Around the World 2023

A 262-day adventure by Hen Tours Read more

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Day 56
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8:49 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 12 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.559953, -155.77716258°33’36” N 155°46’38” W
Bear sighting 5
June 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After dinner we wandered down to the beach and 901 was coming along with her 3 COYs. We watched them for about an hour before she turned around and led them back down the peninsula away from us.
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Day 56
Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 8:49 PM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 12 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.559953, -155.77716258°33’36” N 155°46’38” W
Brooks Camp
June 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
A really slow start today, who would have thought I would have a lie in a tent?

After breakfast we walked out to the falls again. We heard there was a porcupine but we didn’t see it.

We hung out at the falls platform for a while but no bears came along. We then walked over to Brooks Lake and saw some hares along the way. When we got there, there were a couple of planes on the lake as the waves on the main lake were a bit rough.

On the way back to the campground we saw some bear ears walking through the woods. We then sat on the bridge for a while and the ears came out of the woods, along with the rest of the bear and crossed the river. After watching the bear for a while, we went to the campground for noodles.

After lunch, we walked out to the bridge and sat watching the birds before heading to the lodge for coffee. We then headed back to the bridge and decided to walk back to the falls platform. There were still no bears but it was a nice evening walk.

When we got back to the lodge we sat by the fire pit and had a beer. We then had salad and soup for dinner before an early night.Read more
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Day 57
Friday, June 23, 2023 at 12:38 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 16 m
United States Brooks River 58.552733, -155.77880858°33’10” N 155°46’44” W
Bear sighting 6
June 23, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
The top of a head and 2 blond fluffy ears waggling off into the woods. We continued down our path and stopped to watch the birds on the bridge and the bear popped out of the other side of the forest. It waded into the river and swam across, then climbed out onto the other side. We watched it walk and run across the marshes before it disappeared into the bush.Read more
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Day 58
Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 8:05 AM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 9 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.555558, -155.77824558°33’20” N 155°46’42” W
Last full day at Brooks Camp
June 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
I was awoken early for beaver 🦫 spotting. We got up around 5.15am and walked to the bridge. We hung around watching the scenery and wildlife, fortunately it wasn’t raining. Just after 6am we saw a v in the water and the beaver 🦫 was swimming into the river mouth. We watched it for a while, it climbed onto the bank a few times and then swam right towards us and under the bridge before disappearing into the tree roots.

We then made our way to the lodge and had a full hot breakfast, with fruit 🍉😀. What a change from cereal and dried milk!

After a hot shower (so much steam I set the smoke alarm off 🤷‍♀️) we walked out to the falls platform. Still no bears but we did see a full eat a baby merganser whole and alive.

On our way back to the campground we had bear sightings number 7 and watched it for quite a while. When we could, we returned to the campground for lunch and sorted through some things in preparation for leaving (hopefully) tomorrow. The forecast isn’t good but we’ve been reassured we should be able to fly out.

After lunch we walked back to the falls platform and sat for a while watching nature. It started to threaten rain so we started the trek back towards the lodge. At the bridge, we sat for a while and watched the birds and nature until the rain hit.

We then made our way into the lodge for drinks and dinner.Read more
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Day 58
Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:39 AM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 9 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.55552, -155.77833558°33’20” N 155°46’42” W
Bear sighting 7
June 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
We were just sitting on the bridge when we saw a bear coming out onto the spit. We watched it walk out along the spit into the lake, leaping after seagulls.

It then came back into land and mooched along munching grass. We got to watch it for quite a long time.Read more
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Day 59
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 9:47 AM
🌧 7 °C
Altitude: 9 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.556247, -155.77786358°33’22” N 155°46’40” W
Bear sighting 8
June 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 7 °C
901 and her 3 cubs were out on the beach this morning. The small cubs were up on their hind legs play fighting with each other.

We only saw them from a distance.
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Day 59
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 10:45 AM
☁️ 8 °C
Altitude: 10 m
United States Lake Brooks SPB 58.555438, -155.77755858°33’20” N 155°46’39” W
Last morning at brooks
June 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C
We awoke to pouring rain 🌧️, not what we wanted on tent pack up day. Never mind 🤷‍♀️. I got all the bags I had brought for this eventuality and we got everything packed down and into the suitcase. There’s a mess there to be sorted another day.

We made breakfast and went to drop our bag at the ‘bags to King Salmon’ porch. Then it was finally time for coffee.

After coffee we heard 901 was on the beach with her cubs so we watched them for a while. We then went for a last walk to the falls.

On the way back from the falls we saw a big male, apparently Popeye. We watched him for a while before getting our noodle lunch.

We sat in the lodge until our flight was called. We then walked to the beach and climbed aboard the Katmai Air float plane. After 20 minutes we arrived in King Salmon where we transferred to the ACE plane for the 1 hour flight back to Anchorage.

