Monday, September 14, 2015 - Yosemite

This morning's route.

This morning, we depart for Yosemite.  Sharon and I have never been to this area before and look forward to the drive.  

But first things first.  Breakfast!  Since today's departure was delayed, we decided to have breakfast.  When I ordered my boring eggs and bacon yesterday, our server walked by with a  plate of Huevos Rancheros.  

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast

That's pretty much all I could think about for the rest of the day.  So today ... Huevos Rancheros, here I come!!  The dish did not disappoint!!  With shredded chicken and "drunken" beans, my breakfast was delicious!  Great way to start the day!!  

Prime parking space in the driveway of the Ritz.

After breakfast, the group gathered in front of the Ritz to load bags in our support van and prepare for the drive to Yosemite.  I was determined to NOT be the last in line today, so Sharon and I were in the car and perfectly positioned in the cue.  Just after 10:00, we took off.  

The drive started off relatively tame because of traffic, but quickly changed about an hour later after a fuel stop.  Our pack of Ferrari's easily stayed together passing traffic in a snake like fashion until the four lane road changed to two lanes.  With on coming traffic and winding roads, the group quickly divided into smaller groups.   The phone began pinging text alerts to us of road obstructions, traffic and police sightings.   Sharon and I were scooting along nicely, driving faster, feeling confident with our position and able to narrow the gaps in our group only when we reached passing lanes to safely get around other traffic.  We fell back at one point but I knew a passing lane was coming and we'd be able to get around traffic and catch up soon.  Our opportunity came, I accelerated and zoomed past the slower cars narrowing the gap between us and our group.   I commented to Sharon at that point that we just reached 125 miles per hour.  The Ferrari was purring at this speed.  After all ... the 458 Spider is a street legal race car, right?  Right!  

Something I never thought I'd hear myself say ... "I'm so happy that I got a speeding ticket for going 99 in a 65 MPH zone."

Yup.  No sooner had I remarked to Sharon that we busted 125 MPH  mark when we crested a hill and came face to face with a state trooper in on coming traffic.  No text warning.  No radar warning.  Nothing!!   I didn't have time to process the expression on the trooper's face as we blew by him.   But I'm guessing it was somewhere between disbelief and pure joy.   Disbelief of my speed and joy of the story that he was going to be able to tell tonight over a beer.  We went by so fast, he probably only saw two blondes in the car and had visions of Christy Brinkley and National Lampoon's Vacation.  (Ha!  We fooled him.)  I just put on my brakes and pulled off the road to wait.  The Ferrari ahead of me stopped as well, awaiting his turn for a ticket.

When the trooper pulled up behind me, the radar started screaming.  (Thank you very much.)  I had no idea how to turn it off.  Laser radar detectors (like mine) are illegal in California.  Sharon and I were pushing buttons and pulling cords trying to quieten the screeching detector.  

She finally placed my purse on the console to cover the switch for the radar detector ... my lovely cognac python purse with the black Marijuana leaf stitched on the front.  I was thinking about the charges for which I was about to be charged ... or better yet, hauled away to jail for.  Speeding, reckless driving, illegal use of a radar detector and then search and seizure of the Ferrari for suspected Marijuana possession.  The officer approached the car from the passenger side and of course asked for my driver's license, registration and insurance cards.  He had a very kind face and was as nice and professional as could be.  He also had a hidden smile on his face and in his voice.   He said he clocked me at 112 MPH.  (Ha!  If he only knew!)  He went back to his cruiser.  Sharon and I were on pins and needles.  When he came back to the car, he gave me a ticket for going 99 in a 65.  If he'd written it for over 100 MPH, it would require a mandatory court appearance.  Thus my comment ... "I'm so happy that I got a speeding ticket for going 99 in a 65 MPH zone."

My only regret is that we didn't get a photo of the officer to post in this blog!!  He was such a nice guy, I know he would have gone for it.    Just didn't think about it at the time.  I was so relieved to NOT be arrested.  I love wearing orange, but not when there is a number stenciled on the back.

Word traveled fast throughout the group.  They pulled off the road a few miles down to wait for the two "busted" Ferraris, anxious to hear the details.  As I pulled in, I gave them a double thumbs up.  We had survived to drive another day!!  Sharon said I achieved instant rockstar status.  Of all the previous Ferrari trips, I was the first participant ticketed.  Oh, by the way, the other car did NOT get a ticket.  The officer let them go. 

