[![screenshot_02](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/screenshot_02.png)](https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqHG_2WyX1Rw.kX4lL2DfOU1E)

**[ Click](https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zqHG_2WyX1Rw.kX4lL2DfOU1E) the image above to browse the map interactively.**

Well thats it. Im back now from a trip of a lifetime. I had such an incredible time, saw so many phenomenal things and met so many awesome people. This will be my last post on my trip and as such I would like to wrap it up with some highlights and accompanying stats.



# 1\. Transport

**Days Spent: 251**
**Kilometers Travelled: ~ 40000**
**Countries Visited: 16**
**Capital Cities Visited: 14**
**Tours Taken: 4**
**Flights Taken: 10**
**Buses Ridden: ~60**
**Hours Spent on Busses: ~300**
**Days Spent on Busses: ~12.5**
**Bikes Ridden: 1**
**Boats Taken: 26**
** Trains Ridden: 1**

Well I have travelled a long way, 40,000km (give or take) which just so happens to be the [circumference of earth](https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=circumference+of+the+earth&oq=cir&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j69i59j69i65j69i59j0l2.1090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8). So in some ways you could say I have travelled around the world :P

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo3.jpg)

I have ridden a great number of different forms of transport.

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-691.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-781.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-32.jpg)

Some of them safer than others

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-94.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-414.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-572.jpg)

I learnt that half the fun of a trip like this is in the journey. Sure 12.5 days spent on busses doesn't sound like fun but it actually gives you time to rest and to think, not to mention write pages and pages of diary entries..

# 2\. Writing

** Diaries Completed: 6**
** Pages Used: 822**
** Words Written: 117040**
** Blog Posts: 25**

The intention before I left was to keep a written diary so that I would have something other than photos to remember the trip by. Well it turned out to be harder than I had originally foreseen. I estimated that for every day of travel it would take me about an hour to record it in the diary. That means if I don't write for 5 days I have to find 5 hours the next day to fill it in.

[![2014-01-21 13.59.06](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-01-21-13.59.06-1024x768.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-01-21-13.59.06.jpg)

I used the diaries as a record of the places I went, the things I did the people I met. Although I didn't just use them as a log book, they are also a record of how I felt at the time and how I changed as a person through the trip be that for good or bad.

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-623.jpg)

It wasn't all bad though as it gave me time to reflect, take stock and realise what i'm doing and why i'm doing it. Some of the diaries also came with bonus stickers so being an 8 year old at heart I used them to decorate my laptop

[![2014-01-21 14](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-01-21-14-1024x768.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014-01-21-14.jpg)

I kept up my blog throughout the trip too which served as a public record of my excursion. Infact I wrote 25 blog posts over the course of my time:

[The Trip 2013 – Washington DC](/posts/the-trip-2013-washington-dc/)
[The Trip 2013 – Toronto](/posts/the-trip-2013-toronto/)
[The Trip 2013 – Chicago](/posts/the-trip-2013-chicago/)
[The Trip 2013 – North Carolina](/posts/the-trip-2013-north-carolina/)
[The Trip 2013 – LA to Mazatlan](/posts/the-trip-2013-la-to-mazatlan/)
[The Trip 2013 – Guadalajara to Mexico City](/posts/the-trip-2013-guadalajara-to-mexico-city/)
[The Trip 2013 – Oaxaca to Chichen Itza](/posts/the-trip-2013-oaxaca-to-chichen-itza/)
[The Trip 2013 – Playa del Carmen to Tikal](/posts/the-trip-2013-playa-del-carmen-to-tikal/)
[The Trip 2013 – El Ramate to Antigua](/posts/the-trip-2013-el-ramate-to-antigua/)
[The Trip 2013 – Copán to Roatán](/posts/the-trip-2013-copan-to-roatan/)
[The Trip 2013 – Granada to Ometepe](/posts/the-trip-2013-granada-to-ometepe/)
[The Trip 2013 – Monte Verde to San Jose](/posts/the-trip-2013-monte-verde-to-san-jose/)
[The Trip 2013 – San Jose to Puerto Viejo](/posts/the-trip-2013-san-jose-to-puerto-viejo/)
[The Trip 2013 – Puerto Viejo to Panama City](/posts/the-trip-2013-puerto-viejo-to-panama-city/)
[The Trip 2013 – Bogota to Medellin](/posts/the-trip-2013-bogota-to-medellin/)
[The Trip 2013 – Cartagena to Taganga](/posts/the-trip-2013-cartagena-to-taganga/)
[The Trip 2013 – Tyrona to Bucaramanga](/posts/the-trip-2013-tyrona-to-bucaramanga/)
[Trip 2013 – Bucaramanga to Montanita](/posts/trip-2013-bucaramanga-to-montanita/)
[The Trip 2013 – Montanita to Huaraz](/posts/the-trip-2013-montanita-to-huaraz/)
[The Trip 2013 – Huaraz to Cusco](/posts/the-trip-2013-huaraz-to-cusco/)
[The Trip 2013 – Cusco to La Paz](/posts/the-trip-2013-cusco-to-la-paz/)
[The Trip 2013 – La Paz to Mercedes](/posts/the-trip-2013-la-paz-to-mercedes/)
[The Trip 2013 – Mercedes to Itacare](/posts/the-trip-2013-mercedes-to-itacare/)
[The Trip 2013 – Itacare to Jericoacoara](/posts/the-trip-2013-itacare-to-jericoacoara/)
[The Trip 2013 – Jericoacoara to Newport](/posts/the-trip-2013-jericoacoara-to-newport/)

# 3\. Photos

** Photo Albums: 25**
** Photos Disk Space: 144 GB**
** Photos Taken: 11672**
** Photos that made the grade: 2571**
** Videos Recorded: 181**

I didn't hold back with the photos, I took A LOT. 11672 over 8.5 months is approximately one photo every half an hour. Im glad I did as I came away with some incredible visual memories from the trip

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/falls2.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-181.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-34.jpg)

Infact I have so many good photos that its hard to pick out the standout ones

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-46.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-702.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-561.jpg)

I think I will have to dedicate a whole nother post to this topic alone

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-26.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-45.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-72.jpg)

# 4\. Activities

** Days Spent Paragliding: 12**
** Paragliding Flights: 26**
** Paragliding Crashes: 1**
** Days Spent Kitesurfing: 6**
** Dune buggies ridden: 2**
** Days surfing: 7**
** Waves surfed: ~15**
** Bungee jumps: 1**
** ATVs Ridden: 1**
** Lines Zipped: 5**
** Mountain Bikes Ridden: 3**
** Scuba Dives: 7**
** Deepest Freedive: 21m**
** Longest Breath Hold: 3m 13s**
** Kayaks ridden: 1**
** Waterfalls Repelled: 6**
** Rafts ridden: 1**
** Mountains hiked: 3**
** Walls climbed: 2**
** Dunes boarded: 3**
** Skyscrapers absailed: 1**

I did as much as I can. Before I went out I told myself not to skimp on activities because who knew when I would get the chance to do them again.

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-94.jpg)

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-772.jpg)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p3gaQBr1FAs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

All of these activities came at a cost however..

# 5\. Finances

** Money Spent: £19184**</p>

Yep it cost more than I was expecting (around 15k) but I stayed out there longer than I had originally planned and done far more activities than I had planned. I also didn't do it in the cheapest possible way by taking 4 guided tours with Trek America and GAdventures totalling 86 days out of my 251.

It was however a trip of a lifetime and as they say; you can't put a price on memories and so I wouldn't have done any of it any other way.

[![1085042_10151781387216031_1156564013_o](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1085042_10151781387216031_1156564013_o-1024x915.jpg)](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1085042_10151781387216031_1156564013_o.jpg)

** Handstands Popped: 18**

![](/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/photo-851.jpg)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [Trip 2013 - Itacare to Jericoacoara](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=1&l=5726e155d9). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

[![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/screenshot_01.png)](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/screenshot_01.png)

Continuing my explorations of northern Brazil with Kelsie we travel from Itacare on bus then boat to the busy tourist destination of Morro do Sao Paulo.



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149615391031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent just two days exploring the town. Nice though not the snorkelling paradise we were hoping for, apparently its not really the time of the year for crystal clear waters.

[![photo-3](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-3.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149615406031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-5](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-5.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149615821031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Morro was nice though it definitely existed to cater to tourists, a Benidorm of Brazil so we were happy when we arrived at our next destination, Boipeba, the quieter younger brother of Morro.

[![photo-8](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-8.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616031031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-9.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616221031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

We really enjoyed our two nights there and wished we had spent longer. The hostel we stayed at "Abaquar" was really nice and the owners Fernanda and Peter made us feel so relaxed and at home inviting us out to join them for dinner on both nights.

