chasing rabbits stateside: June 2005

Latest update: I'm still in San Francisco and will probably stay for most of the week. I've made too many new friends over this weekend to dash off. Then its up to Portland to join HC member Mary who has been a keen follower of my trip to date and whom I can't wait to meet.

Yes, as expected, I left the ride wanting a bike of my own. I had been warned that it was addictive and boy were they right ! I'll be the cool teacher with the shaved head, tattoos and a motorbike, either that or I'll be unemployable !!!!

These 2 events are now 2 of the highlights of my trip. It was fantastic to take part in such an iconic part of gay celebrations. To be able to say that I was Dyke on a Bike at San Francisco's Gay Pride march is incredible.

I owe a huge thanks to Maxine and Sheila who allowed me to ride with them, and to Billie, Kate, Jeanette, Jude and Donna who helped make my Pride so much fun.

line dancing at Pride

line dancing at Pride, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I spent some time exploring the different stages and groups, like this, the country and western area. It was fabulous to see grizzly old cowboys dancing together.

Bikers back

Bikers back, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Donna's wonderful sticker. As we were wandering around the main celebration area a woman called Donna over and pointed the sticker out to her friend and said; " See Rita, God doesn't hate you".

Max and Lesley

Max and Lesley, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I didn't see Maxine and Lesley until the very end. Max is an experienced 'Dyke on a Bike' and was right when she told me it would be an incredibly memorable experience.

The crowds were amazing, with cheers and shouts of 'dykes rule', 'we love you', they clapped and whistled, camera flashes were going off everywhere. I have never felt so proud of who and what I am. The feeling of support,love, acceptance was unbelievable. People leaned out of windows in hotels and offices, waving rainbow flags and banners of support. We waved and 'whooped' and often just screamed with delight. And the bikes ... wow, I'm hooked. It was amazing just riding into town but to also ride as part of a group that earlier had been laughing and joking, and to share this experience with them was wonderful. This was Sheila's first Pride on a bike, and the first time she had ever ridden with someone on the back, so we were both virgins all round!!! I didn't want it to end, right up to the very last minute there were people lining the route, even as made our way down the side streets to park. We all met up again, laughed and hugged and headed off to get lunch.

Getting ready

Getting ready, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Jude 'titivating' (is that word only used in the UK?!)

Jeanette, Jude and Donna

Jeanette, Jude and Donna, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The biker 'pack' I became an honourary member of for the day. Thank you ladies, I had a ball. xx

I got to be a B.O.B !!!

I got to be a B.O.B !!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The wonderful Sheila and the Biker Chick!

I had such a fantastic time that I was keen to be able to take part in the main Pride Parade on Sunday. It's a Parade that is so big it takes a couple of hours for the floats to pass along the parade route. At the front, once again, are the Dykes on Bikes, only this time there are around 500 bikes. A friend of a friend of a friend (!), Sheila, didn't have a B.O.B. and offered to take me. Boy was I chuffed! I was picked up by Jeanette at 8am on Sunday morning and rode with Sheila, Jeanette, Jude and Donna to the line up point on Market. Gradually everyone gathered and I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful and well cared for bikes I have ever seen (there was a lot of disposable income on display!). The level of camaraderie was incredible, people I had seen on saturday would come and chat, we laughed and joked getting incredibly excited. Then at 10am we were off.

Wonderful support

Wonderful support, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The crowds were so glad to see us. I was overwhelmed by the levels of support.

'get em out' !!!

'get em out' !!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The Dykes on Bikes were followed by (at a guess) a couple of thousand women, many carrying banners, not all of them fully clothed! This was a 'safe space/event' and everyone was free to express themselves as they wished, many made the most of this opportunity to 'be themselves'.

Dykes on Bikes

Dykes on Bikes, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Everyone of us was 'all smiles'.

Dykes on bikes

Dykes on bikes, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The amount of support was wonderful, it was such an emotional experience.

Huge crowds watched us set off

Huge crowds watched us set off, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Check out the crowds that waved us off!

