Our daughter has been working in the USA for three years and her contract finishes this month. Her work visa then allows for 30 days to depart the country.
We thought that would be a good chance to visit. So, touched up my superannuation for some funds and we will be on our way soon. We won't be able to see much of the country in just over three weeks so we have planned a restricted itinerary -but including as many things as possible that we would like to visit.
Would appreciate any recommendations on particular places to see (if close to our planned route). Also if anyone knows of good coin dealers in any of the places we plan to visit please let me know.
We had hoped to drive back from New Orleans to California but time constrains kyboshed that. Pity; I was rather keen to travel on the 41-mile portion of Texas State Highway 130 from the northern terminus of its concurrency with US-183 southward to I-10 near Seguin -it has an 85mph (137kmh) speed limit! Our daughter, who bought a car as soon as she arrived in the country and has driven extensively there advises that typical speed on interstate highways is usually 10 to 15mph above the posted limit.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/USA_trip.jpg)
No prizes for guessing which member of our party may have influenced particular choices of places. I would be interested to see your guesses anyway.
P.S. I was tempted to set our itinerary to music and ask you to deduce where were would be visiting. That, however, would be a time consuming exercise so I canned the idea. A few samples of some songs I might have used;
Bobby Troup - Route 66 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLUYf6cekMA) So many great versions of this one but, who better than the man who wrote it.
Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozYg8vDTmkc)
"ew Orleans von The Louisiana Gator Boys und the Blues Brothers (mit B.B. King) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQBXtkJsJEQ)
The Beach Boys - California (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taHgekKGk88)
looks like a Great trip Mate :yahoo:
Hmmm...That itinerary has absolutely no provision for shopping, so even if I knew of some Coin Shops, (which I don't) the info wouldn't be much use. :winkextra:
Have a great time! :ok:
Hope you have a fantastic trip Jeff :friends:
I think by the end of the time you'll be ready to be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hsC0nRvZM&nohtml5=False
QuoteThat itinerary has absolutely no provision for shopping
Shopping is allowed during some multi-day stops such as Denver, New Orleans and San Diego. I don't want a mutiny on my hands.
I have Denver Mint penciled in for a visit but the female members have declared that shopping time for them. I am sure they will be able to seize plenty of opportunities otherwise.
Grandsons have specified a visit to Wal Mart is necessary to purchase (what else) toys for them.
Qantas allows us two suitcases each, of 30kg, on that route. Our daughter, returning on same flight as us, has booked an extra two suitcases. That makes eight suitcases returning to Australia with three people.
I think shopping will be a given.
Coastal Redwood Forest (Muir Woods) just north of San Francisco near Sausalito is a phenomenal experience. A walk through here is a must!
Clam chowder at Fishermans Wharf, followed by Giradellos Chocolate Factory, a walk up Lombard Street and then an iconic cable car ride can all be done in a short time! :good:
Gee Robster I don't think I'd be able to walk anywhere after the chocolate factory so that would have to be last on the list :blush2:
You have to walk it off A.J. :angel:
Maybe you could substitute a day at Universal Studios for one of those Disneyland days. I think three days there is too much. Be aware that weekday traffic in Los Angeles is terrible, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
The Dodgers are home versus San Diego through the first. The 30th is a night game, and the 1st is an afternoon game.
Be sure to make reservations in advance for the Denver Mint. You can do it on the US Mint website.
Neverland is up by Santa Barbara, but you won't make it past the entrance gate.
Thanks for the suggestions.
I have added Muir woods to our list of possibles. Not so sure about the chocolate factory -might not get to see anything else that day.
I agree three days at Disneyland is too much (he says, never having been there). I did suggest there are other attractions such as Universal Studios and/or Knott's Berry farm but I was howled down. Three day tickets have already been booked. Daughter already did a three day visit with friends from here and is more than happy to front up again.
We have booked a Motel 6 at Anaheim which is within walking distance of D land. My daughter will be doing any driving in vicinity of L.A. as she is conditioned to it.
A baseball game is on the list. Our daughter went to one sometime and wasn't that impressed. She did seem to like it when we took the kids to cricket in Sydney but maybe it was other aspects of the weekend away that held the attraction.
More suggestions and/or comments invited.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='86968' dateline='1460322935'I was rather keen to travel on the 41-mile portion of Texas State Highway 130 from the northern terminus of its concurrency with US-183 southward to I-10 near Seguin -it has an 85mph (137kmh) speed limit!
Hope you have a great visit, but don't be too disappointed about missing out on Highway 130. If it's anything like the trip from Dallas to Austin, it's flat as. Experience the same thing here on the Newell, Narrabri - Moree - Goondiwindi section, but only at those speeds if you're game. That's getting out near your part of the world anyway, so no doubt you already have :)
If you are interested in visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco, you should reserve tickets ahead because there is a restriction on numbers I think. Otherwise you have to settle with just a cruise around it.
The Hoover Dam is under a hour drive outside of Vegas and it's a good half day trip. One of the greatest engineering achievements built during the Great Depression. Still impressive to stand on top of. :good:
Muir Woods is nice so take a good pair of walking shoes and whilst there, see if you can spot the "scene in a movie" location.
