What a day we have had today. Our flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles was at 10.10am and we had to drop the rental car off first so we decided we needed to be leaving the hotel at 7am to allow enough time. Lucky we did!
We were up at 6am and out the door on time and found the rental car drop off easy enough with the GPS and the car was cleared and all done in a matter of minutes. We then headed downstairs to get the shuttle to the terminal which was 7 minutes away. Our tickets said terminal 1 and we were also directed there by the shuttle staff.
When we arrived we could not see any United Airline check in desks and upon asking we're advised the UA had moved to terminal 3 last week. Woohoo!
So, we had to walk some distance and get an airport shuttle to terminal 3 and then walk some more to get to the UA check in. Finally we made it and then the self check in machines weren't working for me. A lovely staff member tried again for us and helped us check in all the way to Hawaii.
We then had a 35 minute flight to Los Angeles in a very tiny plane. When we landed we went straight to gate 60 as it was quite a walk, to where our next flight would be leaving in about 1.5 hours.
When almost everyone was on the plane we were advised that the UA computer system was down and we couldn't close up and take off until the computers were back up and they could check we had the correct fuel for the number of passengers etc. After waiting 2 hours they let us off the plane to get something to eat and soon after the system was all back up and running. We left 1.5 hours late and arrived in Hawaii at about 5.30pm and gained 3 hours with the time difference.
We finally arrived and made our way by taxi to the hotel. We had booked to stay at the Sheraton Waikiki but there were some issues with Denis and Cameron's rooms so they upgraded us all to the Royal Hawaiian, their superior adjacent hotel complex. We still got our ocean view room, balcony and a bigger room which was suppose to have two double beds but when we got to the room there was just a king bed. So, we had to call reception and they gave us a trundler bed for Ashleigh at no extra cost.
As soon as we dropped our bags at the room with Denis we meet up with everyone down at the Mai Tai bar for a much, much needed drink. Ashleigh was so happy to see everyone and apparently Paddy had been asking when Ashleigh was going to arrive for days.
We then headed straight to dinner at Yard House, which was a very loud bar and restaurant and was a bit noisy for easy conversation. Scott and Cam had these enormous Stella yard glass drinks....two each.
Afterwards Cam, Catherine and Paddy came back to our room for drinks and a catch up. Ashleigh and Paddy both went to sleep and we sat on the balcony chatting until about midnight. We all went to bed very, very tired as it was a very, very long day.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Day 15 | August 27th
Today we knew we had a long drive back to Las Vegas....160 miles and we also wanted to have a good look at Zion National Park. So, we set the alarm for a 7am wake up so we could have an early breakfast and be on our way.
We drove back into the park as far as we could, which was only a few miles and from there you had to take the free shuttle buses up into the valley. We got the shuttle at the canyon junction and took it all the way to the end stopping on the way in and out at various stops. The scenery was truly amazing and majestic. The towering sandstone mountains and winding river through the canyon changed around every corner and was just beautiful.
Ashleigh played in the river for a while, digging up the sand and throwing it back into the river. She was in heaven!
At one stop we had to walk up a very steep, but short pathway to the Weeping Rock. It was a large rock overhang that was 'weeping' water like a constant rainfall. It was very damp and lots of ferns were growing along the rock face and around the area. Another beautiful sight.
On the walk up to Weeping Rock we also saw a deer resting in the trees. It was very relaxed and didn't move at all considering all the tourists that were walking up and down the path and looking at it.
We were so glad we made the time to have a good look as it was like nothing we had ever seen before.
Once we got back to the Canyon Junction we jumped in our scalding hot car and headed back to Las Vegas.
We didn't stop many times along the way but I did have to make a bathroom stop around lunch time and the only place to stop was McDonalds, which was quite ironic given earlier in the day I had commented about how happy I was that we hadn't been to any McDonalds or other fast food outlets.
