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".

Getting My Kicks on Route 66 - part 3 of 3

Hitting the road again the next stop was another car museum before leaving Texas reaching our 6th state New Mexico on route to Albuquerque for another two night stay.




The hotel was once again on the outskirts of town but near a up market shopping mall with a couple of decent restaurants. After grapping a bite to eat Peter & myself decided to try find a decent Pub for a few beers. We came across a Mexican Sports bar and it was a big place with about 300 people in there. Got our drinks then realised why it was so busy Mexico where playing football and 90% were there for the game which was on the large TV screens. Felt a bit like the same odds as been at the Alamo with us two and 300 Mexicans, was gonna support the other team but didn't seem like a great idea, lol.
Actually it was quite a friendly place and we went back the following night although a lot less people in there.

Our spare day we had a trip to the state capitol (oldest in the USA) Santa Fe, was an interesting place especially for those interested in Indian crafts. Was a few nice cafes but was really a quiet day, personally i would have liked to have had less time in Sante Fe and maybe half a day to explore Albuquerque.

Leaving Albuquerque we hit the road towards Arizona stopping for coffee and cakes at the famous hotel El Rancho, n.w this would be a nice overnight stop.

The sparse landscape took us through some interesting places, we touched on the Badlands before visiting the Petrified Forest.

We also stopped to visit the Meteor Crator, which is massive.

Eventually we moved on to our hotel in Flagstaff, that evening many of us ate at the traditional route 66 diner a short walk down the hill, well it seemed right didn't.

Following day we hit the road again venturing off route for lunch at the Grand Canyon, losing one of our group who Richard eventually found in the wrong car park.
After the Canyon we actually did our longest stint on the origional route 66 (about 80 miles) Sleigman to Kingsman. Although we are doing route 66 its now a case of following the spirit of the mother road as most is along modern interstates.
In Sleigman we visited the famous barber shop.

Overnight in Kingsman came with a warning from Richard that it was a very rough town and avoid going into any of the Pubs. A nice restaurant opposite the hotel was recommended so thats where we had our meal. However after our meal Peter and myself got directions to a local pub so decided to give it a go, a few of the others followed us down the road.
On arrival the place looked scary, bars on all the windows and a big sign telling us we couldn't take in firearms. What the hell we walked in and it was really busy with what appeared to be rednecks having a good time. Three Pool tables in action, a karaoke and people dancing and singing all over. I made my way to the bar and ordered the drinks, the lady at the bar was interested in where we were from after hearing my accent.
Most of the group had taken a look from the outside and U turned but Pippa and Mike came in and joined us at the bar.
The bar maid asked if I was going on the Karaoke and I explained I couldn't sing, Pippa mentioned Mike had told her he was a decent singer so we put his name down. Eventually his name was called and he gave a brilliant Elvis impression and the locals loved it, a few came over chatting (don't think they've seen strangers before. It turned out a very good night, "who dares wins".

In the morning we left for the last leg first visiting another museum before on to the Bairstow Mall for some bargain shopping. Eventually we hit Los Angeles after driving through the San Bernadino mountains and found our hotel.

After checking in and a quick shower it was back on the coach for an evening in Santa Monica, walked down to the pier and we had done it, reached the end of the trail, we'd certainly had our kicks along route 66.

Actually didn't stay at the Pier too long went into town for my meal at a English Pub, nice Steak & Ale Pie.

The holiday wasn't quite over as we had another day in LA which most of us took the optional excurrsion to visit Universal Studios, managed to get around all the rides plus see Waterworld so was great fun as always.

We also had a farewell meal that night at a Scottish Pub, nice piece of Beef I'll add.

Final morning it was a quick tour around hollywood, lunch at the Farmers market before sadly making our way to the airport for the long flight home.

Getting My Kicks on Route 66 - part 2 of 3

continued from part one :-

We left our hotel in Springfield Missouri to head to Kansas which only accomodates a few miles of the route. Before leaving had noticed the sign that Elvis had stayed at the place and following a bit of investigation found out it wasn't my room but the one next door, still never saw the ghost.

Remember stopping of at some dead end town in Kansas where 4 women ran a souvenier shop which we visited, they where real charactors (sisters i think) and told a tale or two. Also provided free coffee and biscuits which was nice. Lots of little towns like this, there is plenty of poverty about but decent people (take note Mr Obama).
Before leaving another bloke took us to a bridge (on the 66) to show us his trick which was to turn is feet the wrong way (facing backwards) must have had double jointed ankles, was definately a strange thing to see.

Moving on we arrived in another run down town but it had a fantastic theatre (The Coleman), can't rememer the history as we were getting overload by this point but the guided tour was real good. If I remember (please correct me if wrong) it was run by volunteers.

 It wasn't long before we crossed another State line and were in Oklahoma where we first visited Tulsa before moving on to the capitol for a 2 night stay.