Stopping for gas.

After all that drama, we set off again for our lunch destination, a renowned Mobil station called Tioga Gas Mart in Lee Vining CA.  The Ferraris pulled in to the gas station and it looked like a NASCAR pit stop.  Ferraris at every pump.  People gathered around snapping photos and offering to trade cars.    This lunch spot was an interesting cross between a truck stop and mini mart with a gourmet fast food restaurant equipped with indoor picnic tables for dining and a first class souvenir shop .  We had a great lunch and were ready to hit the road for the second half of our trip.  When we walked out of the "mini-mart/truck start" it began to rain.  THADDEUS!  How do I turn on the windshield wipers???  

Our afternoon route.

Our line of 12 Ferraris arrived at the entrance to Yosemite National Park and waited to pay the park fees.  Jasone was in the car just ahead of me.  After he paid, he raced away.   The park attendant shook his head and said, "That boy's gonna get pulled over!", making me believe there were rangers around every corner.  I'm a bit more cautious after my police encounter.  We soon caught up with the Ferrari parade and the 45 MPH signs meant nothing to them even on the curvy roads.  We sped around a corner and much to my surprise, we were slowed by an RV.  Sharon and I were high fiving!!  Hallelujah!  

Scenic View entering Yosemite.

The rest of the drive was quite tame because of slower traffic.  Never thought I would be happy about that!!

Thaddeus and Bob McKinney.  Photo taken by Sharon!!!!

We stopped at a couple of scenic overlooks to check out the views. Just gorgeous!!  

The rain continued off and on the whole way to our next destination, Tenaya Lodge at Fish Bay.    It's no Ritz, but very comfortable.  Tomorrow, we tour Yosemite.  Can't wait.  We've never been here and are quite anxious to see the sites.  

(More photos for today's blog coming soon.) 

Sunday, September 13, 2015 - South Lake Tahoe

Today, our drive takes us from the Ritz Carlton to South Lake Tahoe to the Tahoe Keys Marina for a private cruise of a small portion of Lake Tahoe.  

Before our departure, Sharon and I got up early, had breakfast and walked the grounds of the Ritz.  A beautiful hotel, very similar to the Ritz in Beaver Creek and Aspen, The Ritz in Tahoe is a popular ski resort as well.  

We enjoyed the outside fire pit for a few minutes before we "started our engines."

I'm ready for the drive today around the lake.  Even have brand new "driving shoes."  I'm sure they will help keep the pedal to the metal.  

We set off at noon for what should have been just over an hour drive.  As soon as we hit the main highway, we encountered bikers.  Not just a couple, but hundreds of bikers competing in a race.  Some of these folks were really struggling and shouldn't have been on a bike in the first place, much less on a busy scenic highway.  A couple of them looked like Jabba the Hutt (from Star Wars) balanced precariously on their bikes with their bodies melting over the sides and legs struggling to push the pedals.  We buzzed by giving them plenty of room with an occasional engine rev.

With heavy bike traffic AND car traffic, the trip to the marina took longer than expected.  To be totally honest, I was grateful for the traffic because it forced us to drive slowly.  Also, my radar detector, which Thaddeus so kindly turned on for me, was regularly singing like an opera star.  The folks at the hotel told us to beware because  the police support the community with speeding tickets on this stretch of road.  So happy we were driving more reasonably.

When we arrived at the Marina, Anthony, the 1st mate greeted us in the parking lot, showing us where to safely park our cars and then took us to the "Party Boat."  We cruised out of the marina into beautiful Lake Tahoe.  I was not expecting the water to be crystal clear.  I imagine on a day without smoke, it must be a beautiful blue color.  

Our boat captain, Donne, shared some interesting statistics with us. He said that 9 million gallons of water evaporate from Lake Tahoe EVERY day taking the lake down by 1/8 of an inch daily.  The average depth of the lake is 1000 feet, 1645 feet at the deepest point.  The sixty-eight tributaries that feed Lake Tahoe are all but dried up due to the severe drought in California for the past several years.  

