Day 17 - Pago Pago, American Samoa

We arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa about 7:25 AM. At that time it was 81°, humidity was 91% and there was a light rain. All the makings of a lovely day.

Once again we started with the regular breakfast of cold cereal in our cabin. I know, not very "cruise ship". About 9:00 we grabbed our miniature AAA travel umbrellas and headed ashore.

Since we didn't have an excursion today our plan was to just walk around town soaking in all the native culture. Before we got off the pier we were into the native stalls selling clothing and other island trinkets. By the time we got through that we were into a pretty good rain and were soaking up more than culture. Out came the umbrellas and we made a dash for the main street, only to find we had to run the gauntlet of guys trying to sell tours and cab drivers wanting to take us somewhere very scenic.

Once away from the dock we were off to what the map indicated was a shopping mall. We stopped by what was some sort of outdoor market and since it offered protection from the rain we stayed awhile. Pressing on we did not find a mall, but did happen upon a combination grocery and department store. Small but had everything from peanuts to clothing to small appliances. I was most interested in finding a Samoan Lava Lava, which is what most of the men wear. And I needed to resupply the coke and rum department. I have managed to slip some of the little tiny bottles of rum through security, but those are now history. They had the coke but no rum so we were off, thinking the grass is always greener.

Well, I can tell you the grass is definitely not greener. It's hot. It's raining. It's humid. Our little umbrellas aren't working out well. Not a good day at all, so we head back to the ship. We sit around for an hour or so and the rain seems to have stopped, so we decide to take another shot at Pago Pago. It was short lived. Had we walked just a little we could have had free WiFi at McDonald's.

Back on the ship we stopped by the Horizon Cafe for a little lunch and, more importantly, several glasses of water. Oh, and one Blue Moon.

Couple of showers later and an hour and a half nap and all is right with the world. It's now 4:55 and we should be leaving for Bora Bora in about 30 minutes. Next two days will be at sea as we head for three stops in French Polynesia.

Before leaving I should mention Pago Pago is Charlie Tuna land. Harbor is full of tuna boats, which have to travel a thousand miles to find fish.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

014° 16' South
170° 42' West

Posted by iPad 2 Air

Day 16 - Apia, Western Samoa

GPS says we are about 70 miles from Samoa. We stopped by the International Cafe for a small pastry and coffee and are now awaiting docking in Apia. If rumors prove true, Samoan dancers will welcome the ship off the starboard side as we dock.

Looks like we will be delayed again as the Captain just came over the PA and our arrival is now 1:00. We decided to go ahead and order a light lunch before going ashore.

So we left the ship about 1:30 and headed to where the cabs hung out. Our goal was to hook up with a couple or two and hire a cab for a whatever a three hour tour would show us. A half hour later we were four couples off for a three hour drive. Before going any further I will say that Western Samoa is one beautiful island. Banana and coconut trees abound and flowers you find only at a florist are everywhere. The whole island is a garden.

Anyway we headed southeast out of Apia traveling along the ocean. Right off the bat we noticed the number of churches. They are open air and they are everywhere. According to our driver, come Sunday everyone on the island goes to church. They don't work. They don't even cook. They just go to church. During our drive we saw two theological colleges. Who knows how many more there are.The second thing we noticed were the raised, open air, covered platforms that almost every house had nearby. Some were small, some were large and some were very decorative with fancy painted columns. These are areas where families gather to socialize, cook, eat and even sleep.

Our first stop was at a Methodist theological college for a short hike down some very steep stairs to the Piula fresh water cave and ocean, where turquoise water meets the white sand. Does that last part sound like me or Barb?

I'm going to take a moment to say a little about our drive today. Once you get out of the city the roads are narrow, usually without a shoulder. And they drive on the wrong side of the road, that is they drive on the left. I suppose that's more different than wrong. Anyway, they only started doing this a few years ago, so many cars still have the driver sitting on the left, including our van. Now that makes it hard for a driver to see to pass another car, but that didn't bother our driver. However, the fact that the roads were very narrow and he couldn't see didn't bother me as much as I think the van only had about 35 horsepower. Oh well, we made it.

