Canada a Day Away- Poolside in Portland.

Eureka... we have photo's!!! For those keen enough, we have figured how to resize our photos so they will upload and have put some up for the last 3 Posts and this one. We have not done Disneyland to the Canyon, so will plonk a bunch on this Post and wont bother to go back to old posts unless requested, so please let us know if you want to see more.

We have spent today in Portland having a look around the city and riding electric trams. We plan to check out some waterfalls nearby before doing the final haul to the Canadian border tomorrow, however have been warned that peak hour traffic thru the border can be ugly, so will see how the day pans out.  Also there is Seattle which is meant to be beautiful, so will play it by ear.  Unfortunately a lot of the scenery is in winter mode, so dead looking trees in many landscapes, including vineyards but cant have snow and leaves. We will just have to come back again  for a month or 2, next time maybe without kids? (Grandparents getting nervous)

We have been in shopping heaven for the last few days as Oregon has no taxes and we have tracked down some seriously cheap stores at last. Check out 'Ross Dress for Less' if in the US. The most disorganised store in the world, but even cheaper than Walmart, however with quality/name products. As a result we are sporting new Samsonite, Pierre Cardin and Swiss luggage, which is just as well as our old ones were held together by gaffer tape when we left.  Also a new range of shirts, jeans, swimwear and jumpers of various name brands and shoes from Nike and Doc Martins.  Suzi is delighted that some of my older wardrobe will be donated to charity as I stock up.We also discovered some of the discount grocer joints and picked up wine bargains from California and Australia and a range of other products. (All 1/4 price you pay in Oz)  Can assure you we are getting ripped off at home for appliances and electrical products.

We have been nagged daily about getting to Canada to get to the snow. Kids haven't quite figured (regardless of how many times told) that in Vancouver there is no snow usually, but 10 minutes up the mountain there is skiing. We are sure they will get enough once we get there, and will be over their desperation to belt each other with snowballs and ice it by the time they leave Oregon early next month.  In the meantime the little 3 continue to have fun in the heated pool and spa, shooting baskets, dropping backwards somersaults and generally lowering the waterline.

Hope you enjoy the attached photos as organised by Ross Dress for Less.
The Wockies

Living the Dream Each and Every Day

Well hello there you may have noticed our serious lack of blogging lately so please refer to the title. I didn’t think it possible but this trip just keeps getting better. After a stressful day spent at LAX boarding our flight to San Fran (ridiculous security which thankfully we had been warned about, but still got caught out with some items) we found ourselves in a bigger than originally paid for vehicle. We are now in a spacious GMC Yukon. Craig is enjoying driving a V8 and has taken to driving on the opposite side of the road.  Things could be dodgy when we eventually return to Oz.

Now for San Francisco our favourite city so far. We stayed for four nights, spending an extra day just so we could ride around on the Cable Cars (standing up on the outside rails of course). All of us loved the steep hills, amazing architecture, views and buzz of the city. After finding a groovy little hotel right at Fisherman’s Wharf, Craig skillfully maneuvered our Yukon through the switchbacks/hairpin turns of Lombard Street and around the streets of San Francisco. Our second day was spent at Alcatraz with the older three boys totally enthralled by the prison cells and the individual audio tour outlining the toughness of prison life and the many escape attempts. Ben was not so impressed with it all. In his words it was spooky and a bit boring. Luckily the Sea Lions at Pier 39 entertained him as did all the street performers and eccentric people who inhabitant Fisherman’s Wharf. Beggars everywhere, apparently much worse since GFC.

We were all fascinated with the place and spent four very busy days and late nights thoroughly enjoying our time there. As we reluctantly left on Tuesday morning the fog really put on a show particularly as we approached the Golden Gate Bridge. It cleared in time for us to drive across and then reappeared as we looked back from the Northern Side, an incredible sight.

The drive from San Fran north to Napa was very pretty. Craig and I enjoyed the surrounding countryside whilst the boys enjoyed watching a movie on the DVD player that came with the car (an added bonus as they really are doing some serious walking and sightseeing every day). They are still travelling well and for the most part the 6 of us are getting along extremely well. We stopped for a picnic in a park in Yountville (a little township in the Southern part of Napa Valley) and had a much needed game of tiggy and soccer before heading off for more wine tasting. The wineries are beautiful and we have enjoyed the tastings immensely. Craig and I have started a wish list and timeframe for when just the two of us will return. The list is getting quite long so we have warned the boys their inheritance is looking dodgy.

Tuesday night we stayed in St. Helena (Napa Valley) and enjoyed a yummy Mexican dinner. We picked a good night to stay in the township as there was a wine tasting event happening in the main street. Although we arrived late everything was open and the place was buzzing with atmosphere as all the locals were wandering amongst the gorgeous boutique shops wineglasses in hand. Wednesday morning I headed out for a run as it was a very safe, friendly town. It was a great way to see all the beautiful homes, bed and breakfasts and restaurants. As we drove out of town we spotted a spectacular winery. The original home was built in the 1800’s and has been lovingly restored. Several other buildings make up the estate as well as a series of caves which serve as wine storage and aging. It was a beautiful place and as we were leaving one of the employees informed us that it is owned by Fosters. Apparently Australian companies own several of the Napa wineries, nice to know that we Aussies own property in such a gorgeous place. Also visited an Italian Castle winery and watched the local Geyser as we had our picnic lunch and the kids fed the donkeys and goats.

Finally tonight we are in Eureka, Northern California after driving through the Avenue of the Giants (the Giants being massive Redwood trees). The scenery was breathtaking.  A short drive took hours as we stopped to wander the rocky river bed with crystal clear water and gape at the magnificence of the Redwoods as they disappeared into the heavens above the rainforest. Spectacular!

We are staying at the Best Western which is amazing value for the inclusions, with the Wockies taking a complimentary black stretch limo ride to the local Indian Restaurant for a buffet. Kids were wrapped! The boys still insisted on having a swim in the heated pool on our return until we were kicked out. 

Off to sleep now to get ready for our buffet breakfast and what tomorrow brings.

Til Next time.

The Wockies  

Jordans Report- The Grand Canyon

The grand canyon was a blast! I enjoyed the heights and the surroundings. I also found the way it was formed wasn't like my hypotheosis at all but I found it interesting. It was formed by a series of volcanoes being forced up by lava. Once that happened an inland sea slowly eroded the canyon.

We also saw a lot of wild life like Elk and Rabbits. We met

native americans as well they were nice but a little weird

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.