Aussies Holidaying in America need Help

My wife and I are coming on over to the USA to say G

Bill,

while we are a long way from the mountains and never have a white Christmas, you are most welcome here. We are about 50 miles North of Houston TX, and will be remaining home for the holidays.

If you swing South in your travels let us know....we have a Spyder, and have owned 2 Speedsters, and I am off to pick up a Suby tranny this AM.....

regards,

Jim

It's a bit of a (scenic) drive from LA, but my son spent Christmas at Lake Tahoe a while back and thought it was really neat - of course, he spent most of the time skiing....

If you're thinking of Tahoe, we're just down from there in the foothills. Give us a shout.

Terry, how are you doing?? This Febuary 28,2008 we will be @ Incline
Village for our 4th Anniversary. Do you ski or board?? Cabanaboy ~ Let's hook up ~

Hey Desi!
No board or ski, just mow and whack! Lot of weeds here in Grass Valley.;)
Tahoe is great place to celebrate your anniversary.
Perhaps we can meet up while your up here. We'll talk.

G

Wow, Mt best looks like Pennsylvania!

G'Day Bill.....I have made at least 30 trips to Australia in the past 20 years....Love your country.... meet a lot of wonderful people there....I for one love the Subaru motor and am currently having a speedster built with a STI motor in a mid engine configuration. The car should be finished in a couple of Weeks's... If your headed for Tahoe you can stay at out homestead in Santa Barbara and feel the wind in your hair in my Subaru powered 356. I also lived in Tahoe for 5 years so I can fill you in on what to do at the lake. I also have some property in Yosemite so I know that area fairly well...... you want snow we will find it for you....Cheers, Mike

Mike you

Population of Mt Best ...55.or 57 when we are there :+).. your welcome to go and stay in our house as its vacant most of the year

Well as time gets closer were starting to get orginised, looking for that White Xmas we have booked into Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs,on the way we'll take in Vegas and the Grand Canyon,( if we dont gewt lost ) New Years we'll be at the Inn of the Governor in Santa Fe. After that we'll roll on down to Albuquerque.... not sure were we'll go then, maybe head over to Texas way... or maybe back north... any suggestions guys.....

Regards Bill and Gill from down under ...

Sounds like you'll not be getting much east of the Rio Grande, which flows through Albuquerque, BTW. So I'll offer a useless invite to come visit in DC suburbs, if you have a mind to. One could easily spend the entire time in CA, north and south, and esp'y the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH, CA 1) that runs the distance. Might be the greatest two lane road on the planet. Tahoe is cool, and so are all the other places up in the mtns yopu mention. The Sierras and the Rockies, a great deal to see thereabouts. Colorado might inidicate Pikes Peak -- take the cog railway up. Boulder CO, is an especially cool little town. There are gambling emporiums up in the hills west of Denver (Silver City) where the old mining ghost towns have a new life -- all about the same old thing: getting rich quick, where only a few do. Santa Fe is another wonderful place esp'y at Xmas. Santa Fe Peak offers skiing. Tomasita's has excellent Mex food. The Gov's Palace you will stay at is top drawer all the way -- very posh. Remember that the most often asked question in New Mex is "red or green?" referring to the local chile peppers and the sauces made therefrom. I prefer green. In ABQ there is the world's longest tram from the west foothills of Sandia Peak to the top, almost. A Resturant is at the top (Higth Finance, I think) Again, skiing to be had, if snow. The view on the way up, esp'y at sunset is like no other. Coralles is an old (by Yankee stds) settlement long on adobe and horses. It is nesteled in the irrigated margin (called the Bosque) of the Rio Grande just north of central ABQ. So there are many Alamosa (Cottonwood) trees, grass, orchards and farms, a real oasis in the midst of otherwise dry desert. Casa Viejo there is a superb place to eat. Between CA and New Mex is the Grand Canyon, as you mention, and just south of there is Sedona, with what I think is the prettiest stretch of creek side mountain scenery (lots of B&Bs there) seen anywhere. Just follow the highway south of Flagstaff and you'll run alongside Oak Creek Canyon until you get to Sedona. This is red hills country, and a very cool spot. Lots of old indian things to see between Sedona and ABQ: Acoma Pueblo, Canyon de Chelly, Navajo country and Measa Verde (in So. Colorado), and many others. All offer a glimpse into the native american (you might say aboriginal) past. The countryside in between Sedona/Grand Canyon and ABQ ought to remind you of the outback -- although I have never been there. There is a LOT of nothing in between. Even so, It can be traveresed on the Interstae in a day or less easy -- if no stops. Tip on Grand Canyon: there is an Imax movie theatre in the town near the south park entrance that features a re-enactment of the "discovery" of the river by the white man. The first running of the river end to end, I'd guess. It is thrilling to see, and some history comes along w/ it. Except for not being soaked and nearly drowned, you will swear you were in the boat/raft.

