San Francisco Bound

What an amazing time we have had since our last Blog. We completed our Canyon tours with a visit to Bryce and Antelope Canyons.  Amazing the difference in landscape between what I had envisaged the Grand Canyon area to be. In short the Grand Canyon (South Rim) takes a visit in person to appreciate the size and depth of the place. Beautiful to behold and the villiage is somewhere that Suzi and I could see us spending some time living/hiking and exploring the area. A very, organised free shuttle system for tourists and workers alike. The Park even has a school.

We then drove north to Bryce Canyon, Utah arriving shortly before dusk to find red sand dribble castles like those you would make at the beach on a massive scale. A totally different view that had me clicking madly to guarantee some decent photos.  As the sun started to set, the winds turned icy and the temperature plummeted we decided it was time to go and find an RV park, when suddenly the full moon started to rise over the Canyon rim which was worth staying and freezing our butts off to stay and watch. What luck!!!  We then had to go in search of an RV park that was not closed due to excessive snow. We ended up coming back down the mountain and staying in Paguitch, a small town nestled at the bottom of the magnificent Utah Mountains.

We planned to go to Zion which is meant to be different yet again but were starting to run out of time as we had booked a tour back in Page (a town on the Arizona/Utah border). The tour we took was of the Upper Antelope Canyon and was the most spectacular to date. It is a relatively young Canyon created by an earthquake and discovered in the 1930's. The Upper Canyon consisted of a massive red rock that was slit down the middle by the quake and then eroded by rain and the occasional flash flood into the most spectacular shapes and structures that soar above your head as you enter through the sandy flood plain. It was the Lower Canyon though, on the opposite side of the road that really blew our minds. It is entered via a slit in the ground (the rest of the world wouldn't even know we were down there). In this Canyon you decend deeper and deeper underground through narrow gaps and steel stairways. Not a place for the claustrophobic but stunningly beautiful.  Definitely one that I need to get a photo or 50 on the blog. Our favourite canyon by far! Most locals have never heard of it.

We then spent 3 nights parked outside our wonderful friends house in Phoenix. Anne and Bjorn and their beautiful daughter Nicole took us in with open arms and made us feel very welcome. The kids were wrapped to have a home rather than a van for a time and some company other than Mum and Dad. Suzi and Anne hit the outlets, Bjorn did a good job turning me to Apple after his tech demos and Nicole was wonderful with her 4 younger foster brothers. Thanks guys for taking us in and sharing your home. It was the perfect way to end our RV adventure.

Today we woke up in San Francisco in a DODGY motel. We picked up a hire car (similar to our Mazda)yesterday arvo after we flew in, only to find our bags wouldnt fit. We are now in a 4x4 v8 monster waiting for our similar vehicle to arrive.  Bloody huge! Cheaper to buy a car seat and nav sat than hire. What the? So we now own both. As a result we navigated into the city with nothing booked with a nav sat that thought we were in Vegas. Reprogrammed out location, but it would only give written directions. Not easy in Friday night traffic in a unfamiliar car/truck on 5 lane interstate driving on the wrong side of the road, jammed with traffic.  Took a place I had googled in what we thought was a good area. Wrong!

We are about to head out and explore San Fran, can't wait so until next time best wishes to you all.
The Wockies

Snow! Glorious Snow! Grand Canyon Magnificence!

