The Cactus Trip Diaries

It was 5:30 a.m. when Angie woke me up with a welcome cup of coffee. By 6:15 we were on the road to T5, Heathrow Airport. There was no rush hour traffic congestion so that I had to wait an hour at Heathrow before I was able to check in my luggage. No problem; I rather wait an hour than get stressed in a traffic jam when cutting it fine.

The BA crew had turned up for work, so no inconvenience from threatened strike action. Was this why only 30% of the economy seats were taken, so that I could stretch out over four seats? I landed at LAX exactly on time and Eunice walked into the arrivals hall just as I was starting up my mobile phone to enquire where she had got to.  It was 11:00 p.m.  in the UK by now, but only 16:00 hrs in LA, where we drove across town in the omni-present traffic jams to find a burger bar for a bite to eat, on our way to the LA Cactus & Succulent Society’s February where I was due to give a presentation of what I saw this winter since 8 October. A world premier, so close to Hollywood and in time for this year’s Oscars! I spotted some cosmetic changes to make before the next showing in 6 weeks time.

I eventually fell into bed after 11:00 pm (LA time that is), some 26 hours after getting up. I’m sure I was asleep before my head hit the pillow!!!