The Wonderful Life of Dave

Canada...eh

2010-03-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hi…Long time blah blah blah.

Well we just got back, well not just; actually it was Monday from Whistler, BC. Has traveling become more stressful or is it just me. It used to be where you stood in line for the check in counter and wait for the next available human to issue you your boarding pass and baggage claim. Now you stand in line for the next available computer screen and check in yourself, it’s supposed to make the process move faster.
The screen gives you about six options on which to enter your flight information, after striking out on three we tried the passport method…bingo. After that you stand in another line to check your baggage, want didn’t they used to do this at the same time? Next line security, oops forgot to take the laptop out of the bag, sorry folks behind me. Security at LAX is pretty lax compared to the rest of the world.
Now we are though security. We have to get our boarding pass at the gate; didn’t they do this at the same time as check in? Vancouver is a very nice airport, not to big, not to small…it’s just right.
Customs in Vancouver was a breeze except for the guy I went to, my passport is almost expired so he gave me the business. Our flight was delayed in LA so we missed our bus to Whistler, so we had an hour to kill. Fresh Stella’s killed the time nicely. The Sea to Sky Highway is a really nice drive; it’s about two and a half hours to Whistler from Vancouver, Vancouver is a nice city, got to spend some time their one of these years, I’ve been to Whistler four times and never got off the bus in Vancouver. I don’t know if the Canadians are really proud of their country, or they were still celebrating the Gold Metal over the US in hockey, but there was Maple Leaf Flags everywhere, hanging from building in shop windows…etc; everywhere! It’s aboot 1730 when we arrive at our hotel, Adara. It’s a nice Boutique hotel that I got a good deal on. The hotel is just steps away from the village. We dropped are bags and hit the town er village. The Paralympics were starting on Saturday so there were a lot of athletes in town for that, the Village was all a buzz. Upon returning to our hotel about 0130 we could hear the music from the disco below pretty clear. Lucky four us the hours of operation are not like in New Zealand…”til late” The music stopped about two, and off to sleep. The next morning I got our room moved to more quite local, the third floor on the opposite side of the disco. Very nice staff at the Adara, I would go back. The weather in Whistler was not very nice; it snowed all day, everyday. This is good and bad. I’d rather have a nice blue bird day, but you can’t have everything. Never saw the sun the whole time we where there, now I see why people move to California. Are time in Whistler was spent like this, Sleep a lot, eat a lot, brush ‘em like crazy, Run a lot, do a lot, never be lazy. The Paralympics started on Saturday, we where able to see the opening ceremonies and some of the events on the giant video screens they had everywhere. This is the Olympics they should broadcast! I’m not going to go into any details, but think about it…
On our last day in Whistler we went Snowmobiling and Zip Lining. Snowmobiling was fun, the last time I rode one I was really sore from all the jarring, this time not so much. Zip lining was good as well although we where doing it while snowing; this zip lining is a blast. If you are ever in a place where they have it, by all means try it! Alas we are back home, it’s 80 degrees.

The Californians

2009-06-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

Yes folks it’s that time of the year again, when the Californians (a name given to us by our festival friends) make the pilgrimage to Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival.

Here’s a loose timeline of our travels around the Wild West.

0500/15th June: We board the big blue bus, with Ricky at the helm. Our first stop for the bathroom was Flying J’s where Ricky bought the world’s best Radar detector. Man! that thing is awesome!!!

1600/15th June: We arrive in Moab. Here we get dinner at our favorite Moab eatery, Moab Brewery and spend the night.

0900/16th June: After filing up the big blue bus we make our way to Telluride.
One of the stops we make on the way from Moab to Telluride is Hole in the Rock. Its part Tourist trap, part Zoo. This year the owners have made some new improvements to the place. A Camel, Buffalo, Zebra, Deer, some miniature Horses and a Bird Sanctuary. They also started charging $3.50 to feed the animals, which was a Ricky favorite. None the less we went in anyway...Oh what fun!
We also stopped at this little country store in Bedrock, CO. Rick buy’s a hat, and the store gets to keep the lights on one more day. I’m glad we stopped. We pass this place every year without stopping. A little further up the road is another stop we make every year Naturita, CO. They have this great big walk-in refrigerator full of Beer. After we keep the economy going here, we continue on to Telluride.

1330/16th June: We arrive in Paradise. I love this place, words can not describe it. You have to see it for yourself. Our overpriced condo has a great view of the mountains and Ingram Falls. After unpacking we go for a walk around town, and get some food. I ate too much at supper and got a tummy ache.

0730/17th June: I awake before Ricky and Christina and go for a bike ride to Bear Creek Falls. After about 40 minutes of climbing I reach the falls take a picture with my cell phone then return to the condo. The downhill only took me 5 minutes. That afternoon we get some lunch at Brown Dog Pizza, and then from there we stop off at the most famous drinking establishment in Telluride. The Last Dollar Saloon. While inside I see one of our Festival friends Pam walk by, I call out to her and she joins us at our table. She tells us that she will not be able to attend the festival. We are sad.

1500/17th June: We take the gondola up to Mountain Village for the free Bluegrass show. We see The Greencards and the Lovell Sisters. While in Mountain Village we meet up with some more of our Festival friends, Mark, Steve and Bob. What a great time it was hanging out with those guys. Ricky had the most fun of all…just ask him.

0400/18th June: I get up to get in line for the first of the festival. I do this everyday so we and whoever can get a good seat for the days show.
0500/18th June: I’m joined in line by Ricky, he looks very tried. I guess from to much fun from the night before.
0645/18th June: They pass out line numbers; this is our place in the tarp run.
1000/18th June: The tarp run; when I was a young lad I had a reputation as being a very fast runner, I even held records in Jr. High. Folks, those days are gone. In order to secure a spot on the grass you have to run. You have to go from 0 to a full sprint on very cold tried legs. We get a really good spot for the first day about four rows (Tarps) back.
After seeing about three bands and walking around town, we returned to Town Park for the Head Liner.

2115/18th June : David Byrne comes on stage, what a great set. Although a very untraditional bluegrass one. Every one on stage was dressed in white and there where dancers too. He played about 10 talking heads songs along with some new stuff from his new album; the crowd was moving as one, it was great!!!

0400/19th June: I’m in the Tarp line again, Ricky joins me about an hour later.

0900/19th June: The Tarp run begins; we are almost in the same spot. After a very lazy day we return to Town Park for day number 2…It must be the altitude.

2:45 - 4:00pm — John Cowan Band
4:30 - 5:45pm — Jenny Lewis
6:15 - 7:30pm — Béla Fleck & Toumani Diabaté
8:00 - 9:30pm — Elvis Costello & The Sugarcanes, Elvis Costello’s set was kinda mellow, but I was expecting that.

0400/20th June: This would be my last day in the Tarp Line.

0900/20th June: Saturday is usually more crowded; we get a spot behind the walking aisle, which is good. Today more of the same laziness, damn that altitude.

2:15 - 3:30pm — Jerry Douglas Band
4:00 - 5:30pm — Yonder Mountain String Band
5:45 - 6:00pm — Telluride Troubadour
6:15 - 7:30pm — Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
8:00 - 10:00pm — Sam Bush Band, Sam’s set was his usual awesomeness. He did a Stones cover, Gimme Shelter. Another great day of Telluride Bluegrass Festival fun, I can’t wait for the tapers to release this set so I could relive those awesome moments.

21st June: Because we where suffering from *altitude sickness we didn’t get out of the condo until late, ate a late lunch at Brown Dog and then Town Park for the last day of music.

5:30 - 6:45pm — Tim O'Brien Band
7:15 - 8:30pm — Emmylou Harris
9:00 - 11:00pm — Telluride House Band

Only Christina joined me on the tarp this day, the last day of the festival. Ricky would not be able to attend. We joined Bob and his girlfriend on their tarp for the House Band.
The House Band is a group made up of some of the best and biggest musicians in the world. A great set, but seemed lacking from last year. We say our goodbyes and left before the encore. Another great festival comes to a close.

