Safely landed in Ecuador. A long day´s travelling from Los Angeles via Miami. Yes, it is a long way out of the way! Phileas did not particularly appreciate being split in two on the first leg of the journey - one part in Row 13, the other in Row 45 but the incompetence of American Airlines is now to be expected. It was the longest we´ve been separated for months!
The flight to Quito itself was a very convivial affair, meeting 2 Brits and a love-sick American who hated travelling but was overwhelmed to be going to see his girlfriend. So, we´re tucked up in the Secret Garden, a maze of rooms and various levels in the Old Town, where everyone seems young and energetic. Phileas booked it days ago, for two whole people. Unfortunately, someone on staff (perhaps Tom the poncho-wearing, bearded Irishman) wasn´t too clever and now they don´t have enough beds. Oh well, in the name of being thrifty, Phileas has agreed to share a bed. Buy one bed, get another person free! At $8 per night, all you can say is "Get in!"
And so we´re in the second highest capital in the world and it´s chucking it down. But we´re alright cos the pot noodle´s gone down a treat!
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Farewell to friends
Omi, Jonny and baby Chloe somewhere near Davis, California.
A very pleasant few days with Jonny and Omi have marked the end of our global visitation of friends. Friends have been a great highlight of the trip. We thank them all for the beds, food, company and good times. We love you all!
South West USA (at last!)
Now that we´ve re-entered the developing world, we have access to computers with USB connection and where we can actually afford to bring you these pics!
Emergency SOS package
Twinchronisation
The Arches National Park and grazing buffalo
Arches National Park sunset
Individual expressions of joy at being on the edge of Monument Valley
The Grandest of Canyons
On the verge of death but still happy to be in Arizona
Paria Canyons - fortunately no flash floods on the day we walked through the slot canyons!
Yosemite National Park - taken from above Vernal Falls
Sealions at...
Emergency SOS package
Twinchronisation
The Arches National Park and grazing buffalo
Arches National Park sunset
Individual expressions of joy at being on the edge of Monument Valley
The Grandest of Canyons
On the verge of death but still happy to be in Arizona
Paria Canyons - fortunately no flash floods on the day we walked through the slot canyons!
Bryce National Park
Zion National Park
Matt´s winnings at the Bellagio
Popped into Paris for the evening
Sunset at Death Valley
Unfortunately, we were too late for sunset at Death Valley´s dunes but every cloud has a silver lining!
Our camp at Yosemite, complete with bear boxes. We made sure they were tightly fastened so they couldn´t get out.
But one Grizzly was still on the loose.
Yosemite National Park - taken from above Vernal Falls
A not-a-care bear
A suitable caption would be appreciated!
Sealions at...
Feeling at home in Alcatraz
No joke of a lie, this is horizontal!
Having been deserted by the twins, we made our way to Sacramento and found a very nice 1885 hostel (which had somehow been moved across the street 3 times!)
The said hostel with a message for the world
The said hostel with a message for the world
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Back on the road
On the Back of a Greyhound
Been a funny couple of days since our boys left us. It's like the music's been turned off: we've had to resort to locking ourselves in a motel room and watching films to cope with the wrenching loss. Not that it's even been easy to do that. Apparently, there's a race in San Fran on Sunday which has meant that every budget and pushing-the-budget bed is taken. The situation's so bad that it was cheaper to travel 2 hours to another city and sleep there instead. This city is close to Davis so our search for the elusive Jonny and Omi should become a little easier.
Mind you, if we don't manage to find them I don't know what we'll do to occupy our time. It's not as if there's disabled shoplifters or graffiti 'artists' to watch do their crimes in serene Sacramento (first impressions!)
Been a funny couple of days since our boys left us. It's like the music's been turned off: we've had to resort to locking ourselves in a motel room and watching films to cope with the wrenching loss. Not that it's even been easy to do that. Apparently, there's a race in San Fran on Sunday which has meant that every budget and pushing-the-budget bed is taken. The situation's so bad that it was cheaper to travel 2 hours to another city and sleep there instead. This city is close to Davis so our search for the elusive Jonny and Omi should become a little easier.
