update from Doug

HI there! I've started a new job, so lying
low. But planning a trip on a part of the South African coast called
the "Wild Coast". Its the area Nelson Mandela greww up. We hiking for
5 days along the rugged coast and staying in traditional accomodation
(mud and straw huts, with local food).
Over easter my girlfriend and I are travelling into Mozambique
(country neighbouring South Africa). Its very untouched by the western
world due to recent civil war. But peace has been restored, so we plan
to visit isolated tropical beaches and isolated reserves on the border
to Zombabwe).
My brother works in Zambia (Yea, you'll need a map!). So in June I
will visit him at his hotel about 1km upstream of Victoria Falls on
the Zambezi river.
All this is still in the future. So I have my work cut out!
Are you still in Lewiston? I miss the Snake River. Was a highlight of
my USA trip...!

stardate calendar from google

Hey! What a brilliant idea.

The couple you gave cKenny to is my uncle and aunt. I took him over after or rafting trip. Handover was in Lewiston, Idaho. I will remind them to send the pics, since there is a cute pic of the actual handover at the airport!

We rafted 5 days on the Snake river, winding our way through parts of Idaho, Montana and Washington states. I then flew with him to Seattle for a 9 hour layover, during which I visited the city. I the flew back to New York State, where I have him now. I figure I may hold on to him a little while since I am a South African in the USA for a year (intern visa), working in Schenectady, NY, involved in environmental remediation of a chemically contaminated site. I plan to travel while here until Feb2009, and will love to have him as a travel buddy.

Thereafter I willl find a suitable adoptive parent to give him to!

Attached are 3 pics
First is from the top of the space needle in Seattle, at sunset. In the background is the seattle skyline and Mount Rainier.
Second is rafting the snake river (if you look VERY closely, he is strapped to the white cooler box in the center of the raft (to be safe, AND get a view). He is with my aunt and uncle in that pic. He is SOMEWHERE between Lewiston and Boise in that pic!
Third is at the road sign to Rumney, NH. He joined me at the Nor'easter festival in the town. It was a rock climbing and music festival. He didnt climb, but watched the activity from the safety of a backpack!

Will keep you posted
Doug

cKenny Bear is in New York

Hi

Attached is a pic of cKenny Bear in Seattle. He is now in upstate New York. Why not make a facebook profile for him so that pictures can be uploaded. I personally would like to follow his progress!

Later
Doug



Note from BC: I sent Doug a link to our blog.

New Plymouth- very laid back

New Plymouth is a very small town if you close your eyes I guess only 20 second and you would miss it. We only stayed at Chad's parents.
But we sat outside and had a BBQ. Whats different about this BBQ is that Bruce only BBQ'D vegetables. Like eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Also bruce gave us a aloe vera juice drink, not bad...
The weather was nice under there patio. A fan was on so it had a nice breeze. They have garden, plus 3 chickens this kept Nora busy.
Anyways had a relaxing time there...
Ji

from Ji & Cole

We went driving around Index. Craig, our host, drove us up to see the Big Foot statue. Then we up Galina Rd where the road was washed out. Cole Bear was the model to show how bad it was. We will send pictures soon. We all are not used to this wet weather- hope it stops raining. Would love to go rafting again if it gets warmer.
Love Ji and Cole Bear..

I saw Cole...

I saw Cole Bear testing out his new life jacket...

Ji

Cole is going to Washington

The Chen Clan is so excited to have Cole Bear come on vacation with us. We have water rafting planned and visiting a few odd tourist sites. In Index Washington there is a statue of Bigfoot holding a raccoon. There is a dinosaur park in Granger Washington. I wonder: are bears afraid of dinosaurs? I hope we can show Cole Bear the ocean. Cole was telling me the other day he really would like to walk on a beach and look for seashells.