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-15.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616676031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-17.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616996031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent the first day chilling, practising our newly discovered favourite Brazilian sport "Frescobol"

[![photo-12](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-12.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616496031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-11](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-11.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149616331031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a boat tour around the island hoping for some promised clear water for snorkelling

[![photo-18](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-18.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149617126031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Sadly the water was cloudy yet again and not really suited to underwater exploration, still we had fun whizzing around on the speed boat. Not sure if this little chap did tho:

[![photo-20](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-20.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149617331031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we headed down to the beach to watch the sunset and have a beer

[![photo-22](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-22.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149617566031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

While we were sat there a group of local lads managed to get hold of a buoy from somewhere and turned it into a trampoleen which they then used to catapult themselves into the sea

[![photo-24](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-24.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149617851031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

It looked like so much fun I thought I would have to have a go

[![photo-25](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-25.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149617951031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Sadly we had to leave the happy island and carry on our journey north up to our Christmas destination many miles north. To break up the ridiculous number of bus-hours we stopped at a couple of cities along the way. The first being the forgettable city of Maceio

[![photo-26](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-26.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149618046031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-31](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-31.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149619061031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

And Natal

[![photo-33](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-33.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149619311031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-37](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-37.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149619826031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Neither city was particularly impressive really, though it probably wasnt helped by the fact we didnt do a whole lot in either city other than walk around. Also it was raining in Natal "The city with 300 days of sun" which didnt help matters!

Fortunately our few days of gloom were instantly forgotten as soon as we reached Jericoacoara on Christmas eve eve.

[![photo-41](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-41.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149620226031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-46.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149621181031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-44](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-44.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149620631031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Jericoacoara is a little hard to get to considering there are no paved roads in and you have to swap from your bus into a rickety open-sided wooden lorry that travels at 2mph along a sandy path for miles to get there. Though its totally worth all the effort. Once we arrived we instantly fell in love with its laid back yet up-market-ish surfer vibe.

[![photo-57](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-57.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149622916031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

We immediately decided to extend our original 4 days there to 6 days, for the first day (xmas eve) I decided I wanted to have another go at kite surfing

[![photo-50](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-50.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149621911031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Well I had the perfect place for it, Jeri is a wind-sports meca. The wind was so much stronger than I had been used to in Peru or Ecuador I had trouble at first and face planted, loosing my board several times. Before long though I was up and running.

[![photo-52](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-52.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149622026031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Our love of Jeri was certainty helped along thanks to our choice of accommodation. We decided to splurge a little for Christmas and go for something a little more expensive than we had been staying at up till this point.

[![photo-53](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-53.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149622156031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-54](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-54.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149622406031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-56](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-56.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149622696031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

As for Christmas day, this was the first Christmas I had ever spent away from England and was in two minds about it. I really enjoy all my family Christmas traditions and so was kind of sad not to be doing them this year, still Kelsie did her best to make it as much like normal as she could

Lunch, instead of a christmas roast was a beautiful Lasagna and salad with copious quantities of Chaiparinia at a resturant called Bistrogonoff

[![photo-59](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-59.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623351031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-58](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-58.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623161031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Although not a roast it still had the required property of forcing me into a post-christmas-lunch-nap. We woke up just about in time to make the beautiful sunset on the huge sand dune at the end of the beach..

[![photo-60](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-60.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623411031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-61](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-61.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623491031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-63](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-63.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623651031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. now that I dont get to do in England! The rest of the evening is a bit of a blur thanks to Kelsie's gift of Cheese, Crackers and Port a must have to complete my Christmas day!

[![photo-65](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-65.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623881031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

The rest of my time in Jeri was filled with various other awesome activities. Seeings as how I have now mastered Kite Surfing to an alsmot professional level I thought I would have a go at Wind Surfing and see if that was just as easy

[![photo-66](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-66.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149623996031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-68](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-68.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149624201031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Yup! Piece of cake. For the final day in Jeri we took a tour around some of the sights just outside of town including some interesting rock formations

[![photo-72](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-72.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149625331031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-70](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-70.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149624581031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

And Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon)

[![photo-75](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-75.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149625641031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

We travelled to these destinations in style (and at breakneck pace) in our sand-limo:

[![photo-74](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo-74.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152149625441031&set=a.10152149614891031.1073741861.593661030&type=3&theater)

Sadly we had to leave Jeri on the 29th though not was all doom and gloom however as next up with Rio de Janeriro again and the epic party waiting for us on Copacabana on NYE!

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album Trip 2013 - La Paz to Mercedes. Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

[![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/screenshot_01.png)](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/screenshot_01.png)

We left our tour group in La Paz and continued on our own for the next week, time was tight as we had to be in Buenos Aires in just a few days to meet final tour group. I knew that no trip to South America is complete without a visit to the salt flats of Uyuni, Bolivia so we crowbared in a 3 day excursion into our schedule.



[![photo-23](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-23.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090537106031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

The first day we visited the famous salt flats along with a train graveyard just outside of the dusty desert town.

[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090530281031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-9.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090532891031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-6](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-6.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090531526031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

The salt flats were an incredible place. We had previously visited a salt farming company waaay back in Mexico some 6 months ago so I thought I knew what to expect, however I wasnt prepared for the sheer vastness of the salt plain.

[![photo-24](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-24.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090537131031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

Another fact I didnt know was that just a few feet beneath the surface is a huge salt lake which is the cause of the salt plain above

[![photo-25](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-25.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090537431031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

I attempted to excavate a souvenir from the lake but ended up cutting all my arm on the sharp crystal.

[![photo-26](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-26.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090537516031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-28](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-28.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090537771031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

As almost fascinating as the salt plain was the the skittles miracle.. I had the most incredible luck, not 1 not 2 not even 4 but 5 orange skittles came out at the same time!

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-32.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090538281031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we stayed at a nice little ranch style hostel just outside of the salt plains

[![photo-34](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-34.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090538721031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

We were up early the next morning and back in the cramped 4x4 for another day of Bolivian marvels of nature

[![photo-36](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-36.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090539631031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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We spent the evening in one of the _ahem_ "best" accommodations I have ever experienced. Just look at the attention to detail with the decoration:

[![photo-51](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-51.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090542601031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

Also its hard to complain when the room comes with free peanuts in the wall:

[![photo-52](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-52.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090542746031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

Well thankfully we got a good nights sleep as we were due to leave at 5 the next morning. After seeing the other 4x4's leave one by one however we started to wonder where our driver was. Turns out he needed some more beauty sleep so I had to wake him up with some loud cries of "Vamos!" (lets go), grumbling he finally awoke and we were on our way.

First up that cold morning was some thermal vents:

[![photo-54](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-54.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090543131031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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Next warmed ourselves up in a hot spring bath

[![photo-59](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-59.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090544331031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

Then it was a long, bumpy and dusty 8 hour drive back to Uyuni. We stopped a number of times at scenic places to take pictures

[![photo-60](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-60.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090544036031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-62](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-62.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090544726031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

All in all it was an interesting and incredible experience but not the most comfortable. Fortunately next up was the beautiful and comfortable city of Buenos Aires

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Buenos Aires is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities I have visited on this trip (at least on the days we were there), the combination of the large number of blossoming purple trees, verdant green parks and old architecture made me fall in love with the place.

[![photo-71](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-71.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090547771031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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Just before joining up with our fourth and final tour group we met up with the parents of my good friend and "german sister" Tina who just happened to be in Buenos Aires at the same time

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-76.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090550546031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-75](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-75.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090551521031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we met our new tour group, another [GAdventures](https://www.gadventures.co.uk) tour of 16 people that over the next 17 days would take us from BA through Uraguay and the Iguazu falls to Rio in Brazil.

We kicked things off by taking a tour around some of the districts in Buenos Aires stopping off for lunch at a typical Argentinian BBQ place

[![photo-79](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-79.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090552631031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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On the way back we visited the famous artistic flea market of San Telmo

[![photo-83](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-83.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090553151031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The following day we took the ferry across into Uraguay and the incredibly picturesque town of Colonia

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We were there for just one night before we were forced to move on, it really was a beautiful little town though and totally not what I expected from Uraguay

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After Colonia we spent a night in the capital of Uraguay, Montevideo. We didnt do a whole lot there other than a visit to a cultural centre where we saw some kids play some traditional Candombe music

[![photo-101](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-101.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090560081031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

Then it was onto one of the highlights for me, a two night stay at a ranch out in the Uraguayan countryside

[![photo-102](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-102.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090561776031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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I really enjoyed my time there with all the animals

[![photo-104](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-104.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090561946031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

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We had beautiful hot days that turned into yet more beautiful evenings

[![photo-113](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-113.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090564056031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-122](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-122.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090565286031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

We didnt do a whole lot on our 3 days there, mostly resting and relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty

[![photo-119](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-119.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090564916031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-116](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-116.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090564496031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-125](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-125.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090571116031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

One thing we did however is gather wood and have a big bonfire on the last night. Dinner of T-Bone steak with red wine and bonfire with friends is my idea of heaven, all that was needed to make it perfect was a kitten..