We went to the Western Rim of the Grand Canyon on Friday after our visit to the Hoover Dam and a run through some 'towns' looking for fuel and an RV park. This rim, run by one of the local Native American tribes is a very professional business with the Sky Walk, a helicopter fleet, a private airport and buses or shuttles that take you around the three vantage points and a Western Town. (Ben a legend with a bow and Arrow, and dangerous on the quick draw. Shot the cowboy in the face when not in front of protective glass peppering him in gun powder residue. He was not happy) A licence to print money!!! After making the journey over corrugated dirt roads, we took our first look at the canyon. Magnificent!!!! (A full report will be compiled by Jordan, who has been set this as a homework task)
That night we drove into the mountains to Williams (Arizona) with cries of delight eminating from the back as they enjoyed snow by moonlight . You can imagine the exhillaration of the kids when they woke and took their first steps into decent snow (Last years highest snowfall in continental USA was in Williams). The resulting snowball fight lasted for over an hour with toes and fingers numb, and red blotches from impacts on faces. It was love at first sight!! We borrowed a snow shovel from the manager and the kids got to build their maiden snowman.
Finally we tore the kids away and made our way up to the National Park, the Southern Rim of the Canyon. Snow and the occasional bit of black ice everywhere! Suzi and I stood dumbfounded at the beauty of the place while the kids blasted each other, us and the occasional tourist with snowballs and hurled tons of the stuff over the edge. (Watch out hikers) While I was getting RSI in my camera finger, Sam took the opportunity to blind side mum and tackle her into the snow wherever possible. Judges decision is pending, but at this stage Suzi still looks to have the points on the board. Wait til he puts on another kg or 2. Alex is definitely his mothers son around the canyon edges, while Jordan is a little more reserved like his father. Ben is Ben! Wet shoes, wet gloves, wet everything, but still wanting to play, or just stand knee deep in the snow making train tracks.
The Canyon itself is breathtaking. We continue to be in awe of its sheer size and natural wonder. We attempted a dawn outing twice but failed to be there to experience the colour changes, but managed a couple of sunsets and were spell bound. We were blown away by the G.C. village itself. We expected to stay outside the park and enter each day, but were surprised to find that inside the gates is a full blown community with schools, shops and a free shuttle bus system that takes you from one vantage point to another on two routes. Deer freely wander through the RV grounds and around the park. Sam has definitely got the best eye, spotting deer and elk when no-one else can. Today we ventured on a mule trail down into the canyon, before we decided that it was too icy without the proper shoes and gave it away. We were also interviewed by a 3 man Korean nature show film crew, so for those of you with Korean pay TV, keep an eye out for us!
This afternoon we sadly left the South Rim by the desert view route, but the dark beat us. I cant start to express how depressed we are as we camp in Tuba City so we can see the dinosaur tracks and not on the rim. We really took a shining to the place and have vowed to return with hiking gear in future years to tackle the trails. After the dinosaurs we head to Utah and Lake Powell which is reportedly stunning on our way to Bryce Canyon which is meant to be even more beautiful then the G.C. Cant wait!!!
Until next time Hope that everyone is drying out and that you have not sustained too much damage or hardships. The Wockies.

The Grand Canyon Expedition Begins By Sam

Yesterday we went to Hoover Dam, it was amazing that man could build such awesome structure! Hoover Dam is the border between Arizona and Navada. It used to take over an hour to get from one side to the other. Now that they have built the bridge over Hoover Dam it takes a matter of minutes.

Last night we stayed in an RV park in the middle of the desert, called Meadview. In the middle of the night we heard Coyotes.


 Today we are visiting the western side of the Grand Canyon. The people that live there are part of the Hualapai Tribe. We are going to be going to three view points which are Eagle Point,Guano Point and Hualapai Ranch.

Vegas Day 1

Hi Guys,

We have kept up the regime of sleeping in and staying out late to see the sights, although the lads get a bit edgy when Ben wakes them up before they are ready. I must say that Vegas is somewhat different from what we expected. The drive in took us from deserted desert to a huge city (Very pretty at night) that appeared over the horizon after coming over a rise. Signs said that we were in Henderson as did the map. So we drove on down the interstate and debated as to whether Henderson was a suburb of Vegas or a separate city.  Judy, our garmin navigator is being a tad hormonal at present and chooses when she wants to be turned on, and when she wants to give directions. She chose to be of no help.  In the end we took the punt and turned off and as Suzi has stated, we did vegas by RV.  Can you believe in the country of enormous signs advertising everything from Fatburgers to Tummy Tucks and legal services, that there was none saying "Welcome to Vegas"?

