We made it to the Pacific Ocean, at Huntington Beach, CA, Surf City, USA!! Watched a Jr.International Surfing Competition. These kids were amazing!!! Warm temps - 80's.  We drove up the coast a short way to Long Beach to tour the Queen Mary, Grande Dame of the seas in her day and also served in war time to deliver service men around the world.

After leaving Utah we went back to Las Vegas for a couple of nights before travelling into California to Joshua Tree. Although not as dramatic as the National Parks in Utah, we found Joshua Tree National Park to be very interesting and fun. We took several hikes through Hidden Valley, Barker Dam and visited Skull Rock and the Cactus Garden. At Keys View, the overlook is of the  mountains, valley and desert. You can see the San Andreas Fault in the valley. Joshua Tree is where the Colorado and Mohave deserts meet.

The boulders and jumbo rocks are nature's rock climbing playground for the young and active. We were content with the paths through the rocks!

We stayed at the Joshua Tree Lake RV Resort and I have included some pics below.

Fortunately it stopped raining and we were able to go to Bryce Canyon before having to leave Utah. This National Park by far was both spectacular and accessible without having to be shuttled in and out if you prefer to go at your own pace and hike where you want. It was however, turning cold and you will see some snow at the higher elevations (see Agua Canyon). 

Traveling from Las Vegas north to Glendale, UT we encountered how GPS can lead you the wrong way. Directions from the RV park assisted us to avoid the steep switch-backs and tunnel which we would not have been allowed to pass; however, the alternative was still challenging with many turns, cuts through canyons and high winds.

Due to severe rain, lightning and hail; we were unable to visit Zion until Monday, October 22. Well worth the wait, it was beautiful and awe inspiring. Pictures never do justice, but we were able to hike to the waterfalls and see the wonder of the Park.

We visited famed "Fremont Street" where we saw a driverless van people were riding. We did not. At Caesar's Palace we took in a Las Vegas show. Very good! We enjoyed the RV park pool, nice weather and pretty sunsets. We also visited Red Rocks National Preserve with incredible views and hikes among the formations.

17 Turbines, 7 on the Nevada side and the others on the Arizona side are at the base of the Hoover dam power plant. The interesting facts include the tunnel paved with beautiful Indian artwork, the construction of the dam and of course the power this provides to the states surrounding it. Not to be overlooked is the dedication to "the dog who owned a dam". 

The Grand Canyon, especially South Rim (seen in pics above) is truly awe inspiring. Pictures do not do it justice. We did take the Grand Canyon train ride from Williams. Great fun as they amuse everyone with strolling musicians, a bit of history and an "train robbery".

The Petrified Forest and Painted Desert near Holbrook, AZ was great to drive through. Originally Route 66 went right through the National Park and the car pictured is the memorial to it.

We were fortunate enough to get reservations and tickets to the International Balloon Fiesta held every year at this time in Albuquerque. We stayed in Laguna at Rt.66 RV for 3 days, 2 nights due to a cancellation (as all places to stay get booked a year in advance). We chose to get park and ride tickets as you must get to the Fiesta early to see the a.m. ascension. There was said to be 100,000 people at the event and I believe it! We were able to see the glow and all of the 500 balloons inflate on Sunday and we caught the Mass Ascension Monday a.m. and chased balloons around town (not hard as they were everywhere.

 After a wonderful breakfast at the local Café & Feed Store in Santa Fe, we headed to Madrid, a little "hippy-like" town which was where the filming of Wild Hogs was done. Interesting boutiques and history. The Mine Shaft Tavern claimed to be the oldest stand-up bar in the nation.