Next we headed South over the mountains to the South side of the island, which was devastated by a tsunami six years ago. After turning East we were again traveling along the coast. A short ways down the road our driver pulled over to where a lady was selling coconuts and he bought each couple one. The lady chopped the top off with a rather large machete so we could drink the coconut water. It appeared she still had all her fingers.

Next up was a stop at Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa. This is the kind of place you see in travel magazines. We are ready to spend a couple of weeks. Heading back over the mountains to the North side we encountered a little bit of home. Road construction. The first we'd seen in two weeks. Just before getting back into Apia we took a drive into what was Robert Lewis Stevenson's home. I had no idea he had lived there.

Before returning to the ship our driver took us for a short drive around town pointing out some of the government buildings. By the time we got back our three hour tour had turned into four hours. All in all a great drive.

Here's something interesting. We passed a new school built by the Chinese. Later a big new hospital built by the Chinese. Then in town a really big new parliament building built by the Chinese. Kinda makes you wonder.

New life ______________________

Aboard the Crown Princess

013° 49' South
171° 45' West

Posted by iPad 2 Air

Day 15 - At Sea

Another great morning at sea and finally another sign of life as a fairly good size fishing boat passed off to starboard. Current GPS reading shows us to be about 520 miles from Samoa, so maybe we'll be seeing more boats today.

Tried a new place for breakfast this morning. The International Cafe is mostly pastries, but they also have a decent breakfast sandwich. Barb says this is now our go to breakfast place.

We signed up for excursions about a month before the cruise. One we wanted in Bora Bora was full, so we were placed on a wait list. Well we got the tickets. Starts at 12:30 and we are being transported on a open air wagon. Lovely. Nothing better than a hot and humid afternoon. I would regret this except for the fact that the excursion includes Bloody Marys.

Barb has decided we are down to two meals per day and is currently deciding between lunch and dinner for today. Lunch is "casual" while dinner is "smart casual", the difference being shorts or slacks.

We just got buzzed by a helicopter and after a quick circle around the ship it took off to the West. According to the GPS there is nothing in the way of land out there. Good thing it had pontoons. Shortly thereafter the Captain came on the PA system to say that the ship had to slow down due to cooling problems with the engines. Seems the cooling, in part at least, is accomplished with sea water and the current sea water temperature is 89°. The current air temperature is 86°.

Lazy afternoon of just reading and relaxing, the kind of stuff we do best. Barb watched the shipboard video on Apia and decided we will just walk into town tomorrow. No tour.

Loretta, Barb says she is having as much trouble seeing Dolphins as you had seeing whales.

Going to watch a movie now and then get ready for a hot and humid day in Western Samoa.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

008° 21' South
169° 49' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 14 - At Sea

Another breakfast in our cabin followed by coffee out on the balcony. Blue sky, fluffy clouds and no land in sight for several days. A little rain last night, but still in the 80's. Barb continues to search for her first dolphin and I'm trying to convince her there really are flying fish.

Took a couple of walks around the ship. Got a coffee and checked the lunch menu at the Crown Grill. Wednesday at sea is English Pub day at the Crown Grill. It was very good last week, so we gave it another try and it didn't fail. In fact, it may be the best food on the ship so far.

Around 3:55 this afternoon my GPS positioned us at 00° 01' S 166° 55' W, which put us just over the Equator.

We are a little disappointed that there no towel animals greeting us in the evenings. Really amazing what the room stewards could do with towels on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

That's about it for today. Sea day tomorrow and then Apia.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

001° 03' South
167° 17' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 13 - At Sea

With the norovirus lurking we've decided to avoid places with lots of people. Horizon Court (the buffet) is out. All those people hanging around and over the food just doesn't sound good, so corn flakes, orange juice and coffee in our cabin again.