Our first destination when we arrived back in Las Vegas around 3pm was The Gun Store so Scott could have a go at the indoor shooting range. He chose to shoot three guns, a Glook 9mm, AK47 and 223 Snipper. The wait was a very long two hours and it was all over in less than 15 minutes but Scott said it was definitely worth it.
After that we headed to our hotel, New York, New York and checked in for the night. It was about 5.30pm and we found out straight away that the pool closed at the crazy hour of 7pm so we quickly dropped the bags in our room, Ashleigh got changed and we were down to the pool. Scott and I had a much needed beer after a long and very, hot day.
We had dinner in one of the many hotel restaurants, Chin Chin which was a Chinese and Japanese mix. Very nice after many days of American food. Then we did some packing and reorganizing of bags for the flight to Hawaii in the morning and it was off to bed ready for another early morning.
We drove back into the park as far as we could, which was only a few miles and from there you had to take the free shuttle buses up into the valley. We got the shuttle at the canyon junction and took it all the way to the end stopping on the way in and out at various stops. The scenery was truly amazing and majestic. The towering sandstone mountains and winding river through the canyon changed around every corner and was just beautiful.
Ashleigh played in the river for a while, digging up the sand and throwing it back into the river. She was in heaven!
At one stop we had to walk up a very steep, but short pathway to the Weeping Rock. It was a large rock overhang that was 'weeping' water like a constant rainfall. It was very damp and lots of ferns were growing along the rock face and around the area. Another beautiful sight.
On the walk up to Weeping Rock we also saw a deer resting in the trees. It was very relaxed and didn't move at all considering all the tourists that were walking up and down the path and looking at it.
We were so glad we made the time to have a good look as it was like nothing we had ever seen before.
Once we got back to the Canyon Junction we jumped in our scalding hot car and headed back to Las Vegas.
We didn't stop many times along the way but I did have to make a bathroom stop around lunch time and the only place to stop was McDonalds, which was quite ironic given earlier in the day I had commented about how happy I was that we hadn't been to any McDonalds or other fast food outlets.
Our first destination when we arrived back in Las Vegas around 3pm was The Gun Store so Scott could have a go at the indoor shooting range. He chose to shoot three guns, a Glook 9mm, AK47 and 223 Snipper. The wait was a very long two hours and it was all over in less than 15 minutes but Scott said it was definitely worth it.
After that we headed to our hotel, New York, New York and checked in for the night. It was about 5.30pm and we found out straight away that the pool closed at the crazy hour of 7pm so we quickly dropped the bags in our room, Ashleigh got changed and we were down to the pool. Scott and I had a much needed beer after a long and very, hot day.
We had dinner in one of the many hotel restaurants, Chin Chin which was a Chinese and Japanese mix. Very nice after many days of American food. Then we did some packing and reorganizing of bags for the flight to Hawaii in the morning and it was off to bed ready for another early morning.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Day 14 | August 26th
We set the alarm for 7am this morning so we had lots of time to make the 250 mile drive to Zion National Park with stops along the way.
This morning we saw a squirrel on the way to breakfast and our third deer on the way out of the village. Really wish I was able to get a photo of the deer but not to worry.
The first part of our drive was east around the rim of the Grand Canyon which gave us lots of opportunities to stop and take photos. It was hard to put into words the vastness and beauty of the canyon, totally amazing. And at our first stop we were lucky enough to see four condors gliding around the rim of the canyon. They are truly magnificent birds with wing spans of 3m.
After heading away from the canyon for about 60 miles we stopped at the Trading Post and Restaurant at Cameron, which is home to the Navajo. The trading post was huge with so much for sale and some of it made at the local reservation. There were also lots of roadside stalls along the drive where the locals were selling product as well.
Over the next 150 miles we stopped a couple of times for gas, water and snacks but most of the trip was uneventful. Oh, except we did get to drive over the dam at Lake Powell and the lake was beautiful. And we did see a herd of buffalo at a lodge just before entering the National Park.
