Wild Western Review - Part 1

Did the Wild Western tour in September 2011. Here is a little bit of a review for you:

Pre-tour - LAX doesn't do incoming duty free which was a disappointment. Stayed for two nights pre-tour at the Kyoto Grand in LA. I'm sure this hotel has the best beds in the world - such a bargain for ~$89/night. Would absolutely recommend staying a couple of nights in the States pre-tour. I was so tired after my flight.
Hotel van dropped my off Downtown. Downtown LA is a dive. Please do not be tempted to walk from here to the Kyoto. I feared for my life.
Went to Knott's Berry Farm on my own. It was a week day and there were very few people there which was great! Didn't have to queue at all! Absolutely recommend if you are into thrill rides. Cheaper than Disney. It was a bit of a mission to get there - but all part of the experience,
Had dinner with some of the tour people after the pre-tour meeting. Good bonding experience.

Day 1 - travelled from LA to San Diego. Very foggy and couldn't see much. Everyone did introductions on the microphone at the front of the bus. Approx 50 people on board, as it combined California Highlights and LA to the Bay. Arrived in San Diego about lunchtime and had lunch at a mall, and then went on the Harbour cruise. San Diego is a very clean city. I really enjoyed it. Very warm day and great to be out of the water. San Diego is a naval city, so lots of warships to look at on the harbour. Went for a cruise around on the bus before arriving at the hotel. Hotel is fairly average, but really is only a bed, so no worry. Stopped off in Old Town San Diego, which is an older area, and designed to look like the past. Lots of cool little shops. Biggest regret was Whaley's, which is one of the most haunted places in the States, was shut, so we couldn't visit. Back to hotel to get ready, and then to Fred's Mexican for dinner in Old Town. Food was ok, margaritas were amazing! Went to a bar after and most of the group tried their hand at bull riding. Alcohol is outrageously cheap - be careful when ordering spirits as it is free pour. Some bar staff can very very generious, esp when you tip well. Not a bad thing - just pays to keep your eye on them so you know how much you are drinking.

Day 2 - No hangover - first optional. Half the group went to the zoo, and half to Sea World. I liked the zoo, although the Sea World crew seemed to have a better bonding experience. The zoo involved a lot of walking - be warned. A few of us arranged to meet up at "the ship" which is a retired naval aircraft carrier docked in the SD harbour called USS Midland. Unfortunately my friend and I got on the wrong bus from the zoo and missed the cutoff time to get onto the ship. Devastation, although we did a mini tour of a few naval craft on the waterfront including a submarine. Went for a ride in one of those bike taxis and looked at the "urban trees" along the waterfront, which are sculptures which are changed every year. Long day - back to hotel to shower/change. Dinner at Dick's Last Resort. The gimmick here is the wait staff are "rude" to you. Everyone got a hat with an insult on it. The portion sizes were out of control. My meal was $15 and consisted of 4 massive ribs (I could only eat two) and a pail of fries!!! Was a fun night. Went out to a bar after dinner for drinks/dancing.

Day 3 - Very hungover. Headed for Arizona today. The bus stops every two hours or so, which is good. This tour was in Sept, and stepping off the bus into Arizona heat was liked walking into an oven. Very dry heat. I liked Arizona a lot. Got to Phoenix mid afternoon. Huge mall next to the hotel. Went to buy a dress to go out in, as we were told that Phoenicians (?) like to dress up. Didn't find anything, but that's a reflection on me, not the shops. Late afternoon drink before dinner. If you are offered the "surprise" dinner transportation, take it!!! So much fun! Went to a place called The Mint, which was a tapas bar. The group seemed to be unsatisfied with the amount of food in their meals, but due to dietary reasons I had my own meal - amazing!! Really great night. Very warm, but in a comfortable way. AFL Grand final was on, so the Aussie boys went to a sports bar to watch it. After that my friend and I did a mini-tour of the area on the surprise transportation. Great night.

Day 4 - Woken up at 5am with the devastating news the hot air balloon was cancelled due to high winds. Travelled to Sedona in Red Rock County - got there about lunch time. Love this place - very low key vibe. Had lunch and went on the jeep tour. Recommend this as well. Such a beautiful area. Back in bus, and to the Grand Canyon - arrived at about 5pm? Quite cold due to the elevation. Found our cabins, and went to the food court for dinner. This food court is great - there are different stations and you get food from whatever station you want. Everyone was excited as they could have salad, which had been lacking to date. A few drinks back in cabin and cards, and then to bed.