Vikingsholm, Laura Knight's "Castle"

The cruise was lovely.  I definitely need to return to Lake Tahoe when the skies are clear.  The rugged mountains encompassing the lake were stunning even with the smoky haze obstructing the view. We cruised to a breathtaking area called Emerald Bay.  In the early 1900's, a woman by the name of Laura Knight bought Emerald Bay for $75,000.00.  Mrs. Knight's property included the only island in Lake Tahoe,  Fanette Island, and the only water fall, Eagle Falls.  The home Mrs. Knight constructed in Emerald Bay, named Vikingsholm, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture existing in the United States.  

Tea House atop Fannett Island

The waterfall is dry today. But the Fannette sland still has remnants of a tea house Mrs. Knight built on the very top of the island to entertain her guests.   Enormous cedars and pines are set off by shear granite cliffs making this one of the most scenic areas in the United States.  

 Granite cliffs and Pines surround Fannett Island 

In 1953, Vikingsholm and the property were acquired by the State of California.  The house is open for tours in the summer months and the magnificent scenery is enjoyed all year around.  This is an area I would definitely like to visit again.  

After a leisurely afternoon at Emerald Bay, we returned to the marina, started up our Ferraris and set out again returning to the Ritz Carlton for dinner at Manzanita.  This was the most delicious meal of the trip.  

Dinner at Manzanita 

Tomorrow ...  Yosemite.  

Ferrari of Tampa Bay's 5th Annual

Mille Miglia di California

2015

September 12th  -  September 21st 

Well, I'm on the road again.  This time for the Ferrari road rally.  A week long driving trip around California from Sacramento to Lake Tahoe to Yosemite to Napa Valley, across the Golden Gate Bridge and on to Monterey.  

I found out about this trip last summer when I saw a Ferrari of Tampa Bay trailer parked outside the Little Nell in Aspen. When I took my car in for service last October, I asked why the trailer was there and was told about a road rally that they have every year.  So naturally ... I jumped on board and here I am.

My dear friend Sharon flew all the way to California to meet me in Sacramento yesterday where we met up with 11 other couples to begin the rally.  I had no idea what to expect.   

We were greeted at the airport by some folks from Ferrari of Tampa Bay who drove us to the Ferrari staging area, Whitney Oaks Country Club.  

       

Our cars were strategically placed in a circle drive surrounding a fountain, reminiscent of a beautiful Tuscan villa.  Each car had been labeled with the event's logo and a car number.  My yellow 458 Spider is number 12.  

We had lunch on a terrace over looking the car display as folks meandered around the vehicles, snapping photos and drooling over each one.  

After lunch, it was time to lock and load.  

Sharon and I went to the yellow #12 458 Spider where Thaddeus, the Ferrari expert technician, showed me how to turn on the headlights, how to tune in the satellite radio, AND to my surprise, I discovered that I have a large trunk.  Sharon didn't have to downsize her purse after all.  

Around 3:00, a line of 12 gorgeous Ferrari's set out on our journey to Lake Tahoe.  Gil had the pole position.  I was second in line.  

We made our way from the Whitney Oaks Country Club to the interstate where Gil turned it on.  Apparently Gil has only two speeds, slow and wide open throttle!  The line of Ferrari's raced down the interstate reaching speeds of 105 miles per hour as folks hung out of car windows to take photos of us.  

For those of you who don't know, a Ferrari 458 Spider is really a street legal race car.  The speedometer registers 220 miles per hour.  If one drives over a coin on the road, the suspension is such that you can identify whether it's heads or tails.  Just kidding about the heads or tails thing, but it definitely rides like a fine tuned racing machine.

The views changed dramatically as we drove toward Lake Tahoe.  However, at 105 miles per hour, the only view I was concentrating on were the taillights of the Ferrari directly in front of me.  At these speeds, and with the convertible top down , conversation between Sharon and I was impossible.  I have to give Sharon credit.  She is a GREAT passenger.  If I had been the passenger driving at these speeds, racing down the interstate, I would have had white knuckles AND white hair!  However, she said she felt incredibly confident in my driving.  I'm glad SHE was confident.  I was just holding on and trying to keep up.  How does my racing friend Kenny drive at speeds three times this fast.  I have a new appreciation for The King of Speed!!

The scenery could have been exquisite, but we saw it through a haze of smoke.  Lingering, smelling of ash in the air and burning our eyes, smoke from the California fires hung heavily in the air, giving the appearance of thick fog, 

I haven't driven this car much in the past three years, so I'm still learning my way around it.  I commented to Sharon how quickly the temperature had dropped once we reached the mountains, from 94 to 80.  Even though it didn't feel like the temperature was dropping, I tried to convince myself the air was cooling, when I suddenly realized that I was looking at the digital speedometer instead of the thermometer.  That was a blonde moment.