Yesterday and last night we tackled the strip on foot. I must say that it was less tacky than I expected, although there was a constant flow of what we can asume are mexicans flicking cards to get our attention and trying to give us passes to strip joints.  Also a constant flotilla of trucks with advertising for bars cruise the strip. The boys have loved the casino sidewalk shows of fountains, volcanoes erupting and pirate ships sinking. Alexander went up on stage at the Circus Circus and helped with the magic show, spinning ball on finger tip Michael Jordan style.  We are heading off shortly to do some outlet shopping and see some of the daytime attractions such as the lions at the MGM Grand.  Most of the other attractions will set us back us$80+ to see, so will give them a miss.

Tonight after watching the volcanoe show again, we will head to Fremont Street to see the largest LED TV in the world. A tunnel enclosing the road which is 5 football fields in length.  Must go. Anyone who wants to comment on our blog, click the '0 comments' at the bottom of each article. We then get an email sent to us or can read the comments on the Blog. Hope everyone is keeping well (and dry) and that you are enjoying reading our adventures. We are in fear of our 4WD which is in Brisbane waiting for Suzanne our travel companion to drive in back to the coast. Hope its not in the Bay as I type.

Viva Wock Vegas

Well here we are finally after several days travelling through the desert on Historic Route 66. We left Malibu on Saturday and headed straight up into the snow-capped mountains we have been gazing at for days. Craig continued to astound us with his expert manouvering of our 33ft ve-hi-cle through winding mountain roads (N.B: make sure the R.V fridge door is properly shut before embarking on such a journey) It wasn't long before we discovered snow in the form of sparse patches by the side of the road but that was enough for 4 excited, exuberant young Wockies to have the long awaited for snowball fight.  A little snow and a lot of dirt made the lads a tad muddy, but they enjoyed guerilla warefare against their Dad through the ridges and brush of the desert. After working up a hefty appetite we had lunch at a diner perched above Route 66 and man did they have good burgers. Meanwhile outside this cosy little diner the temperature was dropping we walked out to be greeted by freezing cold and what looked like lightly falling snow. Like Queensland this part of the world is also experiencing bizarre weather with one of the coldest winters in 60 years.

After overnighting in Needles a township on the border of California and Arizona, (named after the needles mountains) we took the advice of a local gas station attendant, ( a lovely lady with a moustache that Sam aspires to) and drove up to the old west gold mining town of Oatman. What a place! Surrounded by the most rugged mountains, hills and slopes and populated by genuine cowbuys and girls and wild burrows (donkeys) who roam the street at will, there is a mix of locals, bikers and tourists who frequent the touristy goods of route 66. The shanty like houses are perched precariously on the edge of extinct gold mines and cliffs and made out of whatever the owners could  rustle together.  The burrows walk freely around town happily pinching food from tourists and actively educating the visitors as to why there are so many burrows in town.

After our enjoyable little detour it was back on the road and off to Laughlin, Nevada for the night. Another amazing place that literally pops up out of the surrounding desert and towering rugged mountains as a glittering mini casino strip.  Jordan could barely contain his excitement as the drive into town reveals a classic car collection which of course was our first stop. It is also very true about the coldness of night time in the desert. Last night it blew a gale not good when you are perched on the top level of an R.V park. Luckily we were able to calm our nerves with some outlet shopping today before heading off to Vegas..... and here we are parked at Circus Circus ready to head off and explore Vegas over the next few days. Of course we did travel up and down the strip several times before parking the R.V for the night. Super stylish. Again, amazing how the average American motorist will yield to a 33' RV edging into their lane while snapping a photo or two.

That's it for now, thanks for all the emails, keep 'em coming and to all our friends on the Rainy Coast we hope the sun starts shining again soon. 
Wockies xxxxxx
P.S. Will look into how to post a comment and will advise as we know some people have been having problems.

