Discovering Another Mad Dash (Oct 14): Heading Home and Finally finishing this TR #1523 (05/03)

[skier_pete]

I saw this picture before I read what was around it and though - "Wow, that's a really small plane!

Your cop story - your DH made the right move being super-contrite. By not giving them any hassle, they probably decided quickly it wasn't worth the trouble of giving you a ticket that would likely never get paid anyways. That had to been a stressful several minutes.

Back in 1996 I spent a week at a hotel right there on Laguna Beach, I think it's even in your picture right on the beach. Our company was sending me for training, and the two locations were Morristown New Jersey or Laguna Beach California. Mostly, east coast people went to Morristown and West coast people went to Laguna Beach. I am not sure how much you know about New Jersey, but in my view there was no comparison.

Me: "Can I go to the training in Laguna Beach?"
Boss: "If you can find a flight that costs the same or less to LA, then sure."
Me: "OK"

Well, due the strangeness of the airline industry I was in fact able to find a flight that went 2500 miles for less money than a flight that went 400 miles. I spent a week right on the beach in a hotel I never could have afforded otherwise. (I tried sleeping with the door open, but the waves were too loud.) My one regret is I did not bring my girlfriend (now wife), who was laid off from her job not 3 weeks after my trip.

Anyways, that's my Laguna Beach story. That and my golf partner bought a place there for when he retires and he's retiring tomorrow, so maybe I'll have a place to stay for a visit someday.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Ugh, I hate when the airlines mess with your seats especially after you've paid for them! Glad you got it sorted out and got your refund in the end.

I wasn't sure about the refund until I got home. The staff member I spoke to said that she processed it and that it would take a few days to land back against my CC. I was pleased to see the credit when I returned.

I love looking at all the other airlines too...its always thrilling to see the foreign airlines and dreaming of taking trips to their home countries.

You lawbreakers! Glad you got off on a warning....that would have been a hassle to have to pay a ticket.

Jill in CO

Dreams are good. I just have to have something solid to dream about next!

Perhaps we might have paid other fines before. Perhaps it's less of a hassle than it possibly could be.

Finally I got to read your trip report after being away lately. I just missed your first update when I left on Sunday. I will be here as well while I go over my other pictures during the trip.

That was not right of the airline to change your seat location without notifying you. Luckily you were able to get seats together for that flight and get a refund for the trouble.

That was nice that you got off with a warning from the police.

Welcome back.

I double-checked the fineprint of the early seat allocation policy. It's there in the policy. They reserve the right to change without telling anyone.

Those cops were very kind to us.

I'm feeling a slight sense of déjà vu reading your report. DH and I also seem to snap at each other on the morning we go to the airport and admittedly it's usually my fault. Our trip day has finally arrived, I don't want anything to go wrong at the last hurdle, and let's just say I might become a bit highly strung.

I'm glad to see that my relationship with DH is pretty normal.

Also, what's up with airlines downgrading to smaller planes and mucking up our carefully picked seats? I'm pleased though that everything worked out for you in the end.

What a nervous moment with the police. Nice of him to let you off.

Er......it's not the first time we've been pulled over by police in a foreign country. It's not even the second......

I think it might be the fourth or fifth.

I'm not sure what that dish is you made at Alison's but I want to try it! Can't wait till you post the recipe later on.

Oh my gosh, United did that to us on this last WDW trip! Selected our seats and the night before when I checked us in, we were everywhere! That was the first time that ever happened and I was not happy about it. With DM who's not a good flier and an infant (who wants to sit by a baby on a plane, really?) I was even more nervous/anxious. It ended up being alright in the end getting 2 of our seats out of the 3 together, but I couldn't imagine it for a 14 hour flight. Thank goodness they refunded the extra you paid on those seats.

I remember reading about it in your TR. I was pretty annoyed the night I found out as well. Waiting to speak to a real person didn't help matters. When I finally got through, I had to count to 10 before I spoke so that I didn't chew the person at the other end out.

Hopefully, neither you nor I go through that again.

Laguna Beach is gorgeous. When I had an internship in college, one of my 'jobs' was to deliver various items to businesses and I would have to drive on that street that you took a picture from time to time to make those delivieries. That's the only time I didn't mind not getting paid for doing work.

