We headed down to Bryce Canyon from Torrey via Hwy 12 referred to as Americas most scenic Hwy. There are certainly some spectacular views, Razorback for example.. We checked into the Best Western and went across the road to the other Best Western for lunch and then dinner. Unfortunately for us there was someone in the room above, possibly kids continually running or thumping on the floor/our ceiling until late and again early the following morning. The room was large and clean as a twin queen possibly should be, breakfast the next morning was chaos and very busy.

From Monument Valley we headed for Torrey but first stop on the way not far past Mexican Hat was a drive out to Hovenweep National Monument.

We left Moab and headed down past Mexican Hat to Monument Valley in Arizona or actually on the Navaho Reservation. There were very strong winds on the way down causing dust storms which slowed the trip due to severely reduced visibility and we continued on Kayenta to see it before heading back to Monument Valley and checking in. Our accommodation was one of the cabins overlooking the valley and everything was included for preparing your own food etc. Nothing outstanding with this accommodation but it was adequate.

From Ely we continued on Hwy 50 across Nevada into Utah, great 80 MPH speed limits on freeways in Utah (Australia??) and down into Moab for a couple of nights staying at the Mainstay suites.

After leaving Carson City and stopping off to check out Virginia City we continued on Hwy 50 across Nevada to Ely. On arrival at the La Quinta in Ely the check in staff were very helpful and informative giving out information on where to go and eat etc that night. We chose the mexican just down the street from the hotel and it was great food and plenty of it plus the service was friendly and pleasant. All up the room was warm and clean breakfast was typical of these country area hotels!

After the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco we picked up a Ford Expedition from Avis a couple of blocks away and took he I-80 E across to Sacramento then around the southern and eastern shores of Lake Tahoe to the US-50 E, US Rote 50 sometimes referred to as Americas loneliest road..

We only had one night stop over in Holiday Inn Express & Suites Carson City, there were renovations going on near the lobby, the blind on the window in the room did not operate correctly and breakfast is fair but that aside the room was reasonably clean and the hotel not far from the highway. 

With 4 nights booked at the Hotel Nikko San Fransisco we arrived at the hotel early in the day and were coerced into upgrading to a suite which would allow early check in. After an overnight flight from Sydney Australia we took the option and checked in. the room was spacious and well appointed, separate lounge area, bedroom and large bathroom, and great views out the window, this booking also included access to the club room every afternoon for free drinks and light food. the club room was ok, time was a little limited and it was no match for the standard of say the Lanham in Hong Kong.

Qantas QF73 B747-400 Sydney 1245, 12:45 PM Terminal 1 San Francisco 0905, 9:05 AM 04 Apr 18 Terminal I

As the Boeing 747 appears to be well on the path toward discontinuation by most commercial passenger airlines we decided to take the opportunity on this flight of a 747 upper deck experience.

As with Qantas flight 149 Sydney to Auckland Qantas flight 146 Auckland to Sydney equipment is now an A330 service replacing the B737 which used to operate this route.

We have used the Novotel Auckland Airport previously for one night stays only, this time was for two nights and this stay was in an executive room advertised as being on their premier high floors. Our impression was that the room felt smaller than others we have had on lower floors. Breakfast buffet both mornings was ok but nothing outstanding. Altogether the Novotel Auckland Airport is in a great location if you are flying in late or leaving early and has always been very clean and modern.