Venice Beach

Woke up to a spectacular view over Malibu this morning and as we headed off in the direction of Venice Beach spotted some dolphins frolicking just off the coast. After a quick detour to the grocery store, starbucks coffees in hand, we drove through some dodgy areas before parking the RV in a reasonably safe looking suburban street. We then walked to the beachfront via the gorgeous little canal estates crossing over quirky footbridges and admiring the quaint houses literally right on the canal fronts. Once on the boardwalk of Venice Beach we were constantly offered medicinal marijuana with a doctor on site to provide prescriptions always under the watchful eye of the police cars frequently cruising along the strip. The boys got a good laugh over the various T-shirt slogans and interesting glassware for sale in every shop. After yet another adventurous day where Craig continued to astound us with his skillful RV manouvering through the downtown peak hour of LA we have ended up at the same RV park so we can wake up to that amazing view again tomorrow before heading up into the mountains for a possible first viewing of snow. Apparently it is quite unusual for snow to be this close to the coastline. We have had reports from other campers that people are pulling over on the side of the road for snowfights. VERY EXCITING!!!

The Beverly Wock-Billies

What a day we had today. We finally dragged ourselves out of Anaheim after a 'brief' visit to "Coast Corvette- My Tight Ride" store/ dealership, a little grubby shop bordering the freeway. For the petrol heads I must say that the boys went off!!! After waltzing in, camera in hand and announcing we were Australian, so please ignore us, the guy decided to take us under his wing. He stated that after we looked at the stock on the floor, he would show us the good stuff out back. The floor stock consisted of a range of 6 or so new and vintage models in showroom condition. A tour of the workshop and all the cars he is rebuilding/ souping up/ repairing for clients had the boys head spinning. He then went on to the storage room consisting of a range of 10 + Nascar and classic models from '26 originals, (no kits) upwards, most under dust covers unfortunately. Went in expecting to take a shot or 2 and clicked away without mercy. What an experience!! Especially for Jordan who is a car nut!!!  He now is sporting a custom made Ford Mustang "Build your own" remote control car that he built in Disney shopping district. Choose your own car body shell from a range of models and colors, wheel rims, tyre type, accessories etc. and fit to remote control car core with a smaller version of electronic rattle gun. Oh My!!!!

Back to today! We programmed Rodeo Drv into 'Judy', our RV Navsat genie and held on. You have no idea how many exits, lanes etc there are on these freeways until you exit early and Judy re-calibrates.  Some of the streets that she has taken us through in these times has allowed impromptu socio-economic lessons for the boys while we scour the footpaths for undesirables. Can guarantee that all hatches and doors are locked securely.  Suzi smirked at my last entry, but toady's venture may have re-calibrated her take on the back streets. Amazing that you can have such wealth on one block and feel threatened a block later. What a screwed up place this is in so many ways. Bill boards for lap band surgery and amazing diets and turn the corner to find a shop called 'Fatburger'. What The???????

So.... we get to Rodeo Dve. You want to talk Aussie Class? Picture this!!! The Wockies in a 33 ft RV driving down Rodeo Drive,  Mulholland Dve etc like we owned the joint. We then walked the block or 2 to Rodeo Dve. Had to rush so the Fuzz didn't tow the RV.  Did the Pretty Woman thing in the foyer of Beverly Wiltshire, Tiffany's, jewelers etc etc. (Girls Stuff)  Can honestly say that Pretty Woman was based on fact. They wanted us out of there ASAP. Meanwhile the boys checked out the constant flow of quality wheels that drove past, Highlight was a Buggatti that is meant to be a US$1 mill + parked sports machine (according to the walking car almanac) that had everyone lining up for a photo. Again, Boy Heaven!!!! Then did the scenic drive without Judy's help and after cruising the hills of Beverly Hills, headed towards the ocean via UCLA.

Next stop... Santa Monica Peer.  Lots of sand but ordinary surf. Assume they get a decent break from time to time, but very pretty regardless.  Walked the place , but Ben couldn't figure why rides were not free like Disneyland. Kids survived on choc chip cookies and apples as the sun set and we drove up the coast looking for a restaurant that served something slightly healthy for a change. Tried to explain the number of movies and shows such as 2 1/2 Men that were set here to the lads, but not sure that they got the big picture. Drove on, when suddenly a sign for an RV park appeared. Took that option, and after a $55 fee, and a quick home made feed, we sit high over the Pacific Ocean looking towards Santa Monica peer, the gentle break of the swell a backdrop. Life is tough!!! Cant begin to explain how low key this park is, but how beautiful.  I cant wait for the sun to come up so that I can truly appreciate how lucky we are to be here.  Everyone has crashed and burned, but I think I might brave the cold, finish my glass of red, check out the lights and take some more photos.  Cant wait until tomorrow!!