1000/22nd June: We are seeing beautiful Telluride in our rear view mirror. Our holiday is just getting started, in the words of Robert Earl Keen…The Road Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends. We’re on the way to Crested Butte, CO. Outside of Ridgeway there was the Jerky Stand…Ray’s. This is the business we should be getting into, Jerky. We spent over 150.00 on two separate occasions. It was good as heck.

1500/22nd June: We roll into Crested Butte, our hotel is very nice and it’s only 125.00 a night. After settling in we take the free shuttle down to the town of Crested Butte, we are staying on the mountain. Ate awesome Mexican food at Teocalli Tamale then walked around the little town. We ended up at the Wooden Nickel. Since this is considered the off season we where the only one’s there. Our bartender was a very nice kid who’s working at the bar in the summer and going to Penn State in the Winter/Fall. He was actually born in Crested Butte. * I read the local papers of these places on the internet. And at graduation time they post the schools that the grads will be attending, it seems like 60% of these kids are going to Ivy League schools…WTF. I’m just saying. Maybe it’s the altitude.

1000/23rd June: I go for bike ride on the Snodgrass trail. I rode here last year and I don’t remember being so out of breath then. I guess I should have trained a lot more. After my ride we went for a hike then back to town for food. After eating at Pita’s in Paradise we went to one of the local bars, The Eldo…A sunning place for shady people, is what the sign side over the door. I’ve been to Crested Butte many times but have never been in here. The sign over the door was spot on. We had one beer and left. We ended up back across the street at the Nickel; our new friend was there, what a nice kid. The shuttle stops running at eleven, so we wish Pierce good luck in life and head back up the hill.

1000/24th June: A travel day, 11 hours to Sedona, AZ. On the way to Sedona we had to back track a little (poor planning on my part, but it was the quickest way) so we stopped back at Ray’s for more Jerky (we had all ready finished what we bought on the way up) and back across the Telluride valley floor, seeing the Falls off in the distant. We stopped in the town of Rico to look for a T-Shirt for Rico, but all that was open was the Liquor Store. A good liquor store with many fine craft beers. * Another thing that is recession proof, Liquor Stores. No luck finding a T-shirt…Sorry Big Guy. After many hours on the road we start our approach into Sedona..so beautiful. Eventfully we arrive at our hotel “The Kings Ransom”. Unpacked again. Our Hotel had a restaurant called Etoile, probably the best meal I’ve had in a long time…so good yeah.

1000/25th June: We take the free shuttle to uptown Sedona and walk around; this was the day we have reserved for the Tomcar, an OHV thingy. We have the Tomcar for half a day, so we hit as many trails we could. We have rented the Tomcar before in Moab, the trails in Sedona do not compare, and they are a lot tamer. The Tomcar is what brought us to Sedona in the first place. The outfitter in Moab stopped renting them because of the repair costs. This time Christina drove the car, she did real well, almost as good as Ricky. After too much fun we shopped and dined in beautiful up-town Sedona.
Sedona is not a place for late night partiers, they start rolling up the side walks at 6:30,
The free shuttle stops running at 6:15, so if you are out past that, your walking home…In the dark.

0900/26th June: Travel day to the River. We leave Sedona, I hope to be back real soon it’s really nice here.

1500/26th June: After a quick lunch we arrived at The Colorado River …Parker. We meet up with Carol and Allen. They have a spot in an RV park. This will be our home for the next two nights. What a shock to the system…the temperature the whole trip never got above 80F and here it was 110F, and at night it got down to 80F. It was so hot the stock AC couldn’t work fast enough, so they have to have a home unit has an extra AC. Allen’s PWC is very fast. He took Ricky and I for a ride at the same time and reached 60 MPH.

1200/27th June: We set up our chairs on the lawn down by the river; it doesn’t seem so hot down there. We all had turns riding Allen’s PWC and it was fun, if I had an extra 15k lying around I would pick up one. After all the fun you can have at the “River” we had hot dogs and hot wings for supper. Ricky had to bring up the fact that our journey is coming to an end…he always does this. While sitting in the restaurant in Sedona we had already recapped our trip. The only thing that was missing was the river trip. The few friends that have completed our two week journeys can attest to the fact that they are indeed once in a lifetime.

Home again…

2009-05-04T16:42:00.001-07:00

5/4/2009

Back home. There’s a man selling popsicles on the sidewalk outside. It’s great to be back. Only one more month and we leave for Telluride!!! Feel free to leave cash in our mailbox, a check will do…Thanks

We leave…

2009-05-04T16:41:00.003-07:00

5/3/2009

After walking around downtown one last time we head to the airport, to catch our flight.
What another great trip. Many thanks to Christina for making all the arrangements, you missed your calling. You should off been a travel agent.

It rains in Auckland too…

2009-05-04T16:41:00.001-07:00

5/2/2009

Raining today, we are supposed to go on a harbor cruse, but decided on going to Devonport instead, a 5 minute ferry ride across the harbor. Devonport is a small community with the usual shops and Pubs; we end up at the Patriot for lunch.
After spending most of the day in Devonport, we return to the hotel to drop off the days shopping then back to the Irish place. We didn’t stay as long this night; we were tired from the night before. So early to bed…tomorrow we leave for LA.

Auckland is a city…

2009-05-04T16:40:00.002-07:00

5/1/2009

The Hotel had a shuttle that took us into the city center from there we walked around the Quay (harbor). After lunch at Degree we went up in the Sky Tower to have a look around at the city from way up in the air. That night we ended up at an Irish Pub (tip: if you want to hear live music anywhere an Irish Pub is your best bet). Left the Pub about 2am then to bed.

Bye Bye Queenstown…

2009-05-04T16:40:00.001-07:00

4/30/2009

We check in at the Qantas Counter, there’s a memo saying that our flight may be cancel due to poor visibility…it wasn’t that bad. Apparently Qantas has to have 100% visibility, because they have crappy navigation equipment. Well our flight was cancelled. A voice came over the loud speaker telling us to pick up our baggage and call some 0800 number to sort out our flights. Since everybody was calling we could not get through. Our only alternative was to take a bus to Christchruch and catch a flight to Auckland from there.
While seated on the bus before our departure a rep. from QF told us a QF rep will meet us in Christchruch to help us with our flight to Auckland….Ok good. While on the bus we struck up an alliance with this English couple that where living in Queenstown for the last 10 months, they had gotten through to QF and had confirmed that there was an 8:20PM Air New Zealand flight that QF had reserved for us, our bus was supposed to arrive Christchruch at 8:00PM. With 2 hours to go Christina was feeling uncomfortable about the flight details so she asked our English friends for more info. They ended up letting us use their Mobile phone ( for some reason I could no get through on mine) I was on hold for about an hour before getting through to QF. I told them our situation, and they confirm we where on the 8:20 flight. I felt bad for using the phone for so long but our English friends were really cool about and didn’t care…it was a free call for them.
We arrive in Christchruch and there is no won there to greet us, in fact QF didn’t even know about it. We then went over to the Air New Zealand counter. Our English friends and us were the only ones from the bus booked on the 8:20 NZ flight. Whoever did not confirm with QF got f’d!!! Since this was the last flight out to Auckland they had to spend the night at there own expense and fly out in the AM. We are so grateful for the English for letting us use there phone and Christina not trusting QF. 11:00p we arrive at our last Hotel, very plush and cheap. Our trip is all most over.

We swing…

2009-05-04T16:39:00.000-07:00

4/29/2009

14:10 our ride picks up at Shotover to take us farther up the canyon. It’s time for the Canyon swing. After a little hike we arrive at the jumping off point, we now see what we are in for…heart beats a little faster. After getting in our harnesses we half to decide who’s gunna go first…there’s five in our group three girls, two guys. The first to go was the other guy…He asked us if we ever done anything like this before, I said no, and he hadn’t either…He went off backwards. Watching him disappear into the canyon was weird…The whole event takes a little over a minute…the freefall is 4 seconds. Next was one of the English girls, who were really scared, the funny thing is that the day before they jumped out of an airplane. After they went, it was our turn. Christina went then me.
The swing is a really well engineered contraption. A lot of cables and safety devices.
My turn, I chose to step off the platform…the girls sat down, letting one the swing guys “pull the pin” Stepping off was kinda scary. I just couldn’t talk my legs into taking that first step. The guys joke and make small take while you’re standing there, I suppose to try and put you at ease. Finally I go…nothing fancy I just kinda fall off the platform. The 4 second freefall went by in the blink of an eye. It was real smooth, only a little wind noise. The whole thing only lasts about 2 minutes, your back at the top before you know it. Would I do it again…YES, but with a bit more style…Video coming soon?
After that we went to Minus 5. One of those Vodka Bars in ice. You get 2 drinks and a half hour inside. After Minus 5 we spent our last night in QT at our favorite Pub, Winnies. Queenstown will be missed; I can’t wait to come back again.

