Parks & Canyons - Not Long enough

In June 2011 I did the "Parks & Canyons" holiday with Just You and really enjoyed it for two reasons, first you see some great places and secondly was a great group of people i hung out with. That was Liz, Rachel, Eirian, Mike, Paul & Trevor if you are reading any of you drop me a line, sure we often did our own thing during the day but always ate together having some good laughs on a night.
Some of us did have a bit of a reunion get together after which involved a day out in London which was good.
Anyway on to the holiday and the only thing I would say is 8 nights isn't long enough and I feel Just You need to add 2 or 3 more nights.

It involves starting in Phoenix Arizona and travelling to Las Vegas having two nights in each as well as in Flagstaff and a small town in Utah I can't remember the name.

 Phoenix is anice clean modern city and we had a interesting tour but more to my liking was Old Town Scottsdale so on the way back I opted to get off and have a look around others decided the hotel swimming pool was a better option.
Remember having lunch at a place called the Rusty Spur saloon which was good, they even had live music on.

 Was a little story getting back I was told which service bus to get and to look our for the Starbucks, it was one long road so couldn't go wrong could I.
Well nobody mentioned there was more than one starbucks and I got off 2 miles before the hotel and had to walk in temptretures over 100f, was shattered when i got back, at one stage wasn't sure i was going in the right direction and had to call in a shop to ask.
On the evening we were taken for a meal and more live music to a place called Rustlers Roost it was on a hill overlooking everywhere and was apparently a old outlaws hideout, all good fun.




 On leaving Phoenix we were travelling through the desert we stopped for a few photo shoots along with plenty of Indian trading posts.  On this photo i didn't hang about too long as a nice big snake started to rattle its tail behind me.

We called at Sedonna where we took a jeep ride into the hills whic again was great fun and some fantastic scenary.



Two nights in Flgstaff and remember 1st night eating at a traditional Route 66 diner which had to be done then on the 2nd night our gang got a taxi into the town centre. Found a cracking restaurant with a Pub attached and even better they had live music on so had a excellent night out. One word of warning to anyone visiting Flagstaff is take your woolies although its in the middle of a desert its at altitude and got really cold at night.

Of course we visited the Grand Canyon and as I'd previously done the helicopter flight i decided to walk so far down the mule trail. Now two hours is easy one hour down and turn around and back in a hour. With the altitude my lungs burned coming back up should have given myself more time.




Another place we visited was Lake Powell where we had a nice relaxing boat trip.










One highlight for me was Little Hollywood (Kanab) where we had a meal with sme more live music before taking part in a bit of a mock film, again was great fun. This is a place where lots of westerns were made including my favorite "The Outlaw Josey Wales".







Now although the Grand Canyon is awesome with its size and a must see attraction, Bryce Canyon is something else, fantastic to spectacular don't think photos can do it justice. The bus called at three view points but wasn't staying on and a good few of us took the option of walking around the rim trail to the pick up point.





We also visited Zion National Park and again got a nice walk this time along the stream/river that flows through the park, very beautiful part of the world.



Eventually got to Vegas for a couple of nights partying before the long journey home, remember one night doing the City tour and the other the Rat Pack show (my 2nd time u still enjoyable). I didn't do the day tour of Vegas as had done it the previous year so visited a few of the theme hotels that I'd not been in before.

Other than that "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas".

National Parks, Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn (Sept/oct 2013) - part three "America is Closed"

Half way through our holiday the American Government decided to spit the dummy and went on strike shutting down the National Parks which is a bit of a disaster when you are doing a National Parks holiday. So suddenly off our Itinery was Messe Verde, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, there was a lot of disapointment among our group obviously.
Been totally selfish wasn't quite so bad because previous years I'd been to  Bryce Canyon, Zion, Grand Canyon and Lake Powell but they were places i wanted to go back.

But I believe in giving credit where its due and out tour manager Wendy B did a fantastic job all holiday under difficult circumstances and managed to sort some superb alternatives. I'll even go as far as to say I hope she is in charge of my next years holiday and that is high praise because I've had many good leaders on my trips with JY. Of course I would have to insist she leaves her "sounds of the desert" CD at home.
Also have to mention our driver Tim, great bloke always a smile and time to chat with everyone and in the circumstances did a lot more mileage than planned.

So on with the holiday and it was now State Parks not National Parks we are to visit and i was going to be impressed. Will add we all had agreed to stop at supermarkets (Walmarts) and eat on the go so we could shorten lunch breaks to allow for the extra mileage. Sylvia was now happy because she had finally worked out she needed to turn her camera on before taking photographs.

So the first port of call was Dead Horse Point which is basically a mini Grand Canyon, was great because we were allowed to walk along the rim. Stretching your legs was enjoyable after spending lots of time sat on a coach. It was a canyon that the cowboys once drove there horses and a sad story was that back in the day horses had been forgotten and all starved to death, hence the name.




