Yep , you know where I’m going with this one , again . The boys were spoilt with electric bikes for Christmas. It’s a part of living here in Hermosa Beach . The kids expectations are based on what their peers have . In the beach cities their peers get a lot . At the moment there’s an electric bike / scooter / skateboard revolution sweeping through the Southbay of Los angles . It’s not hard to see why . The area has an excellent beach path that sweeps from Redondo Beach all the way to the Venice Breakwall .That’s approximately 17 miles . This path fronts some of the most expensive realestate in all of America , add to that the many bars , cafes , piers and beach access and you can see why any type of bike is a must .

The E bikes are very practical in a high density living environment like LA . I know they have their detractors ,with safety and the speeds they can reach ( 25+miles per hour ) ,but with traffic so problematic I think they’re here to stay . When talking traffic ,it can be a pain in the arse taking kids ( especially older kids ) to school . Enter your EBike . What can take 10-15 minutes to drive just a couple of miles can be matched or bettered with the EBike . Of course they’re not cheap but our kids both acquired one this year ,and I admit they’ve been more than handy .

Locking your bikes or anything valuable here is imperative. Petty crime is a constant in the South Bay . It’s an unfortunate reality of this place , almost everyone gets stung at some time .It’s just that it’s now the 3rd time we’ve had bikes stolen in 4 years of living here .That’s nearly 2 grand down the drain . I get that it’s minor and it happens in a lot of other places too but it doesn’t happen anywhere near the rate of this place in our home town in Australia .

Tex , myself and our neighbour Dan will often get on our bikes and ride down the beach path looking for better waves . We’ll lock our bikes to a stairwell balustrade , sign pole or if we are lucky enough to find a bike rack ; usually within eye-line . To date we haven’t had a problem . Last night Tex badgered me into going to Manhattan Pier for a surf . I was already stuffed but I insisted we walk as it would only take us 10 minutes ,but Tex’s persistent whinging meant we would bike instead …… our fate had been dealt . Tex took his younger brothers EBike . We locked our bikes up separately with our own respective locks . Mine is a bulky chain style ,Tex’s is your smaller cable type . We had been warned that the cable style locks gave little resistance to a skilled thief . I had been meaning to get another lock like my own but had been lazy in getting it done . I left the water as dark descended . Tex stayed out for 1 more . By the time I rode home , Tex had rung his mother to inform her that Leroy’s EBike had been stolen . The lock had either been picked or cut in broad view on a crowded pier .Brazen .

Within minutes Emma and I are tracking the bike’s movements . We have fitted it with a tracking tile hidden under the seat and one attached to the keys . It moves from one location to another , all the while we are 10 minutes behind . It becomes a wild goose chase . The tile can only be picked up when the bike stops moving . By the time we are alerted to a location it has gone . Eventually we find the 1st tile attached to the keys hidden in the bushes a mile away from the pier and nearly 2 hours after it was stolen .It was obvious they’d find that and discard it . Emma and I would chase the tracking device until 1015 pm . The next morning we tracked the tile move again until we found the tile thrown in the bushes outside of Target at 930 am . The bike was gone for good . We did go to the police that night but the station was closed . A phone number was shown on the window for emergencies . With the high frequency of bike thefts we deemed it not really an emergency . Maybe we should’ve rang anyway . The anger was palpable . I just dreamt of catching the fucker on that bike and giving him the coat hanger at full speed . Yeah I know , it may have been stupid but I was and still am pretty pissed . We may find it by going to the police but the odds are slim , eBay might be a better chance . Another lesson was learnt living in this town . Lock up your shit real good and if it has any value it’s a sure target . Don’t skimp on a lock

We March in behind Tex , passing hikers returning from their descent. An ominous old wooden sign warning of the dangers of taking your dog on this trek was a snapshot of what was to come . Surely it can’t be that tough ? I dismiss it as a sign put their by locals to dissuade the ever stream of tourists that park their cars at any possible space ,traipse through the neighbouring streets , across driveways until reaching a small bush opening that takes them up to Kiawah Ridge . As soon as our eyes adjust it becomes apparent that this hike might be best suited to Mountain goats . A steep dusty hill face covered with chewy old ti- tree ( not sure what the trees were ) , hikers climbing almost on hands and knees ( some were ) , loose stones and even an old worn down rope that some people were using to pull themselves up . Tex and I looked at each other with a smile , I looked back at Emma ;she looked at me with a stiff jaw ,a small head shake followed by a long exhale . “Shit here we go kiddies , time to sweat up .”

