Day 54 – Sunday, May 12th Seattle WA to Las Vegas NV
Flying back south to Las Vegas was not logical, and never in the original concept for this trip. San Francisco – Las Vegas – Seattle – Vancouver (Canada) was the plan, not possible. Our – One World – ticket states we have to fly – east. FYI, there is less than 0.5º in longitude between San Francisco and Seattle. No airline in the – One World – group could fly us from Vancouver to Toronto, we were told. Vancouver WA, which few have heard of, is the only one the Hector will ever get to visit.
Alaskan Airlines flight AS600, a two hour flight departing at 14.34. This meant a somewhat leisurely morning journey to SeaTac. As we began the lengthy walk from the Metro to the terminal, so we were tooted by the driver of the wally-trolley. He had two spaces, we may as well use them. And so for the first time, the Hector was driven at the beeping snails pace through the garage to the terminal. It is a ridiculous walk otherwise.
Compared to Honolulu, check-in was a breeze. We were in the system, proper, luggage allowance recognised, boarding cards issued. Marg was hungry.
We managed to get a table in one of the few eateries which was not burgers and pizza. Teriyaki Ribs for Hector, a Chicken Salad for Marg. Service was iffy, the tip still expected. Asian food, maybe I’ve had enough.
Once again, a volcano in the Cascade Range was prominent beneath us. I hoped to see Mt. St. Helens, having taught about the 1980 eruption for thirty four years. Alas, the telltale gap on the south western rim is not as well formed in my photo, so who knows?
The landscape gave way to desert, Nevada, serious heat once again, at last. Sandal temperatures, but still the Hector was not taking chances, the right foot is doing well.
From the ‘plane, I could see both Luxor and Excalibur as we taxied. So near yet so … in two previous visits to Las Vegas, I have learned that what looks nearby is much further in reality. My third visit, Marg’s second, this was the first trip without school kids. California 2000 and Canyonlands 2009, because the Hoover Dam is nearby. The Hoover Dam, River Basin Management in Higher Geography, Glen Canyon Dam is even more fun to teach.
Google say it’s a half hour walk to Tropicana Ave. to take Bus 201 which runs straight towards Excalibur. The Uber/Lyft pick-up area is clearly marked, simples. Apparently there are 12000 slot machines in the airport.
This was my second stay at Excalibur. The long queue to check in was as expected. Check-in online involved registering with MGM who own a swathe of hotels in Las Vegas. Despite some in the queue needlessly imbibing, and many just being plain stupid, the wait was not too long. Our four nights here cost a third of what we had just paid in Seattle. The Royal Tower, floor 18, this way.
For the first time, the Hector was permitted to walk across the casino floor, juveniles must walk on the perimeter only, and not look. What’s that horrible odour? Tobacco! Smoking is permitted in the lobby, gambling areas, the bars, wtf?
The view from the room was identical to 2000, looking back towards Harry Reid International Airport. In 2000, it was called McCarran, his legacy is no longer kosher.
The Tropicana Hotel is coming down, so our Uber driver informed us, as is Mirage. I cannot believe The Strip is going to soon resemble Sauchiehall Street (Glasgow, Scotland).
We emerged from Excalibur into that brief moment of twilight. The exterior of the hotel is impressive. Only after I left in 2000, did I discover there’s a swimming pool, tomorrow. We found a stall selling tour tickets. The helicopter ride to Grand Canyon was instantly dismissed, another ‘plane ride, just what we need, affordable just. I could have purchased four return flights from Scotland to Europe for what we paid. So it goes.
New York Hotel and Casino, one has to admit, this encapsulates all that is Vegas, complete with roller-coaster high up around the exterior. No chance.
On the far side, The Park Vegas, well sort of, but hey-ho – Beerhaus! Marg was hungry!
Marg arranged the food, Chili Dog, All American, but not pizza or burger, so perfectly fine. Savour the moment, Hector’s first Bier outside a Las Vegas hotel, how does one follow Seattle? Not with plastic!
Love Juice (Lovelady Brewing, Henderson NV) at 5.7%, a Hazy IPA had the full milkshake haze, and some sense of a hop hit. A session Bier, no more, a starter. Mosaic, El Dorado, Idaho 7 were the hops in this lactose Bier. It could have been more, and given the proximity to home, it may well be had again.
Across the street, the Hard Rock Cafe, who in time will occupy the Mirage site. Then there was – The Scottish Brewery – whose name shall never be written in these pages. It would be ironic if they sold the best range of NEIPA in Las Vegas and I was shooting myself in the foot by refusing to cross their threshold.
JaJa, a multi-tap bar further up The Strip, had nothing of interest. 84 taps, seriously, nothing.
And so to take on The Strip, and the throng. Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, Mirage, Treasure Island, all in a line on the west side of the southern end of The Strip. There were scantily clad ladies who wanted their photos taken, why?
Every few minutes the waft of grass from a passerby. Two weeks in the USA, it’s still hard to get used to.
Dancing on a dais whilst a camera rotates 360º seems to be the new gimmick. When you’ve seen it once…
Bellagio Fountains, magnificent, and free! Con Te Partiro an emotional highlight. That the show is every fifteen minutes is an bonus, little hanging about.
Caesar’s Palace, morning glory, silly human race … sang Jon Anderson (Yes).
Silly – is how I have always described Las Vegas.
What do we do tomorrow night, after all, we’ll have done – Vegas. Gambling is not an option, for mugs. Thanks to tipping, I’m only getting 80 cents on the Dollar, why give away more money?
Crossing the road, there are bridges over the side streets. Getting across The Strip, there’s a mad dash near Mirage, which was not performing as we passed. Nothing happening at Treasure Island either.
There was a roar of two-stroke engines. A posse of chaps on mini-motor bikes were having a parade. The police must tolerate this, noisy, amusing, silly.
We took in The Venetian by which time I had worked out when the volcano was due to erupt at Mirage, back across The Strip.
Marg found a spot, I insisted we move, knowing exactly where the best place to observe the show was located. 
I could get a job as a tour guide, or a photographer. Hector is retired.
Beer Park occupies a balcony in – Paris Las Vegas – directly opposite Bellagio. A rooftop sports-bar is the official description, an excellent viewpoint, better if one can secure a table close to the edge. Access was a bit of a roundabout, well an elevator from inside the hotel was required to access the bar. We’ll always have Paris.
A seat at the bar with a view across to Bellagio was secured. Plastic glasses, they’re having a laugh. Closing time was soon, their justification. Closing, is this not a twenty four hour city?
Contact Haze (Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle WA) at 6.0% was in the preferred style – Hazy IPA / NEIPA. Not as Hazy as it could have been – roll the keg – there was a slight sharpness which subsided, before – dusty – crept in. The palate settled, this was fine. El Dorado, Mosaic, Southern Passion, Sabro, Citra, Sultana, this explains the complexity.
To depart, the obvious route out was now accessible, exterior stairs to a gate, previously locked, on the side-walk. The walk down this section of the east side of The Strip ain’t so interesting, loads of yoofs drinking what appears to be endless litre cardboard cups of melting ice.
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Again, crossing the road at intersections took a bit of nous. To get back into Excalibur requires taking in a corner of New York, behold a bar.
Pour 24, closing at midnight, so why not rename it? More plastic, this could become an issue.
Perhaps it was Hector’s erudite choice of Bier, look at the alternatives, the barman warmed to us, Marg especially. A record breaking Baileys was poured, minimal ice, maximum liquid.
Hector’s left ear was soon at risk.
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Tangerine Express IPA (Stone, San Diego, CA) at 6.7%, was the final Bier of the day. With a 7IBU, this was a decidedly mellow West Coast style IPA, a chill haze?
I liked the spot, an opperchancity to oversee the gamblers on the casino floor, the study of which was prohibited on previous visits. Nothing like as busy as 2000 or 2009, where are the peeps?
Three Biers in one day in Las Vegas, unheard of, no weans.
Bars visited today:
Beerhaus – The Park Vegas, 3970 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Beer Park – 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nv 89109
Pour 24 – New York Hotel and Casino 3790 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Day 55 – Monday, May 13th Las Vegas NV
The first ever full day in Las Vegas without weans to be responsible for, what does a Hector do? Simples, follow the model which works well on any other day abroad, ah, but not yet. A morning swim in the desert heat, in the pool I totally missed back in 2000. The main pool was closed, the lesser full of weans. No way, Pedro.
When will the pool open? – we asked those who looked as if they should know, e.g. the life guards, the towel handlers. Nobody knew nothing. Nobody appeared to care. No swim today.
Downtown Las Vegas, the original city, north of The Strip, had never been visited. The former – Holy Cow – brewery and the Stratosphere casino, are as far up The Strip as the Hector managed in 2000. The first port of call today, Divine Dosa and Biryani, was immediately to the north of these.
Investing $20.00 in the three day DEUCE bus ticket felt like a good idea. The three, at least, buses planned for today would justify this. The Hector hates faffing about for tickets. The first machine encountered wasn’t talking, advice was sought from a municipal worker who looked as if he would know. The DEUCE ain’t fast or necessarily punctual, but who’s in a hurry?
Divine Dosa, an acceptable Curry House, actually it was not great. During the visit, there was the dilemma: does one tip a robot?
On departure, what was that taste in the mouth I didn’t like? Back on the DEUCE.
Downtown, the part of Las Vegas made famous by movies of the 60’s and 70’s , e.g. Ocean’s Eleven and Robin and The Seven Hoods, featuring the The Rat Pack, or, James Bond’s – Diamonds Are Forever, have planted the Golden Nugget in Hector’s psyche.
