A CALIFORNIAN ODYSSEY 2010.....A live trip report from the Golden State
Aug 20th, 2010, 03:55 PM
#321
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Hi SOCALOC, Possibly no more trips to report on until next year, though I am working on a "business conference" aka junket to Bali that may happen in late November. Next year is looking like being a big one for travel with a family trip to either Sri-Lanka or Western Europe on the cards and a Conference in Fiji that has been confirmed for September.
Shanghainese, I was invited to Shanghai for a week by the media company that took us to Beijing last year but I just couldn't committ at the time due to a few staffing issues that I am dealing with. Have you read my TALES OF THAILAND report? I never got to quite finish that one.
I will go back to the USA, but it will most likely not be before 2013. Maybe we can all get together at some stage?
Sharona, Paula etc....right at this very moment, the first draft edition of my California Odyssey book is being uploaded to blurb. I will start a new thread with a link as soon as it is ready. My plan is to order a soft cover copy of this version and then make some alterations to the format before submitting and purchasing a hard cover "Coffee-Table" version. Who knows, I may even sell a few copies!!!
Shanghainese, I was invited to Shanghai for a week by the media company that took us to Beijing last year but I just couldn't committ at the time due to a few staffing issues that I am dealing with. Have you read my TALES OF THAILAND report? I never got to quite finish that one.
I will go back to the USA, but it will most likely not be before 2013. Maybe we can all get together at some stage?
Sharona, Paula etc....right at this very moment, the first draft edition of my California Odyssey book is being uploaded to blurb. I will start a new thread with a link as soon as it is ready. My plan is to order a soft cover copy of this version and then make some alterations to the format before submitting and purchasing a hard cover "Coffee-Table" version. Who knows, I may even sell a few copies!!!
Aug 23rd, 2010, 02:44 PM
#324
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For anyone who hasn't seen this-
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-the-book.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...d-the-book.cfm
Aug 29th, 2010, 07:37 PM
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Hi shanek,
Thanks for the reply. I've been drilling people I know who've been to the states about the driving thing, but only in an oblique 'I'm not really nervous' kind of way.
I'm more relaxed about it now and have booked a car for the entire LA/San Diego/San Fran section of my own holiday. I guess it's a little self-correcting if you're most likely to make a mistake when the road is empty!
I had a look at your book too, wow, really inspirational. It's a great thing now, but in thirty years it will no doubt be a family treasure.
Actually I'd better keep my wife away from that link or I'll end up banished to the hotel room for the entire trip, feverishly penning a pale imitation.
Maybe I'll just paste my pics over yours and she'll be non-the-wiser!
Thanks again for all your insights and the generous way you've responded to so many of us.
It's especially noteworthy because I'm a Collingwood supporter. Mate, that's some serious Karma points you've racked up right there!
Thanks for the reply. I've been drilling people I know who've been to the states about the driving thing, but only in an oblique 'I'm not really nervous' kind of way.
I'm more relaxed about it now and have booked a car for the entire LA/San Diego/San Fran section of my own holiday. I guess it's a little self-correcting if you're most likely to make a mistake when the road is empty!
I had a look at your book too, wow, really inspirational. It's a great thing now, but in thirty years it will no doubt be a family treasure.
Actually I'd better keep my wife away from that link or I'll end up banished to the hotel room for the entire trip, feverishly penning a pale imitation.
Maybe I'll just paste my pics over yours and she'll be non-the-wiser!
Thanks again for all your insights and the generous way you've responded to so many of us.
It's especially noteworthy because I'm a Collingwood supporter. Mate, that's some serious Karma points you've racked up right there!
Aug 30th, 2010, 03:35 AM
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Hi Kevlar,
I am extremely envious of the position that you are now in. Not only are you about to embark on a trip of a lifetime, you also have another 4 weeks of football to look forward to before you go. Your "Pies" look like the real deal, but even if the dreaded "Colliwobbles" strike again, on that last Saturday in September, you will be able to shake it off the momment you board that plane.
Cherish every momment, seize every opportunity and hang on every experience!!!! Have a great trip and dont forget that your indicator and wiper controls will be on the opposite sides.
Go the Carringbush!!!