Tried to post yesterday's update, but at the moment nobody seems to be having any luck getting on the internet. At best connection speeds are slow. Maybe it has to do with so many people using at the same time.

Finished my second book last night and starting the third this morning. Good thing I picked up another iTunes card in Honolulu and downloaded two more books. With four left I should make it back to LA. If not, there is a library on board.

Got a mocha and we headed for the future cruise computer. Checked out some Mediterranean cruises, but with all the trouble that's going on in Europe we're not too enthusiastic about spending time there.

Somewhere along the way today we are to cross the International Date Line and according to the ship's calendar tomorrow doesn't exist. However, in a few days it looks like we get it back.

Dinner tonight was the once a week, only on Tuesday, only at sea Crab Shack. Pretty good if you don't mind digging and eating with your hands. Popcorn shrimp and hush puppy appetizer and Manhattan clam chowder was followed by a large bowl of Alaskan king crab, shrimp in the shell, red potatoes and corn on the cob. All the tools for cracking and prying out the crab were provided, along with a waist length bib.

Later back in our cabin the PA system lit up calling the emergency response team to report to deck 4 zone 6. We probably weren't the only ones wondering what was going on. A short time later the Captain came on to announce a engine driving an electrical generator had a problem and shut down. Not to worry, there are four more.

That's about it for today. Just checked the GPS and at about 2 degrees North we are nearing the equator. ______________________

Aboard the Crown Princess

002° 26' North
166° 05' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 12 - At Sea

Today we start four sea days till our stop in Apia, Western Samoa. But that doesn't mean sleeping in. Oh no, we were up at 5:45 to do laundry. Surely there would be machines available that early. Wrong. I guess that after four port days a few of the other 3,000 guests aboard had the same idea.

So it was off to breakfast at the Horizon Court. Finally got a couple of real fried eggs instead of what Barb is sure are powdered scrambled eggs. Hash browns, watermelon, a little cottage cheese, lox and some really bad coffee rounded out the meal. I don't recall what Barb had as I held the table while she picked out her breakfast. By the time I got back she was about done. That's the way it goes when you prefer sitting while eating. The dining rooms work better for seating, but it seems to take about an hour per meal. That probably doesn't matter though since we aren't in a rush these days.

Later we hit the International Cafe for a mocha and then wandered through some of the stores before visiting Future Cruise Center. The Future Cruise Center is where you sit down at a computer and plan how to spend thousands of dollars. Which is what we did, finally settling on the twenty day Caribbean cruise aboard the Royal Princess. No money down yet, but I'm pretty sure Barb isn't going to let this one get away.

Checking the laundry on the way back to our cabin we found available machines and by some stroke of luck they were still available when we got back with our laundry bag.

Once back in the cabin we were hanging out till lunch when the Captain came on the ship's PA system to announce a new guest was aboard. Yes, Norovirus had joined the passengers and crew of the good ship Crown Princess. So we got the information to wash hands regularly and call 911 if sick. Do not leave your cabin, the doc will come to you.

So with that good news we washed our hands and headed off to lunch in one of the dining rooms. No more Horizon Court for awhile. Potato soup, turkey sandwich and hazelnut ice cream for both.

Barb set us up with a 7:30 dinner at the Crown Grill, one of two speciality restaurants on the ship. Specially means cover charge and for me it was worth it. I gave it an A for the scallop appetizer, French onion soup and perfect filet. Barb didn't like her selection quite as much. The desserts were excellent as was the bottle of Oregon wine from Willamette Valley Vineyards.

Tomorrow will be another sea day.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

009° 41' North
163° 37' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 11 - Kauai

Well, today I'm actually going to try and post on time instead of a day or two late.

Alarm was set for 6:00, but I was up around 5:30 to see the first hint of sunrise to the East. Breakfast arrived at 7:35 and by 8:00 the ship was docked. We had an excursion scheduled, so we were off to meet our group at 8:15. By 9:00 we had made it off the ship and onto what appeared to be a brand new bus. Tony would be our guide today and like most he was a talker.

