Opa (1st Jun 2008)

Yosemite etc

Once again, Dan, your descriptions and pics bring back memories, in particular Halfdome and the magnificent Sequoias notably Grant. Agree with your comments about the Rangers; we always found them very knowledgable and willing to help, but relaxed withall. Admire your energy for semi-vertical hikes! Take care.

Mum (31st May 2008)

La La land

Los Angeles certainly is a strange place. How the other half live, eh!! The photo of the girls with their drinks in their hands reminded me of the first time I went to USA. Some friends of the family we were staying with arrived by car and walked into the house with their drinks in their hands. I had never seen anything like it. The Roller the girls were standing beside ought to belong to the BPs with a personalised number plate. Have you put a deposit on the 'chocolate fountain' speaker? I'm sure it would easily fit into your bedroom and Joyce next door would appreciate the 'divine' sound emimating. Take care and have fun.

Laura (27th May 2008)

Californication

Hope you are enjoying LA. If you go in the Kodak Centre on Hollywood Boulevard you can get a great view of the Hollywood sign - go to the top level at the back. Also, Griffith Park Observatory is a great place to go, plus you get a good view of the city. Runyan (sp?) Canyon park is good too - if you have some new walking shoes?? Have fun

Mum (27th May 2008)

California

I liked your photo of the universe. Did you spot Cassiopia by any chance? Does the creosote plant give creosote for painting fences? Well done to get stuck in to the Junior Ranger. Often such activities for kids are really good fun and interesting. Will you be spending another night at the hostel with the Norweigen babes? Enjoy the rest of California when you move on.

McM (27th May 2008)

Re: Shoes

DC: Never seen the Stars Walk of Fame (I guess I had better things to do, or was warned off somehow by friends), so I was curious about your shoes comment (no treads). I did find this little snippet, which explains a little: http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2007/09/19/ matt_damon_wears_big_shoes_for_walk_of_f/ Maybe people wear galoshes or bagswhen they don't want to damage their "Bruno Magli's" ($435 shoes). Some stars choose to put their HANDS in concrete instead of shoes. I guess the pecking order is a) the actual star, b) footsies, c) handsies, d) anything else and of course location would be everything, too. I saw web sites for local shoe stores who encouraged celebs who didn't rate the WOF to plant 'em in the sidewalk outside their shoes store! PS: Smithsonian Magazine this month has an article about the 150th anniversary of the "Utah War" and the Mormons. Interesting, but short.

Opa (27th May 2008)

Saving the planet

One always associates Ca. with sunshine; any signs of using solar energy? I think one of the Santa Monica beach photos shows a solar panel. I believe the State Governor professes to be a great energy conservationist. Steady on the street guitarist!!

Pad (26th May 2008)

1983

Hey there nephew. Have just managed to catch up on your fascinating and well written diary, whilst staying with friends in the Peak District. Your travels remind me so much of mine back in '83, even following an almost identical route. Your mode of transport differs in that it's NOT a 1100cc motorcycle, but many of your adventures are similar. I feel a long evening of beer and tale swapping upon your return. Enjoy Ca, I spent longer in this state than anywhere else, largley because it's just soooo cool.If you like roller coasters check out Magic Mountain. Pad

Mum (23rd May 2008)

Life

You certainly see and capture on 'film' life in its many varied and bizarre forms. I am relieved that you came to no harm whilst fire-breathing, nor had more serious run-ins with the police. Take care, and enjoy wierdos and pet rats at a distance. xxxx

McM (21st May 2008)

Re: Shoes

Tino: You're right on those shoes, maybe DC should get a parachute instead! OK, I think he's out of the high places territory. Maybe some Great White Shark repellent would be in order now. Coincidentally, the Eagles were in concert here in Alpharetta this evening, the line to get in was long (I passed it going to trivia), through a thunderstorm (with tornadoes, no less). DC: Thanks for the English. It's up over a million words now, please go find all the changes, that should keep you busy and out of the hands of the Gringo patrol. You should have told the BP that you were smuggling Ajax programmers across the border but so far nobody wanted them so you brought them all back. You don't need to spend any money staying in hostels out in California since half the houses there are both huge and unoccupied. Just bust out a few windows wherever you feel tired and pull a "The Riches" for as long as you need. The terrain there in California is much varied, don't forget to stop in Gilroy, CA for the Garlic Pre-Festival (OK I'm joking the real thing is 25-27 July this year, so you'll miss it) but the inland towns have a lot of "flavor". Don't miss Muir Woods near SFO, that will make any trees you've seen lately seem absolutely shrub-like. Of course, the whole forest of Oregon makes Muir Woods look small in scale, so you have some tree-hugging to do (to measure, etc). The crazy Frenchman sounded interesting. I'm sure you told him Sarkozy jokes to get him going, no doubt. Have a great week! McM

Tino (20th May 2008)

Proper shoes...

Slip & Fall at canyon rim has horrendous results, More at 11. Time for you to stop at REI or North Face and get yourself a proper pair of Hiking Boots, you cheap ass!!!