Bass Lake - Contiki

ON THE ROAD
Leaving Vegas wasn't the easiest of tasks. A lot of faces, immune systems and pride had seen better days when climbing onto the bus. Eventually empty seats became filled and to much amusement of our tour, we sat, heads banging as he decided to punish us by talking what felt the whole way from Vegas to Bass Lake which consisted of 6 hours of coach time, the longest on the trip.

Coach time was not as bad as I had imaged. It was a great time to make up for the sleep you had missed. There was no pressure to constantly be on the go and breaks were a plenty. Movies were played and we had the chance to brush up on our history from the tour guide who seemed to be an encyclopedia on USA history. Not going to lie, would not like to be up against him on a game of trivial persuit. We even witnessed some coach-e-okey for those who had bought shame upon themselves. (That were late and kept us waiting) Yes, thats karaoke on the coach.

LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN
Bass Lake was a world away from Vegas. Gone was the bright lights, replaced with candles and internet connection was out of the question to the much connected big bright city we had just left behind. And wait is that nature, water and green trees? As a country girl at heart this was a home from home. I love big citys, I am amazed at the buildings and busy life but I do love the peace and quiet of the country and open spaces. It was actually the perfect stop to follow the madness of Vegas in which I think everyone appreciated a little rest time. I love this was included in the trip as it helped show the greatness and diversity of USA.
We were split into groups of 3 to fit into our cabin for the next two nights. As a single traveller it meant me an my room mate got split and slotted into rooms with people that were already travelling together. It was a bit daunting considering this was the second night of my tour; I had just befriended my room mate and then had to invade two peoples space that probably had other friends made previously they would like to share with. You quickly get over this though and its a good thing as makes you talk to other people and actually, everyone is so nice its just pre jitters getting the better of me.

The two girls I stayed with were sisters and crazily were only 30 mins from my home town. Our tour was 80% Australians, a few brits, kiwis and a couple of girls from europe. It was crazy to think I was on the other side of the world and yet I found them and another couple from my neck of the woods. (sorry cliche) This is the best bit about travelling, meeting new people near or far.

The cabins were as you expect in the movies. Wooden porches panelled interior throughout made me feel I was about to open the curtains to a grizzly outside my window. Two beds sat downstairs with a windowless bathroom and shower. Upstairs was kitchenette, sofa and a fold out camp bed. I was happy enough to take the camp bed whilst the girls shared the space downstairs. There was a little local shop which we were given $10 by Contiki to buy breakfast for the next two days. Dinners were included both nights and any lunches you could buy when out for the day or from the shop.

RED CUP PARTY
First night was my idea of USA. Pizza party, in a cabin, with the plastic red cups you see in the movies and wait for it...SMORES. I don't know if I am the only one but does that scream American Pie or what? The little things really do make the trip and red cups for me was the epitome. (Ok, so you can get them in UK but its just not the same). It was a chilled night and we ended up sitting out on the deck (yes!) and chatting about anything and everything. This is one of my fondest memories - getting to know my new travelling friends with the weridest and most random questions (what was your favourite childhood toy) whilst the sun went down.

The following evening we grabbed some drink and took a private boat ride around the lake whilst the sun set across the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. This was an extra our tour guide organised which we chipped in about 5 dollas each and was a nice extra for our evening. This was a great chance to bond a little more with the people who had been on the trip for a while and with the flag flying in the background, it felt quite a symbolic moment, we were all finally together and setting 'sail' for our USA adventure. Music playing, shots flying, it was our own private party on the water and the sense of comradery as we all raised our shots told me I was in for a good ride. 

The party continued in the local bar with yes, more karaoke. Who knew karaoke could bring so many people together. 'Family' is a fond phrase within the Contiki group with us all joining in to  ' We are family' as our joint karaoke tune.  You can only imagine how the night progressed with many stumbling back through the trees before an early start in the morning to make our way to San Francisco