It was Cortez for the next two nights, bit of a dead end town with not a lot of places to go. First night we ate in a restaurant and it was nothing special. 2nd night it was Dennys and the service was a joke, 8 of us ordered together and the meal came out bit by bit. Mine was last when most of the others had actually finished but better than that they gave me my bill before the food, lets just say i wasn't generous with my tip.

Next we drove along the San Juan Skyway stopping on route and the "True Grit Cafe", wish we had longer there to be honest. The Skyway is basically a very scenic mountain road and Tim had to show all his driving skills.





We had lunch in Silverton at a Grumpys saloon with a piano player which was nice and then on to Durango. A train runs between these two towns which would have been a nice thing to do. Reckon JY should add it to the planned tour.


Next up was a trip to Monument Valley, via the Four Corners where it was possible to those more agile among us to have a limb in four different states at the same time.

Monument valley was a place we all wanted to see and June was so determined to get the front seat on the bus it was stronglet rumoured she slept there. However was a little embarrasing when she decided to dress as a barcode in her Newcastle shirt for photographs.
Of course Wendy B had informed us it was going to be in the high 80's, well apparently it was the day either side of our visit but it was bloody freezing for us, even the local Indians where laughing at me in shorts and fleece.

The following day with Lake Powell closed it was a good opportunity to visit the Antelope canyon, it was interesting to walk through. Our local Indian guide seemed to take a shine to Wendy and offered us two blankets and a Pony for her. This seemed like a good deal until somebody mentioned they doubted Delta would allow the Pony on the flight home.

Overnight was in Page and few of us organised a mini-bus to take us to a live music venue up the hill, as it arrived others tried to hijack it but Steve managed to fight them all off. Was good fun and once again we couldn't get Roy off the dance floor.


The following day it was on to Vegas where we would spend two nights instead of one with Bryce Canyon Closed.

On route to Vegas we stopped at Little Hollywood (Kanab)

First night in Vegas we did the City tour which took us to a few hotels including the Venetian and the fountains at the Bellagio.
Then it was Freemont street which is in my opinion always good fun and the roof show is amazing.

On our day we drove out to the Wet tip and the Grand Canyon, was supposed to do the south tip but in my opinion the area we went to is superior and much more fun. Our coach did have to do the last 13 miles along a dirt track to get there so well done again to Tim.

We then transferred to buses that took us to three stops, first a cowboy town with mock gunfights and stuff going on (great fun). That was followed by the glass walkway followed by another excellent view point. Not sure security liked me as you can see (we was only joking honest).
Not sure security liked me as you can see (was only messing I think)




On our last night following a photo shoot at the top of the stratesphere a few of us took a taxi back to Freemont street on arrival Steve took the lead and set off at a fair rate of knots, we followed best we could thinking we were going to a good pub or restaurant only to arrive at a toy shop.
We did find somewhere nice to eat and had a lovely last supper. Then it was back to the Stratesphere at around midnight for cocktails followed by a little flutter.


Sadly it was up early the following morning for the long journey home, it was sad to say our goodbyes because made some very nice friends. I'm sure some of us will meet again given the chance and we've exchanged a few emails since our return.

Despite all the happend it was a fantastic holiday, very tiring but if you like touring holidays I certainly can recomend this trip.

National Parks, Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn (Sept 2013) - part one "The journey from hell"

Did this holiday with Just You earlier this year and it was certainly didn't go to plan but was still a fantastic trip. It was renamed by a few of us on the trip "State Parks, Walmarts and Airports" and all will be revealed why.
Such a big holiday it justifies splitting into 3 parts, with this first part been all about the journey, not part of the holiday I'd normally write about.

Just You run a forum on their website and a few of us got chatting before the trip and exchanged emails which is a great idea. We discovered 3 of us were staying the night before at the airport myself at Bewleys Hotel while Mike & Claire were booked in at the Crowne Plaza next door. We arranged to meet up in the bar for a meal which worked well as its good to know someone else before you travel.

We also spotted a deal on holiday extras via voucher codes for the executive lounge and eight of us agreed to meet there. Great deal for £13 as you can have a bacon or sausage sarnie a few drinks (the Brandy coffee went down well) along with nibbles, fruit, etc. So it was wise not to book breakfast at the hotel however Bewleys insisted i had so it was rude not to get my fill as it was free.

When I arrived in the lounge we started to meet a few others Claire was already there along with Dave so i joined them, Mike arrived and dissapeared around the corner as he hadn't seen us. We went to join him and found Wendy hiding under a table in the corner apparently it wasn't us she was avoiding it was airport security (she can explain that one), moments later Steve joined us setting the tone with a large Beer in each hand.
We knew Dee-anne and Derek had also booked the lounge but all were surprised when two ladies walked in hence the question had to be asked "which one is Derek ?".
Derek turned out to be Hilary and we later found out the real Derek had started Scottish independance early by booking the wrong lounge and was sat elsewhere on his own.

