By Shirley Cambray:
This is a true story about a trip taken by our good friends a few years ago. They have given me permission to relate their memory of the events. I have changed only the names.
We booked with Cordial Coach Lines for a two-week tour through National Parks in the USA western states, confident it would be a first-class holiday, because previously we had taken a well-organized trip with them to Ireland. So, discounting the bus ride, we can report the magnificent scenery was breath-taking, while accommodation and meals were of the highest quality.
First night was spent in a Las Vegas hotel, and early next morning we enjoyed breakfast at a huge buffet. Eager to begin our tour we congregated outside of the lobby where we waited, and waited. Evidently, Cordial was running four buses and we were relegated to the last one, which arrived forty-five minutes late. Imagine our despair when we saw the old blister that was to be ours.
The first three groups had left on super-deluxe touring buses. Ours was old, stripped-down and rickety, with all the comforts of a school bus. No apology was offered for the late start or the condition of the vehicle. Chatty Cathy, our very mature guide, thought telling us the story of her life was more interesting than the places we were seeing along the way. On more than one occasion we heard about a landmark after we had passed it. However, we did find out her husband was very successful, her children were just as aspiring, and her grandchildren would be candidates for Mensa..
Each day we were reminded to be punctual because of our busy schedule. Cathy regularly arrived late, but her many ultra-classy outfits did give us a smile. One morning, while once again patiently waiting to start the day, a shiny new Cordial bus arrived. We surged forward, like excited children, thinking at last we had been sent a replacement. But the driver said no, this bus was not for us, ours would arrive shortly. A loud, collective groan signalled our dismay.
Old Blister coughed, spluttered and wheezed, especially climbing the hills, and we all prayed the brakes would hold each time we made our way downhill. There was no air-conditioning, so we travelled with the windows open, until an unexpected rain storm had everyone scrambling to close them. Being so old, the windows didn’t slide easily and it was a struggle to get them closed before we were soaked. When the roof started to leak a plastic bag and duct tape solved the problem.
We saluted the amazing bus driver, who was courteous and did a great job of maneuvring the tottering vehicle over the mountainous roads. He was given an extra monetary bonus in appreciation.
We travelled through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Yellowstone, with Old Faithful at its finest, Cody Wyoming, Billings Montana, Little Big Horn, Denver, Mesa and Verde. The carved sculptures of American Presidents at Mount Rushmore are so gigantic the men doing restoration work were mere specks. Visiting these places and seeing the fabulous scenery of the Parks always will be a wonderful memory. The bus fiasco is recalled only for a good laugh.
Cordial apologized for our discomfort and offered a $100 gift certificate each, for another trip, but we didn’t take advantage of this.
On a scale of one to ten, what is your rating?