This weekend I had the time of my life. It was San Francisco Gay Pride, the biggest celebration of its kind in the world.
On saturday the Dyke March took place. Live music and speakers appeared on a stage in Delores Park to a crowd of thousands made up of predomianantly gay women. At 7pm the Dyke March set off around the Mission district and made its way to Castro. The March is led by a huge group of 'Dykes on Bikes', in this case approximately 200 bikes led the march and I WAS ON ONE OF THEM!!!! Maxine, my host for the week, had invited me to be her B.O.B (Bitch on Back. It was a fantastic experience. Crowds of people lined the pavements to cheer us on, everyone was so supportive and I rode around the route with a huge grin on my face. I was over the moon and am SO greatful to Maxine (who, by the way, has been a wonderful host, although now I would say a great friend).

It seems I was right first time around - the shoes are all over San Francisco !

HAPPY BIRHTDAY MUM, have a fabulous day. I'll phone - I promise !!

Yesterday I went into the City Lights Bookstore (a quick visit turned into over an hour, but then I'm a Minchin, we all exited the womb with our head in a book!). I expected to leave with a book by one of the 'Beats', afterall, what else would you buy there? But once in amongst the bookshelves I found myself desperately homesick for European literature. I am surrounded by American accents and wanted to read something that allowed me to have a European accent rattling around my head. I spent forever browsing, considering work by Mulisch, Marai (you have to read his book Embers - amazing), Bergelson, Dickens, Bronte, I left with Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, after having to decide between that and an abridged version of The Diary of Samuel Pepys.
Today I caught an episode of Keeping Up Appearances and Are You Being Served (see, I'm not a culture snob really, I just pretend to be) it had a similar effect. People have been asking me what I miss about home, it's turning out to be the arts, in its various forms.

Edale

Edale, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

For those of you who have met me on my travels, this is the part of the world I come from. Lucky eh?!!

There are shoes all over San Francisco ! Pairs of perfectly good shoes/trainers scattered about the pavements, no sign of their owners or a struggle that would result in such abandonment. So far I have only seen this phenomenon in the Haight neighborhood (ok - so maybe not all over San Francisco). It's a crazy neighborhood at the best of times but this seems particularly random.

Fun by the river

Fun by the river, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This was the ideal spot for small children, and a group of adults with a Peter Pan approach !

Adrian and Bruno

Adrian and Bruno, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Adrian and his dad Bruno, this is Adrian's 'photo face' !!!

Last weekend I went camping with Linda (an HC member) and her family; her partner Bruno, 2 year old son Adrian and mother Martha. This was my third attempt to spend a couple of nights under camvas on this trip, third time lucky and all that ! I'm glad that it occured with Linda and her family, they are a very relaxed, fun welcoming family and I had a great time hanging out at Big Basin Redwoods State Park. We set up camp at the Twin Redwoods camp site, a small site close to the river. We went for a short hike, played by the river, eat (lots:). I was staying in Linda's old one person tent which has travelled around the world on her various travels, so canvas with real history! Martha slept outside ! Something I wouldn't want to do at the best of times but there are too many animals roaming around for my liking. A raccoon came to pay us a visit on saturday evening and we had to string food up from a tree in bags so raccoons and bears couldn't get to them, you can't even leave your toothpaste in your bag as they will sniff it out !
I didn't shower for 3 days and lived in the same clothes, it was great to not have to care about that kind of thing, although the shower I took back at Linda's was heavenly!
This was Adrian's first camping trip and he seemed to enjoy it. He is a very bright, lively child and it was lovely to hang out with him, although it did remind me how much I miss Julian ! On saturday we were joined by their friend Eric and his 2 year old daughter Seetlali (I'm not sure on the spelling - sorry), she is the most delightful little girl with the cutest smile, and absolutely no fear at all, she was forever running around the site and couldn't play in the river without sitting in it!
I didn't get the chance to explore downtown Santa Cruz, but from the bit I saw it looks lovely and I would really like to return and see more of it.
I was sad to leave them but we parted with a comment about camping together in Yosemite, a lovely thought, especially as I have every intention of coming back and spending more time in that area anyway.

I have a couple of announcements:
Happy Birthday John (my Dallas friend), hope you have a fabulous day, I'll buy you a birthday drink in Cape Cod.
Helen, the Las Vegas Lady (!). Happy Birthday chuck, celebrate in style. I hope all the travelling is still going well.
Vanessa and Lucy, all the best in your new home. I'll be thinking of you lugging boxes around in the heat ! I hope you are very happy there and that the spare bed is comfortable !!!!!!