Once in Anchorage we collected our left luggage and caught an Uber to the air bnb.

After a coffee, we walked to the supermarket and bought dinner. Once back at the air bnb we started the process of cleaning all the camping gear.

By 7pm we were ready for dinner and an early night.Read more
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Day 59
Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 11:54 AM
☁️ 10 °C
Altitude: 12 m
United States Brooks River 58.553803, -155.77897858°33’14” N 155°46’44” W
Bear sightings 9
June 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
Just as we got back on the bridge I saw a big male to the left in the marsh area. We watched him for a while as he ate grass and swam across the river. This is the first big male we’ve seen and he was big.Read more
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Day 60
Monday, June 26, 2023
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 37 m
United States Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport 61.173525, -149.98249961°10’25” N 149°58’57” W
Cleaning in Anchorage
June 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
Today we spent the whole day cleaning, drying and packing the camping gear ready to be sent back to New Zealand tomorrow.

Everything was scrubbed with cleaning fluid and no dirt or bugs could be found.Read more
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Day 61
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 37 m
United States Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport 61.173567, -149.98251261°10’25” N 149°58’57” W
Anchorage
June 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
The suitcase delivery guy came at 9am to collect the bag to ship it back home. Once that was gone, we caught the bus into Anchorage to have breakfast at Snow City Cafe.

Unfortunately when we got there they weren’t serving food due to a technical problem so we went back to the sandwich pack cafe next door. I had reindeer sausage omelette which tasted good.

We walked around the city for a while before catching the bus back to the house. We finished the packing and had the rest of the day off from touristing.Read more
TravelerYou ate Rudolph 😳
6/28/23Reply
TravelerYes, I did and he tasted yummy 😂
6/28/23Reply
TravelerI won’t tell Father Christmas ( I’ve managed to get the kettle in my suitcase )😃
6/28/23Reply
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Day 62
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:02 AM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 116 m
United States Seattle–Tacoma International Airport 47.448795, -122.30310847°26’56” N 122°18’11” W
Anchorage to San Francisco
June 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
After hardly any sleep, I got up at 2.30am and into the Uber at 3.15am for the ride to the airport.

That’s the end of the Alaska leg of the trip but on to California.

The plane took off on time from anchorage and arrived in Seattle on time. We had a little wait for our connection to San Francisco. It’s strange being in a busy place again, with shops and facilities. Might take some getting used to 😂.

The flight to San Fran was also on time and we landed by 2pm. We got our bags quickly and then caught the BART to Powell station. We headed straight up Powell for about 10/15 minutes pulling the suitcases and we were at the Grant Hotel.

We checked in and realised that we had lost our inflatable pillows somewhere along the way. We decided to walk to REI to buy some new ones. This was an interesting walk as it took us around the edge of Tenderloin and through some other dodgy areas.

Fortunately we made it in one piece and bought what we needed. We took a different route back to to the hotel and it was mostly a bit safer.

After a quick wash, we headed out for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Macy’s. We then returned to the hotel after a long day.Read more
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Day 63
Thursday, June 29, 2023 at 9:47 AM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 34 m
United States California Crafts Museum 37.805625, -122.42200537°48’20” N 122°25’19” W
Golden Gate and Muir Woods
June 29, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After helping ourselves to plenty of free breakfast pastries 🥐 (we will do even better tomorrow) and coffee we got ready and went to Louis Diner for breakfast (second breakfast?).

We then walked to the bus stop and caught the 30 to Ghirardelli Square, where we transferred to the 28. This took us to the Golden Gate visitor centre. After a look around, we set off walking across the bridge. It was a little windy and foggy but we had some good views.

Once we got to the other side, we found the bus stop and caught the 130 to Sausalito. In Sausalito we bought a deli sandwich which we ate looking out to sea.

As I was putting my rubbish in the bin, I noticed an advertisement for a shuttle to Muir Woods,$3.50 return. I went online and booked it and next thing, we’re heading to Muir Woods. The journey took about an hour.

Once there we used our national park pass to get in for free and spent just over an hour walking around.

We caught the return bus and then caught the ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferry was a bit expensive at $14 but we had good views of the bridge and Alcatraz.

Once off the ferry we walked to the bus stop and caught the 8 back to where we started and walked back to the hotel. The whole journey cost us $25 each, so much cheaper than an organised tour!

Back at the hotel we waited for Lindsey and Amanda to arrive at the hotel. After they had a super speedy check in, we went for dinner at Loris before bed.Read more
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Day 64
Friday, June 30, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 1,290 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548655, -119.6355537°32’55” N 119°38’8” W
San Francisco
June 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We had breakfast in Loris diner and then walked through China Town and the Italian quarter towards Fisherman’s Wharf.