This proved to be incidental on encountering the covered Fremont Street Experience. Food, well burgers & pizza, drink, and peeps flying overhead on a zip-wire, this was markedly different from the newer area to the south where we were resident.
Visiting – The Mob Museum – was considered, but with Chicago our next city stop, surely there will be something more there?
Maybe those in the know stay in this part of the city, however, the queue at the DEUCE terminus confirmed that many were heading south to The Strip, regardless. We were not for joining this, a crowd of mostly – yoofs, instead, ice-cream became the objective.
Lappert’s Ice Cream seemed a worthy venue. Following the – blue dot – took us around the exterior of the featureless California Hotel and Casino. The conclusion was eventually reached, Lappert’s Ice Cream was inside.
The wee girls working in such places must be underemployed. Perhaps such jobs are stepping stones for something greater. Are they happy at their work? Stop worrying, Hector, enjoy the ice-cream, the refuge from the desert heat, and the fact that tipping workers at a shop counter is still regarded as pointless. Bier of course is a different matter, and it was approaching Bier o’clock.
Across the road, we had passed Main Street Station. Not a train buff, but railway architecture at times is noted by the Hector. The Triple 7 Restaurant and Microbrewery lies inside, but there was no promise of anything different. Instead, we headed south towards the Arts District.
As is written, and shall be written again, in Las Vegas, just because something doesn’t look far doesn’t mean it’s close. With shoes chosen over sandals for the duration of the days in Vegas, just in case there’s a dress code somewhere, we marched south. The right foot would thank me, the left ankle remains dodgy sixteen months after rolling it in Köln.
Ten breweries are clustered in the area immediately to the south of the Arts District, an industrial area of sorts, with street names such as Commerce Street and South Main Street. This area I would like to have seen fifty years ago. Being a Monday, not everywhere was open. As we would establish, these venues are mostly frequented by the citizens of Las Vegas, off the tourist areas.
Hop Nuts Brewing is like a large bar with a brew-plant, reminiscent of No Rails Ale House (Albany OR). Here too, the serving person was most engaging. This time a young lady who knew her stuff.
A 7.3% NEIPA was perhaps not the best choice for a first Bier of the day but was the only one – in the style.
Chasing Clouds had Mosaic, El Dorado and Azacca hops and was as dry as, drier probably, than a NEIPA should be. Juicy, piney and dank – said the blurb. In other words, an aftertaste that the Hector could have done without. Still, not a bad start to the day.
With Stratosphere looming larger, but still – far away – we headed around the corner to Voodoo Brewing Company. This was a more modest outfit.
Fewer choices, limited indoor seating, one barman, one other customer, crucially, there was no – Hazy.
Tranquil Breezes at 5.5%, a more sensible abv, is an AIPA. Gold with a slight haze, this was again – dry, but light and refreshing. Remember the outside temperature. Azacca, Sultana and Trident hops featured in this offering which was probably more towards the West Coast in style.
We chatted with the two chaps present. The Bier might not have been outstanding, but socially we were doing well. The décor commanded photos, maybe the owners should put more effort into their range of Bier and may I say it, their website?
Able Baker Brewing, hardly five minutes away, was back along the more traditional new wave brewery style.
The food counter was as busy as the bar. No truck here, they do their own, the usual fayre.
One couldn’t miss the ducks. Atomic Duck – was explained, the names of many a Bier being a pun. Split Bill at 5.7% was Hector’s choice.
A Hazy IPA without the haze, was this yet another example of the bar staff not knowing they have to roll the barrel each day? With Citra and Mosaic, West Coast was coming to mind yet again, so – dry – was this Bier. Were all these Biers really so dry, or had Hector’s palate been contaminated with – cabbage – and this was distorting all?
Marg brought in a coffee from a venue next door, no problem.
On another day, I would have stopped off here and tried others, but not on this trip’s model. The sun was nearing the horizon as we crossed over to Nevada Brew Works.
A large corner unit, this was once again a venue which felt like home, well American home. And once again, no Hazy.
Ariana Rye at 6.5%, a Rye IPA, was again suitably dry and hoppy. Rye IPAs have been had over the years when nothing better is on offer. I have never had one I don’t like, they do make a change from the preferred NEIPAs.
Marg had a quality Ginger Beer, why is it so much better over here?
Early evening, a black sky, and helicopters endlessly doing the loop over the city for those who think this is worth it. Take the lift up Stratosphere, but try taking a decent photo with the vibration from the overhead roller-coaster. So 2000.
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Google Maps gives the live bus times in Las Vegas, why not everywhere? A couple of blocks east and we were back on Las Vegas Boulevard awaiting the DEUCE.
Behold a cannabis dispensary and a wedding chapel, all we need now is to see Elvis, in person. Nicolas Cage would suffice.
Having arrived at Beer Park last night just on closing, giving them another chance seemed sensible. Who knows, I might even get a glass.
We alighted from the near empty bus at the Eiffel Tower, only in Vegas. We chose – our spot – at the bar, then waited, and waited. In the UK, Wetherspoons sometimes get a bad reputation for staff being blind to customers, this was something else, and it was one guy in particular. Having eventually acknowledged the Order, he simply disappeared to the far side, never to return. No man”s land. Hopefully his photo has been captured for the World to identify him. Eventually a Doris took the Order, and the Hector had his glass.
Having had the Contact Haze (Elysian Brewing Company, Seattle WA) last night here, why not have a different Hazy, after all, they have been hard to find today.
Ride On (Golden Road Brewing, CA) a Hazy IPA at 7.5%, had the haze but not the body associated with this abv. Not a big hitter then, the sense of hops was pleasant enough and there should have been more. Ten hops had been waved over the vat at the brew-plant: Simcoe, Centennial, Chinook, CTZ, Motueka, Galaxy, Cashmere, Idaho 7, Amarillo and Strata.
Having watched the Hector have fun all day, Marg decided it was time for her to join the party. At The Buzzer, a rum based cocktail, became her tipple.
I enjoyed the Bier, Marg her cocktail, and the view of Bellagio once again. This time we were up for getting our photos taken and chose an obliging passer-by. OK, Beer Park, we’ve done it.
Back on the DEUCE, and the fourth trip meant we were now quids in. With seemingly no stop directly outside Excalibur, or did we just miss it, Luxor was next. I had intended bringing Marg here to show her the replicas of what we have seen with our own eyes in Upper Egypt. Excalibur is all about the exterior, at Luxor, they have an interesting interior also.
Marg was hungry.
The aptly titled Public House had plenty of space and no smoking. Smoking had not been an issue at any of our ports of call today, normal rules apply, but not in gambling areas.
Nachos, a mountain of nachos was ordered, just enough to share.
More Contact Haze for Hector, this Bier is growing on me.
Guess who was last out of Public House, not the casino… time for bed.
The enclosed walkway between Luxor and Excalibur eventually led us past – The Buffet. Open until late afternoon, this is not what the Hector wants. If we are going to do a Vegas Buffet, and in 2000, I think I did Caesar’s Palace, then let’s make a night of it.
Center Bar in Excalibur is open 24/7, the only one anywhere near us that is. I’ll just park this information.
Breweries, bars, restaurant and cafe visited today:
Hops and Nuts Brewing – 1120 S Main St #150, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Voodoo Brewing Company – 1415 S Commerce St #105, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Able Baker Brewing – 1510 S Main St Ste 120, Ls Vegas, NV 89104
Nevada Brew Works – 1327 S Main St Ste 160, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Beer Park – 3655 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Public House – Luxor Hotel, 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89119
Divine Dosa and Biriyani – The Lassi Bar – 3049 S Las Vegas Blvd #15, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Lappert’s Ice Cream – California Hotel and Casino, 12 E Ogden Ave #2F, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Day 56 – Tuesday, May 14th Las Vegas NV
Apparently, if one visits Las Vegas, one has to do a show. Adele was having a break from performing, just as well, how much would that have been. The Scorpions have just left the city, Marg claimed never to have heard of Santana. In turn, I had never heard of… Fifty years after their heyday, the music survives, The Australian Bee Gees was the compromise, Tickets purchased, we were given instructions on where to find the Thunderland Showroom, right here in Excalibur. A bonus, but no chance of using our three day bus pass.
Once again, the Hector found himself at the Excalibur swimming pool, still closed. This time we were advised that the main pool could open at 11.00. This was not an arbitrary time, at 11.00 the sun appears over the building, the swimming pool no longer in the shade.
A swimming pool in the desert, water courtesy of Lake Mead. This ticked a box, two. The water could have been warmer, ah, that’s why the pool doesn’t open until the sun shines directly on it.
Brunch, in our hotel. Adjacent to the elevators for the Royal Tower is Johnny Rockets, a cafe selling American food. There was a consensus that it was time to embrace this. Marg had pulled meat in a bun, not Hector’s thing. It may look like a burger, is served in too sweet a bun, but technically ain’t.
Hector went Mexican, cold, wet, and never as Spicy as they claim. Only once have I had Mexican food which was a challenge.
This afternoon was particularly silly.
Heading back out into the heat, the lower east side of The Strip became Marg’s focus of attention, but not before the Hector had taken photos of Beerhaus in the daylight.
The Bier list is also posted, enough to justify another visit.
ABC Stores, not as prolific as in Honolulu, and selling everything one might need if luggage was lost in transit. With only five flights left on this trip, let’s not tempt fate. Skechers had nothing that fitted at a sensible price, so much for big discounts. Why does the Hector have a big blister on the sole of his right foot?
