Keith and Mike's Indy 500 Trip

[KeithS]

Well, I thought I'd better start a separate entry to document our upcoming US trip. It'll make it easier for me when providing the daily updates.

As background, Dad and I have watched the Indy 500 every year together as far back as 1987 when they began regular broadcasts on Channel Nine. Every year, we'd say - we've got to go see one of those! And every year we've never bothered to think about it. But in August last year, they announced the program for the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 - and as I was looking for a present for Dad's 70th birthday, I suggested we could go. I was hesitant at first as Dad is not as mobile these days due to an ankle he broke a number of years ago and I thought he may not want to go - but he jumped at the opportunity (besides - I was paying!).

Next hurdle was to tell Della - I knew she didn't have enough annual leave and probably wouldn't want to go for the car racing - but she was great and told me to do it (and bring her back lots of presents...).

Green light given on all fronts - I booked the flights and went about building an itinerary. Originally we were going to fly to Memphis and hire a car and drive up to Indianapolis, but Dad rejected that idea after seeing Memphis on Getaway! It looked like a hole (and in hindsight - it was a good decision as it is underwater at the moment!)

So - here is our finalised itinerary:

21 May
Fly Sydney to LAX. Hire car in LAX and driving to Santa Monica where we have our hotel booked. Spend the rest of the day in Santa Monica and LA area.

22 May
All day in LA area. We have tickets to see Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney's El Capitan Theatre at 8:00pm. Probably have dinner at the Soda Fountain. Another night in Santa Monica.

23 May
Drive up Highway 1 to Pismo Beach - stay the night in Pismo Beach

24 May
Drive up Highway 1 to Half Moon Bay - stay the night in Half Moon Bay

25 May
All day in San Francisco - Dad wants to see all the tourist bits. Drive back to Half Moon Bay in the evening.

26 May
Drive to Castle Air Force Base museum (we are both aircraft nuts). It is about 2.5 hours from Half Moon Bay so it is an all day trip into the California countryside.

27 May
Drive to the airport - hand in car then fly San Francisco to Denver - and Denver to Indianapolis. Check in to hotel in down town.

28 May
Indy 500 driver meeting day and pre-race track activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

29 May
Running of the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500.

30 May
This is a spare day in case of rain on Sunday and the race is delayed. If the race was run okay, we'll spend this day looking around Indianapolis.

31 May
Fly Indianapolis - Denver - Los Angeles. Bus transfer to Disneyland Resort. Evening at Disney's California Adventure to see World of Color.

1 June
Disneyland all day. Fantasmic Dessert Sampler premium viewing seats that night.

2 June
Disney's California Adventure all day until about 5pm - then bus to the airport and the long flight home...


So now we are just counting down the days - 7 more sleeps!

[Mel]

What a wonderful present. I could do without the car racing, but the drive up the Pacific Hwy and other West Coast stuff sure does sound like fun

[ajp]

It will be awesome! Looking forward to the updates already on this one. One of the iconic races on the international calendar and the atmosphere will be electric!

[KeithS]

Six more sleeps - I can't wait.

Hey Anthony - I just noticed you've got dates in your signature for your next trip - I think you'll need to give us an update!

[churros]

Sounds great Keith!

[ajp]

Tomorrows the day Keith. I can sense the build up already. Hope you and your dad have been practicing the necessary grunting etc that's goes with boys road trips. This will be an awesome couple of weeks. Enjoy and keep us updated whenever you can.

[churros]

Are you wining and dining Della tonight?

[KeithS]

Thanks Anthony and Beth - I have to admit that I'm getting pretty excited now. I'm just about to leave the office after handing over my outstanding tasks - now I feel free!

Poor Della gets no wining and dining tonight - but I'm sure she'll get some nice presents.

Dad and I are well versed on the grunting (and other noises) - we practice all the time, so the road trip will be great.

I'll post updates as we go!

[churros]

The night before a trip... fantastic! Have a great time Keith!

Tell Della to get on the forum and we will keep her company.

[mushu mama]

Hope you have a great trip Keith...

[Mel]

Have fun Keith!!!

[KeithS]

Thanks everyone! About to pack my stuff now (before the footy begins!)

[ajp]

Love it Keith. Starting off perfectly. Day before and packing, but making sure you're right for the footy.

[KeithS]

Love it Keith. Starting off perfectly. Day before and packing, but making sure you're right for the footy.

It is all about priorities

Well, it is time to log off now and head to the airport.

Passport - check!
Credit Card - check!
Indy and Disney tickets - check!
Cameras - check!
Everything else - if I've forgotten it, I'll just buy it

My next message will probably be from the airport, so I'll update then!

[ajp]

Have a Bud Light Lime for me Keith (might sound gay, but it's a nice drop).