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Calnevari 2023

October - November 2023
A 23-day adventure by Adventures with Jill Read more
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  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 2–5

    Los Angeles, West Covina

    October 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Day 1. Los Angeles, West Covina.
    We arrived at our accomodation and took some time to relax in our room overlooking the pool. This will be our base for the next few nights.
    As I needed to get some antihistamine (as the flight had tiggered my hay fever) we soon headed out the local Target and Walmart.
    Little did we know that we'd stumble upon a Halloween enthusiast's paradise. The stores were brimming with gigantic boxes of pumpkins, ripe and ready for their spooky transformations into Jacko lanterns. Wish we had time to put my creativity to the test, but I'm sure our time to celebrate will be a good one on the 31st!
    As dinner time drew near, we came across Kalaveras, a cool looking Mexican restaurant and it turned out to be the perfect choice for our first night's dinner. A colossal tray of margaritas was brought to our table, and since Ron and Steve weren't exactly tequila aficionados (and Andy, our designated driver, was taking one for the team), I gladly stepped up to ensure that not a drop of that zesty nectar went to waste.
    The food was a veritable fiesta for the taste buds, bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. It's safe to say that our tour is off to a spectacular start, and our itinerary is already brimming with excitement –    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 2

    Pomona Swap Meet

    October 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Kiwi's on CALNEVARI explore Pomona Swap Meet. What a day! So much to see and take in. We were in car heaven, with so many amazing vehicles to check out. The atmosphere was a real buzz. More photos on my Facebook page. 👌 💯Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 3

    Santa Monica Pier

    October 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    After a morning of having our minds blown at Petersens Automotive Museum (video on Adventures with Jill), we hit Santa Monica Pier and then cycled Venice Beach to Muscle Beach. It was soooo much bigger than I imagined and so entertaining with a great variety of buskers, and of course, lots of people watching to do.
    From Muscle beach, Steve and Andy went off in search for Arnie at Golds Gym, while Ron and I watched the posers for a while longer, who seemed rather shy today, maybe they had Mondayitis. We then cycled back for a paddle in the pacific ocean and a walk under the Pier.
    As if we hadn't done enough exercise for the day, we then strolled Santa Monica Mall before having dinner at True Food Kitchen, where the food was delish!
    A very satisfied and tired group this evening finally got back to our hotel around 8.30pm.    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 5

    Kingman

    October 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Another day, another adventure on our wild tour of the wild west! Today, we delved deep into the heart of Kingman, right on Route 66, where our tour leader's insider knowledge was worth its weight in gold. We wandered through downtown like a local pro.

    After lunch at Mr D's diner, it was time to hit the wagon wheel trail, where I morphed into an intrepid explorer, and Andy turned into a wildlife expert – Tarantula Tracker extraordinaire! I mustered up the courage to take a pic, but if you ask me, I was a safe distance away... like, probably miles!

    Now, it's not every day you hear a rattlesnake serenading you during a nature walk. I didn't wait around for a duet, though; my heart's rhythm had already reached a chart-topping pace, and I was outta there faster than you can say "snake-charmer."

    Despite the scorching 32-degree heat, the landscape was nothing short of spectacular. But trust me, after a short trek, I wasn't sure if I'd make it on a day-long hike. Hydration became my new BFF, and I learned that dizziness could ambush you like a ninja in the desert.

    Speaking of ninjas, some locals were strolling around in jeans and jackets. I mean, I get that desert nights can get chilly, but those folks must have been auditioning for a new "Survivor: Desert Edition."

    After we stopped at Camp Beale to admire the desert spring and ruins, it was time for a thrilling afternoon. Imagine being introduced to a taste of assault rifles and pistol shooting in the desert – not exactly your typical vacation activity, right? I wasn't initially thrilled about it, but with some gentle persuasion (and a few butterflies in my stomach), I decided to give it a shot. And you know what? Turns out, I've got some hidden sharpshooting talent! Who would've thought?

    Post-dinner, we joined Shane and Tracy for a night out on the town. Andy became my shuffleboard sensei, and by the end of the evening, I was sliding those pucks like a pro. So, all in all, another day on tour in Kingman turned out to be an unforgettable chapter in our wild adventure. Stay tuned for more epic tales from the road!    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 6

    Route 66 Oatman and then to Laughlin

    October 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    "Adventures on Route 66: Kingman to Oatman and a stop over in Laughlin"

    Howdy travel followers! Today was one for the books as we embarked on another journey down Route 66.