Shotover…

2009-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

4/29/2009

At 12:50 we meet at the Shotover Jet boat agency. After a short ride up the canyon to the launch site. We dawned our life Jackets and boarded the boat. They don’t waste any time, your zooming though the canyon at about 80MPH, just missing the canyon walls by inches. Because of the rain the river was a little high, which made the ride that much more exciting. After about a half hour of spinning though the canyon it was over. I was drenched!

Luge...

2009-04-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

4/27/2009

After hitting up half of the bars the night before, getting up was a little on the late side. We took the gondola up to where the Luge ride is. You can tell we are now in the US, because these Luge thingy were fast as heck. You don't have to sign any waivers or anything,you just by a ticket and some person just tells you pull back for the brakes and your off...I all most ate it in the first turn. After the Luge we book our Jetboat and Canyon Swing...it looks so very scary.

Queenstown

2009-04-27T15:16:00.001-07:00

After a short flight from Christchurch we landed in Queenstown. This is our first real hotel, a Crowne Plaza... Only 80.00USD a night. Queenstown has about 100 bars and 120 Restaurants all within a 10 block square.

New Zealand...Christchruch

2009-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

We Are in New Zealand now. Christchurch for one night then on to Queenstown.
After dropping off our stuffs at the Boutique Hotel, Classic Villa...which was not to far from the action, wish we were here longer...oh well. We hit the streets first a place called "Sticky Fingers" the Bar Man was really cool, he was telling us how he make's his own Vodka. They still kits here for doing that, kinda like the home brew kits they have in the states. Time for food, next store was this semi-Mexican place "Coyote" which was pretty good. Our server told where to go for live music. They was this small Square with about twenty different clubs in it, the place we where told to go was "Fat Eddies"...Pretty good music. The drinking age here as well as Australia is 18. When we then there about 2AM there was a butt load of drunk kids in the street.
So Kids if you want to drink legally until the cows come home(i don't think the clubs have a set closing time, but I think their Government it trying to change that)...

Penguins on Parade…

2009-04-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

4/24/2009

Our guide picked us up at 11:40. Our first stop was the Royal Botanical gardens. Had a look around at the plants and stuffs then departed. The Chocolate Factory was our next stop. Consumed a bunch of chocolate then left. Penguin parade, the Penguins don’t come ashore until dusk, so we had an hour to kill before that. They have these grand stands set up on the beach for viewing, for an extra 15 dollars you can upgrade to a smaller grand stand which was better for viewing the Penguins when they came ashore. We did that.
This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen. Hundreds of Penguins coming ashore after being out at sea for up to 2 weeks. They have these boardwalks set up so you can follow the Penguins home. They actually come pretty close. One thing the Rangers where really strict about is NO PHOTOGRAPY. So no pictures. After coming out of the water the Penguins fine there home, which can be up to 1 Kilometer. This was really cool I highly recommend it next time you guys are down here.

Day 8 Oz…

2009-04-25T14:57:00.001-07:00

4/23/2009

Our day started at the St. Kilda Sea Baths. It’s an Olympic size swimming pool filled with clean seawater, oh there’s also spa stuffs here too. After bobbing around for an hour. Showered, and then took the bus over to The Melbourne Gaol (jail). Shared a Ham and Cheese with Christina, then on with the Gaol (jail) tour. When you first enter the Jail tour you get the same treatment as if you where really arrested. Our tour guide used to work at the jail up until it closed in 1994. Then they though you in cells…what a minute I thought this was supposed to be fun. Actually it had a scared straight kind of message.
After that we walked and walked and walked over to Chapel Street, it’s one of those streets that have a lot of nice shopping. Good thing most of the shops where closed by the time we got there I could of done a lot of damage to my Credit Card. We walked the length the of street eating and drinking all a long the why. We ended up back at the ESPY(Esplanade Hotel) saw a great band. I was about to proclaim this place the best music venue ever, BUT after the last band, a DJ played until closing time…he played Hip Hop. Oh well the search continues.

On to Melbourne…

2009-04-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

4/22/2009

We said our goodbyes to our Inn keepers…boy they sure where nice. And hopped on our 14:15 flight to Melbourne. We are staying in another B&B type of place here too.
Once situated in our new digs we hit the streets. St. Klida is the part of town we are staying in. Ackland street is just a couple of blocks from where we are staying. It’s a lot like Haight Street in San Francisco, a lot of hippie types around. After drinks and a meal (I think Christina ate a Kangaroo steak) at a place called Fringe. We went over to a place some friends had mentioned, The Esplanade Hotel to catch some live music. What a cool place, it reminded me of a club in Amsterdam. After watching three bands we when back to our Boutique Hotel and went to sleep…Good Night!

Day 6 Oz…

2009-04-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

4/21/2009

Our Inn Keepers told us that the Sydney fish market is a must do while you are here, so we headed on over for a look…Well more than a look. This place was massive! Fish from all over was represented. After taking some snap shots. We queued up for one of the many eating places inside the market…We ordered the fish feeding frenzy for 10…because it had a little of everything…Shell fish and not so shell fish.
After that I needed to take a nap or take a walk. Christina and I walked across the Harbor Bridge….There that did the trick. Time to eat again. We met back up with Carolyn and had dinner with friends at an Italian place in Kings Cross, I had the Lamb…Yum-O.

Are they taking applicants for the “Biggest Loser” yet?

Day 5 Oz…

2009-04-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

4/20/2009

It’s raining today too…
Up at 6AM for our trek to the Blue Mountains, the guide company Blue Mountain picked us up at 7:30 just up the road from our B&B. Our guide “Jim” was really knowledgeable on Australian History, I learned so much…who knew. Once we got to the Blue Mountains we spotted our first Kangaroos feeding on some grass. After spending about fifteen minutes with the Roos we then drove over to Wentworth Falls. Because of the heavy weather it was difficult to see, but after waiting for a few minutes the clouds would pass and we good get a peek at the falls and the valley below. After the falls we then drove over to the railway which took you down to the bottom of the rain forest. There were stairs to the bottom but we thought it would be neat to take the rail. Well the rail went straight down like a roller coaster…didn’t expect that since you just sit in a seat with no safety device. Once in the rain forest you walk on this very slippery board walk. After Carolyn fell twice, she went back up to the top. It was very dark in the rain forest which made for crappy photos, so don't expect magic from me. On our return to the top of the canyon we rode the sky tram...nice view from there. Two hour drive back to Sydney then a nice dinner at the Royal Hotel...tried.

Day 4 Oz…

2009-04-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

4/19/2009

It’s raining. We took the bus down to the harbor then over to the Rocks market. The Rocks is where the first ships carrying England’s convicts landed. But first we had a little lunch at an Italian restaurant “ Zia Pina”. Australia doesn’t have food that they really call there own, so there is a lot of food from other countries. After stimulating Australia’s economy, we popped into an Irish Pub for a bit of afternoon music. Well afternoon turned into 9PM so we walked up the street to get a bite to eat. The chef made me a special Pizza that was out of this world. Early to bed tonight tomorrow we have to get up early.

Day 3 Oz…

2009-04-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

4/18/2009

Off to the Paddington market, our B&B is in a great location we can walk just about anywhere. There was your usual weekend market with local jewelry and knickknacks. I had my first of many sausages, and it was tasty. After the market we met up with Mark at the Olympic Hotel for some pre Football libations. After picking up my Swans cap we took our seat for the football (Footy) game. Australian Football is a lot different than the American kind. When you first see it its kind of funny, all these guys running around throwing the ball to each other. After a while I got the jest of it and started to get more into the game. Another thing that is different is the fans, there’s no trash talking between the opposing fans, everyone is so nice to each other. After the game the crowd of football fans spill into the pubs, as did we. They sure like to drink here.