I am extremely envious of the position that you are now in. Not only are you about to embark on a trip of a lifetime, you also have another 4 weeks of football to look forward to before you go. Your "Pies" look like the real deal, but even if the dreaded "Colliwobbles" strike again, on that last Saturday in September, you will be able to shake it off the momment you board that plane.
Cherish every momment, seize every opportunity and hang on every experience!!!! Have a great trip and dont forget that your indicator and wiper controls will be on the opposite sides.
Go the Carringbush!!!
Oct 3rd, 2010, 05:11 PM
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shanek,
I know it has been over a month since your last post. But somewhere in there, you promised a final post with a summation of sorts.
How does your US trip compare to others you've taken? Did your wife and kids' experiences match your own? Do they consider it time well spent?
What were your biggest surprises in regard to American culture? What do you think is the best thing about America, in general, now that you've been here?
Do you think we are arrogant, as some have claimed?
What was your most disappointing experience?
Just hoping to read your final thoughts. I've spent my entire Sunday reading your trip report from top to bottom, as I just somehow accidentally found it.
Thanks and "G'day!"
(PS I hope at some point, you and your family will discover my birthplace in the US and a very popular Fodorville destination... Chicago.)
I know it has been over a month since your last post. But somewhere in there, you promised a final post with a summation of sorts.
How does your US trip compare to others you've taken? Did your wife and kids' experiences match your own? Do they consider it time well spent?
What were your biggest surprises in regard to American culture? What do you think is the best thing about America, in general, now that you've been here?
Do you think we are arrogant, as some have claimed?
What was your most disappointing experience?
Just hoping to read your final thoughts. I've spent my entire Sunday reading your trip report from top to bottom, as I just somehow accidentally found it.
Thanks and "G'day!"
(PS I hope at some point, you and your family will discover my birthplace in the US and a very popular Fodorville destination... Chicago.)
Oct 5th, 2010, 05:10 PM
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G'Day sarge56,
I was resigned to the fact that my now "historic" trip report had been sunk to the bowels of Fodors and I got a real buzz when I found that there was a new comment.
To think that my writings have caused you to spend a whole day absorbing my journey has just provided me with further justification for the time that I spent documenting my thoughts and experiences.
I did promise a summation but then got so caught up in producing my book, that this just got put on the back burner. I do, however, feel oblidged to briefly answer your questions and this may then inspire me to provide a more detailed epilogue at some stage.
*"How does your US trip compare to others you've taken? Did your wife and kids' experiences match your own? Do they consider it time well spent?"
This was certainly a very different style of trip to the many vacations that we have had since having children. We usually spend 3 weeks in Asia split by a week in a city and then 2 near a beach. This was more of a "journey" than a "holiday".
To be perfectly honest, Kerry was a bit apprehensive about taking this trip. As the itinerary kept expanding with additional stop-over points and fewer days set aside for relaxation, I started to be a bit selective about how much information about our trip that I would give her.
Most of her dread was ill founded, but she still got a little burnt out at times, particularly the "back-to-back" Theme park days. I can recall her making the comment "Here we go again" as we pulled into the car park at Seaworld, however, after her lethargy wore off, this became one of her favorite days of the entire trip.
There has been very few days, since we returned, that one of us hasn't mentioned some aspect of our trip and if you asked Kerry and the Boys now, there is very little of the entire 5 weeks that they would change.
*"What were your biggest surprises in regard to American culture? What do you think is the best thing about America, in general, now that you've been here?"
We were all very surprised just how family orientated many people seemed to be. Admittedly, this was magnified as we were travelling in school holidays, but it wasn't just about immediate family, there were so many groups that seem to travel with extended family, particularly in Yosemite and Tahoe. At the Crown Resort at Kings Beach, several groups had booked out mutiple rooms with the talk around the breakfast table centred around when Uncle Bob had turned up last night or when Cousin Phil and his clan were due.
We were also surprised about how safe and welcome we felt,everywhere we went. We really didn't experience any agressive behaviour or see anything that appeared dubious. I suppose I had my "Rose Colored Glasses" firmly adhered to my head, but everywhere that we went, we felt comfortable.
I cant really pinpoint what the "best" thing was about our time in America. We had so many great experiences that possibly the best thing was how few "bad" things we actually came across.
*" Do you think we are arrogant, as some have claimed?"