I had no trouble keeping up with the lead car in front of me and we were running rapidly down the highway when Sharon received a text that we needed to make a fuel stop.  So we all exited the road and pulled into a gas station.  It gave me a chance to catch my breath and break the death grip that I had on the steering wheel.  When we pulled out of the gas station, I politely waved cars along and when we finally pulled out, I realized I was no longer behind the lead car, but rather dead last!   I felt very secure in the middle of the pack, but very vulnerable in the last position.  Sort of  like  when hiking ... the last person in line gets eaten by the bear. I just knew I was going to get stopped by the police, ticketed and hauled away to jail for excessive speeding.  And nobody would have known because as fast as they were driving, they'd be in the next state before they realized I was gone.  Fortunately, there was no police incident.  The other drivers were quite surprised that I could keep up with the pack.   I think I earned some healthy respect from the seasoned members of the rally. We arrived at the Ritz Carlton of Lake Tahoe in record time.

Shortly after checking in to the hotel, we taxied to the Lone Eagle Grill at the Hyatt Regency, for a late dinner.  On the shores of Lake Tahoe, the restaurant offers spectacular views and an amazing dining experience making it one of the top restaurants in Lake Tahoe. The restaurant was packed, the food was great, the surroundings were lovely, but most of these folks arrived today from the east coast.  By the time we finished dinner, it was nearly 2:30 east coast time.  We were all  exhausted, so the 30 minute taxi ride back to the Ritz was very quiet.  

Tomorrow, we're off for a ride around the lake to South Lake Tahoe for a lake cruise.  Hopefully, the smoke will clear.  

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Heathrow

London - Los Angeles

Today, I go home.  It's been a whirlwind vacation and I've enjoyed every minute of it ... especially yesterday!  But it's time to get back.

I had a nice breakfast with Jeff this morning.  He was dragging a bit as he was out until 5:00 a.m with his SAS friends.  Thank goodness I arranged for a late check out for him today at 4:00.  He can get some more sleep before he leaves the comfort of The Claridges.  He'll be off on his own after that.  

Right now, I'm on my flight from London to Los Angeles.   Delta recently reconfigured their planes making for perhaps the most uncomfortable seats in the air.  I have a couple of upcoming flights on Delta.  As soon as I get home, I'm canceling them.  Whine, whine, whine.  I truly am becoming a grumpy, spoiled old woman.  Time for some wine, wine, wine instead!!

I am scheduled to arrive in LA at 4:30 this afternoon.  It will be nice to sleep in my own bed tonight.  I learn a little bit with each adventure.  

1. Next time I go on a bike trip, I'm taking my own bike seat!
2. When preparing for a trip, pack, let it settle and then remove half of what I've packed.  I bring too much EVERY time.
3. Study the travel information so I'll be better prepared and know more about where I'm traveling.
4. DON'T FLY DELTA AIRLINES!!
5. Continue to travel with people I love.

I so enjoyed spending time with Stevie and getting to know Ellen, Susie, Karen and Susie better.  I look forward to our summer together in Aspen.

So for now, with humble gratitude for this blessed life, I sign off until my next adventure.  

Cheers!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Southhampton UK

TODAY IS THE DAY!!  Jeff's ship is scheduled to arrive this morning. 

Diane and I set off early to catch the first glimpse of the ship as it makes it's way into the harbor.  It's a rainy, cold and blustery morning here in Southhampton.  We drove into the Mayflower Park to await the arrival of the ship.  We were fortunate to have the warmth of the car from which to anxiously await Explorer's arrival. Finally, at 7:45, we saw her.

Jeff's home away from home for the past four months, MV Explorer arrives in Southhampton.

 The rain was pounding, so there were no kids on the decks to wave to all of the cold parents standing in the rain holding American Flags and poster board greeting signs.  But we all were bursting with excitement to see our children.  I think this is about the time tears of joy started running down my cheeks.  Tears or raindrops ... not really certain here.

After the ship passed us, we drove on down to the terminal at gate 10 to wait for the passengers to clear immigration and unload all the luggage.  While we were waiting, the kids came out on the ship's decks.  

Waiting to clear immigration, the children and parents catch their first glimpse of each other.

