USA 2016, April-May, Spring time in USA File= USA2016.htm
Introduction.
The original plan was to go from LAX in a Nth East direction, via Sault St Marie, then  East to Halifax, in
Nova Scotia then return in a Southerly sweep, via St. Louis, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and California.
 After we crossed the Rockies, we got tired of the FLAT plains, so we decided to head West at Sault St.
Marie as per the map below. This allowed us to spend more time in coastal and mountain areas, which
were more appealing. Some of the Mountain Passes were still closed by snow, but skirting around these
proved no problem. This time of year had several advantages, particularly with accommodation availability
and lighter traffic than peak summer holiday periods.
We planned on 5 weeks, 35 days
away from home, and 32 days in
car travelling, for about 10,000
miles. Actual miles travelled was
9,000, no accidents and only one
speeding ticket in Canada.(wow !!)
We had covered some of these
areas on previous trips, but it was
still worth the great scenery, roads,
and cheap fuel, feed and motels.
It was easy to change our plans
on the run, as the only constraint
was the return airline date.
Rental Car. Had some misunderstandings with ALAMO initially, but after checking out other
rentals, realized that the ALAMO deal and procedures were un-beatable. We chose a "COMPACT" car.
The price, including all insurances, unlimited mileage was AUD $48/day. At LAX Alamo, you can choose
any vehicle lined up in the "compact" range, about 50 or so vehicles, coming in and going out, constantly.
We tried and rejected 2 cars, one had no spare, other had bad brakes. Ended up choosing a near new
Nissan Versa, with only 3,252 miles on the clock, virtually a brand new vehicle. This proved to be
extremely satisfactory, and as good as a Hyundai i30 or Kia Rio. On check out, they ran a scanner over
the vehicle which read all the details, and return was a 5 min inspection, and all done. The whole Alamo
operation and procedures were efficient and well done. The daily rate we paid was cheaper than our 
previous trips in 2005 and 2008, incredible ? Can recommend ALAMO without hesitation.
Took two (2) of our Garmin Sat Nav's with us, with the latest pre-loaded US and Canada maps, and
pre-loaded destination towns. (from Trip planning, at home) This, together with the latest USA/Canada
AA Big Road Atlas made navigating a breeze. Don't know how we managed before Sat Nav's ?
Boot took 2 large suitcases + ESKY and more.
Nissan Versa, AUD $48/day, all inclusive. Took Plenty of power, and 35 mpg. Could exceed
our pick of 50 odd cars in the Compact class. 100 mph easily, but handling was average.
Airlines, Virgin Australia. We were sceptical about using Virgin because of  poor experiences
with previous domestic flights. (poor service, cramped conditions, everything was extra cost !!)
I suppose having to please USA passengers, the service, baggage limits, seating and costs were good.
We paid 2 times $1060 returns, Brisbane to LAX, or AUD $530 each leg. Hard to believe, but the plane
had few (if any) spare seats. No complaints about Virgin check in or cabin crew. We were allowed 2
checked in bags at 32kg each, which was more than enough. Allowed us to take our trusty ESKY
so we could buy our beer and wine in the Liquor stores cheap, and drink at our leisure in hotels/motels.
Had  to get US visas at Brisbane airport at exorbitant charges. This was an unexpected and a new req't. 
Yollie found a novel way to JUMP the airline Airport security is quite savage. They make
check-in queues ! She told the staff she had you take your shoes and belts off, and empty
difficulty standing and got wheel chaired to front. your carry on bags.
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Hotels, Motels Generally used medium quality tourist hotels/motels, such as Holiday Inn, Days
Inn, Travelodge, Best Western and Cabins. Costs ranged from AUD $100 to AUD $200, avg, say=$130.
Many of these wanted to swipe my credit card, which I refused from past experiences. I always offered
to produce my drivers license, passport, and produce a USD $200 cash security deposit. If this was
refused, went looking for another place, as we had had many instances of credit card overcharging, in
the past, after leaving the motel. At one resort, they wanted to give me a cheque, when checking out, in
lieu of my USD $200 cash security deposit I had paid in the day before. I quickly persuaded them that
this was NOT the way it was going to work, and they had better produce my $200 cash quick smart, which
they did. We learnt that credit card fraud was rife in the accommodation industry in USA. Once they have
overcharged you, after you have left, it is difficult and time consuming to rectify.
Best Western, Cajun Pass, Cal. (traffic noise) Needles motel, at edge of Mojave desert.
A BEAR cleaned up our garbage bin here at an Typical tourist motel, all conveniences.
Ouray resort, Colorado, overnite. Didn't see it. Nearly all had ice, for Eskies.
