Just uploaded a bunch of portraits / shots of people folk I took at the Newby Hall Easter fun day 2009 – Click here to visit the set. We love helping out with (Anima Mundi) at the event. Been doing it for 4 years now.

This event was particularly fun, as I didn’t have that much in the way of responsibilities or things to do (A free range trouble shooter / runner / gopher was the angle of usefulness I dangled myself at)

Eirene launched her book “The Kitten That Had No Whiskers” and did a few readings – which all went really well and seemed to be appreciated greatly by her target audience. She’s selling them and all profits are going to charity – get in touch if you would like one!

So looking back over the 4 years – I’ve compiled a back catalogue of my photo sets into this collection.

Yesterday I did a ‘first’. I found a geocache (GC1J7Y6) that had not been found before (a ‘FTF’). It had been in it’s ‘not found’ state for 5 months. Quite pleased with myself. It was WELL off the beaten track (or even very faint track) but I enjoyed the treck there and back loads and got to be a proper outdoor geek with OS Maps, compasses and GPS navigation. The best bits were the wildlife and waterfalls, sun and tranquility.

So much has happened since my last proper bloggage. Miami and Mexico visits were one. Stunning time, super hot, cool fun. Long Haul with beds – now that’s one of the highlights for me. Biz class BA does better airport chilling, Biz class American Airlines does better airoplane chilling (although BA does a fantastic job, but AA pipped it by giving out Bose Quiet Comfort 3 headphones)

Amazing 5 star hotel as well – the Aqua Cancun. 8 pools, loads of bars, restaurants, treatments, opulence. The final party on the last night involved 2 units borrowed from NASA to assit with the light show. You know when the shuttle is there on the launch pad at night? Massive things like that floodlit? The worlds brightest lights do that – about the size of a transit van each. Stick two of those with lenses and images in front of them and point them at a 10 story hotel.. amazing..

Anyhoo – nuff gloating..
Some pics here

Parrots at play, originally uploaded by DragonDrop.

Watched these two red and blue parrots at play this morning for about 20 minutes. Incredible arial aerobatics from these two fantastic creatures in Cancun, Mexico.

One of the natural reminders that I’m in the Southern Hemisphere. The other one is that the moon is upside down.

If someone speaks to Eirene, tell her my phone is not working properly (and that I love and them all v.much)

I’m in Mexico. The Aqua in Cancun to be specific. It’s quite an incredible hotel. It’s huge. We’re in a very nice suite indeed (The ‘Aqua’ suite). Splendid open terrace looking out over the 8 pools and the sea (which is in full surf mode today). The sun is just setting and we’ve got some tunes playing from the in house Bose system, some drinks on the go.

I’m in America. At the Wyndham hotel near Miami airport to be specific (which I have to say is very nice, especially as I blagged a huge staff discount). First time I’ve been to the States. It feels so familiar yet quite surreal / confusing*.

Had a superb flight over. Had the full intercontinental British Airways Club World treatment (no, I didn’t pay!). From the minute I got to Manchester airport yesterday it’s been luxury. The lounges are superb, plied myself with comp booze and food, took advantage of a comp Shiatsu massage then luxuriated on the full length bed in the 747. Watched Frost / Nixon on the flight – a sedentary pace unfolded a portrayal of those two fascinating men. Only interruptions were snoozing and being fed fine food and champagne. Hard life. Arrived confused* but refreshed.

Went out last night for a few drinks down Ocean Drive / Washington Avenue. Ended up on Espaniola (I think?) Drive and found a lovely bar. Only downside has been getting stung on the drinks prices. The cheapest beer I think we found was about $5.

Back to the airport at lunchtime, next leg of adventure ahoy!

*My head seems to have discovered the base reset point of confusion. 31deg outside married with Jet lag, along with the feeling that it feels like I’m in a film due to all the American and Mexican accents, coupled with being here in general. All good though!