Well I have been back for over 3 weeks now but only just got round to uploading the pictures and videos from my 3 week trip up north. I had an absolute blast exploring some of the more remote Australian countryside.



This was the rough journey we took:

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From Bunbury to Broome was 4 days in a car with Kelsie and her parents. We stopped off at a few beautiful spots along the way:

[![photo-2](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-2-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-2.jpg)

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[![photo-6](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-6-665x1024.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-6.jpg)

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[![photo-15](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-15-1024x781.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-15.jpg)

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We even managed to make it over to Dampier for a quick photo with the [Red Dog](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dog_(film)>) statue:

[![photo-26](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-26-929x1024.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-26.jpg)

Once we arrived at Broome we met up with Kelsie's Brother Trent and his Fiancé Emily who live up there and spent a few days chilling out around the beautiful area:

[![photo-31](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-31-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-31.jpg)

[![photo-32](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-32-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-32.jpg)

[![photo-35](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-35-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-35.jpg)

[![photo-37](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-37-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-37.jpg)

[![photo-39](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-39-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-39.jpg)

After a few days we were off again, this time two cars; Kelsie, Myself, Trent and Emily in one and Kelsie's parents and their friend in the other. Our route took us along the Gib River road (a dirt road inaccessible for part of the year) all the way to our destination of Kununurra. Along the way we stopped at nice spots:

[![photo-69](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-69-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-69.jpg)

[![photo-41](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-41-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-41.jpg)

[![photo-57](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-57-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-57.jpg)

[![photo-59](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-59-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-59.jpg)

[![photo-66](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-66-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-66.jpg)

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Once at Kununurra we had a few days to explore the spectacular landscape:

[![photo-91](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-91-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-91.jpg)

[![photo-93](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-93-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-93.jpg)

[![photo-74](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-74-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-74.jpg)

[![photo-82](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-82-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-82.jpg)

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After just a short time we hit the road again and headed back to Broome, we took the highway on the way back so it only took a couple of days. This gave us more time to spend in Broome again:

[![photo-103](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-103-856x1024.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-103.jpg)

[![photo-106](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-106-1024x682.jpg)](https://www.mikecann.blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/photo-106.jpg)

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And then it was all over! Kelsie and I flew back to Bunbury while her parents drove the car back.

I had an awesome time 'up north' exploring more of Australia, I cant wait to see more of it in the future!

![screenshot_01](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/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 - Playa del Carmen to Tikal](https://www.facebook.com/mikeysee/media_set?set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like.**

After the wet and long trip from Chichen Itza we were all thoroughly ready to party it up in style in the party town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico.



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo1.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749139906031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We rocked up to our hostel which was a really cool place where all the rooms surround a central space filled with tables, benches and hammocks. We had a great time that first night drinking great quantities of Tequila, Mescal and Corona.

[![photo-3](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-310.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749140106031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent the rest of the night dancing without our sandles on in a club right on the beach, no photos of that particular debauchery unfortunately.

The following day we hit the beach. I remembered to remove all electronics from my pockets this time before going in the sea.

[![photo-9](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-910.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749142246031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we made our way for the tiny island of Caye Caulker in Belize.

[![photo-17](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-171.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749144471031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-23](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-231.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749145661031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had a great time in Caye Caulker. It was a tiny play with a really cool laid back feel to it.

[![photo-25](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-251.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749145846031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We spent the first evening there sampling the local food and drink.

[![photo-27](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-271.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749146511031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-30](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-301.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749147396031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-32](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-321.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749147406031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day we took a day tour out on a boat to explore the reef. On the way out we had a small bird problem.

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When in the water we saw all manner of things, from Manitee's..

[![photo-40](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-401.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749149006031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-42](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-421.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749149086031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. to turtles...

[![photo-56](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-561.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749153531031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gxK6e7IxdUM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

.. to fish on the reef

[![photo-60](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-601.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749155266031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-53](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-531.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749152891031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

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The following day we had to say a font farewell to Belize and make our way into Guatemala. First up in this beautiful country was the stunning lost Mayan ruins of Tikal.

