Good Morning, it is a great day to fly!

I have now checked in and am sitting in the lounge, just finished my coffee and muffin. I still have a bit of time before boarding so just sitting back and relaxing.

I am not sure what you will be doing tomorrow, but I will be at 30,000 feet enjoying my first meal on the way to San Francisco:

Lunch 

Beef Adana kebab with cucumber, green olives and roasted garlic yoghurt. (small plate)

Native to Turkish cuisine, minced beef is combined with onion, parsley and a range of spices then traditionally cooked over charcoal. Served with cucumber ribbons, green olive cheeks, fresh parsley and Greek yoghurt mixed with lemon, garlic and parsley. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of light to medium bodied red ie. Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grilled chermoula chicken with roasted sweet potato, cauliflower tabbouleh and pomegranate dressing. (large plate)

A chicken breast is marinated overnight in chermoula paste then grilled, giving it a light smoky flavour. Served with cauliflower tabbouleh including shaved fennel, walnuts and preserved lemon with roasted sweet potato. The dish is dressed with an emulsion of pomegranate molasses, garlic, cinnamon and olive oil. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of full bodied white ie Chardonnay or light bodied red ie. Pinot Noir.

My arrival is day before actual tour starts so that I can get over the flight, QANTAS 747 direct, and arrived at 9:05am. This gave me an extra day in San Fran to acclimatise, explore and have a good nights sleep in the same hotel as my tour.

Staying for four Nights at The Westin St Francis on Union Square.

The weather here is perfect, blue sky, not too hot or cold. However there is still a layer of fog/mist across the bay, looking forward to finding out more about why that is.

After a shower I decided to head out for a walk around the hotel. I didn't really have any idea what was around so I just wandered.

I ended up on the cable car that went through the city, past Chinatown and down to the bay. I rode on the end of the car with the brakeman (thank you Pete for the suggestion), there is only room for 2. While I had heard about the cable car and steep hills, it is something you have to experience. I loved the houses and apartments on the narrow streets.

At the end of the ride I spent a few hours wandering around Fishermans Warf. You can see the Goldern Gate Bridge (still in fog) and Alcatraz. Then it was time to eat so had some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Seemed like that was the thing to do so when in Rome... it was nice to sit back and watch life go by for a while.

Then back on the cable car into the centre of the city at Union Square and now I am back at the hotel. It is just after 5 so when I finish my blog and upload some photos I will get an early night, starting to feel a bit jet-lagged now.

My tour officially starts today but I have more liesure time today before this evening’s Welcome Dinner.

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The weather is again fine and around 24c. I didn't realise yesterday that I was sunburned, even though it did not feel that warm.

Today I headed onto the hop on hop off bus to get a feel for the city. There are about three different hop on hop off companies and they are all looking for naive tourists to sell their bus tour, obviously on commission. There were about three people at once trying to sell to me, I found that if I shut up, they argued with each other and then I ended up getting a discounted price.

The first stop I got off was at the Golden Gate Bridge. The good news is that the fog had lifted and I had perfect views. Hopefully, the photo's will show it, I did take plenty from every vantage point.

Then it was over the bridge and into Sausalito, a hillside town with a marina and lots of eateries and coffee shops. The weather was about 10c warmer??

Then it was through Golden Gate Park and onto the Haight Ashbury district the home of peace and love.

City hall was off limits with a protest closing the roads (busy day today with also a marathon).

Through tenderloin - the part of the city that is the most racially mixed. Then back to Union square, the next part of the tour went down to the bay but because I was there yesterday I got off.

The welcome dinner was a buffet at the hotel, not a bad meal. Our tour guide is a local San Franciscan called Mark. So far not much difference from Scenic to APT.

I get my bearings as I take in the sights of San Francisco, then absorb the mist-shrouded waterfront along with vistas of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. In the afternoon, I take a ferry to the prison-island of Alcatraz for a guided tour.

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The city tour this morning covered some of the ground that I did yesterday, but it was in a closed coach so not as many opportunities for photos. We stopped at the Civic Centre and Lands End, at the beach on the Pacific ocean, then at the Golden Gate Bridge South Vista. Then it ended at Pier 39 for us to have lunch before the Alcatraz tour.

Pier 39 was a fun place to walk around and of course, see the sea lions. That only started coming to the docks after the last earthquake.

The ferry ride to Alcatraz is only about 15 minutes, the tour is an audio one that leads you around the cells, tells stories of the inmates and attempted escapes.

Vicki as you asked I checked out the availability for the kids, I have some good news and bad news, only the boys can go, so it looks like Aaron and Jake. However, you and Tyla will be able to visit through the visitor windows (i have included some photo's for you).