As soon as we get to our hotel I’m itching to get out on the street to go for a wander . It becomes a theme on our stay . Every night the feet would pull up pretty sore . The morning ritual of getting a coffee was tough enough . The queues outside of the coffee shops often ran 20 deep . Lining up for stuff is a pet hate of mine and something that I should be used to by now . Lines or queues , whatever you want to call them are common place in the States . I couldn’t do it . I was happy to walk a couple of blocks to get out of the tourist hotspots in order to get my fix . I must say the coffee in Oahu was pretty good . Melbourne good ? No , but it is definitely better than most of the stuff you’d find on the mainland US .

Waimea Falls on the North Shore was the 1st of three walks/treks that we took . A casual walk along a river that winds through beautiful manicured gardens ending up at a waterfall and swimming hole .

Although the kids whinged pretty hard , they were more than happy to jump in the water and swim under the Waimea falls .

On our drive back from the North Shore Tex insisted we do the famous Pillbox hike at Lanikai Beach . I was unaware that Lanikai Beach was such a beautiful location and a popular one at that . I would definitely consider staying here for a couple of days as an alternative to Waikiki beach . Lanikai beach was busy , real busy and no wonder when you’ve got postcard tropical beachfront , top end realestate , cafes ,corner restaurants and bars to wet your whistle .

“I don’t think we can do it .”I sighed . We’d just driven our 3rd circuit of all the surrounding streets looking for a car park . Tex was about to implode . His “whole holiday was now ruined “ , I was informed .The joint was pumping with beach goers and hikers all squeezing into a corner of housing bordered off by Kaiwa Ridge and the much desired Lanikai beach .

Eventually we retreated to the beach car park and struck luck when a car reversed out just as we entered . A palpable disappointment quickly turned into excited anticipation. It would add half a mile to the walk but it’s worth it .

The Pillboxes are actually observation bunkers used for the maritime era near the end of WW2 . Now they are popular hiking destinations throughout the island . The walk isn’t actually too long at all . After a steep strenuous start it tapers off to a slow ascent that tracks along the Kaiwa Ridge . Once on the ridge the cooling sea breeze is a welcome respite . On the early climb the sun drew out any of the previous nights alcohol …and then some .

The Pillbox walk at Lanikai beach was a nice little win for our adventures on Oahu . The reward for a short strenuous walk was the breathtaking panorama at the top of Kaiwa Ridge . Chinamans Hat , Lanikai Beach ,incredible turquoise water . Hawaii as a paradise …..the view confirmed it . A nice little swim at the bottom would top off the day

Diamond Head …. It’s the last day , we fly out at lunchtime . Emma and I creep out of our room just after 6am . I drive the 3miles or so to the Diamond Head trail entrance , still wiping sleep out of my eyes .

I can’t even remember what we paid but I think it was a$10 entry . The Diamond head trail isn’t a long walk but it has its moments .When the sweat starts to glisten on your forehead at 630am and you look up to see another 100 steps to climb you know are awake now .

The trail is pumping with early morning traffic . By the time Emma and I reach the top there is a line waiting to access the viewing platforms and the main pillbox . Covid 19 or not ,it was shoulder to shoulder ,sweat included .

Even though the kids whinged and plenty of it , going out of our way just a little bit was well worth it . Diamond Head trail is just minutes from Waikiki . The Pillbox walk is in the beautiful Lanikai Beach , about a 40 minute drive from Waikiki .I definitely recommend the coastal drive .

Lanikai Beach is a must day trip if you go to Oahu . Waimea trail is on the North shore .The kids loved the waterfall and the swimming hole …Well hound dogs ,it’s always good to get away from the pool deck when you’re on holiday . A little adventure allows extra reward when you get back at the hotel

We finally get our car and leave Waikiki beach . It’s not that we didn’t like the place but we just got sick of it . I personally was sick of the queues and the reservations that was needed to eat out . I was sick of the Griswalds that were here in abundance . You know the type . The families in their cheap Hawaiian shirts , cargo pants and sandals . They were awkward, rotund , pale and sort of just got in the way . Asking if I was ‘ in a line ‘ ? Me thinking ….. “ No , I’m just coincidentally in single file , 20 person deep , outside of a coffee shop “ . Don’t worry they didn’t bother that much . In fact I found it entertaining . And good on them , for getting out and going on a real holiday……it’s just …there was a lot of them .