The finished piece, I love it.

The finished piece, I love it., originally uploaded by LaMinch.

How cool is this huh ? I am SO pleased and am currently looking after it like my foot is made of crystal !

Can you feel the pain ?!

Can you feel the pain ?!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Have any of you passed out yet ?

Idexa at work on my foot !

Idexa at work on my foot !, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Believe it or not, I enjoyed this !

Thursday 16th June 2005.

After a morning in the Pride office I made my way to Black and Blue Tattoo, home of Idexa, who was to scar me for life !!!! I was worried that the mosquito bites that formed a ring around each ankle would cause a problem. Idexa was worried that I wouldn't like the design as this was outside her usual style of work and nearly cancelled - what a pair !! I loved the design and the bites weren't a problem. Idexa is a wonderful, fun, interesting, talented woman, we chatted throughout much of the 3 and a half hour process, but also instinctively knew when the other needed to focus and couldn't chat for a little while. To say it wasn't painful at moments would be lying, although it is better to describe it as an intense sensation than just 'pain' ( and one I quite like in a bizarre way). Although there was one square centimetre where whenever she ventured in I was about ready to hit the roof. Both of us were kind of sad when the work was complete and we were both on a high. I loved the finished work and Idexa was so pleased with the experience she is considering branching out into a new area of design. I have every intention of returning so she can do more work for me. That night I went to sleep with my bandaged foot in the air, trying to figure out how I was going to look after it on a camping trip just outide Santa Cruz - my following days adventures.....

The darkest dot is Alcatraz!

The darkest dot is Alcatraz!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I took this out of the bus window as I returned from Yosemite and crossed the Bay Bridge over to SF. Despite being taken through the glass of the window I'm quite pleased with it !

I arrived back in San Francisco on Wednesday evening and made my way to Emily's flat (she was my next Hospitality Club host and both Emily and her flat mate Kate made me feel very welcome under slightly odd circumstances). I arrived after a stressful journey that involved getting on a bus going in the wrong direction (note that the bus was going in the wrong direction, not that I got on the wrong bus!) and finding myself in a neighbourhood that people shoot one another in on a regular basis ! The right bus (or bus going in the right direction), a beer and a meal prepared by Emily and I was ready to give San Francisco a second chance !

See where those trees go up - thats where I had to go, aaaaah!!

See where those trees go up - thats where I had to go, aaaaah!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Yes it was as steep as it looks.
Yes it was as hot as it looks.
Yes it was bloody hard work.

On tuesday my target was the top of Upper Yosemite Fall, which along with Lower Yosemite Fall is the fifth tallest waterfall in the world at 2,425 ft. I had to make it to the top because I'd told my mother in her birthday card that was what I was doing so I was determined to stick to it !!! I have never had to mentally cajole (I don't think that's spelt right!) myself to such an extent in my life, it was a real test of will power and determination. One of the hardest routes I have ever hiked it was, to date, the biggest physical challenge of my whole trip. An incredibly steep incline up the side of the falls, signs warning of recent sightings of a mountain lion in the area, a trail packed with switch backs, dozens of people crashed at the side of the trail questioning their own sanity, but at the same time lots of people on the way down with encouraging words and promises that the view is worth all the effort. It was. Although it took me a good few minutes of lying on my back and staring at the sky before I was capable of appreciating the view! This is the time when kids are struck off my "I like ....." list. There is nothing more annoying than being exhausted, having legs like jelly and lungs that are trying to burst out of your chest and then having 6 year olds who have just done the same route running around you like they are on speed ".... a little nearer the edge my sweet one, that's it, one step further...". Only kidding !!!! I practically ran back down, worried that I would miss my bus, this of course resulted in me falling - well done KP.A bloody knee, enough grit stuck to my anti mozzi cream (which by the way seems to be appreciated as a four star appetizer by the little bastards) to create a rock garden, filthy pants, all very mature and presentable. I didn't want to leave the park , ever (picture childish tantrum and shaven headed woman stamping her foot and refusing to get on the bus!). Damn it for tattoo appointments !

