Author: kaybrownsite

The only thing I really know about Santa Barbara is that there was a 90’s soap opera of its namesake and sometimes I would stay home and watch it rather than go to my uni lectures. Hence, why I probably didn’t finish my degree.

Plus, we have been told it is a beautiful coastal spot to visit.

We left our Malibu RV Park and drove onto the Pacific Coast road.

Sadly, I didn’t run into my favourite celebrity crush, Jennifer Aniston (okay, a crush tie with Kylie Minogue).

Past the beautiful mansions scattered amongst the Santa Monica Mountains and the beach houses where the ocean and sand meet their doorsteps.

We drove past the famous Zuma Beach where Baywatch was filmed (got the photo) and passed lots of gorgeous beach breaks where surfers were enjoying the morning swell.

It was a misty morning but the scenery was lovely.

Onto Highway US101 and through Ventura County and Venture and past the Channel Islands, until we arrived in Santa Barbara and our camping spot tonight, Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park.

Lunch in our motorhome and then a quick venture for Peter and Noah to drop Pete’s old, new bike to a bike shelter. Oh, have I not mentioned. Pete got his electric mountain bike, delivered to the RV Park last night.

Boys back and a short walk to the bus stop to downtown Santa Barbara.

We worked out it would be cheaper to catch and Uber (Pete is not a fan of public transport, Santa Fe may have scarred him), so in an Uber, we went.

After arriving in downtown Santa Barbara we walked both sides of the main street, State Street, and then decided it was time for an early dinner.

A lovely Italian meal eating alfresco.

Back in an Uber and back to our motorhome for a quiet Santa Barbara night in.

Santa Barbara so far, an equal mix of high end and homeless.

A nice little sleep in and an easy start to the Malibu morning.

School work for Noah and Wes and a load of washing from the laundry with the best ocean view in the USA.

Even some dolphin spotting.

Mid-morning we decided to get an Uber to the Malibu Pier. The first Uber would not take us without car seats for the boys, apparently, they did not weigh enough. They obviously were not fat American takeaway fed.

That’s okay, safely first, another Uber was called.

The Malibu Pier is a gorgeous small pier with a lovely pier cafe, shop and restaurant. There is no cheesy amusement park, just people enjoying the pier, fishing, walking, watching.

Plus, it is right by the famous Malibu surfing break, Surfrider Beach.

We walked the pier, enjoying the sun and sea and watching the surfers.

Stomachs were now rumbling so we found a small fish and chips shop across the road, away from the crowds and enjoyed a delicious seafood feed.

Back across the road to watch the surfers from the beach while the boys loved playing in the sand.

We could have sat and watched the surfers hang ten all day…

Time to move on, a quick browse around the Malibu shops where we decided there was nothing for us beach clothed, thong wearing (the shoe type) Aussies and then back in an Uber to the RV Park.

The afternoon was spent enjoying the ocean view and the sounds of the sea.

Tacos in the motorhome for dinner and an easy evening enjoying the relaxed ocean atmosphere.

Malibu has been a lovely, enjoyable, relaxing surprise.

 

An easy start to the morning, it was lovely to hear the sound of the waves through the night and wake to the beautiful blue ocean.

A little bit of school work for Noah and Wes and then it was time to walk and catch the bus to Santa Monica.

After arriving at the bus stop, Pete discovered there was not another bus for at least 40 minutes. When we had researched this last night we were under the impression the buses ran every 20 minutes. We have later discovered that public transport in Los Angeles is apparently terrible. It’s either non-existent, unreliable and rarely on time.

Hence, why the roads and huge freeways are completely congested with cars, all day, all night.

Time to call an Uber. Unfortunately, after flagging the Uber and driving a few minutes down the road, we found that the main coastal road to Santa Monica was closed due to a bad car accident.

The result was an hour plus Uber ride around the Santa Monica Hills, onto various freeways and side roads (I think we may have passed through Bel Air at one point) with an Uber driver who liked to use the pedal and break a lot, sometimes at the same time…

At least we had a scenic drive around L.A.

Finally, we arrived in Santa Monica and the end of Route 66, safely.

We walked the Santa Monica Pier and amusement park, took the mandatory Route 66 end pic and had a light lunch at a pier cafe.

Next, walking the famous boardwalk along the beach to Venice Beach. It was a lovely temperature to be walking, people watching and soaking in the sun and sea.

