Los Angeles and heading Home

Cleaned the Motorhome, packed our cases, topped up with fuel (gas) and drove 13 miles to Motorhome Depot.  Thank goodness we invested in an American sim card as Mr Google was able to lead us straight to the Depot without any hassles. Returning the Motorhome was easy and did not take long however bit sad to say goodbye to our travelling companions as we had officially come to the end of the 2018 Route 66 Motorhome Tour.

Shared a shuttle to LAX with two other couples and said our goodbyes as Brian & Marg were flying to Vancouver and Jeff & Dawn were flying back to Australia later that night.  We had to stay overnight as our flight to Brisbane was not leaving until late the next evening. Lucky we happened to be standing in the right area for a shuttle bus to take us to our Hotel which was located in the Airport area.

Had a great sleep in the next day and did not have to check out until noon.  To fill in the day before our late flight out, we booked Star-Line VIP Tours and checked out Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Sunset Strip and had a quick walk around in Beverley Hills.  Back to Sunset Strip, Fox Studios then onto Avenue of the Stars where we walked around for a while.  Grabbed a late lunch at Grove/Farmers Market before heading back to Hotel arriving approx 6.30pm.

Venice Beach

Stalls at Venice Beach

Not too hard keeping Hels out of the shops $$$

Must be looking at the price tag as she is not smiling

Lunch at Grove/Farmers Market

Hollywood - if you look closely you can see the Hollywood sign on the hill

I found this Caddie to be the most exciting thing on the Boulevard

Heading to the airport as the sun sets over Los Angeles

Grabbed our bags and caught the Shuttle to LAX where we changed our clothes, checked in and departed Sunday 21/10 at 10.30pm.  Was a bit tired with days activities so was able to catch some sleep on the flight home.  Touched down in Brisbane at 5.30am on 23/10 - no idea where Monday 22/10 went!!

Lost a day in the clouds somewhere on our return flight to Australia

Back in Australia - never thought the Gateway Bridge could look so good!

What a fantastic experience we have had and many memories of a wonderful trip.  Having said that there is no place like home!

Disneyland

Disneyland Park, originally Disneyland, is the first of two theme parks built at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, opened on 17/7/1955.  It is the only theme park designed and built to completion under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.

Starting the day with line up to enter - it was going to be a long day!

We caught a Shuttle bus just outside the RV Park which took us to Disneyland, about an half hour trip, and instantly knew it was going to be a long day as the crowd was already huge - and that was first thing in the morning! Lining up became a common thing as the day progressed.

The Town Square as you entered Disneyland - had a ride on the horse drawn streetcar

'Its a Small World' was our first ride and although the line to get on was huge, it did not seem to take too long before we were boarding our little boat and being transported through colourful displays inside.  Great ride to start off as went on a couple of other rides however did not enjoy them as much.  So much to see and do and so many people - found out later that we went on one of the busiest days of the year as they had Mickey Mouse Holloween Party starting at 7pm and many were making a full day of it.  This was a private affair so the public needed to be out by 7pm and only guests had exclusive access to Disneyland from then until midnight.

Walked from Fantasyland to Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Adventureland, Tommowland, Critter Country and New Orleans Square. Caught the train and rode around the outer area giving us an indication as to the size of the place - you could also hop on and off the train at various points which saved some walking; had a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat around the Rivers of America which passed through Frontierland; witnessed the afternoon Parade which was great with many Disney characters and bands, along Main Street, USA.  Helen was over it by lunchtime, however I convinced her to stay on for a while longer to experience the Parade!  After the Parade we were both buggered but I "had to" line up for about half an hour to buy an icecream, which gave Helen time to sit and rest. After finishing my icecream we headed straight through the ever growing crowd for the Shuttle Bus and back to the RV Park.  While sitting waiting for the bus heaps of people in costumes started to flood into the Entrance and we later found out that these were guests for the Halloween Party.  Their costumes were full on with whole families getting into character as Pirates, Princesses, Queens and many other Characters.

It was a big day, glad we went and experienced Disneyland however, would we go back? - not in a hurry.  Case of been there done that!

Additional decorations for Mickey Mouses Halloween Party

About to walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle in Fantasyland 

Our first ride - Its a Small World

Its a Small World ride - inside brightly coloured exhibits depicting different countries

About to enter Mickey's Toontown

I was having great fun on the kids rides!

Had to wait in line with the other kids for this photo!

Took a ride on Mark Twain's River Boat around Frontierland

New Orleans Square - never seen so many baby strollers in one place

Stayed for the Parade down Main Street, USA - Shrek participating

Kids eyes lit up with every passing Character

Many movie characters in Parade

Needed to get in early for a good view

Worth half an hour wait in line for this bad boy icecream!

Las Vegas to Los Angeles

Day 21, Las Vegas to Anaheim - 281 miles

Travelled down Highway accompanied by many trucks and cars crossing into California. Passed a road signposted ZZYZX Road!!! Stopped at Peggy Sue's which is an original roadside Diner built in 1954 for a coffee and met up with fellow travellers Bran and Marg.  Eventually left the Highway at Barstow and planned to call into Route 66 Mother Road Museum as had been recommended to see, however was closed for the day.

