Simon dropped me at the car hire place at the airport and it was now down to me to remember how to drive (and how to drive automatic) and get myself to San Francisco. I had decided to go via Route 1 which was not going to be the quickest route but definitely the most scenic. Most of the time Route 1 hugs the West Coast giving access to stunning views to distract the driver. The usual West Coast cloud did not really clear all day so some of the views were a bit l...

The train to Santa Barbara was a double decker - an exciting experience for a Brit but it get delayed going into LA making the experience a little more familiar! I was met at the station my Simon and we drove back to their home. My stay here couldn't be more different to my time with three children under 5 and a crazy Austrailian shepherd dog called Mika to keep me company. I arrived and they were just finishing off a late breakfast and after getting dressed we h...

After an easy taxi ride to the airport and a reasonable flight to Phoenix I officially entered the USA. As befitted "America's friendliest airport" the entry procedure went very smoothly and with several smiles so it was off to enjoy some American airport food before my flight to Santa Ana. I arrived in Santa Ana on time and was met by Adam at the airport who had bought me a present of an Angels of Anaheim baseball cap and t-shirt to wear to the match that eveni...