On my way down the John Muir Trail

On my way down the John Muir Trail, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

One very happy KP :)

Nevada Fall

Nevada Fall, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

There were moments when I had to pinch myself, I couldn't believe I was there.

Below Vernall Fall

Below Vernall Fall, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Get this, two rainbows, one on top of the other !!!!

Lunch time !!!!

Lunch time !!!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This was my lunchtime view, and that's my sandwich just to prove it ! The squirrels are running off just out of shot!

I can't believe I'm here !!!!

I can't believe I'm here !!!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Yosemite National Park, beautiful. This picture was taken part way up the trail to Upper Yosemite Fall.

The fabulous Women's Centre

The fabulous Women's Centre, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I was walking down Valencia and I saw a head appear over the top of a building, I had to go and check it out and this is what I found. It's stunning.

Wow !

Wow !, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I didn't know whether to look at it or step onto it !

Check out the detail !

Check out the detail !, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Earlier I mentioned the amazing murals in the Mission District of San Francisco, well I wasn't kidding. Look at this stuff its incredible.

After four days in San Francisco the 'traveller' part of my brain kicked in - it started to wonder why I wasn't on a bus to my next destination ! I've moved around so much that it didn't feel right to stay in one place for so long. As a result - I HAD TO GET OUT !!!!!!! My second week in SF was therefore replaced with more time in California's spectacular wilderness. On Sunday 12th I travelled to the Yosemite Bug Hostel and booked myself in for 3 nights.

I thought that Cathedral Rocks, Sedona, was as good as it got, then I went to Yosemite ! Monday I decided to hike up the Misty Trail to Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. Waiting for the shuttle bus from the Valley Visitor Centre to the start of the trail was like waiting for a first date that you're pretty confident about !! You're sure it will go well, you have plenty in common, you're attracted to one another, but there is still a part of you that is nervous that it won't go to plan and you'll be disappointed in some way. I know I sound crazy but I was like a 16 year old who couldn't wait to go but was holding back a bit incase the reality dashed the dreams !....... The date went great ! The views were spectacular, the sun shone, literally dozens of rainbows appeared all the way up the falls. I was soaked to the skin at Vernall Falls and the terrain changed regularly as I continued on my way up to Nevada Fall constantly surprising me with more flowers, more challenges underfoot(how people can get to that point and not continue to Nevada Fall I'll never know, actually the 'American waistline' might have something to do with it!). Finally at the top and ready for lunch I had the kind of view to accompany my meal break that would make cardboard taste good. Cheeky squirrels ran, bounced and skittered (I made that word up - I think - but it sounds appropriate !) across the huge flat rocks that people sun bathed on. Two scampered around me and ran off - they looked like cartoon characters and I could imagine them chunnering to one another "huh, nothing worth nicking there, processed cheese, pah, where's the organic stuff...lets try this lot" (we have posh squirrels in Derbyshire!). I reluctantly made my way down , I took the John Muir Trailon the basis that I perfer to work a circular route instead of repeating my footsteps. It was easier and much less interesting, but the views continued to be worthy of dozens of photos.

Yosemite Bug Hostel is clean, fun. the food excellent and not you're usual Hostel fayre (steak/salmon/gooey chocolate cake etc etc). My room mates were chatty and friendly. My only complaint is that some of the staff didn't seem to know their 'arse from their elbow', but the chirpy kitchen staff more than made up for it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VANESSA, 30 today (well staurday 11th), as old as me now lady, we can hobble our way around the hills together. Make sure you celebrate in style, that Lucy spoils you rotten, and that you remember very little of it the following day. Have a wonderful day whatever you do, I'm thinking of you sweetie. Xxxx

I arrived in San Francisco on Monday 6th and the first thing I did (after leaving my ever growing back pack at the Greyhound station and getting some gifts I'd bought for people stolen after foolishly leaving them in the loo) was climb on board one of the famous trolley cars. Yes the streets are that steep and yes you can hang off the sides. Great fun ! I wandered about Fishermans Wharf - dreadfully tacky and a good idea to get it out of the way as soon as possible! You won't see a real SF local down there, its entirely out of towners who don't know any better !