[![photo-126](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-126.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090570876031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-121](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-121.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090565296031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-129](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo-129.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152090571846031&set=a.10152090529366031.1073741859.593661030&type=3&theater)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [Trip 2013 - Huaraz to Cusco](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=1&l=23ceec3c7d). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

![screenshot_02](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/screenshot_02.png)

From the highlands of Huaraz we made our way back down to the coast and the capital city of Peru, Lima.



[![photo-2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-2.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010035916031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.59)

We had one night and day there before joining our next GAdvetures tour group that would take us through southern Peru, ending in Bolivia 21 days late. We spent the day wandering around some of the city before meeting up with our group in the evening.

[![photo-6](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-6.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010036366031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

This is the third tour I have done on this trip and is made up of 16 people of various ages and nationalities. This time there seemed to be a lot more Australians and New Zealanders as apposed to the British horde on the last one.

After spending one night in Lima we headed to our first destination of Pisco where we had an action packed day. First we made a visit to a Pisco maker.

[![photo-11](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-11.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010037341031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-15.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010038641031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

Pisco is the national drink of Peru and is made by fermenting and distilling grapes. We were shown the traditional way they produced it then given a tasting session of the various different sorts of Pisco they produce.

[![photo-16](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-16.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010039196031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F1401134_10152010039196031_105139410_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2F1425629_10152010039196031_105139410_n.jpg&size=2048%2C1366)

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-17.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010039141031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-prn2%2F1398637_10152010039141031_186381003_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-prn1%2F604010_10152010039141031_186381003_n.jpg&size=2048%2C1366)

After that we headed off to the desert to do something I have been looking forward to for a while, sand boarding.

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-27.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010040826031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-frc3%2F1402968_10152010040826031_2084951241_o.jpg&smallsrc=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash3%2F1464704_10152010040826031_2084951241_n.jpg&size=2048%2C1366)

Unfortunately they wouldnt let us stand up on the boards so we went down the dunes on our front, a little disappointing but still fun.

[![photo-28](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-28.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010041186031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

To get around the dunes we rode powerful off road buggies which were probably more fun than the actual boarding.

[![photo-19](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-19.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010039871031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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In between the boarding I had some time to do what I do best in the dunes.

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We only just reached Nasca in time for the final activity that day, viewing the Nasca lines from the top of a tall tower.

[![photo-31](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-31.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010041991031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we had chance to get a better look at the Nasca lines from the air. I had always been fascinated with the enigmatic lines so jumped at the opportunity to see them from above.

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-32.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010042226031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

They are an impressive sight though sad to see how modern man is destroying them by mining and building roads over them. We were told that perhaps in 10-20 years they will no longer be visible so I feel fortunate to have had the chance to see them.

[![photo-35](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-35.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/mikeysee/media_set?set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3)

[![photo-36](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-36.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010042911031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we participated in a traditional Pachamama ceremony. This involves slowly cooking various meats and vegetables under the earth using coals and hot stones.

[![photo-39](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-39.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010043876031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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While we were waiting for that to cook Alex (our tour leader) took us to an adjacent cactus field.

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-46.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010045316031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

Growing on the cacti was a white fungus

[![photo-47](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-47.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010045791031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

This fungus is apparently very valuable as when its crushed it goes right red and is used in lipsticks and other makeups.

[![photo-48](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-48.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010045916031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The following day we headed to Arequipa, it was Halloween and one of the group member's birthdays so we went out and partied.

[![photo-51](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-51.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010046461031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-54](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-54.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010047186031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-58](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-58.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010047741031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we had a 2 day excursion to the Colca Canyon region. Along the way we had the opportunity to try the famous coca leaves. You roll 6 or 7 of them into a wad then chew on them.

[![photo-61](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-61.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010048636031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

Its not a particularly pleasant taste and makes your tongue go slightly numb however its supposed to help with the altitude, particularly important as at points we were over 4900m above sea level!

[![photo-110](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-110.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010062091031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the way we stopped a few times to take pictures of some of the native wildlife including the famous Peruvian Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuña

[![photo-68](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-68.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010051261031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-66](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-66.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010049881031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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We spent the next two nights in a small town called Chivay

[![photo-69](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-69.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010051761031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

The first evening we walked around the town and some of the ancient pre-Inca ruins

[![photo-71](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-71.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010052496031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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We ate dinner in the highest Irish pub in the world

[![photo-82](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-82.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010055406031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The following day we got up early to make our way to the incredible Colca Canyon

[![photo-86](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-86.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010056631031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The reason for getting there so early was so we could catch a glimpse of the huge Condors that sometimes visit the area. We were in luck as 3 of the magnificent birds turned up.

[![photo-93](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-93.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010058056031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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They were incredible and huge and at times flew very close over our heads, I feel fortunate to have seen them.

[![photo-100](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-100.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010059446031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

Sadly we had to return to Arequipa the following day. We had a free afternoon before our night bus so spent it at the Arequipa food festival.

[![photo-112](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-112.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010062826031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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After a grueling 10 hour overnight bus from Arequipa we reached the famous and ancient Inca city of Cusco.

[![photo-117](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-117.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010064346031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

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Cusco was going to be our base before taking off on the Inca Trail and is the home town of our tour guide Alex, so for the first day he took us on a tour of his beloved city including one of the local markets.

[![photo-121](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-121.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010066241031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-122](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-122.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010066771031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-123](/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/photo-123.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152010066361031&set=a.10152010035196031.1073741853.593661030&type=3&theater)

Cusco is a rather beautiful city with a lot of history and was a nice base to relax and gather our strength before we embark on (what is probably) the highlight of my entire South American trip so far, The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu but more of that in my next post!

![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/screenshot_01.png)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Bogota to Medellin.](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=1&l=a4cfae066c) Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**



Well finally I arrived on the South American continent in early August. I flew in from Panama City to Bogota, the capital of Colombia.

[![photo-58](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-58.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848384141031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

I stayed at the excellent Masaya hostel in the Candelaria district of the city. Definitely one of the best kept hostels I had stayed at so far.

[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848323706031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

I spent the first couple of days simply wandering around the city trying to get a feel for the place and what to expect from Colombia over the next couple of months.

[![photo-6](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-6.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848329676031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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To me the city seemed to be a rather dirty and dusty concrete jungle lacking much in the way of any greenery. On thing they did have however is the Bogota Beer Company (BBC) which sold some of the best beer I had had in a while.

[![photo-12](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-12.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848342421031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day I took a trip to Zipiquiera, a small town about an hour outside of Bogota.

[![photo-18](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-18.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848344486031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

The main reason for going to Zipiquira is to visit the cathedral which is buried deep in an old salt mine.

[![photo-21](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-21.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848348161031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-27.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848353396031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-32.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848358846031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

I went there with with a new friend, Kaylee, I had made in the hostel.

[![photo-26](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-26.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848352556031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was a pretty impressive place.

[![photo-35](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-35.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848360591031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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[![photo-37](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-37.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848361061031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

Outside of the mine was a large climbing wall that I simply had to have a go on.

[![photo-19](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-19.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848346956031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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My final day in Bogota was spent exploring the Fernando Botero museum. He is a rather distinctive artist who depicts people and things really fat

[![photo-48](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-48.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848373936031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The museum wasnt just purely Botero however and hosted a number of other works of art

[![photo-52](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-52.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848376331031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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I enjoyed my time in Bogota but after a few days there I was looking forward to moving on.

[![photo-59](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-59.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848389861031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

Next up was Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia. To get there I took what was supposed to be a 9 hour bus journey. It turned out to be more like 12 thanks to a large landslide that blocked the road for several hours.

On the bus I managed to steal some of the driver's interesting fruit. They were sweet but slimy in texture.

[![photo-60](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-60.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848391891031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was the festival of flowers all week in Medellin which meant flowers, parties and parades such as the car parade I stood on the side of the road and watched go by.

[![photo-64](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-64.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848409546031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H9UbJuxI6NU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I saw yet another person who must have trouble seeing the screen on their tablet.

[![photo-69](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-69.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848412291031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

Because of the festival we had to visit the botanical gardens.