Day 2 Oz…

2009-04-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

4/17/2009

Today we went sailing in Sydney Harbor with our B&B hosts and it was excellent!!! We are so lucky to have had this experience because we have stayed in other B&B’s and never had this sort of thing offered to us. After a day sailing we took the bus over to the Oaks Pub to meet up with some of Carolyn’s friends. The Oaks is one of the grandest pubs I’ve even seen, it’s a Disneyland of drinking! With a really nice garden that you can cook your own food on there really nice BBQ, this place was jammed packed, I heard they do about $60,000AU a day…Gotta open a bar here.

Day 1 Oz…

2009-04-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

4/16/2009

After breakfast we went for a walk-about…Actually we took the bus, to the Sydney Aquarium. This it the first time I’ve been to one of these things, you actually walk under water without getting wet. Most of the theme of the place was “Finding Nemo”, kind of geared more towards kids. None the less it was really cool. After the Aquarium experience we walked to the oldest Hotel in Sydney, actually it’s not a hotel, it’s a Pub. Had a lovely meal and walked over to Sydney’s most famous piece of architecture, the opera house. You’ve all seen pictures of the place, well they just don’t do it justice, and it’s pretty grand. Christina has been in Sydney for a week and suggested we stick around to see it in the dark all lit up. After taking some night shots of the Opera House (gotta start traveling with a tripod) we met back up with Christina’s sister Carolyn at an Irish Pub just up from there. There a two piece Irish band belting out drinking songs. One thing I noticed about the Pubs here is that they don’t tolerate being drunk. If they feel you’ve had one to many, they toss you out and if you resist they call the cops, then it’s a $5500.00AU fine. Ouch!!!

I leave…

2009-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

Arrived at LAX at the appropriate time, when I checked in at QF they gave me a whole row of seats so I was able to sleep, pretty much the whole way here…which was nice.
Also what make’s it nice was its night time the whole way here I arrived at six in the morning. When I arrived and turned on my mobile phone it did not work, apparently I don’t have a G3 phone (time to upgrade)…but no biggie. I just bought a Sim card at the airport and was back in business. Trying to call Christina was fun, finally got it on the eighteenth try. After a short taxi ride to the B&B I met up with Christina and her sister.

Do you believe in Magic...

2009-04-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

My Magic Underpants are packed and I’m ready for the trip down unda. Don’t know how often I’ll have access to the net. So don’t expect daily reports.

Gregory’s Girl…

2009-04-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen this gem, well if you haven’t here’s a summary; In his Scottish New Town home, gangling Gregory and his school friends are starting to find out about girls. He fancies Dorothy, not least because she has got into the football team - and is a better player than him. He finally asks her out, but it is obviously the females in control of matters here, and that very much includes Gregory's younger sister. Anyway, Gregory ends up on a date with three different girls on the same night and each time he passes his friends, they say “There must be something in the air” Well there must have been something in the air last night. Gil and I went to see Yonder Mountain String Band at the House of Everything but Blues on Sunset. On the way there was no traffic, so we arrived kind of early, before the doors opened. With about an hour to kill we went across the street to the Saddle Ranch, as soon as we passed though the doors the bartender was already asking us for our drink order. We were looking for a place to sit around the bar but it was crowded with only a few open spots, as we circled the bar the bartender followed us until we found an open seat, there was only one open seat so I sat and we ordered, a few seconds later another guy comes with a bar stool and put it down for Gil…What service! After one drink we wanted to seat at a table to get something to eat, the place was packed and it didn’t look as if we could be seated, no problem for the Saddle Ranch staff they made room for us. After ordering the Manager came by to check on us and if he could do anything for us…Weird. A little while later another Manager comes by and asked us the same. I looked to see if he was going to other tables but he wasn’t. I’m thinking they must think we are going to steal something or we are someone famous…“There must be something in the air”. Back at the HOB we sat at the up stairs bar until the show started. When we got down stairs all the good viewing spaces were crowded so we stood to the right of stage by the bar…of coarse. There were lots of tall people but I could see around them okay. All of a sudden this guy with an ear piece thingy comes up to us and asks if we want to sit in the Foundation/VIP section…“There must be something in the air”
What a great show, those boy can really rock, to bad Honey Bunny was not there she would of really like it…A lot! I wish more of my friends liked YMSB.

I'm leaving on a Jet Plane...

2009-04-06T16:47:00.001-07:00

In a week or so I’m heading out on my next big adventure. I’m going to Australia and New Zealand. So stay tuned to this blog for updates from across the Pacific. I will be joining Christina and her sister in Sydney on the 15th… Should be a lot of FUN!!!
I conceder myself an experienced traveler, so here are a few tips in packing light…Some of which may seem controversial.

Tip number one;
When packing toiletries only bring a tooth brush. Most hotels and B&B’s provide soap
and Shampoo/Conditioner. I see nothing wrong with the stuff, but some of you may
Think otherwise. Also if you are traveling with a large group you can use there
Shampoo.

I’ll post tips though out the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Sometimes my job is cool…

2009-03-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 03/10/2009 I had the job of helping “Kanpei” the most famous comedian in all of Japan in to the United States. After two and a half months at sea he arrived at Parkers Lighthouse in Long Beach on a small sailboat. And that’s not even the end of his journey. Kanpei is sailing and running around the PLANET, he’s doing this to draw attend to Japan as a host for the 2016 Olympic game. This campaign is going to take him almost three years to complete. He is running Long Beach to New York, then sail from NY to Europe. Running across Europe to China is going to take a year in it’s self…My feet are killing me just thinking about it…did I mention Kanpei is 60.

Super Bowl Party

2009-02-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone that attended our party, it was a real neat time.

I got a Trophy!!!

2008-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I ride mountain bike's, and this year on the bike was not a good one. Three crashes where if I had not been wearing a helmet I'd probably be using voice recognition software to type this, or maybe worse... So kids, always wear a helmet.
At this years BC(stands for Bicycle Center) Christmas party I was presented with an trophy. The Rubber Side Up(as opposed to the saying "keep the rubber side down") Award, it was given to me for having the most crashes. Next year I have to relinquish my trophy.
Although it's nice to receive an award I hope I'm not a repeat winner...See ya next Year

Hot Diggity...

2008-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday,I was feeling like I was in need of some pork bi-product. So Ricky and I made the pilgramage to Pinks . >. I haven't been there in quite a while, the last few attempts failed due to a massive line to get served. What a slice of Hot Dog heaven this place is. I had a traditional chili dog while Rick decided to go for something a little fancier, a PASTRAMI REUBEN DOG - Pastrami, mustard, Swiss cheese & sauerkraut. “Back in the day” I used to frequent this place a lot, which might explain my high cholesterol.

Wassup 2008...Check it out

2008-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

True...so true. Wassup 2008

Pulled Pork...

2008-10-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

Pulled pork is a form of barbecue. It is a method of preparation in which pork, usually shoulder cut (sometimes referred to as Boston butt) or mixed cuts, is cooked using a low-heat, long-cook method. With these extended times at low temperatures, the meat becomes tender enough that its weakened connective tissue allows the meat to be "pulled", or easily broken into individual pieces. Pulled pork is found around the world in a variety of forms. That being said, I saw the biggest sandwich yesterday at Pedro's latest BBQ joint, Porky's. If your thinking about going, you better double up on your lipitor. Food this good, can't be good for you.

I feel like Steve Austin

2008-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Got my stitches out! Now I can take a proper shower...I'm so happy.

OUCH!... I did it again...

2008-09-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ouch!!!…Broken clavicle. Not a good year for me on the bike, this is my third incident where I got hurt. Maybe I’m making up for the last twenty years.

Also check this out...Ride

It's the last ride...

2008-09-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Sep 6/7th was the first time I was on a mountain bike since my “ragdoll” though an Aspen grove in Crested Butte. Our first day out we gotta late start and where only able to make a few runs due to some mechanical issues…Dan’s front tire melted on the back of the Element and I was having a front brake problem, AGAIN!!! The dirt on Mammoth Mountain is mostly made up of decomposed granite, it’s kinda weird to ride in let alone walk in it. Actually riding was pretty fun up to a certain point… That there picture was taken just a little too early.