Our first stop was the Kilohana Plantation. Once over 16,000 acres of sugar cane it is now 25,000 acres of organic farm land. On old narrow gauge railroad that runs through the property that once hauled sugar off to be refined now carries visitors through the farms. We saw bananas, pineapple, plums, several kinds of oranges, star fruit, coconut, lychee nut, papaya, mango and more I can't remember. There also were pigs, horses, cows, goats and hundreds of chickens.

Speaking of chickens, I don't think I mentioned the thousands that roam free on the islands. Everything is expensive here because just about everything is shipped or flown in. And that includes eggs, which car run as much as $8 a dozen. So people began raising their own chickens for the eggs. Well, finally a hurricane came along that was strong enough to blow down the chicken coops and set the chickens free. The chickens quickly imitated rabbits and multiplied like crazy. They are even down at the beaches.

Some guy named Gaylord owned the plantation and way back when built a three bedroom 16,000 square foot mansion. Now it's a restaurant, gift shop and purveyor of specialty rum. Unfortunately, you can only take wine onto the ship.

Our other stop was Opaekaa Falls State Park. A short walk with no steps took us to the viewing area. No steps. I liked this stop a lot.

So, what did we learn today. At an elevation of 5,148 feet, Mount Waialeale is one of the most rainiest spots on earth. Averaging 452 inches per year since 1912, it's personal best of 683 inches was recorded in 1982. The world has a total of 13 climate zones. Tucked away in its 562 square miles the island of Kauai has 11 of those zones. At the port of Nawiliwili one can catch a free shuttle to Walmart as well as Macy's.

We are now done with the Hawaiian Islands. I was here last 53 years ago in 1962 aboard another cruise ship the USS Ranger CVA-61. I like my accommodations a little better this time. Tomorrow we are off to Western Samoa.

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Aboard the Crown Princess

021° 57' North
159° 21' West

Posted by iPad 2 Air

Day 10 - Maui

Today started early with the island of Maui and town of Lahaina appearing off our starboard side. This would be a tender day, which meant the ship would anchor and lifeboats would be used to move us ashore. A series of long rumbling noises indicated the anchor had been let go and shortly thereafter lifeboats began being lowered. Breakfast today was corn flakes, crying is want and orange juice in our cabin, after which we headed down to catch a ride to Lahaina.

With no excursion for the day we were free to wander. By about 9:30 we were wandered out for two reasons. First, Lahaina is a pretty small place and we can stand only so many shops selling the same thing. Second, it was getting hot and we weren't going to get into another walking contest like yesterday. We did manage to see the worlds largest banyan tree, which shades about an acre of a park, and find another Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Always keeping an eye out for lunch spot.

We thought maybe we could hire a cab for several hours to show us some of the local sights. In a short time we we had a cab and driver with another couple for a three hour drive. Turned out to be a great decision.

Our first stop was a plantation where we got to see bananas, pineapples, coconuts and what are reported to be the cleanest restrooms in this part of the island. Next up we went to Iao Valley State Park and a name unknown cultural center. The park was very scenic and I appreciated that there was only a 133 step climb today. The cultural center had areas set aside for those coming from different countries to work the sugar cane fields. Our last stop was at a beach to see the sea turtles. Unfortunately they don't come up on the beach until late afternoon, so the only ones we saw were in the water. Not a good photo op.

Heading back to Lahaina we passed the only remaining sugar refinery left on the islands. And being Saturday there were surfers along most of the coast. All in all it was a three hour fifteen minute drive and probably as good as a ship excursion. The driver was knowledgeable and talked most of the time about what we were seeing.

Back in town she dropped us off to lunch with Bubba Gump and crew. Barb opted for fish and chips and I again went with Lt. Dan's Drunken Shrimp. After lunch we caught a tender and were back on the ship by about 2:30. It's now 8:20 and we are back at sea headed for Kauai.

