Helloooo Southern Sun.

First of all, apologies for the mass of typos in previous posts, I'm always in a rush so it happens (and will continue to!)

Starting where I left off in San Fran, we didn't need to set out until about 10.30 so had plenty of time to wash clothes and pack in my new ones!

Our next stop was the town of Monterey where we stayed just outside at Marina Dunes RV Park. A cute patch of grass inbetween some chalets was home for the night.

The down was like a richer and bigger version of Pire 39 in San Francisco. It had some crazy shops and a great seaside town atmosphere. The Mirror Maze was out first target and it took me ages to get through, mainly from laughing so much. I came out of the entrance twice! We also had a go on the laser quest to break into the bank before having a stroll around the town and going to Ghiradelli's to have the best ice creams and hot chocolates in the world!

Dinner back at camp was pizza wraps which went down a treat. Back up and out at 8 for a quick trip to the quirky town of Carmel before setting up at Prismo Beach.

Here's a few Carmel facts: You need a permit for high heels because the pavements dont really exist, the town is only about 200 years old but looks stunning that way - just modernised, and Clint Eastwood parts owns the Hogs Breath Inn there!

Next Prismo beach where I felt so at home by the sea again. It's bascially a tourist surfer town and looks the part. We explored, ate a 'whatevers leftover' dinner then went for a campfire on the beach where award title were given out to write on a plain t-shirt that we could all sign. My title was 'The Smallest Person To Climb The Tallest Hill', of which I'm very proud :) and everyone signed each others to say goodbye. Then ignoring the emotional stuff Anna tried to cut Dans hair and it had to be rescued by Belle and Amy!

Oh and I also bought Rachel an excellent present here! Not quite what you asked for but you'll love it!

Onto LA on out last day we did a quick driving tour around Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood Blvd and the Hollywood sign. Then It was our last check-in together at the hotel and out last meal together at the Tavern on Main. We finished the night with a dance at the hotel then said our goodbyes. It was horrible but it's part of travelling. We hugged our leader Dan about 6 times.

Party Bus- Vegas!

Next morning the 5 of us carrying onto the Southern Sun tour were in the lobby at 7 to get breakfast and meet the group! Our new leader is called Kait and shes really funny and up for anything! The group is 3 guys and 11 girls again and we're all settling in really well. It's day 6 I think and already nicknames are flying around.

out first stop was Vegas!! The hotel was SO nice after tents and we were straight in one of the three pools. From LA onwards the heat has soared so I'm hot pretty much all of the time but still yet to be burnt (or bitten by bugs!) Vegas is in the middle of the desert so theres no escape except ducking into hotels for AC. Dinner was at Hard Rock then the trek had orgainized a party bus to take drive us around for over an hour. afterwards we walked about the strip then headed home.

Next day I went out with soe of the girls and we visited The Venetian and listened to the gondola drivers sing, Ceasers Palace where the shops and galleries are like a maze, walked past the halfsize Effiel Tower and then went to the Rollar coaster at New York New York. Quickly moving on because i'm runningn out of time... Dinner at the Luxor - all you can eat buffet for $20.. Nine Fine Irishmen pub to hear some excellent music and then Dueling Pianos which is to people at a piano each facing each other and playing a set together!

Next morning we set out for Zion where I walked up the Narrows in the river and the next morning hiked Angels Landing which was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. The climb was a bit scary and narrow but enjoyable all the same - and worth the breeze! Condors flew high around the rocks and one landed in a tree near by as we made our way down. The group had some get to know each other conversations after dinner here too which ended in too much laughter past camp quiet time!

Next was Cowboy camp for the night with a stop at the man made Lake Powell on the way for a swim and some frisbee.

Cowboy camp was amazing!! I don't have time t o explain but ask me later; authentic cowboys, sitting on the porch with a guitar watching a huge lightning storm and Kait dared us to a Pants Party (wearing our pants over our clothes!) I was scared to sleep with the storm so watched it until it faded...