[![photo-69](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-691.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749158101031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-72](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-721.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749158711031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-74](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-741.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749160121031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We had a great time there climbing up the various temples.

[![photo-76](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-761.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749160146031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-77](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-771.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749160171031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

Temple 4 was the largest temple there and offered incredible views over the jungle, including this one. Points to anyone who can guess which movie this view was in:

[![photo-104](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-1041.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749168471031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

There we also saw loads of animals including some monkeys..

[![photo-80](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-801.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749161371031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. and some of these cute things

[![photo-85](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-851.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749163436031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-89](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-891.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749165016031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-83](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-831.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749162211031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

We also saw some not so cute creatures

[![photo-93](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-931.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749165786031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-98](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-981.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749166806031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-100](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-1001.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749167091031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FQ10GIHtSMo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I really enjoyed myself at Tikal, a truly magical place...

[![photo-101](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-1011.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749167751031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-136](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-136.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749177821031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![photo-107](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-1071.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749169561031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

.. I cant believe that less than 1% of this place has been uncovered, I can just imagine the treasures just waiting to be uncovered below the jungle.

[![photo-118](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-1181.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749174306031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&type=3&theater)

Needless to say Tikal for me is definitely one of the highlights of the trip for me... so far!

[![photo-140](/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/photo-140.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151749179266031&set=a.10151749137826031.1073741838.593661030&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_05](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/screenshot_05.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 - Toronto](https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=1&l=8f6f5e5355). Each picture can be clicked to see a larger version and comment / like_



After a short 3 day stop in[ Washington DC](/posts/the-trip-2013-washington-dc/) next up on my list was Toronto Canada. I knew I had about 5 days to kill following Washington. I had heard from several people that Toronto is a cool city to visit so I thought why not, I wasn't disappointed.

I was nervous arriving as this would be my first time staying in a hostel by myself and thus I wasnt sure how a lot of things worked or whether I would be able to make friends. Fortunately within only a few minutes of arriving I met one of my dorm-mate, a great guy called Heeday.

[![heeday](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/heeday.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648949771031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

He invited me long to a meetup he had organised with a local to Toronto through Couchsurfing. We went down to the distillery district to meet a truly lovely girl named Mindy.

[![mindy](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/mindy.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648954091031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

She showed us around and told us a bit more about Toronto and Canada in general. We went to the Mill Street brewery for some beer sampling. They had some odd stuff there like beer soap, which smelt unsurprisingly like beer, not sure why you would want to rub that all over your body.

[![soap](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/soap.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648939636031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

After some beer sampling we headed to an Ethiopian restaurant for some traditional Ethiopian grub. It was tasty tho im not sure I really enjoyed the foamy / sponge like bread that you eat it with.

That evening was spent sipping some local beer and meeting some more of the other residents in the Hostel.

[![comb](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/comb.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648941631031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day Heeday and I headed off to watch the Toronto Marlies play ice hockey.

[![playersonice](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/playersonice.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648946861031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

The game was awesome and we were sat right down on the front row, nearest the action. The game was great, plenty of action and violence.

Its quite a hard game to follow because its so fast and action packed. At one point during the game I lost track of the puck, the next thing I know I feel a sharp pain on my shin. I bend down and pick up a puck. Incredibly the thing had somehow sailed over the barrier without me noticing and hitting me in the leg.

[![legpuck](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/legpuck.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648949146031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

[![puck](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/puck.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648951396031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

That evening Heeday had organised another meetup with some people that were organizing a Japanese meet and greet. It was an interesting evening talking to a whole bunch of Japanese people tho a lot of work due to their lack of English speaking skills and the volume in the place.

[![heedayandgirl](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/heedayandgirl.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648951816031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

Later in the evening Mindy drove down and met us and we went next door and ate some Korean food which was similar to Vietnamese / Chinese food. We decided to try some Korean wine too which turned out to taste really very strange and when left to stand "looks like spunk".

