Been an interesting trip so far, and my mind keeps flashing to Clark Griswald. Rather amusing really, especially considering that they're remaking that movie...
But we did Wally World on Day 1. Which makes the rest of the trip, interesting.
(Details on the flip)
So, prepped the car and things after the diarying and spent the last night in the hotel.
Woke up at six, ate the ready made breakfast we had set up and hit the road. Getting out of Seaside was pretty easy, although we hit some traffic when we got to the 17. Finally pulled into Great America around 8:30, and the parking lot wasn't open, so we had some time to kill. Kids had neglected to pack extra socks, so that was an easy decision, hunted down a target and found socks, then returned to wait until the lot opened.
Our little trip to Great America was enough to sour me on theme parks. Used to be (About 10 years ago, admittedly) that if you paid a high price at the door, you could expect to ride almost ALL the rides, and fairly reasonable prices on the food. We got gouged on everything. I still can't believe that a incredibly low quality burger cost 15 bucks. However, I sucked it up because it was important that the kids have fun. And we did...
Until my son got a bit of heat exhaustion, and we had to spend our time in the restaurant ensuring he drank enough water. AH well, he's fine now, but it was a long, drawn out maintanance to get him better. Plus he doesn't handle roller coasters well, even though he wants to go on them.
Left the park around 5, and due to a stupid error on my part ended up heading towards San Francisco. Was too late to turn around, so we ended up hitting the bay bridge in Rush hour. Ick.
Eventually made it across, and found out that if you pay tolls with a large bill they take down your name and license number, as well as your car license plate. (Had spent all smaller bills on food, drinks, parking, admission, and gas.) So, you know... get exact change I guess is the lesson here.
Eventually hit West Sacramento around 8, and found a motel 6. Crashed there for the night, but unfortunately was unable to meet up with a Kossack who we had hoped to see. Ah well, some other day.
Got going this morning around 8. Had a nice breakfast at Denny's, then headed north. Just kept driving till we crossed the border, where we took a break at the nearest rest stop. Kids were tired but I decided the best thing to was to negotiate. They wanted to stop NOW, and I got them to cooperate by agreeing to stop once we'd passed 100 exits. At that point we'd stay wherever we found.
NOt the best decision on my part, but fortunately my money has cleared the bank and I've got about 8 grand to set us up in an apartment when we get to Portland.
Ended up staying at an Native American Casino, since that was the 99th exit and the kids were just ready to start screaming. Let them blow some money at the arcade which they greatly enjoyed. DID NOT GAMBLE... much... ok, Ten DOLLARS, and I lost. (Money is far too tight for anything more than that.) Honestly I wish the kids had been able to make it longer, but 6 hours in the car is pretty trying for anybody. (And the hotel room was LESS than a room in my old home town. Still expensive, but the quality of the room is MUCH better. Back home I used to pay 130 a night for no ac, no maid and gunfire. Here I pay 89 for coffee, complimentary breakfast, and security guards. )
Found out Casino has a Business center, so decided to take the time to update everybody with regards to my plans, etc.
Going to try to get to portland tomorrow, only about 200 miles. Plan on getting there pretty late, and then collapsing at benefactor's place.
So far the trip's been a lot of fun. I am shocked by the prices at the theme park, but not as much as I feared it would be. (Prices were only about 1/3 to 1/2 higher than food in Monterey. What was shocking was the low quality for the price.) Kids have been real troopers, and I really just can't wait to get to where I'm going. Have a income now, have a stake, and am really looking forward to meeting the Portland folks.
I'm tired, but hey, gotta stay positive. Probably going to get going fairly late, and will update this diary in the morning, when I wake up.
Thanks again for your support. Looking forward to pretty much everything. Which is an incredibly nice change.