I have had times in our travels through Asia where I have found some American tourists to be obnoxious and arrogant. I must also say that some Australians can come across the same way. We arrived in America, half expecting to be driven crazy by what we perceived to be the American "superiority complex". In General, we found that they were not like that at all.
Yes they are a little loud and they do exude confidence. But certainly not arrogance.
We joked alot about how "precise" Americans are with communicating their intentions. For example, when ordering in a restaraunt, it is not seen as being sufficient to just ask for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, the order generally will be along these lines " I TELL YOU WHAT, I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE A PHILLY CHEESE STEAK SANDWICH, BUT COULD YOU HOLD THE PICKLE, SERVE THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE AND LIGHTLY TOAST THE BOTTOM OF THE BUN"
On other occasions, when listening to a conversation between a couple in the supermarket, instead of just saying to their spouse to meet them outside, it would go a bit like this..." YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU GO ON AHEAD. AND I'LL TELL YOU WHAT I'M GOING TO DO. I'M GOING TO WALK OVER TO THE LIQUOR SECTION AND PICK OUT A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE, PAY FOR IT AND THEN MEET YOU JUST RIGHT OUT THERE" Does any of this sound familiar?
I was also so impressed with how patient and curtious most people were, particularly whilst lined up for anything. You dont see many queues in Australia that dont contain at least some angst and agression. Americans seem so content with waiting in line. I had so many long conversations with wonderful people whilst waiting. And if someone wants to skip a little bit of the queue so to join up with a family member or friend, no-one seems to batter an eyelid. This sought of behaviour normally ends up in blows in Australia.
Americans are very proud of their country and culture, for good reason. I feel that I now "get" what they are about. You will not find more gracious hosts anywhere in the world, in my humble opinion.
*"What was your most disappointing experience?"
I was not dissapointed with anything we did, only that we didn't have time to do more.
I would probably adjust my timing a bit a travel in september rather than June/July next time, when crowds are starting to thin out a little.
I will certainly go back. I dont think that I have completely ticked all the West Coast boxes yet, but our next journey will be along the east and Chicago will undoubtably be part of our itinerary and I will make sure I get to a Bears game.
I was resigned to the fact that my now "historic" trip report had been sunk to the bowels of Fodors and I got a real buzz when I found that there was a new comment.
To think that my writings have caused you to spend a whole day absorbing my journey has just provided me with further justification for the time that I spent documenting my thoughts and experiences.
I did promise a summation but then got so caught up in producing my book, that this just got put on the back burner. I do, however, feel oblidged to briefly answer your questions and this may then inspire me to provide a more detailed epilogue at some stage.
*"How does your US trip compare to others you've taken? Did your wife and kids' experiences match your own? Do they consider it time well spent?"
This was certainly a very different style of trip to the many vacations that we have had since having children. We usually spend 3 weeks in Asia split by a week in a city and then 2 near a beach. This was more of a "journey" than a "holiday".
To be perfectly honest, Kerry was a bit apprehensive about taking this trip. As the itinerary kept expanding with additional stop-over points and fewer days set aside for relaxation, I started to be a bit selective about how much information about our trip that I would give her.
Most of her dread was ill founded, but she still got a little burnt out at times, particularly the "back-to-back" Theme park days. I can recall her making the comment "Here we go again" as we pulled into the car park at Seaworld, however, after her lethargy wore off, this became one of her favorite days of the entire trip.
There has been very few days, since we returned, that one of us hasn't mentioned some aspect of our trip and if you asked Kerry and the Boys now, there is very little of the entire 5 weeks that they would change.
*"What were your biggest surprises in regard to American culture? What do you think is the best thing about America, in general, now that you've been here?"
We were all very surprised just how family orientated many people seemed to be. Admittedly, this was magnified as we were travelling in school holidays, but it wasn't just about immediate family, there were so many groups that seem to travel with extended family, particularly in Yosemite and Tahoe. At the Crown Resort at Kings Beach, several groups had booked out mutiple rooms with the talk around the breakfast table centred around when Uncle Bob had turned up last night or when Cousin Phil and his clan were due.
We were also surprised about how safe and welcome we felt,everywhere we went. We really didn't experience any agressive behaviour or see anything that appeared dubious. I suppose I had my "Rose Colored Glasses" firmly adhered to my head, but everywhere that we went, we felt comfortable.