There is much to do and see. You'll need three months, not three weeks, mate. G'day!

PS: I'll second the vote on the movie, Fastest Indian; a great flick.

Bill and Gill - wishing you a wonderful trip over the coming holidays. Don't think anyone's mentioned this previously, but I'd suggest your rental has all-wheel or four-wheel drive. Just came back from Colorado Springs and it snowed while we were there - not much, but enough to need some added "umph" in a couple of less traveled places early in the day. As the season progresses, so will the need. Best regards, Cal (PS We lived on the North Shore of Sydney for a couple of years so I can relate to your wanting to leave the hot clime - although going to Bondi and/or Manley on Christmas day was a glorious change for us!)

G

Does anyone know of any events, auto shows etc to be held on the east cost between Dec 17 - Jan 10th ? Would appreciate hearing about it with the view to checking it out during our trip
Thanks Bill

Boston World of Wheels, Jan. 4-6

look here: http://www.autorama.com/casi/boston.htm

Thanks Gordon,
unfortunately just a little to far east for us, but thanks for the info looks like a great show, does anyone know of anything closer to the East Coast

Regards Bill

Are you sure you mean "East Coast"? You can't get much closer to it than Boston.

Lane, I think Bill means the Pacific coast. I had the same problem looking at the world from downunder

Thanks for the reminder, Cal. I have the same problem discerning North and South whenever I'm in California (the ocean is always on the wrong side for me).

gn

Its all "A" about from down under sorry, I should have said your west coast stupid me.....My other option is to sit in a bar and drink lots of Beer... mmm that idea has leggs but I'm sure my wife wont go for it

Listen guys... I'm about three quarter way through my build and havent driven a speedster yet... l would just love the opertunity to see a few speedsters and even take a short drive whilest we are in the US...maybe have a few beers and share some information.

Is there Any offers ?

Regards Bill and Gill

The west coast guys never miss a chance to drive their cars. I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunity for some seat time. Enjoy the visit!

Bill -

Here's a link to the car shows/meets in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange County area) during December! Checkout the home page of this link for pics from other cars shows past!

http://www.socalcarculture.com/events.html

Thanks Jim,

thats what I was looking for.

Just 7 days and were on hte big silver bird and a 16 hour flite from down under.

Sorry this isnt a link, but if you type it in it will give you a laugh. www.endofworld.net/

Regards Bill and Gill

bill where in La are you staying?
lots of snow in the mountains this week
Big Bear is close to LA as is Wrightwood

G

Bill: I'm transplanted OZ -`Brisbane and Mt Isa originally. We live in Orange County about 60 miles south of LA. We also have a cabin in the mountains east of here - about 1 1/2 hrs drive time - and it snowed the other day. drop a line and lets talk. Welcome to have a spin in my speedster too.
mangoman_2 AT cox.net
Grant

All I can say is it is a VERY LONG way between New Mex and Louisiana, doubt you'll make that detour. Good luck and smooth sailing. You have a terrific tour planned, and I hope the weather holds up for you. All that time out west and at altitude in Dec/Jan, and I'll bet you get caught up in more than a little bit of snow. Will the rental have 4WD?