M&M World, really. Marg likes sweeties, other than that, the attraction of this place still puzzles. And apart from the lesser pool at Excalibur, this appeared to be the focal point for weans in Las Vegas. It’s for the children – said Captain Picard, Marg had to have her photo taken. Coincidentally, the two boys I took to the Star Trek Exhibition on the California 2000 trip also wanted to visit M&M World. Then I avoided it, not today.
It was approaching Bier o’clock, but with our big night out later, this was postponed. Coffee. Greenwich Village Coffee popped up on Google Maps, it had to be in New York Casino, the blue dot got us there, eventually. This impressed.
Out of sight of the casino floor lies a mock-up of, well, Greenwich Village. The Vegas casino gloom had to be maintained, also, the roller-coaster must have boarded just above us, so quite a bewildering atmosphere, but atmosphere there was. A frappuccino for Hector with the indulgences, Marg still doesn’t get iced coffee.
Sitting here was fun, despite the noise from the roller-coaster and a chap pushing his metal-wheeled trolley across the cobbles. People watching, it was at this moment that Howard phoned. Last time, we had a live band playing behind us in Christchurch, the cacophony here was commensurate. It costs nothing, how come nobody else has phoned us? Much appreciated.
There was a time-out back at the room, then the moment to embrace the glad rags. We’re going to a show!
Who knows where our purchased seats actually were located. Not a sell out, we were clearly upgraded to a not too far from the stage table. A table, I’ve always wondered abut people ordering drinks at their table during a performance. As it happened, few, if any did.
The band took to the stage, three chaps out font with two sets of teeth, one and a half lookalikes.
Maurice, in the required hat and perfect teeth, was the main man, compère, joker. If there was a Beatles-band tribute act needing a new – John – then our Robin could equally have auditioned.
Barry was new to the outfit, the back-projected videos featured somebody else. Clearly, Barry was hired for his singing and guitar ability, yep, he had to manage the falsetto. In time, his appearance may adapt.
A rather decent bass player in particular, and drummer completed the group
Everyone knows the music of the Bee Gees, or Lay Tossers … Clive Anderson’s interview was twenty seven years ago. Having watched that infamous interview again, it was all going so well. One person’s TV career ended that night.
Too many medleys was my only criticism of the performance, Massachusetts, we’re heading there soon, did not get the full respect I feel it deserves. I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You, Tragedy, Alone, Love You Inside Out, Words, Too Much Heaven, You Should Be Dancing, Nights on Broadway, Immortality, To Love Somebody, More Than a Woman, I wasn’t making notes, but all the old songs were covered. A video montage of the – swinging sixties – featured a British DJ whose image has been erased from television. As it happens.
The performance was polished, humorous, musical, entertaining. For the finale, the Saturday Night Fever era, those who wished, were invited stage left to an area which had been demarcated for dancing. Women love to dance, Marg was off, leading the way.
Night Fever, Jive Talkin’, You Win gain, How Deep Is Your Love, Stayin’ Alive, where do I find one cd collection featuring all of the above. This year’s xmas stocking may well demand it.
Post show, the band were lined up at the exit, souvenirs etc, come on, they’re a cover band.
The following photos capture our different objectives for the remainder of the night.
Beerhaus, my new local, time to try a CAN.
Vegas as Fuck (Revision brewing Co., Sparks NV) at 6.5% could well turn out to be the best Bier I’ll have in Las Vegas. Where were all these NEIPAs yesterday when I was touring the local breweries? The hop hit was there, a sharp aftertaste was the only downer. Mosaic, Galaxy and Vic Secret were the hops. This Bier had pedigree.
Because I could, I ordered a 330ml bottle of Edelstoff (Augustiner, München, Bayern). This was my first Bier from Europe of the trip. The price was appropriately silly, well the bottle had travelled 9279km.
Mango Love Juice at 5.5%, the sister of Love Juice (Lovelady Brewing, Henderson NV) did not have the expected Haze, or maybe I should now just accept this is how it is out west. An attempt at a NEIPA, one assumes the same hops as Love Juice, but the sweetness altered all. Way too sweet to be a NEIPA, so I’ll settle for – Hazy.
Closing time, again. What has happened to this city?
Back to Pour 24, well it’s difficult to avoid it. Creatures of habit, we sat in – our spot – at the bar.
Three nights, three different barmen, no chance of another Baileys overdose?
Hazy Little Thing (Sierra Nevada, Las Vegas NV) at 6.7% , an IPA, no full haze and no hop hit. There were reported many varieties in there: Magnum, Citra, Comet, El Dorado, Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic.
Being the last night in Vegas where a lie in was possible thereafter, the Hector was not for going upstairs yet.
Cue the Center Bar in Excalibur. The Bier range was not great, a bottle of Shock Top (Shock Top Brewing Co., St. Louis, Missouri) at 5.2% was listed as a – Belgian White. A wheat ale brewed with Citrus, peel and Coriander, a Hoegarden clone? This was spicier, and well beyond Hoegarden. Decent, another.
There are no prizes for identifying Marg’s tipple.
The chap sitting beside us, was soon engaged, meet Frank, a Canadian. The three of us put the World to rights. There was an honest evaluation of what’s wrong, in so many places, the Middle East, Ukraine, Trump. The conversation went on for the next couple of hours. More booze, Screwdrivers became the tipple of choice. Marg took her leave, the chaps were having a ball.
Bars and cafes visited today:
Beerhaus – The Park Vegas, 3970 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Pour 24 – S Las Vegas Boulevard Zumanity – New York New York Theater, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Center Bar – Excalibur Hotel and Casino, 3850 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Greenwich Village Coffee – New York Casino, 3970 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Johnny Rockets – Excalibur Hotel & Casino, 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Day 57 – Wednesday, May 15th Las Vegas NV – Grand Canyon AZ
The last day in Las Vegas, ever. Three visits, there is absolutely no reason ever to come back here. Today, therefore, was all about ticking off another item on the bucket list: a flight over Grand Canyon. I had also promised Marg a grand meal at a non Indian restaurant.
For reasons unknown, there was a long lie in. With a mid-afternoon flight there was still time to kill. Marg was hungry. The fast food eateries in the corridor connecting Excalibur and Luxor should have something simple and wet enough for a Hector to eat. With a big meal planned for later, there was no point over-indulging this early. Asian was therefore dismissed along with the usual food to be avoided. Starbucks had a yoghurt-cereal creation. Why was securing a seat so difficult? The setting was naff after the luxury of our hotel in Honolulu.
We were to be collected at Excalibur and driven to the airport at Boulder City near Hoover Dam. Having stood at the Uber pick-up point, no sign of our lift. Fortunately, there was a phone-call which directed us to another exit to the hotel, for coaches. Full marks to the company for being on the ball.
This was the third time I have been driven from Las Vegas to Boulder City, Hoover Dam being the eventual attraction. Boulder City grew out of the camp that was eventually constructed for those who built the dam, as did Page (Arizona) for Glen Canyon Dam. The latter hasn’t fallen down yet.
Our minibus seated twelve, the number that would eventually be sat in a de Havilland Twin Otter. Check-in involved standing on scales, I suspect they were more interested in my weight. As Marg and I would be sat on opposite sides of the ‘plane, somebody had to work out the distribution. We had drawn lucky straws, full window views, hopefully refections would not be too much of an issue.
Nobody told us that de Havilland Canada DHC-6 N190GC was fifty four years old. A vintage ‘plane, and compared to the similar brand that flew us around New Zealand, this was cramped, rickety, seat of the pants flying. This was also the smallest ‘plane I had been in since jumping out of Cessnas in the 1970s. Today, no parachutes. One trusts the pilots, one decidedly young.
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The headphones were required so as we would hear the instructions and occasional commentary. The location of the sick-bags was made known, ominous. Hector has not been sick on a ‘plane since before this one was built.
A thunderous take-off had us airborne, too far to see Las Vegas or Henderson, Boulder City from the air it was then. Sat on the port side, I definitely had the better view.
The stock aerial photo of Hoover Dam is one I used in teaching for years. To finally take my own was a moment of fulfillment. How I could have done with this in my slide/Power Point shows – here’s one I took earlier.
Hoover Dam, one of the great engineering marvels on the planet. Lake Mead, the draw-down is clear, however, Glen Canyon Dam is its silt trap, the levels of lake Powell are more significant.
On my first visit in 2000, I walked across the top of the dam on US 93 to the Nevada state line, and briefly over it into Arizona, just to say I had been there. Before 9/11 there was actually a plan in place to construct an adjacent bridge, a la Glen Canyon Dam. In 2009, the year before The Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge opened, nothing larger than a SUV was permitted to cross the dam. Our coach had to re-route back though Las Vegas to reach Zion National Park.
A bumpy ride does not begin to describe this flight. As anticipated, after we left the security of the plateau beneath us and reached the mesa and ridges, we were being bounced around the sky.
Don’t look down at the camera, trust the photos will be alright, hold it together, Hector. The young lady sitting font-starboard lost it, more than once.
Pass the sick bags forward.
Having seen Grand Canyon from South Rim, I knew the Colorado would appear as little more than a stream in the depths. That we secured so many decent photos was quite surprising. The late afternoon sunshine also helped, an earlier flight would have meant haze.
The sedimentary layers do mean one is looking back in time. Uplift, weathering and erosion created all this. Everyone should see the Colorado River and Grand Canyon.
Dropped back at the other entrance to Excalibur, the light was perfect. Without the gimmicky towers, Excalibur us just a big hotel.
We had worked up quite a thirst, Johnny Rockets to the rescue, our own hotel burger bar.
