LV to LA

 17 January

A bit of a slow lazy start today as we headed out to LA. But first, a stop at "Gold and Silver," for Steve and Joshua. Anyone familar with the reality show, "Pawn Stars," will be familiar with this name. I didnt venture in, but Joshua couldnt resist spending some money on a Pokemon card which he says was in mint condition and a steal. None of the stars were sighted with them all being on holidays and not due back until next week.

A lazy drive back down the strip for a final look, and then on our way down the highway. Our first stop, the Seven Magic Mountains. Fortunately, the 10km off Highway detour didn't result in a one way return and we could easily head in the right direction to return to the Highway. 

We had intended to do some hiking at the Mojave National Preserve, but although we missed the turn off, it turned out that most of the interest points were closed anyway. Our only other stop was at a 60's themed Peggy Sue Diner. Regardless, it was not a boring car drive. Most of the journey crossed the Mojave Desert -the landscape was constantly changing from cragged rocky mountains, boulder filled rolling hills, volcano crust remains and rolling sand dunes.

I forgot how mountainous LA and the surrounding area was. 

We arrived directly to our hotel by Universal Hollywood and off to diner in Universal Hollywood City. We dined at the Chocolate Emporium where the kids and I made the mistake of ordering two deserts to share between the three of us. The reality was that one desert would have fed four of us! So Big it was nauseating.