I cant really pinpoint what the "best" thing was about our time in America. We had so many great experiences that possibly the best thing was how few "bad" things we actually came across.
*" Do you think we are arrogant, as some have claimed?"
I have had times in our travels through Asia where I have found some American tourists to be obnoxious and arrogant. I must also say that some Australians can come across the same way. We arrived in America, half expecting to be driven crazy by what we perceived to be the American "superiority complex". In General, we found that they were not like that at all.
Yes they are a little loud and they do exude confidence. But certainly not arrogance.
We joked alot about how "precise" Americans are with communicating their intentions. For example, when ordering in a restaraunt, it is not seen as being sufficient to just ask for a Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, the order generally will be along these lines " I TELL YOU WHAT, I THINK I'M GOING TO HAVE A PHILLY CHEESE STEAK SANDWICH, BUT COULD YOU HOLD THE PICKLE, SERVE THE SAUCE ON THE SIDE AND LIGHTLY TOAST THE BOTTOM OF THE BUN"
On other occasions, when listening to a conversation between a couple in the supermarket, instead of just saying to their spouse to meet them outside, it would go a bit like this..." YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU GO ON AHEAD. AND I'LL TELL YOU WHAT I'M GOING TO DO. I'M GOING TO WALK OVER TO THE LIQUOR SECTION AND PICK OUT A NICE BOTTLE OF WINE, PAY FOR IT AND THEN MEET YOU JUST RIGHT OUT THERE" Does any of this sound familiar?
I was also so impressed with how patient and curtious most people were, particularly whilst lined up for anything. You dont see many queues in Australia that dont contain at least some angst and agression. Americans seem so content with waiting in line. I had so many long conversations with wonderful people whilst waiting. And if someone wants to skip a little bit of the queue so to join up with a family member or friend, no-one seems to batter an eyelid. This sought of behaviour normally ends up in blows in Australia.
Americans are very proud of their country and culture, for good reason. I feel that I now "get" what they are about. You will not find more gracious hosts anywhere in the world, in my humble opinion.
*"What was your most disappointing experience?"
I was not dissapointed with anything we did, only that we didn't have time to do more.
I would probably adjust my timing a bit a travel in september rather than June/July next time, when crowds are starting to thin out a little.
I will certainly go back. I dont think that I have completely ticked all the West Coast boxes yet, but our next journey will be along the east and Chicago will undoubtably be part of our itinerary and I will make sure I get to a Bears game.
Oct 5th, 2010, 05:28 PM
#329
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shanek,
Thank you SO much for replying! I hope that by topping this, some other wandering Fodorites might get to read your fabulous trip report! I so enjoyed reading it. Better than any book I've picked up recently.
You have a wonderful writing style and you really make the reader feel like they are there with you.
I am so very happy that you liked what you saw. I'm sure if you look at a map, you realize you might be 80 before you could manage to see all 50 of our beautiful states.
I have traveled America extensively, especially when I was younger. And I find many Americans, themselves, have not taken the time you did to see more than their own backyards. It really is a shame, because there is SO much to see that is amazing and beautiful and yes, even fun.
I look forward to your next "American" trip report!
Thanks again. And, was there a link to pictures? Or is that included in the "book" link above?
Paula
Thank you SO much for replying! I hope that by topping this, some other wandering Fodorites might get to read your fabulous trip report! I so enjoyed reading it. Better than any book I've picked up recently.
You have a wonderful writing style and you really make the reader feel like they are there with you.
I am so very happy that you liked what you saw. I'm sure if you look at a map, you realize you might be 80 before you could manage to see all 50 of our beautiful states.
I have traveled America extensively, especially when I was younger. And I find many Americans, themselves, have not taken the time you did to see more than their own backyards. It really is a shame, because there is SO much to see that is amazing and beautiful and yes, even fun.
I look forward to your next "American" trip report!
Thanks again. And, was there a link to pictures? Or is that included in the "book" link above?
Paula
Oct 5th, 2010, 05:43 PM
#330
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The "Book" is still a work in progress. I have had a copy printed but there are many things that I still want to change before I have my "final" edition.
Here is a link to the current version....http://www.blurb.com/books/1544336
Here is a link to the current version....http://www.blurb.com/books/1544336
Oct 6th, 2010, 02:37 PM
#331
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Americans are very proud of their country and culture, for good reason. I feel that I now "get" what they are about. You will not find more gracious hosts anywhere in the world, in my humble opinion.
