All About Bears

Traipsing the trails of Yosemite, we still haven’t spotted a bear. But that’s probably no bad thing. One member of our party who shall remain anonymous had a bit of a bear flip on a route march this morning up the valley. We entered a dark and gloomy wood, and by the time we’d convinced … Continue reading →

Risk Assessment in Yosemite

I spent a not inconsiderable amount of time on the drive to Yosemite lecturing anyone who cared to listen on the dangers of national parks and how to survive desert hiking (actually of little direct relevance to Yosemite but of general survival interest). I felt we were as well prepared as we could be to … Continue reading →

On Top Of The History Of The World

There’s no substitute for getting out of a car and sitting in the raw relative ‘cool’ of 88 degrees F and contemplating the awe-inspiring (in the true sense of the term) scenery of Death Valley National Park. Above is Rainbow Canyon in the Darwin Falls Wilderness area of the park. The evident and colorful stratification … Continue reading →

Death valley delights

<a Sometimes stopovers become more interesting than the destination. In fact, given the journey is the important bit, stopovers ought always to be of fascinating interest so it's no surprise that Furnace Creek in Death Valley CA has been a delightful interlude. As we stopped off in 120 degrees blasting burning dry heat and reminded … Continue reading →

Not all judges are wankers, but ‘Kim’ is.

En route through the Mohave desert there were some interesting signs, as always on US roads. A local judge clearly wishes to be re-elected, as you can see from this real roadside ad. Who dares now disagree with the proposition that some judges are wankers?

Leaving Las Vegas

Las Vegas did not disappoint. I didn’t gamble and didn’t drink and didn’t shop but had a great time. We are all sorry to leave. There’s something endlessly fascinating about a city in the middle of a desert with suburbs called Paradise and a load of fantasy-themed hotels aimed at over 21s. Although the outer … Continue reading →

Boys’ Night Out

Sammy and dad are going out tonight for a boys night of fun and bonding (a rarity that shocked us all) hitting the vegas strip clubs, I’m sure.. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two came back married….to each other

Some random thoughts on Vegas

It’s 120 degrees outside in Vegas. It cools down to a heady 100 degrees at night (guessing that’s probably 45 and 39 degrees centigrade respectively). It’s thus impossible to move around outside. So, the Bellagio, where we are staying, no doubt like every other large and well known Vegas hotel, has kindly provided us here … Continue reading →

Tings from Mole

Wassup? It’s been a good long while since I put pen to paper (or in this case, fingertip to tablet) and made blog. My silence ends tonight. I find myself in a state of limbo you see, -just finished a book, unwilling to start another, maybe ever again – and it is this, combined with … Continue reading →

Respite in Vegas

Inspired by seeing the sunrise yesterday, I have adopted similar tactics for staying in Las Vegas these next few days. Out running the Strip as the sun appeared above the horizon was a good judgment call. I was surprised to see so many people up and about at the gaming tables and propping up the … Continue reading →