California Trip (2 of 2)

Here's the "rest of the story" on our California trip.

On Tuesday, August 7, we had a big day at Disneyland. We got over there a bit late due to mixup on the opening time for the park, but (as discussed below) we made up time once we arrived. The weather was absolutely gorgeous if not a bit hot when standing around in the sun.

We worked our way through the parking lot and ticketing queues. Had decided that Nana would use a wheelchair (thanks to her recent but iffy knee surgery). The advance party went immediately to Space Mountain. Patricia, Nana and I followed later via the handicapped entrance and ended up getting on at about the same time. I must admit that I was wondering whether this was a good idea - I personally don't get along well with the faster rides - but Nana did great (per photo) and we were on to the next ride. Folks wanted to try the Matterhorn bobsleds but the line didn't look promising. So we went over to the Haunted Mansion - which hasn't aged all that well. Pirates of the Carribean is always fun, that is probably my favorite. The wheelchair saved us lots of time - it was amazing how many rides we were able to get on in such a short period of time. The park was busy but not overly so.

Next was "Splash Mountain" - defeated a very long line, then Nana, Patricia and Dan "changed their mind" about riding at the last minute and the remaining six of us went (per photo). And they didn't revoke anybody's pass over this scam.

The three non-Splash Mountain riders and I next went to lunch; after a short wait, had a surprisingly good meal at the Orleans Cafe. The others went off to some ride or the other and weren't so lucky when it came to food: a long wait at our restaurant, so they ended up getting some pizza.

More riding: Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones (Dan did not like my driving). Also rode the monorail. Waited in line for the Nemo Submarine for awhile before figuring out it was going nowhere; Dan was quite excited for this, though Arnie didn't think it was realistic.

We also rode the train around the perimeter of the park - this actually was quite fun. Nice to be off our feet, weather great, and the conductor looked like Patrick's friend (Brie).

Finished off with the Matterhorn bobsleds and then Paul Jr., Dan, Nicole and I went on this rocket ride. It was fun but a little weird when one of the riders just ahead of us was so obese that his (her?) fat hung over the side of the "rocket." Yuk.

So this was a fun day. I don't really understand why, but I always enjoy the day at Disneyland. It's a great group activity.

We then tried to find a prime rib restaurant that Arnie had spotted; located it, went inside, and walked out asap. The place was pretty well dead. Walked across the parking lot to El Torito. I didn't have the greatest memories of that chain, but I certainly liked the meal we had that evening. Folks were pretty tired after a huge day. Fun.

On Wednesday, August 8, we went for our daily breakfast downstairs. There was a series of discussions about extending our stay (scheduled to leave that day) and we decided to wait to drive back to Phoenix until the evening. So we packed, set aside beach stuff, checked out, and drove down to Laguna Beach. Parking was a bit of an adventure, but then we found one bench that had shade; the rest of us sat immediately behind under this big shade tree. Some were in the water quite a bit. Weather and views were gorgeous from this vantage point. Some hobo was interested in scamming for money. Other hobos were hanging around under the other side of the tree. There was a group of sand volleyball players that was actually quite talented, so we watched them a bit.

Some folks did a bit of shopping, then we had a meal at a seaside place - again great views all around, it was nice out on the patio. And Patrick and I got carded. One last tour through the shops; then said our goodbyes. It actually was a very good idea to meet up over there; always fun when we go to Chicago, but this was a good change of pace. Hit the road around 6:25p.

Made it to Phoenix about 1:05a. Some traffic in the LA area but all in all everything was very smooth. The car was very quiet. Picked up gasoline, coffee and a bite at the usual border town.