Then we arrived at bohemian Venice Beach, filled with street stalls, performers, colourful murals, wacky people and unfortunately and sadly, lots of homeless. We continued walking the boardwalk, people watching and stopped to look at the skate park and boardwalk basketball.

Time to return back to our nice, peaceful spot in Malibu. This time the coastal road was open and we had a nice quick journey back. They do like to drive fast and up the front car’s butt in LA.

A load of washing with a laundry that has the best view in the U.S, time to relax and a lovely BBQ in the motorhome for dinner.

California Dreaming…

Today is the day the boys and I go to Universal Studios, Hollywood.

I had a restless night sleep, must have been excited.

We have decided to drive the motorhome and get there early. That way Pete can have a relaxing day, noise-free and we can be ready for the early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at 8 am.

We were all ready, packed up and out of the Hollywood RV Park by 6.45 am and Noah, Wes and I were at the Universal Gate, eagerly awaiting entry by 7.35 am.

I am not good with crowds so I was hoping we could get some of the attractions we wanted to see done before the long waiting lines.

All of us early starters were corralled into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by 8 am.

Our first stop Ollivanders, makers of fine wands since 382 BC. This was a nice easy introduction to our day, a little skit in the shop and a little magic…

Next, a walk up to Hogwarts Castle, the boys were begging me to go in. I could see that there was a ride inside so I questioned the attendants at the entrance. “Is it a rollercoaster?”. No. “Do you go upside down?”. No. “Is it scary?”. They said no, right?

I am not exactly sure what I was told but what I heard was that we would be sitting four abreast and the ride goes side to side through scenes of the Harry Potter movie. Okay, I thought, I could do this.

We walked through the Hogwarts Castle watching the animated paintings and character from the movies until we reached the ride. Alarm bells should have rung when we had to check in our backpacks. This ride was not going to be the nice rocking chair I thought it was going to be.

Once we were strapped in even Wes had a little panic, “I’m not sure if I want to be here” he said, no kidding…

And then we were off. After the ride, I read the attraction description. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Make your way through the familiar classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts. Then soar above the castle grounds on a groundbreaking 4K HD ride that let you join Harry Potter and his friends on an unforgettably thrilling adventure.

I had my eyes closed most of the time and just hoped Noah and Wes were okay, there was not much I could do to help them, I could barely help myself. This could be the end of our day at Universal Studios.

Noah loved it, weirdo. Wes was not as thrilled but had not been traumatised so we could continue on with our day. It took a while for my legs to stop shaking and I was a little sweaty from hanging on so tight.

We (Wes and I), decided we might stay away from the rides.

Next, onto the 60-minute Studio Tour. This is an absolute must, it was brilliant and a very pleasant surprise. It was awesome to go behind the scenes and sets at the Universal Backlot, including some of the most iconic movies and television shows. Jaws, Psycho, Desperate Housewives, War of the Worlds, Jurassic Park. We were involved in a flash flood and earthquake and learned lots more secrets of Hollywood movie making.

We also rode through the world’s largest 3-D experience on King Kong 360 3-D, created by Peter Jackson and then the finale, Fast & Furious – Supercharged.

Poor little Wes was traumatised by the 3-D Experiences, he wanted off the train…

I finally convinced him that the next attraction would be fine and that all we would be doing is watching (I was not even convincing myself), as long as we do not sit in the green seats (they apparently get very wet).

Wes agreed and off we went to see the live stunt show, WaterWorld. The show was fantastic.

After the show, we thought that it might be time to have something to eat, but now the place was getting very crowded. We were not food successful on the Top Lot so we decided to ride the steep escalators down to the Lower Lot.

Noah was keen to take on a few more rides. Wes and I stopped that in its tracks.

The Lower Lot had a small dinosaur children’s play area that Noah and Wes enjoyed.

We still could not find anywhere to eat that did not have a queue out of the door, was not running out of food or a seat to sit.

Back up the escalators to the Top Lot.

A hot dog stand, that will do. Three hot dogs, eaten successfully under the shade of a movie set.

Time to fit in one last live attraction, the Special Effects Show, the description: Uncover the secrets of Hollywood movie making in our enhanced Special Effects Show, where real Hollywood stunts, practical effects and cutting-edge technology come to life. It was a fun show.

The lines to the attractions and rides were now 50 minutes + and you could not walk without bumping into someone.