Pool Party!!!

2008-08-28T14:45:00.000-07:00

For those of you who like the enjoyment of a Labor day pool party and want to "kick it up a notch" (not that there's anything wrong with the Elks)try this on for SIZE
Labor Day Pool Party at the Backyard at W

Vegas Baby Vegas!!!

2008-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who like to sneak booze into the theatre, here's you chance to take that bottle outta the bag. Swingers ...An ensemble comedy about five guys, all in their twenties, all coping with the mysteries of life and women, and is set in the back streets and sometimes hidden clubs of Hollywood. It's a story told in the language of the "cocktail nation," a growing twentysomething retro-Swing dance movement that's taken Hollywood by storm and is beginning to sweep the nation. Mike is down in the dumps because he left his girlfriend behind in New York when he came to Hollywood to seek his acting fortune. Instead, he's found loneliness and the blues. Now, after six months of dealing with Mike, his buddy Trent and the other swingers have had enough. It's time to bring Mike back to life. SO come enjoy a cocktail and celebrate!!! Swingers and Booze

But where are you...

2008-08-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

I just came back from a trip and sent out all my images to you lovely folks. The question I keep getting is why aren't you in any of them, well here ya go... a video, the quality is kinda crappy due to the limitations of this site...SORRY!!!

Paris Bee and Bee

2008-08-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

I just came across this web site B&B in Paris for Bed and Breakfast Rooms/Apt. in Paris, you kids gotta check it out. Even if you are not planning to go to Paris anytime soon just take a look. Here I'll even show/tell you how. First click on the WELCOME that's in english, then click on the reservations, then put in the info required(just put a fake date of arrival). A bunch of B&B's will pop up, just click on one of the pictures of the rooms on the right. Be forewarned it'll make you want to go to Paris...Now explore!!!

Barneys, and I don't mean Fife

2008-08-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Barneys New York Warehouse Sale...Peep it out y'all. Get out their and spend your hard earned green backs on some new threads at a discount price.

Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8 — 8am-9pm
Saturday, August 9 — 9am-7pm
Weekdays 10am-8pm, weekends 10am-7pm
EVENT: THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 to SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport
3021 Airport Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90405
310) 777-5700

I'm back...

2008-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

After a couple more days of excellent mountain biking, I had to return home. Although my face has been altered because of a brake failure on the last day. If Sonny Bono was only wearing a...Brand Name - "Giro" Havoc he'd still be alive today.

P.S. The story I'm telling everybody;
I'm a nature photographer, and I was out shooting a a bunch of bears, when all of a sudden one took a swipe at me...people actully belive it.

For Sale...3.1 Million

2008-08-01T08:16:00.001-07:00

This is the house we are staying in...Life is rough isn't it.

400 Hundred and Three

2008-07-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

The Washington Gulch area is just another example of how special this place is. There are any number of incredible views and abundant wildflowers in this drainage.

Yes, we did what most people call the second best ride in Crested Butte. What started out as a awesome day for me turned out to be not so great towards the end of the trail.
While trying to keep up with Tom (MX extraordinaire) the hose to my back brake popped off while I was going into a switch back, since I didn't have a back break I was not able to scrub off enough speed going into the corner and exited the trail, straight off into the abyss, well not really the ABYSS, just a bunch of Skunk cabbage, which made for a very soft landing. Everybody thought this was very FUNNY!!!! After the regrouping I was unable to fix my brake...BUMMER!!!!! I had to continue with only a front brake, which is not the safest thing to do( Actually I did a lot of walking)The good thing is that we where almost down. After getting back to the house I went for a soak in the hot tub. After that I had learned that their was an earthquake back home, after hearing that I got on the phone to HoneyBunney to see if she was alright. After hearing her smiling voice I went back into the hot tub to wait for the rest of the gang. In town for lunch we all ate at this Mexican place that had great food...and cheap tooooo! After THAT! Some of us went to one of the local drinking establishments..."The Brick" for a few. Low and behold(is that how you say that) their is this guy wearing a SAN PEDRO hat, SOOOOO I asked...you from PEDRO, turns out he knows Robbie.(Small World, I guess). More in store for tomorrow.

Profile; picture on left
Troy, a modern day Superman, the first guy to the top, the first guy to the bottom. At 62 the energy this man has is not natural. Time does not seem to affect him. A mountain bike pioneer,he has always been like this, for the last 15 or so years that I have been riding with him he's always been so FAST, the younger kids just can't keep up, it's disheartening for sure.

IRONIC; Breaking Away is on TV right now...

Four 0 One

2008-07-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you’ve never experienced the joy of rushing headlong through handlebar and head high flowers, then you need to ride 401. The downhill can get so thick that the plants keep you centered on the trail like a bobsled run.

That's the trail we did today. Everybody chose to drive to where the trail ended and continue on from there, but no not me I rode from the house and did the full 35 miles. I did cheat and catch a lift back with them though. This picture was taken while I was waiting for about an hour and a half for the group to show up at the top of the decent in this alpine meadow. Their I was all alone, me and my walkie talkie I was able to talk to the guys but unable to see them. The reception was really good. A storm off in the distance was approaching kind of fast and I was thinking about heading down by myself and not wait for everybody, I really didn't want to get struck by lightning. But the storm changed direction and everybody eventuality showed up and we bombed down the mountain from about 11500 feet. Fun was had by all especially me. I was in front holding my own... a couple of ex-motocross racers were all over my rear wheel. Tomorrows another day of mountain madness...

I am here...Crested Butte, Colorado

2008-07-27T17:38:00.000-07:00

Finally got the issues with the lap top sorted out.
And I think I finally got my issues with my mountain bike fix...so that's even better, ya think. I had to use one of the back up bikes, which was super cool of Joe for letin' me use it...Thanks
We did a short warm up ride today only about 2 hours, the weather was perfect! The Local market was cleaned out so we had to go over to Gunnison which is about a half hour away, their they have a much bigger market so we were able to get everything we needed...even lactose free milk!. Tomorrow is going to be a much longer ride, probably 4 or 5 hours. It is one of the premire biking trails in the world...so standby.

The San Franciscan

2008-07-25T10:55:00.000-07:00

I went to the San Franciscan http://www.the-sanfranciscan.com/ yesterday, after many years of friends wanting for me to check it out. It was pretty cool, very old school. Vinyl booths and everything. For those of you who like the alcohol. They have a full bar stocked with brown and clear booze. Steaks are the thing to get while dining here, just check out the menu. So if you want a bit of the old school dining experience without having to go to The dresden Room, check it out...OK
Oh...they have live lounge type music in the bar area.

iPhone 3G Goes on Sale Friday!!! the 11th

2008-07-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

OK! All you folks who could'nt afford the first two gens here's your chance. The release of the 3 Generation will single handedly save the Economy...I think

Why are phone numbers separated by hyphens or dots?

2008-07-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

If there is no hyphen or dot on the phones keypad why do we still use them...WHY!

Ricky gets to shine

2008-06-27T20:58:00.001-07:00

Today's the day Rick gets to show off one of his many talents( and you thought bowling was the only one)the day we rent a jeep and conquer the toughest terrain Utah has to offer. We climbed walls of sand stone, Danced over rock gardens...everything this 4X4 mecca has to offer, we/RICK did it with the precision of a surgeon...He was a STAR!!!

On a down note, todays the last day of our trip. We've all had a lot of fun, too much to mention or remember...I guess that's why we took pictures.

See ya all back in the hood.

P.S.

A gallery to follow when I get back, and also the the travels of Sarah's circle...

Moab...

2008-06-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

On the way to Moab there is this tourist trap called " Hole N' the Wall. The "hole" is actually a 5,0000-square-foot home chiseled out of solid rock. Albert Christensen, a former miner, spent 12 years excavating 50,000 cubic feet of sandstone to create the 14-room home.

Albert and his wife, Gladys, moved into the house in 1952, and also operated a diner there. After Mr. Christensen died in 1957, his widow continued running the restaurant and added a gift shop.

