Thursday 3 August 2006 - Las Vegas Dragging ourselves out of bed we headed next door for breakfast/lunch. Waiter getting increasingly annoyed with Ellie continously sending unfizzy sprite back! After a few attempts asking for vinegar she thought it best to give up! Tried to find the Hard Rock Cafe, could see it - just couldn't get to it! Gave up, got a taxi - too hot!! Started our tour of the strip at the Stratosphere and made our way down vis...

Wednesday 2 August 2006 - Grand Canyon to Las Vegas A 4am start to watch the sun rise at 5.37am.... not sure of Tim Tam's time scales either! Most of that time was spent trying to find 'the' perfect spot. Settled down to wait with our breakfast of orange juice and doughnuts - so American! Plenty of pictures to show how amazing it was... so surreal! Back on the road to Vegas, a scenic drive through the desert.... looking forward to hot showers and ...

Tuesday 1 August 2006 - Colorado River to Grand Canyon Opting for the beer the night before we were determined to make it for an early morning (6am) swim in the river. Cleared up camp, packed van and set off for another long journey to the Grand Canyon! Amazing views of the Grand Canyon which we were allowed to apprecite for a couple of minutes before being dragged away by the tour leader. Some went on to do the helicopter ride. Not the best night ...

Monday 31 July 2006 - Trek Begins - LA to Colorado River Early start to meet the group at Hacienda. Tour Leader - Thu Tam (Tim Tam, Yosemite, Taupo as she was soon to be called.... the list goes on!) Lou & Rich (Cardiff) Jonny, Tim, Natalie, Rachael, Ben, Vicky (Southerners!) Alex (Canada) Korean Couple (Korea) Loaded the van & U-Haul (trailer) and off we went. Before making our way to Colorado River went for some Hollywood sight seeing; J...

Sunday 30 July 2006 - Hacienda Hotel, LA Day of pampering and lazing by the pool was planned, getting to the hotel early... again, didn't quite happen! After driving around for about 2 hours finally made it to the hotel! Day disappeared preparing for Trek, emails and checking out the hotel bar......