The boys and I had a wonderful fun filled adventure packed day. Now was time to go back to the motorhome and to drive to our destination tonight, Malibu,

With a little stop at a bike shop for Peter to look (and maybe order) an electronic mountain bike.

The boys were so tired they fell asleep on our way to our campsite, Malibu Beach RV Park. Our site is looking right out onto Malibu Beach and across the Pacific Ocean, stunning.

As the boys were tired I decided to walk down to Malibu Seafood and order fish and chips to take out. It is a cute, casual, seaside restaurant but being a Sunday, the line to order was huge as well as the wait.

Oh well, I had nowhere else to be and you can not beat looking at the beautiful ocean.

Back to the motorhome to feed the hungry family and enjoy our beautiful surrounds.

What a wonderful day and a fabulous end to that day.

 

 

 

 

 

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…

Well, I think we were very well behaved on this trip and now we are out of Vegas and driving to hopefully, cooler coastal Los Angeles.

All packed up and out on the Interstate 15, South.

Past Primm (a unique Casino-Resort town located on the California/Nevada Stateline) and over the border into California.

Our journey took us through the Mojave National Preserve and past mountains, canyons, the very odd road named ‘ZZYZX’, Ghost Towns and lots of Joshua Trees.

A mandatory stop at the California Agricultural Inspection and our one apple and one orange from, we can not remember where we purchased it, was given the all-clear.

Next, a stop at Barstow (a town back on Old Route 66) for lunch and a food stock from Walmart. Barstow Walmart may have been featured on People of Walmart…

Back on Interstate 15 South and through the town of Victorville where Pete decided to talk an alternate route into Los Angeles. It ended up being one of those Google ‘special’ shortcuts routes (side roads, local roads, bumpy roads). It was nice to get off the Interstate.

The route was not through the Hollywood ‘Mansion’ Hills more like the Hollywood ‘Extras’ Hills.

Soon we hit the six-lane freeways and a bushfire and we knew we were on the outskirts of LA.

Our campsite tonight is the Hollywood RV Park. We could not get into any of the limited parks on the beach at late notice and this was one of the closest to Universal Studios. The boys and I will explore Universal Studios tomorrow.

Apparently, the RV Park caters for the movie industry…

Los Angeles was another place Pete and I had been before on our first trip to the USA. We had done Beverly Hills, East Hollywood, Walk of Fame, Hollywood Sign, a Starline Tour, Downtown LA, Anaheim and Disneyland.

It was a long day of driving for Pete on the Interstate and Google Route and he did a mighty fine job.

As we had seen many of the main tourist sites before, we are in a suburbs on the outskirts of the city (we actually have no idea where) and Pete needed a well-earned rest, we decided to walk to a suggested local restaurant, LuLu’s, for dinner and have a quiet night in.

The boys and I are looking forward to Universal Studios tomorrow (Pete will relax in the motorhome and we will save $109 as he is not really interested) and then we have three nights booked at a park in Malibu overlooking the ocean. We have not been to Malibu before so hopefully this will be nice. Well, I hope it’s nice, the park is four times our normal nightly spend.

I do hope we get to the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach too…

After having such a busy day yesterday we have decided to have a low key day today.

Not very ‘Vegas’ I know.

The morning was spent with school work and washing.

Lunch in the motorhome.

In the afternoon Pete and Wes went for an Uber ride to a bike shop to look at an electronic mountain bike (apparently no purchase was made?).

Noah and I stayed in the motorhome relaxing and working.

Before lunch, we had decided and booked to stay another night here at the Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort. Another quieter day, a little more school work and time on the computer while the internet was good sounded like a nice idea.

By mid-afternoon, when none of our internet devices, as well as the campgrounds wifi, were working and the temperature became 40++ outside and no cooler in the van, we decided to cancel the additional night and head to the coast tomorrow. California here we come!

An Uber back to the Silverton Casino for dinner and the first time Noah and I have left the campsite all day.

The boys were looking forward to having the buffet again but after being given the run around with a coupon and a price increase for Friday night I spat it.

Instead, we had a lovely Asian meal at WuHu Noodle.

Back to the motorhome for a quiet night in, no hitting the Las Vegas Strip for us Browns tonight.

We have enjoyed our little taste of Vegas again, it really is a crazy, enjoyable, oasis in the desert.