Not a bad view, at Ventura, Cal. Two nites here. Top Cabin, in mtns, near Wrightwood, Cal
Currency, USD From our tried and tested TRIP PLANNER, we could estimate quite accurately
how much currency we would need for the whole trip. After much practice, we got pretty good at this.
Then, we would go to Australia Post and get the entire amount of USD dollars we would need, and take
this with us. This avoids having to pay ATM and currency exchange fees, and stopping often at ATM's
and having to find parking. Aust. Post has the best exchange rates and offers LARGE denomination bills,
USD $100, which take up very little space, wherever it is kept. Not too many muggers would be silly 
enough robbing people walking around in shorts and joggers, let alone Parj, at any time !
As it turned out, we overestimated our requirements, and had to convert some USD to AUD on return.
Trip Narrative. After landing at LAX early in the morning, got the ALAMO shuttle bus from the
airport to the ALAMO depot, nearby. All the paperwork had been completed by email beforehand, so all
we had to do was select a vehicle in our category, and drive off. I had planned to exit LAX via CA 2 thru
the San Gabriel Mtns, thru magnificent mountain roads to Wrightwood then Big Bear Lake. This had many
ski areas near LA and I had done this road by motorbike previously. However, the flight had left me tired
and I didn't put in sufficient "intermediate points" to force Sat Nav on the correct roads. By the time I had
realized we were on the wrong route, it was too late, so we determined to do this on return to LAX.
LAX to Big Bear Lake, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley
Having missed CA2 up the San Gabriel Mnts, we went thru Cajon Pass and Big Bear Lake, then skirted
Las Vegas. Las Vegas you want to visit once only, so we crossed the Colorado River over the new bridge
instead of the older Hoover Dam crossing, and headed for the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley.
Grand Canyon overlook. Much On my 1st trip here on motorbikes, I was standing in front of a bus full
better than Las Vegas, eh ? of Yanks, gazing at the view,  and announced  " I almost feel humble". 
The whole busload burst out in laughter and derision and I copped a 
fair amount of good natured abuse ! (they thought I was a POM)
Monument Valley, further on in Arizona, near the Colorado border. Many western movies were made in
this area. The Yanks (actually native Indians here) do these scenic parks very well. You can drive thru at
your own pace, without having a guide shepherding you around. This was common in many US National
Parks. As a bonus, it was National Parks Holiday week, so Park fees were being waived.
Into Colorado, Durango to Steamboat Springs, via Ouray (fantastic road), & Glenwood Springs
The road from Durango to Ouray, via Coalbank Pass, 10,640 ft., and Silverton, has to be up there, with
the best anywhere. We were disappointed that Independence Pass, 12,093 ft. Between Aspen and 
Granite was still closed by winter snow, but the roads thru Grand Junction, Glenwood springs and
approaching the ski resort of Steamboat Springs were adequate compensation. Had done much work
at Aspen, Vail and Steamboat Springs while skiing in my younger days, when the knees were still OK.
The Durango-Ouray steam train. Got most of Durango-Ouray road, one of the best. Small
it from the car window. delays when clearing snow drifts near
Coalbank Pass, 10,640 ft.
Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs road. Steamboat Spgs ski trails, oh for good knees !
This continues like this for many miles. Wonder if artificial knees may work ?
Steamboat Springs to CANADA, via Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, St Lawrence river
After the Rocky Mtns in Colorado, drove into the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and were hit by
heavy rains, which brought down much snow in many other "higher" areas of USA and Canada.
Found the endless plains and Interstate hwys a bit boring, so we decided to change plans when into
Canada, by heading west, rather than east, staying in the mountains and coastal areas. The customs
at Sault St. Marie between USA and Canada were eventful. At the customs barrier, we had a green light
and the guard booth window was closed, so I drove straight thru. This set off alarms and sirens and
customs officers running to intercept us. This offcourse resulted in our car being thoroughly searched
by pissed off customs officials, who were disappointed no contraband was found. 
On Great plains, a break in the rain/snow. Like to drive one of these in traffic, oh boy !
Crossing the mighty St. Lawrence river, USA Cabin beside Lake Superior, just North west
to Canada. Had some customs problems. of Sault St. Marie. As good as any Motel !
Thunder Bay, to Medicine Hat, via Winnipeg, and Moose Jaw, heading West in Canada.
After entering Canada at Sault St. Marie, we headed west towards Fort MacLeod just north of the USA
border, near Glacier National Park. Just out of Winnipeg, while chewing on an apple, a cop  put on his
siren behind me and pulled me over. Had it not been for the apple, I would have noticed him behind me
and slowed down. Anyway, he claimed that because I did not notice him and he had to put on his siren to
stop me, he had to book me, and not issue a warning.(as they do in USA). We decided not to go to 
Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise as these had been visited before, several times on previous Alaska trips.
