What memories bring smiles What a fabulous idea Andy & Ali...flashes of our travels or past blogs on a theme, not wishing to unduly summarise your idea. The Most welcoming Countries. Mmmm. Brings back so many memories of doors opening (and shutting), guardian angels and unexpected hospitality...what makes travel so addictive and enjoyable. Amazing what happens when one smiles. Your travels are truly epic so love your idea. Bring it on!
Fishing stories I have noticed in some of your blogs Andy that your skill with the rod is legendary. What a whopper! Do you have legendary stories of ones that have got away?
Ones that got away... Hi Dave, only too many unfortunately - although you rarely see the big fellas for the first ten minutes of the fight and most of the stories relate merely to the amount of line stripped/force felt before the loss... That said, all we catch here (up to mid-30lbers) are babies compared to some of those in Europe (up to 100lb+) and other US states (US record broken several months ago in California at 64lb).
Cheers, Andy
Miracle Mile Oh Wow, this brings back some amazing memories. I did the miracle mile with Dave in 1994. I couldn't swim very well at the time and was able to do the do what would have been the swim bit in the boat used to take the back packs across. I also wasn't great with heights either. I got through the walk and loved it. I can't believe i did this over 20 years ago! It was a major highlight of my trip around Australia.
I was just googling Wittenoon for a friend.
It was some excursion Hi Ellen, its funny the number of people we've met you'd also been on Dave's tour. They certainly are stunning gorges and he was a fine guide. Glad to have rekindled some old memories for you. Andy
Thanks for the update... My father in law was a Pennsylvanian fisherman...I'm being redundant as to be the first means you are also the second. I'm pleased to hear that your views of Americans in general and Pennsylvanians specifically is warming up. Give you another year and soon you will want to become a citizen!
I got part way through but didn't have time right now to read it all... it's at the bottom of my minified so it will be gone by tomorrow. I've got to remember to come back to read it all. Hopefully your postings on A-Z will remind me.
A good question... Unfortunately I really don't know for sure... Judging by the light i'd say early morning, but i'd be guessing. We spent so much time trekking/busing at both times that it could have been either. That said Ladakh is blessed with a multitude of such rock-scapes; seriously they are everywhere. There are also snow leopards in those parts. We're considering returning for a "lock-in" (as determined by the snow) for three months as then they are an everyday sight... Truly spectacular country and extremely nice people too.
We were there July 6th 1990! Fantastic place, somehow it got into our blood too. My husband and I would be back there tomorrow if finances and age allowed it. The scenery was magnificent, and so far we haven't contracted any nasty asbestos related diseases. We stayed at Ruth Sills place. Lots of chatter and information shared. It was known then as WITTENOOM TOURIST VILLAGE but I think it was the old convent. Great to see your photos - thanks!
Kay and Peter Hendley.
Belated copyright notice After reading your wonderful blog posts I would like to note that whilst Brian has had a footnote to acknowledge his (admittedly much better) photography, I'm still waiting for mine... Looking forward to seeing you both and state college again. Your Nephew
Absolutely stunning blog Please ramble on - I really really enjoyed reading this blog - my how time has changed things. I tip my hat to you for your brutal journey - well done!
Fishing stories Seeing you holding a fish with an expression of love like you were holding a new born child...your year working in U.S. like an extended holiday...uncertain of which road to take next. As you say "This is a funny old life and, if nothing else, it never ceases to surprise." Where there is a will there is a way I say...may your will lead you the best way. There's gotta be a song in that!
Sounds horrendous but it didnt deter you guys Hey, hope you guys are well and enjoying being back in USA. Hope your mum recovering well Al. Take Care.Ex
Wow Wow, what a blog!
I don't usually read blogs I just scan but this one I read cover to cover. I stumbled across it whilst looking for some information on Nagaland and the other NE States.
I agree with much of what you say, I can't claim to be a hardcore backbacker although I have had my fair share of challenges.
And this is my point, I think that travel, well long term at least, should involve a degree of uncertainty and discomfort (he says, writing from an Wifi enabled restaurant waiting for his Pizza Napoli in Varkala).
It is the uncertainty and the discomfort that you look back on in years to come with pride. My god sometimes you hate both at times but it is part of the experience.
I also agree about Czechs and Romanians. They do still have some of that spirit.
Anyway, thanks for this, and the info on Nagaland, and I notice the Andaman Islands, which I am also planning on going on this trip.
Cheerio
John
Wow So we guess the pictures of the Gili Meno hut is the same as we have taken pictures of, "the abandoned resort"? Thats amazing, Some things do change, but certainly not everything. Great to find a story from as early as the 90's from Gili Meno so thanks a lot
Trippin' shrooms... Quite a psychedelic experience! Glad you made it to the other side--I was concerned for awhile--would the two days really stretch to six weeks and maybe life? How lucky that you were there, not so long ago, but lifetimes ago, before fancy dancing places were built! True adventurers!
Trippin' Quite a psychedelic experience--wonder what was in that Arak? Glad you made it to the other side--I was concerned for awhile--would the two days really stretch to six weeks and maybe life? How lucky that you were there, not so long ago, but lifetimes ago, before fancy dancing places were built! True adventurers!
Great shots! Thanks for sharing! I am in Uzbekistan right now... spent the whole night talking about Thailand, and Bali with 2 other cyclists. I get back to my room and I get to see these beautiful pictures you took. Perfect! Thanks a lot for sharing!
Excellent adventure! Wow--gorges, waterfalls and diving into pools--what could be better? So glad you were able to scan your old photos and take us along on this ride. More, please!
What a story... glad to see you going back in time. To keep these stories in chronological order you might want to change the entry date to August 9, 1990. I had the same issue with my going back in time as my entries were not in chronological order...just the order in which I scanned the pictures.
Dancing Dave
David Hooper
What memories bring smiles
What a fabulous idea Andy & Ali...flashes of our travels or past blogs on a theme, not wishing to unduly summarise your idea. The Most welcoming Countries. Mmmm. Brings back so many memories of doors opening (and shutting), guardian angels and unexpected hospitality...what makes travel so addictive and enjoyable. Amazing what happens when one smiles. Your travels are truly epic so love your idea. Bring it on!