After lunch I made my way to my home for the week. I'm staying in the lovely apartment of Valerie and Ketan, their 6 year old daughter Kaliah and the slighty deranged if incredibly cute cat Shanti. The balcony/decking overlooks much of the city and my sleeping quarters are my idea of heaven (a futon - great for my bad back - I know, I sound about 70 - next to huge 'patio' windows - I much prefer allowing the sun to wake me, its less of a shock to the system). They are the same age as me, great fun, relaxed and very welcoming. Valerie directed me to the finest burritos at Poncho Villa and after lunch I met Idexa the tattooist based at Black and Blue who will be doing my tattoo next week. We have now met twice and although I have not seen a design I have absolute faith in her. She's a very sweet German woman who has a fabulous portfolio of work (I will post photos of the whole messy bloody process as soon as I can - just to warn you !!!)

The area I'm staying in, the Mission district, is a vibrant colourful area. There is a large hispanic population and the stores reflect this. There is also a huge mural project/culture here. The most amazing art work, some done by experienced artists, some by children or community groups, can be found all over the place. I have taken dozens of photos and will blog them as soon as I can. The work just blows me away. Wait until you see pictures of the Womens Centre - WOW.

I have started working on San Francisco Pride. I visited the staff as soon as I arrived and then agreed to do a couple of days work this week. It is a huge event, I mean massive, beyond anything we have in the UK. I am aware that I am in for a huge shock on the 25th and 26th when I see it all take place. I've been given a lot of responsibility, which is fine, I get bored easily and would rather be busy and under pressure, it will also be an incredible experience. I saw the site plans today and we started discussing the whole assembly process, building of the stage, delivery of equipment, who's responsible for what. I figure that I'm going to need a couple of days to recover when its all over. There are no huge stars in attendance, well by my reckoning and knowledge, not being from here (the headliners are En Vogue, I hadn't realised they were still going , BETTY, who did the theme music for the L Word, Third Eye Blind, I've no idea, and Kimberley Locke, an American Idol contestant), some of the non-headliners look pretty cool though. It will be such a fabulous event, I'm incredibly excited and promise to take lots of photos. I have a production meeting all day on saturday which will be pretty intense I'm sure. Its never dull on KP's travels !!!

Maxine, who I met through the Craigslist website ('Blog' isn't allowing me to add links at the mo - bugger - will have to do that later), met me after 'work' on thursday. She took me on a driving tour of the city. What an amazing place, there are so many different neighbourhoods, all full of their own unique personality, non have become ghettoised, they are back to back with one another and it makes for a fascinating place to explore. We drove over the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Golden Gate Park, slowed down as we went past the strip clubs (!!!!!),through Chinatown (the most interesting, intriguing, colourful,densely packed one I have seen, drove down streets so steep that as you went over the crest you couldn't see the road in front of you -like driving off a cliff, made our way through the fog to highest part of the city, got hit by another car ....... no kidding, it kind of bounced off the passenger side , maxine ; "are you ok .... good, its like bumper cars in this city", both cars drove off !!!! She's a wonderful tour guide, a mid westerner originally she is extremely passionate about her new home. She also offered to have me on the back of her motorbike as she takes part in the Pride March as part of Dykes on Bikes (imagine ..... 600 motorbikes, all ridden by women, some topless - heh heh - leading the biggest Pride parade in the world) , sadly I will be hard at work on the main stage at that point, but how amazing would that have been !!!

I met up with Fi (my friend from Scotland - she worked with Gwen and I at the Pod), crepes and beer were involved, I was the only one piggish enough to have dessert, coconut, ice-cream and rum crepe, I wasn't expecting the waitress to set it on fire !!! We happened across some great live music, had some more beers and then headed back to her place. She is interning for a puppet company. The office, rehearsal and living space is in the same building, the sleeping quarters are literally little cells up ladders in the rehearsal space. Its bizarre. It was wonderful to spend time with someone who already knows me, no need to explain where I come from, what I'm doing, to run through my work history (that always seems to occur for some reason), we could talk about people we BOTH knew. Such fun, such a nice change, fab night all round.

