Agreed. I went there specifically because of the guys on this forum. very cool place.

Thanks Fellas, for all of your ideas.. We are taking each of them on board,,,

Definite certainties to visit many of these.. but keep them coming..please..

(Steve) we are lucky to have 2 nights accomodation in the Canyon.. Plus overnight stays at "The View" in the valley, and in the park at Mesa Verde..

Can't wait..

Cheers

John

Hi Guys,

also now included are Santa Fe and Flagstaff..

Any Drum/Music places there worth a look in??

Thanks..

Cheers

John

John!

Just make sure you rent a convertible.

I know this might sound odd but I have travelled quite a few times in the states and the route you are going is taking you through some incredibly scenic places. My first trip in the 70'ties was along the west coast from San Diego up to Seattle, through Yellowstone down to Colorado and then to San Fransisco. Later I travelled in quite a few other states as well. In july last year I took my youngest son (17 years old at the time) to a trip in Nevada and California (through Death Valley and Yosemity), and for the first time I rented a convertible. -What a difference, for the first time I really experienced the landscape around me. The difference was amazing. Suddenly you could see the mountains and the scenery in its beauty without the feeling of watching it on a screen. It did cost a bit more but it sure was worth every cent......

/Johan M

Thanks for the advice Johan,

We will be looking at Car Hire over the next couple of weeks.. so your suggestion is most timely.. (Thats a nice set of wheels you have there)..

and very scenic indeed..

Cheers

John

Getting close now... a bit excited... cant wait to meet all of you guys at LAX.

What's that ?? a guard of honor with crossed vintage Slingo cymbal stands??

Seriously, any more good ideas?? (also will be shopping for an Acro or two)..

Cheers

John

John, have a nice trip!

-Looking forward to a full report once you get back :)

/Johan M

In between Flagstaff and Santa Fe you should hit Winslow, AZ for the Crater, http://www.meteorcrater.com/ and this, http://www.google.com/maps?q=winslow%20az&layer=c&ll=35.023486,-110.698071&cbll=35.023486,-110.698071&photoid=po-666620&z=12&ei=eQCcT5yFN4jl6QGs043hDg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=photo-link&cd=2&resnum=1&ved=0CE8Q8wEoATAA

Thanks JR.. both are now on the must see list...

I used to to sing a few leads from behind the kit... We were playing a pub gig one night in Sydney & in walks Jackson Browne with his then Aussie Bride.. right in the middle of my rendition of Take It Easy.. Oh My Lord..

So must do a stand at the corner...

Cheers

John

Ok, It has been about 10 years since I lived there in Orange County, CA, but I may be able to share something of significance with you.

This may seem more obvious, but in case not - Be sure to take a drive up Ortega Hwy. This is off the 5 in the San Juan Capistrano area. It will take you northeast into the hills. Famous for motorcycling, insane dangerous racing, and life-changing site-seeing of the breath-taking beauty of our great country....you will eventually notice a lake out and down there. That is Lake Elsinore and a most beautiful site! Just be careful when driving not to be sight-seeing so much you drive off the road!!!

Next (another recommendation), head north out of the Tustin area on the 55 and right after the 22 (which goes west) you will see an exit for E. Chapman Avenue. Get off there and head east....and it will go straight for about 1.5 miles and you will notice a hill sitting there with a building on top of it. This is a restaurant called Orange Hill which features a gorgeous site of much of Orange County (pick a clear day!).

These 2 adventures would be enhanced by including Mikey777 who I believe lives right that area. He would know of all these ideas, indeed better than I.

Another couple ideas....

Be sure to visit Griffith Observatory. This is right in the same park as The Hollywood Bowl, and it features a great view of the Greater LA area (city, including Hollywood right to the side). This can be seen at the end of The Cable Guy (Jim Carry movie).

One last requirement for a visit to that area - be sure to scarf down a quick meal at IN-and-Out Burger. They have the best fries in all of fast food - and the Double Double is to die for (no not literally - and I indeed hope you guys are not vegetarians!).

Ok, that's about all I can think of at the moment. moved there in the 90s (twice) and one time I had a motorcycle, yet no money and no job. I occupied myself by just riding around with a cheap camera. It made for a thoroughly enriching existance, until said motorcycle broke down (for good).

Enjoy the Grand Canyon - something you and your son will never forget. I love that you are doing this with your son - a great bonding experience that shows that you have your priorities straight - Praise God for the blessing of parenthood!

John