Hi Grant and thanks for your message,

Brisbane, Mt Isa and now Orange County, now that's a stretch, how long have you been over there and what business are you in ? how are you coping with California, my son just arrived back today and his first comment was "I want to go back, I loved it there " I can understand that, I've managed to get over to the US on 20 + occasions, but now I've sold my business ( to an American company ) and this is 110% holiday, my wife's never been there and shes a bit apprehensive as I'm sure you know the most see on TV News is the bad stuff, you know the shootings and such.

I must admit I'm a bit worried about the weather and road conditions, I've hired a Dodge Caliber, but you know what they say in OZ, all rentals are 4x4

Kelly may be right, we may not make it as far as Louisiana, but got to start with a plan and where we end up will most likely be decided on a daily basis, would like to catch and if you would mind emailing me back your mobile number I'II give you a call and see if its convenient

Regards


Bill

Guys: The 'LA' stands for LOS ANGELES - - - NOT Louisiana. That is Orange County California!!
Sorry for the confusion.

Hey Bill

You really like rubbing it in about the crappy (am I allowed to say that) weather that the guys have in the states!!! have a good trip, in just 2 days I am off to the coast for 3 weeks (hope I don't burn too much!)

Happy Christmas everyone

Thanks Greg,
We you were really looking forward to a white Xmas having never had one, and in OZ, no chance of ever getting one, unless there is a major shift in climate change, which I dont think will happen in our life time.

You have a great holiday, and when you come back that speedser will be a real speedater and go like the wind with the Subaru transplated... you lucky bastard I'm envious already.

Had did you see the results of hte 20/20 cricket between the Aussies and the Kiwis, we wiped there bums.... should be a good summer for our team the way its shaping

Take care of yourself mate, we will be back in touch in the new year, by the way, if you get a chance to get on a computer check out travel blogg at http://billandgill.blogspot.com

I will tray and keep it up to date

Best Regards Bill

Well we made it.... one nite in LA.... then off to Vegas... had a couple of days there ( were going back ) and off we went again in to the Grand Canyon, just north of Williams, what a site WOH.... 2 days there and on the road again to Santa Fe...Stayed at the Inn of the Govener for a couple of days... looked around and on the road again,, off we went agian up to Colorado Springs, here were at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.. This is a TEN out of TEN rating.... were having a great times , looking, shopping, taking pics and driving, after a few more days here were heading back to Vegas Via Denvor ( weather permiting ) the little PT Cruiser convertable is going like a dream ... your Gas is neary haft the price of ours in OZ ....
After Vegas its heading to Norther cal before returning to fly home....
We love it hear

Still looking forward to seeing a few speedsters

Catch you all and merry Xmas to All

Bill and Gill

Bill you need to check out an exotic car rental store in Vegas, they may have some Speedies to rent.. Just a thought! Let us know if you get back down to Los Angeles... You need to meet some of the SoCal SOC'ers when you get that chance.. We ALL love to talk.. LOL...

Safe travels my friend..

Speedster "D" Happy New Year Mate!

Hi David,
thanks for the offer, I'm hoping we'll have a few spare days near the end of our trip, its a day by day thing at the moment, were back in Vegas now, leaving tomorow heading back into California, heading north to San Fran... see the giant red woods....

David if you wouldnt mind either posting your phone number here or emailing me at smithwb@gmail.com I will be sure to give you a call when we get back into the LA area

Regards Bill Smith

Happy New Year Every One......

No worries Bill...

davidg@99only.com and my cell is 323 533-5505

Give us a ring and hopefully its not raining!.. LOL...

Speedster "D"

I want to thank Terry for coming over and letting me see his Speedster....and take it for a long drive, was the most exciting part of my trip to date.... so nice to drive a beautiful speedster and working on my own for so long..... it was one of the biggest highs lve had for many a year.. Thanks a million Terry

Regards Bill

Any time, Bill. I enjoyed meeting you.
When you get home, please post some pics of your project speedster.