Travelling companions

I've had a few queries about my travelling alone and I whilst I don't have a human travelling companion I will not be alone.

Some of you may remember Kevin.... He has travelled all over the place with me ......Australia.....USA.......Hawaii.......Iceland......England.  He is always with me and we have formed a very close attachment.  He is particularly ugly and decidedly tatty looking and was purchased from the railway platform in Broken Hill in 2011. He sleeps with me at night and I get quite panicky if he is not nearby.

Kevin

 Also travelling with me is Jerome McGnome. He was born and bred in Arkansas and some of you may remember him from my previous travels - he has also been everywhere but generally disgraces himself.   I rest my case - New York Times Square New Years Eve 2011-2012 A picture says a thousand words.

Times Square

Being cool in the Big Apple

This was the result of his "celebrations"

Big sleep in next morning with his eye mask on -  refused to get up

 In Iceland he fell over drunk and broke his hip - full hip replacement was required

Broken Hip

Zimmer Frame

At the start of the Olympics he tried to enter the pole vaulting but once again came to grief

Sporting injury - he ended up in traction after this one.

I have my doubts that Gordon will survive another trip but I'm sure he will make his presence felt.

So as you see... i'm not alone and with Gordon around I will have have my hands full.

USA 2016-17 - all getting very real......kind of exciting......kind of scared.......!

Well! In 11 days I'll be off to the USA for just under 6 months. In 2011 I spent approximately 6 months travelling through every mainland state of USA and 4 provinces of Canada and my aim this time is to spend more time in the places I loved the most and with the people I love to bits :)

I want to be able to learn more about  my favourite places and have the time to enjoy what they have to offer.

Did I say it was 11 days till I go?  FFS....I've been planning this for 5 years and it just doesn't seem real that it is almost upon me.

My plans are very loose because I don't want to miss any opportunities or experiences or people by having a tight schedule.

Bloody hell.......11 days!!

My plan is a week in LA (a place I'm not keen on but I know well enough to chill and get in the right mindset). Then 3 days in Anaheim to meet up with friends from UK. I met Jo  on the internet many years ago and we finally get to meet in person. I will also do the Disneyland/Universal Studios again - because I can.

From then its north to Monterey, San Francisco, Crescent City, Portland, Seattle and other places in between, then fly to Little Rock Arkansas to visit dear friends Ang & Kae and Omaha to visit Robby and Karen.  Cant wait to see you all again. I have friends to visit in Missouri ;) and Iowa. I have booked a week in Chicago over Christmas for several reasons but mainly because I love Chicago......I know I will probably be snowed in but thats fine.......I want a final White Christmas and I think I can guarantee it will snow.

11 days....good grief!

I also have friends to visit in San Diego and Arizona so have many ports of calls if I get lost or lonely or need a hug.

Other than this my plans are non existent....just play it by ear.

Most of my travels will be by train and bus.......last time I drove everywhere and I missed a lot of the scenery just trying to stay on the right side of the road!

Everything that can be done by way of preparation bar packing has been done so I just need to relax and enjoy.

Please sign up on my blog to follow my travels and adventures....or misadventures.....and you can also see the ups and downs of my last trip.

I must say I feel a lot more mentally and emotionally prepared this time and am a lot wiser starting out than the previous trip. I will admit that on some occasions during the previous trip ignorance was bliss.  Look out bears and serial  killers......I'm on to you!

11 days....how can that be..?