Time to go to the gate a place where we were going to spend the next 90 minutes as the flight was delayed for over an hour. Considering we had only an hour and half to catch our connection to Denver in Atlanta (the worlds busiest airport) a few started to start asking what would happen, rumours varied from "they'll hold the 2nd flight" to "they'll make up the time", hence nobody was really panicking.

Now once in the air we did make up a lot of the time and only arrived 20 minutes late, also while in flight our tour manager "Wendy B" introduced herself and explained to everyone what to do on arrival stressing we need to get to the gate for our onward flight asap.

On arrival we hit massive queues in immigration which took me 45 minutes (some a lot longer), then it was collect luggage before handing it back at transfers. You've probably guessed by now we missed our onward flight to Denver, I actually got to the gate as it was pulling away. Now at this stage we were scattered about so was unsure who had got on, eventually turns out Mike was the only one mainly because he had paid for an upgrade and got off our flight first. Now Mike claimed he paid the upgrade for more leg room we later discoved it was so he could have a 2nd suitcase which he needed for his Camera and associated gear.

Eventually (after about one hour) we got everyone together and Wendy B marched us to the Delta help desk where she entered in negotiations with the staff (only strangled two of them). Eventually she returned with 8 tickets for a later flight leaving 17 of us stuck (now known as the Minnesota 17). Claire put on her matrons uniform and kindly took charge of those going to Denver.

Next step was to sort the rest of us out and Delta agreed to put us up at a local hotel and give us a $50 oucher for food and drink. Initially they were going to fly us to Denver in the morning until Wendy B pointed out the coach was leaving there in the morning to go to Rapid City. After further negotiations they agreed to fly us there but via Minneapolis.
Next question was "where is our luggage ?" and they said if we went to baggage handling we could claim it back which turned out to be a load of old bull.

So after hanging around and some so called checks they told us our luggage was in a holding room and could take 3 hours to get, we agreed to go to the hotel without it and they assured us it would fly with us to Rapid City the following day. They did provide us with an overnight pack and fortunately i take a change of clothes in my hand luggage.

Eventually we got to our overnight hotel so after a quick shower and shave it was down for a bar meal and a few beers courtesy of Delta.We were still having a laugh and even Jack changed from "I'm never coming to America again" to "Its great here" in only four large Brandys.

Finally getting to my room and collapsing asleep in my bed I was awoken by a text from Claire who had arrived in Denver telling me that my luggage along with 6 others had appeared at Denver which our comrades had taken off the carousel and walked out the airport. Don't worry about the 2 hour time difference Claire I had to get out of bed to take my shoes off .
Two questions have to be asked about security, "why was luggage allowed on a flight without the passenger ?" and "why was someone allowed to walk out of an airport with others luggage ?" Still was actually pleased i knew where mine was and would be eventually reunited in Rapid City.

Not much sleep a we had to be up at 5am to catch the flight to Minneapolis eventually ariving there at 9am. A quick dash round the airport to the Rapid City flight only to be informed we were only on a standby list and weren't actually on a flight until 9-30pm, yes 12 and half hours in Minneapolis Airport.
We asked where our luggage was and they insisted they had it all (despite us knowing 6 of our bags where on the coach in Denver), yes Delta tell Porkies.
Now as airports go Minneapolis is a good one with plenty of shops and they gave us a $25 voucher. Still it was expensive a burger and a couple of beers came to $30 but it helped i suppose. We could have gone out the airport but were all tired and was directed to a area with some comfy seats.
Actually had a good laugh and it was great in a way because it built comradeship as we got to know each other, took it in turns looking after our bags while people went to the shops, for coffees, etc.

Of course with all the stress our tour manager had to keep going out for a fag, don't think she smoked before this trip, but ended up chain smoking, lol. Poor lass was a southerner and think she was amazed how well us northerners took the disasters in our stride making jokes as we went.

Eventually we got our flight to Rapid City arriving at 11pm after a long day to meet Tim our coach driver, was almost  midnight before we reached the hotel but at least the rest of the luggage turned up.

We were all shattered but had to take photo at the airport because this was the real start of the holiday.

Straight to bed so we are well rested and ready for Day Three the real holiday.

For the record Just You have since compensated us for the lost day of our holiday.

National Parks, Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn (Sept/Oct 2013) - part two "The real start"

So Day three already and we are in Rapid City, and it was onto the coach for a ride out to visit Badlands National Park where our leader Wendy B led us safely through the Rattle Snake landscape.
Joking aside it really is a fascinating area.

Then we stopped at a place called Wall for Lunch, gorgeous Hot Beef sandwich i must admit. Then onwards to Mount Rushmore and the debate of which president will be next, ok Mr Obama you got the vote just beating Tony Blair.