[![photo-72](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-72.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848779471031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

There was go much to take pictures of there.

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-76.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848424721031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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But the real attraction was the special flower exhibit.

[![photo-86](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-86.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848451016031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-89](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-89.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848457501031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The following day I decided to take the cable car up to Santa Domingo.

[![photo-105](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-105.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848475741031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

For most of my time in Medellin I was with my french friend Claire whom I had met on the bus from Bogota, a nicer person you could not meet!

[![photo-113](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-113.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848482806031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

I decided to try one of the strange cake / biscuit things I had seen some people eating.

[![photo-112](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-112.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848481446031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was a strange combination of cracker, coconut, white chocolate, cheese.

The final day was spent at the museum in the middle of Medellin.

[![photo-117](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-117.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848484471031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-120](/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo-120.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151848488361031&set=a.10151848321426031.1073741845.593661030&type=3&theater)

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Bogota and Medellin but I was looking forward to getting back to the coast and enjoying the sun again :)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Monte Verde to San Jose](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=1&l=36f0974334). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

After Ometepe we crossed the border into our final country on this trip, Costa Rica. The first destination for us was the beautiful town of Monte Verde high in the hills of northern Costa Rica.



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo1.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802457566031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Of of the main attractions of Monte Verde is all the extreme sports on offer. I decided I was going to do the jungle zip lining first.

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-93.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458291031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The site in which we did it boasts the longest zip line in Latin America at 1590m.

[![photo-10](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-101.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458526031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The ride takes the best part of a minute and a half which I managed to record in the super-man position:

[![photo-11](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-111.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458531031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jM6cfh-TvAg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The final zip line wasnt a zip line at all, rather it was a giant tarzan swing. To get there you had to walk across a rickety bridge before you reach the platform that you jump from.

[![photo-12](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-121.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458571031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

After zip lining I decided I wanted to have a go at something I have been meaning to do for a long time, bungee jumping.

While we were getting suited up in our harness a friendly Makaw decided to join us. It seemed to have a fetish for peoples feet however.

[![photo-14](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-141.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458976031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

To get to the bungee jump spot you had to ride in a small cage across the steep valley

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-151.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802458866031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

One by one the people in the cage took the plunge over the edge until it was my turn. I shuffled up to the edge (my feet were tied to the bungee) before the countdown 5..4..3..2..1.. and I felt the not-so-proverbial boot up the bottom and jumped:

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i8xkBqKVjtQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The jump was exhilarating tho the way the rope caused you to spin afterwards did make me feel a little nautious.

While I was doing the jump some members of our group went off on a coffee tour.

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-171.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802459046031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-21](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-211.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802459596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a bus and a boat across to La Fortuna the town that rests at the foot of the Areal volcano in northern Costa Rica.

[![photo-58](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-581.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802464126031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-64](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-641.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802464766031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Like Monte Verde, La Fortuna offers a great many adventure sports for the adrenaline addicted traveler with deep pockets.

As soon as we arrived a few of us decided we were going to go canyoneering.

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-271.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802460156031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Canyoneering involves hiking and repelling down waterfalls and is great fun.

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-321.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461151031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-46](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-461.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802462596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Some of the waterfalls are so high that you basically have to zip line down.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kvP_DJGm4ZA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

There were a couple of 'surprises' along the way too such as a dive bomb into a pool.

[![photo-38](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-381.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461631031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-39](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-391.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461716031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The other was a 'Tsunami'. We were wedged into a small crevice then the stream was blocked from above. After a few minutes the dam was broken releasing a huge torrent of water down onto us.

[![photo-41](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-411.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802461856031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DCphVU42yWc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I loved the canyoneering, I may have to see if I can do more of it on this trip!

[![photo-48](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-481.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463041031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

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When we returned from the canyoneering we found the other half the group having fun in the hotel pool.

[![photo-53](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-531.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463706031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

They had been drinking sangreer all afternoon in the sun and had come up with a game called 'Limeball'. It basically involed letting a lime sink to the bottom then in teams you have to try to get it to the opponents end by just using your feet.

[![photo-54](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-541.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802463801031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The tricky thing was that it was really tough to see the lime through the chest high water so often everyone would loose the lime until someone would sneakily kick it towards the other side.

The following day I decided to continue on my adventure sports with some ATV'ing.

[![photo-69](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-691.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802465471031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

I had never done it before and was pleasantly surprised at how powerful the small things were.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c03ilLE3asQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

We stopped after a few hours and took a break at a small river in the forest.

[![photo-71](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-711.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802465841031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

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That evening we took a break from all the adrenaline and visited the hot springs at Los Lagos.

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-761.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466451031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The pools are supplied with hot water fed by the volcanic activity deep underground. Unlike the springs in Hondorus that were built on a hill side deep in the jungle these were much more formal built up affair and were basically hot swimming pools. One of the pools even had a swim up bar which I made good use of.

[![photo-77](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-771.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802466596031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had dinner at a buffet in the hotel. During the meal we practiced a little "1912'ing".

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The following day we left La Fortuna and headed to San Jose. Along the way we stopped ot do a spot of white water rafting.

[![photo-86](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-861.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802467676031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

The guide in our raft thought it would be funny to stick twigs in our helmets

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We had an awesome time though it made me yearn to do some harder rapids in the future.

[![photo-93](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-931.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802468576031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

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During the ride we had an opportunity to 'ride the bow' which involves sitting on the front of the boat and hanging on for dear life as you sail down the river.

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It was all good fun until Meike, a Dutch girl in our boat was thrown off and landed on her knee onto a rock.. ouch!

[![photo-107](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-107.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802470401031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

Halfway we stopped for some pineapple and a little cliff jumping.

[![photo-103](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-103.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802469871031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

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After the rafting we headed to our final destination, the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. There we spent one more night together as a group getting drunk in a local club.

Im going to miss these guys, I had a phenomenal time, sharing so many good memories. I got on with all of them, each person had their own unique qualities that made them great to hang around with. I wish I could spend the rest of my trip travelling around with them. Thanks guys!

[![photo-2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-210.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151802457556031&set=a.10151802457071031.1073741842.593661030&type=3&theater)

**Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Granada to Ometepe](https://www.facebook.com/mikeysee/media_set?set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

After leaving the beautiful island of Rotan we made our way to the Nicaraguan border. Along the way we had to make a slight detor:



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733061031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

I hope no one was on there when it went down! Eventually we made it to the border.

[![photo-2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-2.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733036031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

A few more hours on the road and we stopped at a truck stop to play on the swings

[![photo-5](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-5.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733581031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-4](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-4.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733296031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

Finally we reached the small colonial town of Granada.

[![photo-8](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-8.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733946031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

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Our hotel was a little odd, it had a central fountain that was infested with turtles

[![photo-7](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-7.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789733736031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent the afternoon exploring the town. Our guide took us to a place staffed by deaf and dumb people..

[![photo-14](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-14.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789734796031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

Here we discovered where hammocks come from..

[![photo-15](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-15.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789735116031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening we ate in the garden cafe

[![photo-16](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-16.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789734956031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-17.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789735231031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

Afterwards we went to shisha bar and enjoyed some of the flavoured tobacco

[![photo-23](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-23.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789736616031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

while we were there a number of street performers turned up and started showing off their skills

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The following day we decided to go Kayaking on lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America

[![photo-26](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-26.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789736976031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-25](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-25.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789736806031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-27.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789737406031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

We stopped at a coupple of small islands while kayaking around. Apparently you can buy one of these islands if you have a million or so lieing about.

[![photo-31](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-31.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789738376031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

I really enjoyed the kayaking as our guide took us to places that boats cant reach as they are too clogged with weeds and lilies. That made it feel special and infinitely more interesting than kayaking I have done in the past.

In the afternoon we took a trip down to the smelly, noisy market in Granada.

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The following day we drove a short way to the ferry that was due to take us to the island in the middle of the lake called Ometepe.

[![photo-43](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-43.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789740351031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-45](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-45.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789740636031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

The ferry was one of the most rickety boats I have ever had the pleasure of riding. We had the unfortunate luck of sitting right next to the engine hole which meant that I was continually being splashed by water that a local was hand-pumping out of the engine.

[![photo-44](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-44.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789740476031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the island we stayed with local families in a home-stay. Our family was really nice and cooked us some lovely food however they didnt speak any English and I dont speak any Spanish so conversation was severely limited.

In the afternoon / evening we visited a natural swimming pool on the island.

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I had a great time in the cool water and we stayed there messing about until it went dark.

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The next day we woke early (5am) and made our way to the base of the largest of the two volcanoes on the island, Concepcion.