[![spunkwine](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/spunkwine.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648952331031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

The following day was really cold, it even hailed on Heeday and I as we wondered around town.

[![hal](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hal.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648965281031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

I managed to get some shots of the CN Tower, the tallest building in Toronto. I even managed to squeeze a thigh rub in

[![thighcn#](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/thighcn.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151648968876031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

We tried to go to the St Laurence Market in Toronto which apparently is one of the biggest food markets in the world. We should however have checked online first as it was closed on Sundays.

That evening was spent in the hostel watching the Toronto Maple Leafs play hockey on TV.

The following day I spent by myself walking around Toronto. I went to a huge LCBO (off license) and bought some wierd and wonderful beers

[![glutenfree](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/glutenfree.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151649028356031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

The next day I woke early with a killer hangover. I forced myself to get up as it was my last day in Toronto and I was going to go and see the Niagra falls. It was definitely worth it as it was an incredible view.

[![falls1](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/falls1.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151649035261031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

I even took a boat trip out right to the edge of the falls and got completely soaked despite the plastic coats they give you.

[![falls2](/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/falls2.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151649035106031&set=a.10151648934686031.1073741831.593661030&type=3&theater)

It was a fitting end to an awesome stay in an awesome city. The next up on my trip, Chicago!

[![](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/header.jpg "header")](/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/header.jpg)

Last week I took a trip to New York with my friend Becky. We had an awesome time exploring what the city has to offer.



[![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VBi4XO5i8b0/UJG1C1r72AI/AAAAAAAAyH4/wLpH6xmsASg/s288/P1010627.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qLRt8niQVfrG2eI0oydLydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-962Y-PGFuq0/UJG2hfp58vI/AAAAAAAAyMI/0Jz0UELPW1Q/s288/P1010843.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r1TCaMfzW1Y8cOMnajqNLNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Id-Aj0XOmwg/UJG27PfR4WI/AAAAAAAAyNI/3fnPPhQL_CY/s288/P1010875.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hofygl9oTdo4Y9WKLIAsx9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Q44TI3vay-I/UJG0oi2A1aI/AAAAAAAAyHA/F-OfbFiKuIc/s288/P1010617.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3BIskmuei29sSMTkr69BQtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

We departed last Saturday and so fortunately missed the storm by a couple of days. I find it hard to believe when looking at the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has caused that we were there admiring the beauty of the place just a couple of days later.

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-urG-G5y6Ick/UJG4srLzExI/AAAAAAAAyRg/MlRxIBOrD6Y/s288/P1010964.jpg) ](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8T2a8-MBmSNyUhRChvjSqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-novBw4nyRD8/UJG0HxwavtI/AAAAAAAAyGA/jW71XNyPB0U/s288/P1010590.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FCAb4lNdzRDhZMfv1s5zKNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Enol-NEiUVI/UJG59TK8sFI/AAAAAAAAyTI/yj0SILjJlCA/s288/P1020033.jpg) ](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8UV7DAPT_lGMZBmpuD37vtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LxxzgkyxkC4/UJG6J9A3SKI/AAAAAAAAyTg/agOp4SzfLvs/s288/P1020050.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d35HSi6Shaf8joPHJao8KdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

My heart goes out to all those affected and I hope you guys can get things back to how we enjoyed them last week.

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[![](/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/screenshot_01.jpg "screenshot_01")](/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/screenshot_01.jpg)

For the past two weeks I have been travelling about Malaysia seeing a very small chunk of what there is to see there.