    Our day began in Kingman, and Andy, our insider guide, had a surprise in store for us - a visit to a desert wrecking yard. " Well, my friends, this place came with a health and safety induction, (not requiring us to don the kiwi high viz vest), but a serious instruction to "Beware of rattlers." Well that made us excited to start exploring and rummaging through heaps of metal in the desert...NOT.😆 We carried on regardless, ears tuned in for any rattle snakes and scuffed as we went.

    As the sun beat down on us (37degrees), we hit the open road again, cruising along the historic Route 66. Our next pit stop was at a place called Cool Springs, and boy, was it cool! This charming little store was like a time capsule from a bygone era, stocked with all sorts of natural gems and of course, local knives, Route 66 memorabilia and souvenirs.
    But the real highlight of the day was yet to come. We rolled into Oatman, a town that's like a step back in time. Cowboys, saloons, and even resident donkeys! Yes, you read that right. These donkeys weren't just any donkeys; they had a hankering for some retail therapy. As we strolled through the dusty streets, these adorable donkeys would wander up to storefronts, as if they were about to swipe a credit card and make a purchase. I mean, who can resist a pair of donkey-sized cowboy boots?
    After a locking up our tour trouble makers, and another little shopping ourselves (though we had to pay for our goodies, unlike our donkey friends), we packed up and headed to our final destination for the day: Laughlin, Nevada, just across the Colorado River. If you've never been to Laughlin, imagine a little slice of Nevada on the water, where you can try your luck at the casinos, catch a live show, and enjoy a night of entertainment. Tomorrow morning we hit the river on Jet skis and it's predicted to hit 38 degrees, so it's going to be another scorcher of a day.    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 7

    Laughlin to Lake Havasu City

    October 20, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Our day started with another first. Ron and I both have never jet skied, and originally wern't going to choose this tour option as we didnt think it would be for us. But curiosity got the better of us, and we gingerly headed down to the dock early at 9am and where it was already a mild 26 degrees. After completing the many disclaimers and contracts signing over our lives, as well as everything we own, we were soon being drilled with the safety talk, not once but twice!
    Finally we were escorted to our new 2023 model Jet Ski's and released into to wild waters of the Colorado river.
    As we were sharing, of course let Ron try first so I could learn from any of his mistakes. We cruised up to check out the damn and then headed down river where I was soon offered to give it a go. And give it a go I did, scaring the living daylights out of Ron 😂. But hey if your going to try something new, you may as well give it your all right! Before he could say slow down, I had us turning in circles and jumping wakes. Our trusty leader, Andy instructed us to follow him as there were some very shallow parts of the river, so follow him I did. If he snaked it, then I was right behind following and snaking as told. Im good like that 👍. We weaved and turned and after he gave us a few soakings to cool us down, he challenged me to a race as we headed back. Well I couldn't turn that down and disappoint could I, and I was only a wisker behind at the finish line. I reckon, if I wasnt doubling, I would a smoked him. 😆
    Ron was hanging on for dare life and calling me a mad women. 🙉🤣😂🤣
    After so much fun it was time to head to our next destination of Lake Havasu City. A quick stop at Walmart for our recommended essential bandanas(thanks Tracy Langley), and if we wanted, we could've even bought ourselves a gun😮 for a few hundy!
    As we arrived at check in my golden carriage was waiting and from there, I soon found myself in our crystal elevator heading up to our suite where we will "suffer", the next three nights.Thanks Andy great choice. Must be my reward for letting him win 🏁 this morning.
    We then joined the lovely locals from the Lake Havasu Rods and Relics show for dinner, before wandering along the river and crossing London Bridge to check out the area😍. She's a bit rough here, 38 degrees 😎🏰, but we'll make do 🥰.
    Time to turn in early, as tomorrow we hit the Rod Show in the morning and then take on the dusty desert tracks in the afternoon for a spot of off roading. Might have to throw down a challenge or two so I can redeem my 2nd place from today.    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 8

    Lake Havasu & Arizona Desert

    October 21, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Relics and Rods: A Sizzling Start to Our Desert Adventure

    Our day began with a stroll over to the golf course for the "Run to the Sun Relics and Rods" show. It was an auto enthusiast's dream come true, with a jaw-dropping collection of hot rods that could make your heart race faster than their engines. But before we could fully immerse ourselves in this automotive wonderland, we had an unexpected encounter with the local wildlife – a rattlesnake on the course. By the time we arrived, the snake had been safely relocated into a sealed bin, and part of me was relieved, although the adventurous spirit in me secretly yearned for a glimpse.

    As we approached the event, the gleaming paintwork of these vintage beauties caught our attention, each car a piece of rolling art basking in the morning sun. I scoured the rows of classics and modern marvels, but sadly, my chosen birth year beauty '61 Corvette remained elusive. Nevertheless, I did manage to snag a little something from the swap meet section, a memento of the day.

