It's kinda weird to leave Sydney on a Friday at 1:00pm, fly for 13.5 hours and arrive in Los Angeles 4 hours before you left. I felt like I was in an episode of Dr Who.
Despite the Harbour Bridge being closed, we made it to the airport on time, got through check-in and customs very quickly (Qantas Platinum helps). Our flight boarded and left on time...all going well so far.
The Boeing A380 is a great plane, but 13.5 hours in economy, when you are 6'5" and have Jack screaming is not a lot of fun. I was two rows behind Jack so should not really complain. Poor Emma was with Jack - and a grumpy Olivia and managed to vomit into a paper bag while holding Jack on her lap during some turblence - quite an achievement I think.
Hearing the spewing and screaming from two rows back - I did the right thing. Headphones on, movie selected....I was sooooo patient as I waited for the stewardess to come to Emma's rescue.
LAX was just as smooth as Sydney. Fastracked through immigration (Jack did the trick), bags off first, fasttracked through customs, bus to car hire pulls up just as we walk out....it all went perfectly.
I did the typical bloke thing at the car rental - "Buddy, you might want to think of something bigger, the Tahoe will be a squeeze. I can do you a great deal on the next SUV up." So we are now driving a Cheverolet Suburban for the next 44 days. IT IS HUGE. Emma was not happy, but I cannot stop grinning as we bounce along the highway in something about the same size as Blue Whale.
Flew through LA - traffic was busy but moving. First stop Hesperia and a visit to SuperTarget to stock up on nappies, baby food, wine, chips, an esky and an American Football....basically all the essentials.
We then drove on towards Death Valley. As soon as you get out of LA you are immediately into mountains and desert - with snow still visible on the peaks. The temperature was quickly into the high 80's as we headed North East following the road to Las Vegas.
100 miles short of Vegas we turned into Death Valley - first stop the most amazing sand dunes we have ever seen. These sand dunes (whose name I have forgotten) are huge - stretching for miles and reaching up to 1,200 feet in height. James and Olivia did the compulsory roll down the dunes and we all enjoyed some time walking and getting some air - even though it was about 103 degrees!!
We've now arrived at Cynthia's in Tecopa. To say it's basic would be a little too generous. For a first night though its great. We are the only people here, it's in the middle of knowhere and I think the sunset and stars are going to be stunning.
Day 1 has lasted for about 41 hours. It's been pretty full on and we are all ready for a sleep now!
Tomorrow is Death Valley and lots of walking.
Ken
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