San Diego was a pretty quiet weekend. I explored a battle ship (surprisingly interesting, if you ignore the whole macho thing that tends to go on), its kind of cool to do those things occassionally, I get to feel like a tourist for a while and just be led around instead of having to use my brain ! I went clubbing with an Ellen lookalike! Explored Old San Diego town, wandered the gas lamp district. My visit was completely unplanned and it felt like an odd side step, more about killing time while I avoided spending time in LA on my own than actually taking time to visit and explore the place properly, a bit of a shame really and no reflection on Jon or the city itself. I think my brain was doing weird things now I had reached the west coast, it still is. Part of me has slowed down a bit as I'm in California for a while, the urgency that comes with moving around every 3 or 4 days has gone, as a result I know I have to keep moving (I'm not sure if this is making any sense). Anyway, as a result of this strange situation I am doing a runner from San Francisco for a week instead of staying in town for the full 3 and a half weeks. on sunday I am travelling to Yosemite to stay at the Yosemite Bug hostel (back on Greyhound again (and I thought it was all over, good job I didn't have a ceremonial burning of my pass!), back on wednesday for 2 nights, and in the process getting a new tattoo - very excited about that - then back on the bus to Santa Cruz where I am going camping with Linda (another Hospitality Club member) and her family. I'm really looking forward to that, third time lucky with the camping I hope, although going camping the day after I have had my foot tattooed is probably an excellent example of poor diary scheduling !!!

Only in San Francisco would you go into a tattoo studio to discuss the design of your latest 'tat', and leave with fresh, home-made bread, that's still warm !!!!!

If you're wondering (and I'm sure you weren't) how I'm managing to write these blogs after you've read them, its because I've got a bit confused with the clock on this thing, I need to reset it. Technology, pah !!!!

The next stage of my trip changed. Los Angeles was replaced by San Diego for the weekend. With practically no notice whatsoever a guy called Jon kindly offered to put me up. Talking of changes of plan; I have booked a flight to Cape Cod for a week in July. I am going on 'holiday' with John and David (Dallas), Laurie and Chad (Alabama). Even a control freak like me can be spontaneous, in a planned kind of a way !!!!!!

The Fremont Experience, Las Vegas

The Fremont Experience, Las Vegas, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

My final day in Las Vegas was spent around the pool, online at the public library (one guy was watching porn on the interent - I complained - I was told there was nothing that could be done becasue of 'freedom of rights'. My arse, too lazy to take the guy on more like, and what the hell is 'freedom of rights' anyway? I find it difficult to believe that even in Las vegas it's considered acceptable to have porn on in a pubic library where children are wandering around......I can't believe I just said that, Las vegas is a crazy place that bares no resemblance to reality .... I was seething at any rate!). A guy on the street gave me his business card and offered to take me out for the night "all I want is to see you smile and to touch your ass", erm , cheers !!

This is a strange city surrounded on all sides by desert and mountains, it feels as though you are being held captive. It exists for the soul purpose of getting people drunk and extracting cash from them. It's brash and over the top , it's 'low-culture' at its best and it makes no apologies. You have to have an element of respect for the sheer nerve of the place. It's location, design, personality, leave you feeling disconnected from everywhere and everything else. There is no where calm for you to take a breather, no city parks with quiet shady corners, no independent coffee houses where you can read a paper surrounded by 'locals'. The place never rests nor does it allow you to. I'm glad I've been and I'm glad I left.

That evening Helen, one of my room mates and great, fun, company, and i got chatting. We planned the next stage of her road trip as she was heading for many of the places I had already been and she told me all about San Francisco. She told me how she had got a lift with two British guys to Vegas from San Francisco via a number of National Parks. Those two guys were non other than Phil and Gary, the two people I had spent the day at the Grand Canyon with !!!!!! We finally got to bed at 5.30am. Las vegas has a strange ability to play around with your body clock !

I'm pleased that I have spent the last week in hostels. Being surrounded by people doing similar things to me, exchanging stories, ideas and advice has made me feel, finally, like a 'traveller'. I'm starting to not only understand but to 'feel' what I am doing. Occassionally changing my plans, even if its just a tweak here or there, is exciting. There are so many possibilities and so much yet to come. Exchanging e-mail addresses, talkng about meetin up elsewhere in the US or back at home, recommending hostels, discovering that you've met the same people, it all means that threads from your own trip are being taken up by others, and that our adventures won't end, not even once we arrive back home.