We went in the museum of mechanical things and played some of the games. We then went to Pier 39 to see the sea lions but there were only 2 there.

We then mooched around the pier, in the shops and looking at tourist tat. We caught the bus back to union square and went to the Westfield Mall for curry for lunch.

Back at the hotel we chilled out for a few hours and did some packing.

Later we went to the cheesecake factory for a salad dinner, which was tasty.Read more
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Day 65
Saturday, July 1, 2023
☀️ 29 °C
Altitude: 1,302 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548785, -119.63547837°32’56” N 119°38’8” W
San Francisco to Wawona
July 1, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Up really early and onto the BART by 7.15am. We travelled through to Oakland international airport and then caught the rental car shuttle. The rental car centre has moved since we were last here and it’s definitely less convenient than before. However, the queue at the desk was just as long as ever and my plan to beat the queue was ruined because Budget had closed the FastBreak area.

Once we got the car, and crammed all the cases in, we headed for Walmart in Tracy. We took almost 2 hours shopping while Simon waited in the car. The next hurdle was to fit all the shopping in an already full car. Somehow we managed it and got a coffee to help recover from that ordeal.

Next was the 3 hour drive to Wawona, Yosemite National Park. By the time we reached Oakhurst we were hungry and needed the toilet so after filling up the petrol we nipped into CVS.

Once we were refueled we continued but found a 30 minute queue to get into the park.

Once passed the ranger station we headed to Redwoods in Yosemite and got the house keys for 11b Sequoia House.

We then had to unpack all the things we had bought and fit them into the fridge and sort our own things out too.

Finally we sat down to dinner before an early night.Read more
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Day 66
Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 10:32 AM
☀️ 27 °C
Altitude: 1,286 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548702, -119.63570437°32’55” N 119°38’9” W
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Hike
July 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Up early, again, and left the house by 6.15am. As we pulled onto the main highway I couldn’t believe how much traffic there was. I’ve never seen so many cars at that time of day in Yosemite.

We drove along to Glacier Point, which had been opened for the first time in 2 years especially for the long weekend, and fortunately got a car park. After a quick toilet stop we headed uphill towards Sentinel Dome.

Once we had been to the top we continued along towards Taft Point. There was still snow along the trail and some places were muddy. We were also seeing spring flowers rather than summer flowers because of the amount of snow there has been and the time it’s taking to melt.

We had a little picnic at Taft Point before beginning the return trip. This part of the walk was a little easier until we reached a stream that had no obvious crossing due to the volume of water. Time to take my shoes and socks off, the water just lapped the bottom of my shorts but I made it. We continued for a few more miles and got back to the car around 2.30pm.

The queue to get a car park was long now and it took us a while to get out onto the road. Once back at the house we had lots to drink to replace our walking fluids and relaxed for a while. We had a big pasta dinner and an early night ready for the valley tomorrow.Read more
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Day 66
Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 1:56 PM
☁️ 27 °C
Altitude: 2,340 m
United States Sentinel Dome 37.728517, -119.58179537°43’43” N 119°34’54” W
Taft Point part 3
July 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C
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Day 66
Sunday, July 2, 2023 at 8:44 PM
🌙 22 °C
Altitude: 1,286 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548684, -119.63574737°32’55” N 119°38’9” W
Taft Point part 2
July 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 22 °C
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Day 67
Monday, July 3, 2023 at 7:16 AM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 1,220 m
United States Yosemite Creek 37.74337, -119.59864237°44’36” N 119°35’55” W
Yosemite Valley
July 3, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
Another early start to get a car park at Yosemite Lodge. Once parked we had a leisurely breakfast in the Basecamp Eatery before going on the lower falls trail to see Yosemite Falls. The huge amount of snow melt in the Sierras was making the falls run more vigorously than I’ve ever seen before and the rivers are flooding and closed.

After visiting the falls, we walked to Yosemite Village and onto the Ahwahnee Lodge. We had a coffee before heading back to Yosemite Village for shopping and sightseeing.

Around lunchtime, we went into Yosemite pool and had a swim and relax in the sun.

In the afternoon we headed back to Wawona and relaxed around the house in the evening.Read more
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Day 68
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 6:00 AM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 1,286 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548633, -119.63587137°32’55” N 119°38’9” W
Mariposa Grove
July 4, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
A little later start as we only had a short drive to Mariposa Grove. We caught the shuttle bus 2 miles from the car park and then followed the Grizzly Giant trail through the large trees 🌲.

After our walk we got back to the house and did some laundry. While we were waiting we saw some 4th of July fun at the store and went along the forest drive.

Back at the house we had an easy afternoon in the sun ☀️.Read more
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Day 69
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 8:00 AM
☀️ 19 °C
Altitude: 1,286 m
United States Chilnualna Creek 37.548582, -119.63595937°32’55” N 119°38’9” W
Mirror Lake
July 5, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C
Another 4am start to get a car park in the valley, this time at Curry Village. We went in Peets coffee and had our breakfast before setting off walking towards Mirror Lake.

