Back in California and Death Valley was our first stop. We weren't overly impressed but to be fair to Death Valley we have seen so much of this style of landscape that I think our perspective was a bit jaded. Next we went to Sequoia National Park which I though was beautiful. Little streams and windy roads going up and up into lovely bush with amazing views looking down. Then of course you go further in and you reach the Sequoia trees with the famous General ...

Oh my god, this place is unreal. We decided to splash out and stay at the Bellagio. The hotel is ginormous and it is luxury like I've never seen before. Our room is huge and beautiful with a view over the Bellagio fountain which I could watch forever, it performs every 15 minutes and dances to music. There are drinks and an amazing array of chocolates and nibbles on display, but we were warned they are weight sensored and as soon as you move them you pay fo...

Out of the smoke and into the dust storm! There were crazy winds in Monument Valley and there was dust everywhere. Jim braved getting out and taking photos which resulted in taking the camera in to be fully cleaned as dust had wriggled it's way right into the camera. It was very scary driving the wind was strong and then there would be a gust that would almost push you off the road. Las Vegas here we come.

The Grand Canyon was a smokey a affair. When we arrived there was a big fire nearby and smoke everywhere. We wanted to do a day hike into the canyon the next day so we parked up in the campground. Unfortunately when we got up at sunrise the fire had stopped but the smoke had settled into the canyon and it was very hazy and you could smell the smoke. Didn't fancy hiking through smoke so we decided to head up to Monument Valley instead.

We decided to stay in Page so we could see Antelope Canyon which is a slot canyon. You can only do this on a tour as it is on Navajo land. So we booked a tour with Chief Tsosi, we were meant to be picked up from camp at 5 and we waited and waited and then were told Arizona doesn't do day lights savings so were an hour ahead of ourselves. So then we waited again at the correct time only to find Chief Tsosi had forgotten us. We really wanted to see it so booked...