I spotted it straight away as soon as I saw it.
Looks like a nice trip.
I'll carry your bags for you if you like.........
No interest in Alcatraz but we do have Hoover Dam on our list -will be driving virtually right past it anyway.
Yes, I used to live at Narrabri and done Newell Coonabarabran-Narrabri-Moree many times. Travel at speed there if you dare -kangaroos, pigs and wombats abound, especially through the Pilliga scrub.
Sorry JeffH the scene is not Alcatraz. Once you are in the Muir Woods, it's not hard to spot.
great trip
thats the rub, agreeing where to go and for how long !!
damn , just checked our itinerary ... you beat us to flagstaff/grand canyon by 7 days !! :P mind you i did get out voted on some places.
ours is a family thingy .. year of 'milestone ' birthdays, 1 sister is 55, the other 60, me 65 and bro-in-law 70, and thanks to a bit of inheritance ...we're off :yahoo: all to meet up in NY with my daughter, her hubby and , of course, gorgeous twin grandees, aaand our cousin and hubby are coming over from sweden
jeff, you get to go to some places i preferred but ours is mainly national parks. i too not into alcatraz but certainly lombard st and trams, hoover dam.
start at san francisco (should find a coin shop here)napa(someone mention zinfandel!!), yosemite (yogi bear??), bishop(bless me), las vegas(craps), flagstaff(was/is twin city of katoomba), GC, monument valley(cowboys and itchy bums), zion NP(gorgeous gorges), vegas then NY (for a week = coin looking ! and shopping)
thanks robster, will try to add muir to the list , especially if i tell the girls about giradellos
:wavemulticolor:
I have stopped or stayed at every one of those spots Duggee, you will love every one. We found the Zinfandel very pale pink compared to some of the Aussie drops but just as nice!
You might as well try some Coors while you're in Denver. Pot sales are legal there too, but don't take it out of state.
Here's the link for the Denver Mint reservations:
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?action=Reservation
Book early and arrive early to get through security.
You are spending times in parts of the US that I have never been too. Have you considered a tour of the Denver Mint?
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/
Ken
Quote from: 'duggee27' pid='87031' dateline='1460369659'great trip
thats the rub, agreeing where to go and for how long !!
damn , just checked our itinerary ... you beat us to flagstaff/grand canyon by 7 days !! :P mind you i did get out voted on some places.
ours is a family thingy .. year of 'milestone ' birthdays, 1 sister is 55, the other 60, me 65 and bro-in-law 70, and thanks to a bit of inheritance ...we're off :yahoo: all to meet up in NY with my daughter, her hubby and , of course, gorgeous twin grandees, aaand our cousin and hubby are coming over from sweden
jeff, you get to go to some places i preferred but ours is mainly national parks. i too not into alcatraz but certainly lombard st and trams, hoover dam.
start at san francisco (should find a coin shop here)napa(someone mention zinfandel!!), yosemite (yogi bear??), bishop(bless me), las vegas(craps), flagstaff(was/is twin city of katoomba), GC, monument valley(cowboys and itchy bums), zion NP(gorgeous gorges), vegas then NY (for a week = coin looking ! and shopping)
thanks robster, will try to add muir to the list , especially if i tell the girls about giradellos
:wavemulticolor:
what perfect planning - the kiddies 5 years apart
good on ya mum!
take it easy Jeff ,
don't do what I did ,we just returned home today
[ Tuesday ] from a 7 night trip to cairns and back
on the p & o cruise ship ( ARIA )
2 nd day out and I slipped in the bath /shower , hurt my shoulder , tore the mussels in my chest and back , near the shoulder blades and had 3 days in my cabin in bed . .
arrived back home today and still very sore , so I will have to rest up for a month or so ..
Gee Kel that's no good, ya good look after ya self mate :(
I hope you have a great time JeffH!
For the fourth time I am heading back to the US at the end of April for six months continuing my book research on monetary policy. Last year my Chrysler did 14,000 miles east to west and back again. Its a lot of fun driving over there!
Quote from: 'keldaw' pid='87066' dateline='1460453311'take it easy Jeff ,
don't do what I did ,we just returned home today
[ Tuesday ] from a 7 night trip to cairns and back
on the p & o cruise ship ( ARIA )
2 nd day out and I slipped in the bath /shower , hurt my shoulder , tore the mussels in my chest and back , near the shoulder blades and had 3 days in my cabin in bed . .
arrived back home today and still very sore , so I will have to rest up for a month or so ..
bummer Kel
when we went on our first and hopefully not last cruise, last year - the shower and bath had heaps of hand rails - I made sure I held on heaps - as I lose my balance really easily (been like that all my life)
sorry to hear that you got laid up
Quote from: 'keldaw' pid='87066' dateline='1460453311'take it easy Jeff ,
don't do what I did ,we just returned home today
[ Tuesday ] from a 7 night trip to cairns and back
on the p & o cruise ship ( ARIA )
2 nd day out and I slipped in the bath /shower , hurt my shoulder , tore the mussels in my chest and back , near the shoulder blades and had 3 days in my cabin in bed . .
arrived back home today and still very sore , so I will have to rest up for a month or so ..