 

Viva Las Vegas…

Our first full day in Las Vegas and a lovely start to the morning with breakfast at the Oasis RV Resort’s small cafe.

Then it was time to jump in an Uber and explore the Strip.

The Uber dropped us at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the start of the south end of the Strip, and then we began walking north.

Starting at the Mandalay Bay we walked past the Luxor, Excalibur, Tropicana, MGM Grand, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Paris, Bally’s, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Linq, Harrah’s, Casino Royale, Mirage, Venetian, Palazzo, Treasure Island, Wynn, Encore, The Fashion Show Mall (I found my favourite shop, Zara), finishing at Circus Circus.

We had almost completed the Strip and we were starting to get tired, hot and hungry. The temperature hovers around the 36 – 40+ degrees at the moment.

Thinking that Circus Circus might be a little more child-friendly we decided to stop there for lunch and have a look around. The Casino (which in most cases you have to walk through regardless of playing) was just a seedy as it was 10 years ago.

The Circus Circus Hotel holds a kids amusement arcade called Carnival Midway, gambling for kids (we gave the boys $20 each in Reno and told them to knock themselves out) and the Adventure Dome, an adventure area filled with roller coaster rides. Today we were trying to be better parents and neither of these spots were appropriate for the boys or their ages.

Pete was verging on hangry but he did still offer to watch the free circus act. The boys were not fussed, we will not be forking out for Cirque du Soleil tickets…

A quick Mexican lunch, a short explore of the hotel and then time to get an Uber from the Strip to the Las Vegas South Premium Outlets.

The outlets were actually super cheap (I had heard this but really didn’t believe it). I managed a few more purchases.

It had been 10 years since Pete and I had been to Las Vegas, which was also my first time in the USA.  You still can not help being blown away by the scale and design of the hotels on the Strip, I really enjoyed walking it again.

The Casino’s, yes, a lot have a seedy feel, but explore the actual hotels, restaurants and entertainment, and go to some of the shows and it is a wonderfully surreal place to be.

Leave the kids at home…

Back to the motorhome for a rest and a load of washing (not very interesting for Vegas), ready to get back out on the town.

We had been told by a number of Uber drivers that we must go to Fremont Street, the ‘Fremont Street Experience’. It is in downtown Las Vegas and the original casino corridor before the Las Vegas Strip.

As well as the western end of Fremont Street there is also a pedestrian walkway closed to traffic and covered by an overhead canopy. The canopy ‘Viva Vision’ is the world’s largest video screen playing nightly shows of music and images paying tribute to holidays, events and classic rock bands.

Under the canopy, there is a zip line, casinos, bars, food vendors, drinking and lots of crazy people, crazy street performers and crazy entertainment. The original ‘Las Vegas’.

We walked the Fremont Experience (luckily the boys were more interested in the zip line then the naked ladies) until we had run out of any appropriate child-friendly options for dinner.

Then we stumbled upon the Downtown Container Park which has a children’s playground, shops and restaurants built inside shipping containers.

One of the shops was a magic shop that Wes was desperately hoping to find. He was indecisive at the magic shop earlier in the day and had missed out. A purchase was made and therefore, a happy Wes.

We were then distracted by the Driverless Electric Shuttle that was offering free rides departing from the container park. We waited for our turn and took the half-mile loop along the Fremont East Neighbourhood. It was very cool.

It was now almost 8 pm and we had forgotten how hungry we were. While on the driverless shuttle we had spotted a restaurant on Carson St that looked nice and ‘normal’. I am happy to report that the restaurant (7th and Carson) was perfect and the food delicious.

A fun-filled day exploring the weird, wacky and amazing Las Vegas.

 

 

It was a little chilly overnight, lovely sleeping weather.

We wanted to get to the Bryce Canyon National Park early to avoid the heat AND the crowds.

With the motorhome packed we were at the shuttle parking lot just in time to park the van and catch the first shuttle into the Bryce Canyon National Park, 8 am.

And, how different one day and another National Park can be. Plenty of parking available and only us four and one other on the first shuttle.

We got off the shuttle at the Sunset Campground, walked to Sunset Point and then took the winding trail down the canyon to Queens Garden and then back up, up, up the canyon to Sunrise Point. The trail was beautiful and the scenery unbelievable.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its crimson-coloured hoodoos which are spire-shaped rock formations. We had not seen a landscape like it, the hike into the canyon was so enjoyable the park might just become my favourite.