Back onto I15 Motorway to Victorville, which is home to many relics of Route 66, and called into the California Route 66 Museum which displays many exhibits, a gallery, research library and travel information.  A volunteer called Bill was very helpful and loved a chat which was great however we were in a bit of a hurry!

Tore down I15 Motorway and gave 'Billy' the flick as Mr Google provided a much easier guide to our destination.  Traffic became horrendous but finally made it to Anaheim RV Park in time for Happy Hour plus a combined dinner with whatever food we all had left, and surprisingly it was delicious.

Peggy Sue's Diner was built from railway ties and mortar from the nearby Union Pacific Rail yard in 1954 

We joined Brian and Marg inside Peggy Sue's Diner 

Having a coffee in Peggy Sue's Diner

The Diner is set up as it was back in the 1950s

Gotta love the bee hive hairstyle 

Outside the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow,- unfortunately it was closed on this day.

California Route 66 Museum at Victorville

"Yeah baby"
this display provided dress ups for the photo opportunity.

Driving into Los Angeles, lots of traffic and wasn't even peak hour!.

Last happy hour before we returned the Motor Homes - had to eat and drink all the leftovers.

Our fuel (gas) cost in Motor Home USD

This ends the Route 66 Motor home trip

Las Vegas

Day 18, Zion National Park to Las Vegas - 168 miles


Had a tasty breakfast at the Spotty Dog before driving to Hurricane where we stopped at Walmart for a food stock up.  Not a leisurely drive today as hit the I15 Motorway and travelled all the way to our RV Park at Las Vegas. Had to keep the speed up however journey seemed much better than Motorways we have previously travelled - not as many trucks and road surface much smoother.

Travelled in Utah,  crossed into Arizona then into Nevana - unbelievable to travel through desert country before entering the 28th most populated city in the United States and the most populated city in the state of Nevada.

'Billy' was brilliant in guiding us to our RV Park.  Pulled into the Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort - greeted first by a Security guard with a form to complete then drove onto the Reception for Registration.  There are 935 RV sites and the rigs occupying the sites are absolutely HUGE. Our thoughts were OMG what are we in for!

No caption required!!

Heading towards Las Vegas, very barren countryside.

Freshened up and took a Lyft (Uber) to Downtown (Old Strip) Freemont Experience - a people watchers delight.  Think we walked around with our mouths open in amazement as we  passed so many Casinos all being well patronized.   This area was the original Strip with Casinos towering on each side incl Four Queens, Golden Nugget, Golden Gate, The Plaza to name a few. While walking the strip encountered buskers dancing, singing, playing musical instruments and putting it all out there!! Came across a topless Nun, Chippendale's strutting their stuff, people clad in leather with whips.  I wanted to ride on Zip Lines flying over the strip however wait was 2 hours which meant could be 11pm which was too late for us!  Really enjoyed our visit to the Old Strip as it had such a great fun atmosphere.

Downtown - Old Strip

Walking down the Old Strip - absolutely mind blowing

Zip Lines operating above the Strip - unfortunately did not have a ride

The roof lighting changed with the music

Outside bars with girls dancing on the bar - Hels commented that I should have been watching the band performing!

Day 19 and 20, Free Days Exploring Las Vegas

After coffee we walked 2 km to Las Vegas Premium Outlets and I had a very successful time obtaining purchases for myself!  Walked back to our RV Park for a rest and freshen up before going to the Main Strip - Las Vegas Boulevard courtesy of a Lyft driver.  We were once again gobsmacked as everything was huge and busy.   Went into various Casinos including The Venetian & The Palazzo (canal and gondolas within) and had a lovely Italian dinner there at Trattoria Reggiano. So many up market shops are also in these Casinos not forgetting Restaurants, theatres, accommodation etc etc etc.  Visited Caesars Palace where we got lost and could not find our way out; The Palazzo which displayed a Halloween Garden; watched the Bellagio Fountain charge up and saw the Mirage Volcano blow it's top!  This place is absolutely insane and all comes to life at night - glitz and glamour to the highest degree!  We did not even scratch the surface on what there is to see however after quite a few hours we were exhausted and ordered a Lyft to take us home.

"The Strip" Las Vegas Boulevard

Outside the Venetian & The Palazzo Casinos

Inside the Venetian Casino - had to know what time of day as the ceiling is painted and feels like twilight.

Dining inside the Venetian Casino at Trattoria Reggiano, note the scene through the window.

Just amazing as we walked through the Venetian Casino with the gondolas in the mall - note ceiling design.

Looking down the Strip - so much to see

Across the water is Caesars Palace

The Bellagio fountain in front of the Bellagio Casino 

Hell's Kitchen

Inside Caesars Palace - just one small section

Inside Caesars Palace - took us ages to find our way out, again the ceiling is painted as a sky so was not sure if we were outside or not

The Mirage Volcano, erupts at various intervals during the night.

Our last day in Las Vegas was a rest day - Helen did some washing and I enjoyed a Spa.  Went out to tea with Brian and Marg to 'Hofbrauhaus' serving authentic Bavarian food with a traditional Beer Hall. Understand it is an exact replica of the original Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany.  We had a great night out and the food was absolutely delicious.

Only had one drink at dinner - Hofbrauhaus Restaurant.