Hello everybody, We arrived in LA last saturday afternoon, and after checking into our hotel we hit the sights with friends Russ and Sarah whom we met in the Cook Islands. We went to Venice beach and Muscle beach and then onto Rodeo drive, the Hollywood sign and the stars in the sidewalk! On the Sunday morning we got picked up by our tour guide Drew and the 13 of us Trekkers hit the open road to the Colorado River where we set up camp in 110 f heat - what a nightmare. No shade and in tent - my worse nightmare. Here we spent one restless night before yet another long drive through the desert to the Grand Canyon. We were led in a line by Drew to the edge with our eyes shut where we were then told to open them to enjoy the view, and what a view it was. Absolutely unbelievable. We were then priveledged to watch the sun set whioch was amazing. The colours were stunning, and in the morning we returned to watch the sun rise. We then camped again which was so much fun!!!!!!!!!! Ben and i did the cooking for 14 that night which went well considering our cooking appliances were only 2 meagre stoves. The next day we headed to civilisation to Las Vegas. Here we spent 2 nights in the Motel 6 opposite the MGM Grand enjoying all Vegas had to offer. Had an out of the world time exploring all the stunning and over the top hotels. Hillarious. Saw the Bellagio water fountain show, Pirate show at Treasure island, the 2.2 billion dollar Winn Vegas hotel and we then went on the rides which tipped you over the edge of the Stratosphere hotel. Great fun had by all. We even had a cheesy ride up the strip in a bright yellow Hummer limo - so so funny. One of my highlights was driving a corvette on a race course and being encouraged to go as fast as i wanted - this was not a problem. I then drove a Hummer over a 4x4 course which was so much fun. We both did this and we will put the photos on when we are back in the Uk or asap. After the fun and luxury of Vegas we hit the Yosemite national park where we were camping with the odd bear or elk or moose or squirrel and chipmunk. The scenery was yet again stunning and on the full day we went for a 6hour hike through the sequoia forests and up and down the waterfalls. This was done in boiling hot temperatures but we all had a great day even though all we wanted was a cool bath that evening, and mouldy showers, a sleeping bag and a hard floor don't really cut it. After 2 nights in Yosemite we then drove to San Fransisco where we went on a boat cruise past Alcatraz and under the Golden gate bridge. Here Ben and i got soaked which was so funny from standing at the very front of the boat. Unfortunately it was then time to go to the airport ready for our cat nap in the airport in our sleeping bags. What a way to save money by sleeping in an airport. All in all a great time with Trek America on the West coast, and even though the camping was roughing it a bit, and very dusty and hot, it was still great fun and we had a lot of laughs with even more great memories. Love to all and see you soon x x x x x x x x x x x x x