The Wockies are officially trailer trash!!!

We have left the comfort and poshness of the Anaheim Sheraton, and have moved around the corner to the Anaheim RV Village. The kids are loving the RV, and after initial arguements over who has the bunk above the driver, we have settled into the routine of making and folding up the beds to give us more space.  Our 14 day pass to Disney/ California World has been well used with the boys now masters of the roller coasters and other rides. We have found the Fast Pass system extremely beneficial to avoid excessive lining up. Tomorrow is the last day of our Disney adventure, and the day after we start to explore the rest of California.

First stop is to drop a lap in style of Rodeo Drive and double park in front of the ritzy shopping district and have a 'pretty woman' moment. We have been put onto a car museum in the area that houses some of the sport American models, so the boys will be in car heaven, especially Jordan who continues to point out the make and models of every Yank sports car that we pass. After this we are still undecided. We look out our RV window to see palm trees framing snow covered mountains, and the temptation is to hit the hills here instead of waiting for Canada. We have been told by friends that it was colder in Pheonix, Arizona than it was in some parts of Canada in recent days, with snow actually falling there for the first time in over a decade, so we will be cold regardless.

I have at this point got the RV driving under control. Had to pick it up in LA near LAX on Ben's birthday, so Sam came for the trip. Taxi driver had English as a tenth or eleventh language so we had fun. In the end we found the street and told him to let us out and we would find it on foot. It was about then we realised how dodgy the neighbourhood was. A line up of 30 people outside the discount liquor shop at 11 a.m. and countless shops closed down had us walking quickly and trying very unsuccessfully to look like we belonged there. Do not look for a phone book in the U.S. !!! Everyone looks at you like you're an idiot if you ask to look at one, and then points you to the nearest pay phone which had the book pinched months ago.

Finally we found the place, and 2.5 hours later we left trying to remember 'tight rights and loose lefts'. Also had to keep in mind that overhead, underneath and awning damage is not covered by insurance, so driving a 30'+ RV on the wrong side of the road was a little worrying at first. Stopped for a burger for my starving boy at an unknown burger joint where you order and wait for a burger while standing on the footpath. We were immediately approached by an African American who was built like a side by side refrigerator, whose eyes had not pointed in the same direction for many years and who had the dried froth from his last drug hit crusted over his cheek and chin approach me for a soda. I bravely informed him that I only had enough change for a burger for the two of us before we SKURRIED back to the safety of the RV and bottomed out in our haste to get the hell out of there. Bugger the underneath damage!! Did I mention that we did not look like we belonged there??

We have never owned a Navman system before, so had some fun as we found German a little difficult to comprehend and navigate in, so decided to give English a go.  Tried programming and following instructions such as, 'turn left, then left then keep right' when doing 60mph on the freeway somewhat confusing. Vas ist das???  Thank god for 'recomputing route now' as I often found myself in a different lane than my female friend thought I should be in.  Somehow we managed to pull our beast into the parking lot of the Sheraton without causing some multi car pile up on an interstate. 

Boys cant wait to get on the road. They have enjoyed our venture to Walmart and surrounding suburbs bullying our way into traffic while looking for the Nike and Quicksilver outlet stores which have eluded us to date.  I enjoyed my christening into the plumbing of the Rv with grey water and black water tanks that fill all too quickly, and leaking sewer connection hoses hastening my decision to stop chewing my nails. Have found a shower hose down the loo is a much easier way to flush the black water pipes than connecting the hose where I was told, and have water pour out through the floor of the vanity unit and down the corridors.  All part of the experience! Boys wanted to hang at the RV and RV park rather than do Disneyland today. Go figure. Thats all for today. Will attempt yet again to attach a photo but keep getting security errors come up. Anyone knowing were I am going wrong, please let me know.

Wock