Death Valley and whats with Pahrump

It was another early start this morning although the effects of the jetlag are starting to wear off. We were up at 6am and off by 7.30am. 

It was another cruise down the Owen's Valley before turning off the double carriage way and heading into the Death Valley area. The roads were straight and easy. After the UK experience this is more our style with little traffic and at times no cars as far as the eye can see, yeeaaahhhhh!

As we were driving along we saw a strange tree about 100m off the road. So we parked up and went in pursuit of answers hoping it was a cactus. Being a little nervous we checked in all directions for Spiders, snakes and scorpions. After a close inspection we decided it was a yukka and as yet have still not found the allusive cactus; where are they?

After two and a half hours we dropped down into the valley itself. We popped into a general store at Stovepot Wells, and wow it was hot!!! The thermometer in front of the shop read 116F.

We drove off the main road up to the hills and parked outside Mosaic Canyon. We walked for about 40 minutes. Come on, why wouldn't you? I've watched way to many westerns to miss this opportunity. It was a classical narrow canyon weaving its way up into the hills. Julia struggled badly in the extreme heat and we did start to get worried. I ended up carrying her out with Sue carrying Holly. They loved it and after more water were good to go again.

Next we wandered a little down the valley until we reached Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. They were surprisingly large considering where they were located. We wandered in a little way but not for long and some of us were wilting quickly. More of a put on than for real. 

The parks head quarter are located at Furnace Creek; great name.

Another 30 miles and further down the valley. What we couldn't believe was the race going on. Come on, I thought I was hard out, but thats just nuts. We cheered them all enthusiastically as they went past. Even a couple from New Zealand. 

The visitors centre was really good, not to mention air-conditioned. Really informative about the area with a large display area. Hard to get away really. In the village another thermostat showed 122F. The kids didn't join me going to the shop and were starting to lose their enthusiasm to follow me anywhere. Its weird really 50C. Hot, but easily tolerated for short periods. Death Valley has the hottest temperatures in the world. It's a dry heat though which makes it much easier to cope with. 

The reason it is so hot apart from being inland, surrounded by

mountains, is that it is below sea level, reaching 282 feet below at Badwater Basin. There was the wind blowing though surprisingly strong and so hot. It was hotter than standing in the sun but out of the wind. Like you had this hair dryer which worked really well in your face all the time. We checked out the salt and moved on quickly. We did check out the Devils Golf Course and a lookout but no time for describing those now.

Oh the hijinks in the back seat! Hollys impersonation of Peppa Pig!

We headed out of the park and towards Las Vegas at great rate of knots. Halfway there we dropped down into a valley and through a town called Pahrump. What the hell? There are over 30000 people here but where are they hiding. It took about six miles to drive through the place. You would get a collection of half a dozen houses along a street and then nothing else. It was like that all over the place. It was as if they had decided this was going to be the next Las Vegas and divided up a massive area for a huge city and just told people to choose random sections. The long main street was very similar. There are a large number of shops etc but fields behind them. Strangest thing I've ever seen.

Our accommodation in Vegas is great. We have an apartment at the Siena Suites and managed to get an evening swim in. Holly was none to pleased to leave the pool, probably because it is the only way to keep cool outdoors.

Yosemite National Park and our first USA day on the road

Its hard to describe the amazing day we have had today. It was certainly long but how else do you fit so much in. Taking advantage of jet-lag we left our motel in Modesto at 6.40am. We headed East through the flat lands and towards the Yosemite National Park. We hit our first major climb and were impressed to see a sign saying "Elevation 2000 feet". 

This paled in comparison to the over 9000 feet we were to climb by the end of the day. Its amazing to think that that Mt Cook is only a little over 12000 feet, highest mountain in New Zealand.

 The roads were really steep and had speeding limits of 35 miles/hr at times. But some of the vistas we saw as we approached made it all worth while.

We didn't arrive at Yosemite valley until 9.30am. We made a quick stop to take a couple of shots from the valley floor before hoping to beat the masses by walking the very popular walk Lower Yosmite Waterfall Hike first. 

Its a very pleasant walk through the native trees before coming up towards the lower of the two falls. Naturally the girls were exploring every nook and cranny on the way, often clambering over huge boulders. The track stops about 50m from the waterfall so we decided to head up through the creak bed picking our way as best as we could. There were plenty of others to follow and Julia and Sophia seemed happy with our endevour. 

The jumping was well worth it as the pool at the top was tranquil. It just felt nice to paddle our feet in the cool water. The temperature even at this altitude was over 30°C.



