ALCATRAZ and the GOLDEN GATE

This penal colony is the sort of place that should strike fear in the heart of dog fouling owners everywhere.

I have already aluded to its relative remoteness, and deserved reputation as being slightly harder than the average British boarding school in its approach to discipline, but there the disimilarities end. It is a discrete, and discreet little community placed in a beautiful location handily close to asignificant and relatively wealthy connurbation. Whilst there are good road rail and air links close by, getting there is less than straightforward, and getting back is difficult and discouraged. Indeed as we discovered today, had we really wanted to go, we should have booked an appointment at least a week ago. No worries there we will save our money and invest it in something frivolous instead. (like maybe some food).

In the event the Golden Gate had lost her modesty, (cloud), and we took a boat trip beneath the bridge, marvelling at the structure, the choppiness of the seas and the ability of windsurfers and a flock of Pelicans come flying past. The windsurfers were taking air on our wake, and the pelicans who in fairness we did expect to fly rather than sail past, were close to the sound barrier on their downwind leg. (My experience of downwind legs is quite extensive as Janet will testify.)

We came close to Alcatraz on the way home so we can relate to those who paid for the privilege of landing there. Apparently they all took their own cell phones.(sorry). Which reminds me that one street entertainer reminded us that someone had reminded him that someone had stolen all the toilet seats from San Francisco Police Station. Apparently they still have nothing to go on. Anyway. We are all home safely had a great seafood meal tonight, and are looking forward to more wind through our hair on an open topped bus tomorrow.

STOP? Press

On rereading this there appears to be an exaggeration to the tram speed by a factor of 10, brought about by my inability to hit the full stop between the 9 and the 5.
An unfortunate mistake, but one that doubtless had you, along with all prospective tram passengers on the edge of their seats. Riding downhill on trams has always been an efficient way of meeting people at the front. (Esp. when the brakes are applied sharply)

TRAMS

Were you to have visited San Francisco in the 1930s you would have not seen the Golden Gate Bridge.There might have been a random swimmer in the Straights making a bid for freedom from Alcatraz, but by and large in those days, people preferred ferries (or staying put) to paddling accross. Yet the city was not devoid of appeal. A geezer had this notion of devising a loop of cable, (and not an insignificant one at that) to run underground under the main streets of the city.

At this point you should be aware that my original and no doubt vastly superior rendition about trams was lost to the ether, and this second attempt does not find me in the same loquacious frame of mind, (in fact I'm pretty grumpy,and hacked off that the connection went down.

The good news is that since then another day has passed in which we visited the tramways museum,, and my understanding of the system is boringly better.

In fairness, he had a vested interest in doing this, as he owned a company that manufactured wire rope, and was clearly looking to create a demand.

This would also explain why he designed tramcars that could be clamped by means of a primitive clutch on to the cable. Once clamped on, the car was dragged round by the cable which was powered by a colossal electric motor at the tram barn (now museum) at a staggering 95 mph.. Those with rudimentary engineering knowledge are already ahead of the game. In order to avoid bumping in to things, or effect a stop, the clutch (grip) had to be slipped causing significant wear on the cable, necessitating a replacement to be provided every 4 months, which was probably about as fast as he could make them (the cables). Being a bright bloke and aware of the steep gradients involved he was aware that passengers may find the downhill speed excessive. (Those of you who watched Steve McQueen in Bullit will get the picture) To that end he built in a braking system, which (as the cable was shared by a number of trams on the same route and remotely operated at the previously mentioned speed see stop press) could only operate by releasing the grip on the cable and then preventing the inevitable freewheel that ensued by applying sizeable pads to the rails. Given that the surface area of contact was limited by the width of the rails and space available under the car, and hardwood with its dodgy coefficient of friction was his choice of brakeshoe, he made up for the imbalance with improbably long levers and very large men with bulging biceps to operate them (Gripmen). This was probably just as well as the potential energy of a ten ton tram freewheeling unrestricted was quite likely to exceed the speed of the cable. The Gripmen are awesome figures and their sense of humour undoubtedly emanates from previous close shaves when they discovered that adrenaline was actually brown.

