining there.

So have ended this adventure on a high.  Am now back at the pool and have been asked to go stand in for Daniel Craig on the new 007 movie tomorrow morning before I fly out.

Tomorrow will do a summary of the highs and lows of the trip and my observations of the US.






If you want seafood this is the place to go or the Red Lobster.

Tonight am meeting a few in the lounge as Karaoke night again.  So meeting up with some Kiwis to have a wee sing along.  Here I am practicing.

Location:LA

Universal Studios

Had an interesting day today as was going to Universal Studio but the trouble was it was the other side of town.  Cab would have been about $80.00 eachway so decided to take a bus and train.  The 142 bus took me to Long Beach.   Cost $1.50 then on the blue train to LA central, then the red train to the studio.  Train fee $6.00 for a day pass.

Took 2 hours but was an interesting trip sort of went through some not very nice neighborhoods.  Met a lot of different people from all different backgrounds and races but didn't feel threatened.  Was quite comfortable during the entire trip.  Coming home in the 6 o'clock rush I'm thinking no way could I live like this every day.  Trains to work etc you would spend a quarter of your working life in a bus or a train.  As Fred Dagg said "we don't know how lucky we are”!

Universal was great, not too crowded.  Didn't have to wait in line for long which was great as was very hot.  Did the studio tour and on it you did a King Kong tour which was in 3D - freaking awesome!  Biggest 3D presentation in the world.  After that did all the other rides, Transformers 3D (went twice) then The Mummy Returns. 

Now this ride was a roller coaster which I didn't realize.  I HATE roller coasters but was in a line and wearing a Kiwi tee shirt so couldn't chicken out.  Now I will admit I did scream a bit (sounded like Maria Thurlow when she is losing a squash game) but was starting to relax a bit when all of a sudden you started to go backwards and it was in the dark.  Did you know you can buy underwear at Universal?  I now own a pair of Bart Simpson boxers (just kidding or am I?  You will never know).  Spent 5 hours there and really enjoyed myself.

Now back at hotel by the pool, a few beers before tea.  There is Karaoke in the bar tonight (no I am not singing, I sound like Colin McDonald with a cold).  Just met a guy and his family and he is head chef on Donald Trumps golf course, nice people.  Anyway last night was quiet.  Went to a wee micro brewery pub down the street with a few Kiwis but home by 11.

Last day in US tomorrow, sad to go but am looking forward to seeing family.

Location:LA

Shopping time

Not much to report on today.  Bit of a sleep in, breakfast (am sick of eggs) then went to a mall.  It was huge but not many people about and no I didn't get lost. Purchased a few tee shirts for the grand kids and an iPad for Jan.

Back at hotel now by the pool and have meet a few of the other guests.  A family from Canada, a Pom and 3 kiwis just passing through (might be a social night)!

The good news is went on one of the weight/height machines at the mall and have dropped 3 kg since I left home.  Also worked out have traveled 6500 miles on bike which is appox 10500 km.

On the travel channel Henry Cole on worlds greatest motorcycle ride has been here a few times and he has only cracked the surface of what a great country this is.  It has everything a biker wants, wide open spaces, mountain riding, fantastic scenery and the people. 

I cannot speak highly enough of the people!  Here they are courteous, have hardly heard any one swear and the service has been excellent.  In fact have not had one bad encounter (have had a few cars tooted at me and the odd bird finger) but they are courteous and helpful and are very interested in NZ.  Most people I have spoken to have said its on their place to visit.

Haven't taken many pics over the last few day as been on freeways.

Location:LA

Bon voyage and thanks for the ride - see you in NZ!

Today departed San Luis at about  9.00 am and was looking forward to some great coastal scenery.  But low and behold sea fog for the first hour so couldn't see a thing but when it cleared coast was gone. Still was a nice ride then struck the coast again. 

Very nice but was on freeway so didn't have much of a look but from what I could see NZ coastal scenery was much better especially Catlins route.

Just got into LA and hit a traffic jam and to make things worse was about 100 degrees and there was new black tar seal.  To make it worse I had all my bike gear on.  Anyway was in the inside lane and missed the turn off so had to go miles out of my way.  About an extra hour of riding. Finally got to Kiwi Shipping and was absolutely drenched in sweat.  So after a tearful farewell to the bike have booked into a nice hotel and going to shop and do some sightseeing and relax for 3 days.

Saying goodbye to a dear very close friend today was hard as I have shared great scenery, lots of miles and some close calls.  Yes today I dropped my bike into Kiwi Shipping and will pick her up in about 6 weeks in NZ.

Location:LA

Singing debut!

After chilling and  a few beers I had in my saddlebags spent some time talking to some guys staying at motel.