When we arrived at the Zion National Park we had to pay the $25 entrance fee and then drive the winding road to Springdale where we were staying. We also had to drive through this amazingly long tunnel right through the sandstone mountains. Driving through the park with the tall mountains all around us was another amazing sight to see. Again, so hard to put into words and really the photos don't do it justice either.
We arrived at our Best Western hotel in Springdale around 6pm, but here it is mountain time so it was actually 7pm. As soon as we unpacked we went straight to the pool and Ashleigh swam for at least an hour while Scott and I checked our email etc as this was the first time we had wi-fi access (and it was free) for a few days.
As the sun was going down there were little bats flying around here as well.
After swimming we had dinner at the restaurant next door and then it was bedtime for all as we need to get up early again tomorrow so we can take a look at the park before heading back to Las Vegas.
This morning we saw a squirrel on the way to breakfast and our third deer on the way out of the village. Really wish I was able to get a photo of the deer but not to worry.
The first part of our drive was east around the rim of the Grand Canyon which gave us lots of opportunities to stop and take photos. It was hard to put into words the vastness and beauty of the canyon, totally amazing. And at our first stop we were lucky enough to see four condors gliding around the rim of the canyon. They are truly magnificent birds with wing spans of 3m.
After heading away from the canyon for about 60 miles we stopped at the Trading Post and Restaurant at Cameron, which is home to the Navajo. The trading post was huge with so much for sale and some of it made at the local reservation. There were also lots of roadside stalls along the drive where the locals were selling product as well.
Over the next 150 miles we stopped a couple of times for gas, water and snacks but most of the trip was uneventful. Oh, except we did get to drive over the dam at Lake Powell and the lake was beautiful. And we did see a herd of buffalo at a lodge just before entering the National Park.
When we arrived at the Zion National Park we had to pay the $25 entrance fee and then drive the winding road to Springdale where we were staying. We also had to drive through this amazingly long tunnel right through the sandstone mountains. Driving through the park with the tall mountains all around us was another amazing sight to see. Again, so hard to put into words and really the photos don't do it justice either.
We arrived at our Best Western hotel in Springdale around 6pm, but here it is mountain time so it was actually 7pm. As soon as we unpacked we went straight to the pool and Ashleigh swam for at least an hour while Scott and I checked our email etc as this was the first time we had wi-fi access (and it was free) for a few days.
As the sun was going down there were little bats flying around here as well.
After swimming we had dinner at the restaurant next door and then it was bedtime for all as we need to get up early again tomorrow so we can take a look at the park before heading back to Las Vegas.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Day 13 | August 25th
After having breakfast and checking out of the Paris hotel this morning we were on our way to the Grand Canyon. We knew it was going to be a long drive being 273 miles with stops along the way.
Our first stop on the way was the Hoover Dam, which isn't far from Las Vegas. We drove down to the dam and then parked up and walked around the rim of the dam. The vastness of the dam was incredible but this place was the hottest we have experienced. The car was telling us on the way down that it was 104F so we thought it must have been about 110F on the dam.
I don't do that kind of heat well....at all and I couldn't wait to get back to the parking building for a drink and then back in the car. Scott thought it was really funny how grumpy I get in the heat.
Once we got back on the road we decided we would be best to stop at the next gas station to top up as the distance between towns and gas stops seemed to be getting longer and longer and we thought it better to be safe than sorry.
We also picked up some water and snacks and I was chatting to one of the staff to ensure I had the right directions to the Grand Canyon correct as they did helicopter tours and I found out we could take the scenic route from Kingman along the historic Route 66 rather than take the main freeway. It would add an extra 30 minutes to our trip.
We stopped at the tourist information centre at Kingman and they were so helpful, giving us lots of maps and points of interest along the way to Grand Canyon and from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. So, we took Route 66 and our first stop was the General Store at Hackberry, which was absolutely amazing. The old cars and memorabilia was incredible. It was definitely worth the stop.
We were amazed at how green it was along the way after the brown countryside from San Diego to Las Vegas. And we were to find out why soon.