They say to throw a towel on the floor in Motels/Ships Bathrooms and just leave it there until you leave or it gets housekeeped..Wet/damp towel won't move on tiles.
was the ship nice Kel?
Sorry to hear about your fall Kel, I hope you are recovering OK. :friends:
Sorry to hear that Kel, hoping that you get better real soon.
Sorry to hear about your accident Kel.
I trust that you took out travel insurance?
Sounds like a great trip Jeff. Did you think of visiting the northern Georgia wilderness for a bit of canoeing down the Cahulawassee, oops I mean Coosawattee River?
I hear it's a nice place for a little bow hunting and the locals, oops, I mean cousins, brothers and uncles, are really really really friendly.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/11067/del.jpg)
If you do, then you can perhaps add this one to your music playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SfyObUd5e8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SfyObUd5e8)
uni
is that picture of the weird guy a part of your signature block?
he is kind of creepy
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='87121' dateline='1460533609'is that picture of the weird guy a part of your signature block?
:laugh2: This should help RG ....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqxzWdKKu8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqxzWdKKu8)
bloody hell
now I remember why he creeps me out so much
that movie totally creeped me out when I saw it 5,000 years ago at the drive in
:winkextra: It creeps me out too RG! It reminds me of some of the "locals". (But it is a great piece of music).
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='87082' dateline='1460463999'was the ship nice Kel?
not really Robbie , because I cant walk around much these days .
and it was the same one we went on last November ,
so not as exciting this time .
Quote from: 'Unicorn' pid='87142' dateline='1460581372':winkextra: It creeps me out too RG! It reminds me of some of the "locals". (But it is a great piece of music).
Definitely picked up a few notes of Yankee Doodle in that. Funny how it wasn't apparent back in the dark ages :laugh2:
I was just having a look for coin dealers in San Diego -making a list of possibles to visit at places we will be.
Yelp business directory/review site search for "Coin Dealers San Diego" turned up plenty as well as bullion traders, pawn shops, jewellery shops etc. And, this one, quite high on the list Discount Gun Mart (https://www.discountgunmart.com/)!
So, at this place it is not like some coin dealers "That is our price. Take or leave it." but rather "That is our price. Take it or we shoot you." :laughingneqw:
while ya there can you please get me a :Gigakach_01: Jeff :beg: :angel:
Can I just bring it in my carry on bag?
Well I don't have a problem with that but boarder force might :laugh2:
Au Revoir folks.
I will probably not be online while away -I am a Luddite when it come to mobile/portable connectivity.
So you will probably not hear from me until near the end of May.
Jeff
Have a safe trip Jeff
Hope you have a great trip Jeff!
Pedro
Have a good and safe trip please.
All the best for your trip Jeff, hope you have a ball!!!
Have a great trip Jeff. :)
Hope you find lots of coins.
have fun
c you when you get back home xx :wavemulticolor:
Have a safe trip, do not bring any strange packages back with you.
have a great trip Jeff , stay safe and enjoy it .
Enjoy, and a safe return. Just watch you don't get TRUMPED :biggrin:
enjoy and try some gumbo!
Quote from: 'duggee27' pid='87942' dateline='1461952549'enjoy and try some gumbo!
with catfish or chicken fried steak.
Ditto from me,enjoy your trip,have a great time,if you find any Taxi drivers that speak English tell them we need them in Australia...LOL.
we take off in 5hrs to san francisco ( post your music clip here ! )
stayed at ridges airport sydney overnight where the family(2 sisters,bro in law and nephew) had our first convivial holiday get together drinks...
POI- its been at least 45 years since siblings holidayed together !! this could be interesting :dodgy:
have no fear as i will still be stalking the blog :P :good:
Quote from: 'duggee27' pid='88179' dateline='1462314400'we take off in 5hrs to san francisco ( post your music clip here ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSZP8l5ctHM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSZP8l5ctHM))
Have a great trip Duggee!
I think Duggee was thinking more like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I0vkKy504U
or maybe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqWt49o7R-k
Have a great time!
Pedro
had a listen
https://youtu.be/7I0vkKy504U
loved that song once upon a time
Nothing wrong with a trip down memory lane every now and then RG (mind you some of the memories are not as vivid as they used to be) ;)
Pedro
just an update with a couple of pics
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2pzbnmt.jpg)(http://i63.tinypic.com/120ozd1.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/1grbsx.jpg)
photo
1: ah the 60's, can you remember ? also did the usual- walked golden gate bridge and up lombard st., surfed cable cars and had clam chowder
2: yosemite park , from glacier point(absolutely stunning) showing valley village,yosemite falls, royal arches, half dome. from here we walked /hiked 12k to valley floor a drop of 1000m then to
3: mirror lake , ending a fabulous day
cheers:yahoo::D:D
Fabulous Duggee!!!!
great pics, stay safe!
Lets get down to the important stuff Mate.
How is the Beer over there ? :)
Beer !!?? Do they have beer here ?
Just kidding .. Only had a couple to taste , been ok
Reality is red wine has been thee go. :) after Napa and introducing sundowners with our evening 'conference' to our guide it's been good times
Also I did find a coin shop in San Francisco and couldn't help myself to buy.
Will post photos later in appropriate thread.