What is truly amazing about this system is that not only did it catch on, but people liked it so much that despite its mechanical idiosyncracies,they were prepared to cram themselves on board and hang off the sides in the expectation of being smeared against other less animate objects.In the true style of the San Franciscan public this mode of transport is the yardstick by which all others are judged. You can travel by amphibious duck, two wheeled gyro operated personal transportation systems (These are not bikes, though they are popular too), little yellow GPS controlled noddy cars (that are designed to cause gripmen to fulminate.) The wackier the system the more populr it seems to be. Dick Dastardly and Prof Pat Pending would love this place. Any how. We love the trams. Despite the long waits they are the essential element of a trip here. you will see pictures a plenty of trams.

CLIMATE CHANGE ISNT NECESSARILY A BAD THING

Farewell you meltingly Memorable Memphis days. and a resounding thankyou to all our friends who made our stay such a brilliant one. We can't thank you all enoughfor your friendship, hospitality, generosity, and perseverance with my perverse sense of humour.

For the record, the 40 minute change in Houston was a breeze....well stiflingly hotr, so the breeze was a relief. We landed 10 mins early, departed 40 mins late for San Fran, so even our luggage had time to make it.

We landed in San Fran more or less on time, got an uneventful taxi to James and Nadias on Washington Street, which apparently has a view over the Golden gate Bridge. I have yet to experience this alleged phenomenon. Whilst the roadway has appeared, supported by two hugely distant piers, the overall structure defies all physical logic. Traffic flows along the roadway, but, does not seem to need the gigantic red towers and associated suspension parapheneliathat one normally associates with one of the 7 wonders of the modern world.

Back home in what we used to refer to as South Yorkshire, the Humber Bridge never had its head so far in the clouds that it could not be recognised. it simply reflected the down to earth nature of its townsfolk, and proudly showed its lines to one and all..

The Golden Gate Bridge is America at its best. We know it so well and yet it is still a bit of a tease, flirting with us, and keeeping us thinking.

The good news, and we are now (at last) back to climate change is that If it is stiflingly hot somewhere to the extent that you cannot poke your nose outside without strapping a refrigerator to your back (or your car), somewhere in the world someone is suffering intense cold and strapping on fan heaters and central heating systems when they go out. The secret is to find a place where you need neither, where things grow readily, the people are friendly, and the views are superb particularly if all the mist disappears at the same time.

My efforts to show this climate change graphically, using cool colours to mark the progression is affecting potential legibility so I will dispense with that particularly subtle nuance.

Pics will inevitably follow.

Gracelands

Today we went to see the Elvis legacy. Going to Memphis and not coming to Gracelands is like going to London and not doing Buckingham Palace, or doing Giggleswick, and not the school chapel or the Black Horse. It was very interesting though, The sheer scale of his success, in terms of record sales, not to mention his ability to buy smart cars, motor bikes and aeroplanes. It was only 100 degs F today so no drama there,just a high fluid intake. A kind lady took this photo for a fraction of the 'official photo'

On to San Fran tomorrow, we have a 40 min changeover in Houston, so it might be a bit frantic there. Time will tell.

BAGGO

THis is Janet and Margaret playing BAGGO which is sort of like bean bag boules. You have 4 bean bags each and throw them in turn at a board identical to the one they are standing by. If your bean bag stays on the board you get 1 point, if it goes down the hole, you score 3 . The board is slightly inclined, but as it is very slippery, the bags skid irritatingly over the back.

The game is best played by balancing your self by holding beer in the non throwing hand. To add a little interest, skilful exponents can engage in strategies such as knocking opponents bean bags off, whilst leaving their own in place, or using existing bean bags low down on the board to slow up subsequent ones whilst themselves getting knocked down the hole for the big 3 score. Less skilful competitors can cough loudly during the throwing action, drop something noisy nearby, or encourage the dogs to participate. Throwing all 4 bean bags in the hole scores a maximum of 12 points and affords the competitor the right to sign the BAGGO board. Jim and Margaret's boards are devoid of signatures.