Phew! You guys did get off and I bet you were so relieved when they did that!

That's a great street to drive down. On a warm day, it would be a great drive along the 1/PCH.

Yes, I was rather relieved to be let off with a warning.

Getting away to the airport is so stressful. Im glad you were honest that you had "words". Honestly Fran and I never have "words" ever since I adopted my policy that each time I would say something I take a shot or down a glass of wine. Takes away all the stress! It may not be the best option for those early morning flights, but at least it alleviates those worried feelings!

Probably not the best remedy for a one pot screamer such as yourself, but it worked this morning! Just dont tell my better half!

Having a glass is not the best policy for me. I'd be beetroot red all the time!

DH and I are used to clearing the air. He doesn't like it much because he doesn't like conflict, but at least it's over and done without anyone holding on to 'trivial' things.

Glad you wiggled your way out of the ticket in Laguna. I bet they are just waiting to nail some tourists!

I was surprised that they let the truck go and pinged us. The truck really floored it after it did the u-turn. Contrary to what the cop said, we were much more sedate. In the end, I'm glad we got off with a warning. And it makes for a great vignette in this TR.

Wow I would be so terrified being pulled over by the cops in another country. I've never even been pulled over here! Very nice of them to let you off with a warning.

DH has a habit of being pulled over. Here, there and everywhere.

I've been pulled over once in the US for not indicating long enough before changing lanes.

I hate when they change the plane, but it would be especially bad when it mucks up all your seating arrangements. Thank goodness you were able to still find 3 seats together AND get your refund.

I don't think you're on your own when it comes to night before/morning of bickering. DH and I are right up there with you.

From the looks of responses to that post, it seems like there are a number of us that has 'words' on departure day.

I can't believe that they just changed the seats on you. I know that seats get changed due to aircraft changes, but if they make you pay for the pleasure then it really is not on. What a shame that you ended up with a B747 instead of the A380. How nice that the cops let you off.

Corinna

I double checked the fineprint when I was on hold; so I knew there was no point even bringing it up with the agent I spoke to. The policy does state that they reserve the right to change your seat and that the seat isn't guaranteed.

Oct 2014 Trip

Save the Date! It's a Family Ceremony that pushed me into making another Mad Dash. And as there's space on this thread, why start a new one, right?


Glad I saw this otherwise I was like WHAT ??? Have I stepped back in time I had originally followed the link, skipped over the shortcut links and the first post I read was dated 2010

All that to say YEAH I'm here too ( and no longer confused )

Glad you're here (and no longer confused!).

Wow! That was a really stressful start to your trip!

It certainly is one of the more eventful starts in a long time!

Wow what a departure day! Completely lucky, that is some pixie dust right there, getting off with a warning. I swear, I didn't think they even still gave warnings anymore!

The predictable behaviors crack me up, we have those too!

It's been a while since DH has been pulled over in the US but he is so 'nice' that he always seems to get off with a warning. I've learnt to keep my mouth shut in those instances. I don't think I'm as 'nice'.

Woah that was some stressy starts to the trip! I would have been cranky with the airlines too, and yep, arguing like an old married couple over trivia - sounds familiar. With our road trip in front of us there'll be a few more ahead for me and DH. The cop incident would have been scary -we've all seen those US cop shows! Glad it ended well. Love the hummingbird pic! Reading along when I can.

Hey! Thanks for checking in whilst you're on vacay!

I have a few more hummingbird pics to share.

I saw this picture before I read what was around it and though - "Wow, that's a really small plane!

Your cop story - your DH made the right move being super-contrite. By not giving them any hassle, they probably decided quickly it wasn't worth the trouble of giving you a ticket that would likely never get paid anyways. That had to been a stressful several minutes.

That's why I've learnt to let DH do the talking.

Back in 1996 I spent a week at a hotel right there on Laguna Beach, I think it's even in your picture right on the beach. Our company was sending me for training, and the two locations were Morristown New Jersey or Laguna Beach California. Mostly, east coast people went to Morristown and West coast people went to Laguna Beach. I am not sure how much you know about New Jersey, but in my view there was no comparison.

