Good news and bad news 16/4/09

The bad news is that we are sitting at San Francisco airport with a five hour wait having been diverted here from Los Angeles where we were expecting to fly home.

The good news is we are in the first class lounge and have first class tickets home plus … $600 each for another flight. We are soooooooo excited because instead of flying home apart we are coming home in luxury.J There was a call while we were waiting for the LA flight asking for people to change flights as the one we were on was overbooked. As we had been told that we would be in economy and NOT sitting together we were at the desk volunteering before the announcement was completed and we only get back to Manchester 5 hours later than we would have anyway. What an adventure! Our seats are 1A and 1J!

Sharon in her first class seat drinking champagne

Last day in California 15/4/09

Last night was a windy one in Joshua Tree National Park and although our last morning was sunny the wind was cold and strong. We were packed and away by 7am and the next campers for Camp 39 were ready to move in as we drove away! Breakfast at Starbucks in Yucca Valley then off to Los Angeles via the Wal-Mart Superstore to purchase American presents for people back at home.

We stayed at Marina Del Rey near Venice Beach. We walked along the beach in really strong winds and celebrated a fantastic holiday with Margueritas. Home tomorrow L

Pinnacles and faces

Our last day climbing on this trip saw us heading out to Lost Horse Area. A 'must do' according to the guidebook is the solo ascent of the Aiguille of Joshua Tree.

Sharon was first and go to within 6 foot of the top. The drop on the other side is at least 50 foot!

Then Dick had a go

On pitch 3 of a 4 pitch route on Lost Horse Face

The 5.8 crack pitch.