 

 More amazing was the ongoing Crazy Horse memorial especially after seeing the film about the man who started it, really enjoyed the story and the fact his family have carried it on. Will it ever be finished ? who knows.

Then it was back to Rapid City for a quick change into our best clobber for the included welcome meal. All I can say about it was at least we had a good lunch earlier.
After a few beers to get rid of the taste of the meal it was bed for a good nights sleep ready for the morning.

At Breakfast the next day it had become apparent Wendy was always going to sit with Dot not through friendship more to do with she had a box of English teabags.

Then it was onward to Deadwood where we stopped at some Indian place where they used to chase Buffalos over a cliff. Dave decided to video a big bloke talking to us and was told not to, however not having his batterys he totally ignored numerous warnings but a arrow between the eyes did the trick. We were then introduced to a old Lakota Sioux Chief who was apparently famous and a war hero, he gave us a talk but they forgot to switch his microphone on and all we got was the fact he was a Paratrooper, didn't know they had them at the LBH but you live and learn.

It was then onto a school bus with some lunatic acting as a guide (actually he was hilarious and brilliant) and into Deadwood to see Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Janes Grave (yes still in bed together), also into the saloon to see actors play Wild Bills death scene at the Poker table.

Must admit I enjoy the old west so these are the sort of places I want on a touring holiday.


We eventually left Deadwood to head to our next hotel in Sheridan and as we arrived Wendy B pointed out a couple of places, first was a nice restaurant called Rib & Chop house and the 2nd a little bar called the OK Coral which we should avoid at all costs.

By this time as always on these trips people were splitting into smaller groups on a evening (makes sense to get tables in restaurants) and 8 of us often stuck together with others joining from time to time as groups arn't always a exact science. Must admit it was a really nice group and we had a good few laughs, our gang consisted along with myself, June, Dee-anne, Wendy, Claire, Steve, Mike & Derek.

Must agree the Rib & Chop house was great we all had different things yet enjoyed very much. Afterwards we made our way to the hotel for a couple of nightcaps, strangely after one drink the bar closed at 10-30pm so most of the gang disapeared.
Steve and myself were just hitting form so there was only one thing for it the OK Coral which turned out to be a small room at the back of a shop. Wasn't too many customers in the place but what was in were Lakota Sioux Indians, was obviously the local watering hole. Nobody bothered us until we went for a 2nd beer and the heard our Yorkshire accents so asked about where we are from.
They were friendly but when we wanted to leave insisted we couldn't go until we had a drink with them, shots were poured. Well it must have been the local brew because i can only describe it as alcoholic cough medicine, it blew your head off. Eventually we escaped and must admit slept very well from the moment my head hit the pillow.
Apparently in the early hours a mad man was been chased around the hotel by security banging on doors but i never heard a thing and no i didn't fit the desciption.

No rest for the wicked and next day it was on to the Little Big Horn, the story was of interest to me its something we all know happend but to see how and why was good. They've put stones where each person fell which helps you see the big picture.




Overnight was in Cody and just over the road from our hotel was the old town trail a old western town with a bit of history. A few of us went for a look and it was interesting, apparently the Hole in the Wall (Butch & Sundance) gang had a cabin there. Also the mountain man Jeremiah Johnson (check out the Robert Redford film)was from there are we saw his grave.
Apparently some of the rooms at the hotel didn't have any hot water (fault) but been a gentleman I did offer to share my shower with some of the ladies, but wasn't taken up on my offer.

A place down the road where we ate had live music, ok was country which isn't my first choice but when in Rome (or this case Wyoming) you gotta go.

This is where we first discovered our own Fred & Ginger with Roy & Dee-anne who put the local cowboys to shame on the dance floor. Roy was brilliant really loved his dancing yet was one of the oldest in the group, great stuff.


Next it was the massive Yellowstone National Park and we were so lucky seeing lots of the animals, from Grizzles, Brown Bears, Elk, Bison, etc.

The scenary was stunning photos don't even do it justice you've just got to be there and see things first hand.







Following Yellowstone it was through the Grand Tetons in Wyoming the scenary was just getting better, found a little church and what a stunning view out of the window.

 

Next stop it was to Salt Lake City for a couple of nights, a couple of young Mormon ladies met us off our coach and gave us an introuction.

Its a nice clean City and on our full day there went on a City tour which included Park City (mining town). Th tour also took us to the Great Salt Lake but I wasn't impressed if I'm been honest.

One thing I'll say is the food was good we had lunch folowing our tour at the Cheescake Factory (rude not to) before venturing up the tallest building which had stunning views.

Our two nights there the group I was with ate at a Chinese (PF Changs) and Italian (Macaronis) restaurant,both were superb I've got to say.

Well thats part two of this trip, part three "America is Closed" to follow.