It took us just 45 minutes to hit the famous North Shore . Driving is done at an easy pace on Oahu . The speed limit rarely exceeded 50 miles per hour (80ks ) and in any case the traffic rarely hit 45 miles per hour . There’s no hurry when you’re on Island time . If you were in a hurry there’d be a good chance you’d get pulled over anyway , as the cops patrolled the open stretches . It’s not something you’re used to in LA .

The North shore on Oahu is a polar opposite to the southern metropolis of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach . Haleiwa is the capital and pretty much only town on the Northern beaches of Hawaii . Haleiwa sits on a main road that jaunts its way from a freeway roundabout down to the coastline . The town has a couple of restaurants, some food trucks , old weatherboard shop fronts , a string of surf shops and one grocery store . The joint is bustling with tourists, chickens ,roosters and hens as well . No really , chooks roam wild right throughout the island ., happily coexisting without anyone barely taking any notice . The main strip itself has some footpath , some areas where the road meets some overgrown grass and weeds and just a feel that this place is in no hurry to modernise just for the sake of the constant stream of punters that pass through . I think this gives Haleiwa a charm of its own .

We stayed in Laie . Unfortunately our pre booked accomodation at Turtle Bay Resort was cancelled 2 months before our holiday due to maintenance . With Turtle Bay being the only Resort in The North Shore it meant that all B&Bs and small accomodation was booked out or priced out of reach . We stayed 20 minutes away at The Marriot which was fine but shit it would’ve been nice to be on the North Shore proper .

The Waves ………After doing a bit of homework I decided to leave my surf board at home and hire one instead . It was sort of a mistake . It turned out that after checking several shops that I’d have to take what was available. In my case a 7 foot gun that definitely had its use but not on the waves I intended to surf . A couple of days later we found another shop with heaps of boards and I downgraded to something smaller , I just wish I found it earlier . If it wasn’t for Tex I would’ve hardly got out and surfed on the North Shore . One thing about Tex , he’s not scared in having a crack . It’s a place with a fearsome reputation for powerful waves , world class surfers and intense locals . I was happy to skirt the edges but Tex insisted . So where do we go ? The Mecca itself ; a strip of sand that had several breaks including the infamous pipeline . I had no intention of surfing these waves . I was actually shit scared nervous walking down to the beach . In fact I had to detour to the bathrooms before commencing . We paddle out to a wave called Ehukai which sits right next to Pipe. The sand sits quite high at the shoreline , it’s when you paddle out you think “ shit , this is probably a bit bigger than 3 feet “. Fuck it , there’s no paddling back in now , there’s pride at stake . The large board is a bit stiff and not too manoeuvrable but I catch a few waves with it . Over the next 3 days we surf a few waves along here . The surf is super powerful and larger than what it looked from the shoreline but fortunately nothing like we see in magazines . It probably got up to 6 foot with the occasional bus barging through but usually came through at a solid Californian 4 feet . I actually rode a couple of rights that would of ended up at the end of Pipe proper . Luckily for us the Rottweiler stayed in its kennel . Pipe looked nothing more than a beach break and I was happy for that , although I’d still love to see it work . The last morning we surfed Gas Chambers , which was a big fat hulking wedge . I was fortunate to jag a midsized outside wave that satisfied me just nicely . Tex and myself …… we surfed the North Shore .

Food trucks are synonymous with Hawaii and the North Shore . Shrimps , poke , coffee , Thai , burgers , fish’n’chips , the list goes on . Don’t bother coming here and expecting to go out to a restaurant and having a few drinks with your meal . Whilst it’s possible the choices are limited . Just hit the trucks , eat up the delicious fare and come back to the hotel and sink a few coldies whilst you look through the days photos

The North Shore is an interesting place .I had a mental picture of what I thought it would look like . I had it as more developed , with top end realestate buried in amongst tropical palms and resorts but it is far from it . There is a smattering of million dollar beach front bungalows and that’s all . A couple hundred meters from the beach it’s green paddocks , shacks and not much else . Most of the locals would barely live above the breadline ,but I guess they’re happy .