Shallow sections of Lake Good hwy beside Lake Superior, Beaver lodge, the Beaver would
Superior were still frozen. heading west. not come out to be seen.
Deer beside the hwy. Wasn't game to get out of the car to photograph the policeman or his
car. Did this once previously in USA, and nearly got taken away !!
Into USA, Glacier National Park to Sun Valley, IDAHO, via, Missoula, Salmon and Bitterroot river.
The Canada to USA border crossing went without incident. The border guard was courteous, asked a few
questions and waved us thru. The Yanks just love the Ozzie accent.
Could not cross the Glacier National Park because of snow on roads. Ducked in as far as we could go,
then made our way South, towards Sun Valley, Ski resort in IDAHO. Haven't skied this one in USA.
US customs, Canada, Montana border. Glacier National Park, partly closed by snow.
Salmon River, knew this route well from  Sun Valley ski resort, IDAHO. Still good cover.
previous motorbike trips, years ago. I think there are several Sun Valleys in USA ?
Craters of the Moon, National Park, IDAHO. Quiet Cabins at Idaho Falls. I told the Lady
The USA astronauts did some training here manager that I wanted a very quiet, peaceful 
for the Moon Landings. No entry fees, still room, as at age 71, I had become intolerant to
National Parks week(s) ? excessive noise. Her immediate reply was :- 
  "What took you so long ?"
Heading East to Wyoming, via Jackson Hole ski resort, then Lander, then back West to UTAH.
Avoided Yellowstone National Park, having been there several times, but could not resist going thru
the Tetons and Jackson Hole ski resort. Were very disappointed that the brand new Cable car  was not
working, as the views from the top of Jackson Hole were outstanding. Then headed East as far as
Lander, Wyoming, before turning West again, towards UTAH. Since we had become "apostleitic atheists
we went thru Salt Lake City without stopping, to avoid the self righteous 7th Day Adventists and Mormons.
Lewis and Clark "route" marker, IDAHO. Jackson Hole ski resort, Teton mtns, WYM.
Jackson Hole, ski resort, Wyoming.
<--Pity the Cable Car was down for maintenance.
One of the most challenging ski runs in the USA.
Wyoming wildlife refuge. Plaque commemorating the Tracks, 150++years old, of wagon
Oregon Trail Emigrants. wheels on the "Oregon Trail".
Bonneville Salt Flats, UTAH, I wasn't racing this year ! Old F86 beside a service station.
Bonneville Salt Flats, to Coos Bay, OREGON, via Crater Lake, and Klamath Falls, ORG.
From the Mormon State of UTAH, we entered the "gambling state" of NEVADA, which had Casinos in
every village and whistle stop. Previously, it was hard to find a drink in UTAH, but these restrictions
seemed to have relaxed over time. About 20 or so years ago, I checked into a motel in UTAH on my
motorbike, then showered and changed and asked the manager where his BAR was ? His righteous
reply was that did NOT serve alcohol in his establishment. This was after I had paid up and moved in !!
OREGON had a unique STATE regulation that all motel bills had to be paid by credit card ? I think this
was a taxation requirement and the MOTELS refused to accept cash with Photo ID and Cash security
deposits ?? Naturally I was suspicious, and carefully checked my Credit Card transactions for several
days afterwards, and had to argue motel "overcharges" after we had left. These amounted to only 
USD $ 20 to $40 or so, for so called cleaning or whatever, but they all backed down, when confronted by
mobile phone, afterwards. This is a common practice in the USA, most people would miss or ignore this ?
This was also common in Italy and France, where it was much harder to rectify afterwards. This is the
reason we refuse to use Credit Cards, for accommodations, anywhere, unless there was no other choice.
We expected to find a seaside motel at Coos Bay, but these were not available until further South.
CRATER LAKE is a MUST SEE location in OREGON. It is a collapsed volcano which has filled with water
Only one access and exit was open, other roads were still closed by snow cover, not yet cleared.
Crater Lake, OREGON, the pictures speak for themselves. Many roads here were still closed by snow,
Snow depth, at Crater Lake, OREGON, gets some. Finally back at Coast, Coos Bay, OREGON.
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Coos Bay, OREGON to Fort Bragg, Nth California, via Coast hwy 101.
This magnificent coastline was a pleasure to behold. Many bays had seals and otters and people were
diving/gathering fish (or shellfish ?) all along the coastal rocks. We finally got some motels overlooking
the sea, but the Great Western at Fort Bragg had terrible traffic noise. Even experienced travellers like
us get caught out occasionally, especially when tired and great views inhibit usual checks.
Typical coast on hwy 101. Deer Park, California on hwy 101.