Long trousers once again for our big night out. Buca Di Beppo is the Italian restaurant in Excalibur. We had a reservation, this meant were taken into the heart of the restaurant.
Nuns! Nuns! Nuns on dodgems, why not?
The menu rang alarms, the prices are ridiculous. How can they charge this for Lasagne and Garlic Bread? The waitress explained that a portion is to share, two of us might manage one portion. A challenge. Only at home do I ever have a satisfying quantity of Lasagne. I may have glanced at the wine menu, Sparking Water would suffice.
The Lasagne was moist with abundant tomato sauce. At home, the Hector defies all and cooks a cheese sauce. A decent portion, we destroyed it.
Then there was the Garlic Bread, the most expensive Bread on the planet per slice? Let’s not let the price spoil the meal. Apart from when we have been put up, our stay in Las Vegas has been the most economical part of the trip.
Well, until this afternoon’s fight. 
There had to be a final Bier in Las Vegas, maybe two. Back to Beerhaus and more Love Juice (Lovelady Brewing, Henderson NV). I may have had hazier, this at least had the lactose and was brewed nearby. And it was served in a glass!
Bar, restaurant and cafes visited today:
Beerhaus – The Park Vegas, 3970 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Buca Di Beppo – Excalibur Hotel, 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Johnny Rockets – Excalibur Hotel & Casino, 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Starbucks – Excalibur Hotel & Casino, 3850 Las Vegas Boulevard S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Back to : Las Vegas Homepage
Back to : Seattle Days 50 – 53
Continue to : Chicago Days 58 – 62
Unable to use the check-in kiosk for Alaska Airlines, we had to find a person to process us. Elmer came up trumps, he was no fud. Not only was our baggage allowance recognised, he added further notes to ensure that our flight out of 
The Cascade Mountains came into view from our vantage point at some 30,00ft. Mt. Shasta or Medicine Lake Volcano was the first encountered. This was followed soon after by Crater Lake, I never thought I’d see it in the flesh as it were. 
Mt. St. Helens was on the starboard side of the ‘plane, so the most famous mountain in the range was missed. However, Mt. Rainier loomed large, half the height of our flying altitude, and much closer on our descent to SeaTac Airport. We would see it every time we looked east from Downtown 
The Green Line (1) took us from SeaTac to International District/Chinatown. On alighting, it was straight to the 
Bus 4 to Belltown Inn took some time to arrive. Once again we were treated to a psycho drama involving a vagrant and a do-gooder. Our stop opposite Belltown Inn was adjacent to a congregation of down and outs. The fictional Elliott Bay Towers in Belltown is where Frasier lived. I don’t recall the vagrant being outside his apartment block.
Accommodation in 
Back Downtown, it was time to show Marg some of Pike Place Market and the sunset. To the east, Mount Rainier, long overdue a performance. Fortunately there have been no overtures of late.
Starbucks, the original, was promised for a later time, it was definitely Bier o’clock, and 
With acrophobia, there are few places where one can stand in these constructions and not melt. Let’s get aff. 
Reuben’s Brews Taproom 
Hazealicious at 6.0% felt like a decent starting point. A Hazy IPA / NEIPA, with Citra, Strata and Mosaic, this was truly wonderful. The full milkshake haze, the body, this is what I struggled to find so often in 
Just the three NEIPAs around the 7.0% mark. Same ritual. Again, this was a large, welcoming venue, but I cannot verify of there was actually brewing at this site.
Pulpatine at 7.0% could not have been more Hazy unless it has been pure mango juice The photo does not do it justice. Another Bier I immediately wanted more of, to think I could have still been at 
Dr. Stan and I reached this late in the day 
El Dorado at 6.4%, a Hazy IPA, the board was giving away no more. Momentarily, HBC 586, Citra Incognito, Mosaic and El Dorado hops were confirmed. A step down from what came before this felt a bit thin for the abv, Remember, on another day, I would still have been at 
A block and a bit back west, we came across Wheelie Pop Brewing, 
A choice from three became Under Under (No Boat Brewing Company, Snoqualmie WA) at 6.8% featured Nelson Sauvin and Motueka hops. Under Under is reportedly an ever changing brew featuring 
Whilst Curry at 
Well organised, there was a lady marshal who engaged with everyone as they reached the front of the line. Having paid little attention before, there was now time to take stock of what was happening. The queue was advancing steadily, how were they turning people over this quickly? Was there a rear door through which customers were departing? What about those who wished to have a second coffee, or just sit and relax? 
Our Hostess, Anila, was not present as we once again took our seats, momentarily that changed. It was Marg who 
Mutual respect, Curry-Heute features prominently at 
Big Time Brewery and Alehouse
Stoup Brewing
Keeping to the one brewery, one Bier model, the next venue was being considered. I didn’t have to go far. Directly across the street lies – 
Understandably quiet mid afternoon, there was still a good vibe here. Burning – by – The War on Drugs – had the Hector reach for SoundHound. Meanwhile there was Bier.
World Wide Wallabies at 5.5%, another 
I have certainly been on the southern stretch of this highway on a day trip to Tijuana from Los Angeles back in 2000. One day in Mexico, make that an afternoon. 
Tonight was the last opperchancity to let rip in 
Here Today Brewery & Kitchen
Two Player Mode
As we were staying put, time to try something different. 
As we indulged ourselves in 
Cosmic Pulp
We had an excellent hour in their company.
Joe Biden, President of the 
The Museum of Flight is not just an aeroplane museum, the first hall we entered was about space. 
It is written that after landing on the Moon in 1969, Neil Armstrong visited Kitty Hawk NC where the Wright Bothers made the World’s first powered flight, allegedly, as recently as 1903. 
He had flown a B-17 over 
Hector was home, behold the Messerschmidt Bf-109, a ‘plane so rugged in design it looks menacing. 
The edges say – stealth – yet this Mach 3 bomber, used as a reconnaissance jet, may well never have been used in anger. 
As we stood at the bus stop outside what was the original Boeing HQ, so Mt. Rainier loomed, nearer than seen already. 
The Pike Brewing Company
The interior of 
Despite Hector’s warning, Marg ordered Root Bier. Bubblegum is how it tastes to me, Marg went as far as – not pleasant. 
Tomorrow Las Vegas NV. 
May the fourth, as the Americans like to call it, the dressing up parade was cancelled. A TV channel informed us that today’s 9
Six blocks north-ish, passing Union Square, then one and a bit blocks west, spotting the vagrant was not difficult. Who else would be on the street in this downpour? 
Maßlogiskeit in Maßen, nobody had got it yet. Finally, two people understood the motto of Le Tour du Monde en 80 Jours. Even translated to English, I still don’t think Marg does. Obscure, moi? I definitely did not want everyone we met reading it aloud in English. Roll on 
Having already done – the beach – I headed towards the first brewery of the day – 
Had I got a Bier it would have been a most uncomfortable drinking experience. Better to leave, at least I had confirmed this place had survived, my favourite 
Behold the pier for the Alcatraz ferry. Two tickets were booked for Tuesday, hopefully more clement than today.
Photos of not the Golden Gate were secured, as ever Marg was looking for anything in the water that showed signs of life. 
Rain has been the curse of many a day on this trip, and it was back with a vengeance. No sooner had an Asian chap taken our photos than another massive downpour forced us to retreat indoors. 
Embarcadero is way longer than I remembered. I knew 
With a clear blue sky, it was time to head inland and discover what the new had to offer. The BART took us five stops from Embarcadero to Church Street. From there it was a short walk to Wilkommen by Black Hammer Brewing Company. 
This Bierhaus was attempting to capture the feeling of being in a Deutche Bierhalle, without having the acreage. Multiple taps, but only five on. Hardly acceptable on a Saturday.
It was a fifteen minute walk, mostly flat, to 
Hector was not last out of
Conveniently, around the corner was the multi-tap bar – The Crafty Fox Alehouse – a proper pub. We took seats at the far end of the bar, a tactic that worked well at Suzie Wong’s Hideaway in
Meanwhile, Fargal was annotating Marg’s paper map with suggestions for walks and ice-cream. Whose trip is this? Some new Bier places I had spotted were evaluated, it looks as though we might be heading further west than anticipated. But on another day. Fargal was good company, it broke the monotony of just the two of us as we are scheduled to be for another couple of weeks.
A five Bier day, and US pints at best, not a huge intake. Time to plot the route home.
A wild Saturday night in 
Once again, there was no great desire to go out early. With a blue sky, today felt like a good day to visit Golden Gate Bridge. The Fargal nominated Golden Gate Park would mean going west also. The opperchancity of another Curry fell into my lap. I received a – Stop Press – from Curryspondent Bill. With Brothers everywhere, he had been trying to convince me that the best Curry to be had was across in Berkley/Oakland. However, – 
How many photos does one take in the digital age? As many as necessary until – the one – is captured. 
Bus 28 to Judah and 19
Five Rivers Indian Cuisine 
Having done Fargal’s ice-cream, it was time for Fargal’s park. Golden Gate Park is quite a bit south of the Bridge. A decidedly linear park, it runs east-west. It took some time to ascertain which were roads and which were paths on Google Maps. The Botanical Garden was Marg’s first objective. It was closed. Late Sunday afternoon, who goes to a park on a Sunday? 
We took in some of the music at the impressive bandstand. The atmosphere was heavily polluted with the smoke of a certain, now legal, substance which we have been encountering since arriving in 
Woods Lowside is another taproom for Woods Beer & Wine Company, the brewery is to the east towards the Mission District. 
Dry Cider Sonoma Blend at 8.5% totally hit the spot. This may well have been the driest Cider ever. Sensibly, there was only the one.