We started in Kuching on the Borneo island part of Malaysia, we went Kayaking down the bang-bang river:

[![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xNKwovGuSJs/T-JMeEibVPI/AAAAAAAAxkg/ZNwJEFyFUPE/s288/021.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZSkECk38U167HrVhBpkMz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9wquxXNjdh4/T-JL5Goi5NI/AAAAAAAAxj4/8flJiqfDnoo/s288/016.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ci3wX9M4yA4mrwBVGA5EstMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gqkLYqF2ij0/T-JMq7GJeBI/AAAAAAAAxkw/YjwGRYenHo4/s640/025.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/35Zn96vUh15y99yZYf0xLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

And checked out some Orangutans in the jungle:

[![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JUeMV8dL92o/T-JR7_MkxRI/AAAAAAAAxo4/eSKhd66pL5g/s288/069.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/V8uAdtBBL2T_N9XK3YLt5tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6xkxjVnvDo4/T-JTSEnWUcI/AAAAAAAAxpo/1yUNZOD6jTo/s288/075.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3N6iy02Jp6eN3wtpvt58jdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

From here we took a short flight to Singapore, where we explored the city for a couple of days:

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RgMEfcSDLdM/T-JWcOcIIGI/AAAAAAAAxsE/LWfWCCblYcs/s288/096.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FGjWumJJiqtBYFWw1To8l9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzAQj7qP1t4/T-JYcvvmEbI/AAAAAAAAxtU/XOWVe-2kwqY/s288/107.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9dSWvRyfP_gy6gH52k9sWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kx9w0JoWNX4/T-JZpDehqYI/AAAAAAAAxuM/qBsRB5mhxQQ/s640/114.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cepNlyF9C9FsTp9kBcsnhdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

From Singapore we took a bus journey to Mersing then a (horrific) ferry ride to the beautiful island of Tioman:

[![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I1ZbG5PCD-s/T-Jber7xLLI/AAAAAAAAxwc/GsVnzLN239Q/s288/134.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RHHbYCM8QMb-LdvEZ4rjwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iZfKBYvC7iY/T-JcBKwf1uI/AAAAAAAAxxE/anR-oUZF4I4/s288/139.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ypn1tnKGHdjy2jTqONEyGdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-54UFlcAd7x4/T-Jcdir2wNI/AAAAAAAAxxc/n3bzqBPinvc/s288/142.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fQaU5fFblBvR7jDUl2sM19MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AdM3TmNtMpE/T-Jcrv0Pk4I/AAAAAAAAxxs/cMx8FLcMsqA/s288/144.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FcaFUCErbPf7BbaWcLFzYNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

The island itself was beautiful with lush jungles, stunning waterfalls and pristine coral snorkalling:

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQYKBItUTXc/T-JdrT6Pl7I/AAAAAAAAxyU/SmB1TOtB8IU/s288/149.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XOL78dJCkPoPYpenqWGIa9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0q6-dkFzq3c/T-JecscagcI/AAAAAAAAxzA/qxp1X3sRrSg/s288/154.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OxJYY7Ho8svqXtaqUzdl2dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

To wrap up our short visit to Malaysia we headed over to Kuala Lumpur:

[![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xHlcq8mAqII/T-JfPsPAeHI/AAAAAAAAxzo/bELUUTL66uQ/s288/159.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gi3F9HRD-rqOu0bePOWjptMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tTvBxhg1pjs/T-JgA3j18CI/AAAAAAAAx0I/sDOJ0RBwdKs/s288/163.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gAQYnw77kX_lao1SzUmTvNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite) [![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7gGsGyETDe8/T-JgOXZRTxI/AAAAAAAAx0g/wwsMGh8mdG4/s288/166.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b9cl2n18eLXO3vqXmTDdfdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KvSmkaK4R58/T-JfDhIlXLI/AAAAAAAAxzg/TyizHYJkjl8/s640/158.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mfMlAB6VzN-cbM9RnzjeXNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FQzKU0UbX_8/T-Jg-QxlWPI/AAAAAAAAx1I/UqIEEhK9tXU/s640/172.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Xg_ufn4BnLKb-dldOFj1DdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

And that sadly was the end of our journey, what better way to spend the last evening then in the Traders Tower Sky Bar with a view over to the Petronas Towers:

[![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k7KK4usApm0/T-JjMfZjuUI/AAAAAAAAx2o/22Sh0pZOTYY/s640/185.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IeFGjHnnH8_5sMI0vPFCJ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite)

[![](/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/02.jpg "02")](/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/02.jpg)

I have just returned from a little trip to Germany.