__________________________________________________ ___________
That's because you were BUZZED most of the time. LOL
Seriously, thanks for the kind words Shanek.
On the ferry from Victoria to Seattle, we chatted the entire trip with a 'mate', who had been traveling all through Europe, Canada, Africa and the US. He said the reason he liked American's was because you could pretty much say anything without people becoming easily offended. That was a nice surprise to hear, since my perception is quite different. It's fascinating to hear others' viewpoints.
Thanks again for making The West 'brand new' through your eyes!
__________________________________________________ ___________
That's because you were BUZZED most of the time. LOL
Seriously, thanks for the kind words Shanek.
On the ferry from Victoria to Seattle, we chatted the entire trip with a 'mate', who had been traveling all through Europe, Canada, Africa and the US. He said the reason he liked American's was because you could pretty much say anything without people becoming easily offended. That was a nice surprise to hear, since my perception is quite different. It's fascinating to hear others' viewpoints.
Thanks again for making The West 'brand new' through your eyes!
Oct 6th, 2010, 06:55 PM
#332
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The pics were awesome, Shanek.
I have to say, I'm really happy you did this trip before heading to the US' east coast. You will find a whole other country on the east coast! hahaha
I'd shoot for the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies next trip. Then maybe Chicago to New York and New England/DC on a subsequent trip.
Then of course, to the Gulf coast (I live in Texas, but was born and raised in Chicago). Can't finish us up with a visit to Texas!
Thanks again!
I have to say, I'm really happy you did this trip before heading to the US' east coast. You will find a whole other country on the east coast! hahaha
I'd shoot for the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies next trip. Then maybe Chicago to New York and New England/DC on a subsequent trip.
Then of course, to the Gulf coast (I live in Texas, but was born and raised in Chicago). Can't finish us up with a visit to Texas!
Thanks again!
Nov 25th, 2010, 03:37 PM
#333
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I just finished my own American adventure and loved every damn minute of it. Absolutely the trip of a lifetime and I'm already nostalgic for all the wonderful things we experienced and the warm welcome we received from the natives.
Quite a country you have there folks!
Shanek I just wanted to thank you again for the tips and tricks in your guide. We covered some of the same ground so it was very helpful and a great read to boot.
However, there was one key omission...In-N-Out Burger!
The US should build one of those in Afghanistan and Iraq.
They couldn't stay angry at you guys then.
Quite a country you have there folks!
Shanek I just wanted to thank you again for the tips and tricks in your guide. We covered some of the same ground so it was very helpful and a great read to boot.
However, there was one key omission...In-N-Out Burger!
The US should build one of those in Afghanistan and Iraq.
They couldn't stay angry at you guys then.
Nov 27th, 2010, 07:32 PM
#334
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I was pleasantly surprised to see a new post on this thread.
I've been back for over 4 months now and still have fond memmories that flood back every day. I well up just a little, everytime that I hear Katy Perry's "California Gurls". Cheesy song, but it became a bit of an "Anthem" on our road trip.
I wish that we had tried In-N-Out Burger. It just sounded so cheap and nasty and we were a little bit worried about which orifice that the "out" was referring to. I have heard other positive comments about their food since our return. Doh!!!!
Thanks for the kind words kevlar. You are MOST welcome. Any chance of a little trip report? It would be nice to re-live the experience through another Aussies eyes. How did the driving go?
I've been back for over 4 months now and still have fond memmories that flood back every day. I well up just a little, everytime that I hear Katy Perry's "California Gurls". Cheesy song, but it became a bit of an "Anthem" on our road trip.
I wish that we had tried In-N-Out Burger. It just sounded so cheap and nasty and we were a little bit worried about which orifice that the "out" was referring to. I have heard other positive comments about their food since our return. Doh!!!!
Thanks for the kind words kevlar. You are MOST welcome. Any chance of a little trip report? It would be nice to re-live the experience through another Aussies eyes. How did the driving go?
Nov 27th, 2010, 08:27 PM
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They're cheap but definitely not nasty. The beef is fresh never frozen, there are no microwave ovens in their restaurants and the fries/veggies are sliced to order. Doesn't get any better from a fast food chain.