I had to approach Mr. Popular, he confirmed the fuzzy photo was of our barman this evening, hence the photo. 
Whilst 
Today, Alcatraz, however, the sea lions at Pier 39 were probably just as interesting for Marg. 
Marg was hungry. The fruit stall was the first stop. Having walked the length of Pier 39, which felt like a theme from an imaginary western, we chose another Boudin Bakery outlet for brunch. 
Established as a prison in 1934, Al Capone, an early guest, completed only 4.5 years of his life sentence on this island before syphilitic brain damage saw him transferred to another penitentiary. Charming as Burt Lancaster may have potraid the charcter, Stroud was not a pleasant chap.
The exterior photos captured Golden Gate Bridge in the distance plus the nearby mainland. So near, yet so far. Cold water, no chance of surviving the swim, they say. 
Back on dry land, Colt Tower, possibly 
Hector was hungry. 
There may have been no laurel or hearty welcome, but after waiting an extraordinary amount of time, the required photo was captured. Another classic example of people not being aware of what is happening around them. 
Magnolia Brewing
It was a few blocks north to brewery #2, 
Whilst Marg was out for her morning exercise, where awareness and confidence had taken her as far as Embarcadero, the Hector was considering the next flight. Alaska Airlines once again will not permit an on-line check-in. I did find a chat link on their app and so engaged an agent. The full story of our being ripped off at 
Having spotted Aquarium of the Bay on previous visits to Fisherman’s Wharf – Pier 39, Marg was not for leaving 
Bernal Heights, suitably high and the roads decidedly steep. Whilst the driver negotiated obstacles, Marg and Hector were treated to details of the intimate lifestyle of three young ladies. Loud voices, no shame, the American way. 
Marg was hungry. A portion of three Fish Tacos made Hector’s Buffalo Wings look a bit insignificant. It was a miracle that we secured these. The bar at Hotel Adagio was full of suits, seating was minimal. A high table was offered by the chap who served us initially, he disappeared and we relocated to a more comfortable locus. In keeping with our bus journey, a chap was regaling the entire bar with details of his life that we had no interest in. I pity his lady collleague who had to hear all this, and do the noddies. 
And so for the final Bier in 
Which ever way one wishes to track them, this is the halfway point of our – Around The World In 80 Days. Flying across the Pacific Ocean, better done in two parts. 
There was a sense of relief as land was spotted, the longest flight the Hector has made across open water. What was taken to be Kalaeloa Airport, adjacent to Nimitz Beach, was flown over as we approached Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. 21.3ºN, we’re back in the tropics, no summer or winter, just the matter of sporadic rainfall. Too much Geography, and if anyone has spotted the pun above, apologies. 
Hotel Ala Moana Honolulu was chosen for two reasons. Firstly, Waikiki is walkable to the south and east whilst the interesting locations for Bier lie to the north and west, no need for travel cards. Also, this hotel is part of the Accor group. After many night in an Ibis, Silver status has been maintained, hopefully securing early check-in, a bonus. 
Off The Wall is a pour your own venue, as first encountered some years back in Riga, Latvija.
Two Hazys stood out in the array: 
With good advice from the waitress I managed to get a decent wad of meat, noodles and an accompanying broth. This may well have been the best Asian food I’d tasted since 
The walk to 
The chap behind the bar at 
As I said, the chap was excellent, realising I had travelled a long way to sample his Bier, a decent serving of the 6.9% 
Rise and shine! A beautiful day, a beautiful location, an ocean view. Marg was up and out for her morning exercise/constitutional, the Hector caught up with some writing. Indeed, last night the extensive lobby proved to be an excellent place to get some more done. Huge tables with power sockets, as if the need was anticipated. Ala Moana Honolulu is quite a hotel. 
The lunchtime deal permitted two coverings for the abundant Wings and free top ups. 
Heading south-east towards Waikiki, we crossed the Ala Wai Canal. This is the drain for the coastal plain which permitted the creation of the Waikiki Beach area. Passing Ala Wai Boat Harbor, the wealth of the few was much apparent, highlighted further by the sheer volume of pukka hotels, way out of our price range.
Hilton Lagoon is surrounded by an inland artificial beach. A sheltered area, ideal for weans, move along. Onwards to Waikiki Beach. For the first time since 
With Diamond Head and the Zoo becoming ever closer, it was time to call a halt. Kalakaua Avenue, which had run parallel to our walk, was now open to the waterfront. Here was Waikiki proper, resembling any European seaside resort with a promenade. 
There was a small gathering of people at a statue. We stood, waiting for our turn to take photos at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Who he? The Hawaiian Olympic champion and father of surfing. Some didn’t understand – turn. 
Marg is not a huge fan of cheesecake but was surprisingly keen to try. As we reached this source of big calories so the local taproom for Maui Brewing was spotted across the street. That was the rest of the afternoon taken care of. 
OMG, a 7.0% Fruited Hazy IPA was reminiscent of AleBrowar’s (Polska) El Fruto. Orange, mango and guava were reportedly present. Dry, bitter, a totally tropical taste, befitting of our locus. El Dorado, Citra Cryo and Mandarina hops were featured. 
There was only one Bier, it was too early to start a session, there are other places to visit. Heading home, northwards along Kalakaua Avenue, there were actually people walking on the side-walks, like they do in a proper city. This was a true – downtown – area with atmosphere, pedestrians, patrolling police cars. It was all happening here.
After sunset, we headed back along Kalakaua Avenue to 
808 Pale Ale 
A – dive bar – was how this was described. Located in a backlot off the main avenue, if 
There was more Bier, and why not? The Bier was great as was the atmosphere, wonderful service and two young ladies had just taken up the space on Marg’s right. One reminded me of another Julia, an F.P. From the 1980s. I sent Fiona, her sister, the photo to see if she spotted the uncanny resemblance, of course we are all older now. 
Brewery, brewery taproom, bar and restaurants visited today:
A visit to Pearl Harbor on my birthday was the plan from the outset. FYI, this – 
Cousin-Lisa, our driver for today, was parked outside already, we were to be the first pick-up. Cousin? We were all her family, good for tips. This meant we had to go round the houses to pick up the rest. 
The opperchancity to visit the USS Bowfin, an American submarine was considered. Spending another $40.00 and rushing the experience was dismissed. We did have a look at the museum, until it was time, we would return after the boat excursion. 
The narrative here cannot be what it was originally. There was an acceptance that the 
Prior to boarding the boat to the USS Arizona, a National Park ranger briefed us before we watched a short movie. Nothing here I didn’t know already except the answer to the question nobody else asks?
I got my photo as we approached the white concrete and steel construction. Our boatload had to wait our turn to disembark. 
The commemoration wall for the fallen has them listed, alphabetically, not by rank, religion, or colour. For Hector, one family name stood out.
The City Tour, the price of our ticket had to be justified. North of the coastal plane lies Punchbowl Crater and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, the burial site honouring the veterans of four wars. Unable to stop and so alighting impossible, it was like hovering at zero feet. 
With a US election later this year, it was poignant when we passed Barack Obamas’s primary school. Driving along South King Street and Queen Street, we were retracing the route of the airport bus. We were about to establish the importance of the historic buildings we had passed two days ago. 
We were permitted to alight at Iolani Palace, once the home of Hawaii’s final monarchs. 
Some of the architecture was impressively bizarre. Hector’s birthday 
Combining coffee and it being Bier o’clock led us to the nearby Yard House which claims to have the largest selection of Bier on tap – in the World! So more than the hundred or so at 
This place was stowed, so many people drinking and eating late afternoon. As we were not eating, it was seats at the bar, no bad thing. One stool at the corner of the bar was available, another was fetched and squeezed in. An adjacent couple were finishing their bar meal.
Marg secured her coffee, Hector studied the Bier list. Lots of the bleeding obvious is always the problem, little in the way of exotic. The Yard House (Escondido CA) Hazy IPA at 6.9% was suitably hazy but tasted so bog standard. El Dorado and Cascade hops. 
We took our – usual spot – at the bar in – our local. 
It was a chap serving tonight, consequently, Marg’s Baileys shrank in measure, the Hector was not served his Rad Sauce in an iced glass. In time, I asked for one, and was duly charged for doing so. 
Hopefully, last night was the last we’ll see of rain in 
We took another route to Waikiki this afternoon, crossing the Ala Wai Canal on the same bridge as two days but avoiding the beach. After 
Thereafter, it was a case of trying to walk parallel to 
The US built M24 arrived in the last year of WW2, fast but under-armoured and under-gunned. Had US tank designers not heard of the T34? Needless to say, it didn’t last long on the front line, but did appear in Korea where it wasn’t up against much. The M24 has appeared in many a movie, standing in for the Sherman in The Battle of The Bulge. As for the Japanese light tank on display, the less said the better. 
As we walked along the Prom at Waikiki Beach it became clear that there was something brewing. Lei Day, people were flocking to Sans Souci State Recreational Park for a gathering. At any other time, we would have gone to investigate, but having started early, the scheduled events for – day of garlands – was drawing to a close. We were on a mission. 
It all started well, the flamingoes in their pond, quite scenic, but nothing we hadn’t seen in our mini zoo visits in both 
Things then went rapidly downhill.
Giraffes are Marg’s favourite animal, at least they couldn’t hide. The bird cage may have contained some exotic species, but get a grip, we’re in The Tropics, there were as many birds freeloading outwith the cages. In fact, I would challenge the owners to admit that the visiting wildlife outnumbered the captured. We paid money for this. Having walked many kilometres by this stage, our thirst need quenched. Plantation Cafe had closed already. Not since Calderpark Zoo (Glasgow, Scotland) c1986 have I seen such an array of tired exhibits. Calderpark closed soon after. I add the zoo map to highlight the many animals not seen today.
