New Day! New Adventure! (Epic End of 2018 Trip)

November 29th, 2018 - One year since I climbed Camelback Mountain in Arizona, on my way to Hawaii. I decided on that date for that very reason, so I could start another grand adventure one year after a very memorable one! (If you want a taste of my experience climbing Camelback last year, watch this video.)

One of my favorite photos from last year's Hawaii trip.

I've been working my butt off for months getting ready for this next adventure... 21 days long, with 2 days in Las Vegas, followed by 6 days in Honolulu, then 6 days in Sydney, 2 more days in Honolulu and finally 3 days in Los Angeles!

My plans for Vegas are to see the Mob Museum, the Shark Reef Aquariums at the Mandalay Bay Resort (which is where I'm staying), Madame Tussaud's (I'm a big fan of Hollywood and NYC) and to visit one of the observation decks with a good view of the city.

As for Honolulu, I hope to climb Diamond Head again, as well as Koko Crater Railway Trail (which was on my list last time as well, but I forgot...). I would like to explore the area some more and other parts of the island, notably the North Shore, as last time I stayed pretty close to Waikiki Beach.

When I get a little closer to Sydney, I'll have a more definitive plan. My cousin is going to show me some of the sights outside the city and I'm going to explore the city, see the opera house and all of that!

When I stop in Los Angles on the way back, I am hoping to see a taping of Tim Allen's show Last Man Standing, and if I can, The Voice.

Once I get home, I'll be focusing all my attention on my trip to New York City for the New Year!

Here I go again on my own, going down the only road I've ever known.

Today was the first day of my "Epic End of the 2018 Trip" as I have decided to call it.

First, I had to put in applications for a new job, as I've quit my fast food job.

Then, after taking a bath, I had to take my clothes to the laundromat. This also involved a stop at the bank, and I talked to my other employers at the gas station adjoined to the laundromat.

After this, I hurriedly packed my bag and we headed to the airport, (Pittsburgh Airport, by the way, one of my favorite airports overall). My sense of time is all mixed up when it gets dark this early! It must have been around 6pm when I arrived at the airport.

I was packing stuff on the drive over, because I was having a hard time getting things to fit in my backpack. I decided to leave a book and wear several layers of clothes, instead of trying to stuff them in the bag.

I had been trying to check-in for my flight for the past 24 hours, but the airline site wasn't working properly. After saying goodbye to Mom and Dad, I went to the airline's desk and one of their friendly employees showed me how to check in using one of their airport kiosks. (I have always checked in online).

The airport wasn't as busy as it had been the other times I traveled this year. I would have gotten through security a lot faster if it wasn't for the extra layers of clothing, so they had to pat me down. (Next time, I'll just throw the extras in a bin).

Then, I made it to my gate, and after a short wait, we boarded and were in the air. I kept dozing off on the flight, while listening to all the music I had on my phone. (All the music I have on my phone is music I pledged money to support or received a free download of to review. Some pretty good stuff. I was really vibing I Am the Storm's "These Lines" tonight.

Once we landed in Vegas, I needed to charge my phone. I also realized I'd forgotten to eat and drink, pretty much all day. Good job Medley. Thankfully, there is a Port of Subs (one of my favorite restaurants, only found out west) right by the gate we entered through.

Unfortunately, I spent $19.02 on a sandwich and a Gatorade. Not how I planned on spending my money.

Anyway, spending the night in the airport. I check in to my room at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. (Hey, I go when and where the deals are.)