    The show was massive, the sun scorching, and the cars nothing short of amazing. But the real highlight of our day came in the afternoon when we ventured into the desert for some off-roading in UTVs. The ride was a thrill from the start, taking us to the summit of a rocky hill. This is where my comfort zone was thoroughly tested as we embarked on a daunting rock climb. With a mix of colorful language and silent prayers, I summoned the courage to ascend, even conquering my fear of heights for a quick photo op. Andy wisely advised me not to look left or down, so I crawled my way up and down, but it was worth it.

    Our trusty UTVs delivered the off-roading adventure we craved. It felt like a cocktail of excitement, with a dash of dust, a splash of water, and a generous shake. The desert sun was relentless, despite my preparation of drinking three liters of water before setting off. About halfway through, the heat hit me hard. The guys, being the kind souls they are, shared their water as we huddled in the scarce shade we could find to escape the scorching 40-degree heat. Andy made the wise call to head back, concerned about the possibility of heatstroke.

    Although the desert heat tested our endurance, today's adventure was an absolute blast. We zipped around rugged tracks, tackled steep inclines, and navigated treacherous descents. When we returned, Andy insisted on a chilling ritual, to douse myself with what felt like icy-cold water to bring my body temperature down. It felt torturous, but it worked wonders.

    We all took a much-needed shower, clothes and all, and watched as the water turned a dirty shade of brown from the layers of dust we had accumulated. Finally, we rewarded ourselves with a refreshing dip in the resort pool. Despite Andy pushing me to my limits, I wouldn't trade this day for anything. We had an absolute blast, and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat. Here's to more relics, rods, and dusty desert adventures!    Read more

  • TravelerCalnevari 2023
    Day 9

    Lake Havasu City to Phoenix

    October 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Hot Rod cruise, Motorcycle Show and travel day to Phoenix followed by Top Golf.

    Our morning kicked off with great anticipation as we parked up on the side of the road and watched the parade of classic Rods cruise by from yesterday's show. While it wasn't as crowded as we expected, the atmosphere was cool. We stood by the side of the road, waving at our dream cars as they rumbled past, a true car lover's dream and Ron's excitement had us entertained, as he was in awe with vehicles that are just everyday drivers over here.

    But the surprises didn't end there. Just around the corner, we stumbled upon a Motorcycle show that turned out to be a must-see. Even for those of us who weren't die-hard bike enthusiasts, the custom motorcycles on display were a sight to behold. The intricate detailing that had gone into these machines was truly impressive.

    With our automotive cravings satisfied, we restocked our water and while in the supermarket I came across a whole isle of alcohol, everything from whiskey to premixed cocktails. Back on the road heading towards Phoenix, the scenery along our road trip was nothing short of breathtaking. The layers of mountain ranges created a stunning backdrop to the Colorado River, and are a far cry away from our tiny mountains back home. Those table-top-shaped ones had me oohing and aahing at every turn.
    A quick stop for refreshments gave us options of ready made thick shakes and Cracker Jill's! So how could we pass up trying those.
    As we got closer to Phoenix, the landscape transformed into a desert wonderland. Cacti dotted the landscape, and we even witnessed some dust devils swirling along the desert road with a couple of small ones bumping us around as we drove through . And believe it or not, we encountered a real-life coyote road kill!
    Arriving in Phoenix, we were amazed by the scale of the city. Andy pointed out the ring road that takes about 3 hours to circumnavigate, and we learned that the population here is around 5 million. That's quite a contrast to our homeland in New Zealand, which has a similar population for the entire country.
    After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time and headed for a refreshing swim to cool off from the desert heat. Our dinner was at the Texas Roadhouse, where I couldn't resist ordering a Cactus Blossom, deep-fried whole onion that blooms like a flower – a delicious reminder of the same treat I had a few years back when in Florida.

    Our evening activity was a trip to Top Golf, where Andy coached us in the art of swinging a club. Laughter filled the air as Steve calling a club a stick, turned out to be the sly golfing champ, winning two rounds, and Ron surprised us all with his skillful shots that also won him a game.

    For our final round, Andy and I had to play "speed golf" as time our time was running out. Talk about a count down, the pressure was on, but it was a blast. I couldn't help but notice a pro golfer in our midst, swinging his own clubs and sending golf balls flying like missiles. I was tempted to ask for a few pointers, as he wasnt too shabby, if you get my drift.
    With the night winding down, we retired to our rooms, knowing that we had an early start the next day for our pontoon boat adventure. The excitement for what lay ahead was palpable, and we couldn't wait to explore more of this desert oasis.    Read more

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