Friday, February 25, 2022
Two days before embarkation. To me it has become one of the most stressful travel days.
One – until such time as the requirement is lifted, we have to take a proctored COVID antigen test two days before embarkation. Even though we feel great and have tried to take every precaution, you never know if the sneeze is COVID or from the trees and flowers budding.
Two – we have an indoor/outdoor cat. When we travel, he must stay indoors and is taken care of by a great cat sitter. He does not like to be without his options. I always worry that he will be out roaming when we need to get him inside.
Typically, these worries will keep me from getting a decent night’s sleep. Surprisingly, I slept pretty well last night and got up with the alarm.
We were fortunate on both fronts today. Our Emed online proctored tests were both negative and it was raining this morning. Why was I happy that it was raining? Because when Pumpkin came in for breakfast, he was wet. He doesn’t like to be wet.
Got him toweled dry and he decided to take his morning nap inside. No searching and calling for him needed. He did get suspicious that something was amiss and ultimately, he ended up under the couch – his go-to hiding place. At least he will be safe. I will deal with his displeasure when we get back.
We had hoped to take the 1:00 shuttle to the airport but it was canceled and we were offered the noon one. Ate a late breakfast and left the house at 11:10. Should have left at 11:00. I caught every stupid red light. Supposed to arrive there at 11:45. We got there at 11:52.
Van ended up not leaving until 12:10 as another passenger was late. Surprised they waited as I have seen them leave people who were late. We were going to the airport hotel so no big deal for us. If we were trying to catch a flight, 10 minutes can be critical.
The shuttle made 3 stops before getting to the airport. Sometimes we luck out and go straight to the airport but not today. Glad I wasn’t worrying about a flight departure.
Had to wait about 20 minutes at the hotel shuttle area for the Hyatt bus. There were several of us waiting including some airline crew members. Only took about 10 minutes to get to the hotel once picked up.
We have stayed here several times. Checked in online. I was able to by-pass the front desk and use my phone to open our room door. Love the convenience. We did get an extra key later on. We walked a few laps around the hotel to stretch our legs. Was impressed that some redbud trees were in bloom.
Took advantage of the happy hour prices and had a couple of glasses of wine at the hotel. Then walked over to the next hotel and ate at their restaurant – The Burger Place. Good food but high prices. Oh well, welcome to the big city.
Have to have an early night tonight since we must be on the 6:00 shuttle back to the airport tomorrow morning. Hoping for a good night’s sleep.
California Here We Come!
Travel Trivia
California – The Golden State
California was first settled by various Native Californian tribes before being explored by a number of Europeans during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Spanish Empire then claimed and colonized it. In 1804, it was included in Alta California province within the Viceroyalty of New Spain. The area became a part of Mexico in 1821, following its successful war for independence, but was ceded to the United States in 1848 after the Mexican–American War. The California Gold Rush started in 1848 and led to dramatic social and demographic changes, with large-scale immigration from other parts of the United States and abroad.
It was admitted as the 31st state on September 9, 1850.
The first motion picture theater was opened in Los Angeles on April 02, 1902.
The Mojave Desert, at more than 25,000 square miles occupies one-sixth of the land area of California.
On October 14, 1947, over Lake Muroc, California, Captain Charles Yeager flew a rocket aircraft reaching Mach 1.06 at an altitude of 42,000 ft. becoming the first supersonic flight.
The state produces 80% of the world’s almonds.
The highest and the lowest point in the continental U.S. are within 100 miles of each other. They are Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet and the Badwater Basin in Death Valley at 282 feet below sea level.
It is estimated that each year there are approximately 500,000 detectable seismic tremors in California.
The General Sherman Tree in Sequoia National Park, California, is the largest tree in the world, weighing more than 6,000 tons.
California is the birthplace of the Frisbee, Barbie dolls, skateboards, and video arcade games.
Fondest Travel Memories 