Back home and back to werk

Have returned from an amazing trip to Egypt.

Here is a sampling of some souvenirs I brought back.

Some alabaster figures, cheap canopic jar trinkets, beaded bracelets, 

wooden carved camels, a head scarf, and some leftover change.

My Canadian journey begins

Another vacation come and gone.

Here's the story:

King of the Road - Part 2

 

After packing the car and leaving the Pelican Spa room

key in the mail box because it was so early that the front desk wasn't even open yet, 

I turned the car towards the West. 

Destination: Gila National Forest

Johannesburg

Before leaving on Safari, everyone was to meet at the Rosebank

Holiday Inn in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Housekeeping

 

Home again.

After a heck of an adventure across the planet.

But before I spend the next several posts sharing stories, photos,

and more safari details than you ever wanted to know, let's have a

quick rundown of the practical stuff since I've returned home.

Falling With Style

 I have a lot to share.

June was a very busy month.

But first, let me tell you about my birthday.

Video- Helicopter & Sharks

My Helicopter edit.

Take a look!

 

Desert Sharks

Time to fly back to Vegas.

Everyone back in the copter!

Grand Canyon West Rim Adventure

 

After landing on the Heliport, we were set loose by

our pilot to enjoy the surroundings for a few hours.

Helicopter Ride to the Desert

I rode a helicopter!

This was my view from the front seat.

Sharks Don't Have Fear

 

Pandemic-weary Shark ready for some new scenery, 

fearless, but still cautious.

Mask up, wash your fins, and keep your distance!

Let's go!

Seattle/Oregon Part Three

 The saga continues.

"Aw, man. I'm so comfy."

"Five more minutes."

Seattle/Oregon Part One

 As mentioned, I managed to free myself from Quarantown long

enough to get a week away in the Upper Left.

Here are some pictures!

on the road again

 Hello from Seattle!

I took this photo from a seaplane.

San Diego Part 3

Thursday and Friday of the trip was a bit more leisurely. I had checked off the things I wanted to do that were scheduled or dependent on other people. My legs were finally less sore from the race.

Samba Meets Jazz

 What I did at summer camp.

How to pack shirts

How to Pack for a Trip

First, make a big pile of stuff that you think you might take with you.

If the suitcase won't close, you're off to a good start.

Bonus points for trying to pack your plane outfit.

Vegas and Bryce Canyon

I love the desert.

I love the quiet. The solitude. The washed out colors. It's a great aesthetic.

Here is a picture diary of the not so quiet part of the Mojave Desert area.

Vegas Flotsam

A photo journal journey through the Las Vegas area.

The first set of pictures are from 2016. I am not always good about doing things with pictures.

A Weekend West

two and a half days.

Three states.
Two national parks.
One Ferris wheel/observation wheel.

I flew out Friday afternoon, arriving in Las Vegas about 315PM (Vegas time, gained 2 hours!). Note to other hostel dwellers: certain airport shuttles will not deliver you to the hostels in Vegas. So I wound up riding the shuttle that I had already paid for to the Stratosphere, which was nearest the hostel. The Deuce bus took me the rest of the way.

After finally getting situated in my bunk, and locking away my stuff in the locker, I set out for the Strip. The High Roller was my main objective. I had to skip it last year, but promised myself I would get to it on a return trip. Always vacation as though you will come back, but also as if you don't need to sleep. It's a fine balance between going full bore for what you want and letting go of things you can't control.

The High Roller. The cars don't stop moving,  The wheel moves slowly enough that passengers can simply walk on as they glide by. You then watch the Vegas scenery as the car rises, reaches its apex, then comes back around to the dock. The view is pretty great, and it's a good way to take a moment and gather your bearings before heading back out onto the chaos of the Boulevard.

Saturday had a bit of a rough start. My tour guide had called me the night before to confirm pickup at the Golden Nugget. No problem. I had to be at the hotel (because they didn't do hostel pickups) by 530 to catch the bus. I had arranged for a cab to pick me up and get me there, but they didn't show up. The hostel was fortunately near the bus stop, so I walked around the corner hoping it wouldn't be too long of a wait. The clock was ticking though, so I called the phone number I had received the night before to let my guide know that I was having logistical issues. A few minutes later, he called back and told me he could drop by the hostel to get me. Wonderful, wonderful!