4th June

I got the bus to the far end of the Strip and walked back, it took me most of the day. The city has a very different feel once the sun is up, but is no less impressive. This time I made my way into some of the hotel lobbies, thousands of slot machines blink away furiously, dancing fountains, immaculately laid out flower gardens, huge shopping malls, indoor rain, white tigers pacing, bored, behind glass. Everywhere you turn alcohol is available - get them drunk and they'll spend more. Couples are led out of wedding chapels by Elvis, couples getting married in their car at the drive thru, huge numbers of people in motorised chairs (many of whom, I'm convinced, are in there simply because they are too big to walk long distances !). huge lakes, the water by its mere presenc having a welcome cooling effect. The heat was in danger of becoming unbearable, it was nice to go inside and cool down regularly. I couldn't find a bookshop anywhere (that speaks volumes - ha ha ha !!), and sadly tickets to see shows were well out of my budget.

31st May - 3rd June, Las vegas

The drive to Las Vegas was quite impressive, the dry, rocky desert is strangely appealing to me. We drove through mountains and then swooped down into Las Vegas, the bizarre island of a city seemingly stranded in the middle of nowhere.
I arrived in the late afternoon but was unable to make contact with my host. After a couple of hours of sitting at the Greyhound station and trying to call her every 30 minutes or so I gave up and booked into a hostel on Fremont street. Although in a grotty area its clean, the spacious rooms are on 3 floors that surround a swimming pool and hot tub. I ate, made myself at home and once it had gone dark I walked down the strip.

Las Vegas is like Blackpool, put in a jar, steroids and speed added to it and then shaken up. It's a bizarre place, devoid of all reality, it's like Disneyland for adults ! however a part of me can understand the attraction. It really is impressive, each casino/hotal attempts to outdo the other with light shows, performances, music. Outside Treasure Island the spectacular battle between huge pirate ships took place, pyrotechnics drawing huge crowds. The Mirage had impressive waterfalls that eventually 'erupted' as the volcano came alive, spitting out flames. Newly married couples walked down the street, bottles of beer in their hands. Children up way past their bed time, stared wide eyed, or were asleep in their push chairs. People took gondola rides outside the Venetian, rollercoasters screeched over head and the flashing cameras went on and on like never ending lightening. I got back to the hostel hot and sticky (the heat was beyond anything I had experienced at that time of night) and extremely foot sore .............

New York - Las Vegas style

New York - Las Vegas style, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

The closest I get to NYC on this trip !!

Treasure Island - Las vegas

Treasure Island - Las vegas, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This welcomed in my first night in Las Vegas. My Peter Pan side got to come out and play !!!

Bill and Zeek the Mountain Dog

Bill and Zeek the Mountain Dog, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

30th May 2005

Today was spent in the company of Bill. He had offered to show me some of the lakes and the new adventurous Kate (!) isn't the type to turn down such offers. He took me for breakfast and then surprised me by suggesting that we take a canoe out on Lake marshall (accompanied by his extremely handsome Golden Retriever - Zeek the Mountain Dog). With magnificent views all around us we did manage to get out on the water, sadly incredibly strong winds swept us onto a small island. We carried the canoe over and set off to the other side of the lake that the wind was blowing us towards ! Another canoe on the lake was capsized by the strong gusts so our caution was justified. It was short but sweet ! We returned the canoe and drove around Lake Mary and Lake Mormon, Bill telling me the history of the area and talkng about his hunting and fishing exploits. We spent some time walking around Lake Perry, a beautiful spot. Zeek went swimming, I took photos and Bill scouted a possible location for duck shooting.
The next 'adventure' was unexpected. For the first time in my life I used a gun !! A small handgun, the Baretta Tomcat is the same gun used by James Bond ! I fired off a couple of rounds at a battered steel drum, Bill is a qualified fire arms instructor so I knew I was in safe hands. I hate to say it but it was kind of fun. I would never hunt and would never allow anyone to kill infront of me, nor do I have any desire to make a habit of this activity, however I'm very glad I had the opportunity to give it a go.

