Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 23 Jul 10 - 12:23 PM I've got some photos on to flickr now. You can see them here. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: open mike Date: 21 Jul 10 - 05:21 PM welcomehome!! glad you got back alive! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Mary Katherine Date: 21 Jul 10 - 10:22 AM Don't forget to post the photos! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 21 Jul 10 - 09:11 AM Las Vegas was a case of been there, seen it, got Kendall the tee shirt. I have had my curiousity satisfied but have no need to go back. To me the place is mostly a monument to greed and excess - I can't understand a mindset that can start drinking and gambling at breakfast time, but then, different folks.... It was all too noisy, too crowded and too brash for me. If it had been practical I think that I would have liked to have got outside the city, to get an idea of the desert and mountains surrounding Las Vegas. However, with the heat that built up, that would not have been particularly sensible. Back home now and rested up. My lovely husband is taking me out to breakfast this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was good to spend time with my family and to visit parts of the USA, previously unseen. It was also great to meet up with more Mudacatters, all of whom added to the whole family's enjoyment of the trip. Lewis now wants to go live with Mary Katherine and her daughter in LA, and has his eye on a lightsabre for his birthday. Sharon and Steve found that the 'Catters we met added a lot of enjoyment to the trip. Now, a few days at home and then I meet the kids in New York, on August 1st, for a few days and then on to Washington, with a short road trip back to Maine in time for Kendall's appointment with Dr Z on the 11th of August. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 20 Jul 10 - 04:45 PM Spaw, Take yourself quietly down to the CELLAR!. You know the way. SIGH SINS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 20 Jul 10 - 02:12 PM Congratulations, Kendall. We have proof you are more entertaining than Las Vegas. Yeah, Jacqui pulled his handle, his eyes spun around, and he paid off................. Welcome Home Jacko! Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Mary Katherine Date: 20 Jul 10 - 01:27 PM Glad to know you're safely home. It was great to meet you and (some of) your family; hope Kendall survived your absence. Next trip: Less Las Vegas, more Los Angeles! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 20 Jul 10 - 12:15 PM Hope all your ramblin's brought you joy. We're glad you're safe at anchor, but we sure had fun getting to know you better out here in the wild, wild west. Love, Your West Coast Sister Claire |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: maeve Date: 20 Jul 10 - 12:01 PM Welcome home, Jacqui. Congratulations, Kendall. We have proof you are more entertaining than Las Vegas. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 20 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM She's back. And not likely to visit Las Vegas again. LOL Welcome back, Jacqui. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 20 Jul 10 - 10:48 AM It would cause explosions......... Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 20 Jul 10 - 10:38 AM Home again Home again Jiggety Jig????? It's a guitar not a banjo, Kendall. Now if it were a banjo glass with music - SIGH! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 20 Jul 10 - 08:50 AM Does it have its own teeth? A Job? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 20 Jul 10 - 08:11 AM A drink guitar?????????? Tell me you got me one. Please. I am begging you... And it plays music?????? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 19 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM Only in Las Vegas (I hope) can one be sitting in Macdonalds and watch Elvis walk in accompanied by Marilyn Monroe. I was able to utter the immortal words 'Elvis has left the building' as they walked out through the rear door. We explored New York today - for my money a much better set up than Excalibur and a lot quieter. The New York scenes were very good. We sat in air conditioned comfort in the posh part of Aria looking at the shopfronts of Gucchi, Dior and other high priced stores. Lewis got his drink guitar (empty) from the Harley Davidson shop today. We found out, after purchase, that it plays a tune. I'm glad I'm flying out tonight! We stayed in last night - the daytime heat really sucked the energy out of all of us. We may try for the mono rail for a while before I head for the airport and an overnight flight home. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 19 Jul 10 - 07:21 PM Spaw, I didn't know all that, but I know who signed the Webster/Ashburton treaty of 1842. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:34 AM AND?????? What has happened with my $20 investment? Can I quit my job? Get the plumbing fixed? Afford a pizza? SINS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Joe Offer Date: 19 Jul 10 - 12:24 AM I gotta admit, Jacqui - I really like Las Vegas. I even enjoy it when it's hot there. I keep thinking that I ought to be more high-class and that I shouldn't be impressed by all that glitz - but then I walk down the Strip, and all I can say is, "Oh, wow." Don't ask me about when I got cajoled into going to see the topless dancers at the Crazy Horse Saloon..... Hmmmm. I wonder if it's still there. I made sure that the guys who took me to the Crazy Horse, went with me to church in North Las Vegas (the poor section) the next day. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Jul 10 - 11:45 PM Geez Kendall.....no big deal, Lee's horse? Everyone knows that! But did you know Phil Sheridan's horse was named "Rienzi" or that Stonewall Jackson's last horse was named "Little Sorrel? Did you know that both Rienzi and Little Sorrel were stuffed after their deaths whereas Stonewall Jackson's mother was buried in Ansted, Virginia which is now Ansted, West Virginia? And did you know Ansted is on the New River (at the gorge) and you can sing "New River Train" as long as you can make dumb rhymes to simple words? Now THAT is deep and totally wasted and useless crap of the lowest order! Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:26 PM When I get back home I'll put photos on flickr. This laptop is OK but not quite as easy to use as my desktop. Just back from a bus ride the length of the strip and into Downtown. We got the local bus $7 for 24 hours travel - a lot cheaper than the tour bus. We wimped out at 3.00pm - it is just too hot out there. The various hotels are incredible - we've seen a mini Statue of Liberty (and one made out of jellybeans) and an Eiffel Tower that looks to be 'normal' size as opposed to the monstrous original in Paris. Gondoliers on a very small canal and a circus big top. We went past The Gold and Silver Pawn Shop - featured on 'Pawn Stars' - a programme that Kendall enjoys. I may go back there tomorrow to takes photos. Back in the room now for some quiet and cool before going to eat and then a nightime bus ride to see the strip lit up. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 18 Jul 10 - 07:25 PM Would you believe it was 90 degrees here late this afternoon? This is MAINE for Pete's sake! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Alice Date: 18 Jul 10 - 06:28 PM Will there be photos of this trip posted online for Mudcatters to see? - A. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Ebbie Date: 18 Jul 10 - 06:18 PM His uncle's maiden name? I must've forgotten it too so don't feel bad, Cap'n. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:47 PM Pussy. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bobert Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:16 PM Well, Capt'n, do you know Robert E. Lee's uncle's maiden name??? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:59 PM He knows these things because he has lived them. He probably broke Traveler into the saddle as a kid, and I think he used to farm in Vegas when he knew all the other 29 folks out there, while he was waiting for Maine to cool down enough to let him back in. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:46 PM I know more useless crap than anyone else I know. Robert E. Lee's horse was named Traveler. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:17 PM I did not know that Kendall. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Alice Date: 18 Jul 10 - 03:12 PM I have a 90 year old aunt who has lived in Las Vegas since long before it became what it is today. I've had to work souvenir trade shows there and design t-shirt designs for the Mirage... I'll say no more. I'm glad you had a pool to enjoy in that heat!! A. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 18 Jul 10 - 02:29 PM Did you know (or care) that in 1910 Las Vegas had a population of 30? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:30 PM The slots hold no attractions for me whatsoever. I'm not lucky that way so I stay away. Had a great time in the pool this morning though - the spa was lovely. