A number of months ago I signed and paid up to go with Trek America and travel around the west coast of USA on the Westerner 2 trip. After going on the Best of the East tour in 2001 I thought that nothing could match that trek. However along with 13 other people including a great tour leader Dave Bandes aka Captain Fishsticks I embarked on a journey which by the end had turned a group of strangers from across the world into a group of close friends.
This trek brought us to some of the most amazing places that the west coast of America has to offer. From the hectic city life of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vegas not to mention the trip across to Mexico (something our group will not forget in a hurry, remember the tequila and that bar!!) to the relaxed and peaceful Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and Zion we got to see it all in such a short time. This trek also took us to some spots that you would probably not visit if you were travelling alone including Devils Landing in Zion, thanks Dave that hike was amazing.
Visiting the Grand Canyon is also something I will never forget and believe me you have to visit it to really appreciate one of the most amazing sites in the world.
The trek was two weeks in total but the time flew by and there was never a dull moment on our bus. The collection of toys we picked up at each stop, the drawings on the bus, the book of quotes, the endless conversations about almost any topic and the constant supply of alcohol (well there was an Irishman and Scotsman on the tour!!) brought us all closer together. However one moment of torture was the girls' insistence of listening to the Spice Girls on the way into Vegas (that was a traumatic experience for all us guys on the trip!!!)
To sum up this trek we began as 14 strangers in Los Angeles but after two weeks together we shared so many laughs and unbelievable experiences that we will not forget and this trek has developed a number of friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. If you get the opportunity do not hesitate to go on a trek as it will be an experience you will never forget.