Now in Vegas .. Woo hoo
Cheers
Quote from: 'duggee27' pid='88534' dateline='1463012799'Beer !!?? Do they have beer here ?
Just kidding .. Only had a couple to taste , been ok
Reality is red wine has been thee go. :) after Napa and introducing sundowners with our evening 'conference' to our guide it's been good times
Also I did find a coin shop in San Francisco and couldn't help myself to buy.
Will post photos later in appropriate thread.
Now in Vegas .. Woo hoo
Cheers
Just kidding Mate, sounds like you are having a Blast over there :yahoo:
And here thought that we wouldn't be receiving any comms from him till he returns to Oz. How wrong am/was I.
Keep the photo coming and enjoy yourself.
for fulvio ... freemont st. las vegas
(http://i68.tinypic.com/deuqlk.jpg)
also ferment st
(http://i67.tinypic.com/11t692h.jpg)
Livin the life duggee, well done mate :good:
Just completed our west coast bit now boarded flight to New York , yippee will see the Grandies adapter
Did another trek in Zion Nat. Pk. Stunning views the trek was tuff - "people scared of heights do not attempt ". A great effort on my part to keep up with my 24 year old nephew. Lucky I have been leading a healthy lifestyle :angel:
Photos to follow
just a couple of pics
from angels landing - zion np
and of course horseshoe bend
(http://i66.tinypic.com/11ifg2d.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/2ly0g7k.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/54zpyf.jpg)
bugger , just missed the vegas coin show by 2 days :(
hopefully tomorrow will post my buys from san francisco
p.s the grandies are awesome
Great pics Duggee!!! Keep it up!
fantastic pic's duggee :ok: but you know when you take a selfie you should be in it :winkextra:
Hi everyone. I am back today.
Five pages of unread posts to catch up on.
I will post some pics and comments in the next few days when I have recovered from the last few tiring days.
One comment is about BEER. I tried as many different ones as I could and there are some good beers available in the USA (and some fairly awful ones too). Bud Lite is definitely not recommended. I did think Coors ale quite drinkable and quite enjoyed Kona Golden Ale.
Spending some time in California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico I came across quite a few Mexican beers that are readily available there. I have never been a fan of Corona beer but did like Dos Equis.
And, if ever trying some of the craft beers (a plethora of those in most places, especially around San Diego) it pays to read the labels carefully; some weird and wonderful ingredients in some -I was caught out by one called "Andygator" from Louisiana...Had a stubby before dinner and another with my meal, decided it was quite good so cracked another to drink before bedtime. Whilst sipping the third I studied the label to find it is 8% alcohol content! Drank it all up anyway but had to get up several times during the night; some times to dehydrate (have a pee) and other times to rehydrate (another glass of water). Andygator facts (https://abita.com/brews/our_brews/andygator).
Mission Brewery (San Diego) Amber Ale was another I enjoyed.
Also WINE...Sampled some excellent wines from Californian wineries. Also notice quite a few popular Australian wines on the shelves in supermarkets and often cheaper than I can buy them here.
Jeff
P.S. Congrats RG on winning the 500th member draw -could not resist checking that one out immediately.
Welcome home Jeff :friends: look forward to any pic's you can post :)
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='89056' dateline='1463983758'I was caught out by one called "Andygator" from Louisiana...
Very interesting, that's one for the bucket list then. Hope the trip was enjoyable, and glad you arrived home safely. :good:
welcome home Jeff , glad you enjoyed your trip .
very hard when you have people overseas .
or even interstate in Australia .
Good to see you back safe and sound Jeff.
Sounds like you had a great time!
:welcome:
Welcome back Jeff.
Finally finding the right beer overseas is a very special moment :angel::yahoo:
Welcome back!
DENVER MINT TOURThis is a must if you ever visit Denver. Even people with no numismatic interest will find it worthwhile.
As mentioned to me early in this thread a reservation is a must and you need to know the procedure and requirements;
•bookings open at midnight, 30 days prior to any date and are usually filled within minutes so get in early. If your desired dates are fully booked then keep coming back and checking -we obtained three places on one of our desired days just one day prior even though it kept coming up as none available for weeks beforehand. Be prepared to be flexible with time of visit -a tour happens every hour.
•They take security very seriously (place is crawling with armed Mint police*) and every visitor is subject to a full security check/x-ray scan (and their scanners are much more sensitive than airport scanners).
•You will be denied admittance if you are carrying any sort of handbag or package too big to fit in your pocket -no exceptions. They do not have lockers available for storage.
•Cameras and phones must be turned off. Any attempt to take a photo will see you summarily (but politely#) ejected from the building.
That all sounds rather negative but the tour is comprehensive and the guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Every tour visitor receives a free sample (see photo below).
After the tour, visit the gift shop to make purchases of souvenirs and usual mint products.
Do put a note, or two, in the change machine to get the most recently minted quarters. Where else would you get UNC, 2016 America the Beautiful quarters at face? §
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Mint_sample.jpg)
Every visitor on a mint tour is given a 1¢ planchet and newly minted coin.OLD NEW ORLEANS MINTIn contrast you can just walk in anytime and peruse the museum. It was closed for most of the civil wat but did also produce Confederacy currency for a short period. After decommissioning in 1909 it was used as a Federal prison until 1943. Now, as well as being a mint museum it also is a musical museum and the venue for jazz concerts.