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bobert Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:43 PM I was hopin' fir San Diego, too, 'cause she could get me a bag of weed at any of the corner pot shops there in Amos's neigborhood... Hey, Jacqui... Don't go hittin' them slots too hard... The Capt'n ain't in the mood to go back to work to pay off gamblin' debts... B~ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Alice Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:35 PM Well, I guess Amos may be right, that you have to see Las Vegas once just to know what it is. I was really wishing you could go to SAN DIEGO instead of Las Vegas while reading your travel thread. San Diego is a lovely city. Las Vegas... well, I better not post my opinion. I am enjoying reading this travel log! Alice |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 18 Jul 10 - 12:08 PM Wal, no-one ever said you'd find peace and quiet in Vegas... ;>) But if you have never been there, you got to do it once before you move on. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 18 Jul 10 - 05:18 AM Blackpool On Steroids !! GAWD !!! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 18 Jul 10 - 01:29 AM Las Vegas Even the airport has slot machines. To check in at the desk we had to plough our way through the crowds at the slot machines and gaming tables, and then again to the elevators to our rooms. We're staying at the Excalibur - Sharon's choice for Lewis. The rooms are fine, quiet and cool, but the public areas are jumping - very crowded and noisy. We found the children's area - so far Lewis has collected three SpongeBob Squarepants toys and has his sights set on more. Sharon is concerned that his collection may put them over the top on baggage when they fly to Colorado! It is HOT. It got to 108 today and there were still people out sunbathing by the pool. The heat hits you like a blanket - a few minutes out there were more than enough. We will be getting to the pool first thing, hopefully before the heat builds up too much. This evening, after dinner, we went a little way out from the hotel, still very hot, but slightly more bearable and the sun was a lot lower. This place is like Blackpool on steroids. Totally crazy, but amazing. Tomorrow we're hoping to get tickets for the hop on hop off buses and go exploring the wonders of the strip and then, in the evening just take a ride along the strip to see the lights. Right now peace and quiet and a glass of wine are very relaxing. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Janie Date: 17 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM Rumor has it that Herself and entourage has hit Las Vegas. Hope Sin City is braced and ready! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Mary Katherine Date: 17 Jul 10 - 12:36 PM Oh, Jacqui beat me to it! Well, yes, what she said; we had a lovely day together, and by the way, Kendall, Jacqui is bringing you home a small prezzie from my place. Now they're off to Las Vegas (whatever for? says I) and then on with their adventures! You should have seen Lewis last night, playing with one of my daughter Jennifer's Star Wars light sabers; the kid was in hog heaven! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 17 Jul 10 - 01:37 AM What a day. The tar pits were amazing - you don't quite believe it until you see the stuff bubbling up out of the ground. The exhibits were great - lots of skeletons of extinct creatures and a garden with a stream, home to carp and turtles. We managed, after some trying, to get to the Walk of Fame and spent time looking for the necessary stars with which to have photos taken. I came across William Shatner's star and took a photo for Little Hawk. The best part of the day was visiting Mary Katherine, who has a veritable cornucopia of musical memorabilia, posters, photographs, music and books. I spent the first ten minutes just looking around, open mouthed, at the treasures she has, including a signed photo of all four Beatles with Peter, Paul and Mary, which Mary Katherine took. There isn't an inch of wall space that hasn't been used for posters and photos for Folk, Bluegrass and Blues stuff. MK was kind enough to give us the use of her laundry facilities and then took us up the hill to get a good view of the Hollywood sign. She even took photos of all of us in front of the sign. We went back to her place and were introduced to her daughter, a real Star Wars fanatic, who has the most amazing collection of Star Wars stuff that I've ever seen. This time it was Lewis who was speechless and ended up leaving with a few treasures. MK generously treated us to dinner in a local diner, terrific food, and refused to allow us to pay for the meal. (I WILL get my own back, lady, just wait and see!) We drove back to the motel along the freeways, passing the lighted city buildings, which looked almost like a science fiction backdrop. Right now Lewis has just gone to sleep - it took a while for him to come down off his high - and our bags are part packed for the flight to Las Vegas in the morning. I'm just finishing a glass of wine before hitting the sack myself. Night all. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Janie Date: 16 Jul 10 - 06:58 PM Really enjoying keeping up with your travels, Jacqui, and hearing about all your meet-ups with assorted Mudcatters. In my next life, I'm gonna be an extravert! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: maeve Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:21 PM That explains a lot, Spaw. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:11 PM "A family member worked on the exhibit." Really? Me too. It appears that way, way, back I had an Uncle who was a Giant Ground Sloth................... Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: maeve Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:25 PM I'd like to see the tar pits, too. A family member worked on the exhibit. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 16 Jul 10 - 04:15 PM I prefer boysenberry more than any ordinary jam. I'm a citizen for boysenberry jam fan... If I became a first lieutenant, would you keep my photo on your piano? "To Mary Jane. Best Wishes, Martin." Wish I could visit the tar pits. SINS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 16 Jul 10 - 03:24 PM "The air coming to the surface in the occasional bubbles in the pits themselves has been buried for tens of millions of years...." Shouldn't be too much for Jacqui to handle as the same has been said of Kendall's flatulence................ Love the updates Jacqui and tell Lewis to try the Boysenberry! Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 16 Jul 10 - 02:14 PM What a marvellous trip for the young man... for anyone. Still enjoying the updates. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:48 AM Mind where you put your feet around those tar pits, dear! The lawns are pitted with little tar-seep spots where your sneakers can get stuck. The air coming to the surface in the occasional bubbles in the pits themselves has been buried for tens of millions of years, an amazing thought IMHO. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 16 Jul 10 - 11:40 AM Another day in LA. Outside the sky is grey and there is a little rain falling. We're sightseeing today so perfect weather isn't quite so important. Yesterday was beautiful. We went to the beach at Santa Monica, close to where Mary Katherine works. On her recommendation we found day parking for $8! We spent the morning on the pier - Lewis heaven - and then were treated to an excellent lunch, at a Mexican restaurant at the end of the pier, by Mary Katherine - yet another old friend that we have just met. She works in a building looking on to the beach - with such a lovely view it's surprising that she can get any work done! It was rather comforting to find out that, contrary to all the scenes of beach life in LA, the place is not totally peopled with ultra fit bronzed beauties. After lunch we went to the beach. Sand so hot that it burned the feet and waves that did not allow for swimming. Lewis and I had great fun standing in the water and almost being knocked down by the incoming waves. The undertow was very strong and we really had to struggle sometimes to keep our feet, but it was lovely to share that with the little boy. A bit of shopping (avoid taking a child to Toy'R'Us to make a decision about what to buy!) and then we came back to the motel to chill for the evening, watching Wolverine on HBO. Today it's the La Brea Tar Pits and museum, the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood sign and then meet up with Mary Katherine to go eat. That's after taking Lewis to IHOP for his new food love, pancakes with maple syrup. To be continued.......... |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Mary Katherine Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:40 PM Had a terrific lunch with Jacqui and her family today in a Mexican restaurant out at the far end of the Santa Monica Pier. Dolphins were frolicking out in the water as we were eating, but we didn't throw them any food. They're all doing well and enjoying their visit here, though I hope that the heat (it will be at least 100 tomorrow, perhaps higher) won't cause them any problems. If all goes well we will meet up again tomorrow in Hollywood. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Dave Swan Date: 15 Jul 10 - 05:31 PM Also Scottish humour. The first time I heard that line was from my uncle in Perthshire re my aunt. "It's everything I can do not to tell her I love her" |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: GUEST,kendall Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:05 PM Believe it or not I've met people who just don't get it. I always say The essence of Maine humor is that which is NOT said. And as my old pal, Marshall Dodge of Bert & I said "It takes more than a teaspoon full of brains...well, he didn't say that, I did, but he could have. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:06 PM I've heard that anecdote about Samuel Clemens and the speaking engagement in Maine, so grasped the essence of your jest, Cap'n. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:05 PM I enjoy Maine humour greatly. I just don't get enough. SINS is right about the humdiditty. Hopefully we'll have a dry spell for a respite soon. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: GUEST,kendall Date: 15 Jul 10 - 02:00 PM By the way, my above post is in jest; for those of you who don't get Maine humor. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 15 Jul 10 - 12:25 PM The humidity here is brutal, folks. Everyone is having trouble breathing. Take it slow, Captain. It will help. SINS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM Dave, I should get my glasses changed; at first glance it looked like you wrote ...jacqui is a THREAT, and then ..catch her in PRISON. You are right about her. Sometimes when I think about all she means to me it's all I can do to not tell her. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 15 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM Thank you for those kind words guys. now I've got all embarrassed! We had a bit of a scare yesterday. Kendall phoned to tell me that he was having some trouble breathing and that I might need to come home. I suggested that he contact his local ENT to check that all was well. I got his doctor involved, rang his daughters, who went with him to the ENT appointment yesterday afternoon and just waited. Deb reported back that things seemed to be OK and, by this morning, he was breathing better, has an appointment with his primary care doctor tomorrow and has let DR Z know what is going on. Right now I'm holding off making plans to head home until next week. We finally reached LA and booked into an Econolodge, which is relatively cheap but has large rooms and comfortable beds. We're not too far from LAX so have planes going over regularly, but that didn't stop any of us sleeping last night. Yesterday, on Mary Katherine's advice, we stopped in Santa Barbara at the oldest mission in California. Lunch in a beautiful open space in front of the mission and then a tour of the premises, which held the interest of the whole party. Thanks for that MK - I can't think of a nicer place that we could have broken the journey. We've now experienced the LA freeways - Steve is doing an amazing job with the driving, considering that he's wrong side of the car and the road and driving an automatic. He handled the traffic like a pro. Last night we stood on the balcony of the hotel looking up at a clear sky and seeing a sliver of moon with Venus shining brightly to its right. Above the buildings the tops of palm trees could be seen and the lights of LA shone brightly. With the cool breeze it was wonderful to stand there. we are having lunch today with Mary Katherine and taking Lewis to the beach at Santa Monica. There's also a pier with amusements - little boy heaven, which he deserves after being so good on the trip down from San Francisco. He's also been promised a big ice cream, when we can find a good place. More later............ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:09 PM Good to see Jacqui is getting some singing in - She IS worth hearing |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Dave Swan Date: 14 Jul 10 - 04:40 PM Once again the Mudcat experience of running into an old friend you just haven't met yet proved itself with Jacqui. Laughing, discovering loads of shared interests, catching each other up on M'cats we know in common and enjoying the moment all came as naturally with Jacqui as with Mick, Pat, Rick, Amos, hg, and Wyo among others. Thanks to Max another friend was made. Hanging out at the Starry Plough and getting to hear Jacqui sing was a real treat. Jacqui is talented, funny, irreverent, gracious and a treat to be around. Catch her in person, coming soon to a town out West near you. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 14 Jul 10 - 01:59 PM I am enjoying the updates. Looking forward to pics. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Desert Dancer Date: 14 Jul 10 - 12:51 PM Another L.A. resource for "what's on"(on the music front): Folkworks ("Folk Happenings" is the calendar link). Have fun! ~ Becky in Long Beach about to drive back to Tucson today, flying to NJ on Saturday |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 14 Jul 10 - 11:13 AM A long day yesterday, driving down Highway 1, the scenic route. Once we were on it really wasn't practical to try to get to 101 and so we had a very long drive! Steve is now my hero - he did all the driving and managed the winding roads excellently. We stopped at Carmel By The Sea and went for a paddle in the Pacific. This is a beautiful little town with architecture ranging from Spanish to Olde English. It looked quite an expensive place - lots of little boutique type shops as we drove down. We took photos of a very fat squirrel that seems to live in a dead tree by the seashore - I'll try and get some photos onto flickr when I can. Further down we stopped at an elephant seal rookery - those are amazing creatures! Sharon told Lewis that one of them looked like Daddy when he was asleep. The scenery was amazing - such a wild looking coast line and with the hills stretching up on the other side. We saw a mailbox with the number 77000 - miles away, it seemed, from anywhere and wondered who delivered the mail and how often. The occasional house down toward the sea got us wondering about the logistics of living in such a place - having to travel for hours just to get the basic groceries necessary for daily living. Lewis was amazed to see a helicopter hovering over the ocean, but lower in the sky than the road we were travelling. With stops we spent about seven hours in the car yesterday but he was brilliant, enjoying the passing scenery all the way down. I must admit that we all breathed a bit of a sigh of relief to get to flat straight roads at last and to finally settle into a Travelodge in San Luis Obispo for the night. Today we travel on to LA - we still have to book a hotel there, but are taking advice from Mary Katherine re suitable areas. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 14 Jul 10 - 08:58 AM Hi! Just heard from Chris and Hope. They will visit the last week in July so I will have a baby of my own to show off. Prince pATRICK IS COMING TO mAINE. lol sEAMUS WILL BE WITH ME THIS WEEKEND. tHOUGHT HE COULD USE SOME FEMALE COMPANIONSHIP. dAMN cAPSLOCK! Wonder how he will react to no Oed to torment him. Air conditioner installed in sunroom so he will have a comfortable bed. Auntie SINS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Mary Katherine Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:30 AM Jacqui: Holler if you have time for a visit while you're here in L.A. Also, if you have time for any live music, there's lots on my web site at www.aliveandpicking.com And of course the young one will enjoy Disneyland, but you'll need to mortgage Kendall to pay for the admission tickets. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 13 Jul 10 - 11:26 AM Here we are chez ClaireBear, having enjoyed wonderful hospitality and a good night's sleep. Lewis slept in the meadow with Martin, a real adventure for my little kid, who enjoyed the event. We have been copiously wined and dined and Claire and I had a chance to catch up after everyone else had gone to bed. We're just getting ready to go to breakfast with the Bears and then off for a train ride into the redwoods before continuing the journey south. Right now we're still looking to find suitable accommodation in LA, but should be able to sort that out today. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: GUEST,KOKO Date: 13 Jul 10 - 10:13 AM I pay big bucks for sweaty Irish man. Yum Yum! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 13 Jul 10 - 09:44 AM All sounds really great!!! BTW Jacqui.....You do realize of course that El Swanno as a founding partner in Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan....Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire rendered his services to you without the normal charges, not even the special Mudcat rate. I'd appreciate it if you would keep up the fine publicity for our services as we need more time doing nothing and what with the economy and all, fewer folks are willing to pay for us to do nothing for them. Even Rick's billable hours are down and being deceased he's available anytime and anywhere, even multiple places at once! So tell your friends and all you might meet that you have been well cared for by: Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire "When doing sweet damn all is simply too damn much, call LFPS We do nothing for you...Its the least we can do....the very least" Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 13 Jul 10 - 08:05 AM LOL Claire - she's not wearing the black leather jacket is she? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 13 Jul 10 - 04:41 AM If they drove off the Golden Gate Bridge, they must have driven back on again, because the entire party converged upon my house just in time for appetizers. Right now Lewis and Martin are tucked all snuggily buggily ruggily, as we like to say, in sleeping bags and cots in the outdoor bedroom in the meadow (Lewis' first campout!); Jacqui, Sharon and Steve are ensconced in the guest house; and I've just finished my day's work, an hour of which had to wait until everyone else had toddled off to sleep. Now it's me for the meadow and my own humble cot. I can assure Jacqui's devoted following that she is being well cared for and will be returned to Maine in top form -- that's if my husband will let her leave; I believe he quite fancies her! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:31 PM WOW I read that as "it's out to drive off the Golden Gate Bridge." LOL Did you get to go down Lombard Street? All esses and steep turns. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 12 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM He sure can Amos. I hope one day he can make it to Maine and we can return the hospitality. Right now we're trying to book the rest of our trip, with accommodation in La, flights to LV and hotel accommodation at the Excalibur in LV. It all has to be tied in - a bit of a juggling act altogether! After that, it's off to drive out to the Golden Gate Bridge and then head for Santa Cruz. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:32 PM I can think of worse company to share a cellar with Jacqui !! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM That Swanno can be a real gent when he puts his mind to it, eh? A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 12 Jul 10 - 11:32 AM SINS, LF. CELLAR!!!!! Last day in San Francisco today. We're heading out to the airport to pick up a hire car and then on to ClaireBear's where we will be staying tonight. I think that we will try to get some form of transport across the Golden Gate Bridge before we leave the city - maybe using the commuter buses, as we can leave our luggage to the hotel while we do that. We spent the day walking the Fishermans Wharf area, taking in the sights and buying souvenirs. We went to the Maritime Park and looked over the ships there, including the Balclutha, which had three separate careers, and the Eureka - formerly a ferry across the Bay. We rode a cable car and got a taxi back to the hotel, up and down some really steep streets. Both rides were a real experience! Last night I got to go out with Dave Swan to a session at the Plough, run by Chantyranger. I've acquired a new CD by Riggy Rackin, that I shall be listening to very soon and chatted with Lani Herman. There was another young lady, whose name I didn't get, but who was at the Press Room in June for Barry's sing. She's playing Hamlet on Alcatraz in October so we had a chat about Shakespeare. Altogether a very enjoyable evening. Many thanks to Dave for being kind enough to go way out of his way bring me right back to the hotel last night. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jul 10 - 09:03 AM WE are not amused. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:59 AM Sorry SINS ! Beat you to it ! LOL |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:49 AM Looks like Lewis is going to have a LOT of memories Jacqui ! Aint catters nice Folk ?? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:07 AM 100! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 12 Jul 10 - 08:06 AM 100 |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Jul 10 - 12:44 AM Sounds like you're having adventures every stop along the way! Good for you! SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:59 PM I know Lewis would have loved it but please tell me you did not spend the night in the pokey. You'll all be deported. LOL |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Ebbie Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:53 PM I think not, therefore I ain't. Back to the travels |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:22 PM I must say, Jacqui has a fine arm for hoisting a protest sign, much to her daughter's mortified chagrin. We were "swept up" by Chanteyranger and my friend Jim in the verbal fray between longshoremen and unionbusters yesterday at the Hyde Street Pier. I am pleased to report that jacqui and I held our own, to the tune of "Solidarity forever," against the figuratively slime-coated (technically frock-coated) vintage 1901 corporate lawyer who had the temerity to accuse the union supporters of being lazy and shiftless. Chanteyranger, Jim, Jacqui, Martin, and ClaireBear, lazy and shiftless? I think not! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: VirginiaTam Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:19 PM good to know you are all having a fine time. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:42 AM As it happened the cloud cover peeled off and we had an absolutely balmy afternoon. I did a weddnin' in Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Poifect! A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 11 Jul 10 - 12:32 AM Sins - we inspected the pole but stayed a healthy distance away. We had a great day out with Claire and Martin, who is a matter of three months older than Lewis. The boys got on extremely well and had a terrific time at the Exploratorium, as did Steve, in particular. It was lovely to spend some time with Claire - we've been hatching plans for the Getaway already. We made use of the trams - an experience in itself as they get stuffed so full that no one else can get on. Getting off at one stop was impossible as we couldn't fight our way through the crowd before the driver took off from the stop! We waited for Dan, Claire's husband, to join us in the courtyard of the Cannery, where a guy murdered quite a number of folk tunes on harmonica and flute, using his foot to bang little cymbals. Dan asked if we should reward him for his efforts (coming in late he hadn't heard much of the performance) but we told him no - don't encourage such 'talent'. We found a great restaurant, serving amazingly good food, and were treated to dinner by Claire and Dan before finding our way back to the tram stop to take us back downtown. Lewis is eagerly looking forward to meeting up with Martin again on Monday, when we break our journey south to stay with Claire overnight. Right now he's tucked up in bed fast asleep after his long day, and I won't be long following his example. Night all. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 10 Jul 10 - 08:09 PM Toured the fire station???? Did you get to slide down the pole? I am jealous. Mary |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 10 Jul 10 - 07:12 PM If I recall correctly, ClaireBear is just blocks from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose. Amazing place. Just accross the street is a free park called the Rose Garden, a nice place to eat a bag lunch. San Jose also has the Winchester Mysterey House, if you want the city's ultimate turist trap. A visit to the Performing Arts Center, which looks a bit like a German cake, costs nothing. It was designed by Fran Lloyd Wright's firm. You can pet a carved rock bear by Benny Bufano. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Peter Kasin Date: 10 Jul 10 - 01:02 PM Jacqui, if you get back to Fisherman's Wharf, come over to the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. it's living History day today. You'll find me in 1901 period clothing, leading a strike of sdailors (reenactment of 1901 SF waterfront strike).Just ask a ranger and they'll point me out to you, and come over aqnd say hello. Chanteyranger (Peter) |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:50 PM In spite of the cold weather this morning we had a great day. We started out on a tour bus that took us all around the Downtown area and to Fisherman's Wharf. That gave us an idea of what was around and we then hopped on and off the buses, finishing up at Fisherman's Wharf looking at tacky souvenirs and warmer clothing! We spent the afternoon in Piedmont with Dave Swann, who took one very delighted kid (and three equally delighted adults) to his fire station for a full tour and a ride in a big red fire engine. The view from the top deck of the fire station was amazing - right across the bay to San Francisco and up into the hills. Such a beautiful view and such a quiet spot. Lewis ended up with lots of goodies to do with the Piedmont fire station - some of which will be shared with his class at school. Many thanks to Dave and his mates for such a terrific time. We ended up having a drink with Dave before heading back into SF for food and a rest. Lewis, who has been bouncing off the walls, having had a large coke and chocolate this afternoon, has just fallen asleep and I probably won't be long following his example. Tomorrow we're out with ClaireBear and son - it's amazing how many wonderful people the 'Cat has let me meet. Good night all. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:20 PM From today's news: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38135809/ns/travel-destination_travel/ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 09 Jul 10 - 11:09 AM The weather report says it should start warming up later on and tomorrow in earnest (although I am sure you've heard that famous Mark Twain quip about the coldest winter he ever spent being a summer in San Francisco). Definitely a place for which dressing in layers is advisable! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 09 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM I don't think we'll need sunscreen - just checked the weather report and it looks like it's a good thing we brought sweaters! It seems that even San Diego had a record low temperature yesterday and my son-in-law is making noises about getting a pair of jeans to wear, instead of the shorts that were packed! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 09 Jul 10 - 12:36 AM Stay cool! Use your sunscreen! Have fun! SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 08 Jul 10 - 11:05 PM Hooray, you're here! I'll call you in the morning. Pleasant dreams. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Janie Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:43 PM And so it begins....Jacqui's (and grandson's et. al.) excellent adventure! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:36 PM We're in the hotel - Lewis and I are watching Harry Potter and trying to stay awake for a while longer to get in sync with West Coast time. We had a great cab ride with a running commentary from the mad taxi driver - cheaper than the shuttle and much more fun. The hotel is old, small rooms, but clean and comfortable. We found food and wine so we're all fairly happy right now. Tomorrow we're looking at the tour bus - one complete trip and then go round again, hopping off as takes the fancy. Amos - it doesn't look as if we'll make it down to San Diego - we'll most likely fly from LA to Las Vegas. Trying to fit in all that it would be good to do would take more time than we have. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Alice Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:09 PM Plenty of room at the hotel California Any time of year, you can find it here. Have FUN! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 08 Jul 10 - 06:43 PM Welcome to California, sistah Jacqui! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Ebbie Date: 08 Jul 10 - 10:50 AM And so it begins. Happy, happy, Jacqui. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bobert Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:38 AM Does the plane shake if it's flyin' over an earthquake??? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Becca72 Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:26 AM Sins, that's just California getting ready for their arrival... :-) |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 08 Jul 10 - 09:10 AM 5.4 earthquake in Southern California. LOL They are probably still in flight. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:54 AM Alcatraz usually has tickets available at the ferry. Give it a try. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: maeve Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:18 AM Safe and happy trails, Jacqui. maeve |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:11 AM We're in a hotel in Boston, just getting ready to get to Logan Airport for the flight to San Francisco. It's still very warm here so lower temperatures on the West Coast would be welcome. We're being entertained by Claire Bear on Saturday and Dave Swan (work permitting) on Sunday. We tried to get booked for Alcatraz, but the website kept crashing and, by the time we got through, there were no tickets for the time of our stay! Further reports to follow. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 07 Jul 10 - 11:06 PM We haven't seen 60 since mid-May, I think. :) |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bev and Jerry Date: 07 Jul 10 - 05:16 PM The current temperature on our front deck is 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Do you need another reason to come to Cambria? Bev and Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 07 Jul 10 - 10:17 AM is La Jolla (La Hoya) near San Diego? I recall many years ago seeing people hang gliding off of a tall cliff there and sailing out over the ocean. i think they landed back on land...looked like fun.http://flytorrey.com/cms/ La Jolla is part of the San Diego area. I live right on the edge of La Jolla, just east of it. The glider port is just north in the section called Torrey Pines because of the State Park by that name where the rare Torrey Pines grow. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: open mike Date: 07 Jul 10 - 02:26 AM is La Jolla (La Hoya) near San Diego? I recall many years ago seeing people hang gliding off of a tall cliff there and sailing out over the ocean. i think they landed back on land...looked like fun.http://flytorrey.com/cms/ i was in Lost Wages once...for a protest march...against nuclear bomb testing in Mercury, a place about 60 miles north. We marched about 10-12 miles a day and after a week arrived at our destination. there is a mountain near there, i think it is mt.Charleston, that had snow on it. this was in the spring, so there might not be any there now, but it is quite close to Las Vegas... unfortunately there has been a forest fire there but it might be cooled down by the time you get there..20 acres were scorched. http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/24111655/detail.html this place might be a nice place to go for lunch.. http://mtcharlestonlodge.com/ maybe there are chipmunks there... http://www.vegas.com/attractions/outside_lasvegas/mountcharleston.html head for the hills!! to escape the 120 degree heat... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Charleston http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf/districts/smnra/index.shtml wherever you go, let us know how you like it!! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Janie Date: 07 Jul 10 - 01:12 AM Long Beach Aquarium, not too far south of LA is pretty nifty, but I bet the aquarium at Monterey is even more interesting. Monterey, Point Lobos, and the Pacific Coast Highway are must do. A bit out of your way, but if you can make it to Huntington Gardens at Pasadena, they are fabulous. The Ghetty Museum in LA is also very nice, with a lovely garden to boot. Marina Del Ray is a great place to gawk at fancy sailboats. Also fabulous, in Los Angeles, are the buskers along the pedestrian mall in Santa Monica. (At least on a weekend night.) Venice Beach is worth strolling just for the show. There is also a Buddhist center in Pacific Palisades with lovely gardens. I forget the name, but as best I recall, it is on Sunset Blvd. shortly before the blvd. drops down to the coastal highway. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Janie Date: 07 Jul 10 - 12:55 AM Nice hiking trails in Will Rogers State Park, in Pacific Palisades, LA. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Becca72 Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:42 PM My ex and I did Phoenix/Grand Canyon/Vegas/Mexico all by car in about 5 days... 2.5 weeks is plenty of time to see all those sites and more. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:02 PM The question, of course, is which class it has. Further, deponent sayeth not... |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:15 PM Oh I don't know, Amos. I disinctly remember a platinum blonde, middle-aged woman in too tight capris complaining loudly in Atlantic City claiming that that she "hated NJ. Las Vegas has class." Get ready for classy, Jacqui. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 06 Jul 10 - 12:40 PM If go to Vegas you must, Jacqui, my dear, go forewarned: it is a loud and vulgar place, that would qualify for inclusion as an extra circle in Dante's depiction of hell, but it does have a certain animal exuberance which offsets the crawly side. I will be interested in hearing your impressions!! A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 06 Jul 10 - 11:48 AM It is amazing to learn that The Kendall himself can be mistaken about something as fundamental as baseball. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:35 AM They are going to Las Vegas, guys. Live with it! LOL I have never set foot in the place and successfully avoided several conventions in the town. Unfortunately, I had to do Atlantic City - poverty stricken as well as tawdry. Anyway, the young man and I went to a ball game last night. On the way there, he mentioned that his grandfather, AKA Kendall the Grump,had opined that baseball is boring and silly with a bunch of grown men running around chasing a ball. Our team (took me three innings to figure out who that was) was down by two runs, had a man on first and another on third. My companion was on the edge of his seat fixated on the batter. "Just a home run and we win". I asked him if he was bored and he laughed. Didn't like the time outs, though. I love night time baseball. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Dave Swan Date: 05 Jul 10 - 11:38 PM Be sure to check your PM's , Jacqui. D |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 05 Jul 10 - 01:21 AM We've been hearing too much news about Arizona and Texas border crossings and all of the drug violence. If the members of the party who are determined to go to Las Vegas can be pursuaded to change their minds about that part of the trip, I agree with Joe, it really is a long and very hot drive. I've made that kind of long trip many times (different destinations, but over long uncomfortable stretches of ground during difficult weather). It isn't for the faint of heart. I don't go to Vegas unless there's no way to avoid it. Usually it involves an airport and changing planes. And that is another option - have them hop on an air shuttle from LA to LV. Better than driving and probably pretty cheap. SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 05 Jul 10 - 12:26 AM TJ is not dangerous, at least in the main parts of the tourist zones. I think it is one of those cases where media stories get blown out of proportion. But it is probably better not to go over if you don't have a US passport, these days. It's a long slow shuffle to get across the border into the US, depending on time of day. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Deckman Date: 04 Jul 10 - 10:35 PM Stay the heck AWAY from Mexico. bob(deckman)nelson |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Joe Offer Date: 04 Jul 10 - 09:06 PM Yeah, I think I'd agree it's best to stay out of the desert in the summertime. I've worked a lot of desert areas in summer. It's doable, but not pleasant. Still, I had a wonderful time in El Centro one July, dancing to conjunto music with a beautiful woman and drinking big schooners of beer with salt and peppered lime. Something about the heat and the sweat and the beer and the dancing.... Oh, wait, this isn't THAT kind of forum. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Barbara Shaw Date: 04 Jul 10 - 08:52 PM I personally like to take a bus tour when visiting a new city. Let them show you all the tourist spots, explain some of the history, point out spots that you can then visit later. Have done that in San Francisco, lived in LA and San Diego, visited Vegas and Tijuana. All worth seeing in their own way, but way too much to see in 2 or 3 weeks. Go for the overviews and then pick out what you want to go back to. Go with someone who knows their way around in Tijuana. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: michaelr Date: 04 Jul 10 - 04:51 PM Jacqui, I would strongly advise you to AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE the tawdry, kitschy rip-off tabernacle to mammon that is Las Vegas. There truly is no there there. While based in SF, I'd recommend an excursion north on Hwy 101 to see the giant redwoods and dramatic coastline, not to mention the Wine Country. I live in Santa Rosa, an hour north of SF, and from here it's not far to Mendocino and the Avenue of the Giants. Happy trails, Michael |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 04 Jul 10 - 03:43 PM Mudcatter Mudlark also lives just east of Cambria ina town a few miles south of Paso Robles. Lovely lady with a singing voice that will give you shivers of delight. You might try PMing her to see if she's up for a visit. A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bev and Jerry Date: 04 Jul 10 - 03:35 PM pdq: Jill Knight has lived in Cambria for many years and sings in the local joints. We don't know her but there are a few local folkies and most of us get together on the first Monday of the month. SRS: Hearst Castle has four different tours although they overlap to some extent. For example, we think all four include the Neptune Pool which is outside and has fabulous statuary around it. Some tours include the indoor pool as well. We think Cambria is the greatest getaway spot in the U.S. It's off the beaten path and has about 7 or 8 thousand residents. There are lots of motels and, if you don't insist on being across the street from the beach, they're not too expensive. We even have a hostel! You can take the tours of Hearst Castle or Piedras Blancas Light Station and there are more than 200 wineries in our county with about half of them offering tasting. There are lots of shops and no chain stores. You won't find a lot of 'made in Taiwan' junk here - only quality merchandise, much of it created by local artists. The climate is perfect. It has never dropped to freezing at our house in 23 years and if it gets over 75 degreees it makes the front page of the weekly newspaper. There's no movie theater here but we do have a live theater venue. In fact, Jerry has the male lead in a play opening on August 6 and is rehearsing most nights. That's why we moved here from the Los Angeles area when we became full time musicians in 1987. Bev and Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 04 Jul 10 - 02:18 PM I believe this lady now lives in Cambria... http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jillknight |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 04 Jul 10 - 01:13 PM Bev and Jerry, I'm glad you added to this! So is my friend in Ventura right, is Cambria itself a nice destination for a few days away from the chaos that is that whole urban area that stretches out from LA? I'm sure that is the place she mentioned heading to when she wanted to get away. I loved visiting the Hearst Castle. I had an acquaintance years ago whose father was the supt of that California State Park, and heard a lot of interesting stories about the behind the scenes stuff. I wish there was more time on the tours, and I think there are two or three to choose from. If you're there and there are a couple, you may want to make a couple of reservations and see different parts of it. SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bev and Jerry Date: 04 Jul 10 - 02:31 AM "Hearst Castle, the house William Randolph Hearst had California arts&crafts period architect Julia Morgan design for his lover Marion Davies, is right near Cambria (just north of where I was just talking about)...it's a tourist Mecca, and definitely non-folkie. Do your research; I think you may have to reserve a tour time in advance." This is not quite true - two mudcatters (us) live in Cambria! We're less than a mile from Highway One. This highway, from Carmel to Cambria, is probably the most scenic drive in the U. S. so don't miss it. Give it three hours to make the 100 miles. Hearst Castle is definitely worth a visit but do make reservations on line. Another very nice tour is Piedras Blancas Light Station, a few miles north of the castle. No reservations here. Just show up at the abandoned motel about a mile and a half north of the station any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday by 9:45 AM. If you show up on Thursday we will be your tour guides if you ask for us. Allow 3 hours total. Have a great time. Bev and Jerry |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Jul 10 - 08:35 PM Jacqui, I worked a couple of years in Arizona at the other end of the state, as a National Park Ranger in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. That park is a "winter park" and doesn't get much traffic in summer. Grand Canyon is very high elevation so it is cooler than the rst of the state, but it gets much of it's traffic in the summer simply because that is when Americans take vacations and the most foreigners visit. So it's a long (crowded) hot drive to get there to look over the rim, north or south (South Rim is most popular). Instead of that, I would suggest you find out if there is a flight that tours over the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, and see it that way. You'll see more of it, you'll be more comfortable, and when you consider the time, gas, lodging, and all of that, the flight is probably a reasonable alternative. I just googled it and see $125 air tours from Vegas to Grand Canyon. Take your time now and research these folks - get the names of a few companies and then look them up through the Better Business Bureau: http://southernnevada.bbb.org/checkbusinesscharity.asp. It's worth your time to find out who gets a good rating - don't just go with the lowest price. The entire trip will be better if you do a few things well versus a bunch of things quickly. I think the visit and singing in San Diego with Amos sounds great - every time a Mudcatter visits him down there they rave about the visit. I think the folks you're planning to see in Oakland or San Francisco sound great - again, they're locals, they'll show you the things they know are the best ones and avoid the tourist traps. I'd think twice about going to Tijuana - I've been there, but in better times. Again, ask Amos (go with Amos!). Hoover Dam is interesting, a short day trip out from Vegas, and if you want to drive into Arizona a little way along there, you can see some of the Sonoran Desert landscape. But with the time you have, I'd spend time visiting sites en route. Joshua Tree is an amazing place, and though you'd have to detour a bit, take I-10 to see it then take some state highways up to I-40 and over to Hwy 95 north (probably better than driving through the Mojave National Preserve - a lovely area, but few amenities - ask Amos) you'd definitely get a good long look at the American desert southwest. I worked at Hoover Dam very briefly, it doesn't take long to see it but it does, as they say, blow your hair back. :) Have fun, and I'm sorry you're not coming through Texas! SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 03 Jul 10 - 04:55 PM I know enough to make sure that we have a full tank of gas, an air conditioned car and plenty of bottles of water before setting off for a drive through the desert. Any other tips from those who know? |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 03 Jul 10 - 03:20 PM Not to be a downer, but it seems that this trip is not planned well, especially involving the huge distances and the extreme temperatures of the southwest deserts in mid July. Desert Dancer (note desert) is right when she said "you [New] English folks really do have a hard time getting a handle on the scale of the American west...". Also, the area people usually think of when they say Grand Canyon is close to the center (east-west) of Arizona and is reached by going north from Highway 40 (old Route 66). The best you can do, within a reasonable drive from Las Vegas is perhaps Meadview, about 100 mile drive from the Vegas strip, and that is not the exiting part of the Grand Canyon. The Vegas-Meadview trip goes over the Hoover Dam, a great experience in itself, but that area is probably the second hottest part of the US, behind only Death Valley. Expect temps near 120 F. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Desert Dancer Date: 03 Jul 10 - 01:49 PM That's a good length of time. Sorry that we don't have the space to offer for an L.A. stop... ~ Becky in Long Beach |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 03 Jul 10 - 11:52 AM Well, we've got about two and a half weeks for this trip. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Desert Dancer Date: 03 Jul 10 - 11:50 AM Umm, you [New] English folks really do have a hard time getting a handle on the scale of the American west... happy driving!! :-) (It's 5 hours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.) (It's 5.5 hours from Las Vegas to San Diego.) (It's 8.5 hours from San Francisco to San Diego, on the BOOORRRINNG route.) (And all of that's without stops.) ~ Becky in Long Beach (who drove the 8 hours from Tucson yesterday) |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 03 Jul 10 - 12:08 AM Wal, we can make it a futon in a private room with detached full bath, or an air mattress in another room. All the comforts of home except a couple. :D A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Dan Schatz Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:17 PM Jacqui, you should go to LA and relive the glory days of last January.... More seriously, take your nine year old to San Francisco's cable car museum. It's very small - the true joy is in the cable cars themselves - but it's a lot of fun. We'll talk soon. Dan |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Joe Offer Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:04 PM Hmmm. If I were taking VIPs to the California Coast, I'd walk with them across the Golden Gate Bridge. I can't think of many things more spectacular. And Muir Woods in Marin County (just north of SF) is a great place to see redwoods. My favorite park in California is Point Lobos State Park, just south of Carmel. Lots of tidepools, sea lions, and sea otters - probably the best place in the world to see sea otters. If you have passengers likely to get carsick, stay off Highway 1 - but otherwise, it's a wonderful drive (easier if you go south to north because then you're not on the outside edge of the cliff). And the Wild Animal Park in San Diego is even more interesting than the zoo. Have a nice trip, Jacqui. -Joe- |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Charley Noble Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:02 PM Jacqui- The Grand Canyon is well worth a look. It's amazing what Nature can sculpt over a few thousand years, without our help! Of course if someone filled it full of concrete it would make a very nice parking lot or air field, not to mention a casino or two. Good luck on your trip. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Genie Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:56 PM Jacqui, if you do make it down to San Diego, I recommend Chez Amos - and Balboa Park for jamming too! Them geetar and banjo pickin' animals is sumthin' to see (& hear) too. Heck, you might even take a side trip south of the border down Tijuana way - if you don't mind long lines at the border. There are also some nice Pacific Coast beaches, such as Torrey Pines Park, in the SD area. No cost to hang out there. And if you go to the beach at LaJolla (very near Chez Amos) you can watch the seals and sea lions who have usurped the "children's wading pool" area on the beach there. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bobert Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:46 PM Yeah, just ignore my simple request... Sheesh!!! B~ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:36 PM Actually, while we're in Vegas it's likely that we'll head out to see the Grand Canyon one day - I think that the evenings will be when Sharon and Steve head for the casinos and then Lewis and I will be looking to see what kind of scary or Sci Fi films we can find to watch on TV. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:48 PM How many state lines will she cross with something only legal in California, Bobert? Isn't there anything growing up in those woods of yours, up near those fancy mushrooms you go hunting? We need to send you to the cellar, for even thinking of putting our Jacqui through that! SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Bobert Date: 02 Jul 10 - 06:21 PM Yo, Jacqui... My buddy, Amos, don't sound like he's gonna bring me a bag of weed to the Getaway??? I know, sounds unbelievable seein' as there are weed stores on every corner in California so... ...heck, I figured that seein' as yer there that you could just pick me up a few Oz's??? Okay, maybe just one Oz... I gladly repay ya' fir yer expense at the Getaway and maybe even roll us up one for after the Capt'n nods off... Whaddayathink??? B~ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 02 Jul 10 - 06:16 PM Sounds like Jacqui should take the kid to San Diego (and hold onto some rescue money in case the parents loose their shirts) while the parents head to Vegas. Vegas does have things for kids, but frankly, tagging along at Circus Circus just doesn't strike me as interesting compared to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. And Amos's floorspace. (Amos, Jacqui is Mudcat Royalty. Can you upgrade the offer to a sofa?) SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 02 Jul 10 - 09:11 AM Martin adores the Exploratorium -- and the Monterey Bay Aquarium as well. Great recommendations! I haven't been to the new Academy of Sciences since its rebirth, but I'm sure that'd be grand as well. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 02 Jul 10 - 08:59 AM http://www.calacademy.org/ |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: open mike Date: 02 Jul 10 - 07:51 AM http://geejay.newsvine.com/_news/2009/02/16/2431781-review-the-new-california-academy-of-sciences-san-francisco |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: My guru always said Date: 02 Jul 10 - 04:11 AM Have a fantastic trip Jacqui, safe journeys!! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: open mike Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:03 PM HOW OLD IS THE KID? The exploratorium is a great hands-on science museum for kids of all ages.. and there is an aquariaum at pier 39 and an even better one in Monterey. there may even be one near golden gate park...i remember a round-a-bout donut shaped tank with a current that flows and the fish and sharks swim "up-stream" it is at the CA academy of science. i am 3-4 hours from the bay area, and not likely to be there during your visit. have a good one! Gilroy is a bit inland,but iam fascinated with the circus trees at the Gilroy gardens amusement park. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:49 PM Jacqui: Los Angeles is about 95 miles, perhaps two hours. Las VEgas is about 320 NE of here, a straight shot on I-15. But the Barona Casino can take your money and feed you just as well as the Strip, and the zoo is better for the yonker!! A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Leadfingers Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:31 PM Have FUN Jacqui ! And say Hi to the Family |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 01 Jul 10 - 08:06 PM Sounds like a plan Claire - I'd love to meet up and it wil be good for Lewis to have some company his own age. Spaw - I'm not sure if Lewis would dig that, but I would love to get video for YouTube. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:58 PM Jacqui, I'm free Saturday (July 10) until about 4pm and could come to The City (with Martin in tow), if you'd like yet more company in San Francisco and/or if it doesn't work out to come meet us in Santa Cruz. C |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:39 PM For that I'd come along too. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: catspaw49 Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:28 PM El Swanno is a GREAT idea! How can you pass up a tour guide who is also a founding partner in Lane, Fielding, Patterson, and Swan---Layabouts-At-Large and For Hire. Ya' know, he used to do this high-dive act in fishnets and half a gorilla suit where he lands in a fire helmet filled with lime jello....Maybe your grandson would dig it. I dunno' if it is part of the tour but................. Spaw |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 01 Jul 10 - 07:19 PM Thanks for all those suggestions. We will be flying into SF on July 8th for four days and then start down south - no plans set as yet except that both my daughter and son in law want to spend a couple od days in Las Vegas, where I will be the babysitter while they check out the casinos. I emailed Sharon the web address for this thread and, when they get bak from Florida at the weekend, we will be working on an itinerary for the rest of the trip. Amos - if it is at all possible I would like to get to San Diego. What's the distance from LA and to LV from you? Chanteyranger - won't be there for the 3rd, but might take you up on the park - I would think that there will be stuff there to interest the youngest member of the party! Maeve - what a lovely idea! I'm sure that Kendall would be delighted to see you and any 'treasures' that you might bring. Dave - that sounds like a great idea - it is always useful to have a local guide to some of the hidden places in a city. I'm getting quite excited about this trip! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Peter Kasin Date: 01 Jul 10 - 06:57 PM Will you be in SF July 3rd? If so, come to the monthly chantey sing aboard the ship Balclutha, Hyde Street Pier, fisherman's wharf, which runs from 8pm to midnight. PM me to trade contact info, if you'd like. If not that night, if you visit San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park during the day, please ask for me at the ticket booth on Hyde Street Pier. I'm a park ranger there, and the booth will call me on the 2-way radio. If the timing doesn't work out, have a great time in SF! Chanteyranger |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:17 PM Hell, just go visit him at the Fire House. If you're lucky he'll let you slide down the pole... A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Dave Swan Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:01 PM If I can get off duty I'll be happy to play tour/music guide in the SF area. I'm just across the bridge in Oakland. I'll PM you w/details within the next day or two. Hope to see you. It's been fun w/every other M'cat I've been able to host. Cheers, D |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Ebbie Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:01 PM I'll second Amos's recommendation(s) of the San Diego Zoo, and especially the Wild Animal Park a few miles out of town. The open-air train circles the property and one watches the animal herds roam around, from cheetahs, lions, elephants, springbok, antelope, hippos and rhinoceros, exotic goats and sheep. And more. It is quite a place. Oh, and don't miss the butterfly pavilion. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: maeve Date: 01 Jul 10 - 02:55 PM Have wonderful trip, Jacqui. Come home safe and sound. Shall we take turns dumping yard sale treasures in your garage to keep Himself entertained in your absence? maeve |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: VirginiaTam Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:24 PM links to all below found here GO Los Angeles Attractions available exclusively on the Go Los Angeles Card. Universal Studios Hollywood (Bonus Choice exclusively with 3, 5, and 7 Day Cards) Starline Tours: Hollywood Trolley Tour Kodak Theatre Guided Tour Warner Bros. Studio VIP Tour Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier Los Angeles City and Movie Stars Homes Tour Paramount Pictures Studio Tour Six Flags Magic Mountain LEGOLAND California Knotts Berry Farm Aquarium of the Pacific Autry National Center Museum of the American West Belmont Park Cabrillo Marine Aquarium California Heritage Museum California Science Center Discovery Science Center Hammer Museum Harbor Excursions: North and South Bay Tours Harbor Excursions: Whale Watch Heritage Square Museum Hollywood Museum Japanese American National Museum K1 Speed Indoor Karting LEGOLAND California Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens MOCA Grand Avenue Museum of Tolerance NEW! Madame Tussauds Hollywood Petersen Automotive Museum Queen Mary Red Line Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour Santa Monica Historical Society Museum Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Skirball Cultural Center Sony Pictures Studios Tour Spirit Cruises: Long Beach Spirit Cruises: San Pedro Spirit Cruises: Super Circle Cruise Spirit Cruises: Whale Watch Spokes N Stuff Rentals Spokes N Stuff Rentals Griffith Park The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Wild Rivers Waterpark Zimmer Childrens Museum |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: VirginiaTam Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:12 PM while still in SF redwood forest does he like dinosaurs? la brea tar pits different stuff on santa monica pier |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: gnu Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:09 PM Kendall... make a list and prioritize. Just keep the list where she can't find it. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 01 Jul 10 - 01:08 PM pdq has a point about the redwoods. You could go north to Muir Woods from San Francisco to see them, or make a side trip to Big Basin in my neck of the woods -- which might actually make staying near Santa Cruz a good idea. In which case, I know just the place (see PMs)! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:56 PM It's actually called 17 Mile Drive, but due to inflation... The Carmel area, Point Lobos and Big Sur areas area must. Also redwood trees, if you will likely see California only one time. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Amos Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:53 PM If you have time, the meandering coastal highway from SFO down (US 1) is well worth the windy driving. Now listen, you COULD swing through San Diego, Jacqui--it's only a couple hours more and MUCH more temperate than Las Vegas. If it is gambling you are set on we have several excellent casinos (as long as you don't get kidnapped by Red Injuns). (Just kidding...). And you get free floor space in town!! Think about it. The boy might like Sea World, our world-famous Jail for Whales, and we have the best zoo on the Western Half of the country. And there's Wild Animal Park where the animals roam wide-open spaces and the people stay on board the train. Awesome!! A |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:47 PM Pick up lunch fixings at Bruno's Market in Carmel-by-the-Sea, and then head south on Hwy 1 and stop at Point Lobos (home of the world's most photographed cypress tree) for a quick seacliff hike. Lovely spot for a picnic! |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: pdq Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:39 PM After arriving in San Francisco, visit the Maritime Museum and drive around enough to see a few landmarks like Coit Tower and Golden Gate Park, the get the heck out of town. Do not stay in The City for even one night. Try Half Moon Bay the first night, then drive down Highway 1 and enjoy the scenery. Later on the trip, drive through Cannery Row and the Carmel area, perhaps visit the Montery Bay Aquarium or see a butterfly tree. Also the area known as 19 Mile Drive. The idea of staying in Morro Bay is a good one. Everything south of Pacifica and north of Santa Barbara is nice. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: kendall Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:30 PM ...I'm all alone in the world... |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:30 PM Hearst Castle, the house William Randolph Hearst had California arts&crafts period architect Julia Morgan design for his lover Marion Davies, is right near Cambria (just north of where I was just talking about)...it's a tourist Mecca, and definitely non-folkie. Do your research; I think you may have to reserve a tour time in advance. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: ClaireBear Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:25 PM Not that it's reasonably priced, but The Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is famous for its unusual rooms. Check out the website at least: http://www.madonnainn.com/index.php. Be sure ancd click on the rooms for pictures. In general, the San Luis Obispo/Morro Bay/Oceano part of the central coast will probably be better for your budget than the more upscale Carmel/Monterey and Santa Barbara areas. Mind you, I haven't stayed in hotels on the west coast for many years...I camp, or drive home. So my info may be way out of date. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Stilly River Sage Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:23 PM Darn thing didn't post before. I have friends and family in the LA area, but that statement is rather meaningless, because the area is so huge and they don't have guest rooms (the cost of real estate in California means that some of these folks live in very tiny expensive houses). But I'll email my friend in Ventura and see what she recommends. When she wants to get away, she heads up the coast to Cambria, south of the San Simeon area. She might have a nice stopping over place to recommend. You're picking a very hot time to visit Las Vegas. Hotels there tend to be fairly attractively priced because they want people to hang around and gamble. Avoid the gambling and enjoy the food and the relatively "reasonable" hotel prices, if that's what you end up doing. Hopefully Amos and a couple of the others out there will see this thread and have distinct recommendations (or invitations to stray from your original plans and make a visit!) SRS |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: SINSULL Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:06 PM That line is from a movie about the Great California Earthquake. LOL Disneyworld. SF Pier Sf gets chilly at night even in the summer. Bring a sweater. |
Subject: RE: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: Ebbie Date: 01 Jul 10 - 12:06 PM Have a great time, Jacqui! |
Subject: BS: Jacqui.c visiting California this July From: jacqui.c Date: 01 Jul 10 - 11:56 AM California, here I come! I'm heading across the continent, with my daughter, son in law and grandson, for a couple of weeks, flying into San Francisco for a few days and then driving down Highway 1 to Los Angeles and then over to Las Vegas. We have hotel accommodation in SF but I am wondering if anyone can recommend reasonably priced hotels/motels in the LA region or on the journey between LA and LV. I'd also be interested in knowing what there is to see in the cities and en route that might be of interest to my non-folkie family and, in particular, a 9 year old boy. I would also like to try and meet up with Mudcatters in the areas we will be traveling through, if possible. |