Mind you, if we don't manage to find them I don't know what we'll do to occupy our time. It's not as if there's disabled shoplifters or graffiti 'artists' to watch do their crimes in serene Sacramento (first impressions!)
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
California Dreamin'
Hey folks. Safely arrived in San Francisco and dropped off our faithful car so it's back to Shank's Pony and public transport from here on in.
What a great time Phileas has been having the past days with Matt and Chris. Sorry there's no photos to show at the moment but be sure that as soon as a USB port is located in this hostel, there will be sights to see.
So, where have we been in the quiet time? Made our way via Zion National Park to Las Vegas after a sunrise at Bryce National Park. Sunrise was pants but the rest of the day was particularly....long and fulfilling. Zion made for one of the best drives possible and we all revelled in Matt's relentless attack on the Bellagio which was nearly brought to its knees with his $70 windfall.
We had a swift visit to Death Valley where we unfortunately missed the sunset but were able to capture some other, more unexpected images of fun on the dunes.
Yosemite National Park beckoned. Spent a night in a canvas perma-tent. One of our party spent a good deal of time on bear duty after our neighbours informed us that one had wandered past camp 15 mins before our stroll back from dinner. But there was no big surprise for us in the woods tonight and no evidence of a picnic since we were good campers and had locked all our food in the bear lockers. Are you Bear Aware?
Sampled a great walk upstream and in the hills, getting soaked in the process. One of our party is feeling the posterior effects! Apart from the excellent scenery we did happen across some extraordinary wildlife - Tim Henman, having a leisurely stroll. As with all wildlife, we didn't feed him, make loud noises nor approach but let him be and watched from a distance. And we did the same with the bears too.
WAHOO! Bears!! A sleepy mother and two playful cubs attracted a lot of attention but we had another all to ourselves as it grazed in the field. That was a very fateful detour. And it didn't even rip off our scalps (as Al and Janey's book suggested might happen) so we were very pleased!
So, here we are in Frisco. Golden Gate today, Alcatraz tomorrow and Thursday a sorrowful farewell to our travelling twinnies. Better to have laughed and lost than never to have laughed at all. Only two more friends to meet and then we'll have to start talking to strangers again.
See us soon,
P. Grizzly (thanks for the support and the votes of confidence!) and Phileas
What a great time Phileas has been having the past days with Matt and Chris. Sorry there's no photos to show at the moment but be sure that as soon as a USB port is located in this hostel, there will be sights to see.
So, where have we been in the quiet time? Made our way via Zion National Park to Las Vegas after a sunrise at Bryce National Park. Sunrise was pants but the rest of the day was particularly....long and fulfilling. Zion made for one of the best drives possible and we all revelled in Matt's relentless attack on the Bellagio which was nearly brought to its knees with his $70 windfall.
We had a swift visit to Death Valley where we unfortunately missed the sunset but were able to capture some other, more unexpected images of fun on the dunes.
Yosemite National Park beckoned. Spent a night in a canvas perma-tent. One of our party spent a good deal of time on bear duty after our neighbours informed us that one had wandered past camp 15 mins before our stroll back from dinner. But there was no big surprise for us in the woods tonight and no evidence of a picnic since we were good campers and had locked all our food in the bear lockers. Are you Bear Aware?
Sampled a great walk upstream and in the hills, getting soaked in the process. One of our party is feeling the posterior effects! Apart from the excellent scenery we did happen across some extraordinary wildlife - Tim Henman, having a leisurely stroll. As with all wildlife, we didn't feed him, make loud noises nor approach but let him be and watched from a distance. And we did the same with the bears too.
WAHOO! Bears!! A sleepy mother and two playful cubs attracted a lot of attention but we had another all to ourselves as it grazed in the field. That was a very fateful detour. And it didn't even rip off our scalps (as Al and Janey's book suggested might happen) so we were very pleased!
So, here we are in Frisco. Golden Gate today, Alcatraz tomorrow and Thursday a sorrowful farewell to our travelling twinnies. Better to have laughed and lost than never to have laughed at all. Only two more friends to meet and then we'll have to start talking to strangers again.
