Thursday, November 8, 2012

London Calling!!!

Arrived in London this afternoon after waking up yesterday at the Grand Canyon ranch, flying back to Vegas by helicopter with Captain Davis, catching a flight from Vegas to LA then a flight to London.....12 hours in the air for the day......

But let's start at the beginning.........

We were supposed to travel out to the Grand Canyon Ranch by bus and return the next day by helicopter ...but a glitch with our booking saw us travel by helicopter both ways......and two flights over/in the canyon can't be bad!!

This was the entrance to the ranch house.....



This is a working cattle ranch as well as taking paying guests for overnight stays......this was one of the beds in our cabin......



We were thinking (albeit briefly) about staying in one of these but the manager suggested it might be a bit cold at this time of year.....didn't take too much effort to talk us out of it!






After a hearty home cooked dinner in the ranch house we joined the rest of the guests around the campfire where we were entertained by Casey the singing cowboy....here he is serenading us at dinner....


...he also does wake up calls and since we were leaving early the next morning he said he would call past the cabin at 6.45 to make sure we were up and ready for breakfast......during the trip we have had quite a few early starts so we were up, showered and dressed before he arrived.......so we ambushed him with a rendition of Home on the Range....not giving up our day jobs anytime soon!


With breakfast done and dusted we headed off with the best helicopter pilot around to enjoy another fly over of the canyon before returning to Vegas to continue on the next leg of our journey........but not before continuing the "tradition" of having our photo taken with some of the locals!





Here are some pics from the ranch and the canyon......






You really have to admire the early pioneers who settled this country....!!















No pics can really do this magnificent landscape justice....I think this was one of the best things I have ever done......and I LOVED the helicopter flight.....another fear crushed!!! Go me!!! :)

And back to Vegas.......





While waiting for a cab to the airport one of the limo drivers offered to take a group of us out for less than the taxi fare each.....our ride.....


Vegas of course is a city built on glitz and gambling...


even in the airport lounge the pokies are everywhere!



So I bid a teary farewell to Cardy and Lea at LAX as I checked in for my flight to London and they headed off to check in for their flight home.....the departure lounge was quite crowded but I found a seat next to a couple from England and we enjoyed a chat......boarding was called and they went one way and I another.....but guess who, out of the 350+ people on board, I sat next to on the flight.....yep......Susan and John returning to Cambridge from a short holiday in the States......which made for a very pleasant trip.....although I have to say I slept a lot of the time.....it's been a busy few weeks!

Terri and I have been planning this trip for a while and have kept it a secret from Mark....suffice to say he was more than a little surprised to see me sitting at the table when he came home from work......and it is wonderful to be able to come and spend some time with them.....I miss them a lot! Looking forward to exploring London over the next couple of weeks....it's almost 40 years since I was here last!!!! Before I left home I booked a car to pick me up from the airport......have always wanted to have someone with my name on a sign waiting for me when I arrive! So as not to embarrass him completely I waited until we got to the car park before I took the pic!


Planning some exploration of the local area tomorrow and some washing! I am pleased my case wasn't opened for inspection by customs.....pretty sure the pair of not-so-sweet smelling socks I threw in the case when I repacked it at the Hotel in Vegas would have made a gas mask a necessity!

Cardy I am missing my room mate.....hope you and Lea have arrived safely in Sydney.....thanks for being a great travelling companion!!

'Til next time.........Lorraine

19 comments:

Lenora said...

Been thinking of you Loz and wondering if you were able to pull off the surprise without Mark knowing. Glad you arrived safe and sound. Enjoy the UK!

Susan said...

Keep on having a good time!

Joolz said...

What a trip, you must be having the time of your life! A ranch stay in the GC is on my bucket list for next year! Enjoy London with the kids!

Cheers, Joolz

Anonymous said...

wow that is some pretty amzing scenery,thankyou for sharing your fun trip with the girls.xx

Chookyblue...... said...

would love to see the grand canyon one day........
so pleased you made it to London and the secret was a great surprise........enjoy your time there....

Anita said...

The chopper ride and trip sounds fantastic! And wow - what a surprise - going to London too (my birth place!) - have a great time!!

Chocolate Cat said...

So proud of you managing the flight to London ! Glad you were able to give mark a surprise! Have fun!

Soph said...

I love a blog post that gets a song stuck in my head! Love that particular song too. Can't believe you are in London, it seems moments ago that you were in the US. Have a great time with Mark and Terri!

Kris said...

Sorry, I'm not Soph, but Kris!

River said...

This just has to be the holiday of a lifetime! Wonderful memories you are making for yourself.

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Jen said...

Go you Lorraine! , It looks like you are all haveing the best time ever. great photos. Have a great time in London.

Unknown said...

Enjoy your time with the Kids your Trip as been Wonderful to see...
Bet there were some Tears when Mark saw you...
Take Care

Karen said...

I'm so happy you've landed and now have time with your family. I bet he was shocked to see you sitting there lol. Have a wonderful time and enjoy the sites. My goodness you've packed a lot in on this trip - you will need a vacation from your vacation when you get home lol.

Hugs - karen

AnnieO said...

Whirlwind of activity continues! Glad you have a few days rest in London, ha ha :) Thanks for taking us along!

Sue SA said...

Wow so much to see of your trip and digest, what a great adventure. I love the helicopter ride pics. Are those cowboys twins? Or is it just the moustaches? Purple matching luggage - something I fancy myself...when I next go o/s! Yeah you in London with loved ones, what a great surprise. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Deb R said...

what a lovely adventure with two gorgeous friends.. I got a tear in my eye the way you surprised your son.Enjoy your time together x

Shay said...

I bet he was so excited to see you (after he got over the shock!)

Cardygirl said...

What a fabulous chronicle...missing you too!