These last two days have been in the Grand Canyon - its hard to explain this one. There isnt really a discription for it. Our first real view was when Kait put us in a line and leaded us blind down to a view point and let us open our eyes for sunset over the Canyon. Yesterday we were up and out for sunrise at Mathers Point in various groups depending on which hike we were doing. Sunrise was breath-taking.

Then a 3 hour hike down to Ooh Aah Point and Ceder Ridge. A condor flew right over our heads on the way back up and I saw a feather float down.

We were back at camp by 11am so I charged for a bit then went for icecream (which is happening pretty often) then camp back for bangers and mash dinner!

more smores and stories around the camp fire last night before it rained and we went to bed.

Today a few have gone on a helicopter ride and the rest are wi-fi-ing and exploreing. I'm the last on the computer so better go and meet them to start our journey to Monument Valley.

Love and miss you all. Only two weeks left!!!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Half way!

Tomorrow, which you're already in being 8 hours ahead. I will have been in the U.S for 3 weeks already. Halfway gone!

In that time my trek has travelled from coast to coast, New York - San Francisco...

After my last entry we met the group and went for dinner at a local brewery then most folk headed home for an early night but I stayed out to see the town and have drink with Anna, Nicola and Christian. First we went to a tavern in the main square where we were obviously the youngest people by about 20 years then went to the famous Million Dollar Cowboy Bar where they have saddles for bar stools and animal heads on the walls. It was a great night and when we asked for a photo with a 'real' cowboy he turned out to be a paparazzi from Brighton staking out Sandra Bullock a few miles away!! So no photos with a genunie cowboy. Although our horseriding guide who took our group shot was one I suppose.

The next morning we packed up camp as usual and Dan had made us pancakes!! Treat!

We drove on to a place called Nat Soo Pah where we spent the night in the middle of nowhere because the drive between Jackson and Lake Tahoe was too long to do in one go. But Nat Soo Pah had its perks - like the pool and spa filled with natural water from the surrounding hot springs. My back muscles keep tensing up a litte with sleeping on the floor and sitting for so long in the van so I was in the hot pool twice once before dinner then after! Also saw a stunning sunset. Anna and I just walked down to get some photos and ended up sitting on the road that winded off into the distance and chatted as we watched the sun go down the the sky turn orange over the fields and big yellow daisies.

Next morning was an early start at 5am so we also saw the sunrise - although I was more or less asleep on the bus by then. It was a long 10 hour drive to Lake Tahoe but we had to be there on time for the sunset cruise. Watches had to go back another hour as we hit California time about 2.30. Tents up and gear sorted most of us hit the beautiful little beach by the lake. It was hot, lovely and the water was clear. The resort we were in seemed like a popular holiday spot for Californian folk as it's not too far away but still feels it. One of the guys hired a jetski so Sarah and I jumped at the chance for a go! It was so funny, but really hard to steer with 3 people on! I had to get back after to cook dinner with our Aussie Kelly who turned 22 the next day!

We ate fast then Nicola and the boys hit the sunset cruise. Everyone else showered, did washing, chased chipmunks away from our tents, watched sunset at the beach then came back to find some very giggily trekkers back from their cruise. Priceless entertainment with guess the song! then finally bed!

Wednesday saw us setting out for Yosemite National Park, another of the 3 crown jewels of americas national parks (the other two being Yellowstone and Grand Canyon). As expected, it was stunning. Before heading out of the park to find camp we did a quick trail down to the Giant Sequoia trees. Some have been there for over 2000 years! the look like something out of Avatar. And oddly fire is good for them, they're really resistant to it and it helps their sapplings thrive whilst other foliage is cleared away so controlled fires take place around them sometimes. We found a fallen one which had been hollowed out so we could creep/crawl through to the light at the end of the tunnal! Another over burned one had an arch cut through that we could walk under. That was only the first highlight of Yosemite.

We saw two other Trek America vans after we parked and then another Trek set up camp right next to us so we were able to chare stories and tips. Belle and I also stayed up while everyone got wifi at the lodge and wrote a Trek America, Northern Trail song with the uke about all our campers which we eventually played for them on the bus, no doubt it will end up on youtube some how.