About 10 miles before we were going to rejoin the main freeway we drove into a lightening storm. The temperature quickly dropped from 100F to 62F and the wind picked up and the rain poured down. As we drove towards it we could see the fork lightening coming down many times. Truthfully, it was a little scary and we were trying to be positive as Ashleigh was hugging Fizzy Lizzy and trying not to freak out. It wasn't long before we started to drive out of it and the familiar blue sky with a few fluffy white clouds became more regular.
We made another couple of quick stops in William for gas and Tusayan for beer and then we were driving into the Grand Canyon National Park. It cost $25.00 to enter the park and the Grand Canyon Village was just a few miles down the road.
We arrived at the village just after 6pm and were blown away by the view of the canyon, it was stunning. After checking in and unpacking the car it was perfect timing to see the sun go down. Ashleigh and I went out from our room to the rim and sat on the edge to watch the sun go down. I got lots of photos of Ashleigh with the sunset and the amazing sky as the sun went down and the scene changed continually. I also tried to photograph the little bats that were flying around but they were just too quick.
We got to chat to a couple from Tampa and another couple of older guys who were photographers and also both had race cars. It was very interesting the information they told us about the local area, like the deer that were everywhere (we did see a little one on the side of the road in the village as we were driving in).
We had a reasonably early dinner at the restaurant next door so we could get an early night with the aim to get an early start tomorrow so we have lots of time to make our 280 odd mile trip to Zion National Park with plenty of stops along the way to take in the Canyon and other tourist stops.
Our first stop on the way was the Hoover Dam, which isn't far from Las Vegas. We drove down to the dam and then parked up and walked around the rim of the dam. The vastness of the dam was incredible but this place was the hottest we have experienced. The car was telling us on the way down that it was 104F so we thought it must have been about 110F on the dam.
I don't do that kind of heat well....at all and I couldn't wait to get back to the parking building for a drink and then back in the car. Scott thought it was really funny how grumpy I get in the heat.
Once we got back on the road we decided we would be best to stop at the next gas station to top up as the distance between towns and gas stops seemed to be getting longer and longer and we thought it better to be safe than sorry.
We also picked up some water and snacks and I was chatting to one of the staff to ensure I had the right directions to the Grand Canyon correct as they did helicopter tours and I found out we could take the scenic route from Kingman along the historic Route 66 rather than take the main freeway. It would add an extra 30 minutes to our trip.
We stopped at the tourist information centre at Kingman and they were so helpful, giving us lots of maps and points of interest along the way to Grand Canyon and from Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. So, we took Route 66 and our first stop was the General Store at Hackberry, which was absolutely amazing. The old cars and memorabilia was incredible. It was definitely worth the stop.
We were amazed at how green it was along the way after the brown countryside from San Diego to Las Vegas. And we were to find out why soon.
About 10 miles before we were going to rejoin the main freeway we drove into a lightening storm. The temperature quickly dropped from 100F to 62F and the wind picked up and the rain poured down. As we drove towards it we could see the fork lightening coming down many times. Truthfully, it was a little scary and we were trying to be positive as Ashleigh was hugging Fizzy Lizzy and trying not to freak out. It wasn't long before we started to drive out of it and the familiar blue sky with a few fluffy white clouds became more regular.
We made another couple of quick stops in William for gas and Tusayan for beer and then we were driving into the Grand Canyon National Park. It cost $25.00 to enter the park and the Grand Canyon Village was just a few miles down the road.
We arrived at the village just after 6pm and were blown away by the view of the canyon, it was stunning. After checking in and unpacking the car it was perfect timing to see the sun go down. Ashleigh and I went out from our room to the rim and sat on the edge to watch the sun go down. I got lots of photos of Ashleigh with the sunset and the amazing sky as the sun went down and the scene changed continually. I also tried to photograph the little bats that were flying around but they were just too quick.
We got to chat to a couple from Tampa and another couple of older guys who were photographers and also both had race cars. It was very interesting the information they told us about the local area, like the deer that were everywhere (we did see a little one on the side of the road in the village as we were driving in).