It was 4 years ago today that we left our home in Mornington to embark on a life change that would take us to “ the land of the free .” I still laugh at that term ……” the land of the free “ …..ah no , it’s not “ the land of the free “ . The land of “ nothing is for free “ would be more apt . I write this blog with a heavy sense of fatigue . Emma and I received our 2nd shot of the phizer vaccine. We are supposedly immune to the Covid virus or at the very least well armed to keep the nastier side effects at bay if we were to catch it . I didn’t think I’d ever say this … “ thank god for America . “

It’s been a long 4 years from my perspective. Emma says it has flown by and the boys don’t even seem to have a narrative on the topic ….they just live here . It’s home to them . I guess that is their narrative . I don’t want to beat the same old drum but gee did we pick a time in American history that will be well remembered . Next week our kids will go back to school part time . It’ll be the first time in 13 months that they’ll be both out of the house for school . Within a month both of them could be in school full time . That’s the plan . Their has been many projections that haven’t come to fruition but this time it looks real . Kids sport has also started . Leroy is back playing baseball and doing tennis lessons . Restaurants, bars , breweries and cafes have outdoor dining and some limited indoor dining . Things are on the improve and it certainly helps when you’ve got a mass vaccination rollout .

I just grabbed my 2nd coffee of the day before 2pm . I rarely have more than one and usually only first thing in the morning. The Pfizer shot does take the steam out of you . I think you become very aware that there can be initial side affects , especially hearing stories from friends and reading stuff online . For me it’s a sore arm ,general fatigue and lethargy .It was very similar with the first shot that I received 3 weeks prior . Emma feels slightly worse and has taken a couple of tablets of Advil ( Panadol ) . There’s a want to just lay on the couch and snooze . For what it’s worth I’m very happy to be vaccinated .I’m also happy that the Pfizer vaccine hasn’t yet to show any of the problems that the Johnson and Johnson or Astrazenica vaccines .

Well hound dawgs , it’s been 4 years down . Do I have a time or end date to this journey ? No . What I will say is that there is a feel that things are on the change .That’s not a statement of fact or plan but just a gut feel . To put it into sporting parlance … I think we are coming out of the 3/4 time huddle , the suns finally started to shine and maybe the end is in sight . I’ll drink to that

Yeah I know , a lot of people have been there and it isn’t off the beaten track but still I think you’ll find it’s a different place now . Covid has made sure of that . .

Just before we leave I brush my teeth . As I drop my head to rinse my mouth I feel an all too familiar pinch and then a slow deep aching jolt track down my neck and into my shoulder blade. I know immediately …. I’ve strained my neck 5 minutes before we get into an Uber to the airport . I quickly rub in some CBD lotion and pop 2 Voltaren in . I mention it in passing but I don’t want to be throwing any shade on the family excitement of getting out of LA . I pretend it isn’t there . One thing I didn’t realise was that the flight would take 5 hours 50 minutes . Add the covid conditions of entry ( a negative Covid test ) and then a 90 minute arrival regimen proving you’re covid free …. I was in trouble ….the pain killers would wear off . By the time we got in our Taxi I had a cracking head ache and a neck that was as stiff as a pine tree . Never mind , we are headed to Waikiki beach and that’ll keep the pain away …..sort of .

The drive in by taxi gives you an idea of what the lay of the land looks like . It’s green , roads similar to Australia , undulating and and nothing that I hadn’t envisaged I’d see . Honolulu and Waikiki are very similar to the Gold Coast , but slightly dated . I felt like I’d gone back to the Goldy or Bondi of the early 80s . Between the high rises there are plenty of old shacks , peeling paint and decrepit old dwellings hanging on . There’s a bit of grime on the edges of the shiny beachfront strip .

We are staying at the Laylow , a block off the beachfront . The Laylow is a chic hotel , modern , decorated with cool colours , big leafy pot plants and an adult feel . It’s still kid friendly but it feels like a young couples type of hotel . There’s a cool rooftop bar that opens at 5 pm but the first signs that things weren’t going to be easy was that it was booked out 5 days in advance . Due to Covid . numbers are limited in an effort to keep 6 feet of space between different groups . Geezus we just got here and we can’t even get down for a drink at the hotel bar , at all . We’ll be gone before a time slot is available It’s Spring break in the US , even with Covid the crowds have flocked to Hawaii .

Bookings and lines were the feature of most dining at Waikiki Beach . What was also noticeable was the businesses that had gone under or were closed . Many smaller shops , bars and restaurants were shut . Covid has killed them off . This of course directed the masses to your larger Hotel restaurants and chains ,exacerbating the already Covid restricted guidelines . The end result , book early or walk until you find something that’s 5th or 6th choice . By the 3 rd day in we are all starting to get tired of the place . We need to get out .