The second walk we decided to take was to Artist Point. Its not a major and was more steep and rugged. In fact it wasn't sign posted on the road and we had to ask a couple of people for directions. It zig zagged its way up the east side of the valley rising a couple of hundred meters in no time. Once there we looked, stunned, across the whole valley. Totally breath taking.

By the time we had again returned to the car it was going past 1pm and we still had a long way to get to our destination of Big Pine. The highway wound higher into the mountains reaching an altitude of 9,941 feet at Tioga Pass the highest road pass in the Seirra Nevada. Again the driving is slow with speed limits only going up to 50 miles/hr on few occasions. It does give a great chance to view the scenery.

Before reaching the pass we stopped at Lake Tenaya, where the kids went for a swim and we marveled at the scenery again. It was hard to remember that we were so high and yet still to have such a large lake.

The road rapidly descended and after just 10 miles we were down into Owen's Valley still very high by our reckoning. The highway was double laned and headed straight down the valley. Now that was the type of space we had missed in the UK. I love these roads. We found a country radio station and cruised down into Big Pine. The views on the way were just stunning. Could be a hot one tomorrow though, as when we pulled in we spotted a temperature gauge indicating 100°F. 

Flying to America

It was great to see my great mate Steve Bozzy one more time as he dropped us off at Manchester Airport. The signs were ominous early as Sophia had complained of a sore head an hour before we left Chester. During the drive to the airport we had to stop as Sophia threw up. She looked a little better after this so we carried on. 

British Airways were fantastic and looked after Sophia well as she deteriorated, sore head and more vomiting.  It was a short flight though and we landed after less than an hour. At Heathrow they provided a wheelchair and we wheeled Sophia out. 

We had a pre-booked taxi but as we entered the arrivals lounge no one was waiting. A friendly porter offered to lend us his phone and we rang and were told to meet up on Level 3 where the taxi was waiting. Of course when we got there they weren't and we rang again, 5 minutes later. It was a seven seater and when he saw us he didn't look happy. We ignored him and started packing. It fitted in,  with one big bag on me otherwise good to go. 

The Travel Lodge was clean and fantastic. By the time we got there it was straight to bed 10pm. Sophia was quite bad. A very nice English guy noticed me carrying her and offered to give her some medicine as he also had his family there. You can't get enough of the English.

Our flight Virgin Atlantic left at 12.25pm. We left really early 8.30pm to make sure we would be fine. It was lucky we did, Sophia was on the mend but I still carried her. The Virgin staff took one look and started to get worried. First we had to take her to the chemist for our own peace of mind, then back to the counter where one lady thought it would be OK and the other not. After sometime and a telephone call with the Virgin doctor they agreed to let us go.

It was getting on now so we went straight through departures etc. What a process and of course as in Manchester two of our hand luggage bags didn't pass and needed to be opened. We went through to the main departures lounge about 11.30am and had a little lunch. It was getting late and we headed off to the gate. On the way I saw a board which said gate closing so we took off. Julia, Sophia and I were there at the gate but Holly and Sue were no where to be seen and we could see a long way down the corridor. I ran back down and worked out where they had gone the wrong way. I'm not sure why they had all boarded the plane so early as we were still well on time.

Anyway the irony was that there was some sort of problem with the plane and we had to wait an extra hour before departing anyway. There was also a fault with the entertainment and they needed to reboot the system which took over two hours.

It took two hours before I began to feel sick. It was like your head was expanding but your skull wasn't. Came on real quick and I found myself in real agony. Of course the cabin crew initially got really concerned and lay me down in the rear, gave me oxygen and did various checks. Once they established I just had some sort of flu they wanted me back into my seat, oh great. All I wanted to do was sleep. I suffered for the next 8 hours. 

The Virgin cabin crew were concerned that the plane would be put into quarantine for 5 hours so wanted me to walk through customs to avert customs concerns. I had asked for a wheel chair and for someone to help with the luggage and they agreed. In preparation I drank and ate a little which brought on the intended vomit and I immediately felt temporarily better. As soon as we got to the exit of the plane they decided they could not help at all and left us to it. Virgin are what I would call highly unprofessional. The worst thing was as I struggled along the corridors towards customs carrying two big bags they walked past chattering away. Won't use them again.

