Chopper,

Sounds like a wonderful trip. I do know the Stratosphere. I have never stayed there but have gambled/eaten there when it was called "Vegas World". Like most Vegas hotels, it's fine. The only drawback is it is the far end of the strip but if you can easily get a cab or shuttle to the central strip. Or, you can walk if you don't mind walking several blocks. The weather should be cool which beats the 100 plus heat.

You're seeing a lot of neat things in CA. You'll love Disneyland, Plam Springs is very nice with a lot of shops and restaurants. The sky tram you speak of is very popular. Years ago, when I was fairly new to CA, my boss and I drove to Palm Springs to check out a "wet n wild" type swimming place to use as a 7th grade field trip. Her and andother gal were talking about this tram in Palm Springs. Well, we were going to eat at the restaurant on the mountain. Ha ha ha....I saw how high up it was and refused to go on it. (politely of course, but I'm petrified of heights). They laughed and obliged thankfully.

Of course, there's no place like CA. PCH (Highway 1)is very very beautiful.You can't get a much more scenic route. However, last I knew it'll take you at least twice as long to get to your destination because traffice is horrendous. I'd suggest traveling a while on PCH and maybe have an alternate route. It's totally up to you though. If you are not in a hurry, why not?

L.A. is a lot of fun. I just love Universal Studios and want to go again soon. Beveryly Hills, Rodeo Drive, The Chinese Theater/Hollywood Blvd. all a must see. Oh, and everyone needs to see Disneyland at least once. It amazes me how immaculate they keep that park, with all the traffic it sees daily. I haven't been there in years, but it is a neat place.

You'll love San Francisco as well. A totally different atmosphere than SoCal, but still such a wonderful city.

Well, I'be blabbed enough. Have a good time. You're right the time passes so quickly, that before you know it, it'll be here.

TIS