30/09/2006: Bakersfield.

Hello again dear friends, Arrived in bakersfield this afternoon. Took the Greyhound from Hollywood. There was a mad woman in the waiting area, talking to herself. Took about 2 and a bit -hrs. Seems a nice enough town. Lots of Trucks. Hotel room is nice enough. It's Saturday night but I won't bother venturing out as I have a big day tomorrow. Besides I'm a day late to see Guns N Roses... Spoke to Curtis at EagleRider and everything is set to go. If you want an idea of where I'll be riding to and when, check the Kings Canyon run on the Eaglerider link. I seem to have left my power plug adaptors at home which I only discovered last night. Not easy to get these here unless you're at an airport. I have a power pack for my phone but the camera's will need charging soon so I'll have to get something soon. Arthur commented that I packed too much stuff...he was right. I think I can split it into two suitcases which will be easy. Otherwise I'll have to ship some stuff back. Novice traveller... Had my first fast food burger today. I plan to have a few of these while I'm here. Today's selection was the Ultimate Cheeseburger from Jack-in-the-Box. Pretty good, chips still had bits of skin on them, they were yummy. The girl at the counter got all excited when she heard my accent and introduced herself to me, asking about the trip etc etc. Whatever I sadi she just grinned and told me she loved my accent. Probably don't get that many Aussies ( certainly not many Serbo-Aussies, and you can take THAT to the bank!) unlike LA where we are probably a dime a dozen. Forgot to mention: A contingent of Hawthorn players were on my flight to LA from Melb. They seemed pretty well behaved. That will have changed though. I've booked a room at the USA Hostel in Hollywood for when I get back from the ride. It's smack in the middle of Hollywood right next to H'wood Boulevard. Looking forward to checking some of that out. Anyway, that's it for me. Oh, there are oil pumps, like the ones you see in the movies; with the big weight swinging, in the weirdest places here, in car parks, behind shops etc. Looks very strange. Still don't know who won the Grand Final...still don't really care. Blessings to you all. M

29/09/2006. Los Angeles

Hi all,
Sorry this has taken a few days but it's been pretty hectic and I haven't had time to sit down to update you all on what so far has been an interesting trip. The flight managed to knock all the excitement out of me. It's a long, long flight and not recommended. I was luck in that I had one woman in my row with one empty seat between us so there was a bit of room to spread out if I twisted just right. The hotel isn't bad, right near the airport so it's in a crappy area but that ha suited me ok. The first night I sat at the bar to listen to this Jazz Combo/ Lounge act. They were pretty good and they had what looked to be a 70 year old woman on percussion. I hadn't eaten so after 4 beers I was staggering so, before I started speaking swahili, I stumbled back to my room and had a fitful nights sleep.

I got up early to get my flight to Phoenix en route to Tempe Az. Air travel within the US is a nightmare. Long lines, tough security, more long lines. It takes forever. I ended up having my toothpaste, aftershave and deodorant thrown out because of the security rules. The guy asked me if any of those things were over three ounces.... I just shrugged and took my chances. I know better now. getting into Phoenix was like landing in hell. It was 99 degrees!!! A lovely woman helped me with catching the right bus to Tempe, and even gave me her spare bus ticket. I caught two buses to get to my hotel and walked about a kilometre. It was fun. Tempe was hot and flat. It's a University town so there is quite a bit of activity there. Had an old arsehole bus driver who refused to help me find my hotel, even though he drove right past it. He wouldn't even look at me when I asked him where it was. Old prick. Had a meal at La Fonda Mexican restaurant. Very nice and cheap. Couldn't finish the meal. ($8) Food is cheap, newspapers are 50c and smokes are about 4 bucks a pack. The Marquee Theatre in Tempe is where I went to see Mastadon ($23). Good venue, standing only with a floor that slopes up toward the back. I didn't like the suports bands much but Mastadon were simply sensational. Huge sound, powerful and precise playing. Well worth the trouble. One gripe was that the volume for all the bands was just way too loud. It actually hurt at times, so I only spentany length of time inside for Mastadon.

Mostly people have been very friendly and neatly dressed! Khaki pants and sportscoats are big. Haven't really spoken to anyone at length as yet. I've been a bit of a fish out of water these first couple of days but I'm getting used to it now. Driving is getting easier. Takes about half an hour to get to Hollywood from here. ( Two and a half on my first attempt...) There's a huge group of Steel Horsemen staying here. It's an African-American Motorcycle Club. They are having some kind of convention here. Saw a few of them tonight as I was coming back to the hotel. Two women and a guy. All on big Jap racers. One of the chicks had pink suede high-heel boots on.... riding a superbike! This is a unique place. Off to Bakersfield tomorrow in prep for the bike ride starting on the 1st. Take care all. Love M.

27/09/2006...on the way.

So I'm at the Airport. My Taxi turned up on time and the driver's BO wasn't a problem. He even knew where the airport was... Arthur and Vince need not have worried. Forgot my watch so had to buy another one duty free and had to remove an aerosol can from my luggage at check in. Apart from that eveythings going smoothly. Now I have a 14hr flight to look forward to. No doubt seated next to some huge sweaty traveller who insists on talking througout the flight...please God don't let it happen! Opps, the bording call has just been broadcast... better go. M

Sept 24th.

This is an attempt to chronicle a holiday. The intention is to keep family and friends in touch with my adventures on this short overseas jaunt. Whether or not it is sucessful, we'll just have to wait and see. For my part, I will attempt to detail each days events and highlights. This may not be updated each day but I will try to get something up at least every three days. However, my reliability and advanced sense of disorganisation may mean that you will see only this entry for the duration of the trip. I hope this will not be the case... I hope.

Let's run through the itinerary.

Sept 27th Fly out to LA, arrive Sept 27th... very fast plane. Stay overnight at Westin Hotel LAX.
Sept 28th, flying to Phoenix on route to Tempe Arizona. This is where I'll catch Mastadon live at the Marquee Theatre. No, not catch a Live Mastadon...The Band Mastadon. Some of you will know then, most will not, it doesn't matter. Great band, should be wild.

Next day back to LA and another night at the Westin before heading over to Bakersfiled on the 30th. Staying o'night. In the morning I pick up the Harley and take off on the 9 days ride through King's Canyon, Yosemite Nat Park and Death Valley. This is the primary reason for the trip and it should be a hoot. Hopefully I'll get some great photos and interesting stories for you, my faithful readers.

On the 10th, I'm back in LA (again) until the 12th when I fly over to San Francisco for about 8 days. There I'm booked to see BORIS... no, not a Russian, but another band. They are playing at Slims in SF, can't remember the date though. I'll do other shit while I'm in SF, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf, cruise the Gay S&M scene...just the usual tourist stuff. All this then back in Melb on the 22nd (or 23rd...)

Last night, the World's most Genial Armenian, Arthur, threw me a going away party to which a few of my close friends came. Fun was had by one and all.

So now I'm pretty much set to go. Loading up the accursed MP3 player, listing "Things to Do" and waiting. My next entry should be from LA, unless I have something more to add before I go.