Hector’s sense of humour had been tested to the limits. It was approaching Bier o’clock and there are no breweries on this side of town. Growler Hawaii, located at the terminus of the Ala Wai Canal, was a ten minute walk, but not in the direction of home. Multi-taps reported, there should be something. There was something else. Two doors down, Hawaii Cat Cafe. 
Having worked at many a Bier Festival, I know one can only serve what is on. I do object to smart-ass bar staff who claim their Bier is the best when it’s clearly not in the style asked for. 
Honolulu Beerworks
We walked past an empty looking 
The exterior of 
Seventeen of the twenty taps were in use. Of these there was a choice of four Hazys. Make that three, 
Christopher was our waiter this evening. Boy was he good. As I posted our whereabouts on a certain social medium, so it was established that a fellow CAMRA acquaintance back home had been served by the same chap. 
Whilst there has been Bier on almost every day of this trip, some more than others, tonight must remain a standout. Nights where I have managed to get my feet under the table to this extent and sample a range of Bier from a board, have been few. Great Bier, food, service, and a t-shirt on offer was at a decent standard, albeit tie-dye. Hector was not quite last out. 
Back to Pearl Harbor, now that we know the lie of the land, no tour company necessary. The intention was to visit both USS Missouri and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. There was a slow start to the day, and food was required before we set off. 
Heading back to where it all began, we crossed the bridge from the hotel to Ala Moana Center. Finding our way in through the upper level car park was no longer an issue, getting one’s bearings on the way out, another matter.
Down in the basement market eatery, Marg decided The Sunrise Shack would provide brunch. Hector chose well, the Tropical Bowl being full of swallowable delights, and lots of them. 
A causeway connects Ford Island to the mainland, back on military territory, the civilian driver was not as fractious as the Navy Doris on the boat to USS Arizona. 
USS Missouri was commissioned n 1944. The last US battleship built, Missouri was mothballed in 1955 for some thirty years, before being recommissioned for a few years to take part in the Gulf War. Many rooms hence contained desktop computers and terminals from the 1980s. 
USS Missouri has massive gun batteries fore and aft. These must have caused damage when called into action. However, ‘planes and aircraft carriers win wars, not behemoths such as this battleship. 
Still, this was history. It was on the quarter deck of this mighty vessel that the Japanese signed the surrender notice officially bringing WW2 to a close. The US involvement in WW2 began at Pearl Harbor, that this ship has its resting place here and not San Diego makes the entire visit all the more poignant. 
Deep into the bowels of the ship as we could get, the twenty minute warning to – get aff – was announced over the tannoy. Up is out, Marg had other ideas. We became separated, she opened a door that the Hector daren’t. I had quite a following by the time we reached fresh air. Now to find Marg. 
Marg was hungry. It couldn’t be Curry, we’ve had Pizza and Asian, Chicken Wings, the safe fallback. Buffalo Wild Wings impressed in visit #1, so back we went. 
Our serving chap was useless, distracted. Marg had the salad. The potato wedges that had impressed so much on Sunday did not. The abundant wings were less so today, and we were paying way more being a peak time. Beware. 
With an early afternoon flight, there was no horribly early rise this morning. Checking out of Ala Moana hotel there was the knowledge that it would be a while before we stayed in comparable accommodation. This was plush and points had been earned towards future Ibis hotels in Europe. 
Unable to check-in online, we presented at the Alaska Airlines desk. Whilst our One World ticket was recognised in their system, our entitlement to two 23kg check-in bags each was not. As it happens we had one bag each. The wee girl wanted to charge us $70.00 to check in our bags. Hector was not having this, and asked for her supervisor. The song remained the same. Pay up or don’t fly, the latter not an option. The card reader didn’t work, try again. $80.00 was taken from my card. Hector knows how to haggle. I would later realise that I had been charged twice. 
In the departure hall, the Hector spent the wait establishing a complaint with Alaska Airlines head office. Something resembling food was had in one of the few outlets, nachos, not great. 
Alaska Airlines flight 876 departed on time at 13.59. A Boeing 737-Max, oh yeh, two engines across the Pacific Ocean. What could possibly go wrong?
No Bier today, nobody took the hint, but then the Hector hardly pitched it loudly. One glass of red, wine, does that count as – teetotal? My first bar job at Wilson’s Bar (Partick, Glasgow Scotland) had a barmaid who announced she was – teetotal – because for a week she drank sherry instead of vodka, – by the way.
Then there’s the lady who drank Waitemata every day and lived to one hundred. Or two hundred, in 
Bier was resisted despite more Monteith’s being available. I decided to leave the memory of my most southerly Bier intact.
We had arrived in two vehicles, Steve with the weans who had magically appeared as if a bell had been rung. Alison had driven Marg and I to Riverhead, after lunch she didn’t take the hint when I pointed out that Hallertau Brewery was incredibly close to our destination. Given the name, the Bier would have been traditional Deutsche Bier, presumably.
I sat in what had become – my spot – for the afternoon. In addition to catching up with some Bier-Traveller, I was still researching whether our visa for the 
Malaysian, cuisine, how does this differ from Chinese? It all looks the same, it all tastes the same. Surely, the wholesalers stock all the same sauces? Stir-fry, and chuck a sauce on top, hey presto! The avoidance of the – sweet red chilli sauce – is the Hector priority. Beef with BIG onions and capsicum was Hector’s main course, how ironic. The bowl of Hot &Sour Soup may have been the best ever encountered, if not just for the sheer volume. One glass of red wine and Marg did not play the – dessert – card.
Aiming to be at the airport for 14.00, there was a final brunch. With two flights ahead, three more meals were anticipated, we wouldn’t go hungry. 
There was a farewell photo taken at the pool. The Hector congratulates himself on not having been conned i
Flight QF 146 to Sydney, 16.05 – 17.50, a three hour flight, a two hour time difference. We were flying west which somehow does not go against the rules of our One World ticket where flying in one direction only is the requirement.
I watched the sunrise, the dawn of a new day for us, maybe it wasn’t.
Bus 29 to 
Mark & Jude’s domicile is situated to the east of Musselburgh and south of Portobello. They share a home with Alfie, the craziest dog ever encountered. Alfie doesn’t bark, he squeaks. I could tell Marg was going to become attached.
Bags dumped, Mark drove us into 
Jude returned from work, both she and Mark are destined to work for more years, so it goes. Marg got on a washing, it’s four days since 
Marg went out for her ritual walk-come-run. Despite the simplicity of the sea being downhill, she managed to end up at St Clair, another beach where Mark had planned to take us for brunch.
In keeping with the extremes of relief, up to Signal Hill, aka – The Lookout. A bit of Edinburgh Rock had made its way here.
From here we could see the entire 
Looking down on the fjord-like inlet from the rounded hilltops did feel a bit familiar, the Arrochar Alps, Loch Long, but on a much grander scale. 
Sea Lions and possibly Penguins were next on the agenda. It was quite a drive to Aramoana Beach, an area of deposition on the northern extremity of the fjord. Spits are aplenty on the 
The sea lions were found sporadically, minding their own business, the birds, another matter. Marg is always pointing out the bird-life wherever we go. The Hector sees landscapes not minutiae, however, today there was no escaping the ornithological world. 
Bier o’clock
Emerson’s Brewery
Emerson’s
And we did, in the interim, Jude was fetched, but not before Alfie got in on the act.
Today, Taiaroa Head which lies directly across the inlet from Aramoana, visited yesterday. Consequently, I had photos of our objective before setting off.
How high can one get? Lots of hills, steep slopes, I know that Mark takes great care behind the wheel, however there was an incident. Slowing down to let the car in front turn right off the main road, a smart ass decided to overtake both of us. Cue an oncoming car, disaster was imminent. Fortunately, it was Mark’s careful driving and anticipation which saved the day. The offending driver was able to cut in between us and the car going right. Three cars, we were stationary, the other three drivers and passengers could have been hospitalised. Mark deserved a medal, not one moment of acknowledgment, or possibly awareness that their skins had been saved. We passed the villain on our return, Mark reckoned he had been in a hurry to catch the ferry at Portobello. A reminder, Mark’s home is metres east of Musselburgh.
Penguins? There was another mention of Penguins, but by day they’re all at sea. Nevertheless, Marg went down towards the bay just in case. Why go down to come back up? Instead, Mark and Hector went up to Fort Taiaroa.
At Fort Taiaroa people pay to see albatross and/or attend seminars. We did birds yesterday. Of more interest to Hector was the concealed cannon known as the – Disappearing Gun. This elaborate mechanism protected the solitary piece of artillery from the elements. How long it would have lasted against an invading Japanese flotilla we shall never know.
The train station had ben seen previously in passing, quite a building. The Octagon is the focal point of the city. Our attempts at capturing decent photos in the dusk were thwarted by the ubiquitous populous which appear to be taking over both 
Armed with an array of SLRs, the Chinese got their photos but were oblivious to anyone else trying to secure the same. The culprits are therefore featured.
Good George Brewing Co. (Frankton, Hamilton, New Zealand) have five main outlets across the country plus an association with the Craft Beer and Kitchen restaurant chain. Fog City, a Hazy IPA at 5.8% proved to be a worthwhile choice. A good haze and lots of bubbles, but not too gassy, this had a big hop hit. Amarillo, Mosaic and Citra featured as well as the declared lactose. The body matched the abv, definitely worth having. If 
We were here to dine. Hector fancied a steak, it has been a while. Normally, steak is a meal had best at home. Rarely cooked as I like it, and as for the price of steak in a restaurant, really? Marg chose a modest Fish and Chips, Hector relayed how a steak should be cooked. Alarm!