But the next day was my biggest achievment so far. The main hike option was difficult and we were told to carry loads of water and food for about 6/7 hour round trip, or we could just shuttle around the park and see the village etc. Only the boys were up for the hike so I spoke to them about me tagging along, that I might slow them down and struggle etc but thankfully they were all really supportive so the next day I had to pack my man size lunch and set off with Simon, Han, Christian and our trek leader Dan. Dan wasn't going to stick around for the whole hike but thankfully he stayed with me and was hugely supportive. The original route we were going to take was partly closed due to divers in the water. Sadly two people were swept off one of the waterfalls a few weeks ago because they climbed over the railing for a photo and the bodies are yet to be found. It gave me a huge respect for the trails and falls as we re-routed and ended up doing a big figure of eight. The lads easily marched ahead of me and on the really steep parts I struggled with a bit of asthma and had to stop but Dan stuck with me and kept encouraging. I would have given up and let the boys storm ahead if he hadn't been there. But once  I'd seen one water fall I couln't leave it and we kept reassesing at each break to see if I could just make the next bit and the next and by the time the last climb came to the stop of Navada falls I'd come too far not to complete it! It was an amazing veiw and just So satisfying to have done. I had great signal at the top so gave Jimmy a call - first time we've spoken since I've left! Loved hearing his voice and all about home while he googled where I was standing!!

The hike back was so much easier and I got to chat to Dan about where he's travelled and where else we want to go. By the time we hit the village again I watched  a cheesy kids play by myself where I learned some Yosemite history then grabbed an ice cream and met everyone for pizza. I crashed at dinner, it was effort to eat. My legs were just gone. Back at camp I was more or less marched to the shower and had to scrub at the dirt on my ankles and feet to a while to get them clean!! Needless to say I slept well, and then most of the way to San Francisco the next day!

Yesterday Dan gave us a driven tour around the city a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge where we saw another trek van and met another leader. Some how Nicola cut her toe as we got photos too so we had an A&E moment in the car park with our two first aiders and trainee doctor!

After checking into our hotel (again, luxury after camping - I only have to share a bathroom with One person!) we all went for dinner in China town and chose an absolute dive. It was the equivilant to a greasy breakfast cafe in England except chinese but naturally - the food was great! Later a few of us found Biscuits & Blues, heard a few songs, had a few drinks and then for some reason went to a 24 hour diner just because we could! So I had pancakes with strawberries and chocolate! We ended up all going to breakfast in another typical diner just down the road this morning.

I spent the rest of the day with Anna as everyone went on the Alcatraze tour. We spent ages at Pier 39, Fishermans Wharf, with the lazy sea lions and endless shops of genius! E.g. the chocolate store, the puppet shop, the left handed store...

Then walked down (well, up a massive hill,) to Lombard street to see all the cars squeezing down the crooked road and then went to one of the best bookshops of my life! It's called City Lights Bookshop and I bought To Kill A Mocking Bird because I've never actually read it. So goodbye to me being social in the van, Josie has a book! Was also strolled through the hippy district of Haight Street then caught a bus back to Union Square where we had fish and chips for $6, yum!

Now I'm back at the hotel by meself as I wasn't feeling well and I've borrowed Dan's laptop. That was a huge entry... oh - and i ripped my jeans so had to replace them and accidently bought a new pair of boots from H&M - I couldn't help it! I miss my heels! need to throw some bits out to fit them in my bag.

This Tuesday we finish the Northern Trail in LA and me and four other girls pick up a new Southern Sun tour and make our way back to NYC, so next week its all change.

Hope you're all well, drop me a line!

All my love

Josie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

No signal!!

So... I've been in the wilderness a few days now.

Need to update REALLY quick as the group is meeting for dinner in 10 and I've just found a computer in a hotel lobby with Anna (a lovely little lady from portsmouth!)