Yes, that's one tree

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Aboard the Crown Princess

020° 43' North
157° 06' West

Posted by iPad 2 Air

Days 8 and 9 - Hilo and Honolulu

Well, I have a little catching up to do. Thursday - I was up early to watch us dock in Hilo. Somehow the Captain managed to put the ship in sideways to a space not much bigger than the ship itself. At 951 feet it was a tight fit.

We had a quick breakfast at the Horizon Court and at 9:00 headed down to meet a group for our first excursion. After boarding a bus we were on our way to Akaka Falls. At 422 feet its a nice visit, except for 400 plus steps to get to it and back. The vegetation was amazing and our guide Cliff seemed to know not only the name of each tree but what country it came from. I didn't mention to Cliff that Multnomah Falls at home in Oregon is 620 feet.

Next stop was a rain forest zoo. Apparently one side of the island gets 120 plus inches of rain, which makes it the rain forest side. For years this was sugar cane country, both growing and processing. But, as often happens Third World countries (Cliff words) did it cheaper and now it's gone. Anyway, I don't remember the name of the park, but we needed more time than the tour allowed to have a good visit. Last stop was the Mauna Loa Macadamias farm. They have over 2,500 trees, a processing plant and visitor/sales center. We left with a six pack of their finest dry roasted.

It was a long day and we were in bed at 7:30.

Friday - Going to bed that early guarantees getting up early and for me that meant about 5:00. A trip out to the balcony revealed lots of stars and the lights of Honolulu off in the distance. We didn't have an excursion, but there was a plan. First, we had ordered breakfast in our cabin and that showed up about 7:30. This was to be Barb's day at the Ala Moana shopping center

We headed off the ship about 9:00, planning to find a shuttle, bus or cab. In the end we walked the three miles, switching to the shady side of the street when we could in what was becoming a hot and humid day. Ala Moana is a four story shopping center, with three floors of stores and a fourth floor of restaurants. We covered it all and it's all open air. I was hot and tired when Barb called time out for lunch.

Without hesitation we headed for Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, a place we had never been. Barb opted for Shrimp New Orleans, which was about a dozen shrimp broiled with butter, garlic and spices, and served with jasmine rice. She liked it. I had Lt. Dan's Drunken Shrimp, which was chargrilled shrimp and andouille sausage with mashed potatoes and bourbon sauce. I liked it. This was probably the best shrimp meals we've had since Louisiana.

It was during lunch we decided we would not walk back to the ship. We did start by walking to the beach so Barb could stand in the water. She got to about a foot while I took refuge under a nearby tree. Then we started walking in the direction of the ship thinking we would catch a cab. We didn't. Looking at a map I'm guessing we did about 8+ miles in the heat and humidity and it isn't going to get any better. A beer for me and wine for Barb on the balcony turned out to be dinner.

We leave Honolulu at 10:00 tonight headed for Maui.

Hilo

Diamond Head in the morning

Lunch with Forrest

Barb at Waikiki ______________________

Aboard the Crown Princess

021° 18' North
157° 51' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Days 6 and 7 - At Sea

Tuesday - Today was the day all first time Princess cruisers got to meet the Captain and hear about all the benefits that come with signing up for more Princess cruises.

Tonight we opted for a late dinner/snack at the Horizon Court. Horizon Court is a fancy name for the buffet, which seems to draw most of the passengers. For each of three three meals there choices, choices, choices. If you stick to a salad, maybe a chicken dish or perhaps one of the oriental offerings you will do ok. And there is plenty of fruit, breads, cheese and a couple of dozen different desserts.

Got a photo of a great sunset and maybe I'll figure out how to post it. Had this all figured out at home, but today it's long gone. We finished off the evening with an ice cream cone.

Wednesday - More sleep last night as we crossed into another time zone.

The day started with coffee and pastries delivered to our stateroom. We had planned to eat out on the balcony, but it must have rained a little during the night and the chairs were still a little wet. A leftover rainbow hung below clouds to the North.

Mid-afternoon the captain made announcement about hurricane Olaf, which is somewhere Southeast of Hawaii. Still 800 miles away we can expect some larger swells and maybe higher surf at the islands.