A visit is recommended if ever you visit New Orleans (add to a very long list of other must see/do things there).
§Dollar coins are almost never seen in circulation and many banks will not even have them (Americans love their 'greenbacks" and just won't accept dollar coins). We found, at a parking station in Denver -parked there just a block away from the Mint- that the payment machine gives change in dollar coins. Put $20 in notes in for a $12 charge and received eight dollar coins change and seven of them around UNC.
#Politeness seems to be an American obsession. Even beggars, and there are many in some inner city areas, will accept a rejection politely and some even wish you a nice day even though you gave them nothing. If you do give a beggar something the thanks are effusive and you almost feel embarrassed you didn't give them more.
*Every Government organisation in the US seems to have its own police force and you will see many different types of police officers on the streets. We saw police on foot, horses, segways, bicycles, motorcycles (HD of course) and driving a large variety of vehicles. There is a large presence of them on the streets and they are very approachable and friendly -a pair of mounted police in Bourbon Street, New Orleans happily posed for snaps with passers by.
QuoteFinally finding the right beer overseas is a very special moment
Well for me if it is cold and amber, has froth and is made from malted barley (wheat also acceptable), hops and yeast it is right. That said some are much more right than others.
Sighted in Tijuana, Mexico. We visited there our penultimate day -a 30 minute trolley (tram) ride from downtown San Diego.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Victor_liquor_small.jpg)
We had a tequila tasting (free) there and bought a couple of bottles. The fellow who ran out the front with the sign as we approached was not Victor but his son.
Snapped out the window of the trolley on the way to San Ysidro (just other side of the border from Tijuana).
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Rollin.jpg)
Apparently some parts of San Diego are infested with shops supplying "medical" marijuana.
Welcome home Jeff! Sounds like you had a great time.
Pedro
Many smoke shops in California advertise that 'the doctor is in'.
:shock:
:mocking: So what one's are the good one :winkextra: Just joking John :friends:
Banksy was here. A street corner in New Orleans.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Banksy.jpg)
Speaking of corners, we were standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona (as you do) when....
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Diner_1.jpg)
We decided to have lunch in the retro diner there.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Diner_3.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Diner_2.jpg)
On the opposite corner -check the reflection in the window- is
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Corner_1.jpg)
Now can you guess what road traverses Winslow?
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Corner_2.jpg)
You did say Route 66 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLUYf6cekMA) didn't you? Bobby Troup wrote the song.
On the other two corners of this intersection are souvenir shops imaginatively named "Standin' on the Corner" and "Taking it Easy".
What a coincidence! Take it Easy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhH3mRkKDX8)
So did you have a coke :)
:swoon: OMG so they don't have curtains in the US :winkextra:
Nice pic's Jeff :good:
Do you have a zoomed in piccy :blush2:
I tasted coke once, many years ago and have never, ever had another one since.
Zoomed in on what?
Great pics Jeff! Such a fine sight to see ....
OK; just guessing which one AJ wants to zoom in on. He will surely tell me if my guess is wrong.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Girl.jpg)
P.S. I drank lemonade. They do make really good lemonade in the states.
Above here :winkextra:
(http://i64.tinypic.com/v6n3t3.jpg)
That's what I meant by don't they have curtains over there :shock:
But the blondie looks ok :drooling:
You peeping tom you. They do have curtains but closing them is optional.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/No_curtains.jpg)
You told me to look in the window so I did and now I'm in knee deep shit as usual , ahh all good just water off a McDucks back :laugh2: Besides I can't help it if I'm observant :blush2:
:blink: You should have hung around for the show :laugh2:
Actually I told you to look at the reflection in the window. I thought the upstairs window was a nice touch and wondered how long it would take someone to notice it.
Coming soon some interesting information about coastal California and some great scenery.
I did look at the reflection but then I was like, hold on :scratch_one-s_head: what the hell :pilot: :kez_15: then thought :scared: should I be looking at this :dontknow::whistle2:
So it's not my fault :angel:
And I bet Uni and Pedro notice but just wanted to see me mention it first because they're such good mates :)
Welcome home Jeff.
Hope you had a great time. :)
welcome back jeff
the u. s. of a. certainly has a variety of things to see and do. we both took different routes , only crossed over in flagstaff i think, and will show and tell different stuff
(http://i64.tinypic.com/5of5oh.jpg)
this is the diner we had breakfast in flagstaff
(http://i66.tinypic.com/x3bf3r.jpg)
monument valley - standing on the spot from where john ford directed his movies and of of course john wayne - am sure i have some sand still in my shoes that ' the duke ' may have stood on
side note: i know that with a selfie you're supposed to be in it, but with this ugly moosh i choose not to scare anyone and spoil the photo totally:angel:
have 1 more night here in NYC before seeing qantas.
also made sure the grandies left nyc for home yesterday, now all i have to do is get to melbourne to visit :yahoo:
Nice pic duggee and your not that bad mate :blush2:
Quote from: 'ausjack' pid='89224' dateline='1464173784'And I bet Uni and Pedro notice but just wanted to see me mention it first because they're such good mates :)
:mocking:
It's taken me this long to work out it was actually painted on :-/
Pedro
Didn't you find this pic a bit funny how the one in the truck was in the reflection but not in the truck and it's an awfully skinny building :)
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='89199' dateline='1464165488'(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Corner_2.jpg)
Well painted 'fake window'!