We were watching them from inside the terminal.  They were watching us from the deck.  It felt surreal.  So close, yet so far away.  They seemed to be as excited about seeing us as we were to see them.  Squeals of joy would erupt followed by happy frantic waving when a parent saw their child out on that deck.  Yup!  I was one of them.  That's when the water works started again.  I was so happy to see Jeff standing on deck, with his hat on backwards and his plaid shirt blowing in the wind. 

After four hours of waiting, the kids began disembarking the ship.  Families gathered at the exit waiting for their child to come through the door.  

Heather and Diane reunion.

Cheers of joy and happy greetings rang through the terminal as a parents and family members would run to hug their child.  My tears continued with each warm reunion, while waiting and waiting to see my son come through that door.  It's hard to describe the emotional melt down I felt when I finally saw my handsome son walking towards me.  

FINALLY!!  

As a typical mom, for months, I've worried about all the scary things that could happen to Jeff along the way.  But with one embrace, all was right with the world.  He left 4 months ago, traveled completely around the world, and now he was safely in my arms.  Thank you God!  

I got to meet many of the new friends Jeff has traveled with.  I'm sure he'll stay connected with many of these kids for the rest of his life.  

New friends!!

Several of us celebrated the moment with champagne brought by one of the parents.

The reunion was bittersweet with an underlying sadness.  These kids have spent months together, developing friendships and sharing adventures of a lifetime and now their trip has come to an end.  

Jeff's roommate on the ship.

There were tearful goodbyes as we loaded the car for our drive back to London.  Jeff, Heather and Maggie kept us amused with tales from the trip.  From skiing in Japan to bungie jumping in Africa to riding camels in Morocco, the experiences sounded wonderful!

When we arrived back to London, we had a nice lunch at Claridges before setting off on a shopping expedition at Selfridges for Jeff.

Lunch at Claridges where we had "proper" fish'n chips.

The journey continues!  Several kids from Semester at Sea have purchased Eurail passes (train passes) that will allow them to travel anywhere in Europe.  They are leaving London in a few days for Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin and no doubt several other unscheduled stops along the way ending up in Barcelona.  

Geared up and ready for the next portion of his adventure!

Jeff needed a few essentials for the rest of his journey.  He can't haul the huge duffle with 4 months worth of gear, so we found a great back pack for him, a new hard drive for photos, shoes to replace the ones he lost somewhere in Hong Kong, a new charger for his GoPro and memory stick for his camera.  He's good to go.  

We had dinner with a few of the parents and some of the kids from SAS.  After dinner, Jeff went out with his SAS friends.  I returned to the hotel to consolidate Jeff's clothes and gear into fewer bags so I can take them back to California with me tomorrow.  

Dinner with Semester at Sea friends.

I'll get to spend some time with Jeff in the morning before I leave for Heathrow to catch my flight back to Los Angeles.  No sooner do I get my son back, he leaves again.  But I'm so excited for the next leg of his wonderful experience.  Now I go back to my worry phase again, praying daily for his safety. 

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

London to Southhampton

I am so excited!  Today, I travel to Southhampton, UK to await Jeff's arrival.  

Jeff left in January for a trip around the world with an organization called "Semester at Sea" on "MV Explorer," a floating university.  He has visited 12 countries around the world and his voyage ends in Southhampton UK, about a two hour drive west of London.

A friend of mine from Tampa, Diane, who's daughter, Heather, is on the ship with Jeff, picked me up this morning at Claridges and we drove to Southhampton.  The drive was quite adventurous, as the British drive on the left and their steering wheels are on the right.  I handled the navigation using Google Maps and Heather drove.  Quite confusing and totally backwards to driving in the US, the ride was hair-raising!  But we made it through the London city traffic and the round-abouts and even survived highway driving.  No matter that folks were honking at us and whipping around in front of us signaling for us to get the heck out of the "fast lane."  We made it.

Lunch at the mall in Southhampton.

After a quick lunch, Diane and I went to the "Semester at Sea" parent's reception at the Harbor Grande Hotel in Southhampton where they filled us in on the ship's scheduled arrival and how to expect our children to disembark.  It was fun meeting other parents who's children had been on this trip.  Three mothers came up to me and said things like, "My daughter wanted me to meet Jeff's mom.  Jeff is the love of her life."  or "Jeff is the greatest guy ever!"  Of course, I've known that Jeff is a super special kid for almost 22 years.  Glad to know others appreciate him.  