Me: "Can I go to the training in Laguna Beach?"
Boss: "If you can find a flight that costs the same or less to LA, then sure."
Me: "OK"

Well, due the strangeness of the airline industry I was in fact able to find a flight that went 2500 miles for less money than a flight that went 400 miles. I spent a week right on the beach in a hotel I never could have afforded otherwise. (I tried sleeping with the door open, but the waves were too loud.) My one regret is I did not bring my girlfriend (now wife), who was laid off from her job not 3 weeks after my trip.

Anyways, that's my Laguna Beach story. That and my golf partner bought a place there for when he retires and he's retiring tomorrow, so maybe I'll have a place to stay for a visit someday.

That hotel looked fantastic! It is in such a great location and I'd love to stay there someday.

I can sure believe that it was more expensive to fly 400 miles than flying 2500 miles. Pity that DW didn't get to tag along. Maybe you'll get to visit Laguna in a future trip out west to play some golf!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Tension, then relief!...I am hooked!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Tension, then relief!...I am hooked!

Glad you're here, Bobbi.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Our Home away from Home for the next 4 nights


Discover #5. Space IS the final frontier. My family will take more space (phenomenal cosmic powers) any day over 5-star luxury (itty bitty living space).



Our destination was somewhere in the North County of San Diego. When we first started visiting my aunt, North County was considered to be the furthest frontier of San Diego. In fact, we used to drive to my aunt's place through orange groves and cattle farms.







A drive out this way certainly tested our olfactory senses out. One minute we would smell the redolence stink of cow pats; the next, our noses would be filled with the citrus scents that we have so come to associate with Soarin'.


North County is now considered to be one of the hot spots to move to in San Diego. Over the years, we have seen the cattle farms disappear and the orange groves cut down. They have been replaced with a proliferation of housing estates, shops, urban areas and eateries. All of this meant that staying in North County was no longer the banishment to the final frontier that it once used to be.


We had the choice of any number of cookie-cutter hotels in the area; as well as the option to stay at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. My cousin had negotiated discount rates at the Manchester for wedding guests and we did consider staying there.

The itty bitty living spaces of hotels, no matter what class or star grade it is, will still fit my family. But in recent years, I've been looking for alternative accommodation to the hotels. Afterall, my DS is growing up and he likes his space. We've been finding that a vacation rental is a much better fit for my family than a hotel. My go-to websites have been VRBO and AirBnB. I've been relatively successful to-date and a vacation rental does come with the risk that you might pick a property listed by a scammer.


I was gobsmacked to find that there was a 3-bedroom property available for short term rental about 5 minutes away from my aunt's house. The owner told me that she put it up for rental about 18 months ago and I'm so glad she did.






Located in a very quiet residential street, it was no-contest for the Manchester.






I had also considered renting 1-bedroom places along the beach but kept coming back to this house and weighing up the space considerations. There was something akin to phenomenal cosmic powers about this property when I kept looking at it on the website.






Our home away from home was perfect for us.






The living space was a place that DS commandeered as his own. I was regularly chased out of this room by him.






DH and I really enjoyed having full kitchen facilities.






We did use the dining table once as a dining table but DH ended up spending a lot of his time in this corner of the house. Whilst he didn't chase me away, I was always conscious that I was encroaching in his man space when I sat down at the table with him.






We were definitely spoilt for the choice of beds.






DS decided that this was his room.







That left this 3rd bedroom as spare.






There was a bathroom in this part of the house. DS got sole use of it.







We chose the main bedroom.







We had our own ensuite facilities.







We also fully utilised the walk-in robe. Afterall, it was 5 days that we were going to be here for; so it was worth unpacking and making the place feel more like home.






The little courtyard area off the main bedroom was interesting to look at but I never got out there. Afterall, what you see here is all there is to it.






So, with DS commandeering the living room, and DH owning the dining area, this space was my favourite place to hang around in. I did come out and enjoy the garden oasis whenever I could.







I will admit that we didn't miss being in a 4-star hotel in the downtown area one bit. We all loved the space we had here.


