Los Angeles, California - August 2011

Our ten days in L.A. were so entertaining that our cameras laid effectively untouched, and so the numerous good times we shared with our comrades there remained un-captured (digitally at least). Amongst our rich and varied ad-hoc schedule there, we spent quality time with many friends, slept in many places, enjoyed wonderful hospitality (and weather), were pleasantly shocked by our confounded preconceptions of the city, and were very sorry to leave as the days flew by.

Many good souls played starring roles, and it was wonderful to reconnect with friends old and new. Amy and Natsuko, Zane and Ian, Tiffany, Gennan, Chris, Kate, Saunder, Brendan.... thank you for having us, and giving L.A. a very good name.

Joshua Tree, California - August 2011

Before leaving North America we had to make time for one last excursion into the deserts of the south-west; this time to the unique landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, from our L.A. basecamp with Amy Jo, a worthy and appropriate travel partner there (with the prerequisite love of its natural beauty and a certain Cosmic American, and a handle on the area's cultural impact). Despite one of us not firing on all cylinders*, we enjoyed this beautiful and otherworldly place at its magical best.

Before watching a killer sunset and retreating to a local motel, we wandered the park with just its non-human inhabitants for company, which included various specialist bird and mammal species - and memorably (especially for Amity), a Rattlesnake, which kindly spared the summoning of emergency services and travel insurance claims somewhat against the odds.....

*Self-inflicted dehydration is not a recommended condition to carry into the desert, but it saves forking out for psychedelics at least.

Birds and mammals from JT can be viewed here

The Grand Canyon, Arizona - July 2011

From the glory of the Painted Desert to a motel in uniquely colourful Holbrook AZ, a particularly ghetto Greyhound ride, and eventually to Flagstaff - our base for exploring the canyon, and a cosmopolitan, leafy, cultured oasis in the State of emergency.


And a truly wonderful time was had. Flagstaff provided a suitably relaxed, bohemian backdrop to the main event, which exceeded all our expectations blew our scorched minds; to attempt describing the Canyon is inherently pointless, but suffice to say, you had to be there, and a day spent there is day not forgotten in a hurry.

From there, a few days to kill before our scheduled hook-up with comrades in Los Angeles. And so to Phoenix - the relative indulgence of a hotel inviting air-conned lie-ins, movies, and plenty of lazy luxury and relaxing, all coolly insulated from the 108 degree desert heat outside but for regular dips in the pool; just what we needed before heading for our final destination of our North American odyssey....

(wildlife from the canyon can be seen here)

Painted Desert & Petrified Forest, Arizona

One of the most breath-taking places on the planet. Thanks to Charlie and Alice for road-tripping us over the border, via beautiful landscapes and violent storms, and delivering us to these unforgettable vistas....