While I was there I made extensive use of the [Instagram](https://instagr.am/) app for iPhone. Its a great way to make normal pictures taken on your phone look semi good.

The only problem is that there is currently no web interface for the app, so all those great pictures you take cannot be shown off in a gallery format unless you "share" the image to a stream such as flickr or tumbr or something.

Third-party-apps to the rescue! Instagrid is one of many web apps designed to plug this gaping hole in Instagram. Its quick and easy to setup so I have done so:

[https://instagrid.me/mikeysee/](https://instagrid.me/mikeysee/)

Now all my instagram pics are easy to get at, splendid!

While over in [California](/posts/back-from-outer-space/) this month we saw some rather interesting things. Thought I would share them.



## **Only in America..**

[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD97hoUz0yI/AAAAAAAAsYY/EXPQ85Jq2uY/s400/IMG_0857.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xG5PRUPpw2uwgA7CfMAdoA?feat=embedwebsite)
..can you buy 4 Litres of wine for less than \$8

[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD98dOYmj6I/AAAAAAAAsZQ/f2HvNPQUfRo/s400/IMG_0865.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xKpPXAZpnGR3pAUapdR-ng?feat=embedwebsite)
..can you buy a sandwich bigger than your head

[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD9-A0yoeuI/AAAAAAAAsaM/6Eho6X26rMU/s400/IMG_0876.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4nyT8jxRLqEMbGvEscWqgA?feat=embedwebsite)
..can you buy weed from a doctor

[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD5pd1khHSI/AAAAAAAAsVE/7J-XfAaJM9I/s400/IMG_1467.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VLXkg_UN8nCP3__4rMyi9Q?feat=embedwebsite)
..can you drive to the shops in a Monster Truck

[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/TD-AeHbwoeI/AAAAAAAAsb0/yDSKKteaA5M/s400/IMG_0893.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FK6Dtx7UmmoosLyGPB72hg?feat=embedwebsite)
..can you buy gifts and guns in the same shop

.. 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)

Well, this is just incredible, I dont think in my lifetime I have EVER seen so much snow in the UK letalone the city where it NEVER snows, Manchester.



[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/S0MJv1KEcJI/AAAAAAAArTE/tpsMdOkuxGY/s288/IMG_0596.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/3GDP2BD1CVdk8KKGNwXBJw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/S0MJxYQw09I/AAAAAAAArTM/5N9FqnBWzdo/s288/IMG_0593.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/btcDAkHXo9hBGJVqQ70xAA?feat=embedwebsite)
[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/S0MJrz3CgvI/AAAAAAAArS0/V7YrSisDtA4/s288/IMG_0598.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/zMVPOuEr0wwaRLXYh0d-8w?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/S0L1kOVLcFI/AAAAAAAArRc/Jt_5Cb3VBpQ/s288/IMG_0595.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/5v1LR_Gz8WWQ2purqmcuRw?feat=embedwebsite)

This picture from a work colleague illustrates just quite how much fell over night:

[![21036_236129416905_687371905_3626340_5253921_n](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/21036_236129416905_687371905_3626340_5253921_n.jpg "21036_236129416905_687371905_3626340_5253921_n")](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/21036_236129416905_687371905_3626340_5253921_n.jpg)

Also the snow is totally perfect for building snow women!

[![photo (1)](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/photo-1.jpg "photo (1)")](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/photo-1.jpg)

And its STILL snowing! I just took this one out the office window:

[![photo (2)](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/photo-2.jpg "photo (2)")](/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/photo-2.jpg)

Its incredible, snow just seems to bring out some really primal aspect out in me, so excited :D

Well after the thieving of my bike [a few weeks ago](https://www.mikecann.blog/misc/bike-be-gone/) I was offered a new bike as replacement by the insurance company, a Kona Shred, another dirt bike.