[![photo-59](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-59.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789743171031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

This was the first hike of the trip and the first hour or so it seemed like it was going to be a peice of cake

[![photo-60](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-60.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789743326031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

But then it started getting steeper and steeper.

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Eventually after several hours, sweaty and tired, we reached the 1000m mark.

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After a short break we took off up the remaining 610m leaving some people behind who didnt want to scale the rest.

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-76.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789745396031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

Those people that stayed behind were very wise as the steep jungle path soon turned into even steeper volcanic rock and shale that tore into our gloves and boots.

[![photo-77](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-77.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789745281031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

After a few more hours of intense climbing we finally reached the 1610m summit of the volcano.

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Although it was so cloudy we couldnt see anything I was incredibly happy to finally reach the summit

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We could only stay at the top for 15 minutes due to the high levels of toxic gas, just enough time to bring back a classic:

[![photo-81](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-81.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789745686031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

The way down was tough and sketchy, most of the time the entire volcano was covered in thick cloud however on the way down the fog parted and we were offered incredible views of the island, lake, mainland Nicaragua and even the Pacific ocean beyond.

[![photo-83](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-83.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789746076031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-86](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-86.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789746846031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

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Needless to say it was a tough hike, it took us 11 hours in total. Near the bottom it started raining heavily. We sheltered under a large Sabre tree at the base of the volcano when we heard an almighty crack from above us. I turned around just in time to see a massive branch from the tree come crashing down not a meter from me. Our guide was understandably nervous after that as we hightailed it out of there.

For days after the hike I could barely walk my legs were so sore. I had shredded the pair of gloves I had been given and torn large holes in my shoes thanks to the sharp volcanic rocks. Despite all that however im glad we did it, it was a great challenge and im happy I managed to overcome it.

[![photo-87](/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-87.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151789747016031&set=a.10151789732396031.1073741841.593661030&type=3&theater)

![screenshot_02](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/screenshot_021.png)

Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 - Guadalajara to Mexico City](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like



Following on from the LA to Mazatlan, we began to head into mainland Mexico. The next stop on our journey was second largest city in Mexico Guadalajara. The first night there we hopped on the 'party bus' bound for the ever popular Mexican wrestling.

[![photo-150](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-150.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708376546031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

Im not usually one for WWE but I totally loved this. It could have had something to do with the incredible energy in the place or the extra large beers I was chugging, either way I totally loved every second of it. I joined in the chanting even though I had no idea what I was shouting at the people on the other side of the stadium.

At times I couldnt work out what to look at, what was going on in the ring or what was going on in the crowd. Talking about the ring, there were some really strange things going on in there. There were men dressed as Predator, there was a bloke mincing around grabbing the other competitors asses, there was a huge fat guy wearing fairy wings, there was a midget / child that was was thrown around the ring at the other competitors. Unfortunately I didnt take my camera so couldnt get any pictures to prove any of this so you will have to just take my word for it.

Of all the competitors my favourite (and incidently the only one I could catch the name of because the crowd kept chanting his name) was Mistico.

[![photo-152](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-152.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708376631031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

He was incredibly acrobatic jumping and flipping about all over the place. After the fight I felt that I just had to get a souvenir:

[![photo-154](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-154.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708377486031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the fight the energy levels were high, we drove around in the party bus dancing and drinking while DJ Fantashtic (not his real name) spun out the marimba tunes

[![photo-159](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-159.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708378466031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

The next day we hopped on a bus bound for Tequila (the place not the drinl). We took a tour around a distillery and learnt how the drink goes from the heart of the Agave plant..

[![photo-166](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-166.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708380271031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. gets fermented...

[![photo-168](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-168.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708381031031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. then distilled into pure Tequila

[![photo-171](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-171.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708381611031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the tour we had a little tasting session and learnt about the different types of Tequila. Tequila Blanco comes straight from the distillery, gets watered down a little to bring it in the 38-40% range and sold. This stuff tastes most like the Agave plant and has a very strong pure taste to it.

The usual stuff you see in England is the gold Tequila that just the white Tequila but aged in oak casks for a number of years. The longer you age it the softer tasting Tequila you get as the drink absorbs colours and flavours from the oak. I personally preferred the softer aged stuff much more.

[![photo-178](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-178.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708383601031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

On the way back to the hostel we stopped off in an Agave field for a group photo, these plants were much bigger and sharper than I expected, particularly when they are digging into your back:

[![photo-185](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-185.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708385236031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening a few of us took a trip to downtown Guadalajara.

[![photo-193](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-193.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708388316031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

Many of the buildings have a very European / French feel to them, this apparently is largely due to the Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz in the late 1800's who had a thing for everything French.

We also met up with Suzanne's (our trek leader) friend Nerio..

[![photo-201](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-201.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708389911031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. who was kind enough to donate me his Mistico keyring ..

[![photo-194](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-194.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708388036031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. which is now attached to my backpack :)

The following day we found ourselfs in the incredibly picturesque town of Guanajato. Set onto the side of a hill with small streets winding chaotically between colourful buildings you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy or the south of France.

[![photo-251](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-251.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708403931031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

While there we soaked up the atmosphere around the central Plaza or Zocaro..

[![photo-213](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-213.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708394041031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. ate some great food ..

[![photo-209](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-209.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708392536031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. and drank some cold beers

[![photo-221](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-221.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708396156031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

In the evening we went on a tour around the city with a traditional band / theatre company. At the start they gave us small pewter containers that we had no clue to their purpose until near the end when they were filled with orange juice and we were told to long-arm them into our mouth as part of a ceremony.

[![photo-227](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-227.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708397171031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

Kelsie and I decided to wake up a little earlier the next morning and go and try to get some good photos from the hillside of the beautiful city. Im glad we made the effort as the view was spectacular:

[![photo-254](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-254.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708404491031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-256](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-256.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708404681031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-259](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-259.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708405411031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

Our final stop before Mexico city was a small colonial town called San Miguel. This place was like a lesser version of Guanajuato, a beautiful central plaza and colourful buildings but not quite meeting up to the same level as the previous destination.

[![photo-237](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-237.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708400066031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

It did have some nice bars however in particular there was one on the top of a building near the plaza that had a braizier, good cocktails and house music, definitely my cup of tea

[![photo-247](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-247.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708400066031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

The final destination for this part of our journey was the capital of Mexico, Mexico City. Here we said goodbye to two members of our group Madeline and Colette..

[![photo-268](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-268.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708407281031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. and said hello to two new members Simon and Emma.

While there I had one of the best sandwiches I have ever had

[![photo-270](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-270.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708407686031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was called the Milanesa Torta and was stuffed with crumbley beef that just melted in your mouth. Throw a few pickels, jalepenos and mustard on the top and it didnt last long. Infact it was so good we went back and had it again the next day.

[![photo-271](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-271.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708407986031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

Before leaving for this trip I read a few lists of things that you should definitely take with you. One of those things was duct-tape. I was a little dubious at first but im glad I took it as it has come in handy from repairing sandals to securing loose plugs:

[![photo-272](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-272.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708408156031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

While there we visited some of the Aztec ruins right in the centre of the city.

[![photo-282](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-282.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708410911031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-285](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-285.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708411646031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

The last evening of Mexico city we decided to go shopping in the biggest shopping mall in the city. After shopping we grabbed some food in TGI's in the mall, all was going well until disaster strook

[![photo-286](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-286.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708411721031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

A few weeks before leaving for this trip Kelsie had had a bad allergic reaction to something she ate. She was rushed to the hospital, the doctors had to induce a coma so they could get oxygen into her. She almost died as a result. They did a whole battery of tests but couldnt work out what had caused the reaction. The best idea was it was a sudden rection to the fish in the fish and chips she had eaten. She decided that rather than cancel her whole trip she was going to continue on but avoid any fish.

All was going well until she had a chicken salad in TGI's (no fish) when the alergic reaction struck again. This time she was carrying an epi-pen with her so immediately jabbed it in her thigh before legging it into the nearest taxi and we motored at top speed to the hospital. Fortunately this time either the reaction wasnt as strong or the epi-pen lessened the effects but she made it to the hospital still able to breathe.

[![photo-287](/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/photo-287.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151708411966031&set=a.10151708375871031.1073741836.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was and still is seriously scary though as we have no idea what could have triggered it this time, perhaps the salad dressing? She has bravely decided to continue on with the trip but is being very careful about what she eats. Rice and beans seems to be safe so far.

An interesting end to the first 14 days in Mexico. I have experienced so much already, I cant believe I have another 6 months to go!