So we left chicago, hit Badlands NP and did a lush little hike then got up Super early for sunrise them drove on alll day and stopped of at the Corn Palace (another hilarious of the road stop) Also Wall Drug where got a South Dakota tee. Popped into Mnt, Rushmore and Crazy horse Monument another day, went to Sturgis Moterbike Rally which was Amazing and a few of us dressed up as biker chicks. Then the following day we hit a cute town called Cody where Buffalo Bill's from and we went to a Rodeo and B.B's cowboy bar. We then spent two days camped out in Yellowstone National Park and did some hikes, saw old faithful and the grand prasmatic springs then went for a swim in some hot springs which just crossed the boarder into Montana (and kate thats where I picked up a pebble for you!)

Now were in a little town called Jackson which is tiny but busy and looked like gilmore girls for those of you familiar with it! This morning most of us did a horseback ride up 2000 ft and saw 2 bear cubs on the way down!!!! I had a beautiful white horse with blonde mane called TJ and she took care of me, plus let rip to the horse behind us a few times too....

thats all i have time for as I need to meet in the sq. for dinner then hit the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for some dancing before a loooong journey to Lake Tahoe in the am!

all my love and also MASSIVE love to my newly engaged sister Amy!!! (and my brother in law to be too!)

Josie xxxxxxx

A Whooole Week Down

Hey everyone,

After last entry... We did the best bike tour in the world around Chicago, along the beach front and around the town. Our tour guide was great, he looked like someone from Napoleon Dynamite (dont worry - we have photos!) and encouraged us to ring our bells and make noise everywhere so people knew we were coming and heading through junctions together. It was a Perfect way to see the city and into the evening. People waved and took pictures of us! The park was more busy and normal as Muse and Coldplay were playing at either end of the park and we could hear it and sing along. the next day was Eminem, Celo Green and Foos. I don't know how I've never head of this festival before!

Afterwards a few of us grabbed a drink then headed back to our lovely hostels, Luxury after campsites!

I spent most of the next day with a girl called Anna whos from portsmouth! We went up Willis Tower and out into the glass boxes, saw the 'Bean', Macy's, Bloomingdales, Tiffinys then headed out to Navy Pier but didn't make it and just layed on the grass watching the segway tours go about.

That night we all went out to dinner together at a restaurant where Al capone ate then headed to the top floor of the Hancock Tower to see Chicago by night and have a lovely cocktail.

Afterwards when we headed home one girl, SJ, said she was leaving in the morning. We were all pretty shocked but she has already sdone one tour and has things to sort out at home so sadly were a trekker down. But upside, I've somehow managed to get the spare seat row in the bus the last two days. I hope she gets home safely.

Yesterday was a 10 hour drive so we left Chicago early. Drive drive drive and then.... The Spam Museum. I kid you not. We were in hysterics as we watched 'Spam - A Love Story'. Apparently theres not a whole lot between Chicgo and South Dakota... So today was the Corn Palace!! And I tried a corn dog, not awful but pretty greasy. Last nights camp involved showers 10 mintues away to two long drops which weren't nice but better than a bush. While we ate dinner we saw fireflies all around :) but I quickly went to bed as we saw a storm in the distance! fortunately it didn't hit us. Today we drove, saw corn, and did a small hike at Bad Lands National Park where were camped tonight. It was beautiful, and so was the scary horned sheep that got in our way and stared  at us for 20mins... Really really warm after that so tonight at our KOA (Kamps of America) we had an icecream, hit the pool! played some frizbee and I've just eaten an Amazing koren meal of a type of omlette and noodles, cooked by oou trekker Han. Tomorrow we move on again to see Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument :)

I can also recite all 50 states now!! It's what you do with time on the bus.

And to all you Hopers, I'm listing to some Timothy sermons and I'm Hyped about our September start - lets blow Ferndown apart!

Missing you all and  dwelling to much on home as I travel now my heads cleared but I'm sleeping better so at least I'm rational!

Love to you all xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Big Changes and Adventures

Hey everyone!