Got a bit peckish so went to a Creole restaurant on the corner.  Now this is where I got out of my comfort zone.  Creole food is from down south and looking at the menu I didn't have a clue.  There was some type of gumbo and jambalaya and alligator steaks etc so what the hell I thought.  Went for the frogs legs and rice, very nice bit like chicken/seafood then bugger me 2 guys doing country music asked where I was from (only 5 people in restaurant).  So explained about Gore and gold guitars and they wanted a kiwi song so got up on mike and taught them 10 guitars (remembered most of the words).  After that another first - pecan pie US style then I was out of there before I had to do a Haka.

Big ride tomorrow 210 miles to LA

Location:San Luis

Driving observations

Distance traveled today 230 miles (339 km).  Getting out of SF was a challenge but reasonably straight forward.  Out the gate turn right then 30 metres, turn right on to the 680.  Left at 10 to avoid traffic -  but bloody hell the first hour was all go!  Cars everywhere and speed limit 65 mph but everyone doing 80 mph (about 140 kph).  It was mentally challenging with 4 lanes. 

Have found you keep in the right lane you get screwed as all the exits go off this and sure as hell you will take one and then you have to find your way back on to freeway.  Next lane is the best as not too fast and you can look at the signs.  

So when driving you are:-

1.   looking at GPS and listening

2.   looking at signage cause you are old and don't trust some lady on GPS telling you what to do

3.   looking at both side mirrors making sure no one side swipes you

4.   keeping an eye on the dude in front brake lights so he doesn't stop suddenly

5.  convertible driving beside you with 2 blondes, low cut tops

So is a bit nerve racking but after 90 minutes traffic slows and pace a bit slower.  After getting some gas made a wrong turn (was on highway 1 around the coast) but GPS took quickest route and put me on the 101 freeway but made the trip quicker to San Luis however missed seeing coastal scenery.

Where I got the gas there were huge fields of strawberries and I was told that I was in the strawberry capital of the US.  Further down the road I was in this valley, hills either side and there were vegetables all types, as far as the eye could see.  If you have driven along the Canterbury plains multiply that by 3.  No sheep, no cows just fields of vegetables and John Deer tractors everywhere and fields just full of workers.

Hot ride this afternoon, 38 NZ degrees so now going to have a quick look around.  There is a cafe bar opposite motel (guys try America best Value Inn, they are cheap and not to shabby).  So tea there tonight, then plan route tomorrow and find somewhere to stay.

Am going to rename GPS Jan as she is always telling me where to go (just kidding).  She has always given me good directions in my life.  On the plus side this Jan doesn't answer me back (notice how brave I am when she is a few thousand miles away)!!

Strawberry fields.

Location:San Luis

Relax day plus laundry day!

Had a lazy day today.  Laundry and had a look around some shops, bit of swimming and a couple of beers with a nice lunch (Italian) and that was it.

Busted (pic) - no not really though I would give this to Dave.

Planning my route for tomorrow.  Trouble is with a GPS it gives you the quickest route but I want to go on highway 1 round the coast not on the main freeway.  So will have to do the trip and program the GPS bit by bit.  Also not looking forward to the traffic tomorrow.  Was out today and was busy for a Sunday tomorrow will be worse!

Location:SF

Nappa Valley Pics

These pictures were of the Costello Di Amoroso and all the material was brought in from Italy.








This is the Ophus winery / hotel very modern, complete contrast to other wineries.


This is an old family vineyard.

Location:SF

Just doing my job - sampling wine!

Had a sleep in till 9 this morning then headed out to the Napa Valley to look at some vineyards (not to buy).  Only took about 70 minutes from where I am staying. 

Its a lovely wee drive but traffic everywhere as it's Saturday here so everyone is out doing the lunch thing with family and friends and a lot of bikers on the road also.

I can see why this area is ideal grape growing country dry, hot and plenty of water much like our wine regions in NZ.  So did a bit of sampling and sad to say I prefer NZ wines think they are more flavorsome.  There were some Merlot I liked but I think the Chardonnays were like a Sav.  The Pinot Gringo nothing like our Pinot Gris but were ok.  But the actual wineries leave ours for dead.

So a very relaxing day.  Tomorrow might go look at Silicon Valley and being Sunday go to church (yea right)!

Here are just a few of the places I saw today.

This is a school for cooking.

Yep not bad in another week be ready to pick.



All the stones for this castle were brought over from Tuscany, very impressive.








Tasting room in the dungeon.  The staff were dicks, right up themselves.


This is a hotel and winery, very modern.