I had heard bad stories about US customs staff but these guys were fantastic, friendly helpful and on the ball. After a short time one of the officers pushed us onto a short track queue as Holly was literally falling asleep. By now it was 12.30am UK time. Even the Budget Rental staff were fantastic. It wasn't to long before we were at the car. 

I had to drop three of our biggest bags in San Francisco at the hostel we will be staying at on our last nights in the US. The traffic was quite bad as it was near peak hour and it took over an hour for the return journey. We all packed into the car and headed to Modesto. So by 9pm US time and 5am UK time we arrived at our accommodation. Time for some rest.

Farewell to Kings

Well the year has raced around. Its a strange sensation. We are happy with one year. Not exactly excited to go home but not disappointed to leave. Just moving on. One thing is for sure though I will miss many people back in the UK. Oh has my attitude changed. Our last 10 months have been a revelation and complete opposite to our last experience of the populated side of the world. 

I will definitely miss the students. Their cheerful outlook and constant chattering. I have never met a more confident and social bunch in my life. That's probably the problem as they get under your skin. They are just great to be around and it is not hard to start really liking them.

This is my tutor group. A little crazy but great people to be around. I have never met a more social group before.

A very cool class full of kids I coached in rugby. My shells class are full of personalities.

My 3rds an awesome class. The class with the most potential that I taught. Just genuinely really nice kids. 

One of my lower 6ths classes 6LG. Its extraordinary how clever a group of kids can be. 












I just wish I had photos of my other two classes, come on Rachael.

Robert I don't think I will every forget you, you left a permanent impression. Stay cool.

It was great to say all the goodbyes to the students. I have certainly enjoyed my teaching and will miss you all.

The staff at Kings are a special bunch and have made my experience in the UK. The chats, poker and football every Friday all demonstrate the inclusive nature of a great group of people. 

James you are the coolest guy I know. If only people realised how crazy your tutor group was.






Where do you get all those looks from Neil. Honestly we need to video them all so you can see. You raving lunatic of a Scotsman. We all loved you.

The real deal Barry Horne (and Clive). Apparently a good footballer? I just know him as a good bloke. Clive on the other hand is the ultimate mathematician and crazy guy.

You go Helen

My form class at the cathedral

Some of my more talented students Lydia and Rachael

Attitude of Gratitude

It was almost a year ago exactly, that I remember walking with some good friends and sharing how our upcoming 'exchange' was feeling a bit like a 'jumping off a cliff' experience... the truth is, it was exactly that! Leaving my support network, and heading into the unknown!

We started the journey with 39 days of predominantly just us. This in itself could have been a potential problem. However it was simply the most amazing time as a family, and has really bonded us.

Putting yourself out of your comfort zone, change, challenge, is an equation that doesn't always compute well with my phlegmatic temperament. It is in such situations however that the best growth, change, results, happen. Would I do it all again? Yes, but maybe not straight away! I'm looking forward to some still waters.

We are in pack down mode now, it is busy. We are also in the farewell phase, I never find saying goodbye easy but are attempting to glide with it.

As we prepare to leave I am acutely aware of the 'shepherds hand' that has been present...what are the chances of finding a fully furnished rental next to the most generous, friendly neighbours? Neighbours that just happen to have two children that my girls just adore. What are the chances of having family friends just around the corner that will take us in on our final nights here? This will enable us to pack up and prepare for the property inspection.

I have grown really fond of the girls friends and feel really emotional about seeing them for what may be the last time. Their enthusiastic knocks at the door, or more recently their barging in followed by the speedy flow of chatter and eye sparkles at seeing us will really be missed!

How was it possible that we ended up in the Northop Hall school community? Was it by chance? I have really done the rounds of all of the schools here as a supply teacher...it really is the best fit! We have been in a bit of a bubble, have even experienced what I interpret to be 'celebrity status', it has been nice to have so many people interested in us. It has been nice to be embraced and included.

Part of the farewell glide has been a trip to an indoor play area organised by Alison. Alison is the mum of Emily one of Sophs friends. Lots of Sophia's friends met up, and it was good for me to get some talking miles in. We have been meeting up for afternoon teas after school to say our goodbyes, and look forward to some shared meals with friends in the next couple of days. Soph and Jules have had sleepovers and are exchanging special notes and gifts with their friends. Friendship at the ages of 4,8 and 10 is a beautiful thing. Holly is joining in on 'all the fuss' by giving her special toys to special friends.

It has been a year of refreshing, renewing for me, not without its bumps and bruises. I feel good about what the future will hold and have a new confidence to face new challenges.