A brewery from Wanaka (New Zealand) called – b.effect – produce Ridgeline, a Hazy IPA at 6.0%. Something had interrupted my usual photography and note-taking. With the Bier notes not saved, all I can say it was hazy, juicy, tropical, decent.
A fifteen minute walk saw us arrive at
There had to be an 
Yesterday featured a cliff top, today, a path along a cliff. Why does this trip keep involving high places? I had to stride out on my own in some parts, acrophobia, I cannot stand being near anyone when danger is sensed. 
The right foot is most certainly on the mend, not that 
As ever, Marg was on the hunt for wildlife, Still no Penguins though some splashes out to sea were reportedly them. Aye right. We all know Penguins live in the real Edinburgh, at the Zoo.
The appropriately named – West Coastin’ Hazy – at 5.5%, lived up to its description. A – Tropical Hazy IPA – this had the full haze and featured Mosaic, Galaxy and Wai-iti hops. Dry tasting, it definitely had – East Coast (USA) – notes. The most southerly, and furthest from home Bier, the Hector will ever drink.
Tonight, flight #10 of the trip, this time, back to 
more tropical. The evening flight meant we did not have to be at Momona Airport until after 17.00. 
As much a cafe as a restaurant, here was the b.effect – Ridgleline which I had two night ago at Albar.
Mark had mentioned the Duke of Wellington as being the must visit pub in
And so to the airport. Mark dropped us off, no £6.00 fee here a la Glasgow Airport. Hopefully we’ll see Mark and Jude in Scotland in the not too distant future. In the meantime, a BIG thank you.
One may be used to no frills when flying, but this is the national airline. My fifth and final NZ Airways flight, each time their plastic cup of water and dry nibble has been declined. Less than two hours to 
Alison was waiting once again in the arrival hall, and so back to Greenhithe. This was the first time in over over a month when I have walked into a room and recognised the bed. Home sweet home.
Another day, another flight: NZ5865 at 14.20 to 
On reaching a plain, a comparatively large settlement. Why live here at all?
Hotel 115, Cathedral Junction, this was the former tram depot, and the tourist tram still runs though it. Our first non Ibis, a decent hotel, and Cathedral Junction proved to be the ideal place to stay. 
We had half an hour to explore the surroundings, The other side of the depot gave way to New Regent Street, this was stepping back in time, quite a buzz.
Rebecca, Becks, was collecting us at 17.00, Another of Marg’s former charges, Becks was with us back in 2011, the year of the Christchurch Earthquake. Another catch-up.
After the customary addressing of the dog and sprog, We were duly fed and watered. We arrived with wine, but the Hector was not refusing Bier. Well, two out of three were not happening. I cannot believe people still buy the Bier with the same name as the virus which kept us prisoners for so long. An as yet untried Panhead was much appreciated.
Having been driven out of the city last night, I had some awareness of what greater 
Having acquired the brochure for the Tram and seen the price for the day ticket, this was dismissed as being a – no-no. Hector had a plan, let’s walk the route, a figure of eight through down-town 
There are swathes of 
A few watering holes were spotted on our tour. Riverside Market featured a stand for Canterbury Brewers Collective, and also Curry. I studied the Bier list, then introduced myself at the Curry stall. OK, I might force myself to have a Bier with a Curry later in the week.
If there’s a 
Food being delivered by pneumatic tube was fun for the weans. This was only available at the tables around the wall. For once, Marg and Hector were not window dressing.
It came with a timer as well as the filter arrangement. Not a fan of filter coffee, this was worse. 
18.30, our scheduled meet up with Brine, another Kiwi who worked with Marg. We reached 
An upstairs venue, an elevator was involved. I had checked the access out earlier, or so I thought. I had spotted the lane entrance, not the elaborate process of gaining entry thereafter. The heavy wooden door was manned, or – womanned. 
With Brine the designated driver, Nick and Hector were set to have a session. Four Biers on the board had potential, three were Fresh Hop
Mcleods Brewery (Waipu, New Zealand) has already appeared twice in these pages. Tonight the 802 #58, Hector had 802 #57 in 
Another release this week is Cone dip IPA at 6.0% (Duncans, Kapiti, New Zealand). NZIPA Fresh Hop was the given description. Gold, clear, not as intense as what had come before, the Riwaka hops still gave off a tropic fruitiness. A mellow, drink, one could happily have stayed with this if the previous two had not been on. Hector couldn’t find four to excite, surely?
Fresh Hop NZH-106 at 6.0% (Sawmill Brewery, Matakana, New Zealand) was classed as a Hazy IPA. The Kiwi brewers might be deliberately avoiding using – NEIPA – as a moniker. Again, released this week, yellow and only a slight haze, this had a huge hop hit. NZH-106 and Motueka hops, this was beautiful, quaffable.
I must thank Nick for making this the night it was. I may have heard enough about hockey on this trip already. More talk about Bier and Curry!
Bar, restaurant and cafes visited today:
Another day of walking, fortunately the right foot, had a rest in 
In Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens we have hot houses, here the opposite. I still cannot find a sink with a big enough sequence of draining to complement the one I took at 
It was warm enough for Marg to favour ice cream over coffee. The #1 choice venue was queued out the door. The same company have a branch on New Regent Street, another time.
Whilst enjoying the ice-cream I took in the array of Bier taps on the various food stands. If needs must, there could be a return.
Fresh Hop Waimea Hazy at 6.0% was listed as a NEIPA. It isn’t. The Waimea hops had been grown in Motueka, the brewers could have done with upping their usage. Gold, half hazy, remote from being a milkshake, this thin offering was piney too. This, if anything, this was a WCIPA.
Most tables were booked for – soon. A live band outside may have been encouraging the swarm. I’m sure the Bier list was better when I first popped in. I also thought this was where Dux was brewed, I still don’t know.
Basically a hamburger joint, Marg and I have not succumbed to eating them on this trip. Once again, a range of Craft Beer that bewilders. This was, in effect, a taproom for Beers by Bacon Bros, confused?
Marg had been super-indulgent today, Hector had his big afternoon/evening in 
It is the day of the 
Sarah Hughes was one of them! Pity her name was called before I could get the camera ready. But who knows, she may be in a shot somewhere.
Nevertheless, Marg got into cheering mode. She knows she could have gone out much earlier, but had chosen to await Hector surfacing. After last night? 
Time for Bier & Curry!
The Canterbury Brewers Collective was calling as was
Marg’s turn, she was keen to visit the Earthquake Museum. It was free to enter, so no complaints for Hector on a bus-man’s holiday. 
Marg sat and watched the whole video of interviews with people in the aftermath. Hector read about Montgomery Clift on his phone.
Running out of places, what could follow the Biers had here? Back to Little High Eatery. One of their outlets – El Fogon Grill – had something – in the style.
Hector was almost last out of Little High Eatery.
Now there was time to marvel at the suspended creatures.
The overhead bin did not take my bag, the thought of such a long flight with this at my feet…
A cement works dominated the view on approach, and again a few minutes later, and once more. The pilot was making a meal of it.
I had never met Claire before today, Marg had when she was over in 
Yes, Julia gets another mention. Julia, who we spent three nights with in 
The apartment was opposite Tahunanui Beach, a few minutes drive south of
Dinner, it had to be Curry. Julia has spoken oft about 
As luck would have it, The Free House is directly across the back from 
At my time of being served I asked:
Fresh April ’24 (Garage Project, Wellington, New Zealand) at 7.0%, had the full milkshake haze, the body was sound without being syrupy. 
Hector had his Bier with 
Two Thumb Brewing – was today’s objective, a brewery in Nelson. There was a full day’s itinerary before then.
Marg had returned from her morning run full of how wonderful the beach is. She had sneaked in a coffee at Raglan’s, a chap had engaged her. All was well, but not until Hector too had ben led along the beach.
The cathedral, the cathedral steps. A photo. No way was Hector climbing them, enough already.
A Brewery Tap, the Brewery is in Christchurch. There was something Hazy, and I liked the atmosphere, laters.
Before we knew it, two chaps had table-hopped us. One was particularly known to Julia, photos sent to 
Otto – on looking up this Bier, a picture of the Can popped up. The Bier is named after – Otto – the inflatable autopilot in Airplane!
Supa Hazy (Two Thumb Brewing Co., Christchurch, New Zealand) at 8.0%, an IIPA!
We arrived around 13.00. The brew-plant was at the rear of the site. There was a 
Before Bier, the sacred photo. We had passed some hop fields en route, but here was the opperchancity to caress live Motueka hops. The World must suffer.
Hazy IPA at 5.8%, the haze was there, the body was there, juicy too, but a slight sharpness on the palate was taking its toll. The hops were not for being identified, even after I went up to the girl pouring, who gave me the flyer.
With the car at our disposal, the must-do was the drive to the beach at Kaiteriterei which was some way beyond Riwaka. Motueka took a few minutes to drive through, Riwaka, blink and you’d miss it. I nearly blinked on the way back.
A comfortable walk along the sands, just as well the rain has abated. Plenty of photo opperchancities.
There was a pit-stop at the Waterfront Cafe. This shall be remembered for the family who, having finished their lunch sought Takeaway containers. A passing gull had other ideas. 
There had to be a Bier at source, in Riwaka. Hop Federation was located. Again, a dedicated Taproom for Takeaway only, lies adjacent to a hotel. Oh, look at that array of taps. East European chaps were manning the show. 