Before we did get out we still did some things that leave a smile on your face . Tex and I rented longboards and surfed the famous Waikiki waves , which was a nice box to tick . 3 hours of surf in small 1-2 foot trundlers with 500 other riders made it tough work catching a wave where you thought you wouldn’t run someone over . We got out unscathed .We braved the lines to eat some good Japanese / Asian influenced food . Emma and I went on a Catamaran sailing cruise .. It was a super fun experience , with cocktails , a crew that played up to our Aussie nationality , a few beautiful girls to get in the way of the deep blue water and classic Honolulu skyline , plus a catamaran that actually really started to fly with both sails up . It was a great last day before we head to the North shore .

Well , we’ve still got a second leg to do in the North shore and then back to Waikiki beach for the last couple of days . It’s a place that for us right now is probably a 3-4 day max location . A hire car would’ve been handy for a couple of those days but we didn’t book prior and once we realised we wanted to get out and explore earlier it was too late as everything was booked out . Also beachfront accomodation probably would’ve been better for the kids but we couldn’t find anything as it was almost totally booked out , or what was left was way out of our price range . For now kiddos , it’s time to hit the North Shore and maybe get ourselves wet in some iconic surf locations .

Gday , Hound dawgs just checking in from Waikiki Beach . That’s as close to home (Aus ) as I’ve been in nearly 2 long years . How do you travel ? I don’t mean by what means but what I’m saying is : How do you cope ? Are you a nervous traveller ? Organised ? In control ? A control freak ? Maybe you take it as it comes , or even fly by the seat of your pants . It’s only been the last 15 years that and realistically the last 4 years since moving to the States that travelling is something we focus spending our money on . The kids have no idea how spoilt they’ve been . It’s not everyday that you live in LA , fly to Cancun, Denver , New Orleans , cruise the Bahamas , ski Park City ( Utah ) , drive through Texas and now fly to Hawaii . It was covid , of all things that ironically saw us fly here , all be it 12 months later . Last year was the year . We were to tick off New Orleans , Houston , San Antonio and Austin , Texas . We got that done by mid February. Then it was the crown jewel .. A trip with Emma’s Mum to Washington DC , a train to Philadelphia and then 5 days in New York , with Emma and her mum seeing Billy Joel at Maddison Square garden . Shiyat !! ..That’s big . And to be done at the start of April ….. then of course the world was jolted off its axis , the unthinkable occurred , Covid Fucking 19 . That cancelled trip to the East Coast and the refunded flights and particulars has parlayed into our trip to Hawaii some 12 months later .

You clean up the house , collect the little things now while you remember them . You grab the cords , leads , chargers and then more chargers . You know the world will end if an iPad or phone goes flat . It’s unfortunate that one of the first things you think about when packing for your vacation is screen time , especially with kids . You finally hit the sack feeling pretty spent but sleep doesn’t come easy . You wake at 1215 , 125 , 215 and then at 330 . You know you have to be ready for an Uber by 6am You look at the clock and consider just giving up and getting up now , go into the lounge room and just get online . You don’t , you fight it . You do drift off and then awake with wide eyes .. “ What fucking time is it ? “ The alarm clock reads 455 . You’re alert but you’re dog tired . Emma rolls from one side then the other . “ Maybe I could tap her on the shoulder , ahhh I better not “ Emma gets up at 505 , I fight on . Maybe I can get 10 more minutes of sleep . At 530 I get out of bed . It’s time to get on a plane for a holiday . No matter how many times you’ve done it , there’s still an excited anticipation.

Cheers , I need a cold beer after that flight and I won’t have any trouble finding one .

We are approaching 4 years in LA . Could we have chosen a more turbulent time to live in the US ? I don’t need to rehash everything that’s happened over here when I know full well Australia is always well informed on US happenings . I don’t know how many mass shootings have occurred in our time here but the last one in Boulder struck a chord. Sometimes newsworthy events can be remembered by where you were on that particular day or maybe it’s a place or person you know . Recently I was an hour late to running into the Tiger Woods crash scene on my regular commute . The Boulder massacre was different on a personal level . That supermarket , that town , that State ? I think I’ve been there . I think I was in that very supermarket looking for food and beer for our vacation to Estes Park , 3 years earlier . It’s not about ticking a box or taking some type of glory note , it’s more a reminder that this happens here and you never know when you might be in the wrong place at the wrong time . I know the odds are extremely low but we live in a country where this is unfortunately the norm . It can happen . It’s easy to sigh and just say “ of course it happens here .” Yesterday’s events reminded me of my paranoia when we first moved here . On any visit to a major mall I had the exits scoped out . I knew where I needed to run to . Every year when the kids are in school they do an ‘ active shooter drill ‘ . Yep it’s crazy , but it’s the US .