See us soon,
P. Grizzly (thanks for the support and the votes of confidence!) and Phileas
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Today
Bryce Canyon. Utah just keeps getting better. Multicoloured spires of rock set amidst a vast natural amphitheatre. Another very special walk with great weather and great company from our two twins.
Hope you're having a good week!
Hope you're having a good week!
Yesterday's today
Travelled northwards, crossing back to Utah. We found our time problem - Arizona. Tested the Chevvy on 8 miles of gravel road to reach Paria Canyons. Wow. Surely one of the best short walks out there as we enjoyed virtual solitude amongst a smooth walled canyon, gently winding its wavey self down the way which was narrow enough to hold both sides. Plenty of photo opportunities and maybe even an album cover.
Holed up for the night in Parry Lodge, Kanab (Utah's Western movie town). We didn't get Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, the Rat Pack, or James Garner's etc room but we had wi-fi access anyway so we coped.
Holed up for the night in Parry Lodge, Kanab (Utah's Western movie town). We didn't get Ronald Reagan, John Wayne, the Rat Pack, or James Garner's etc room but we had wi-fi access anyway so we coped.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
What we did yesterday
Spent the day at the very Grand Canyon, admiring the splendid vistas towards the other rim 10 miles away and the canyon base one mile below. Had a stroll (some may disagree) for a few hours and descended several hundred feet to enjoy the different colours and precipices up close.
Set ourselves up early for prime sunset viewing. At 7.10, with ten minutes till official sunset, we knew something was amiss. Either the sun was about to plummit in an uncharacteristic swan dive, official information was blatantly wrong or our watches were harmonised in error.
Somehow, we'd lived in the wrong time zone since leaving Colorado two days before. At least we could celebrate getting up early without even trying.
Set ourselves up early for prime sunset viewing. At 7.10, with ten minutes till official sunset, we knew something was amiss. Either the sun was about to plummit in an uncharacteristic swan dive, official information was blatantly wrong or our watches were harmonised in error.
Somehow, we'd lived in the wrong time zone since leaving Colorado two days before. At least we could celebrate getting up early without even trying.
Monday, 5 May 2008
To Mama and Dada Bear
Don't worry, all is well!
Your cubs have had a great few days so far, after an initial wait for us at the airport bar. Unfortunately you gave birth to them 6 months too late so they are not mature enough to drive hire cars!
Having come down from Denver through Moab, Arches National Park and Monument Valley, Matt and Chris have taken up identical poses in bed together, resting for the day to come in the Grand Canyon. Needless to say they are worn out due to all the fantastic scenery and sunburn their white heads have acquired.
Phileas is looking after the kids but pictoral evidence will have to wait.
:-)
Your cubs have had a great few days so far, after an initial wait for us at the airport bar. Unfortunately you gave birth to them 6 months too late so they are not mature enough to drive hire cars!
Having come down from Denver through Moab, Arches National Park and Monument Valley, Matt and Chris have taken up identical poses in bed together, resting for the day to come in the Grand Canyon. Needless to say they are worn out due to all the fantastic scenery and sunburn their white heads have acquired.
Phileas is looking after the kids but pictoral evidence will have to wait.
:-)
Thursday, 1 May 2008
X marks the spot
Off to Dallas tomorrow, to see where it happened. Phileas is very excited!
Denver the next day, to meet the kids. Phileas is very excited!
Canada: I Blog To Differ
Canada? Wouldn't have a clue. But I do know that life's not always about gallavanting around, seeing this wonder and doing that extraordinary. Sometimes it's just nice to be with people and enjoy seeing the pleasures of the norm.
Friends
Phileas, Claire and Phil.
Somewhere in Surrey, Vancouver.
Big house, lots of fun:
Balderdash, history lessons, curry with Bob and Jill.
Brownies and hot chocolate, large gourmet burgers and bottomless fries.
Waterfalls, suspension bridge and teenage runners.
Flaky, poisoned apples.
