Bearing Up

Well Folks,

We managed to make it out of Vegas with at least a few dollars left in our travel fund, despite our pathetic attempts at gambling. I've never lost $60 so quickly - mind you I don't think our strategy of getting drunk in an Irish bar in New York New York (the hotel) before heading over to Monte Carlo was such a good idea. I was very tempted to throw caution to the wind and place the keys to the Megane on the table, but thankfully I came to my senses before making an even bigger fool of myself.

Relieved to have escaped Vegas, we made our way to Yosemite which proved to be the perfect tonic after the crazy/sleazy world of Vegas. What a fantastic place - amazing water falls, stunning cliffs and endless paths throughout the valley. It was while we were strolling along one of these quiet paths minding our own business when we came across a bear!

No doubt Emma will upload a photo of the bear in due course (as I don't know how to!), but it was a cute wee thing which was just minding it's own businesses next to a river. It didn't seem to mind the small gathering of people who seemed intent on getting a close up of the bear. Now I'm no animal expert, but it seemed a slightly dangerous thing to do to aggressively follow the bear as if he was some famous Aberdeen football player. Anyway, Emma risked life and limb to get that killer photo!

After our close shave with the bear, Emma needed a stiff drink to calm her nerves. Now here's a wee tip when asking for a gin and tonic in the States - be careful when requesting it in a tall glass. Before Emma knew it she was drinking a pint of G'n'T! Mind you, it didn't stop her from ordering a second one!

Having sobered up, we dragged ourselves away from Yosemite and made our way through the torrential rain and heavy traffic to San Francisco. We're here for three nights which should hopefully be enough time to get sent to Alcatraz and then escape so we can make our way down the coast towards LA. Hopefully the weather will clear up as it is particularly Scottish at the moment.

Hope you're all doing well.

Ricky