As some of you know, I have been visiting the southwest of the US for the past 5 weeks.

I am now back in the land of Oz.
Thought you might be interested to know what I thought of your fine land...

First, I must give muchas gratis to the following users:
TigerDan, sierraben, fastmover, DOHCmarauder, FTE Tim and copper_90680, all of who I was able to meet, and each of them helped make my trip unforgetable.
Also, apologises to those who I had hoped to catch up with, but was unable to for some reason, specifically, Jag Red 54, olfordstone and Bdox (and anyone else here who for some silly reason wanted to meet my sorry *** )

Anyhow, after 8,000 miles driven, 18000 miles flown, 9 states, 1 speeding fine, 46 coffee's, 17 blisters, 9 hikes and substantial amounts of artery stopping food.


So, first I thought I might let you know where I went.
San Francisco for a couple of days.
Ruby Mountains Nevada, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Salt Lake City, Zion Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Canyon, Seligman, Vegas, LA, Reno, Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe... That pretty much covers the main areas.

So, what did I think...
I had a wonderful time.
Highlights are below:
1. People (in particular the FTE members mentioned above). Everyone was friendly and polite and curteous everywhere.
2. Scenery, was nothing short of spectacular, personal favourites included the hike out of the Grand Canyon, Grand Tetons and Bryce. Other notable mentions include Zion and The Arches
3. Arizona police not issuing a criminal charge for "energetic" driving
4. "Old fashioned" things. I was pleasantly amazed when I discovered you still have manned parking garages, toll booths and a lot of other things that we seemed to have jettisoned a long time ago. Gives a nice personal touch to things.

Things that could be improved: (remember this is just observations, not whinging)
1. Getting a GM rental. I had requested either a Ford Fusion or a Mazda 6 (apparently under 25 year olds, and rental Mustangs aren't a combination that is supposed to go together )... imagine my dissapointment at being handed the keys to a Pontiac Grand Poo. The thing was speed limited to 108mph just to rub salt into the wounds.
2. As a traveller, your currency. Every note looks the same, same colour, same size. 30 x $1 notes is wallet breaking stuff too. Still is paper based (i.e. the washing machine ISN'T your friend). Prehaps making the notes out of plastic, different sizes and colour for different denominations, oh, and make the smallest note available the $5, and increase circulation of your 1 dollar coin.



Anyhow, just to reiterate, I had a wonderful time, my favourite destination thus far, and thanks again to those FTE members that assisted!!!

 

Welcome back! Sure glad to hear you had a great time! Must feel good to be back home...

 

Welcome back Fred! Sounds like you had a great time.


Pete

 

First off, the $1 bills were used up mighty quick during the lap dances......so quit your whining!!!

Secondly, that saying, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." isn't entirely true; is it? [did the rash finally go away??]

 

dont pay it, i doubt it will catch up with your insureance

 

Next trip come to Canada Fred,

Coloured Paper Money (washing machine resistant) , Huge Mountains,wild animals,Fresh clean Water, Fresh Air, Fresh Women,Really Friendly People, Real Beer & Me to show you around part of this place.

 

I will have to Dennis!It can't, and wont... I know that.

It will prevent me from getting a Visa back in to the US if I don't pay it however.

But on the plus side it doesn't go against my driving record.
I know I know...
Beggars can't be choosers hey!!!
Well - lets just say, I got a lasting impression

 

Welcome back. Good to see your ugly mug again.

-Matt

 

Well hey, I'm glad your trip here was a good one Fred.

Sorry we were not able to hook up.

 

that sucks, My brother got a ticket in north dakota and now theres a warrant for his arrest in that state... not much of a loss

 

So-
How was the southwest US, and how is the family doing

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-and-gone.html

 

"Fred"! Glad you had a good time.

It was also my pleasure to meet you, Dan (TigerDan), and Karl (fastmover).

 

Now I know why he talked about LV...all we did was go on bicycle ride

 

Welcome back!
I'm glad you had a good time and the US treated you well. It's awesome that you got to meet some FTE'rs too.

Next time if you still want that Mustang, try putting some cash down as a deposit. Car rental places won't say no to your money. Been there done that.

 

Well if you don't like it then DON'T COME BACK....

Oh, and how'd you like not being upside down for a change....

Tim