Apologies for the sudden departure with my previous blog, Mike came into my hotel room and asked whether I wanted to go to "The Strip" and take some pictures.

25th May Continued - We caught the shuttle from the hotel (Best Western Marde Gras) to the strip, stopping to watch the Ballagio Fountains which were pretty impressive, most notably the last show that we saw. We popped into the casino and watched some people gamble (a chinese lady seemed to be doing well but then kept wasting it with yet more gambles); although, saying that I didn't have a clue as to what they were playing. I popped into the gift shop and got actual Ballagio used cards and a chip. As I was walked around the casino, I couldn't help but notice the number of blokes in suits; was this all an image?! Coming back from the gun range, Reza made a good point; for every light in Vegas, it is representative of one lost soul! Catching the final shuttle back to the hotel at 2300 and bumping into the others, we all reached our hotel to find Chris being spoken to by Security. It later turned out that he had lost his wallet, apparently stolen by Scousers only to find it in our room to great embarrassment. We both went to the bar for a few Corona's ($1.50 each), packed and went to bed, much later than I wanted.

Wednesday 26th May - Waking naturally at 0700 to find a text saying email the STA Mastercard people, I did this through using Chris's computer and later used Skype to ring home and spoke to Mum, which was really nice. This phone call made us both a little late leaving our room for our 0830 departure but it didn't come to anything (Reza said at the beginning of the tour that if lateness becomes a problem, those who are are late will have to do a dance to the amusement of the others). I told Mum of my plan to bring my departure flight forward. We started our drive towards Death Valley and upon arrival, Reza warned us of the dangers of the valley; perhaps most importantly, the drinking of plenty of water. At one point on a previous trip, Reza had to bring back someone from the point of complete dehydration using ice, water, A/C etc. At one stop in particular in Death Valley called Badwater; it was very hot (mid 30s at least) with a wind that cooled you down somewhat. Despite this wind though, I was out of the van for a maximum of 10 minutes in desperate need of water. We also visited The Devils Golf Course and the sand dunes. Despite being an hour and a half behind schedule, we reached our Lake Issabella campsite at 2000(ish) having to set up our tents in the dark (by this point, we were sufficiently practiced in putting up tents). Today was the most exhausting day and as Reza said, the desert does that to you. We had our meal in an outdoor kitchen not long after arrival; after, I emailed Aidan to bring my flight forward, had a quick shower and went straight to bed. The reason for me having a shower tonight was there are no showers at Yosemite National Park at our particular campsite; also, Reza warned us that Yosemite could be having either snow or rain so be prepared!

Thursday 27th May - After another early start (these early starts enable us to see what we are scheduled to see, allow maximum time for driving and arriving at campsites in daylight) of 0700, we let at 0800 despite Reza not feeling so good. There was another Intrepid group (Brian's Group) whom consisted mostly of germans so as you could imagine, left precisely at their designated time. Whilst on our way to Yosemite, I couldn't help but feel sad that this was going to be our final stop of the tour. Arriving into Yosemite, we stopped at numerous places to take advantage of some fantastic photo opportunities (the bet was the waterfall) and later, arrived at our campsite (Hodgen Meadows) in the middle of the woods, as was the toilet). Walking to the toilet, I couldn't help but think of Friday The 13th and whether Jason Vorhees was lurking behind a tree. Yosemite NP is beautiful, the granite cliffs are a beauty and the the sheer size of the trees are staggering. With the extreme cold, we needed some warm food in our bellies asap and chili fajitas did the job. With our usual meal prep talk, Reza told us that snow was forecast. With no firewood, there was no means of warmth; in the end, Reza, Suzie and I proceeded to the van to stay warm as well as an opportunity for Reza to highlight our tour route on my purchased USA map. I left the van at just gone midnight and dismissed cleaning my teeth (avoid the woods), put my JD bag into the bear boxes as it had toiletry products in - we were warned that bears could mistake toiletries for food.

Friday 28th May - With our relaxed take it easy mentality, we left the campsite at 0930 rather than our intended 0830. There was enough snow around our campsite yet very little on the roads; but due to the supposed presence of ice, we had to put the chains on the van's rear tires. With the vehicle shaking rather violently, an uncomfortable journey may I add, we checked the tires at every opportunity. The road didn't seem that bad and after twenty minutes, the chain were taken off. Whilst most of the others were off taking hikes, I had to laundry which was difficult to locate. In the end, Reza picked me up, dropped off the other 3 and helped me locate it. In the process of washing and drying, I had a shower that cost me $5 with towels and soap provided. Dropping the bags back off at the van, I went back to the village store via their efficient free shuttle bus and had lunch (another burger and chip meal). I decided to go and have a hike around Mirror Lake, which was beautiful and if I had continued, my path would have been blocked by a rock-fall that occurred in 2009. The group met back at 1700 and did our final shop; Mike, Chris and I chose chicken soup with added ingredients. AFterwards, we all sat around the campfire reminiscing about a fantastic trip enhanced by a great group leader. With the campfire having to be put out, it was proposed to use more natural methods but as most of us didn't have to do, I went and got some water which did the job much quicker. Again, loading the food into the bear boxes, at just gone midnight, we all went to sleep.