Me in the Canyon, with very orange feet !

Me in the Canyon, with very orange feet !, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

Believe it or not I was IN the Canyon, its so big it's hard to make any kind of a dent in it !!!!

Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

And another .......... the formation on the right is meant to be a mother and her two childern trapped in the rocks, the father is just out of the shot !!!

A view from Cathedral Rocks

A view from Cathedral Rocks, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This was the view half way up and behind us.

Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This is what hit me between the eyes when I got out of the van.

View from Cathedral Rocks

View from Cathedral Rocks, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

This is a segment of what was waiting for me when I reached the top. No photo can capture the spirit of what I saw.

29th May 2005

I joined a hostel tour to Sedona and had one of the best days of my entire tour. We drove down the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to the town of Sedona. We stocked up on food for lunch and then trekked to Devils Bridge. It's exactly that - a bridge - formed by erosion and the effects of ice. With extraordinary views and wonderful photographic opportunities I was in my element. We hung out for a little while, walking over the bridge, gasping in awe at the surroundings and being told the story of its formation by our guide, Michael. A warm, funny, chatty guy, Michael is also a wilderness expert. He told us about the various plants, demonstrated how to make rope from a particular cactus. We learnt which plant tequila comes from, handy but we weren't going to try ! We were a group of five visitors, four from the UK, one from Slovakia, we all had a similar sense of humour and the day was spent laughing and saying "wow" a lot !!!
We ate lunch overlooking Sedona and then moved on for the part that was the highlight.

Beautiful red sandstone pillars form Cathedral Rocks. In the scorching heat we climbed and scrambled up the rocky approach trail. It was so enjoyable and there are so many people in my life, back in the UK and here in the States, that I wish could have been there with me. With intermittant breaks in the shade and stops to pour water over our heads, we made our way up. Nothing had prepared me for the view or just how amazing it would feel to be so close to the rocks themselves. We were right at the base of the rocks and myself and a couple of the others took the chance to scramble around and at one point perch on an outcrop (vertigo sufferers - don't even think about it - even I didn't get up off my bottom !!) I didn't want to leave. I sat on the edge with a grin from ear to ear, but knowing that no matter how many pictures I took they would never capture the full beauty of the view or just how amazing I felt up there. I kept snapping though !!! The spot is enough to make me want to return to Northern Arizona and spend a couple of weeks hiking in the area. I reluctantly left the ledge I was perched on, but giggled and chatted all the way back to the van. We drove back to Sedona to end our day with beer and ice cream on a patio that overlooked Snoopy Rock. Fabulous.

I'm still alive !!!!

I'm still alive !!!!, originally uploaded by LaMinch.

I know, I know, I'm behind on my blogging - sorry, but I'm busy gambling away my inheritance. Only kidding, no gambling and no inheritance that I know of !!!!! Anyhoo, this was taken at Cathedral Rocks, Northern Arizona. When I do blog you'll discover this was one of the highlights of my trip.

chasing rabbits stateside

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

line dancing at Pride

Bikers back

Max and Lesley

Getting ready

Jeanette, Jude and Donna

I got to be a B.O.B !!!

Wonderful support

'get em out' !!!

Dykes on Bikes

Dykes on bikes

Huge crowds watched us set off

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Friday, June 24, 2005

Edale

Thursday, June 23, 2005

Fun by the river

Adrian and Bruno

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

The finished piece, I love it.

Can you feel the pain ?!

Idexa at work on my foot !

The darkest dot is Alcatraz!

See where those trees go up - thats where I had to go, aaaaah!!

On my way down the John Muir Trail

Nevada Fall

Below Vernall Fall

Lunch time !!!!

I can't believe I'm here !!!!

The fabulous Women's Centre

Wow !

Check out the detail !

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Sunday, June 05, 2005

The Fremont Experience, Las Vegas

New York - Las Vegas style

Treasure Island - Las vegas

Bill and Zeek the Mountain Dog

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Me in the Canyon, with very orange feet !

Cathedral Rocks

A view from Cathedral Rocks

Cathedral Rocks

View from Cathedral Rocks

Thursday, June 02, 2005

I'm still alive !!!!

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