Well in the words of the Song Oklahoma City is pretty and it sure is would like to visit again one day.

We had a good city tour included and visited the State Capitol Building which is like every other State Capitol I've visited.

Other highlights were a Cowboy museum which had a massive section about Western movies which I loved, right up my street and of course they had plenty of things about the Duke.

Can't remember if it was before or after we went to a massive statue which was a tribute to the early pioneers, very impressive.

Another thing the City has done well is the tribute to those who lost their lives in the Oklahoma bombings which includes a timeline pond and a lawned area with a chair for each of those murdered. Was a little dissapointed that people were allowed to sit on these chairs for photos, didn't seem right to me.

We also visited the stockyards and a big western clothing store where many of our group stocked up on their Levi Jeans and cowboy hats.

Another beautiful part of Oklahoma was the riverwalk (think they are trying to copy San Antonio), also looked a good area for nightlife with interesting bars, restaurants and clubs.

Had lunch there at a nice place but would have liked to have gone back on the night. However our hotel was too far away and couldn't raise a possee for a taxi.

To be fair first night the hotel bar was fine, quite lively with a karaoke going but 2nd night (sunday) it was closed but a few of us managed to find a sports bar, bit of a nothing evening though as it was quite desserted.

We left Oklahoma to head Texas but not before stopping at one of the interesting route 66 museums, there are loads of them wish we could have done them all.#

Another small poor town and we stopped to meet a couple of real charactors of route 66, the self proclaimed redneck king & queen Harley & Annabell. They invited us into their home which was filled with route 66 memorbillia and then put a show n for us singing redneck songs. Was certainly different but great fun.




Finally we got to Texas but now was the problem of finding Amarillo with nobody to show us the way.

Only a one night stopover but went out to a ranch where we got on some trailers to be taken through the desert while real cowboys chased some cows about.
They afterwards put on a horse racing show before we had a typical cowboy meal, was authentic when the beef and beans came out but lost it with the salad bar, lol.
On return to the hotel bar which had some very nice beer prices (very cheap) a few of us had a game of cards, was actually good fun and we had many laughs.


On leaving Amarillo we had time to call at Cadillac Ranch for a photo shoot before moving on to the mid-point of the mother road, yes still another 1,139 miles to go.

One thing had become apparent by now was that Richard our tour manager only had a very small CD collection, one that played the Route 66 song in 20 different versions and Lou Reeds greatest hits, luckily I had my MP3 player and headphones, lol.

Reckon this is a good place to stop part two (more to follow).




Just thought I'd give a bit of publicity to a local York group playing the route 66 song, this version wasn't on Richards CD.

Getting My Kicks on Route 66 - part 1 of 3

In October 2012 I got the opportunity to fulfill an ambition and travel Americas iconic road trip Route 66. Following a petition on their website Just You included it among their holiday offerings and us single travellers could now get our kicks.

For me the holiday often starts the night before I travel as I stay over at the airport, this trip was no different and fortunately was able to get in touch with 3 other travellers (Paul, Kay & Victoria) and we met up for a meal at The Three Magpies Pub which was excellent.

On to the holiday and everyone knows that it starts from Chicago (near the Art Institute)and in the words of the song goes more than 2,000 miles, actually travels through 8 startes (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona & California) before finishing in Los Angeles (Santa Monica pier to be precise).

First two nights in Chicago we stayed at the Palmer House Hilton which is in the Loop (part of city centre) which in my opinion was the only decent hotel choice on this holiday. I like to go out and find a odd nightspot (live music) and most other hotels were on the outskirts of the places we were visiting.
We  had our included meal in the hotel on the first night which is a great way to get to know the other travellers, was actually 45 in the group which in my opinion is too big, always reckon no more than 30 is best. More space to spread yourself around especially on the long coach journeys, also its too many to get to know everyone.

After the meal a good few of us walked to Buddy Guys Legends Club, (even Richard our tour manager and Henrique our driver came with us), it was very busy and weren't allowed to sit because we weren't eating which was fair enough so stood near the bar. There was a Jamming session on with many talented artists on stage, noticed the guitarist was Tony Palmer who has a great reputation. Buddy himself was actually in the Club sat at the bar but was more interested in watching baseball on the tv than getting on stage. Think I left around midnight.

The group did a City tour on our day in Chicago (which had positive feedback) but I opted out as I know the City. I had a walk along the magnificent mile, then to the Navy Pier before going for lunch in my favorite Irish Pub "Fados". Afterwards had another good walk before heading back to the hotel for a power nap.

Had mentioned to everyone that I was going out at 6pm to get my evening meal while watching a group called Joel Patterson and the modern sounds at Andy's Jazz Club, they do a bit of everything from Jazz to Blues to Rockabilly and were performing the early act.
Seven people decided to join me including Peter and 6 lovely ladies and we had a lovely meal while listening to some excellent music.