They did a really good job of organising the tour and we spent a few hours there.

There isn't anything organised for tonight so free time before heading to the Naper valley tomorrow. The weather has still been very good, so hoping for more to continue and it will get to 30's tomorrow. Also there is some smoke around coming from some of there fires still burning here and up into Canada. They tell us that the Yosemite fire is nearly out - hope so because that's where we are in two days!

I step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train today. Relax with a glass of local wine and a multi-course lunch as I pass through lush vineyards. Stopping at Grgich Hills Estate for an in-depth tour and a wine tasting.

After a day in the Napa Valley, I head back to San Francisco via the bay town of Sausalito.

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Another perfect day in San Francisco, leaving after breakfast at a leisurely 9am we boarded the bus to the Napa Valley. The drive was around 2 hours, delayed by about 30 minutes in traffic and an accident.

Our destination was the wine train that served us a three-course lunch with champagne whilst traveling through the vineyards. Not a bad way to spend the day. After a few hours, the train ended up at a winery where we went on a tour and tasting. I had both the champagne and tasted all 5 wines, two whites and three reds.

We met the winemaker who is 95 years old and heard his story from his life in Croatia through to America and his winning wines that beat the French!

Then it was back on the bus to Sausalito where we had free time to walk along the water or visit the cafe's. I did see Paul Newmans yacht the Definance.

Now we are back at the hotel for some free time.

Today, I head to Yosemite National Park in central California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range.

After the journey to Yosemite and then after dinner, I set out on an evening wilderness walk with a local ranger. Under a starry night sky, I'll learn about the nocturnal habits of the region’s wildlife.

Tonight I stay for two Nights at Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge

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Today was mostly a travel day after we left San Francisco and headed towards Yosemite. I really enjoyed San Fran, people were very friendly and there was lots to see and do.

We stopped along the way for a lunch stop, travelled through the countryside that grows our fruits and nuts - such as almonds, around 80% of the worlds almonds are grown in California. Also past the town that designs and makes the US nuclear weapons.

The first thing you notice driving into Yosemite is the number of trees - large trees. We went straight to the hotel to check in and have an early dinner. The hotel is very nice and has a 'lodge' feel. Dinner was steak with a jack daniels bbq sauce.

After dinner we drove further into the park to meet with two rangers. The rangers took us on a walk in the dark through the forest. The stars in sky were amazing, so many given we were out of a city and there was not much other light. We were on the look out for bears, but no luck. They explained the pine needles and cones and how they are used - a good source of vitamen C if you need any. I tasted crickets, but I think I already did that in asia? Anyway, crunchy and a good source of protein. Then to get the most of the experience he left us to walk back one by one on our own in quiet, just to feel what it is like to see and hear in the dark forest (I did have a light on my iphone).

Tonight I stay for two Nights at Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge

I board an open-air tram tour with a local ranger and see the granite monolith of Half Dome, the vertical face of El Capitan and thundering Yosemite Falls.

After an adventurous day, I will attempt to recharge at one of the restaurants within our lodge.

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Next day we headed further into the park. The first thing we noticed was the damage done to the forest from the fire last year and the fire still smouldering from this year. One side of the forest was pink (from the fire retardant dropped from the planes) and the other was black.

When we reached the lodge at the centre of the park we had time to do some exploring. I walked down towards the falls, but.. no water. The falls come from the snow and being September it has all dried up, but the cliff faces were still magnificent.

Then we took a valley floor tour for 2 hours. This is an open trailer/tram that takes us around to the main attractions. I am not sure how to describe the granite mountains and sheer cliffs, it is really hard to give you an idea of scale - they were huge. Apparently as tall as two empire state buildings or three Eifel towers. Some of the famous ones you may of heard of - El Capitan, the half dome (also the north face clothing logo). Climbers were on El Capitan and they looked like ants. It can takes days to scale the mountain, but the record for free climbing, that is without ropes was 1 hour and 58 minutes.

The scenery through the whole park was amazing on what was another perfect day, I will try and get some photo's up soon.

I trade mountains for sea breezes as I head for Monterey. Journing along a 17-Mile Drive, I hope to marvel at Bird Rock and Cypress Point Lookout and spend some time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Staying overnight at the InterContinental - The Clement Monterey

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Today we wondered around Monterey Pier, watching harbour seals and otters. Then a drive along the coast to the Pebble Beach golf course and homes of the rich and famous on Route 19. A visit to Carmel and then off to our hotel on the waterfront.

Staying overnight at the InterContinental - The Clement Monterey

Arriving in Santa Barbara, I visit the Santa Barbara Mission and the Spanish-Revival-style Santa Barbara County Courthouse.