![screenshot_02](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/screenshot_021.png)

Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album The [Trip 2013 – North Carolina](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like



After leaving Chicago behind I was desperately in need of some time to R&R before the Central American leg of my trip began, fortunately I was heading to North Carolina where I would be getting just that.

I arrived into Charlotte early afternoon on the 18th of May, due to the flight being domestic I wasnt hassled at immigration for the first time. David Wilson brother of Martin (my travelling buddy and old friend whom I stayed with in DC) met me at the airport and we headed back to his place. Lindsay his wife was up in the mountains filming so we went out and grabbed a bite to eat and sampled some of the local beers.

[![beerage](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/beerage.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150191031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

I was totally shattered so I went to bed early that night and awoke late the following morning. We had organised to go to Carrowinds, a theme park about 20 minutes away from his home in Charlotte.

[![carrowinds](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/carrowinds.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150181031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

We picked a great day to go as the weather wasnt great but that meant that there were far fewer people there and we were able to go on the rides several times in a row often without queueing.

[![loop](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/loop.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150186031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

One of the best rides was a giant swing that simulated free-fall / hang gliding. You have to wear special harnesses and are winched up to the top of a huge tower. After the count of 3.. 2... 1... you pull the rip cord and fall.

<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tuS-caaUeKI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I had a great time. We had a go at some of the game stalls during the down time (thunder shuts the rides), David managed to win a basketball and I incredibly managed to remmeber enough of my scool rugby hooker position to throw an american football through a hole and thus win it as a prize.

[![balls](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/balls.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150646031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

All in all a great day

[![sexy](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sexy.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150636031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we woke early, I had a 4 hour train journey to catch to Wilson North Carolina where Lorna (mother of Martin and David) was picking me up and taking me to Greenville, about an hour away from Wilson.

Lorna and Colin live in a beautiful house in Greenville.

[![house](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/house.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150866031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

I had a great time there catching up on some much needed sleep and recharging my batteries. Peter (the youngest son of Lorna and Colin) drove all the way down from his home in the mountains (5 hours away) to come visit me. It was really cool to hang out with him again.

We all went out to get some traditional North Carolina bbq one lunch time. Pulled pork and sweet coldslaw with cornbread. I enjoyed the pork and the coldslaw though the bread was a little tough.

[![pulled pork](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pulled-pork.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150686031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

Their house had a swimming pool out the back which they very kindly opened early so I could work off some of the callories I had accrewed over the past coupple of weeks of (a little too) tastey American food and beer.

They also still have their elderly gent of a cat Ashley which I remember from the last time I visited 13 years ago.

[![ash](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/ash.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666150891031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

After just a few days in Greenville I was off again, taking the train in the rain back to Charlotte.

[![rain](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rain.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666151061031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

The next day was spent with Lindsay (David's wife) wile David was at work. We decided to head down to the centre of Charlotte where hill billies were gathering for the NASCAR themed Speed Street.

[![speedstreet](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/speedstreet.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666151256031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![car2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/car2.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666151291031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

There was some interesting tens there where we managed to blag a load of free stuff. There was even a Tony the tiger where I managed to get a GRRRREAT thigh rub.

[![thigh](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/thigh.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666151776031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

I even tried funnel cake for the first time which tasted like donut but nicer.

[![funnel](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/funnel.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666151836031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

Unfortunately that was my last day in North Carolina, my flight the next day was taking me to LA where the Central American leg of my journey would be beginning.

I had a great time in NC and it was exactly what I needed, massive thanks to David, Lindsay, Lorna, Colin and Peter for letting me stay and showing me some of the awesome North Carolina.

[![dave and l](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dave-and-l.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151666152016031&set=a.10151666149991031.1073741833.593661030&type=3&theater)

![screenshot_08](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/screenshot_08.png)

_Note: This is a condensed version of the pictures I took with some added narrative. The rest of the pics can be viewed in the album [The Trip 2013 – Chicago](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like_



May the 15th just 8 days after I had started I took a flight from Toronto to Chicago. I was flying into the windy city to see the sights and meet my good uni mate Mark. Mark was due to arrive the following day with a few other friends of his from back in England they were all over here visiting their friend Damien.

I arrived late afternoon and made my way to the hostel I was staying at downtown. This place was quite a change from the hostel in Toronto, it was HUGE. 6 floors of dorms with each dorm being about twice the size of the ones in Toronto. Apparently it is one of the biggest hostels in the world. It felt more like a hotel than a hotel.

That first night I headed north to meet Damien for the first time. We hung out is his local, drinking local beers and Jager (ughh). We went for some food around the corner and I managed to sample Chicago style pizza, which is odd with the tomato and cheese positioning reversed so the cheese is on the bottom with tomato on top. It tasted great still.

The following day I spent downtown doing some touristy things. I visited the flagship McDonalds:

[![macdonalds](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/macdonalds.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154236031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

I spent some time down by the waterfront updating my diary.

[![diarywater](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/diarywater.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154871031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

I saw some wierd mushroom buildings.

[![mushroom](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mushroom.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154281031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

The city was really beautiful, helped by the fact that there was tons of bushes in bloom:

[![bloom](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/bloom.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154891031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening I met up with Mark and the lads and we went out for drinks downtown. I met some more of Damien's friends including a girl named Angee who is Venezuelan and informed me that if I go to Venezuela I am totally going to get mugged / raped, oh joy.

[![angee](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/angee.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154891031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

We went to some really cool bars. One called the Rooftop in the Wit had a violinist who riffed along to the house music that the DJ was spinning out, I was in heaven.

[![violin](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/violin.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656154891031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

Needless to say that was a tough night for the lads with jetag.

[![mark dead](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mark-dead.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3)

The following day we went to watch the Cubs loose to the Mets

[![cubs](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/cubs.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656155876031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was fun tho I think I prefer ice hockey over baseball, far more action in hockey. It doesnt help that the wind was really cold making where we were sat in the shade even colder.

[![sat](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sat.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656155921031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

Still, the beer and nachos helped. Mark and Damien even went for the \$18 helmet of them.. mental

[![helm](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/helm.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656156066031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the game we headed across the road to Sluggers, which is a bar with batting nets.

[![nets](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/nets.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656156261031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

That was really good fun, I have always enjoyed getting involved with sports more than watching them. The fastball nets however were really tough. The ball comes at you at about 60mph which is fairly slow compared to the real pitchers, but unlike the real thing you have no clue when the ball is about to leave the machine. Also unlike the real thing your belly is full of beer, making things trickier :P

The rest of the evening was spent getting messy. At one point we spotted a group of people who were taking their parrot for a walk. I dont think I have ever seen more emotional in an animal than this bird. Just by looking at its eyes you could tell what it was thinking, it was really fascinating.

[![parrot](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/parrot.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151656156401031&set=a.10151656151696031.1073741832.593661030&type=3&theater)

A fitting end to to a great stay in the windy city. I rose early the next day to catch a flight to my next destination; North Carolina!

[![screenshot_02](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/screenshot_02.png)](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/screenshot_02.png)

So my trip has finally started! I have not had anywhere near as much free time thus far as I thought I would have before I left. A great thing as there is no chance of me getting bored, it does however mean that I haven't had time to write the frequent blog posts I had promised.



I have decided to try and write these posts a a sort of slideshow with narrative  Im not sure its the correct format however as it takes quite a while to write each one, so perhaps ill tweak the way I do this as I go along. Each photo taken links back to a publicly available image on facebook so you can like and comment and see a larger version if you wish.

This is just a condensed summary, there are more images in the album [The Trip 2013 - Washington DC](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=1&l=5197ba3b4a)

So I left the UK early on the 7th of May, after saying goodbye to my parents

[![mumanddad](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mumanddad.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640173181031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

I hopped on a train bound for Heathrow. A short 8 hour flight later I arrived in Washington DC where I bummed a bed from my Vietnam travelling buddy Martin

[![martins house](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/martins-house.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640179236031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After a couple of beers at his local my jet-lagged body forced me to bed. The next day Martin went to work leaving me free to head downtown to do a spot of tourism. First up was a park full of wierd and wonderful artwork

[![spider pic](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/spider-pic.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640190041031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![mayan ruins](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mayan-ruins.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640194986031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

it even had a pair of fountain spotters

[![fountain spotters](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/fountain-spotters.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640191006031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the park I took a wander around capital hill

[![capitol hill](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/capitol-hill.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640198656031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

before heading to the botanical gardens

[![botanical](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/botanical.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640212346031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

then the air and space museum

[![spaceship one](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/spaceship-one.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640223256031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After lunch I shimmied over to the Washington monument

[![obelisk](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/obelisk.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640227906031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

then some ducks decided to photo bomb my pic of the Lincon memorial.