On my walk during the day I'd picked up some free tickets (as you do coming from Yorkshire) for a duelling Piano Bar called "Howl at the Moon", its a lively place where they play requests encurage the audience to sing-a-long, rowdy but great fun. Hence after the meal I mentioned I was going and the others where welcome to come along which 6 did, one was a little tired so went back to the hotel. Pardon the pun but we had a "howl" of a time but the funniest part was when Ivy (oldest among us and I worried about it been too rowdy) saw some young ladies with fancy cocktails. Yes she ordered herself one and within 5 minutes of drinking it the young local ladies had her up dancing in front of the stage.

Always sad to leave Chicago but we'd a long way to go so we hit the route and a couple of hours down the road stopped at a little town called Pontiac which was really interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly the Mayor got on our coach and gave us a guided tour (ok its only 2 city blocks) then gave us a bag of souveniers, nice i thought.
On all the street corners there where miniature cars with interesting paint jobs, murals on walls (we are gonna see plenty of them), there was two small museums and best of all a cracking little cafe with some lovely cakes. Managed one of the museums but hope this year when I do the Heart & Soul trip we'll stop here to catch the other (and visit the cafe for another cake).


Next stop was lunch at the Springfield Illinois (does evey state have a Springfield) and of course this is Abraham Lincoln territory, we had an included tour of his house and also visited his grave, was very interesting.




Then it was onward to Missiouri and of course St Louis for a two night stop, trouble is our hotel was well out of town but found a couple of ok pubs walkable so managed to get an evening meal and have a good laugh.
On the day we had a good city tour including the Busch Brewery (along with free samples) and also had the chance to go up the famous arch which is a amazing structure. I'd actually been to St Louis before but not been up the arch.



On the 2nd night in St Louis we had an incuded "night out" at Lacledes Landing the famous nghtlife area. Basically we all chipped in $10 apiece for the coach to take us in the centre then we could do as we pleased. Now I say "night out" with tongue in cheek because ariving at 7pm and leaving at 10pm when many places are just getting going isn't a night out (why hotels should be in th centre people who don't want a late one can go to bed). Anyway to eat we gathered a few of the men together and went to a bar called "Show Me" for food. Actually its very good on the eye because the ladies serving are wearing very skimpy clothes, makes the food much better. Actually 3 of the ladies in our group saw us go in and followed only to ask after gtting inside "are we allowed in here ?" of course they were and joined us.
Funny from the waitress when she told us "I've never served anyone from England before" we asked "how long had she worked there ?" to get the answer "one week" made us laugh but don't think its the size of their brains that get them the job.
After we just had time for a beer at another bar before getting the bus for an early night.

Following day we were back on the road heading for another Springfield this time in Missiouri but onroute we made interesting stops.

First it was a place called St Charles which is very old with lots of interesting buildings, even found a shop selling English Grocerys and who said you can't get a decent cup of tea in America.
Even convinced a group of Americans they should buy Yorkie Bars instead of the rubbish chocolate they produce.





Then it was on to Cuba, no not Fidel Castros place its just a small Route 66 town with lots of interestin Murals everywhere. Actually even more interesting is the Quaker Bakery (well you have to support the locals).

Also on route we had a stop off at the worlds largest rocking chair, these things have to be done.


Finally we arrived in Springfield and a short City tour before meeting Wild Bill Hiccock and he told the story of his gun fight at a local saloon. To be honest thought Springfield Missiouri a bit of a dump.

On the evening we had an optional excurrsion to the "entertainment capitol" Branson which included a meal which was average in my opinion then on to a Tributes Show which was enjoyable, surprisingly the best act was Liberace gave us all a good laugh.

So on that note I'll end part one of my Route 66 holiday, lots of miles to go.

Americas Golden West - First & Best

First time I decided to go on a group holiday was in 2010 (had travelled totally solo previously), anyway a internet search led me to Just You and spotted a holiday I fancied "Music Capitals of the Deep South" so I booked online. However the company contacted me and was told it was cancelled so another look and I decided on "Americas Golden West" a decision that I didn't regret, ended up having one of my best holidays ever.


Another first for me was that it was a touring holiday, I'd only done resort or City breaks previously. Certainly proved an eye opener as you see so much more although anyone considering doing one needs to accept that it'll be hectic with a lot of early starts, well worth living out of a suitcase for a couple of weeks though.

On to the holiday and first thing I remember is that we were given passes to the exceutive lounge which is a cracking idea, gives people chance to chat to others on the trip. There was only 18 of us (7 men and 11 ladies) on the holiday, still the smallest group i've been with. Even with so few myself and Dave both turned up wearing virtually the same shirt, good job it wasn't two Ladies.