Talking of things that could’ve happened or might’ve been . It’s Covid and our life living in a place that has been in the middle of it . Tuesday it was our turn . Once again Emma’s know how had put us in line to get our 1st shot of the Pfizer vaccination. I wasn’t nervous at all , even after we went to the wrong address and then realised we had 3 minutes to make our appointment even though google maps told us we were 6 minutes away . It’s fair to say Emma was very anxious when she realised I was behind the wheel . It was only once we got there that I quickly started to feel glass half empty . That lack of confidence that things could go smoothly and that gnawing feeling that I’d be questioned on my eligibility ( I’m eligible) started to creep in .Of course it would be me that would have to line up in a different line to consult with the pharmacist and Emma that went straight into to see the nurse . 15 minutes later I get to the front just as Emma leaves the nurses station , first shot delivered . Sure enough the pharmacist looks at my insurance card and tells me it isn’t eligible . I’m told it’s only for pharmacy and I must produce a doctors card . I tell him I don’t know what he’s talking about . All the while this conversation is stunted , paused and repeated multiple times as my accent is almost unintelligible to the pharmacist, especially with a mask on . I stand at the counter in silence as he punches information into the computer . The body language of the pharmacist tells me that I’m about to be rejected and told to rebook at a later time . Of course he would …..”You’re right to go sir . Just line up at the nurses station and receive your shot .” ……There it is , despite my feeling of inevitable rejection the 1st shot is received . The ensuing 2 days we both had sore arms and were slightly fatigued . Today , I’m happy that we took the first step , and I’m happy to trust science . You can chose to say yes or no to vaccination but I think we’re obligated to protect those that are or more vulnerable than ourselves . …….This week is one of the few times I’m happy to be in the right p,ace at the right time .

It’s 330 am , I roll over to my left side , groggy ,drifting into sleep . There’s a tinging sound of metal , aluminium .Cans crunching in an alley somewhere . It’s the other people . The people that exist on your trash , that clean up the shit you don’t want ……working through the night , in the cold , in the dark ,surviving on nothing but your waste . Several nights later I wake to find Emma not in our bed . She’s creeping around our room . “What are you doing ?” I ask “Ssshhhh , can you hear that ?” she whispers . There’s a voice that’s barely audible,coming from our back alley .It’s 4am on a freezing cold winters night /morning . Our room sits above our back garage . Below our bins sit , along side the back alley . “ Can you see him ?” Emma whispers . We are both kneeling on our bed ,peeking through our blinds . There’s a guy on a bike , wearing a pair of white painters pants ,runners and nothing else . Nothing on above the waist . He’s tying an old broken portable clothesline to his basket on his bike . At the same time he’s talking to someone on his phone . He explains to the person that he gets hot whilst he does his work and thus prefers to work with no top on . At some point the person he is talking to reveals they are in Dana Point , as we hear the guy mention it . It’s bizarre. The guy quietly rides up the lane with a bag over his shoulder and a clothesline on his front basket . Emma and I look at each other ,smile and shake our head .

The next door neighbour app will often have discussions on the people that go through the streets at night . Some would complain about being woken up , or that their bins were messed up ,and some sympathised . Until you see them or know that they’ve been through your bins you don’t have a second thought . I feel terribly sorry for them . They’re real and there’s a lot of them out there . We will often put broken stuff in the laneway knowing that they’ll be salvaged ,even the unsalvagable .