Staying overnight at Hyatt Santa Barbara

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The drive today took us through the 'salad bowl' of America and then onto ranch country, mostly horses. This includes the home of the first real 'horse whisperer' before Robert Redford. Also the location of Michael Jackson's neverland.

While the drives have been long, the scenery has been worth it.

Santa Barbara is just like southern Spain in its architecture and the view from the top of the courthouse is across the mountains and beach. We had some lunch on the main street. Then it was off to Santa Barbara Monastery. These existed along the coast of California and part of the road we travelled on today was known as the King's Highway that is marked by cane shaped bells every 1/2 mile to tell people the direction to travel.

Staying overnight at Hyatt Santa Barbara

Continue along the coast to Los Angeles. On arrival, set out on my chosen activity.

I can choose to explore the Getty Centre or enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studio.

Staying two Nights in Los Angeles at Loews Hollywood Hotel

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After leaving Santa Barbara we drove along the coastline to LA. We drove through Malibu, where there was a triathlon, there are many celebrities that have their homes overlooking the coastline - Oprah, Steven Speilberg etc.

The weather has again been good for us and we arrived at the Loews hotel around lunchtime. The hotel is in Hollywood, next to the Chinese theatre and the walk of fame (all of the stars). Also just near the Dolby theatre the home of the Oscars. There is a film premiere tonight - the house with a clock in its walls, Jack Black and Cate Blanchett.

This afternoon was a tour of Warner Bros Studios, we saw the set of 'the big bang theory' and a new show 'all american'. The lots also had the facades of shows such as Gilmore Girls, Annie, Friends etc. In the archives section they had a floor dedicated to Harry Potter (Kohen - the sorting hat placed me in Gryffindor) and another one for Wonder Women and one more that I have forgotten already. There was also a section with all of the batmobiles as you will see in the photos.

Tonight we had some free time so I went for a walk down the hollywood boulevard. Then dinner at an Italian restaurant where I enjoyed some pasta and a Leminchello Martini.

Staying two Nights in Los Angeles at Loews Hollywood Hotel

I hope to discover the many faces of Los Angeles on today’s city tour, the downtown area, City Hall and Disney Concert Hall. Marvelling at the famous sights along Sunset Strip and scoping out Beverly Hills, then head to Santa Monica. I also explore eclectic Venice Beach and the quaint canal district.

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Today was a city tour starting at Griffith park for views across LA and the Hollywood sign. Then downtown and onto Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills.

I travel through the vast Colorado Desert, via Palm Springs, on my way to Scottsdale today.

Staying  in Scottsdale at JW Marriott Camelback Inn

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Ok, so after leaving Los Angeles we headed to Scottsdale through Palm Springs. I really did not know what to expect there, it is a town just out of Phoneix, Arizona. Basically, it is a part of the desert with lots of cacti. Our hotel had great gardens and views, other than that not much else to really report.

Staying in Scottsdale at JW Marriott Camelback Inn

Today I choose to take in either; the majestic red landscapes and rock formations of Sedona from above during a scenic helicopter flight; experience Sedona’s eclectic art scene as I tour the city’s galleries aboard a jeep; or embark on a rugged Pink Jeep adventure.

After my chosen activity in Sedona, I make my way to Grand Canyon National Park.

This evening, I enjoy dinner overlooking the Grand Canyon.

Staying for two Nights in Grand Canyon National Park, Yavapai Lodge East

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Then onto Sedona, this was a surprise and our first sighting of some of the rock formations. This is where my first helicopter flight took place. I was lucky to have a front seat and the window had a small gap where I could fit my camera through so hopefully good photos without reflection, which is usually a problem. After the flight, we had lunch and a wander through the (tourist) town. Sedona is particularly known for its spiritual vortex, new age, crystals and rocks.

Then it was onto the Grand Canyon. We arrived in the afternoon and had our first glimpse of the rim. The weather has continued to be good and the view was spectacular. it is going to be hard for me to explain - you just have to be here!

Our accommodation were lodges in the park, which meant that we were centrally located. There was a free shuttle bus that drove around the park and could drop you off at different locations.

We also saw a movie at the IMAX theatre with some of the history and scenery of the canyon.

Staying for two Nights in Grand Canyon National Park, Yavapai Lodge East

The next day was when we took the second helicopter. This one was a much more sophisticated chopper (so no gaps in the window for me to put my camera. It was even air-conditioned. This time I sat in the back with a view out of the right side. The pilot had put together a 'mixed tape' for our flight - to give you a taste, when the chopper started it was the batman theme, then as we were lifting off it was the top gun theme, followed by mission impossible as we flew over the edge of the canyon, followed by paradise in the air. The flight was amazing.