Location:SF

Stirred up

Have just been stirred up by Jan again about my blog.   Mainly about not being able to comment on it.  Hope everyone can see my point of view as if people commented on I would have to reply and I would be spending a lot of time on my iPad.  Those following me in the US, hi just keep talking to Jan she loves to hear from you and she passes on your comments.

Location:San Francisco

Happy Birthday Dad

Well the bucket list is getting smaller and smaller.  Arrived in San Fran about noon.  Checked in and caught train into the city. 

I had a very good ride this morning from Merced but still not keen on riding on these 6 lane freeways especially when all I was wearing were boots, jeans and a light tee shirt with my small type crash helmet.  So not much protection if I came off.  Mental note: wear bike jacket and good helmet when on freeways.  I  am now using modern technology iPad & GPS.  At night plan route on iPad write down roads etc like 120 on to 135 then programme GPS.  Finding things a bit easier.

Into the city on a train than caught cable car down to the bay.  Had a seafood lunch, bit of a look around then took a ferry trip round the bay.  Awesome, head phones gave a running commentary on the sights etc then on to pier 39 which is very touristy but was enjoyable.  People everywhere.  About 8 pm hopped on a train back to motel.

Bit hungry at this stage so ended up in bar across the street.  20 pool tables, band playing about, 150 customers and the place was humming so had a nice steak (small portion) a couple of Buds (large) now bed time.

Napa Valley tomorrow - been dreaming of this for years.  God that list is getting smaller and smaller.  Have to rewrite another one when I get home.

This is a picture of a water massage bed.  In this shop they had 6 of these.  $20.00 for 10 minutes.  They lift the lid like a sun bed you hop in face down, lid closes and a plastic sheet covers you then theses jets of water start at your neck then move down to your toes.  Back and forth, different pressures etc, must have been good, lots of people waiting for a turn.

Just going to say a big hi to my dad.  He is 86 and has been following this at my sisters.  They say you grow up to be like your parents which I don't mind.  I think I get my sense of adventure and my personality from dad.  In his younger day he did mountaineering, a bit of traveling (only in NZ) but it's his zest for life which I think I have inherited.  Love you dad, see in a couple of weeks (ps don't spend that inheritance while I am away)!

Alcatraz in San Fran bay.

Water massage bed.

Location:San Francisco

San Francisco

Will write about this later but here are some pics from today.

Location:San Francisco

Chaps - great investment

Did I mention I brought a pair of chaps for riding in and Coxy and Dave gave me hell about them.  They are comfortable to ride in and when you get a chilly day they are worth their weight in gold.  I may not look as good as Lynne Grace does in hers but my butt does look a bit smaller than hers.

I have had a few emails asking why people can't comment on the blog site and to be truthfull I can't be bothered reading people's comments and replying to them.  I hate facebook and that type of thing.  Who cares what your cat did this morning, who cares if you have your period, who cares if your Aunt Maude is suddenly gay.  God life is too short, instead of talking rubbish on these sites spend time with your kids (they grow up too quick) get out of the house, buy a bike, set some goals, aim for the sky and anyway I don't know most of the people on my facebook.

Location:By the pool Merced

You would think I was in Outback Aussie?

Yosemite National Park and much much more

Got on the road about 8 am today.  Onto the I395 then took the 140 through Yosemite National Park.  This took me up to about 9500 feet through again some of the best scenery I have ever seen with all natural pine forests and high mountains.  The mountains were solid granite and as smooth as a baby's bum with wee lakes doted here and there.  This part of the country is a hikers/mountain bikers paradise with trails and small camping grounds everywhere.  

Yesterday at Mammoth Lakes there were these tram type buses that took you up to the lakes and you can bike down on special bike tracks around the lakes and there is a bike only lane  on the road for mountain bikers.  Or you could take your bike on the gondola and come down from the top of the mountain.  This is one of the things I have noticed over here is how much they cater and encourage you to get out into the forests and mountains and the parks. 

Today it was about the trampers and bikers.  There were cars parked at all these spots along the road with trails going into the forest.  Put this on the "I must see list" if you are into this type of recreation.

Got a bit side tracked (lost, took wrong turnoff ) and went through these lovely wee townships (hate to be there in the winter) and circled around and came in the back way to Merced.  Well it was like being in Australia, brown grass, same type of trees and bloody hot.  But was a good ride, very steep, lots of bends (bit gun shy of corners came off bike 2 years ago, totaled bike, so am cautious when it comes to sharp corners)!

Finally arrived at a motel, $50.00 for night has pool and is comfortable and its laundry night.  Tomorrow Walnut Creek just out of San Fran.

Oh have started to use TomTom, things getting a bit better with the navigation side of things.

Location:Merced