For those considering the vacation rental route. Be aware that it does come with trade-offs. Usually, the owners will factor in a cleaning fee and will want the full amount before you even arrive. Cancellation policies vary depending on the owners.

For a couple of the houses we have stayed in, we are responsible for making sure that the linen is stripped off the beds and placed in the laundry; as well as emptying out the trash.

There are usually a list of do's and don’t's prominently placed somewhere in the property.

If any of these....and possibly more....do bother you, then stick with the hotel accommodation.






(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


Trochilidae Watching


Discovery #6. It's TRUE! It's ALWAYS greener is someone else's backyard.



As far as birds go, Australian birds are quite stunning. From the rainbow lorikeet....






...to the Magpie....






....Kookaburra....






....Cockatoos.....






....Corella....






....Yellow bellied Honeyeater.






Yes, we do have a range of rather colourful and noisy birds in our bush. Even living in the 'burbs of Melbourne, I have seen the rainbow lorikeet, magpie and corella flying around; and the kookaburra and a different species of the cockatoo can be found in the Royal Melbourne Gardens right in the downtown area.


Despite the diverse range of colourful birds, there is one family of birds we don't have. And it is very easy to attract these birds to an American garden. You just need the right equipment and liquid sustenance.






Those of you that followed my posts in the Anyone Game TR might remember that I had spotted a hummingbird in Carsland last year. I didn't have the right lens on the camera at the time but was fortunate enough to get a very quick snap of it flying. When I posted the picture, that was the one that generated the most commentary in that series of pictures. For the Americans reading along, a hummingbird is pretty common in gardens around the US. For the Britons and Australians reading along where the family Trochilidae of birds are not indigenous to our continents, it was a real treat to see one.


Hummingbirds are among the smallest and lightest of birds on the planet. They are called hummingbirds because of the humming sound created by their beating wings which flap at high frequencies audible to humans. They hover in mid-air at rapid wing flapping rates, typically around 50 - 200 times per second.







Our host told us that they have a territory range of about ½ a mile and that there were about 3 or 4 hummingbirds that constantly came into this garden to feed. One of them was particularly territorial and dominant. That one would chase the others away if he/she saw them hovering around the feeders.

I was to find out that if I remained quiet and relatively still, that hammock was perfectly positioned for me to practise my sport/action photography skills.






If you set a high enough shutter speed, you can freeze the motion of these birds. These were taken within a-20 minute timeframe in the late afternoon on arrival day. I'd like to say that I managed to better these shots on subsequent shootings but it didn't quite work out that way.



























These next three are probably my favourite three in the set.

















Despite being incredibly tired, it was a fascinating period of time for me.
What the pictures do not share is the sound of the wings humming and the bird noises these birds make. I could always hear them chirp about in the trees before they would swoop down to feed. You Americans are so lucky to have these birds about! As they say....it's always greener in someone else's backyard.





(Continued in Next Post)

 

[PrincessInOz]

(Continued from Previous Post)


The NOT Rehearsal Dinner


Discovery #7. Human bodies are designed to shut down and sleep. Staying up for 40 hours straight is not a good idea.



Before we arrived, my aunt had sent an email inviting us to rehearsal dinner or making it to a coffee and cake catch-up afterwards. At that time, we had been sufficient vague in our acceptance for this night as we knew from experience that we would all be completely grumpy by this stage of arrival day.

True to form, by this stage of the groundhog day, the three of us had been accumulating brain junk over two continents for 40 hours straight and we were all just snapping at each other. I don't know about you, but there comes a point where I just need to curl up and let the brain garbage men come and clean out the memory banks and the accumulated junk so that I'm not so cranky.

There was no way we were going to make it to rehearsal dinner or the coffee and cake catch-up afterwards. It might have been a different matter if the catch-up was happening in North County; but it was being held in downtown San Diego. Neither DH nor I were capable of driving straight and given the run-in with the cops earlier in the day, we sent our apologies and told everyone we would catch up with them at the wedding.



But we didn't just crash (into bed) straightaway. There was still the matter of dinner to sort out.






The brain garbologists needed some energy before they could commence work. We decided to try out a local sushi place that rated highly on Trip Advisor.






We had a great view of the main proteins where we were sitting.