[![duck photobomb](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/duck-photobomb.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640231586031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

At about this point it started to rain so I scurried back to the house. That night I went out with Martin and his very lovely girlfriend Kim. We hit one of his local haunts followed by a gig venue. I drank too much as usual and spent most of the next day trying to remember what I had said to people.

The following day I woke and decided to head back to the area I was in the previous day and do the things I missed. First up was The Museum of Natural History. A fascinating place that has everything, including the most badass creature in the ocean

[![mantis shrimp](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mantis-shrimp.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640234691031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

it even had an indoor butterfly enclosure, gingerly I took photos while trying not to crush the delicate insects

[![butterfly](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/butterfly.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640242761031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the museum I took the short walk over to the Whitehouse for the obligatory pic

[![whitehouse](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/whitehouse.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640243686031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the whitehouse I walked over to the Jefferson memorial and wrote my diary entry before finally heading back.

[![jefferson](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/jefferson.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640246986031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening I went to watch Martins team play local football. Its really interesting how football is taking off in the states, particularly as they play it in mixed sex teams.

[![martins team](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/martins-team.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640247956031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

After the game Kim drove us over to a gig at breakneck speeds, we saw [Sir Sly](https://soundcloud.com/sirsly) warm up for the headline for someone. Even though its not traditionally my sort of music I really enjoyed it and was the perfect end for my rather short stay in DC.

[![night out](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/night-out.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151640248756031&set=a.10151640158721031.1073741830.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day Martin and Kim were heading down to New Orleans for a stag and hen do so I grabbed a flight to my next destination, Toronto.

[![head](/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/head.png)](/posts/goodbye-playdemic/attachment/head-8/)

Wow doesn't time fly.



Over 8 years ago I was a short nerdy student trying desperately to find a way into the games industry for my industrial placement year at university. I was about ready to give up hope when a certain "Starboy" (probably) fed up of my winging offered me a position at his company Rockpool Games.

> Cannyshammy - feel free to drop me an email, my company is based in Manchester and there is a strong possibility of us taking on an intern.
>
> alex.rigby@rockpoolgames.com
>
> EDIT: Just seen you're looking to go abroad, guess Manchester is a little too close then eh?
> (source: [https://www.gamedev.net/topic/297068-breaking-into-the-games-industry-is-impossible/page-2#entry2882806](https://www.gamedev.net/topic/297068-breaking-into-the-games-industry-is-impossible/page-2#entry2882806))

Little did either of us know the long winding path that would unfold from that moment.

Fast forward 5 years. After their success with Rockpool Paul and Alex approached me with a new cunning plan. They were going to start a games company to make these new-fangled social games that Zynga were redefining the games industry with.

Join an exciting new company making cutting edge games with Starboy? [How could I refuse](/posts/playdemic-my-fist-day/)...

Needless to to say the next 3 years were quite a journey. There were ups, there were downs, there were laughs, there were cry's there was even the occasional thigh-rub (still not sure how I didn't get fired for those).

Like all journeys however, they must some day come to an end. I decided that the majority of the world has yet to experience the emotional cocktail of disgust, fear and slight arousal induced by the thigh-rub. So before I reach "that age" I was going to take some time and bring this unique joy to the wider world.

So whats next? Well I have two months of preparation before I embark on an epic 7 month journey through Central and South America, but ill save the details on that for a separate post.

.. well California actually but im just listening to abit of Prodigy so I thought it appropriate.

Was over for just over two weeks, hired a car with [Toni ](https://www.littlemisstoni.co.uk/)and went-a-road-trippin. First few days were down the coast from San Francisco down the Big Sur to LA. Then from LA accross to Vegas, then all the way back again.



Apart from a parking ticket (who knew you have to park in the same direction traffic is flowing?!) everything went pretty smooth. Toni is still over there, will be for the next 6 weeks, hitting the research with the very clever physics bods over at [Berkly Universit](https://berkeley.edu/)y.

As usual the holiday snaps can be found on my [Picassa Web Albums page](https://picasaweb.google.com/mike.cann/California10#), but here are some highlights:

[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5Baih_hZI/AAAAAAAAsDA/ws2r7mOaVEk/s288/IMG_1267.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9Nh5SL_52VnGUypvmONetQ?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5B-WRYAiI/AAAAAAAAsD4/H-wxHU4-yoA/s288/IMG_1279.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n4to9ZBD2Itcmqgs4R6hxA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5FWoWxJXI/AAAAAAAAsJI/Xz5x8pE6QeI/s288/IMG_1329.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xG5c-8n5_LEHQh9dDU1Z9w?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5IlO_Gz9I/AAAAAAAAsN0/tIWU1Q-09gQ/s288/IMG_1385.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ji6P1LWHeQ1N_WzszZQPbQ?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5Jo00T1EI/AAAAAAAAsPk/VvgZk0aR_ro/s288/IMG_1410.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2b8IjHLA9WB1LaZ4e8WEFA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5pd1khHSI/AAAAAAAAsVE/7J-XfAaJM9I/s288/IMG_1467.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VLXkg_UN8nCP3__4rMyi9Q?feat=embedwebsite)

[![novampa](/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/novampa.jpg "novampa")](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/albumMap?uname=mike.cann&aid=5348332286173974433#map)

Yarr' me old sea dogs. I have just returned from a grand voyage to the eastern Canadian territories known as Nova Scotia. There myself and me old sea cappin' red beard rum went-a-hiking and campin' around the Maritimes.

And here be the tale of me epic journeyYARR!



## Day 1

We set sail on the sixth of the sixth month of the calendar. The sailing was generally good however we did encounter some stormy weather near the harbour o' Halifax..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkX-S4hATI/AAAAAAAAZWM/4iRlhO4PoSY/s400/DSC03747.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/itYDc6nWSBqEbp7JHCLLxQ?feat=embedwebsite)

.. after the brutal seas around the harbour we were sure in need of a stiff drink, so off we went to the local brewers..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYLOayB2I/AAAAAAAAZW8/DEXdf66YJcA/s400/DSC03760.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/mmRkh69o8lzxlNxMaZkSkA?feat=embedwebsite)

..the locals however were somewhat queer with allÂ theirÂ dancin' and clappin' and such..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYQJcuQ2I/AAAAAAAAZXc/wTrr-YsCI_g/s400/DSC03765.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/JmR2bnxs45Gtcc77vCJz3g?feat=embedwebsite)

...red beard was gettin' somewhat restless and had to be reminded of the rules of the establishment...
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYR_FR6QI/AAAAAAAAZXk/zg892mMJ_lA/s400/DSC03767.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/n6BiftvSaaYeDWG6DG-k2A?feat=embedwebsite)

..with that gruff reminder we took our leave in search of a less queer watering hole...
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYTuaqyNI/AAAAAAAAZXs/CBBmrYeKyE8/s400/DSC03771.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/8sgEww_D3go2-j43hmpfUA?feat=embedwebsite)

...with that old red beard was able to find himself a niceÂ Frenchie mistress for the evening..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYZeRlz1I/AAAAAAAAZYQ/MgB_rrOKK8Q/s400/DSC03779.JPG)
](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/n5KSP6eu6qOoBvxHAbKKzw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYa9XGMQI/AAAAAAAAZYc/4oQEgMjBD9I/s400/DSC03780.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/zTUq4DIsNUcuU7sSC8dLaw?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 2

After the first night red beard was after some adventurin' and led us into the wilderness..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYsFu76oI/AAAAAAAAZZ0/ZC9uDgILYpY/s400/DSC03796.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/kthv49VXTTpDyY0BnM4h-w?feat=embedwebsite)

..the winds were fierce and the cliffs mighty..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYycpU44I/AAAAAAAAZaU/Yi3jYFq4Thc/s400/DSC03801.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/gbX04Z8Wvz8uoGMn507oCw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkYt9gHS6I/AAAAAAAAZZ8/rIAtCAhQ_jU/s400/DSC03797.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/-ubrT_cj70N2cmy9YHTe-Q?feat=embedwebsite)

..but not once did red beard show any sign of fear..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkY2gCF_lI/AAAAAAAAZas/jVQ51dbxLHo/s400/DSC03803.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/7srajXHlxyWyDjHnJ2lKVA?feat=embedwebsite)

..once the day was done, we was rewarded for our efforts..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZAhSwHCI/AAAAAAAAZbQ/_unz999I-gU/s400/DSC03808.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/YTLmwczJfZhehRalnlGDTg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZCvI6w0I/AAAAAAAAZbw/Rkb0M4KiPbg/s400/DSC03811.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/bYdUB9zt_1-kxpP-wx5wKA?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 3