And here it is:

[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/photo.jpg "photo")](/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/photo.jpg)

Doesnt it look mean?

I dont really need a dirt bike  as im not exactly going off road in the centre of Manchester so I had a half-hearted go of [selling it on ebay](https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280436238262&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT).

In the end I have decided that ill keep it as it is very shiney and im abit of a magpie :)

Well kind of.. We got our very pretty little tree up today:



[![photo](/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/photo1.jpg "photo")](/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/photo1.jpg)

Im all hot and itchy now, so it better be bloody staying up till June.

Wow this is a real blast from the past. Photos from my trip to America just surfaced on Facebook, tagged by one of the other lads that went Jakob. Some of them are great, so I grabbed em and chucked them [on my picassa. ](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/mike.cann/MeAmerica07#)



Ahh some real memories here..

[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m607M3ZI/AAAAAAAAqrw/rkmKGZ6uy8c/s288/n601506867_382371_9333.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/3GCTmmeVXiMfU2beZVKIxg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m7KMZHNI/AAAAAAAAqr4/29xLgfnl8r4/s288/n601506867_382353_3885.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/if8M7woOk8ojKZPRfhiOJg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m79ARHYI/AAAAAAAAqsA/0WXvzVz5UYY/s288/n601506867_382345_315.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/-EipCxq_xnY78iK0FTHs8w?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m8xeNMNI/AAAAAAAAqsQ/NjevBu9ChQY/s288/n601506867_382281_1502.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/SB0vzp1eePoDbnFBzoMxOA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m9hLzw9I/AAAAAAAAqsY/dBKXuVOdt2c/s288/n601506867_382272_8253.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/xNt6IJxfJ8XOQSnh9OX_Lg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m-KnXVoI/AAAAAAAAqsg/mRxveRbduho/s288/n601506867_382269_5641.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/WyUklG-yUMuiH4eSl9oVPw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/Ss4m-p3oDMI/AAAAAAAAqso/YCslcvFppTM/s288/n601506867_382267_4770.jpg)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/QvF3dhC69Uvf4aSIT2QZTg?feat=embedwebsite)

Well im finally back in Manchester after my little trip to the south of France. Had a splendid time eating, drinking and working on my tan. We also went to a wedding of two friends on the last couple of days.



I thoroughly enjoyed myself, but now im back im looking forward to getting stuck in to my new job starting Monday (more coming on that) and finishing off some of my existing projects (BlastWave, WorldsBestFlashGames) so I can finally get stuck into some iPhone dev!

As per usual I have uploaded the pictures and videos to my [picassa account](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/mike.cann/SouthFrance09#), but here are some highlights:

[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGE63Z_ruI/AAAAAAAAqPQ/1Pj6thnUdjg/s288/DSC04005.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/ocv-9pKCLItMCHlPNfcdAg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh6.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGFd7Rll9I/AAAAAAAAqR0/1lJeDiNDeeE/s288/DSC04060.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/wsdK60yGYoJaZNE9qsRYjg?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGFu-BaJrI/AAAAAAAAqTQ/3T2taZhP8N0/s288/DSC04075.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/NM03YHmEjOeZ5jY6MKx8Yw?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh3.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGF10Giv3I/AAAAAAAAqTw/BGF0PmvEdlA/s288/DSC04080.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/NZBDAqbydaniflQsG6wunQ?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh5.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGGOnjVdzI/AAAAAAAAqVs/ZL62-gtN4mM/s288/DSC04124.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/mfTjBXwYl7dgvZGDY01vSA?feat=embedwebsite)[![](https://lh4.ggpht.com/_vZ6zE_QJfu0/SnGG39SDauI/AAAAAAAAqZI/Ic2sjSGEojs/s288/DSC04176.JPG)](https://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/Qm1UKIqW0n1LbvTYWjQ_Tw?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)