Fiery Furnace and Bryce Canyon

This morning I hiked the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park close to Moab. Trevor, my guide, found very interesting paths through this amazing labyrinth of sandstone formations. In the afternoon, I drove on to Bryce Canyon and am now in the rustic Lodge build in 1920. No television or air conditioning (I would not use either anyway), but snow outside. We are at 2,300m elevation and it is noticeably cooler.

Around Moab, Utah

I am spending two days at the Sorrel River Ranch, beautiful place and excellent food. Today I went on a three hour hike at the Fisher Towers, the Titan is the highest peak among the sandstone towers there. Fantastic scenery, great weather, and now a relaxing afternoon.

Welcome Clara!

Last night our granddaughter Clara was born at 2:42am, weight 7lbs 2oz (3.2kg). Mother and daughter are well.

Red rock country

I spent last night in Jerome, Arizona. This is a mining town that in its heyday (100 years ago) was home to 15,000 people. Today the 500 inhabitants live mostly off tourists and only a few of those spend the night. The drive to the Grand Canyon where I am tonight was quite spectacular with deep red rock canyons, high mountain passes (2,300m), a high valley framed by snow covered mountains and then of course the views of the Grand Canyon. I walked along the rim a little and a bit down, but nothing too strenuous. The weather is very pleasant with lots of sunshine and cool nights. Now it’s off to see the sunset.

sedona

bright angel

jerome

Arizona

Sheila went back to the UK last night to be with Jessica and her family for the birth of our next grandchild. I flew to Arizona to spend a few days hiking before I return to Vancouver next week. The weather is hot and sunny, feels great.

Blue Water Rally Reunion

Tonight the Blue Water Rally Reunion spent the evening at the New York Yacht Club (first America Cup) in a beautiful setting with good food and even better talks with friends. It is great to catch up with our friends and even though it is eight years ago now that we left Gibraltar together, we still feel very close to the group.

New York

We are in New York for a few days to attend a Blue Water Rally reunion. It is cold and snowing here; a bit of a shock after the nice spring weather in Heidelberg. We look forward to seeing our many friends from our sailing adventure again, though.

Heidelberger Frühling

Wir haben ein sehr schönes Wochenende mit Freunden genossen und gestern abend ist Sheila nach Manchester geflogen. Heute sind meine Eltern nach Heidelberg gekommen und wir sind bei schönem Frühjahrswetter den Philosophenweg entlang gewandert.

Heidelberg

We are in Heidelberg for a few weeks now, visiting old friends and enjoying the beginning of spring. Unfortunately, both Sheila and I were quite ill with the flu for a few days, but are feeling better now. The weather is fairly cold but sunny, and next week the temperatures are supposed to go up to 18 degrees.