Back on the shuttle and a quick photo stop at Bryce Point. The park was now getting very crowded with large buses of tourists arriving. It was even becoming difficult to get a seat on the shuttle.

At that point, we decided that we had enjoyed our trip and trek in the park and it was time to return to the motorhome.

It was just as well that we returned as Pete discovered that we had 430 km to drive to Las Vegas instead of 200 km. We needed to hit the road, Jack…

Out on HWY US 89 North, past the small town of Panguitch and lots of ranches and then time to turn into Utah HWY 20 West.

Next, left onto Interstate 15 South, for 344 km…

A nice drive through the desert, passing the larger town of Cedar City, and the Hurricane City exit (might pop by and do another load of washing), past the beautiful arid landscapes filled with Joshua Trees and then across the border back into Arizona (got the state border picture).

Still driving, driving, driving along Interstate 15. The crosswinds were very strong and Pete did a great job of keeping the motorhome on the road and keeping us safe, especially when we drove straight into an oncoming willy-willy.

Across the border, into Nevada (missed the photo), entered the Moapa River Indian Reservation, left the Moapa River Indian Reservation and then finally the dusty Las Vegas strip came into view upon the horizon.

A slow drive through the city with traffic congestion and then we arrived at our campsite for the next three nights, Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort.

Lovely, HUGE, campsite on the outskirts of the city about 10 km’s from the Las Vegas Strip.

An Uber from the campsite across to Silverton Casino and the casino buffet ‘Seasons’ for dinner. Silverton Casino is less than a mile from us but there are no sidewalks to cross the busy freeways.

The buffet was our last resort. Most will know, I am not a fan of the buffet, this one was actually, okay.

From the natural desert to the not so natural Las Vegas, I can’t wait to explore the strip tomorrow.

 

 

 

After lots of uncertain research and unsuccessfully being able to book a car rental, we have decided to get up super early, drive to Zion National Park and hope that we are early enough to get a parking site for our motorhome.

And up early we were, all packed up and on the road by 6.25. A quick stop just out of town to refuel and then onto the Zion National Park.

We passed the small towns of Virgin, cute little Rockville and Springdale, before we arrived at the National Park. Not too much of a queue at the Rangers Station, and then on to the Visitors Centre carpark.

Success, a motorhome park available just for us. Lucky, they were filling fast.

After we arrived we allowed the boy’s breakfast and time to change out of their pyjamas…

Now, ready for our day of trekking the trails. We arrived at the Visitors Centre and we arrived at the biggest queue I have ever seen.

If we were unaware of how beautiful the park was and…world famous, we would have just turned back to the motorhome and got the heck out of there. This time we were committed tourists and trekkers.

We walked the half mile or so to the end of the line and started waiting.

Luckily, the line moved quickly and we met a lovely, friendly couple who guided us on appropriate trails to walk with the boys. Plus, they were full of other helpful U.S. information.

Forty-five minutes later we were at the front of the queue and ready to board the shuttle up the mountain and onto the trails.

The first shuttle stop we took was stop number 5, Lower Emerald Pool Trail. We hiked to the Lower Pool and then up to the Middle and Upper Pools and waterfalls. The scenery was gorgeous and it was not as hot as I thought it would be. Lots of water stops in the shade.

Instead of taking the same return trail back to shuttle stop 5 we took the Grotto Trail connection and walked along the canyon’s edge to shuttle stop 6.

Next, back on the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava, stop 9, last stop. We got off, took photos of the stunning landscape and refilled out water bottles.

Back on the shuttle and off again at stop 7, Weeping Rock Trail. A short steep trail that ends at a rock alcove with dripping springs.

By this time we were all a bit hot, tired and hungry. Back on the shuttle to the motorhome and a sandwich in the van.

A few points on taking a motorhome to Zion National Park, just in case anybody is interested.

Yes, you can take your motorhome up to the Visitors Centre and there is motorhome parking, however, the parking is very limited. We were there by 7.30am  and the carpark was already 2/3 full. Suggestion, get there super early! From the Visitors Centre, you can take the shuttle bus up to all of the hiking trails.

Yes, you can take your motorhome through the 1.1-mile long Zion-Mt Carmel tunnel in two way traffic (vehicles cannot be taller than 13’1″ or longer than 50′) however, you must purchase a Tunnel Permit at the Ranger Station upon entry ($15) and Rangers will provide traffic control at the tunnel. The drive is breathtaking.