A search for a bookshop and an ICBC.
Not getting a tattoo, the entertaining plot of 'The Honey Pot', not forgetting 'The Avenger'.
A trip to the Olympics two years early, aching bones and a too-hot tub.
A lost coat with a lost hat, a lost Phil with a forgotten wee.
The wrong garage.
Expensive bins with overpriced liners.
A new car and an unwanted table.
Buses.
Phil's sing-a-long playlist.
Two hot kormas and borrowed clothes.
Hiding rings in cocoa powder and mealtime pancakes.
"Don't be alarmed if a rock comes through the window, it's quite normal."
Lots of ice and red-hot laughs.
Family
Grande Cafe Latte, no foam...
Ode to Uncle Thomas -
Inspired by the man himself,
I thought I'd write a poem
An asked Martin for some help.
Today it is his birthday
He's looking very young.
I'd say around about 28
Full of joy and fun.
Uncle Thomas, it's so good to see you,
To hear stories of past and today,
To hear how God hsa blessed you
And how fervently you pray.
We had a great time in Canada,
Though we did not see all its sights.
We have seen Vancouver's cityscape
And Grouse Mountain lit up at night.
We've been to Whistler and on the skytrain,
And seen the pleasant park of Stanley,
But what we've loved most of all
Is time spent with friends and family.
We've enjoyed seeing where you live,
Sharing raspberries and jam.
We've enjoyed meeting the folks upstairs -
Jyoti, Suruj and Kam.
We've enjoyed eating your cookies
Your soup and drinking tea,
We've enjoyed hearing all about
Your dollar spending spree!
Ode to Uncle Thomas -
We wish him all the best.
On this here Happy Birthday
28! (and all the rest...)
Phileas.
Friends
Phileas, Claire and Phil.
Somewhere in Surrey, Vancouver.
Big house, lots of fun:
Balderdash, history lessons, curry with Bob and Jill.
Brownies and hot chocolate, large gourmet burgers and bottomless fries.
Waterfalls, suspension bridge and teenage runners.
Flaky, poisoned apples.
A search for a bookshop and an ICBC.
Not getting a tattoo, the entertaining plot of 'The Honey Pot', not forgetting 'The Avenger'.
A trip to the Olympics two years early, aching bones and a too-hot tub.
A lost coat with a lost hat, a lost Phil with a forgotten wee.
The wrong garage.
Expensive bins with overpriced liners.
A new car and an unwanted table.
Buses.
Phil's sing-a-long playlist.
Two hot kormas and borrowed clothes.
Hiding rings in cocoa powder and mealtime pancakes.
"Don't be alarmed if a rock comes through the window, it's quite normal."
Lots of ice and red-hot laughs.
Family
Grande Cafe Latte, no foam...
Ode to Uncle Thomas -
Inspired by the man himself,
I thought I'd write a poem
An asked Martin for some help.
Today it is his birthday
He's looking very young.
I'd say around about 28
Full of joy and fun.
Uncle Thomas, it's so good to see you,
To hear stories of past and today,
To hear how God hsa blessed you
And how fervently you pray.
We had a great time in Canada,
Though we did not see all its sights.
We have seen Vancouver's cityscape
And Grouse Mountain lit up at night.
We've been to Whistler and on the skytrain,
And seen the pleasant park of Stanley,
But what we've loved most of all
Is time spent with friends and family.
We've enjoyed seeing where you live,
Sharing raspberries and jam.
We've enjoyed meeting the folks upstairs -
Jyoti, Suruj and Kam.
We've enjoyed eating your cookies
Your soup and drinking tea,
We've enjoyed hearing all about
Your dollar spending spree!
Ode to Uncle Thomas -
We wish him all the best.
On this here Happy Birthday
28! (and all the rest...)
Phileas.
Beard on the block
Introducing P. Grizzly.
He's found an even darker side to himself.
But how long has the beard got? Is it time to put the beard on the block? Or do we review the situation in three months?!
He's found an even darker side to himself.
But how long has the beard got? Is it time to put the beard on the block? Or do we review the situation in three months?!
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