First port of call was San Francisco but as we flew via Denver it was quite late when we got to our hotel on Fishermans Wharf, although tired we went out for a couple of drinks, ended up eating in MacDonalds.

Our tour manager Dave was a good bloke and remember he gave me some excellent advice for singles holidays, he suggested every morning sit with a different person at breakfast, I still try do that best I can on every trip I do.

2nd Day it was a city tour of San Fran which was interesting even though I'd been to SF once before, we also did a night tour which was a bit much, think one tour was enough. In between most of us did a bay cruise then went on the tram to the main square before getting the cable car back. Others visited Alcatraz but I didn't bother as had done it on my previous trip and the cruise gives you an excellent view. In all honesty this holiday could do with an extra day in SF.

The evening we all went out for an included meal at a local fish restaurant on one of the piers, ok it was a fish restaurant but I had steak, thats me. Was still nice and think everyone enjoyed. Afterwards some of us went to a music club then a pub was already obvious we had a good crowd and all gelled together.

Following morning we hit the road and our first stop was at Carmel on Sea (thats where Clint Eastwood was Mayor. Its really unspoilt they dont even have street lights and don't allow any chain buisnesses everything is little independant shops, cafes, bars, etc. Remember having a lovely coffee and cake.





Next it was off to drive along the picturesque 17 mile drive, some awesome houses and views, even takes you through Pebble Beach golf course.





Then we moved on to Monterey where we stopped for lunch and a look around the shops, again was very nice place.

Finally on to San Lois Obispo for and overnight stop, remember a lovely restaurant opposite the hotel, sort of family run place.





Following morning we were heading for Los Angeles but not without a couple of interesting stops. First was at a place called Solvang and what a change of scenary may aswell been in Denmark, even had a mermaid same as Copenhagen harbour. The place had been built by Danish settlers and everything resembled their country. I'd never heard of it before but liked it a lot wish we had more time to explore, still had time for coffee and a nice Danish Pastry.

All the time we were travelling through awesome scenary along the California coast and next stop was Santa Barbara. Basically a seaside town with dare I say a bit on Bitish influence. Had a couple of hours to explore which was good because had chance to stretch our legs. This was our lunch stop and I'll let you guess what I had, lol.

After fighting the LA traffic to get to our hotel for a two night stop it was quick shower and change and out for a meal. Found a place down the road and they pushed tables together and got our full group on one big table. This was fine until the bill came as one and there was a big variation what people had orderdered. I hate it when people are counting out money on the table would rather just split it even to be honest (and I'd gone for a cheaper option than most). Lesson learned get bills split into at least smaller groups one bill for 19 people is hard work.

Following morning it was a City tour which took us to Hollywood Boulevard, Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Bowl, Beverley Hills, etc before going to the Farmers Market or Lunch.



After Lunch it was Universal Studios where we were dropped off for 6 hours or so, was great love the place, everthing about it, was just loads of fun. We ate there before we left as it was getting late. On return to hotel decided to get some beer and wine from the local supermarket and a few of us just chilled having drinks in the lounge (the hotel didn't have its own bar).




Following morning we hit the road again heading towards Palm Springs not before a couple of hours in Long Beach home of course to the Queen Mary.


 Before arriving in Palm Springs we stopped at San Jacinto State Park and went up the mountains in the rotating cable car, awesome views.




Will say the hotel in Palm Springs was not great but credit to Just You we all mentioned this in our feedback form and it was changed for future trips. It was a motel type place and a bit grotty by American standards, some of the other people staying there were a bit iffy.
A couple of the ladies weren't happy going to their rooms so we got some wine from the local supermarket and a group of us just sat by the swimming pool most of the night having a laugh, just spent as little time as possible in the room.
One good thing about the hotel it was close to the main street of Palm Springs, remember eating at two cracking restaurants on the nights we were there.

Our spare day in Palm Springs we had a tour of the homes of the rich and famous before going to the living desert where they have all sorts of creatures, was good place to visit.

 

Then it was on to Vegas but not before a stop off for lunch at Calico Ghost town which to me was real interesting, basically its a old mining town that they've turned into a museum. Lunch was in the saloon and the ladies serving were dressed as cowgirls with their 6 shooters.

 

Then it was Vegas for three nights my first visit, couldn't believe the size of our hotel but that was before I'd done the tour and seen the others. Was great fun and our group made the evenings a party, think we were all on cocktails, had a great laugh.

On our spare day most of the group went to the Grand Canyon although in hindsight for me it was a waste of money because I would visit again the following year on a different holiday, going from Vegas means a expensive flight.





One night we did the Rat Pack show, was great fun and I et the lady of my dreams, Marilyn think she was called, lol.


Joking aside its a fantastic holiday that I'd consider doing again sometime, would advise anyone to do it if they get chance.