It was time to start our drive through the Zion National Park on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway (HWY 9) towards Bryce Canyon. A stop at the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel Ranger’s Station, to wait for the tunnel to clear and then back on the beautiful scenic drive.

Onto the North 89 Scenic Bypass, pass the small canyon towns of Mt Carmel, Orderville Glendale and Hatch, past farms, ranches and green meadows and climbing altitude as we go.

Right onto Utah 12 East, cross the Sevier River, onto Scenic Byway 12, into the Dixie National Forest out of the Dixie National Forest, past the Red Canyon, got the photos…

As we were able to take our motorhome to Zion National Park we have decided to continue driving and stay closer to the Bryce Canyon, rather than going back to last nights campsite. Shame, the laundry facilities were fantastic…

Our campsite tonight, Ruby’s Inn RV Park & Campground, Bryce Canyon City Utah.

Set up camp, relax, and then a lovely walk down the main street (Main Street) to dinner at Ruby’s Inn Cowboys’s Buffet & Steak Room.

Our next stop after Bryce Canyon will be Las Vegas. Looks like we are moving, moving, moving. Pete has advised me we can stay in Vegas for three nights. I will just wait and see…

 

 

A fresh start to the morning which we have not experienced in a while, it did warm up very quickly once the sun came out.

Up early to finish the last two days of blogs, surprisingly the internet is quite good here in the forest.

I should go for a run but it is too cold…I really am a wimp.

Out onto HWY 67 1/2, Arizona and back into the Kaibab National Forest.

It was a beautiful drive to the Grand Canyon National Park through the pine trees and meadows, climbing to altitude 8840. It was very different scenery to the landscapes of yesterday.

Yesterday we went from Desert to Alpine Switzerland in a matter of hours, Alpine Switzerland (USA) is very pretty.

During the drive, we passed the Kaibab Lodge, which looked very cute set amongst the pine trees and meadows before we left Kaibab National Forest and arrived in the Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim.

Once we arrived at the Canyon we parked the motorhome and visited the North Rim Visitor Centre, here the boys picked up their Junior Park Ranger activity pack and we also got directions on where the best viewpoints were.

There is a 2 hr scenic route you can drive, however, is not recommended to take large vehicles. We decided to walk a few of the trails around the visitor’s centre instead.

We walked the Bright Angel Point Trail to Bright Angel Point and the views were unbelievable. Pete and I had previously been to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in 2008. We took a helicopter tour from Las Vegas. I don’t remember it being this amazing, in fact, we were a little underwhelmed. We certainly did not feel like that today.

Next, back to the Grand Canyon Lodge where took in a few more viewpoints and soaked in the Grand Canyon atmosphere from the Lodge.

The whole area was gorgeous. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon did not disappoint.

The weather today was very warm, too hot for the boys to be trekking around for very long. Therefore, after filling our cameras with photos, we took the boys back to the visitor’s centre to get their Junior Ranger Badges and then we hit the road.

Back through the pine trees and meadows, with cows in the meadows and then back into the arid Arizona Desert.

The wind was extremely strong across the flat plains between the mountains and Pete did well to keep the motorhome on the road.

Onto the town of Fredonia where we stopped and had a quick lunch in the motorhome.

Time to turn on Highway Arizona W389, through the Kaibab Paiute Indian Reserve, through a willy-willy, past the town of Colorado City and then back into the state of Utah. This time I got the photo.

We have also lost an hour of time with another time change now we are back in Utah.

Still on the road and through the towns of Apple Valley and Hurricane City until we reach our destination for tonight, Zion Gate RV Resort in Hurricane.

Once we set up the motorhome the boys and I did the washing, riding our bikes to the laundry when the temperature got too hot to walk. It is 40+ at the motorhome park today.

Meanwhile, Pete tried to book a car rental. We thought that it might be easier to get to the Zion National Park and the Bryce Canyon Park in a car rather than the motorhome.

No luck with the car rental. Pete was on hold for an hour before it hit closing time and then they just offloaded him onto another depot which was 30 km’s away (Enterprise again…). Avis never returned a voice message and the closest car rental in Hurricane was sold out.

Pasta in the motorhome for dinner. Didn’t cook enough, forgot we have growing boys, the Browns will go to bed hungry and hangry tonight.