Our waitress was great. She reminded us that there are still pockets in the US where service is paramount; and the service she showed us on this night was fantastic. Her manner was the right balance of sweet, savoury, salty and spicy....just like the condiments.






It was our first time at the Love Boat and we could see a number of items being sent out of the kitchen that looked tantalising. Problem was....we couldn't easily match the items to the menu list. We could take a guess; but it could have been hit and miss as to whether we were right or not. Our waitress came round at the right time and after letting her know that we were "noobs", she gave us a run-down of how things worked and what the different categories on the menu were. She was so obliging that we decided to leave the ordering to the waitress. She asked us some questions on our preferences and dietary requirements and then placed an order for us.

We do have good Japanese in Melbourne but nothing like this! Padre tempura roll (soft shell crab upon crab).






Presentation is everything!






The delightfully spicy marine boy (tuna and salmon with avocado roll).






That sauce was lovely but the tuna inside has a real zing to it.






After being awake for nearly 40 hours, this was exactly what we needed for dinner. It was light but filling at the same time.



At least it was filling for DH and me. DS wanted some more Californian rolls. Teenagers!






It was just as well that there was food for us to eat. If nothing else, it stopped us from snapping at each other during the meal. By the time we finished dinner, we knew it was time. All of us were ready to get to bed. We'd done the right thing in skipping rehearsal dinner and doing our own thing. I am happy to report that the brain garbage men did their job well that night. Staying up for 40 hours straight might not be the best thing for human bodies but at least we woke up the next day completely refreshed and in the correct time zone. No jetlag for us!



Footnote. Our decision to give the post rehearsal dinner coffee and cake a miss turned out to be a good one. The family told me that they didn't feel like dessert after the dinner so everyone headed back to the respective hotels and homes to grab an early night.

 

[ACDSNY]

I was rolling on the floor reading all the updates. Yes DH & I have the same snappy routine as you two when leaving on a trip.

I'm so glad DH got off lightly on the U-turn business.

Loved all the hummingbird pics. We have a dominant one at our place too. Watching them always puts me in a good mood.

 

[dolphingirl47]

The house looks great and definitely beads a hotel room. The hummingbird photos are absolutely amazing. This was quite an achievement for you to stay awake for 40 hours.

Corinna

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Another great update.

NZ too is fond of it's bird species, but seeing a hummingbird overseas is very exciting for us. Your pics are fantastic.

That sushi looks yum, particularly the crab stuff at the start.

I had to laugh at your mention of multiple run ins with the police during your travels. Have you always been lucky enough to get let off?

 

[LegoMom3]

Fantastic hummingbird shots! Glad you got to enjoy those little guys. Love the house!! When my family of 5 has gone to FL to see my dad, we always rent a house or condo. Esp. for our size family, the extra space is always worth it and I have never minded the cleaning fee or other such things. It's nice to feel like you are at "home" on any sort of extended stay like that.

.

 

[tiggrbaby]

Nice score on the rental home! And those hummingbird pics... ...Supreme!

 

[mvf-m11c]

The house that you stayed during your first few days is very nice and spacious.

The hummingbird pictures are very nice. Good thing that you had your telephoto lens with you when you were relaxing and to be able to get pictures.

 

[jedijill]

I don't blame you for getting the house...much more room and more comfortable than a hotel room for a week.

Love the hummingbird shots! You do manage to capture some great shots.

Jill in CO

 

[Luvchefmic]

Amazing hummingbird pictures I agree I have never seen one in real life

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Love those amazing hummingbird pics, and the rental accom - our favoured choice if staying put a few days too.

 

[skier_pete]

That is quite a fantastic place to stay. We have occasionally rented houses for ski vacation, and we've gotten very good fortune doing that.

Hummingbirds are pretty incredible creatures. There's some real colorful ones out there. But you do beat all for bird plumage in Australia, even if they are a bit on the noisy side. (We did get lucky to here the Kookaburra's one morning in the glass-house mountains. They didn't wake us up fortunately!)

 

[scottny]

I am here.

30 minutes late isn't too bad.

Glad you did get to keep the seats together after the paper change.

Nice pics on the beach.