The third day saw our mighty vessel spring a leak. After some swift handwork by a local merchant, we was back in action..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZFni3PrI/AAAAAAAAZcA/badc2o2M_bA/s400/DSC03815.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/0sEJsyQbzI7E1hGxEw8pJQ?feat=embedwebsite)

..twas this day we met the infamous Ted and his mighty mobile fire pits..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZLa_nTHI/AAAAAAAAZcc/GcOCYNWkCNw/s400/DSC03819.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/cZ-dtUY7Z542HwO615BqTg?feat=embedwebsite)
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZOsyJHlI/AAAAAAAAZcs/ug8JTB9uzcA/s400/DSC03828.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/mPGipnQlcnIrpi9qXKo-aw?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 4

Day four we encountered a terrifying sea creature the likes nay been seen by any man..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZZrDellI/AAAAAAAAZdo/O9mJUR0R2oc/s400/DSC03839.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/Fclbh89ZQWnPapVaSefX-w?feat=embedwebsite)

..red beard thought it wise we had inland away from the foul beasts. We sailed into the National Park known as Kejimkujik, there we found to red beard's great amusement some swinging chair devices..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZikN9_AI/AAAAAAAAZeM/1h-EiIHVf5Q/s400/DSC03845.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/owG_L4Qh6EVz7nyPvpylgA?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 5

Day five, red beard and I decided to take the small skiff out and explore the inland seas..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZn5OLnpI/AAAAAAAAZew/9mTtnjSQHFE/s400/DSC03855.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/oWUuzefV6BxOecBaX8QoKw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZpwRI5tI/AAAAAAAAZe4/rFzqHTx2l3E/s400/DSC03857.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/H-4YL4m4e0Bg7QKV8Ruetw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZt3yLniI/AAAAAAAAZfI/FQYRyj6QWRU/s400/DSC03861.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/y5c9xfVRBj41graSDxz74g?feat=embedwebsite)

..the weather was rough though I had no fear, for red beard was always sure of his bearings..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZrNYge_I/AAAAAAAAZfA/APIdVGikmCg/s400/DSC03859.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/Xf6EHjENjvisaj2nmLX0Dg?feat=embedwebsite)

..heading out, some local wildlife made itself an easy target..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZlQODdXI/AAAAAAAAZec/TGxL9QfY5Rk/s400/DSC03852.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/qJ6pO-f0LXaUkgqUbKTROA?feat=embedwebsite)

..our cannons missed the beast however and it scampered away. Nar matter, as there was much ocean to be traversed this day..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZwmHtLHI/AAAAAAAAZfY/NdCHn3Yfpqk/s400/DSC03863.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/6KKok3wlz5wm_-vChepIfA?feat=embedwebsite)

**Day 6**

Yarrr, day six we visited the distant French fortress of Louisbourg. Though their fortress may be grand..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkZ6BMpJ2I/AAAAAAAAZgY/YDH80UDXz84/s400/DSC03877.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/x4NE65_H796E8NNEHkBicg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaAYrG1HI/AAAAAAAAZhA/K-pG3aTQFCw/s400/DSC03881.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/cpGONst9bS4g5e7RkV7Zog?feat=embedwebsite)

..though we couldn't help thinking that their army was somewhat lacking..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaG_W_KWI/AAAAAAAAZho/62t_VtGZ0GU/s400/DSC03886.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/MAJ_8CK7aEGJY5_eYDKt1g?feat=embedwebsite)

..again we couldn't shore up in these waters when there were more interestin' places to be visitin' ...
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaI79pUDI/AAAAAAAAZh4/TmUaIt9BS1s/s400/DSC03888.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/P-3DwJa7dmxbva5dE3wN2Q?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 7

Day seven 'twas a gloomy sorta day so we went adventurin' in the woodlands in Cape Breton island..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaL1rpQTI/AAAAAAAAZiI/0ReJ00rjIYI/s400/DSC03891.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bfEeMX1Lfih1nsKU5xgMuA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaSqVaKTI/AAAAAAAAZi0/iWYgxNgJNhI/s400/DSC03896.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZmiwIhZwczRkFBhd2JeWHg?feat=embedwebsite)

..from a distance we spied our campin' destination, the most northerly site in the whole lands ..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaaSfg87I/AAAAAAAAZjk/hxu6V0BNByo/s400/DSC03908.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ssU21PUtyB3_17lFRl0-Sw?feat=embedwebsite)

..the weather was grim, though red beard and I persevered on and cooked us a hearty meal..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkabrgHawI/AAAAAAAAZjs/cvsKZcMrc1E/s400/DSC03911.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/keIvgb-wJACfhByXi73TCA?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 7

We was swift in departin the dreary camp and its crazy drunken sailors..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkagNxpZ6I/AAAAAAAAZkI/vOIf1BJlDO0/s400/DSC03923.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qCjXEnHncsEdG7zNM4SZvA?feat=embedwebsite)

..we was headin for the most famous hike in all of Nova Scotia..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkahpjuZ7I/AAAAAAAAZkQ/ziq1afd0-XA/s400/DSC03925.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e0y2QAZDmcHFVUCn-5xpyg?feat=embedwebsite)

..unfortunately the weather nay favour us here either. Red beard put a brave face on it tho..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkalxtQ_CI/AAAAAAAAZks/Hg1HLZZDDuE/s400/DSC03929.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pOgcDpNPYWW8pChGlKl_PQ?feat=embedwebsite)

..despite this there was beauty to be had..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkamzlI5hI/AAAAAAAAZk0/D889uup3Blo/s400/DSC03933.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BYqfUm9C7vPP9HXeJYCgUA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkakAUgjaI/AAAAAAAAZkg/Kr-aWAYpoZo/s400/DSC03928.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fCXUrKwKq7s2r-m-KD25Pw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkavgrdePI/AAAAAAAAZlg/BMRuow-M6K8/s400/DSC03938.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rz0JjKqkBQZKFvwoglM_6g?feat=embedwebsite)
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkayW8D9AI/AAAAAAAAZlo/zGDHHtc49lY/s400/DSC03939.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gFJitAfqYZeFN6qLJ1fp8g?feat=embedwebsite)

.. after a long day on the open sea we were pleasured by the indoor space provided to warm our sodden feet..
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkaznukrTI/AAAAAAAAZlw/8noFIOMnvUw/s400/DSC03940.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TScfOhnXX9VYyx3fnBt2sA?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 8

And off again we scamper, this time we sail down the eastern shore away from Cape Breton..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Sjka1Hvg1LI/AAAAAAAAZl4/U7TlSyTJ0qI/s400/DSC03943.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q5BXcJ7ndpN6iLV_BX83qg?feat=embedwebsite)

..thar we found some sand with which to enjoy ourÂ maritimeÂ sea tales..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Sjka5s3WiyI/AAAAAAAAZmU/anRwR-MiByA/s400/DSC03948.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IjO0n7uHfT3DOklRKh6GTQ?feat=embedwebsite)
[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Sjka8ShJDeI/AAAAAAAAZmc/hYe6MbP1arc/s400/DSC03950.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SAk2nP0B1ZmV6p6KDBepsA?feat=embedwebsite)
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Sjka9q0CmBI/AAAAAAAAZmo/Y6L-KiiX0EU/s400/DSC03952.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7piRRM6vT_AvFcP47saD6g?feat=embedwebsite)

## Day 9

The last day of our epic voyage and we was both feelin rather weary, smelly, and our hair was somewhat greasy..
[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbG66WzjI/AAAAAAAAZnY/MB5FOOQtAPM/s400/DSC03958.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dEmQjmu7cUPsYJMbHHudWA?feat=embedwebsite)

..our weariness was not long lasted however as we pulled into the zenith of our adventures, Peggys Cove..
[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbHxF1tQI/AAAAAAAAZng/yKrgsgt2po4/s400/DSC03960.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y72zyELC45-9TFcg8ZhukQ?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbKVf-OHI/AAAAAAAAZn0/yhYoUdYwgqo/s400/DSC03964.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tTY0fbHqpO4wFouXnx2RzA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbNu-BmvI/AAAAAAAAZoE/5af7Gth3iAE/s400/DSC03966.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wi4GZuucq-apPhvVxnce1A?feat=embedwebsite)

.. followed by some grog and sea shanties..
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbWSg2DFI/AAAAAAAAZow/LNIhpStUlyc/s400/DSC03977.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/piw8zIU0pKz5GUgHecjiPg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SjkbX1uy-XI/AAAAAAAAZo4/mzTqgfetFuA/s400/DSC03978.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BtW5QJmS5B0W4OtkBrhGbw?feat=embedwebsite)