Two views from Ft Bragg hotel. Pity we didn't have double glazing to supress traffic noise all night.
Ft Bragg to Camancha Lake resort, via avenue of the "Redwood Giants" and Napa and Lodi.
From Ft Bragg, headed inland to go via the avenue of the Redwood Giants Forrest. This is a MUST DO
drive on your bucket list. Then kept heading South East via Napa valley and Lodi, of Credence song
fame. Parj tried to sing this badly out of tune, until Yollie threatened to jump out of the car !!
Saw some advertising about a Lake resort at Lake Camancha, so headed there for the nite. Had some
nice cabins, overlooking a large clear lake, in very peaceful surroundings. Pity they tried to offer us a
company cheque, in lieu of our $200 cash security deposit on checkout. Needed the intervention of the
manager, who apologised profusely for his staff ignorance and mistake !!
This fella just would NOT move. Had to go around. Avenue of the GIANTS, do you feel humble ?
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Nice Cabin overlooking Lake Camancha.
<--- Makes you feel somewhat insignificant ?
Tried to find the drive thru tree, but missed it. One of the
trees has a gap at the base, large enough to drive a
small car thru.
Lake Camancha to Coast, missing San Francisco. Then view Seal colonies and on to Morro Bay.
A spectacular drive to coast from Lake Camancha, then down the coast on 101, stopping to view the
Seal colonies and terrific coastal views. Hwy 101 has to be up there ? I reckon in the top 3 or top 5.
Seal viewing area, must have been hundreds. Morrow Bay rock, from hwy 101
View from Morrow Bay motel. Probably got the  Yollie hand feeding the locals. The gulls and
last room with an ocean view in town. Had to squirrels were a delight to feed on the trip
move out next day, it was booked out.
Morro Bay East to Needles, almost in ARIZONA, then back west, to Wrightwood, on CA2
We were ahead of schedule so we headed East again, to Needles, near the California, Arizona border,
such that on return from there, could pick up the missed section of road CA2 in the San Gabriel mtns,
overlooking Los Angeles. California offers a vast variety of landscapes, from Coastal beaches, high mnts
with snow caps, barren desert and everything in-between. All this in one state, in one day ??
Desert view, heading East towards Mojave. Gully view heading East from Morro Bay.
Mojave Desert, towards Needles. Oil wells, some working slowly, pumping oil.
Good Wrightwood Cabin, in San Gabriel mtns. Hwy CA2, in San Gabriel mnts, overlooking
Missed this road, on the way out of LAX. LA, if no fog. Many motorbike trips here.
Ventura motel from beach side. We were on Having just returned car to ALAMO. Must say
the top floor for 2 nites. Terrific view of beach. their operation is 1st class. The Yanks can do
The better hotels/motels usually gave us no it well, on occasion. Car return took about
problems, it was the smaller ones that tried ! 5 minutes, no problems or any dings.
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Conclusions and Summary
It is a pleasure touring in the USA. Good roads, cheap fuel, food, motels and they almost speak English.
Airlines & Car rental The Airline and Car Rental rates have become cheaper every year.
Credit Card use. It’s a pity they try on the credit card scams, but at least if you are aware of what
is happening, they readily correct any errors, be they deliberate or accidental. (not like Italy or France)
Use your credit card as little as possible, for hotels or motels. Most will accept a cash security deposit.
TV and Newspapers For the leader of the Western world, we could not believe how bad their TV and
newspapers were. The LA times was not worth reading, and of the 300 to 500 TV channels available in 
most locations, very few, if any, were worthy watching. What has happened to their culture ? Are they
pandering to the Lowest Common Denominator ? No wonder Yanks know very little of outside the USA.
Scenery and Nat Parks These offcourse made up for the above. Plenty of wildlife around.
Their National Parks are more user friendly than in Oz, you can do your own thing, at your own pace.
Best Bumper Sticker    "Please don't bother me, I am running out of places to bury the bodies."
Speed limits in USA The speed limits in the USA are more realistic for modern day roads and cars.
On the Interstate highways, they were 65 to 75 mph, and most vehicles were safely doing 10 mph more.
On the State highways, they varied from 45 to 55 mph, which seemed OK for the quality of road and the
volume of traffic. The quality of drivers was quite good, most were realistic and considerate, not as bad
as Italy or Turkey. (I believe Russia has the worst drivers ?)
Tipping We consider this one of the worst aspects of American life. The abject "grovelling" that is
done by serving staff in all the service industries is shameful. Its about time this was discontinued and
the staff were paid a living wage. Nevertheless, we contributed to this BAD practice.
Would we go again ? Offcourse, would like to do Alaska and Northern Canada, anytime.
Best to avoid the large cities, you will find the Yanks as courteous and helpful as any country folks.
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