I found the address of the actual brewery, we headed along the road, another Takeaway only Taproom…but for 
Not only was the Hector determined to rub the noses today with Bier, there’s a Curry House in Motueka. It had to be done. 
McCashin’s Brewery is housed in the old cider house. 
New Zealand Airways were stingy on the flight down to 
Arriving at 
Fork & Brewer,
The company to my left was mixed, but there was one loud female who could probably be heard back in 
We did pass a Curry Cafe in the style I found in both 
Still raining, still a Friday night, I didn’t feel like straying far in the darkness. Was the Brian stopping? The Malthouse was chosen.
Behold, a big room with the bar on the right as one enters, high tables opposite the bar, and a room full of Kiwis to the back. They too were loud, but nobody was resonating. On purchasaing the drinks, I assumed Marg had headed back there. Nope, there she was, front of the house. 
802 #67 Unfiletered IPA (McLeod’s Brewery, New Zealand) at 6.8% was the aggressive follow-up to
Nick at 
I didn’t fancy any more Bier, and so back to the hotel. Get some writing done.
Brewery, bar and restaurant visited today:
Marg was out running along the harbour. Hector spent the late morning in his now claimed spot, a seat at the window with a power cable. Still the rain shows no sign of mercy, still the right foot hurts from a standing start, but maybe less so.
Indian Alley
Bottomless Coffee – it said on the menu my type of coffee. Doris made a fresh batch, she said I wasn’t leaving until I finished it. The place was empty, more or less, when we arrived. By the time we departed, every table was occupied, even the locals had had enough of the rain.
We had been strongly advised to visit Te Papa. Marg and Hector are not big on museums, this turned out to be a museum with – BIG – exhibits. Free to enter, even better.
Earthquakes and Volcanoes, what else do I need to know about these having taught all about them for thirty four years? There was a hut that simulated an earthquake. Having experienced a few in real life, no thanks. Who remembers the Glasgow Earthquake of 1979? OK, it was minor. Turkey was once hit by a major one the day after Marg and Hector left. 
Every sign in 
A WW2 battle fought with WW1 tactics. Churchill. I had seen nothing like the larger than life characters on display. The detail is magnificent. Toy soldiers these were not. It wasn’t toy soldiers who had to face the Turkish machine guns. Who gave the Turks machine guns?
Bier o’clock, and we weren’t straying far.
Panhead Custom Ales, whos Rat Rod had been enjoyed nights back at The Malt (Auckland), have an outlet on Tory Street. Having given this street a miss earlier it was time to embrace it.
It was time for Curry, at last.
The band came on, not too loud, some good sounds. The female vocalist and the horn player stood out. From our lack of vantage, it took time to establish just how many females were on stage. Our first live music in 
The sun was shining, it puts a different perspective on the day. Part of our Ibis welcome was a pair of Kit-Kats. I took one downstairs with me to what I had claimed as my spot: a window armchair with power sockets behind. More writing whilst Marg went out exploring/exercising. This may well be the first Nestlé product I have knowingly consumed in some forty years. The company is on my Blacklist. How old was the Kit-Kat? Maybe from the same batch I last ate from. It would soon have its revenge. 
Back on Lambton Quay, into an arcade – Cable Car Lane – behold, the funicular. NZ$11.00 return, no senior discount. After – The Blue Mountains, it looked a bit tame, and short. Ah, some cosmic lighting effects in the tunnels. It’s for the children. 
Another museum? Like Te Papa, free, my kind of museum. 
Some take the funicular up then walk down through the gardens. Having bought the return, no way, Pedro. We did the top of the park, more photos and suddenly the Kit-Kat was seeking payback. Wonderfully clean public facilities, just like what we don’t have back home. 
Mount Victoria – was on the list of places of interest. Note I have not added this to my list. OK, traditional 
Both my Hazys were aff. Hector wasn’t for staying. That did not go down well. The initial choice of seat was too close to the open door. The second was right under a heater. The third involved having to ask a chap if we could join him. I wonder what he thought when we left moments later. 
Having studied the array, the choice was Occasional (?) (Martinborough Brewery, South Wairapapa, Wellington, New Zealand), an APA, the pump clip gave away no more. 
I don’t think I was last out of Featherston, but would willingly have been so. Leuven had the tried and tested, so bog standard Belgian fayre. A Blond was not going to follow the owner which had just preceded it. Back to Sandman (Panhead), tried and tested. A come-down, back to reality, but this brewery was the favourite until ninety minutes previous. Marg had Lindemaan’s Kriek, again. Can the funds support such extravagances? 
With a not too early rise in the morning, and in the hope of an uninterrupted night’s sleep, I took the netbook down to my spot.
An Ibis with a choice from Panhead, and one I still hadn’t had. Rolling Stone – Nayslayer at 6.5%, a Pacific IPA, whatever that is. A NZ-IPA with Nectaron, Eclipse, Nelson Sauvin, the taste was more West Coast despite the gold, muddy haze. This was a good Bier.
Qantas Flight QF3, departing from 
Big chunks, bigger, and regular in shape, had been cooked in Ras El Hanout, Moroccan Spice. Thereafter the pieces were rolled in Dukkah Herb Mix. Dukkah, I had never heard of it, a wonderful blend that will make an appearance in Blighty, one day.
The calendar. Every year, Hector makes a calendar of Marg and Hector’s trips. One has been posted to 
Everyone was up earlier than Hector, it had ben a late night. Self respect remained in place after securing the draw. Marg was in the pool, as one would predict. How cold was the water? No idea, didn’t even test it.
Paddling, aye right.
Rangitoto Island would be visible throughout the drive. A volcano, not expected to erupt again. However, Hector is in town. History suggests that if it will erupt again, April 29 will be the day.
SIM Cards, we had been in New Zealand for twenty four hours and were still dependent on Wi-Fi. Alison took us to the Westfield shopping centre, there the chap at One.NZ had two SIMs working in our respective phones in minutes. That should do us.
On arrival in the car park beneath the tower, we took the elevator up to the ground-floor then the escalator back down to the basement. From there, a dedicated elevator took us to the viewing level. On the ground floor, another dedicated elevator took us up to Orbit 360º Dining, a revolving restaurant on Level 52. There was an apron around the windows such that sitting there was not an issue, no acrophobia. 
In the dusk then darkness, the ever-changing view of Auckland created as sense of familiarity. I could just about work out which direction was Greenhithe. I couldn’t see any breweries from up here. 
Is the kitchen closed? – was raised at one point. No, it has just gone away. Oh, now is a good time to visit the facilities. The seating area rotated around the central hub. A new experience, and I hate to think what our entire night out costs. Thanks, Alison. 
Today was a big day for Hector and Marg in 
We set out, with Alison at the wheel once again, for our 14.00 Curry rendezvous at 
It is twenty three years since we last saw Charlie. Had he changed? Dramatically! If the restaurant hadn’t been empty, we may well have done the double take. Hector and Marg have not changed at all.
Once Charlie had consumed his legal quota, it was time for him to head. Amazing to meet up again after all this time. I must mention that I did take him to 
We arrived back at 
There was Bier, Darryn ordered food. Hector continued with 
Fear and Loathing in Mt Eden
This afternoon, a trip to 
Rat Rod (Panhead Custom Ales, Upper Hutt, New Zealand) a 6.5% NEIPA turned out to be pretty decent. Amarillo, Ekuanot Mosaic and Simcoe hops were present. This was a candidate for Best Bier had in NZ to date. Not that there have been many.
Louise arrived a few minutes after 19.30, twenty eight years since we last met, some people do not change. It was as if another – Fridge Night – had just resumed.
Alison had to listen to conversations about people she had never met. Again, this reinforced how right it was last night with Charlie and Darryn to meet separately. Amazing how the time flies, The Malt was empty by 21.00, signs of closing despite the advertised opening times. Do any New Zealanders stay up after 22.00?
Today we moved south to Pukekohe in the south of 
There was a brunch stop afore, back to the Willow Cafe. Having enjoyed Alison’s fried eggs on toast so much yesterday, I risked a repetition. Poached but dry, not the end of the World.
We were to meet Simon at his place of employment, Pukekohe Hill School. A mere five minutes in a school and Hector found himself in the Headmaster’s study. Those who recognise the memorabilia on display will recognise the significance Unbelievably, Simon told us of Kevin, the son of another long term colleague, who is also in Pukekohe as the coach of the local football club. Poor Kevin was in an A’ Level class of two with Lindsey, the most talented pupil the Hector ever taught. We both learned a lot that year.
En route, Simon pointed out the racecourse, soon not to be. The motor racing section has already been abandoned. Simon showed us his vintage VW Beetle, his pride and joy, also a restored caravan. He was busy through Lockdown.
Roast New Zealand Lamb, cooked with inserted Garlic and Thyme as the Hector was taught also. Again, minimal photography, one cannot, truly. Broccoli and potatoes featured, along with onions, major crops in this part of 
All were from 
Something Hazy at 5.9%, a Hazy IPA with the full on milkshake haze, but a darker gold. This time: Citra, Mosaic, El Dorado and Galaxy hops were in the mix. Three CANs, there was nothing markedly different between either. Maybe the first was closer to yesterday’s 
Early to bed, people have work in the morning. This appears to be the 
Simon and Andrea went off to work, early. Theirs was a half day before the start of the holidays. What’s a holiday? We were left with Simon’s car. There was a suggestion that we drive to the west coast before meeting up with Simon who would take us to the airport for our 15.00 flight.