We had a reasonably early dinner at the restaurant next door so we could get an early night with the aim to get an early start tomorrow so we have lots of time to make our 280 odd mile trip to Zion National Park with plenty of stops along the way to take in the Canyon and other tourist stops.
Day 12 | August 24th
Today was all about getting our laundry done. We were all down to our last pair of underwear and socks as the last two hotels did not have laundry facilities and when I did try hand washing the clothes in San Diego the clothes just would not dry.
So, after breakfast our first stop was a laundromat in the suburbs only 3 miles from the strip. We got all our clothes washed and dried but we had to hang out in the laundromat for a couple of hours while the machines did there work.
One upside was a pretty good shopping mall across the road with Macy's and Old Navy among many other stores.
After getting the washing done we headed just down the road to the indoor gun range for Scott to have a go at shooting some big guns that we don't have at home. But it was really hot and the queue was 1.5 - 2 hours long so he decided to try again on Monday when we are back in Las Vegas.
So, instead of driving the 30-40 minutes out to the outlet stores in Primm we decided to go back to the shopping mall by the laundromat for a look. Especially as it was air conditioned and it was just too hot to do anything outside....even the pool at the hotel didn't have any shelter and was too hot during the day. I was lucky enough to get a great pair of shoes and dress at Macy's and a couple of things at Old Navy.
By the time we headed back to the hotel it was 5.30pm so when we got back Ashleigh quickly changed into her togs and we took her to the pool for a swim before dinner.
We ate at the hotel again tonight as we didn't want to be too late and really didn't know where else to go.
Another day done.
So, after breakfast our first stop was a laundromat in the suburbs only 3 miles from the strip. We got all our clothes washed and dried but we had to hang out in the laundromat for a couple of hours while the machines did there work.
One upside was a pretty good shopping mall across the road with Macy's and Old Navy among many other stores.
After getting the washing done we headed just down the road to the indoor gun range for Scott to have a go at shooting some big guns that we don't have at home. But it was really hot and the queue was 1.5 - 2 hours long so he decided to try again on Monday when we are back in Las Vegas.
So, instead of driving the 30-40 minutes out to the outlet stores in Primm we decided to go back to the shopping mall by the laundromat for a look. Especially as it was air conditioned and it was just too hot to do anything outside....even the pool at the hotel didn't have any shelter and was too hot during the day. I was lucky enough to get a great pair of shoes and dress at Macy's and a couple of things at Old Navy.
By the time we headed back to the hotel it was 5.30pm so when we got back Ashleigh quickly changed into her togs and we took her to the pool for a swim before dinner.
We ate at the hotel again tonight as we didn't want to be too late and really didn't know where else to go.
Another day done.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Day 11 | August 23rd
After checking out at 11am we started on our 330 mile journey to Las Vegas. We decided to get on the road and find a place along the way to stop for a late breakfast/early lunch.
Once we were out of the main San Diego area and heading out of the suburbans we took a random off-ramp where we could see there were some eating places. As we were looking around to find somewhere to eat Scott spied a Denny's.
We pulled in for brunch and meet a lovely little girl called Evelyn who introduced herself to Ashleigh. She was 5 1/2 years old and her Mom told us she saw Ashleigh walk in and commented on how pretty she was.....it was very funny. Then we had a big long chat to them, she kept commenting how we spoke a different language....meaning we had a different accent. They were so lovely and friendly.
After eating we carried on our way to Las Vegas stopping for a petrol, bathroom and frappachino at about 160 miles to go and then at a Rest Area to stretch our legs about 75 miles to go. The roads and scenery were incredibly long, vast and bare. The desert was very, very dry and the outside temperature sat around 100F most of the way.
Ashleigh was very good and we played card games and eye spy alot of the time as well as games on the iPad.
We arrived at Paris Vegas about 5.30pm and everyone was certainly ready to get out of the car for awhile. The traffic and hotel were both totally overwhelming. The lights, multitudes of people and extravagance is amazing. When we walked into the hotel to check in we walked straight into the casino before getting to the check in area.