Every week I’ll take Leroy and his mates to a couple of skateparks that are nearby (15/20mins) . We often head to Westchester . Westchester sits about 10km north of us . I always take the beach route as I like to see the ocean and the surf . We cut in through the back of the airport ,passing the Qantas hanger and several of their planes . “Safest airline in the world kiddies .” I declare . “How good does that big red kangaroo look on the tail .” “ Would you want to fly with anyone else ?” I declare . I know my little neighbour will take the bait , he always does . “Yeah , they’re not the best or the biggest Troy .” “ Delta and United would make more money and fly more people . That means they can’t be the best .” he’d reply . It would send us down the same old rabbit hole we always head down .Which country is better ?…. The US or Australia . The little fella is well researched for a 10 year old . He puts up a compelling argument and it’s hard to disagree . Yes the US is the most powerful , the wealthiest , has the biggest companies , the richest men , the strongest military .ect ?…….. Theres no denying he’s right . It’s Americas greatest strength and it’s greatest weakness . This country and its system produces brilliant industry , incredible wealth ,amazing entrepreneurs,but it’s a system that doesn’t cater for those that are not good enough or not capable or not lucky .The lower class and those that are even lower than them are plentiful. It’s the one reply I have up my sleeve for my little mate , but I never go there . It feels unfair .

When the kids skate I’ll pop in the ear phones and listen to a podcast whilst I walk laps of the surrounding parkland . At the moment I’m hooked on Aussie content . Footy , Australian crime and history ,but I do listen to other stuff . The park at Westchester is an interesting place . It’s interesting because it’s a destination for the homeless . I know that sounds bad , or insensitive but I can’t help it . It’s a crisis that seems to be ever growing . It’s a tent city . They border the tennis courts , the perimeter of the baseball and soccer fields . The community centre and its overhanging roofline offer cover for tents , tarps , old couches , bicycles , junk, blankets , rugs , more junk and broken people . They’re in plain view but they are the unseen .

At Westchester it’s out of proportion .Its hard to ignore . It’s merely a matter of time before it becomes a health issue and a news item . The homeless are moving in . Whilst the kids skate , play baseball , practise their soccer skills and work on their backhand the tents keep coming . It’s just the little things ……. How do they wash ? Toilet ? Get food ?money ? ..Some seem normal , maybe Just out of luck . The areas they set up are elaborate. They have bbqs , old couches , fire pits , clothes racks , prams , bikes ….. it’s a camp ground built on the disenfranchised. Others are obviously mentally ill and that is where the real problem lies . The US does not cater for mental illness . It’s a burden , they must fend for themselves .

To my little mate up the road …. You are right , America is an incredible country . The biggest , the most powerful , wealthiest and not ……the happiest . I know of another place

I take my normal route . I cut through the middle of Hermosa and then slip by the back of the power plant . Yep it’s still a shock that they’d put an eyesore like this monstrosity on prime coastal land . It happens a bit here . I drive up Catalina avenue and divert along the coast . I’m always looking for the water and always willing to avoid the Pacific coast highway . It’s a sunny morning , a beautiful clear day .

I climb up Palos Verdes boulevard , into a rare area of trees and greenery , turning left onto Palos Verdes drive . It’s my favourite stretch of road in all of LA . A straight road with a a large median strip heavily wooded with tall gum trees . You’d swear you’re in Australia.

By the time I get through the heavily treed area of Palos Verdes there is a noticeable build up of traffic . Much worse than normal . By the time I get to the intersection of Hawthorn boulevard it’s a bit of a mess . Fortunately I’m going against the traffic , the other side is gridlocked . Traffic cones , road workers and all sorts of shit seem to be going on . I’m oblivious to the major event that happened just an hour earlier . If my radio worked I’d be well aware and have taken a different route . Once I drive through the gate house into a private estate of Rolling Hills I notice a constant buzzing of helicopters. Still , this isn’t entirely unusual , we live in LA after all . .

Once inside and settled into my task there’s a knock on the door. It opens and we are told what is going on . ……Tiger Woods has had a serious car accident around the corner ….on Hawthorn Boulevard .

I know it’s not a big deal that an accident occurred, but it is a spin out to think that I’d ever be driving in this part of the world when such a dramatic sporting story would unfold . For the record I have driven the downhill stretch where Tiger lost control and you do accelerate quickly in a short space of time . There you go hound dogs, I could almost say I was there when it happened .

I walk back to our cabin , a few beers down , carefully crunching my toes through the sole of my boots . It’s dark , as cold as I’ve ever experienced . Large flakes of snow waft down through the night . Every step is taken with caution , so as not to slip and land on my arse . It’s a winter wonderland at night . Cars covered with snow , large pine trees feathered white , embankments of snow built up chest high , golden light glowing out of log cabins . Every now and again a little gust of wind whistles by , sending a chill right through your bones . Back in bed it’s time to melt away , but just before you sleep a nervous pang shoots through your stomach . That little treadmill in your head starts to whir “ I’ve gotta get my stuff organised, we gotta be up early , I gotta get to the other cabin and dress Leroy , my card , my ID …..,and so on . 4 hours sleep later and it’s time to…oh yeah I just went through that 20 times throughout the night .

