Monterey the return….. I left the hostel and bid my new mates goodbye, and boarded the rapid 10 bus, having spent the previous night stressing as we couldn't find the flipping bus stop! So safely at Union station I go to check my bag in, which I am told they don't do if you have to get on a thruway connecting bus to get to your final destination, so me and all my gear go in search of the restrooms, now for those of you that have witnessed the size of the ruck...

I left San Diego to start my 8 night stay at Santa Monica, but first of all I need to negotiate the Amtrak train to LA Union Station and then work out how I get to Santa Monica itself. There are not as many train stations as i thought, but a fair amount of connecting buses put on by Amtrak, but not on this occasion. Luckily for me i can check my bag in which is a result, the rucksack hasn't got any smaller so the thought of trying to find somewhere to put it wa...

Having survived the flight from Vegas it was time yet again to board the Super Shuttle, which time was indeed Super and my driver very very helpful. I was given insider tips on where to go and where not to go (beyond 10th street), which i discovered was good advice on a trip to Walmart, more on this later. The Hostel is slap bang right in the middle of the Gas Lamp quarter which is very very cool, lots of busy bars and restaurants. Having sort of recovered fro...

So having bid the parentals goodbye, it was time for Vegas take 2. I arrive safely at Vegas and await the girls arrives from Gatwick. 2 hrs later and few high pitch screams later they are here. We are reunited again, quite overwhelming really, but I managed to hold back any tears.......just! The girls had quite an entertaining flight from all accounts, they were entertained throughout the flight by some drunk girl, who proceeded to lunge her way down the walkw...

San Francisco, Monterey and back to LA Having arrived at the hostel in San Fran it's was time yet again for washing, deep joy! The good news is it's sooooo cheap, so no excuse for having a rucksack full of dirty clothes! Having had a decent nights sleep, it's off to meet mum and dad at their hotel, we made our way to Pier 39. Fishermans Wharf is lovely, an array of shops, restaurants and water. A really lovely place. We get to Pier 39 which is a pretty livel...