Thursday 27 May

Getting to the US

A day spent travelling and also the start of things going slightly wrong. I got a mid-afternoon flight and my parents had very kindly given me a lift to the airport. Things were going OK until I got on the plane.

1. I'd somehow managed to get a seat towards the back in the first row of seats that only has 3 seats in the middle. That was distinctly not good as the TV in the seat in front was then off to the left. Thankfully the flight was a little empty so I could change seats

On its own that would have bearly been worth a mention but it was a start of a lot of little things going wrong - something that would seem to continue for most of the first half of my trip, continuing when I got to picking up my luggage after somehow managing to get through immigration OK. I had a suitcase with clothes, climbing gear and the like in and a rucksack with camping stuff in. Delibrate over kill space wise as I wanted to make sure I had plenty of space to bring back anything I brought. I got the suitcase fine but...

2. Someone decided to take my rucksack of the carasoul and leave it on a trolley. Maybe they thought it was theirs and was then too lazy to return it when they realised it wasn't. Regardless I was starting to get worried when I still hadn't got it and no extra stuff was coming out. Thankfully I heard some staff talking about a small bag on a trolley, took a look and it was mine. Panic over for now.

That done it was now time to go and get my car. Got to the counter without any problem but...

3. They wouldn't accept my car hire insurance ,which was part of my travel insurance, was what they needed. I wasn't entirely surprised as it's the only travel insurance I know that covers US car hire insurance (American Express Annual Premium for those interested) and was expecting a bit of an issue. American American Express phone numbers were no help so eventually had to buy a phone card and phone the British number where despite being redirected to an American I found someone that could convince Dollar that I was covered so I could finally get on my way.

By the time I got to my hotel it was about 4am in the morning UK time and I was shattered but the time difference meant that, for the first time ever, I didn't sleep much so was up and out nice and early to start my move towards Joshua Tree.

Friday 28 May

Getting to Joshua Tree

On my way towards Joshau Tree I stopped near an REI (where I planned to get some maps and a couple of other bits) and tried to get some cash but ...

4. Despite trying several different ATMs none of them would give me money despite never having had a problem in the past. Was starting to get worried as I only had $3 in cash on me and really needed to get my hands on some. Eventually had to wait for the banks to open and managed to get some cash over the counter. Still haven't gotten to the bottom of this problem (need to get in touch with Lloyds TSB).

Having got cash I got the bits I needed from REI which as expected did not have the harness I wanted. I continued towards Joshua Tree and realised

5. The car I'd chosen didn't have cruise control. With the amount of miles I was it would have been much appreciated.

I arrived at Joshua Tree and stopped at a climbing shop there but...

6. They didn't have the harness in question either so ended up getting the completely over the top Wild Country Syncro Ziplock instead as I hadn't brought my old harness and was hoping to climb over the weekend. That said it was still rather cheap compared to the UK (about £50).

Having brought a Inter-Agency pass (covers entry to all National Parks and other federal bits) I finally got to Joshua Tree...