After settling in and having a quick rest we took Ashleigh to the roof top pool about 7.00pm for a swim. According to Ashleigh the pool was freezing but once she was in there was no getting her out.
We didn't get out to dinner until about 8.30pm. We had a look at all the many restaurants in the hotel and then decided to take a look along the strip. We walked to the first over bridge and went up for a better view of the strip north and south. Just then the Bellagio water show was starting so we got a chance to see the amazing show as well.
Then it was back to the hotel for dinner at the Italian restaurant there and off to bed for another good nights sleep. Tonight was a very late night with bedtime for Ashleigh being almost midnight. Guess it will be another late morning tomorrow.
We have been trying to decide what to do tomorrow, our options are going to the fashion outlet stores in Primm, going to the gun range, going to the water Cirque de Soliel show at the Bellagio and spending time at the pool. Definitely on our list is the laundromat....the Hyatt and here do not have any laundry facilities and no where to hang washing in the rooms. This has been very frustrating and we are all running out of necessities.
Once we were out of the main San Diego area and heading out of the suburbans we took a random off-ramp where we could see there were some eating places. As we were looking around to find somewhere to eat Scott spied a Denny's.
We pulled in for brunch and meet a lovely little girl called Evelyn who introduced herself to Ashleigh. She was 5 1/2 years old and her Mom told us she saw Ashleigh walk in and commented on how pretty she was.....it was very funny. Then we had a big long chat to them, she kept commenting how we spoke a different language....meaning we had a different accent. They were so lovely and friendly.
After eating we carried on our way to Las Vegas stopping for a petrol, bathroom and frappachino at about 160 miles to go and then at a Rest Area to stretch our legs about 75 miles to go. The roads and scenery were incredibly long, vast and bare. The desert was very, very dry and the outside temperature sat around 100F most of the way.
Ashleigh was very good and we played card games and eye spy alot of the time as well as games on the iPad.
We arrived at Paris Vegas about 5.30pm and everyone was certainly ready to get out of the car for awhile. The traffic and hotel were both totally overwhelming. The lights, multitudes of people and extravagance is amazing. When we walked into the hotel to check in we walked straight into the casino before getting to the check in area.
After settling in and having a quick rest we took Ashleigh to the roof top pool about 7.00pm for a swim. According to Ashleigh the pool was freezing but once she was in there was no getting her out.
We didn't get out to dinner until about 8.30pm. We had a look at all the many restaurants in the hotel and then decided to take a look along the strip. We walked to the first over bridge and went up for a better view of the strip north and south. Just then the Bellagio water show was starting so we got a chance to see the amazing show as well.
Then it was back to the hotel for dinner at the Italian restaurant there and off to bed for another good nights sleep. Tonight was a very late night with bedtime for Ashleigh being almost midnight. Guess it will be another late morning tomorrow.
We have been trying to decide what to do tomorrow, our options are going to the fashion outlet stores in Primm, going to the gun range, going to the water Cirque de Soliel show at the Bellagio and spending time at the pool. Definitely on our list is the laundromat....the Hyatt and here do not have any laundry facilities and no where to hang washing in the rooms. This has been very frustrating and we are all running out of necessities.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Day 10 | August 22nd
Ashleigh and I were up early this morning and while we let Scott sleep Ashleigh played a game that involved mixing up all her new clothes, closing her eyes, picking pieces out and then trying them on and parading in front of the full length mirror. Very entertaining!
Today we were off to Sea World for the day. We had our ticket from Disneyland so that was a money saver. The weather started off overcast but still quite warm and it did warm up over the day and then late afternoon it turned really overcast once again.
Sea World was much bigger than we expected but we managed to get through most of the shows, rides and attractions that we wanted to see throughout the day.
Just after we arrived the One Ocean at Shamu Stadium show was starting so we stopped there first. The show was with the whales and it was amazing. I was just happy we weren't sitting in the soak zone because those whales did a great job of soaking those people.