Quoteonly crossed over in flagstaff i think
I didn't see you there! You had the right idea to go to a diner for breakfast. If the Americans do one thing well it is breakfast (coffee excepted at most places). Many motels offer a free 'continental' breakfast, not recommended -in the words of 'Crocodile' Dundee "Well, you can live on it, but it tastes like shit."
While in that area did you get to Santa Fe -just down the road (well nearly 400 miles but America is a big country). We called in at Sandia Peak and went to the top on the (aerial) tramway. A hot, spring day at the base and, when we reached the top the wind threatened to blow us off the viewing platform and it started to snow. Spectacular views when not snowing.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Sandia_Peak_1.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Sandia_Peak_2.jpg)
Speaking of grandies*, we became grandparents, for the third time, the day before we departed the US. Two boys and now a beautiful girl.
*The Americans are rather intrigued by our habit of abbreviated slang and often adding an 'o' to the end e.g.'arvo'. We had breakfast with our daughter's (now ex) boss and his wife at a cafe in La Jolla (pronouinced La Hoya -Spanish name) the day before leaving. La Jolla (literally 'the jewel') is a very nice place and the cafe had good coffee made with a proper espresso machine -not a tip the beans in the top, place the cup under the spout and press the button affair. (Trivia note; most proper coffee places in the states seem to be operated by ex-pat Australians and new Zealanders, but the Americans are slowly coming around to the idea of drinking decent coffee.)
Anyway, back to the point....Our daughter has spent three years educating her American workmates in Australian slang (even presented them with an Australian slang dictionary as a parting gift) but I was able to give boss a new one to take back to the lab, "stone the crows"!
The Americans also love our accents although they sometimes confuse us with Brits (really). We were often asked what country we are from and they all seem to know Michael J. Dundee and some of our actors who are big time Hollywood stars now. Met very few who have ever visited here (they all expressed desire to return, perhaps we could fit them in our luggage?) and those who had not visited seemed keen on the idea of maybe doing that sometime.
How did you find Las Vegas Duggee? We bypassed there in favour of going to Hoover Dam -time was limited that day and our intention was to see as many 'away from big city' sights as possible and talk to as many 'real' Americans as we could. We did, however, pop off the interstate 25 (on our way to Denver) to have a look at Las Vegas, New Mexico. Quite different to Las Vegas, Nevada I am sure.
Quote from: 'ausjack' pid='89252' dateline='1464183070'Didn't you find this pic a bit funny how the one in the truck was in the reflection but not in the truck and it's an awfully skinny building :)
Ah, not the first time through. Skimmed the piccies and knew Winslow, Arizona rang bells in a song but couldn't immediately place it (ie didn't follow Jeff's clues either). Not doing well am I? :blush:
Wednesday is babysitting granddaughter day and I am claiming that I was distracted.
Pedro
Your excuse is acceptable. Babysitting grandies can be a very distracting exercise.
That particular display was obviously set up as a tourist magnet.
Yes your off the hook Pedro as kids can be very distracting to say the least and congrates on the new arrival Jeff :) So that automatically makes them an yank being born there doesn't it :scratch_one-s_head:
No, born here while we (grandparents) were there. So no chance of a potential POTUS in our family.
COINS
While on our trip I checked our change each night and pulled out any better looking coins. Every few days did a check of my stash and tossed out excess duplicates.
Statehood and America the Beautiful quarters are very common in circulation so there was a good haul of those.
Here is what I ended up bringing home...
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/USA_trip~0.jpg)
Pretty shiny shiny's :drooling: got a nice haul there Jeff :good:
:mocking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjsnkIP4ddo
How did I know that was coming? :laugh2:
Pedro
As soon as I wrote shiny shiny I remembered the song and thought it would be appreciated :laugh2:
Indeed some of those are, as the saying goes, "as shiny as a new penny".
Maybe them being new pennies might have something to do with it!
Thanks to the people who recommended Muir Woods be on our agenda. Truly a magical place.
Our daughter had been there before but was happy to revisit. She and a friend spent a whole day there and did a 14 mile treck. We didn't have time for that so only did a short loop. What a great asset are the National Parks in the US.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_4.jpg)
This fella probably thought I had food then took off before I had chance to get better focus for a second shot.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_2.jpg)
The redwoods do grow to very large size -this is not as big as some. I didn't think I would need my lens hood there. Oh well, the flaring does add a certain "atmosphere" to the picture.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_3.jpg)
Just been for a stroll across the carpark.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_5.jpg)
No comment.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_1.jpg)
Muir woods, didn't recognise the Movie Scene scenery the?
Was it "Punnet of the Grapes"?
Nup. One with a similar sounding name was not filmed at Muir woods but on privately owned (by a lumber company) land nearby.