Since this isn't a natural cave, the air is arid and dry, and remains a constant cool temperature. The rooms need little heat and no air conditioning.

The abode has all the comforts of home, including electricity, a solid-rock bathtub and a fireplace with a 65-foot chimney. Mr. Christensen also carved out many little shelves where his wife displayed her collectibles and dolls.

Mrs. Christensen died in 1974 and was laid to rest next to her husband in an alcove near the home's entrance. The grave, of course, is also chiseled out of rock.

We arrived Moab just in time to eat something...Hmmmmmm?

Abobe Milling

2008-06-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

After leaving Durango we made our way behind the Zion curtain, Moab. But first we stopped off at the place where they make everyone's favorite hot sauce. Long story short...after emptying our pockets we left for Moab, Utah...Oops, should of bought more beer.

Durango Baby...Yeah!!!

2008-06-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Durango just in time for supper, It's seems every time we arrived some place it was in time to eat...Hmmmm? After taking in some on the local flavor(s) we "hit the hay" Because we had to get up early for a train ride... The Durango to Silverton train left at 9:00AM. Of coarse we had the Palor Car(Bar Car).What a awesome ride!!! We all gotta do it some time. It's an all day thing, drinks start flowing at around 9:00 and are finished until 7 hours later. We were sure our bar tab was going to break the sound bearer but it was way cheaper than we all thought! The train ride is not all boozing, you actually learning something on the way. Plus they stop in Silverton for a couple of hours so you can continue partying in town...This was such a fun day it's had to find the words...You had to be there.

Verde just isn't a chile...

2008-06-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

After leaving Telluride behind, we set the GPS coordinates for Mesa Verde. You know, the place where Native Americans(Indians)once lived before being wiped off the face of the earth by our ancestors. We went on one of the more strenuous tours where you climb 32 foot ladders and crawl though very very small door ways...I guess Rico's cooking didn't come along until years later. While waiting for this tour their was this bike parked along the fence which was pulling a trailer...Well later on I talked to this guy at the Mesa Verde gift shop. He was riding from New York to San Francisco, his brother had done it two years prior, so not to be out done... The reason I talked to this guy was to ask him if he rode up the hill to the Mesa Verde Natl' Park which was very steep even for automobiles...it took him an hour and a half...Shite!!! I wished him good luck and walked away feeling like a little girl.

On to Durango!

It's Over...So Sad

2008-06-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Well... It's over the Telluride Bluegrass Festival 2008 is over. What an awesome time we all had at the festival...Hers are some high points.

On the first day, Thursday. Rick and I laid out our tarp and it was HUGE! Since two more people were coming this time we got a bigger tarp. When we all got to the tarp and the four of us were sitting on it, their was a lot of extra space. So as the day progressed we started acquiring new friends, 7 to be exact. In fact we all hung out together though out the whole festival. I now have 7 new email addresses in my address book.

On the second day, Friday Mr.T and Sarah arrived to join us in festivation.

On the third day, Saturday I was suffering from TMS(To Much Sun) and feeling kinda of out of it, but after taking in a lot of fluids I was able to bounce back and sing Man Eater along with John Oates...Yes that John Oates.

On the last day, Sunday we arrived at the festival around 3:00PM. Even though their was an all star line-up to end the festival, I couldn't help think about how this was the last day...we've all had so much fun amongst ourselves and with our new friends.
It's a good thing this festival allows taping so I could relive it.

Today is Monday and we are just hanging out at the condo and it's raining, Sarah and Mr. T have to return home. Tomorrow we will be heading to Durango...I really don't want to go home.

More from Durango...Over and Out

Festival Porta Potty

2008-06-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of the festival is having to use the Porta Potty. They have 69 toilets to choose from. Here you see Rick and Jimmy admiring the pump mans handy work.

Festival...Day one

2008-06-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

I got up at 4:00AM to get in line, if you want a good spot at the festival you gotta work for it, the folks that are in the front row are in line around 11PM the night before, since you have to clear out after the nights show this process starts all over again the next day. Fun was had by all...especially festivirgin Jimmy. One of the vender's was giving away wools socks...it's a good thing to because Del McCoury rocked my socks off.

Festival Eve

2008-06-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

It is the day before the festival,(kinda like Xmas eve) the day when we can get all the stuff that needs be be done...DONE! T-shirt shopping, shoe shopping or whatever, it's gotta be done today!
Once the show starts on Thursday, all my energy gets focused on the festival, ie getting in line at 4 AM to get a prime spot for the festival.

We have arrived!!

2008-06-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

After 8 more hours on the road we are in Telluride.

Fun on the Road

2008-06-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Road trips can be a lot of fun...SEE!

Bryce, Bryce...Very Nice

2008-06-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

After eight hours on the road we are only half way to Telluride...our ULTIMATE destination. Bryce is one of those places on earth you have to see to believe, like the Grand Canyon. You could spend hours staring into the Canyon, the colors are constantly changing. The best light for viewing though is when then sun is setting.

Lyndeisms

2008-05-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Q: You're the world's most popular fruit. What are you?
Lynde: Humble.

Q: What is said to be wasted on the young?
Lynde: A whipping.

Q: What is the most abused and neglected part of the body?
Lynde: Well, mine may be abused but it certainly isn't neglected.

Q: It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics. What is the other?
Lynde: Tape measures.

Q: True or false? At a recent hearing, opponents of fluorinated water argued that too much fluorine in a person's system can cause an uncontrollable desire for sex.
Lynde: (shouting) HEY CULLIGAN MAN!

Q: As any good boat enthusiast knows, that when a man falls out of a boat, you yell "man overboard." Now, what should you yell if a woman falls out of a boat?
Lynde: Full speed ahead!

Q: True or false? Your teeth are about the same size and shape as a pig's.
Lynde: Look who's talking, Beaverface. (Host Peter Marshall had an overbite.)

Q: A cub scout holds up two fingers. A boy scout holds up three fingers. What does a girl scout hold up?
Lynde: Well, that just depends on how many cookies you buy.

Q: Why do the Hell's Angels wear leather?
Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles so easily.

Q: Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q: When you pat a dog on its head he will usually wag his tail. What will a goose do?
Lynde: Make him bark.

Q: In Alice in Wonderland, who kept crying, "I'm late, I'm late"?
Lynde: Alice. And her mother is sick about it.

Q: Which is better looking, a pixie or a fairy?
Lynde: I'll go for the fairy.

Q: In The Wizard of Oz, the Lion wanted courage and the Tin Man wanted a heart. What did the Scarecrow want??
Lynde: He wanted the Tin Man to notice him.

Q: Who are more likely to be romantically responsive. Women under thirty or women over thirty?
Lynde: I don't have a third choice?

Q: Paul, how many men on a hockey team?
Lynde: Oh, about half.

Q: True or false: Women are sexier after having a baby.
Lynde: Right after?

Q: What would the Lone Ranger always leave behind with the damsel in distress he'd saved?
Lynde: A masked baby!

Q: Why was Nathan Hale hung?
Lynde: Heredity.

Q: Is it normal for Norwegians to talk to trees?
Lynde: As long as that's as far as it goes.

Q: Why do sheep sleep huddled up?
Lynde: Because Little Boy Blue is a weirdo!

Q: Paul, what profession is the most common for prostitutes after they retire?
Lynde: Smuggling.

Q: Does Mark Spitz believe swimming in the nude helps you go faster?
Lynde: Well, it's easier to steer.

Q: True or false: in the recent world kissing contest in England, two contestants were disqualified when they got too passionate.
Lynde: Yes, but they went on to win in three other categories.

Q: True or false: Paul Revere had sixteen children.
Lynde: From one midnight ride?

Q: You’re equipped with a pick, a sieve, and a shallow pan. What are you about to do?
Lynde: Joan Crawford's eyebrows.

Q: Prehistoric man had two uses for sheep. One was for food. What was the other?
Lynde: Conversation.

Q: What two things should you never do in bed?
Lynde: Point and laugh.

Livin' in the 80's

2008-05-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

OK 80’s music fan’s, your time has come…Just check this out. Retrofest WHO's coming with me to Scotland. Kajagoogoo has reunited and are working on a new CD. I’m so psyched

See into the Future!!!