We are staying on the Canyons side of Park City . The morning news reports of heavy snowfall . There is an avalanche warning , with some areas closed off to the public . Throughout the next couple of days there will be crews up in the mountains working on reducing the risk of avalanche . Shit , you don’t hear of that too often on the Australian slopes . The butterflies in the tummy are at full flutter . Several trips to the bathroom are required before leaving the cabin . It’s gonna be an exciting day .

We’d been up at the base the day before to hire our equipment . When we arrived again this morning we were in for a rude shock . The lines to get on the lifts were as big as I’d ever seen at any sporting event anywhere . In fact I’d never seen lines to get in any place match these . The early optimism about covid restrictions on numbers on the mountain dissolved immediately . One theory had it that the avalanche danger had closed some resorts and directed people to Canyons , others said it was merely the recent snowfall would offer powder . I think it might’ve been the latter . A 90 minute wait in line to even get on the lifts had me very aware of the need to know where the toilets were and to also know that I wouldn’t be sipping out of my water bottle . Once on the bubble travelling up the mountain I soon realised I’d never been on lifts that travelled so far up .

Finally we exit the bubble . I’m informed by Billy ( one of the dads ) that it was time to clip on the board and grab the next lift up . “ You serious ? We gotta go up further ?”

The lift rolls down to the landing point , fortunately muscle memory kicks in and I glide off without going arse over head . Don’t worry , I’d eventually end on my arse a couple of times coming off the lifts .The thing is you just want to start well and hang on to your dignity early . It’s a weird feeling to be completely covered . No skin is exposed . It’s almost like snorkelling or diving . It’s just your breathing , the googles and the pathway you lock onto . It’s time to descend . The slide , the momentum , the fall …you’ve got to flow with it . I get down 200 meters before I finally catch a rail . It’s a relief to the get the first fall out of the way . It ain’t so bad . Getting down the mountain takes concentration . This ole dawg has to lock-in and find a groove . I fall a couple of times but generally slice my way down the run ok . The fatigue and muscle burn quickly becomes a factor . I ain’t been on runs like this before , they just keep going ..and going .

The kids start there day in snowboard school . We have to have them in their marshalling area by 845am . They are to be picked up by 1130am . It means we have to get in the early morning lines for the lifts ,but it’s worth it as that couple of hours is spent on honing your game and exploring different runs that the kids can be introduced to .Tex on the other hand is a complete daredevil . Most of the trip he’s up in the mountains solo . Occasionally I see him explode by me , spraying powder up into my face and then disappearing into small tracks that take you into the dense Forrest . One afternoon he does nurse me through a couple of tougher runs with the added help of Billy . Tex continually yells at me to go faster and to use my edge more. I tell him to shut up and remember I’m a cruiser now who just happens to be 51 and not 15

Boooom!! There it goes again , the distant sound of explosives . As I slice down the hill enclosed in my equipment it’s easy to imagine you’re in The Hunger Games . Each far away blast by avalanche crews sounds eerily similar to that of the movie the Hunger Games when the next competitor dies . Sometimes the blasts are close enough to vibrate through your body . The next morning the already suffocating lift lines were held back an extra half an hour whilst avalanche crews up in the mountain made sure sure that runs were safe . It gives you a fair idea how much snow had been falling .

3 full days of snowboarding or skiing is plenty of time on the slopes at Park City . It ain’t cheap . When a slice of pizza costs $11.50 , a standard lift ticket $220 and then the hiring and snow school on top you can see that it adds up . We were very lucky to be invited by our good friends Bill , Kim and Cooper . Their prior knowledge , the buddy passes that they offered which saved us a fortune on lift tickets and their generous hosting was super appreciated. There’s no doubt we would never have got to Park City without them .

Park City itself was a few miles from our resort . With the heavy snow fall and the packed days we only managed to drive through it .

Woodward is also a famous American skateboard and adventure park that our kids were super lucky to visit

As an Aussie family that has done a lot in the last 4 years ,the boys and I were super grateful to hit an iconic location whist Emma stayed home and worked . I’m personally very grateful to say I snowboarded Park City .