16th March - Perth to Victorville

Both flights were smooth enough, Perth to Melbourne QF480 left a minute or three late. I was in the seat Maria had and Maria had my extra leg room seat.

Transfer in Melbourne was a breeze. Very quiet, no lines for security or immigration and we strolled through to Gate 9 where we arrived just at the scheduled boarding time.

Flight QF95 was in a 10 day old 787. Inside its mostly just a plane like any other plane although I suspect it has just slightly more leg room. Of course I didn't have as much leg room as the seat I paid $180 for but wasn't allowed to sit it but we won't go there.

The flight was as smooth as any we have been on. 13 hours and 25 minutes after departure we arrived in LA. Again, Immigration, bag collection and customs was very quick. 

Maria's hubby Charlie met us and drove us to the Alamo Rental Facility. Rental was smooth, only a half hearted attempt to give us a 'bargain' upgrade at double the price I could have got it when I originally rented the car online. I was hoping for a Mazda CX5 but there was none so we chose a Kia Sportage of 10 or so cars we had to choose from.

Rayls is doing most of the driving on this trip due to my shoulder op. She did very well too, her knuckles were very white but it was tough going.

We need to be in Vegas tomorrow night so we headed out of LA straight away, along 105 and 60 to Riverside which was around 110k's. After some lunch we headed along 215 and 15 to Victorville which was a further 85k's. We are in a Holiday Inn, nice enough. 

Much needed showers and rest, the days of trying to stay awake to kill jet lag are behind us, too old for that. So here I am at 11:17pm Friday night typing this.

13 Walmart trucks today, a good start. No shops.

Las Vegas tomorrow, around 310k's away.