2008-05-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can see into the future…YES it’s true.
Just type your favorite Reality TV show into Wikipedia 3 hours prior to our viewing here on the west coast, and you can find out the results…that’s still the future isn’t it…

Gorilla Glue

2008-05-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Has anyone ever tried that Gorilla Glue stuff…MAN! That stuff bonds to everything. For instance…in the shower, we have this “Shower Caddy” thingamajig. The weight of the shampoo bottles in the top tier was making the caddy pull out from the suction cups that hold it against the tile, so I whipped out the Gorilla Glue and put a little between the crack where the shower caddy sits in between. The Shower Caddy is metal and the suction cups are plastic. Those things are never coming off now.

Humming's for the Birds

2008-04-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

We just put up a Hummingbird feeder thingy, and it got me wondering…Do Hummingbirds ever suffer from diabetes?

Because their diet mostly consists of SUGAR! I know they have a very high metabolism and all, but even if a human could flap his or her arms as fast as a Hummingbird I still think they would be having some problems…Don't ya think…I'm no doctor. I wonder if they can do studies on those little birds and see what prevents them from getting sugar diabetes…I'm still no doctor…maybe they can't because of there genetic make-up isn't even close to a humans.

That's why they call it Thanksgiving

2007-11-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend was Thanksgiving, and my friends always go to the desert, this year was no exception.
This year I was able to attend…

On Friday morning after spending Thanksgiving with family we left for Red Mountain in the Mojave Desert.
On approaching our destination there are these little cities of motor homes and trailers that pop up in what would be the middle of know where. It’s really weird to see.
I guess that’s the desert might of looked like when the first settlers made there way out west. Upon our arrival our driver, Mr. Pete was stricken with what we suspect was food poisoning. This was our diagnosis because prior to our arrival we stopped at Jack in the Box. Mr. Pete took refuge in his brothers RV while we did the unpacking of the Buggy and dirt bikes. Night came quickly and we all gathered around the fire to keep warm. Some of the kids made this fire thingy’s. They put gasoline in a booze bottle, put the cap back on and then put a little hole in the top of the cap for the gas to escape, it kind of makes a volcano effect, then as the bottle melts it then turns into this big fire ball, or I forgot to mention you put the bottle in the fire. The next morning, or I guess it was the afternoon by the time we got started. We were off on our ride to Randsburg, I rode Rickys ’87 CR250 and Christina rode Mr. Petes Quad. Poor Mr. Pete still feeling the effects of the food poisoning could not make it on this days ride…Bummer for sure!
Since I don’t own a dirtbike and maybe only go once a year if I’m lucky I have to borrow somebody’s very used dirtbike, which is usually too tall or hard to start for me. Any way I was able to make due with what was loaned to me. (Thanks! So much Ricky…you’re the best!) It was a fun ride to Randsburg, I really enjoyed myself and so did Christina. I only needed help starting the bike once (Thanks again Rick). Once we got to Randsburg we where met with a mass amount of other off highway enthusiasts, their were thousands of people! After kicking back for a while we head back to Camp. The sun was already starting to close in the tops of the near by mountains. I was starting to get concerned because it would be getting dark soon, and I didn’t have a light on my loaner dirtbike. WELL the sun went behind the mountains and the dirt was not very well lit, I borrowed another pair of goggles because mine were more for when the sunny is shining. For some reason I had a really hard time dealing with the sand on the way back, guess I was getting tired. With about 2 miles to go it got really dark. I and Christina were doing our best to keep up when she stalled the Quad going though some sand. She was having trouble starting the thing so I laid down my bike and went over to where she was and started it for her. I then got back on my bike and tried to start it, since I didn’t turn the gas off it was gunna be hard to start. After what seemed like 10 minutes of trying to kick the thing over I was starting to really get tired. By this time it was pitch black and me and Christina were all alone in the desert, when our savior Brian came back to look for us. He was able to start the bike for me and I was able to keep moving forward in the dark by riding in between the Rhino and Christina, since they had lights. I was doing pretty well up until the point I was lead into a deep wash with steep walls on each sides. At this point I was at wits end, the bike stalled again and I couldn’t get it started. When along came Sean, he started the bike, rode it out of the wash, and handed it back over to me. It turns out we were only about a mile from camp because Ricky could see Christina’s light in the distance. As Gumby once said “I was on the moon, but I’m sure glad to be back”.
Once back at camp I removed my gear and once again was back at the camp fire. After another night of more of the same as the previous we went to bed.
The next day Mr. Pete was looked a ton better and was able to take me for a ride in his car, a souped up VW with a lot of suspension travel. Boy BOY what a kick in the pants, this thing soaked up the biggest bumps Mother Nature could throw at it. What a blast, I really don’t know how to describe it. I also don’t know how the people that race these things can do it for a thousand miles! I was beat after a half hour ride. Anyway. What a great time I had in the middle of nowhere with my good friends. I guess that’s why they call it Thanksgiving.

Thanks to all the KIDS who helped me and Christina this weekend…Your all the best!

SFO

2007-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Went to San Francisco this weekend and down in fisherman's wharf there was this arcade of sorts inside of this warehouse on the pier. It had a few old school video games, but the real attraction for me was these old arcade games (although there is not much participation for whomever was supplying the coin) from the 40's and 50's. Back then Arcades must of been more geared towards adults than kids because a lot of the games subject matter was all about boozing. After inserting a penny, the things just wiggled around for about 20 seconds or so... good times! Folks, since of amazement must of been different back then. When you think of it, arcade games really haven't evolved all that much in the last 50 years.

New Refrigerator

2007-10-09T12:03:00.001-07:00

We just got a our new Refrigerator and after hooking up the water to it we received our first harvest of ice. Since no pesticides were used I guess you could call it Organic Ice. I can hardly wait to taste one of those little suckers, Because everything always taste better when it's organic...Right?

Todd Rundgren - HOB

2007-09-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

I saw O.H. the other night at the House of everything but Blues and boy oh boy was it a great show. I wish I’d seen the other shows on this mini tour. Todd played a lot of my favorite songs, No.1 lowest common denominator, Back and white, Black Maria…

Too bad for those other venues along the way, they missed TRAPPED which totally rocked! I love the part where they trade lyrics, it was spot on. The duel guitars of Jesse Gress and Todd where totally in sync.

Kasim and Prairie Prince provided the back beat, which was very tight indeed! What a great show, too bad for those who missed it. Todd and band could have easily stood up to today’s Hard Rock revival bands….i.e. Wolfmother ETC…

I've Relocated

2007-09-20T16:42:00.001-07:00

I have moved my base camp to higher ground, fearing that one day a great tsunami would pick me from my perch upon the bluffs. Standby for party invites soon…

Random stuff

2007-09-12T17:25:00.001-07:00

Are you one of those people who photograph random stuff. Ever since I got a digital camera I'll shoot anything and everything, I guess it's because I don't have to pay for processing of film...Yeah that's it.

Back in the USA

2007-09-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm back what a great trip! Here are a few things I'd been thinking about.
1. The newsstands at the airport sell Porno magazines, who's buying these and taking them on the planes, I've never seen anyone with one, or maybe there just good at hiding it. If anyone has seen these mags on the plane please comment.
2. Why do they call them "suit cases" when nobody wears a suit on a plane anymore, they should call them t-shirts and flip-flop cases.
3. Red bull is the cure for Jet lag.
4. The GPS is the greatest invention since sliced bread.
5. Slovenia is still cheap, better hurry and go before the EU takes over.
6. I got these backpacking underwear which came in handy because it was humid as heck. They really do work.
7. The US can't grow a proper Tomato...Why?
8. The Opel Corsa is a piece of crap, with a 1.2 displacement I could barely make 80MPH. When everyone else is going about a 100MPH
9. United Airlines is the worst airlines, just ask anyone.
10. Why is it that the best part about traveling is coming home to a cozy bed.

That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure their will be more, when I'm lying in bed wide awake because of the time difference.