Glad the cop let you go. next year I will remember not to make any turns while we are out there. LOL.

The place you rented looked very nice.

Hummingbirds are so pretty.

The sushi looked good and good call on the festivities.

 

[PrincessInOz]

I was rolling on the floor reading all the updates. Yes DH & I have the same snappy routine as you two when leaving on a trip.

Glad you liked the updates!

I'm so glad DH got off lightly on the U-turn business.

Loved all the hummingbird pics. We have a dominant one at our place too. Watching them always puts me in a good mood.

They were very relaxing to listen to and look at.

The house looks great and definitely beads a hotel room. The hummingbird photos are absolutely amazing. This was quite an achievement for you to stay awake for 40 hours.

Corinna

Thanks Corinna. The house was great. I tend to stay up for 36 - 40 hours every time I head across the pond.

Another great update.

NZ too is fond of it's bird species, but seeing a hummingbird overseas is very exciting for us. Your pics are fantastic.

Thanks!

That sushi looks yum, particularly the crab stuff at the start.

I'd happily eat there or in another one of it's chain locations again.

I had to laugh at your mention of multiple run ins with the police during your travels. Have you always been lucky enough to get let off?

In the multiple run-ins, we've been pinged once.

Fantastic hummingbird shots! Glad you got to enjoy those little guys. Love the house!! When my family of 5 has gone to FL to see my dad, we always rent a house or condo. Esp. for our size family, the extra space is always worth it and I have never minded the cleaning fee or other such things. It's nice to feel like you are at "home" on any sort of extended stay like that.

.

I've always thought renting a house or a condo makes sense in Orlando. The problem is that I like the full immersion of being on-site.

Nice score on the rental home! And those hummingbird pics... ...Supreme!

Thank you.

The house that you stayed during your first few days is very nice and spacious.

There was plenty of room and we really enjoyed our stay there.

The hummingbird pictures are very nice. Good thing that you had your telephoto lens with you when you were relaxing and to be able to get pictures.

I put the telephoto on the camera before I got in the hammock. I figured that the birds were coming round so often that I might as well be prepared beforehand and enjoy the hammock at the same time.

I don't blame you for getting the house...much more room and more comfortable than a hotel room for a week.

Love the hummingbird shots! You do manage to capture some great shots.

Jill in CO

Thanks Jill.

Amazing hummingbird pictures I agree I have never seen one in real life

You've never seen a hummingbird? Do they range down to Florida?

Love those amazing hummingbird pics, and the rental accom - our favoured choice if staying put a few days too.

Thanks, Wendy. Rental accommodation is definitely becoming the vacation choice for DH and me as well.

That is quite a fantastic place to stay. We have occasionally rented houses for ski vacation, and we've gotten very good fortune doing that.

Thanks! Yes, we've rented houses for ski vacations as well. It's the preferred way to go when skiing here.

Hummingbirds are pretty incredible creatures. There's some real colorful ones out there. But you do beat all for bird plumage in Australia, even if they are a bit on the noisy side. (We did get lucky to here the Kookaburra's one morning in the glass-house mountains. They didn't wake us up fortunately!)

The grass is definitely greener!

But I agree with you. The Australian birds are very pretty to look at. Even the black and white ones.

I am here.

30 minutes late isn't too bad.

Glad you did get to keep the seats together after the paper change.

Nice pics on the beach.

Glad the cop let you go. next year I will remember not to make any turns while we are out there. LOL.

The place you rented looked very nice.

Hummingbirds are so pretty.

The sushi looked good and good call on the festivities.

Nice to see you here, Scott! Thanks for following the breadcrumbs.

I hope that you have no run-ins with cops when you're in California next year! I certainly wouldn't wish that experience on anyone.

 

[franandaj]

That house looked great. We will have to look into VRBO for future travels, I would gladly trade space for trendy downtown hotels!

Even though we see hummingbirds every day, your photos of them are spectacular. To catch them mid flight is quite beautiful.

If I'm ever in North County I will look up that Love Boat Sushi, we love those sort of CA Asian Fusion rolls!

I'm glad that you were refreshed after the night's sleep. I can completely relate to your first day tired level!