South Western USA touring

Folks,
Bobbie and I have been home for 2 weeks now, and are fully recovered from jet lag, colds, and a different bed every few days...

Ventura,CA -Taqueria on the Pier

From Peru, we flew to LA and then spent 3 days in Santa Barbara in a little Casita (read: Granny Flat) in the old area of the town. It was walking distance to North Milpas  Street, where we found a launderette, and several excellent Taquerias, namely: La Super-Rica Taqueria (a Julia Child favorite), Los Agaves, and Taqueria El Buen Gusto. We really should have tried some other Californian food, but because the Mexican was so good, it became the preferred option.
During the 2 days there we went off the coast to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands for some hiking as well did some sightseeing in Vantura, CA. Tacos and margaritas on the Ventura Pier were very good.

Santa Cruz Island

We  then headed off to Las Vegas, where we went to see Jersey Boys, and had dinner on the strip. Hiking in Red Rock Canyon National Park was much better, as was the tour of the Hoover Dam. Unfortunately the dam water is low, and Las Vegas may become "dry" in a few years. Bill also spent 3 hours browsing in Fry's Electronics.

Grand Canyon from Desert View Tower

Next  stop was the Grand Canyon where more hiking was in order. 1st day was 4 hours along the rim from Hermit's Rest back to the Bright Angel lodge. Second day it rained and we car toured to the other end and saw Desert View. Here there is a huge decorative stone tower on the canyon rim overlooking the canyon, and the desert beyond.
The third day we ventured down into the canyon at 7 am for a 1 hour hike down the Bright Angel track. Returning to the top by 10:30 am we then drove to Scottsdale Arizona to finish our USA time with Bill's brother John at his winter home.

Downtown Scottsdale

Bill's sister Elizabeth and husband Al flew in from London, Canada to enjoy some warm weather and touring as well. John provided chauffeured tours of downtown Scottsdale, the Boulders golf estate, and the nearby town of Paradise. We ate at the Terra Vita Golf club, the Tonto Bar and Grill.(a birthday dinner for Bill), and had lunch at Oregano's Cafe. One night after dinner we also went to the Buffalo Chip Saloon to watch the Bull riding. Unsurprising, everyone sang the national anthem before the action.

Hiking in San Jacinto

On the return to LA we stopped overnight in Palm Springs to break the trip, and went up the rotating cable car to Mt. San Jacinto State Park at 2400 meters for a cool 2 hour hike, The cable car is one of 2 in the world which rotate while ascending. We had taken the other one last year when we went up to Table mountain in Capetown South Africa!
From LA it was 15 hours back to Australia, and 2 days in Sydney before returning to Yamba. Whee...

Looks like we will be back in North America next summer for Bobbie's niece's wedding. Till then we will stay in Australia.
Cheers, Bill & Bobbie