Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The Subway, Southern Utah

We've hiked the Subway a number of times. These images were from 2005. It is without doubt the most amazing hike in Southern Utah: 10 miles that takes you from alpine meadows to slot canyons that you can touch with both hands outstretched. Parts can only be traversed by swimming and then there's the hike out: straight up.  Near the end of the hike we encountered a massive formation of petrified dinosaur tracks.

The urinal picture is a bit of a cheat.  Rob was posing for me, and taking credit for a large spring coming from the side of the canyon.










Thursday, October 25, 2012

County Kerry, Ireland

Dingle 

We really felt like we'd arrived in Ireland once we got to Kerry.  It is laid back and beautiful.  The Dingle peninsula has many superlatives:  beautiful vistas, clean air, great seafood, and the highest rated pucker-factor for drivers in all of Ireland.  Not only are all the signs written in Gaelic, but there is the very real possibility of a cow or sheep walking into the road at any moment. This doesn't begin to describe the terror of passing a full-size tour bus driving 80 kph on the wrong side of a road only slightly wider than a goat path.

Killarney is equally beautiful with mountains and beautiful forests that are protected in the Killarney National Park.  Ireland has largely been deforested over the last 1000 years, so seeing how it once must have looked was amazing. I wish I had the nerve to ride a bike there.  The road from Kenmare to Killarney was awesome.
Irish heather

Dunbeg Fort: Iron Age ruins on the Dingle Peninsula

Buckey's Bar - Killarney

Killarney National Park 

Torc waterfalls, Killarney

Muckross House Gardens, Killarney

Monday, October 22, 2012

Colonial Williamsburg Gaol, Virginia

Fall Colors in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
The cells are part of the original construction from 300 years ago during colonial times. These were the very walls use to confine the pirate crew of The Queen Anne's Revenge, serving under  Edward Teach (Blakbeard) in 1718. Of the 25 men captured in North Carolina, 9 were killed in battle including Teach, who was beheaded. The other 16  were incarcerated  in Williamberg with permanent iron fetters on their feet and hands. All the men save 2 were hanged on the gallows. 'The two survivors were Israel Hands (who was pardoned after testifying for the prosecution) and Samuel Odell (who was acquitted due to being coerced into service under Teach).
Three 'stairs to nowhere' actually were definitely an upgrade from the usual bucket most prisoners got. It was probably one of the few places in town with indoor facilities!  It's one of the most interesting toilets I've encountered.

Three stairs to nowhere


Monday, October 15, 2012

Adare, County Limerick, Ireland


When it says GENTS at the Dunraven Arms Hotel, it really means it. It is a very old hotel that catered to the wealthy that came out to the country for fox hunts. Very top-shelf. Adare is known as 'Ireland's prettiest village'. No argument here: beautiful cottages with immaculately thatched roofs and gardens.

I got to check flyfishing in Ireland off the bucket list and pet the largest dog I've ever seen in my life (and still not lose a hand).
River Maigue, County Limerick
Irish Wolf Hound - Dang!










Home at Bunraty Castle






Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Bristol Bay, Alaska



The bathroom at Birch Creek camp brings new meaning to 'room with a view'. In 2006 we took Brothers in Baja north: Bristol Bay Lodge. The pictures speak for themselves.


Flyrod Northern Pike
King Salmon
Chum Salmon
Arctic Char





Sunday, October 7, 2012

Parisian Sanisette

We'll, here's a modern version of the historic vespasienne of Paris.  The nifty sanisette.  This is the nicest coin-operated public toilet I've ever encountered. When you've been schlepping all over Paris and your dogs are barking, there's no better site. And at only 0.30 euro is a bargain as well.  Only problem is there can be a bit of a cue. Fine French cuisine is not the only thing that takes time.

After you deposit your coins the door opens automatically and then closes behind you. You take care of business and then wash your hands.  Press the exit button and viola! The door will then close behind you and the unit self-sanitizes itself by steam cleaning.  Pretty impressive for a public toilet and a far cry from the original.








Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Sunset over Tahoe. Urinals from Harvey's Casino & Convention Center. Flattery will get you everything.