We also saw the SeaLions Live show, which was very funny and the Blue Horizons show with the dolphins, birds and pilot whales which was fantastic and the Pet's Rule! show with dogs, cats, pigs, geese and ostriches. Scott was just pleased to finally see a show with dolphins.....haha!
Scott and Ashleigh went on several rides....Oscar's Rockin' Eels, Elmo's Flying Fish, Riptide Rescue and the last ride of the day Shipwreck Rapids on which they both got totally soaked....but it was still heaps of fun!
We all did the Sea World SkyTower and BaySide SkyRide which both had amazing views of the surrounding San Diego area. The water ways are incredible from up high.
We also enjoyed lots of animal encounters....Shark Encounter, Penguin Encounter, World of Sea Aquarium and the Fresh Water Aquarium, among many, many others.
There was just so much to see and we managed to walk our way around the whole park. But by the time we had done all we wanted to do and were on our way back to the hotel it was after 6.30pm. So, today was the first day we didn't get to spend some time in the afternoon at the pool.
Dinner tonight was at Red Lobster which was a short drive away. Scott is getting much more comfortable with driving on the right side of the road and we have quickly become familiar with the local area.
Today was a real off day for me....my first of the trip, but I was not feeling well and had a headache. I just kept drinking water and took some nurofen and got through the day. I am feeling better tonight so all will be well.
Today we are half way through our holiday and I have filled up my first 8Gb memory card on my camera plus the iPhone photos I have taken as well....not doing too bad.....some days are hundreds of photos and some days are just a handful.
Tomorrow will be a big driving day as we head up to Las Vegas. I am not looking forward to the Vegas heat.....the days will definitely be spent by the pool.
Today we were off to Sea World for the day. We had our ticket from Disneyland so that was a money saver. The weather started off overcast but still quite warm and it did warm up over the day and then late afternoon it turned really overcast once again.
Sea World was much bigger than we expected but we managed to get through most of the shows, rides and attractions that we wanted to see throughout the day.
Just after we arrived the One Ocean at Shamu Stadium show was starting so we stopped there first. The show was with the whales and it was amazing. I was just happy we weren't sitting in the soak zone because those whales did a great job of soaking those people.
We also saw the SeaLions Live show, which was very funny and the Blue Horizons show with the dolphins, birds and pilot whales which was fantastic and the Pet's Rule! show with dogs, cats, pigs, geese and ostriches. Scott was just pleased to finally see a show with dolphins.....haha!
Scott and Ashleigh went on several rides....Oscar's Rockin' Eels, Elmo's Flying Fish, Riptide Rescue and the last ride of the day Shipwreck Rapids on which they both got totally soaked....but it was still heaps of fun!
We all did the Sea World SkyTower and BaySide SkyRide which both had amazing views of the surrounding San Diego area. The water ways are incredible from up high.
We also enjoyed lots of animal encounters....Shark Encounter, Penguin Encounter, World of Sea Aquarium and the Fresh Water Aquarium, among many, many others.
There was just so much to see and we managed to walk our way around the whole park. But by the time we had done all we wanted to do and were on our way back to the hotel it was after 6.30pm. So, today was the first day we didn't get to spend some time in the afternoon at the pool.
Dinner tonight was at Red Lobster which was a short drive away. Scott is getting much more comfortable with driving on the right side of the road and we have quickly become familiar with the local area.
Today was a real off day for me....my first of the trip, but I was not feeling well and had a headache. I just kept drinking water and took some nurofen and got through the day. I am feeling better tonight so all will be well.
Today we are half way through our holiday and I have filled up my first 8Gb memory card on my camera plus the iPhone photos I have taken as well....not doing too bad.....some days are hundreds of photos and some days are just a handful.
Tomorrow will be a big driving day as we head up to Las Vegas. I am not looking forward to the Vegas heat.....the days will definitely be spent by the pool.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