Ciao for now

Flying back home to America

2007-09-03T09:25:00.001-07:00

The drive to the airport was easy peasy. Check in to Austrian Airline was a breeze, the flight to Washington DC was nice. Austrian Air was one of the best Airlines I've ever been on, really good food, nice service and free beer! Big TV screens in the back of the head rests as well.
United Airlines was a whole different story.
We where delayed for three hours because they did not have enough crew to fly the plane, Once on the plane we where told there was not going to be any movie because the movie thingy was broken, what also sucks about United is when they fly domestic you have to by your meals, Lucky for us we stuffed our selves at one of the places at the airport.
Arrival LAX.
After standing at the wrong baggage claim for an hour(United posted the wrong Baggage number) we finally got our baggage. Now we are waiting outside with all the other angry United Airline patrons. Since our flight was delayed, and probably a few others, the United terminal was Chaos! it took another
30 minutes for our ride to make it's way over to us, and after been up for about 36 hours my patients was hanging on by a very small thread.

Zagreb

2007-09-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Since we weren't planning on being in Zagreb for too long we spent a half day there before we took off for Vienna. We only had time for the Gothic Church and the Dolac Market. The market was very bustling with folks buying the groceries for the week. It was very fascinating, to say the least.
After the market we departed for Vienna, a 3 1/2 hour drive...we thought. 30 minutes out of Vienna we are in this traffic which came to a complete stop, for about 3 HOURS! This was due to a major highway being rerouted. This must happen all the time because people where outside of there cars playing cards, Football(Soccer for you Americans), Picnicking, and just running around having a good time. Since we where not prepared for this it made the journey all that longer. Once though the Border( this was another cause for the traffic by the way) we made our way to Vienna at a very slow pace, it was kinda nice travel though Slovina and getting to see it, although though the cars window. Finally we make it to Vienna, Hungry and Euro less. Checking into our little hotel they did not take Credit cards, so we got back in the car in search of a cash machine, this hotel was in a little town outside of Vienna so we weren't very confident . Being very hungry we saw a light on in this little restaurant and asked if they were still open, lucky for us Europeans eat very late. After woofing down a plate of pasta the owner showed us where to find a ATM...then everything was alright until the next day.

Dubrovnik to Zagreb or The Polizie look very closly at your pass-a-port

2007-08-31T15:18:00.001-07:00

Our holiday is coming to a close, today we made the long trek to Zagreb. On the way we have to cross the Bosnian border. We did not know what to expect, well nothing. All we do is drive by this guy and flash our passports, no big deal. En route to Zagreb we stopped in Omis for the Best pizza in town...and it was. Upon our arrival Zagreb we consulted Frommers for a place to get a bite, well the snack turn into a four coarse meal complete with an complimentary glass of Honey Brandy.
Tomorrow we well be returning to Vienna...The last day, so sad.

A/C included

2007-08-31T15:15:00.000-07:00

Croatian A/C...

More about Mljet

2007-08-31T15:13:00.001-07:00

Mljet, is an hour and forty minute boat ride from Dubrovnik. It is the eighth largest island in the Adriatic, and the most beautiful. It has two salt water lakes and a Island that has a monastery that was inhabited until the 91-92 war...the monks never returned.

Follow the Butterfly

2007-08-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today we went on one of those guided tours to Mljet an island of of Dubrovnik and it was fun.

BFN

Split to Dubrovnik

2007-08-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

Greeting!
After partying all night in Split we made our way to Dubrovnik, the Nuvi lead us right to the front door of our three star hotel..BTW I'"m thinking of having one of those navigation devices implanted in my brain so I know where I'm at at all times...Just makes Life easier. Our hotel is very 1970's Eastern Europe Chic. We've spent the last day and a half walking around the Old City of Dubrovnik which takes about 10 minutes. Dubrovnik is kinda like Venice, narrow streets lined with shop and drinking establishments. Oh and a lot of Pizza places...our food of choice , you always know what your getting. The main street in Dubrovnik is kinda like 3rd Street promenade but less ghetto. It is amazing that this place took such a big hit during the 91-92 war. I know it's been 15 years but it's been totally rebuilt back to stock.
Let me take a moment to talk about the fashion.
During the day at the beach, for men it's those really small brief swim suits, and for women it's kinda the same. At night waking around town it's all about White, women in tight white pants that reveal the type of under garment that they are wearing that day, and for men it's White Capri/Clam digger type pants , usually accompanied with a man clutch, and or fanny pack/waist pack thingy... Outta Site!!!
It's been very hot and Humid though out Croatia, my special underpants are really worth their weight in gold or Kunas...the local currency.

This 3 star hotel has wireless internet so no accompanying picture

Ciao

Spilt!!!!

2007-08-28T01:16:00.002-07:00

Today we just hung out at the beach in front of our hotel, but before doing that we need to replenish our funds and the nearest cash machine was in this five star hotel about 20 minutes away...anyway after getting cash we sat down at the bar for a refreshment before heading back.
The bartender asked where we were from, and we told him , a little port town just outside of Los Angeles, and he said SAN PEDRO. He has cousins that live there...It's a small world after all.

Opatija to Split, by the way of Plitvice

2007-08-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

The drive from Opatija to Plitvice was supposed to take 2.5 hours according to "Via Michelin".
It ended up taking about about 4 hours. Anyway this is a National Park with these hiking trails that go up and around these little lakes. The lakes then spill into one another and there are all these beautiful water falls. You really need to spend a whole day there. We arrived at our hotel in Spilt about 10:00PM, because of the size of the hotel we were worried that there would not be anybody to greet us, but luck was on our side. Not only was someone there, but we were also able to eat a delicious meal with a beautiful beach as a back ground.

Free Drinks!

2007-08-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Tony the mixologist at the Hausbrant Bar Kiosk for all the free mixed drinks, your awesome DUDE!

Opatija

2007-08-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Nuvi we safely arrived in the sea side town of Opatija, which looks a lot like Catalina...NOT! Ok maybe a little. Our Hotel is once again very nice so far we are 3 for 3 in the Hotels not a bad one yet. It's very humid here my special under pants are really working overtime. After a day on the beach I haven't seen to many topless women. There are a lot of really fat men walking around in those little bikini briefs though...which is nice. OK I'm outta here for now, I'm on my way to the farmers market to get a potato for my new swim suit.

Find a tourist imformation center get a map...

2007-08-25T09:20:00.000-07:00

The GPS navigation thingy I brought is the BOMB! It sure takes a lot of the stress away from the passenger who is usually giving directions. Even though we have directions printed as a back up the Nuvi360 really shines.

Cheap as old chips

2007-08-24T00:39:00.000-07:00

Can't believe how inexpensive beer is here in Slovenia. The hotel in Ljubljana, The Domina is cheap considering what you are paying for awesome views, Giant TV, a beday. Leaving for Croatia today, Opatija. We'll see how cheap that place is.

P.S. Fisheye wide angle lens courtesy of Mr.Pete, he's from Finland!

Travel Day - Vienna to Ljubljana

2007-08-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

After a short taxi ride back to the airport we picked up our rental car, a Opel Corsica .
Our first stop on the way to Ljubljana is Lake Bled. After we could not find it on the GPS we "winged" it. After making a few wrong turns we made it there in about 4 1/2 hours. Oh did I mention it was raining...bummer because this place was awesome!!! We had a few beers at some outside cafe thingy, then walked around for a bit. After a short walk we slipped into a Pizza joint.
Breaking News!!! Spotted at the table across from us was no other than the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson stuffing her face! After our star sighting we arrive at our Hotel in Ljubljana, what a awesome hotel. It has a Projection TV! Sweeet!!!

Second Day - Second Blog

2007-08-23T00:23:00.001-07:00

Greetings!
Walked around the Old City of Vienna with Rick Steves guide book in hand, took in the sites as well as the local cuisine . This was the first day of wearing my "Special" underpants, the kind you wash in the sink and wear the next day with no nasty odors. It's pretty hot and humid here so they did there job well. Next we are off to Slovenia but first we need to rent a car from the airport...nice! I can hardly what to get on the road and drive in a foreign country.

First Day - First Blog

2007-08-22T00:02:00.002-07:00

Well, first off United Airline SUCKS!!! delayed over an hour at LAX, which caused us to miss our flight to Vienna, arrived really late into Vienna, then our luggage was lost, then there was no place really open to eat except, the good ole GOLDEN ARCHES , thank God they serve beer.