Blogs from North America - page 8244

I did it! I drove to Progreso yesterday! It's a straight shot there and back from Merida. The beach was great and really not crowded. People started coming around 11:00 but there's plenty of beach. I ate a fried fish and it was wonderful and huge! Hey, Debbie, head, eyes and all were on the platter! They fried it whole. Would feed two people. Then last night I found (kinda) downtown. Lots of people on the street but I didn't find any bands playing. It may have been too early. Anyway it was raining and thundering so I came home. So far, rain here has been just big fat drops, not like the downpours at home. My driving confidence is way up there now. I may even try to find Walmart's today. ... read more

After blitzing across America in 23 days, I am home. I am in serious food detox—trying to keep to a diet of Asian food, seafood (not fried), fresh produce, and green tea. I know I’ve scared some of you with the food I ate on the trip but I chose only to highlight (and take pics) of those dishes I thought would have the most effect. It worked. Hee hee. It’s also good to be back in the land of no-smoking in public places. The trip was fantastic. Cathy (as always) was a great travel buddy. She’s an excellent driver and has amazing directional sense, not to mention just being an all-around super kewl friend. The Road Chicks took the States and I’m glad all of you were able to join in the fun vicariously. ... read more

being flown out to chekpoint one by an even SMALLER plane than before that was fun it has skis on it for landing on the sea ice unfortunatly we landed on the top of the old olaris mine site wich is on the top of a GREAT BIG HILL were we all had to lug all of our heavy equipment down the hill the go up to get the rest i did it 7 times completely nakerd me out but had some great views if u whant to go to the moon or mars dont bother its cheeper to come here its the same landacape and probably warmer just different coulor this was my home for the next 5 days this was like my living room (the comunial tent) this was our effectionatly named igloooo u ... read more

We finally made it to California! Sorry it's been so long since we wrote last, but it's hard to find internet in all the small towns we go through. Thanks to Tom, Susan, Nora, & Rory for the time we spent with them in Seattle. We had a great time while preparing for our journey. Those kids are so cute-- check out our flickr. Our first three days from Seattle to Portland were good, just trying to figure out a pace and get used to camping in strange places, like sneeking onto Army bases and waking to the sound of morter blasts in the backround, very cool. Arriving in Portland felt really great, stopped at the Ash st. tavern for a cold drink and a burger, dropped Sharkeys name and Mike from Magic courier instantly offered ... read more

After spending countless hours pouring over travel books in the local bookstore, we keep coming up with the same conclusion - the best islands for backpackers are the ones we have already been to! There MUST be something else out there, just waiting for us to visit, but where?... That's where you, travellers of the world, come in. We need help to find another perfect tropical paradise! As far as we see it, these are the essential ingredients for our perfect island get-away: 1) white sand beach 2) warm, clear ocean 3) good offshore snorkelling 4) reasonably priced scuba diving 5) reasonably priced accommodation (US$20/night/couple) 6) small and easy to get around (no cars) 7) a variety of beaches to choose from 8) some nightlife 9) majority of visitors are independent travellers/backpackers Here are the ... read more