We were up early and skipped breakfast in order to get on the road with ZAK and head down south to the black sand beach we had heard about where the turtles come up to bask on the sand.
It was an exciting ride out (Wade got to drive). We made good time and beat the rush of people to the beach. The sand was neat (and already very hot) and there was one turtle up and basking with several more in the water. After taking a few pictures and watching the turtles in the water we headed back to the car. We had to have it back to the rental place by 11AM. We would have made it too...if not for the construction and tree trimming along the way! We were through before it started going down but got stuck a couple times coming back...so we got dinged for a late return when we dropped ZAK off but in my opinion it was worth every penny...if the SS is that much fun...how much fun will the ZL1 be? Sigh...now to save my pennies and dream...a 2013 would make a perfect companion for Time Machine (my 1968 Camaro).
After dropping off Time Machine we walked downtown for some lunch and then back to the hotel to get packed. Once we were organized we met up with Brian and Micheline for one more dinner at Bubba Gump's before heading for the airport. It was great food and great service once again.
We got to the airport with time to spare...checked in and were through security no problem. Soon we knew something was up as our boarding time had passed and the plane was sitting there...but no bags were being loaded and soon we saw our flight crew leaving the airport with their luggage! It turns out there was a mechanical issue with the plane which they couldn't get fixed before the airport closed at 11pm...yes the airport closes at 11pm! So...we were sent to collect all of our luggage and wait out front for further instructions. Soon the United rep was there telling us they had a hotel for us and shuttle busses to take us there...our replacement flight would leave at 1:15 tomorrow...too late for us to make any connection in San Francisco to get to Calgary so we were looking at an extra night there too.
Soon the shuttles were there and we were whisked off to the Hilton resort...what a huge place...we had to take a train to get to our room! The rooms were great and we had a fantastic breakfast before boarding the shuttles back to the airport the next morning. Soon we were in San Francisco...the United agents there had vouchers waiting for us for another hotel and food. We ate a quick dinner at the airport then headed for the shuttle to our hotel. Well...these accommodations were a far cry from the Hilton we spent last night in! The voucher said the Focus Hotel...but when we got there the signs said Vagabond Inn. Our shuttle driver spoke very little English but he knew enough to say it was 'a very cheap hotel' LOL. We pulled up in front and there was a cop car right out front...and two more out back...yikes! We checked in...and took the scariest elevator I've seen in a long time up to our rooms. Pretty sure our door had been kicked in a time or two in the past. Soon there was a crazy racket of barking from the parking lot outside. Wade went to check it out...and yep...it was the K9 unit...well...at least we had security right? After a few hours of restless sleep it was time to head back to the airport and board our plane for home. Just in time too...one more day of this crazy snow and Mom would never have made it up the driveway to feed the animals!
All in all anot
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