Halfway down the road JD announced the surprise option of cowboy camp, a real working cowboy ranch. We all jumped at the chance. The ranch was run by Rusty, a 92 year old cowboy, and his younger wife Betty.Everything was set for a great night to finish off this mind blowing trek so with cowboy hat & pistol in hand the party started. Although Rusty & Betty were old they were up for as much as anyone. Betty cooked us steaks & baked potatoes over the cam...

Got to Grand Canyon late on after a never ending drive from vegas. This was the first time we were roughing it in the tents, weather was warm during the day but it didn't half drop during the night, how I longed for morning to come. Anyway, when we arrived we set up camp then set off for the GC to catch the sunset. The first glimpses of the GC blow you away, it so diffuct to explain & understand the size of the thing unless you are there. Sunset was very spec...

Vegas baby! Stayed outside vegas on the first night at a place called Primm Valley (a mini vegas). Decided to relax and get ready for the big time in Las Vegas the next day so the lads just walked round the casino for a bit & got speaking to a professional gambler so got a few tips for the next day. Retired to the room and played some poker with JD (tour leader) joining...$5 a piece and guess who ends up cleaning up! Next day was the main attraction. ...

The 7 day trek of the west has begun and the first stop was Yosemite NP. The whole group (me & gary + 11 others) seem pretty sound and all of the same age so that was a good start. An early start and a long drive was not a good beginning but once we reached the NP it was all good. We were supposed to be camping but it was chucking it with rain, snow lying from the previous week and below freezing temps predicted for that night...so hotel it was. This wasn'...

San Fran is quite a cool place, laid back but lively at night. Met some fun people in the hostel, all up for a laugh & a drink. Me & Gary went out with them all and ended up having a party back at the hostel. The girls got wind of our kilts & offered to make us breakfast in bed if we put them on...tea, toast & cereal in the morning it was then. Went a marathon bike ride (46 miles) with this crazy dutch girl from the hostel over the golden gate bridge & to...