The next four days we be off the ship doing stuff in Hawaii, so after breakfast it was laundry day. Barb ran the washer and dryer and I ran the iron. After the housekeeping we did a little shopping and put another punch in Mike's coffee card.

Barb hasn't made a decision on dinner tonight.

Just another morning ______________________

Aboard the Crown Princess

021° 58' North
149° 21' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Days 4 and 5 - At Sea

Sunday -

Breakfast this morning was at one of the main restaurants and we were not impressed. It will get a second chance tonight. After breakfast Barb headed for the excursion desk and signed up for "Highlights Of Tahiti". So now we have excursions scheduled in Hilo, Nawilwili, Moorea and Papeete. Hopefully I'll figure out how to get photos posted.This relaxing at sea is really hard work. We wound up taking a two hour nap in the afternoon.

Barb made a 7:30 reservation at the Botticelli dining room for dinner and although it wasn't the fastest service the meal was good. At least mine was. Scallops and shrimp covered with mashed potatoes. I know, sounds weird but it worked. Barb was a little under the weather with a bit of motion sickness and didn't eat much. We will see how Dramamine works for her.

Monday - Got an extra hour of sleep last night by moving one time zone West. After our experience with breakfast yesterday, we headed to the Horizon Court today. Nothing wrong with scrambled eggs and lox.

Because we are on a Princess ship there are 24 hour a day "Love Boat" reruns, which Barb is watching off and on. I'm 414 pages into 1049 pages of Tom Clancy's "Full Force And Effect", one of six books I downloaded on the iPad just for this cruise. If one is interested, there are dozens of shipboard activities, but we for the most part stay away. Our time is basically sit back and relax.

Before lunch we took a couple of laps around the ship on the Promenade Deck. This is one of our shipboard activities and something we will be doing everyday. Unlike Norwegian Cruise Line, they don't have markers telling you how far you walked, so I'm guessing maybe fifteen miles. Then again maybe not quite that far. After our walk I stopped by the International Cafe and got a free Mocha courtesy of neighbor Mike, who gave me a practically unused coffee punch card from his last Princess cruise. Thanks Mike! Lunch was two slices of what could likely be the worst pizza we've ever had. Actually it was the worst.

Next up was a nap after which Barb made a reservation for the Crab Shack. Popular place, we couldn't get in till next week. Now we are just sitting out on the balcony watching the world go by.
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Aboard the Crown Princess

027° 33' North
134° 15' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 3 - Boarding and At Sea

Well, today went much better than yesterday. Although we couldn't board until 1:00 that didn't keep us from getting up early. Some things never change.

Turned the car in about 10:30 and caught a ride with Enterprise to the Cruise Terminal. Couldn't believe how smoothly checkin went. Dropped off the large suitcases at the curb and took only two overnight bags, each of which had a bottle of wine. One bottle per adult allowed. Anyway, checkin was a breeze. No line, no wait. Since we were early we had about a 1 1/2 hour wait.

Finally out group was called and about 40 of us made for the ship. Check our passport photo, show our ship ID, have a photo taken and we were in. We have a mini-suite, forward on the starboard side. Barb thinks it's a long way forward. And it is. Most everything is aft. A long ways aft.

Our room was ready and suitcases had already arrived. Unpacking was interrupted by the required emergency drill, so we were off to our muster station with life vest in hand.

Not wanting to change out of shorts we opted for dinner at the Horizon Court and spent the rest of the evening in our cabin. By lights out there were white caps and most of the night we had a gentle roll.

Well, that's it for now.

Leaving Los Angeles
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Aboard the Crown Princess

031° 42' North
122° 24' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 2 - Sacramento, CA to San Pedro, CA

Well, what should have been an easy day started out fine and then went south. Really south. What should have been a 6 1/2 hour drive turned into 13 1/2 hours of anything but fun.

But first the good stuff. Up at 5:30 and downstairs for a couple of Embassy Suites best omelettes. Headed out of town on I 5 while most traffic was coming into town. Quick stop in Stockton for the usual Starbucks. All is well.