Saturday 29th May - We awoke leisurely as there was no great rush today. Our task was to wash and dry all of the apparatus that was used on our tour. Despite the weather getting warmer, we are all rather downbeat today what with it being our last day. Leaving Yosemite at 1130(ish) for San Francisco and stopping two times; it was on our 2nd stop when Reza said - If your sad, it means it's been a great trip - it most definitely has. We got to our finishing point at 1645 which from the outside looked a nice hotel. Everyone, minus Amanda, caught the shuttle bus to the airport and than the BART line to Powell Station, costing $8.10 and upon arrival, I caught a taxi to Broadway Manor Inn. It was agreed that the group would meet for a final meal at 2030 between Bay St and Taylor St walking down to Pier 39 dining in Pier Market having fantastic seafood. We gave Reza (his final Suntrek tour due to the company) his tip and after saying our goodbyes, we did the Oceans Thirteen styled walk off - the best way I think. We all sat down and after a few minutes I thought it has to be done; up I got and silently walked off into the night. Getting back to my room at midnight, I had a few thoughts back and went to bed, leaving both the lights and the television on.

Sunday 30th May - I awoke at 0730 to find my television on and after a quick early lunch (BLT & Fries), I met Chris, Mike and Nick outside Pier 33 to go to Alcatraz that was arranged back in Vegas. Our boat left at 1555 arriving at Alcatraz 20 minutes later; an intimidating presence I thought. I didn't recognize any parts from the film, The Rock, most notably the shower room scene (Cath - taken a picture of the actual showers). Alcatraz was very impressive and interesting yet I couldn't shake of the thought that it was also rather scary; being that close to SF must have been a pain. We caught the last ferry back at 1820 and went for a meal and a few drinks at a bar. We decided to go onto another one but halfway there, I decided to save money, said my goodbyes and went back to my hotel room to find Oceans Thirteen on the box, but again fell asleep whilst watching.

Monday 31st May (Memorial Day) - I awoke at 0950 to find Band Of Brothers on the television for the whole day. After a very lazy morning, I left my room at 1400 to meet Chris and Mike at the Golden Gate Bridge at 1500. Approaching the bridge, there were misty conditions and as the views may have been poor, I decided not to venture any further hence meaning I did not see Mike or Chris. I walked back past the harbor and fort mason and back to my hotel by 1700. I immediately switched on Band Of Brothers again and noticed that some of the violence and language has been minimized. Whilst I am thinking of it, Reza said something interesting; property taxes go towards high schools meaning the better the area you live in, the better the school. So much for the early night, I get to bed at midnight.

Tuesday 1st May - I awoke leisurely and went down to the diner and had an american breakfast (egg, bacon, sausage and pancakes) which went down a treat. From Broadway, I walked up Van Ness Ave turning into California St popping into the Greyhound Station to find out the hours and times of departures to Seattle - 21 hours of driving and 1600 leave. I walked on down to the Ferry Building and it was at this point that I realized I had forgotten my camera. I walked along "the embarcadero" stopping at Pier 39 looking in gift shops (few tacky products), the hard rock cafe and a poster shop. Towards early evening, I decided to have tea first so went down to Chinatown on the corner of Broadway and Grant Ave and had dim-sum, which was nice. I did some ironing and watched some television (Deadly Warriors) and went to bed.

Wednesday 2nd May - I awoke at 1000 to find that the flights on the 20th of June had all been filled, so it is either the 13th or the 27th. Taking into account that Yellowstone NP and Mount Rushmore are inaccessible for a 22 year old solo traveller, costs and getting fed up with the American way, I opted for the 13th to return to England. I left my room - this time with my camera - and essentially did the same route as yesterday with a few minor tweaks. I caught the tram to Embarcadero which was very exciting; something I had to do in SF. I went to Luigi's on Pier 39 for tea with a few beers. I must say I wish I did a bit more research into SF; I would have had to have got up earlier though. One thing I completely forgot about San Francisco was the hills; they are a killer. You find yourself thinking a 2 blocks isn't that far but then take into account the hills. I got back to my hotel room between 17/1800, packed my bag, had a relaxed night and went to bed.

Thursday 3rd May - I awoke at the earliest time in my time in SF, to find my flight has been booked for the 13th and popped down to Peter D's and had breakfast. I got to the greyhound station at about midday for the 1600 bus to Seattle. One of the first things I noticed is there are some rough looking people on the greyhound. Most of the time, I had somebody sitting next to me; I found myself getting thirsty and hungry and had to cope with Gatorade and a Crossiant due to little rest stop time. I managed to get some sleep.

Friday 4th May - Still on the road. Some of these people have no manners; I let someone go pass with no thank-you at all. I had to transfer at Portland which was okay and caught the local greyhound to Seattle. I should be there by 1305. I plan to stay in a hostel for 2 nights, then i reckon its going to be two days driving to San Diego; I shall visit the zoo there. I have just booked a hotel in LA (Wilshire Hotel) with a swimming pool for 3 nights so I shall do some sightseeing and then sunbathe and swim. Going to go get some food now and then get too bed early.

Until next time. love to you all, Jonathan

PS. The greyhound blogs are short as I was rather bored.