Very grateful to the people that have 'come across my path' this year and to those that were part of making it all happen. Thanks Andy for initiating the exchange, Stephen for creating a 'space' for us, to Henry my husband for being the 'action man' (making it all happen)...and of course for getting the best exchange rate whenever we change our money ;), to my precious girls who have astounded me with their adaptability, resilience and general great attitude.

Ahh Shux! 

Have you ever been completely dumbfounded? Is that an actual word? I had my first experience of it yesterday when at work my agents turned up with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a nice card! I hadn't seen them since the first initial interview and have only had phone contact since...I blame it on that.

So relieved that the 'job' is over, it has at times been a test of my usual unflappable nature. It has also been an amazing experience. I do feel for Henry who has to push on and through to the day we leave!

We will be in fourth gear for awhile now, do hope we can slip into 5th and cruise.

Looking forward to the next adventure...America here we come, 7 more days and YES I am counting!



Looking forward to HOME SWEET HOME xox S

Northop Hall Girls FC Presentation Night - and a little chuckle

The presentation night was held Saturday the 22nd of June at the Saltney Tavern Club. 

The hall was dressed up with helium inflated football balloons and neatly covered tables. 

We all brought a plate of food to share. It was a lot of fun to mix with the other club members and say goodbye.

Sophia and Julia had played in the under 10 team for the season and were really committed. They turned up for training all season even when the temperatures were literally freezing. They were privileged to have a coach who now has two national caps under her belt.

Whilst the training and the skill of the others in the team was good, unfortunately the league was very limited. They only had a small number of games the whole season! As the girls get older talent is carefully nurtured, unfortunately our girls were just a little two young to benefit from this. They are really looking forward to regular games back in N.Z.

Both Sophia and Julia were presented with participation trophies, with a nice comment from the manager about Jules "Julia has played in the under 10's and is only 8! She is one to watch!" 

Julia is a bit of a pocket rocket and was asked to join several boys matches. At school I was once approached by a dad, he asked if Julia would play in his sons team for a tournament. I guess you can't get a better recommendation then from your son. (They play after school in an after school club together). She played well and was approached again for another tournament this weekend, we had to decline as she had already been approached by her school to play in the same tournament.

Sophia and Julia had been called up together for their trophies, after they had shaken hands etc the presenter then went on to say Molly ...and a surname (not sure). Before I could do anything about it Holly was three quarters of the way up the stairs and then onto the stage...she looked up at the presenters expectantly and then over at the trophies when they hesitated...the whole audience went quiet. I was at the back with the camera and Henry was away. I quickly debated my options... do I walk up in front of everyone and start to negotiate with her?? Mmm what do I do??

Sophia receiving her trophy from her coach. Jules approaching.

Julia receives her trophy. Could not get over the shoes the women wore that night!
The girls coach's example were nothing on some of the others!!

Thankfully the presenters decided to present her with a trophy also!! There was thunderous applause from the crowd, thankfully the room was getting a little dark to hide my rather red face. Holly looked ever so pleased with herself and then proceeded to move to the front of the stage and wait for her photo just as everyone before her had done. I relaxed and caught it all on camera. Oh Holly!

p.s I did check with the presenters later to see if they would be a trophy short. Fortunately they were not short...so she got to keep it. Holly had played football on a Saturday morning but with a different organisation...so to this day she thinks it was for her because of her "good football".

New Brighton Promenade - Beach, Wirral

A local artist built this pirate ship from drift wood for everyone to enjoy. Can you spot Soph?

New Brighton is a seaside resort on the Wirral, just south of Liverpool. It has sandy beaches that line the Irish Sea. A day out at the beach there was just a little different than going to the beach at Rabbit Island.

Sand castle fun with friends.

Up to the 19th Century, the area had a reputation for smuggling and wrecking. Secret underground cellars and tunnels are still rumoured to exist.



In 1830 a Liverpool merchant, James Atherton, purchased much of the land at Rock Point, which enjoyed views out to sea and across the Mersey with good beaches. His aim was to develop it as a desirable residential and watering place for the gentry in a similar way to Brighton - hence "New Brighton".

A promenade was built in the 1890s which we walked, scootered and biked along. We passed many others out enjoying the day also. There were seaside fair type rides to enjoy, lots of restaurants and cafes. The queue for ice creams was REALLY long but worth the wait!

Eating Icecreams with the Clancies

The two woman to the left of Henry are his work colleagues.
Thanks Claire for a great day out!

We love summer in the U.K!