So.. since last time I met Kate and Amy in NYC Monday morning and we spent the day seeing all the sights on the downtown bus tour and go the Staten island ferry to see the statue of Lib.etc. The girls were really really lovely and we had a great day followed by another wandering around central park and going in the zoo!! Tuesday afternoon we had to pack up and had back to New Jersey to start the Treks the next morning. Trying to travel with a bag that big on is pretty funny especially people can be so inconsiderate and push past you, thus spinning you round in the wrong direction!

But anywho, I arrived sweaty and scruffy at the Hilton, had a lush bath and dinner then biiiig sleep in my king size bed. the following morning was when I got a shock to find I was in fact booked onto the Northern Trail first so not in Amy and Kates group and heading in the opposite direction to what I had planned! So if you read the list I posted before go top bottom to top instead. Said a quikc goodbye to the girls and we parted ways.

7.30 Wednesday morning I met with my trek group and leader, filled out some forms and got in bus together. There's 13 of us and our leader Dan who's really friendly and willing to help. It's 10 girls 3 boys, everyones getting on well so far! and I'm sharing my tent with a christian girl on the tour :) The bus is surprisingly new and comfy and I can't believe all out stuff fits in the trailer.

Day one we headed out from 9-5 and stayed at a campsite 15 mins drive from Niagra Falls. We popped round for a night viewing after dinner then came back and crashed. Next morning it was up and 6, tents down, breakfast and first Maid of the Mist Cruise around the falls by 9am. The falls were amazing, with very sexy ponchos! Mine flew up over my head at one point. The falls cross over the boarder between USA and Canada so after the cruise a few of us walked across the bridge and I sat in Canada for a hour, phoned home and took a few more photos.

Then it was back on the road and lunch in the bus. We reached Sandusky, Ohio about 6pm and Dan dropped us at Ceder Point theme park for the evening. We crammed in as much as possible in the time and the rides were awesome! Forget Alton Towers. And I felt like I was going to come off the rails on the classic wooden coaster. The last and most insane ride was 120mph the shot up 410ft high. Almost lost my glasses!

We crashed out when we got back to the campsite and same routine again this morning. I'm now 6 hours behind the UK as we arrived in Chicago about an hour ago. We're at a Hotel international for two nights now and it's packed out for the Lollapaloza festival which takes up pretty much all of the cities parks.

In half an hour were meeting for pizza then a 3 hour bike tour around the city that will hopefully help me decide what to see more of on our free day tomorrow - no travelling!

I can't remember right now where we're headed after that but you can look into it.

I'm doing Alot better than my first day and everything is exciting! Sleep isn't coming so easy but the more I do in the day the easier it will be to sleep. Still pretty hot which is nice and Amy, my feet are doing better!!

Guess I better leave it there for now. Missing you all, especially my Jimmy - wish you could see all this.

Love xxxxxxxx

New York New York!

Here I am! right now it's 8am and I'm in my hostel. Today I'm planning on getting some fruit from a shop I've been told about then heading off to finds some girls on my trek then do a bus tour and the staton island ferry!

Yesterday I was awake for about 24 hours and I was exhausted and in all honesty I cried quite a lot. The plane journey was the easy part, leaving heathrow at 9am and just watching movies and eating the surprisingly good plane meals. But when we landed and I got off tears just started falling. It dawned on me how far away from home I was and by myself. It took an hour to get out of the airport then I took an hour to change into my shorts and flip-flops and re-organise my bag in a tiny bathroom. I turned on my phone and it made me cry again to get goodbye messages and a phone call from my mum. But eventually I bucked up, found the air trian and got a ticket to NY penn station. To save on subway money and see some sights I walked 28 blocks with alllll my gear to my hostel at Columbus Circle. It was hot and sweaty and the first thing I needed when I got here was a shower! And for someone who never gets blisters, I now have four. And tips on what to do?? My feet feel better this morning but they won't get much rest today.

I slept in a 6 bed female dorm and I've introduced myself to 3 of the girls and they're really nice. Had to sleep with eye cover and earplugs because everyone comes in at different times and the aircon  is really noisy.

Hopefully from here on in I can keep it together and enjoy myself! It's beautiful weather and I don't have long here so wish me luck.

all my love to you back home and the Mr. in Italy this week

Josie xxxxx