Day 5 - Nose bleeding a bit due to elevation. Also noticed shortness of breath, despite being fit. Breakfast at the food court - do not opt for wholemeal pancakes - yuk. Helicopter ride over GC - absolutely amazing. The colours are spectacular, and I had no idea how big it was! Once in a lifetime experience - do it!
Back at the park, did a group mission to the laundry, and then went for lunch. Friend and I went to El Tovar for lunch, which is the nicest hotel in the park, right by Hopi House. We were warned it would be expensive, but it's all relative. I had the most amazing sandwich and salad, plus a glass of wine for $20. So worth it! back to the cabin for a nap.
Woke up and met some tour mates and went with them to the GC for some photos and a bit of a tour. The canyon is literally a couple of minutes from the cabins.
Later met up with tour manager and group for a sunset "picnic". The experience was almost spiritual. The colours and the vastness of the GC is just incredible. Of all the places I visited on tour this is the place I most want to go back to.

Day 6 - Departed GC for Las Vegas. Stopped of at Route 66 for some photos and a restroom stop. Got to Vegas mid afternoon - it's amazing!!! Previous reviews I read didn't rate the hotel that highly, but I thought it was pretty good considering! Went on the hunt for a dress - went to Caesar's Place shops over the road. Spent a lot of money on a dress - worth it though. You can drink anywhere in Las Vegas. Bought a drink at a dairy type shop and just meandered back to the hotel down the Strip. So much to see and look at!!
Did a tour of the strip on the Contiki bus, and stopped off at Freemont Street to see the light show. Very cool! Put $1 in a pokie machine and got $20 back. The best of my luck on the stay... if you are gambling then alcohol is free. Went to dinner at some Italian place, which was pretty unmemorable. Club time!!! We went to XS, which at the time was the top club in Vegas. Girls got free entry and two free drinks. Unsure if the guys had free entry, but they had to pay for their drinks. Very cool club! Girls - don't feel obligated to wear heels. If you are comfortable in them then fine, but if they have the potential to ruin yoiur night then don't bother. Most people wore flats. I destroyed my ankle of this night in heels and it almost ruined my trip.

Day 7 - Very hungover. Went to the buffet breakfast at the hotel, which is crazy. They have most foods you can think of. I think I had two bowls of gelato before I could face proper food. Went to the discount malls on a bus. Bus not good when hungover. Lots of shopping- save up your money for this!! Lots of designer brands. If you want a good pair of jeans, shoes or a handbag, aim to pick it up here, After a few hours shopping I was soo tired - the $20 back to the hotel in a taxi was the best $20 spent in my life (taxis are very cheap)! Had a nap and a random gamble at the casino downstairs. Met a tour mate and went for a walk down the strip. Just cruised, watched, ate, drank. Got ready for dinner - dinner was an optional, so maybe only half the crew went. FYI - Planet Hollywood restaurant is not in Planet Hollywood the casino. It took my maybe an hour of stalking around Planet Hollywood (the casino) before I figured this out. Bolted after the dinner as I had booked a Cirque du Soleil show at the MGM Grand. Absolutely amazing. Definitely recommend if you have the chance!!! MGM was huge! I was walking at pace and it took over ten minutes to cross the casino floor.
I missed out of the champagne and limo tour, but met the team at The Palms. Another two free drinks for the ladies. Had to say good bye to the California Highlights (?) people, which was very sad.
Later went to New York New York hotel and went to the piano bar there. Very good! Recommend this as well! Piano player playing pop/hit songs. Everyone dancing and singing. So much fun. Please also check out the fountain show at the Bellagio. I think it happens every 15 minutes at night.

Day 8 - Hungover and sleep. Departed LV for Bass Lake. Quite a long trip - I think 7 or 8 hours. Stopped off in Barstow around lunch time. This place is promoted as a discount shopping mecca. I disagree - I think Vegas is better. I was not impressed with the shops in Barstow. Barstow was very dusty and windy when we were there - unsure if this is normal. Got to Bass Lake around dusk - it was cold and drizzling. I can imagine this place would be amazing in summer. We were in cabins of four. Had pizza for dinner and then pretty much to bed early.