Other movies allegedly filmed at Muir woods were also filmed at other, similar looking locations. There is more than one redwood forest. I did research that issue before visiting but was unable to confirm any big movie with scenes shot there (documentaries about redwood forest of course excepted).
Certainly the National Park Service does not acknowledge any such thing.
Plenty of grapes grown in California but not there. Punnets (of strawberries) are found at Carlsbad, California -we bought some from the farm and you would be hard pressed to find better.
The scene I am talking about is adjacent to the section of a tree trunk that shows the rings. You would have had to walk right past it on your little walk about the woods.
Did you get up and see the Organ Pipes I think they called it/them?
I'm guessing from your visits to the San Francisco and Denver mints you were behind the planning? :P
Walter,
The planning was a democratic exercise. The three of us each made a list of places we would like to visit. We then sat down with a map of the country and the lists and marked the places listed. It soon became obvious, with the available time, we could not see everything. Given we were flying into and out of LAX and needed to start and end in San Diego (our daughter was resident there and returning to Oz at the end of the trip with as much of her belongings as we could carry) indicated we should restrict ourselves to the west and south regions of the country. That was around Christmas time last year when daughter was home on her annual visit.
It was also obvious that our initial idea of a road trip only, in a rented car, would consume too much time driving so we ended up with three different car rentals and two internal flights.
New Orleans was on three lists and two lists each contained Disneyland, Grand Canyon, Highway 1 California and Texas. Checking the main air flight hubs (to get to NOLA -that's New Orleans, Louisiana) gave Denver and Houston (but not both) as necessary for direct flights. I had a win with Denver so Houston, indeed anywhere in Texas, lost out. So that gave a framework to fit as many things into as practical. [We also visited the Reserve Bank money museum at Denver -some lovely errors on display there but impossible to get good photos with them behind glass and fluorescent lighting above.]
I did well with my list as several places were easy to fit in with the overall scheme;
•Death Valley
•Route 66
•Barringer meteor crater
•Although NOLA was on my list, the old mint was not specified initially.
San Francisco mint Was dropped from the list in favour of Muir Woods (which was recommended by several members here).
We then got on the internet (me here and daughter in US) and researched an itinerary, day by day. My wife was happy to go with whatever we came up with at that stage. I consider that was a good exercise and much more fun than just going to a travel agent and requesting an itinerary. An important consideration was also that a self guided tour allows flexibility to change 'on the fly' when a tourist office or speaking to a local indicates something not on our list would be worth visiting/doing.
So, we were all behind the planning. My power of veto was non-existent if two women decided to gang up on me.
As is always the case! Happy that you enjoyed the trip and spent some quality time with your daughter!
QuoteMy power of veto was non-existent if two women decided to gang up on me.
Mine is pretty much worthless if only one women gangs up on me :angel:
On the way home and guess what ... Qantas are running late !!
Same with us. They loaded everyone on the plane early (¾ hour before scheduled time) then, once scheduled time was reached started announcing a ten minute delay to finish loading cargo hold. Announcement then repeated, at ten minute intervals, four times.
A few unfortunates had to get special permission and be escorted to use the toilets!
Meanwhile the well heeled people at the pointy end were tucking into their drinks and snacks.
And...I hear what you are saying trout.
Sounds like they're bailing before trump takes over :swoon:
A little competition..."Pick the Donkey". No prizes, just the satisfaction of getting it right. Answer forthcoming later.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Donkeys.jpg)
TiJuana (Br)ass?
I still want to know what the bear was doing in the woods?
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='89296' dateline='1464238780'(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Muir_Woods_1.jpg)
Oh Uni,
1. You are so close. I may have to reconsider what is the correct answer.
2. Maybe this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxFIGWm9M6w)
P.S. Unlike Duggee you will notice My face is equally ugly on both sides.
Is that a natural colour of the donkey's or are they painted? Nice pic's Jeff :good:
It would seem that all the hip donkeys in Mejicana are wearing zebra stripes this season.
Quote from: 'Unicorn' pid='89423' dateline='1464336571'I still want to know what the bear was doing in the woods?
:laugh2: Involving a rabbit Uni ???
Pedro
Jeff, wasn't that when the Teddys worked on the roads and someone stole their tools?
Because today's the day the Teddy Bears had their picks nicked .....
Quote from: 'Pedro' pid='89429' dateline='1464337924':laugh2: Involving a rabbit Uni ???
..... oh Pedro! You bring out the best in me ....... so does it stick to fur?
Not from what I've heard :laugh2:
Pedro
Get serious. I will clarify the question -identify which one(s) is/are the donkey (and why would be nice).
And, if you please, that "picks nicked" is ancient -an oldey but a goody though.
Serious ..... oooops ..... :laugh2: you love it Jeff.
As to who's the donkey can I guess the lovely Mrs H?
Reason:
She told me (when referrring to Jeff) ..... that ..... he aww he aww he awways calls me that!!!
(Yeah yeah another oldie).
LOL
Just go away.
She actually calls me "horse" but not for any reason you might think of.
Sometimes "Jeff" and if it is "Jeffry" I know it is serious.
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='89443' dateline='1464341540'She actually calls me "horse" but not for any reason you might think of.