Somewhere down around Patterson there was one of those portable highway signs flashing something about road closings. At 75 I didn't quite catch what was about to happen to us. Later a second sign said I 5 was closed at The Grapevine and to take an alternative route over to highway 101. So we stopped for gas at whatever interchange has the Anderson Split Soup restaurant and I ask a couple getting gas next to us about what was going on. Seems like a huge rainstorm blew through and a larger than life mudslide took out the highway. Highway 152 is suggested.

Ok, turns out 152 is a nice four lane highway, which eventually turns to two lane and ends at 101. Heading south again everything is still fine. We pass Camp Roberts, where Barb's dad did some time with Red Skelton during The Big One (WW II), lots of farms and even a few palm trees.

Somewhere around Goleta traffic started slowing. And it slowed and slowed until it came to a stop. Santa Barbara drifted slowly. 5 MPH became speeding. All the hundreds of trucks that travel I 5 now materialized on 101. It wasn't until somewhere around Ventura that things began to thin out a little. Somewhere along the line we pulled off to find dinner. Choice boiled down to Subway or never before tried In-N-Out Burger. We went with never before tried.

Unfortunately the delay got us right into the middle of LA rush hour. By now it was getting dark and all that could be seen were headlights and tail lights. Back down to 5 MPH. I truly don't know how people do it.

Anyway, around 8:40 we pulled into our hotel in San Pedro.

So now it's Saturday morning and I've been trying to get this post up for several hours. Our hotel for the night was not only long in the tooth but had almost non-existent WIFI. Now at Starbucks with a drink and a strong signal.

In an hour or so we will turn in the rental car and head for the Cruise Terminal.
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033° 44' North
118° 18' West

Posted by iPad Air 2

Day 1 - Redmond, OR to Sacramento, CA

The plan was to be up at 6:00 and on the road by 7:00, but as usual we were a little ahead of schedule and hit the road at 5:28. We've been waiting over a year for this day, so to say we are anxious is a bit of an understatement.

First stop, of course, was Starbucks for an Americano and Mocha and then it was South on highway 97 headed for California and an overnight in Sacramento.

Rather than taking our own car and paying parking for 30 days, we're in a rental car from Enterprise. A 2016 Chrysler 200 with 1,445 miles. Very Cool. For the day we averaged 38.8 MPG. Thanks Tristina!

The drive South on Highway 97 isn't very exciting, except in the dark when a flashing sign just South of La Pine is warning about migrating deer crossing the highway. And crossing they were. I suppose many made it, but five didn't. Most of the deer had been hit multiple times, which makes dodging parts difficult, especially at night. Ok, enough of the graphic stuff.

I spent a half hour or so driving around Klamath Falls looking for the Fred Meyer store. Those of you who have been with us before know it's not unusual for me to do a little off route sightseeing now and then. Barb calls it being lost. Did manage to find a State Police office and a kind lady gave flawless directions. Barb made me promise not to go anywhere unless I knew where I was going. Figure that one out.

Stopped in Mt. Shasta City at the Black Bear Diner for lunch. We went with the old standby turkey sandwich, which was excellent.

The rest of the drive into Sacramento was uneventful. Lake Shasta was as low as I have ever seen it and down in the valley it was smokey from burning the rice paddies.

After checking into the Embassy Suites we took a walk through Old Town. Disappointing for several reasons. Too many candy and toy stores. Too many "I Love Sacramento" t-shits. Too many people handing out a free something. But my main issue was walking on cobblestones and old wood boardwalks in sandals. Just doesn't work for me and it hurts.

Back to the hotel for happy hour and then to Fat City for dinner. Barb opted for a chicken stir fry while I, being a meatloaf aficionado, dove into what is now my #2. Now back at the hotel I'm finishing up this post and will then work on tomorrow's drive. 

What lies ahead for us.

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038° 35' North
121° 30' West

Posted by iPad Air 2