They hide Biblical passage numbers under their paper cups but I don't know if the food is kosher.
They hide Biblical passage numbers under their paper cups but I don't know if the food is kosher.
Nov 28th, 2010, 10:58 AM
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Shanek, In n Out is good, for fast food. IMHO, their french fries actually taste like cardboard. Point is, you missed "an institution", but you didn't miss anything as far as the food goes. I'm told Five Guys' hamburgers are much better.
Nov 28th, 2010, 09:36 PM
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Ditto sf's post. I never understand the hoopla about In-and-Out. Yes, it's better than BurgerKing or MacDonalds but that's not a very high bar. I certainly would not consider missing it an omission in a visit to the US.
Dec 1st, 2010, 03:24 AM
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Maybe you're right, but don't forget the Aussie perspective!
We share many of the common fast food franchises (though there are some variations) however In-n-Out was a new one to me, recommended by a co-worker, and thoroughly enjoyed.
Given the long lines I'm thinking of lot of Americans don't mind the odd serve of 'Animal fries' either!
On that issue, while ordering, I was both happy and amazed to see one of the workers cutting up potatoes for the fries. Yep, the actual, grown-in-the-ground, non-frozen vegetable. I haven't seen that in a takeaway for at least...
Actually I'm not sure I've ever seen that.
The whole experience from the name to the long list of options at the order counter, to the uniforms and booths was just so fundamentally, well, American.
That's what I enjoyed most.
Was it the best burger on the planet? Probably not, but my experience there wasn't a foodie one, it was cultural!
Mind you I don't want to defend what is effectively a junk food outlet too much. After all, my original comment was only meant to be a throwaway line, not an actual suggestion for a diplomatic strategy.
Shanek I certainly found your report a wonderful read, and very inspiring. Maybe I'll get my act together one day and write a trip report. The trouble is I'll have to post it on some obscure website so that I don't suffer the obvious comparisons to your extraordinary effort!
As for the driving, well I just jumped in the deep end on day one and didn't look back. By day two I was cruising the freeways from Anaheim to LA without a second thought. In the end I LOVED the driving. One of many, many highlights for me.
We share many of the common fast food franchises (though there are some variations) however In-n-Out was a new one to me, recommended by a co-worker, and thoroughly enjoyed.
Given the long lines I'm thinking of lot of Americans don't mind the odd serve of 'Animal fries' either!
On that issue, while ordering, I was both happy and amazed to see one of the workers cutting up potatoes for the fries. Yep, the actual, grown-in-the-ground, non-frozen vegetable. I haven't seen that in a takeaway for at least...
Actually I'm not sure I've ever seen that.
The whole experience from the name to the long list of options at the order counter, to the uniforms and booths was just so fundamentally, well, American.
That's what I enjoyed most.
Was it the best burger on the planet? Probably not, but my experience there wasn't a foodie one, it was cultural!
Mind you I don't want to defend what is effectively a junk food outlet too much. After all, my original comment was only meant to be a throwaway line, not an actual suggestion for a diplomatic strategy.
Shanek I certainly found your report a wonderful read, and very inspiring. Maybe I'll get my act together one day and write a trip report. The trouble is I'll have to post it on some obscure website so that I don't suffer the obvious comparisons to your extraordinary effort!
As for the driving, well I just jumped in the deep end on day one and didn't look back. By day two I was cruising the freeways from Anaheim to LA without a second thought. In the end I LOVED the driving. One of many, many highlights for me.
Jul 26th, 2015, 09:06 PM
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Our family is about to embark on it's own Californian Odyssey, unfortunately for only the half the time of yours shanek, but I thought it would be remiss of me not to thank you for your wonderful account of your own family's adventure!
With three children, 12, 10 & 8, it didn't seem plausible to me to undertake such a journey, but your recount convinced us otherwise.
Thanks to you we will partially be following a similar route to yourselves and have used a lot of your tips, hints and advice as inspiration to springboard off for our own adventure.
Just sorry to have missed seeing the final published product!
Thanks again!
With three children, 12, 10 & 8, it didn't seem plausible to me to undertake such a journey, but your recount convinced us otherwise.
Thanks to you we will partially be following a similar route to yourselves and have used a lot of your tips, hints and advice as inspiration to springboard off for our own adventure.
Just sorry to have missed seeing the final published product!
Thanks again!