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/11067/hoss.jpg)
I know that. Bonanza (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjdRgBAY278)
Hey, I thought I was supposed to be asking the questions.
I was going to offer Don Key-ote (Uni made me do it!) :bye2:
Pedro
The donkey in the background is real , the one you are sitting on is just a "Prop" for photo taking.
Touché Pedro :laugh2:
It looks a little tired but I don't think it's stuffed Trout. :winkextra:
I'm still looking for the zebra crossing ....
Cool touro thing, a saddle on the donkey and steps to get up on the cart and food to keep it happy and a chain to keep him there but no harness so the cart isn't going anywhere.
Maybe the one with the cart is a "Mule" ??
Or did you mean his name Jeff, could it be Paco or is that what it costs.
Paco is a Spanish nickname for Francisco. Another nickname for Francisco is Pancho
QuoteOr did you mean his name Jeff, could it be Paco or is that what it costs.
I recon Paco will end up in Taco's when he gets too old :diablo::angel:
Nice work guys.
Here is the answer I prepared earlier;
There are two donkeys sitting in the cart (they may have been imbibing tequila). The one in the front is an ass who thinks he is a zebra born in the wrong body -maybe he has just been eating too much peyote and become confused. Judging from what his assistant charged to take the photo he should soon have enough saved to afford the operation.
I personally think he should save some more , go for the horn implant and become a unicorn.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/16/e1/d2/16e1d21fb57c8db7e81e837a8a2b80a5.jpg)
Alebrijes are brightly colored Oaxacan-Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures.
If you think we are exhibiting childish behaviour above you should have seen us at Disneyland. A sense of childlike wonder gets you a long way there.
I think they should have given you a gun and then you'd have a real bandido look, not that you don't already :)
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2je2utt.jpg)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10055/Wanted.jpg)
:laugh2: what a pearla but your worth more than that mate :friends:
:laugh2: armed .... Yes, the pen is mightier than the sword!
(PS: Love the unicorn).
With that razor sharp tongue your a dangerous man :winkextra:
The Mexican fantastic creature carvings I saw were either the real thing (and expensive) or cheap and nasty, mass produced imitations. If I had happened to find a unicorn I would have bought it.
As it happened we bought some clothes which are really cheap in Mexico for good quality stuff. A lot of SOCAL (Southern California) residents go to Tijuana for shopping, especially dental, medical and pharmaceutical services. Viagra seems to be advertised at every pharmacy (and there a a lot of those). One pharmacy we saw had a doctors office attached with a sign advertising consultations for $4 -I took that to mean that you front up, name what medication you are seeking and a prescription is issued with no questions asked.
NANNYFORNIA!
One of the first things I noticed in California was the warning signs on products shop, counters and in building foyers. They are everywhere.
If you decided not to frequent any place with such an alarming warning or consume any similarly labelled product you would end up naked in the desert starving to death. I did not see any such signs in Death Valley (there are such chemicals naturally present there) but maybe I was too busy wondering at the sights to properly look for them. :mocking:
I should not use a loupe I purchasd at a museum there (the price was right) because it has a label telling me it contains chemicals known.....! Talk about ridiculous.
I can see the intent but fail to see what it achieves. From my observations I suspect some labels are on products not known to cause cancer, birth defects or such -manufacturers put them on anyway to avoid the possibility of being sued at a later date.
Talk about political correctness run amuck.
Here are some examples, courtesy of Google California proposition 65 warnings (https://www.google.com.au/search?q=california+warning+proposition+65&biw=1680&bih=991&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwik1dii0fvMAhXDmZQKHcp7AgYQ_AUIBygC). I love the one about burning wood about the fifth row down.
When I was working at the hospital around 2000 the government had the same idea and had to put either red or yellow lines everywhere and signs saying watch your step and mark the step so it cost a fortune to show common sense and the local council paint raised bits in the footpath to show you it's rooted but if you trip over one you don't have any comeback as they say they marked it so tough, might not be so bad if they were fixed sooner instead of 10 years later. So a lot of money gets wasted for no apparent reason :scratch_one-s_head:
Yes, I was looking at some adhesive that holds under high temperature and put it back on the shelf when I read the list of "possibles" on the back. Cancer, birth defects ...... on and on ..... but hey, I'm not gunna eat the stuff!
I think it was a USA product too ......
:swoon: what you and Mrs Uni gonna go again, can we handle another little Uni as the last one's a handful, but she is gorgeous, tooty :laugh2:
:laugh2: .... Nah, I don't think so. Little Uni is in Kindergarten now, she just had two friends over ...... talk about busy! That combined with big Uni & his GF & big Miss Uni with her BF makes for a busy house. The yard is full of cars! ...... The garden's full of furniture, the house is full of plants ......
Doesn't sound like much has changed :)
I have just totted up all our expenses (travel, car hire, accommodation, sightseeing, shopping etc.) for our trip. $13½k for 23 days.
I now have a grand total of $66.05 in my bank account.
Was it worth it? Well...yes.
That's $66 more than I have.
The misses keeps spending it on cruises
and dragging me along too. :)
You poor thing.
And loving it anyway!
Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='89802' dateline='1464860727'You poor thing.
And loving it anyway!
:) :) :)