After the drive and the late lunch, I was so tired, I went to the hotel and jumped straight into bed.  Tomorrow is a big day!  I can't wait to see my son.  By the way, I'm quite spoiled by Five Star Excellence of The Claridges in London.  The Novotel here in Southhampton probably does not even register on any type of service excellence scale.  It's a "do it yourself" kind of place.  But it's clean and close to the terminal where I meet Jeff tomorrow.  

Monday, April 27, 2015

London

Chris getting measured for his shotgun.

Today, Stevie, Chris and I are going to Purdey Guns to order a new shotgun for Chris.  I'm along for the ride.  Purdey has made guns for two centuries.  I guess they've figured it out, because they sure get a "purdy" penny for them!!

We were greeted at the Purdey Store at 8:45 and Chris's salesman, John whisked us away via taxi to the West London Shooting School, where Chris 

Shotgun shell mountain.

was measured and fitted for his shotgun.  The visit to the WLSS was quite entertaining.  Chris got to shoot guns as Stevie and I watched the clay pigeons shatter!!  The most interesting sight was the towering pile of shot gun shell casings.  The casings are piled in a walled area.  All shapes, colors and sizes!!  The mountain of shotgun shells looked like an art project.

Chris selects the perfect wood for the stock of his gun.

After shooting and finding the perfect fit for Chris's gun, we went back to the Purdey Store to select the gun stock and engravings and several other necessary shotgun specifications.

Stevie finds a new hunting hat.

Stevie and I shopped for accessories.  I bought Chris's Christmas gift, which, for obvious reasons, I 

cannot mention in this blog.  

All of that shopping was exhausting and it was close to 

lunch time, so we were in search of refreshments.  We spied little spot called "George," just across the street, but the sales clerk explained that George was an exclusive private club.  

However, after what Chris was getting ready to spend, the manager felt certain he could get us in.  So John escorted us over to George, found us a nice comfy table and the ordering began.  

Purdey Store Shotgun Shopping.

While Purdey was tallying up Chris's bill, Stevie, Chris and I were being well cared for at George.  The club was not very busy this time of afternoon, but still quite entertaining with very a proper "British" crowd.  

Chris seals the deal for his gun.

About two glasses of wine and a Cesar Salad later, John came in with Chris's bill.  It was all quite civilized.  Chris went back to the Purdey Showroom and settled his bill.  

They got it ALL!  

He came back a bit wrung out, but smiling and sooooo happy.  Another two years from now, he'll have that gun.  I hope I'm with Chris and Stevie to see that!!

Ellen and Susie arrived in London today and met us for one final dinner.  This evening, Stevie made reservations at The Guinea Grill.  

The Guinea Grill.

The last time I visited London in the 1980's, I had dinner here with Ramsay, Stevie, Jeff and Rosemarie.  Rosemarie met up with us in London after a trip around the world.  She'd been to many exotic places, but hadn't had a potato in weeks.  An Irish Girl needs her potatoes!  I remember entering the restaurant and being greeted by a friendly waiter standing alongside a refrigerated butcher's display case filled with various types of steaks, enormous potatoes, mushrooms and asparagus as big around as hot dogs.  We were asked to select our cut of meat and side dishes and then we were seated.  Jeff liked to tell the story that Rosemarie ate two of the huge spuds.  Not true, of course because the potatoes were about the size of a football.  But it sure made for a good story.  And she DID enjoy that potato!  The Guinea is quite different now.  The case is still there with various cuts of meat on display, but they no longer serve HUGE baked potatoes, nor do they serve Asparagus. 

It was nice to revisit the Guinea Grill and the memories.

Farewell dinner at Guinea and hello to new memories.

After dinner, we bid farewell to Ellen and Susie, as I am scheduled to leave tomorrow morning to go to Southhampton to meet Jeff's ship, and Stevie and Chris depart for Houston.

We were too tired for after dinner drinks, but we stopped at the lobby bar anyway.  With droopy eyes, we almost completed one drink and then turned in for the night.   But not before riding the elevator, equipped with an attendant and a comfy couch, upstairs where Stevie found "oxygen tanks."  Damn country bumpkin!  (That's a little inside joke that only Stevie will get.  Sorry.)

Elevator at Claridges with attendant to "drive" and a comfortable couch to "rest."

Oxygen Tanks???