After the flight we had some free, it had already been a busy day so when a thunderstorm came in most of us stayed at the hotel and it did not impact us at all. By the late afternoon, it had passed and it was off to a restaurant for dinner and sunset at the rim of the canyon.

Sunrise and sunset itself is not such a big deal as the light just after and before. This is because the canyon is in shadow and the way the light hits the rocks is what gives you the colour.

Amongst the valley’s famous red landscapes, I get up-close to the native cultures during a traditional Navajo experience. Perhaps I will enjoy a scenic flight from Monument Valley to Page.

Then continuing my journey the stunning landscapes of Lake Powell roll into view as I head to my resort.

Staying 1 night at Lake Powell Resort

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After a final breakfast, we said goodbye to the canyon and started towards monument valley and Lake Powell. This is where I took the small plane, but before that, we travelled by jeep through the valley made famous in the movies by John Wayne. As part of the jeep ride we had a traditional American Indian lunch and some singing and dancing.

Then some of us opted for the flight to Page which covered the monuments and Lake Powell. It was also amazing, some reflection from the windows for the photo's but the views were stunning. The lake itself was enormous and I really had not heard much about it before. The flight was also a bit bumpy with a strong headwind, but that just added to the fun!

Our home for the night was at Lake Powell and we had a view across the lake from our rooms. In the morning we took a boat out onto the lake and into one of the gorges, the colours on the rock were spectacular.

Staying one night at Lake Powell Resort

I explore the Lake Powell side of Antelope Canyon on a boat cruise, then head to Bryce Canyon National Park and enjoy a lively Cowboy Show Dinner, yahoo!

Staying 1 night at the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

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Leaving the lake we made our way to Bryce Canyon. All of these national parks are so unique and amazing in their own right. The rock formation at this canyon (it is not really a canyon by the way) reminded me of the terracotta warriors in China. Some many individual rock formations - some have names - salt and pepper, thors hammer. The way the sun hit the rock would make some of them stand out even more.

Tonight we have a cowboy show and dinner and then tomorrow we are off to Zion Canyon before making our way to Las Vegas.

I can't believe the time has flown past so quickly.

Staying one night at the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel

At the border of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, I board a private tram with a ranger and take in the beauty of this famed route.

I then continue on to Las Vegas.

Then I can choose to enjoy one of four spectacular stage shows this evening: ‘Le Rêve - The Dream’; or Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O’, ‘Love’ or ‘KA’.

Staying three Nights at Wynn Las Vegas.

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At the border of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, I board a private tram with a ranger and take in the beauty of this famed route.

We then continue on to Las Vegas.

After a quick break and shower in my room, I headed out for the night. It is hard to describe Vegas, the hotels are like there own cities, there are thousands of people and it has its own buzz.

It was a free night so some of us had dinner at the Bellagio at a restaurant that gave us a view of the fountains and the Eifel Tower. Then it was off to a show Cirque du Soleil’s ‘O’. It was great, the show was mostly on water which made it even more amazing. We had great seats right in the middle of the theatre.

After the show, we watched the fountains a bit more before trying to find a ride back to the hotel. 11:30pm is peak hour in Vegas, no Ubers and long waits for taxi's.

Staying three Nights at Wynn Las Vegas.

After a day at leisure (gambling in the Casinos?), I experience the city on a night-time tour before a Farewell Dinner.

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Today started with a sleep in before a weekend brunch at the hotel's buffet. The brunch buffet is very popular and there are lines to get in. You know why when you get there it had so many things to choose from. Let me give you some idea: - fresh oysters and prawns, hot carved meats, pizza, omelets, pancakes, eggs and normal hot breakfast, pastries, dessert bar, ice cream, Asian, European cold meats and cheeses. I know I have missed things.

I settled for eggs benedict with lobster, freshly made chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate sauce and vanilla bean ice cream, freshly made apple cinnamon crepes with chantilly cream and some orange and white chocolate french toast.

After that, I needed a rest in my room before I am now heading out on the strip.

This morning sees the official end of tour but I have an extra night in Las Vegas to do some of my own exploring.

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Our final tour dinner and night tour of Vegas was last night. I have been to Paris, Venice, saw a volcano erupt and saw the light show in Freeman Street.

I am now getting organised to fly out tomorrow morning. See you all soon.

This morning sees the official end of tour but I have an extra night in Las Vegas to do some of my own exploring.

Headed home today! American Airlines to Fort Worth in Texas then a QANTAS A380 to Sydney direct.

Home Thursday 06:05am 27th September (that dateline is a bugger!).