Due to the excessive amount of water around, Mirror Lake was full for the first time and we got to see the reflections promised. As we continued on the trail, we were told that the path ahead was closed due to risk of rock falls so we turned around and headed back to Curry Village.

Once back we looked in the shops and then went to the pizza deck to eat a huge amount of yummy 😋 pizza 🍕. Once we were done we headed back to the car and back to Wawona for another relaxing evening in the sun.Read more
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Day 70
Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 12:12 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 1,219 m
United States Yosemite Creek 37.744178, -119.5981337°44’39” N 119°35’53” W
Last day in Yosemite Valley…for now
July 6, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Yet another 4am start and a car park at Yosemite Lodge. We had breakfast in the Basecamp Eatery (I forgot my bacon). We then set off on our self designed valley loop. Unfortunately we encountered flooding in the first quarter mile so we turned around and went back the way we had gone a few days before.

When we had the chance we headed off through the meadows, looking at flowers and mountains. We noticed a few mule deer and slowly walked towards them. As we got passed them we noticed them running to try to cross the road. As we were watching them a bear 🐻 popped out of the meadow and started looking around. Suddenly it started gambling along like a lamb and bouncing through the meadow.

Once it was gone we continued walking towards Curry Village. We walked through some other meadows and came out at the Mirror Lake bus stop.

We decided to catch a bus to the Ahwahnee where we had a drink before walking back to Yosemite Village and getting lunch. We then went back to the pool and had a refreshing swim and relax.

We then drove back to Wawona and did a bit of packing before relaxing in the evening.Read more
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Day 71
Friday, July 7, 2023 at 8:00 AM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 17 m
United States Dunes Street Park 35.367184, -120.85176535°22’2” N 120°51’6” W
Yosemite to Morro Bay
July 7, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
A later start than the last few days and then a 4.5 hour drive to Morro Bay. We stopped at a random petrol station along the way for Mexican snacks.

Once we had checked in to the Pleasant Inn we walked to the water front and had lunch and a look around the shops. We then drove to Target in St Luis Obispo to get a few things.

Back in Morro Bay we went for cocktails and then back to the hotel for dinner and drinks.Read more
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Day 72
Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 9:00 AM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 17 m
United States Dunes Street Park 35.367112, -120.85179735°22’2” N 120°51’6” W
Morro Bay
July 8, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
We set out north along Highway 1 at 9am. We stopped at Moonstone Beach for a look at the ocean before continuing to Hearst Castle. We decided to not go in Hearst Castle due to the tour timing system but went to the beach and pier instead.

We called in at an old store for a coffee before continuing north to see the elephant seals 🦭. We saw some big males fighting.

We continued along the road and eventually reached Ragged Point where we pulled in. Simon and I had our picnic lunch and we looked around the shops. We decided to turn back here as the road was closed 25 miles further north due to a landslide.

Back in Morro Bay we did some laundry and looked around the farmers market. We then walked to Morro Rock and watched the sea otters.

In the evening we went out for dinner before an early night.Read more
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Day 73
Sunday, July 9, 2023 at 4:35 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 15 m
United States Junipero Creek 36.604187, -121.89294536°36’15” N 121°53’35” W
Morro Bay to Monterey
July 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
After breakfast we had a last walk around Morro Bay and saw some seals. Around 10.30am we set off driving to Monterey and arrived around 1pm. Unfortunately they couldn’t do an early check in or store our luggage, which left us in a pickle.

We decided to do 17 mile drive to pass the time but when we reached the entrance it was closed due to the women’s golf open. A bigger pickle.

Eventually we found our way to Carmel beach and had a car picnic while we did some people watching.

At 3pm we went back and checked in to the hotel. Once we had sorted a few things we drove down to Fishermans wharf and found some information about whale watching tours. We then went to Trader Joes and brought food for an eat at home dinner.

In the evening we sat outside and shared our meal.Read more
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Day 74
Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 AM
☁️ 14 °C
Altitude: 54 m
United States The Flood Building 37.7851, -122.40489537°47’6” N 122°24’18” W
1
Big Sur
July 10, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C
After breakfast we piled into the car and headed towards the Big Sur. Our first stop was Los Lobos reserve (after deciding we didn’t want to go). We walked along the cliff tops and beaches looking at the ocean and wildlife.

We continued south stopping at various viewing spots along the way until we reached the River Inn, where we stopped for lunch.

After lunch we continued south as far as Lucia, where the road was closed for the landslide. We then turned around and drove back to Monterey. We called at Trader Joes again for a few extra supplies and had another shared meal in the evening.Read more
Traveler It’s so beautiful
7/14/23Reply
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