It goes without saying that this is an American cult activity with its own governing body, World (actually American ) Championship, and TV rights probably currently under negotiation. Whilst it is not quite on a par with the frantic art of cup stacking, we feel we have been involved in one of the truly authentic grass roots games of the nation.

Competition

What is Janet saying?

The Peabody (ducks in the Fountain)

We all went tothe famous Peabody Hotel for Sunday Brunch today. It is a really swish place. Valet Parking. Wonderfully lavish 1930s furnishings, and a bit idiosynchratic, in that they keep ducks in a special fountain in the Foyer. At 5.00pm each day, they roll out a red carpet and the ducks walk up to the elevator, and are taken up to the roof to Duck Palace.
We had a superb meal, with a choice like you can't imagine. So Seafood, roast meats, salads, dressings. Then a whole series of roasts, beef, lamb, or waffles, omelettes made to order, or/and a shed load of fresh fruits, eggs Benedict. This is of course served with Champagne, coffee, tea, or whatever you fancy. Then of course there is pudding, or if you can't manage that... dessert, which could have been fresh pastries, bread pudding,fruity stuff , creme caramel/ brule. For those still peckish, and there might have been an odd one , you could fill up on GRITS!!!!

Since we got home I haven't moved.
Being a bit of a Dork, I forgot the camera, but when I get hold of Margarets I will put some pictures up. keep watching.

Thanks for being patient . In the top photoyou have Justin with Maddy, and Lauren (Justins sister) with Si

Below are the Wigfield family trying to upstage the ducks.

Meet Simons friends

Margaret Brooks organised a meeting with all Simon's friendsThey hired abar and everybody got together to eat soulburgers and dance to this great band. We were just an energetic stones throw from Beale Street. here you see Rachel (an exchange student in Memphis at the same time as Simon) Dancing with John Carr.

Simon and Justin at the MUS football Stadium.

AS Preston pointed out. Simon is the dude with the hair product

Justin, Simon and Preston Battle at MUS

A picture of us both that you can recognise.

This is to keep Sara quiet... (Fat Chance)

MUS

We were treated to a great trip round the school today by Simon, Preston and Justin. The facilities are absolutely superb. It was very hot, when we got out on the football field, but cooler indoors. We met Coach Ray, Ellis Haguewood, and loads of other members o the faculty, all of whom seemed genuinely pleased to see us. Itwas a very warm welcome in every sense. I'll put a couple ofpictures up just to prove we were here, though they are probably smilar to what Si took two years ago.

Great sunset over Tennessee

Memphis at last

Picture is of Nancy's dog Caber, which is officially the saddest dog in the world

An entertaining day. Today(Thursday)

We dropped hire car in good time, survived security and the rudeness associated with it. Flight was an hour late, but not cancelled as some people had had. We did have abit of excitement as bad weather at Memphis forced us to refuel at Nashville, in case there was a delay landing, but after that,we flew straight in and landed two hours after we should have got here.

We had a wonderful meal, and were made really welcome.Finally hit bed at 12.30 and completely crashed.

Crabfest at Nancy and Mikes

Traditional Chesapeake Bay meal. A shed load (more accuratelyhalf a bushel ) of crabs , cooked and placed on the table covered in newspaper(and beer) to make the tidying up easier. This meal came with a free how to dress your own crab competition (Iwanted a tasteful orange tasselled sarong on mine) but am getting better at getting the meat out of the claws.
A great night relaxing and catching up.

Nancy and Mike know alot of people in Denton.
(In the background you can see one of their many fans)

Janet and I looking our best with the chipshop creek behind.

Just a bit of proof that we are both here.

State Park for Maryland on Choptank River (Chipshop Creek)

Had a lovely afternoon here with Nancy in the shade with lovely views of the river and strange nuts that might have been black walnuts, but smelled peppery.

A few pictures from the trip down to Nancy and Mikes

This is Assateague beach where the temperature was only 102 degs F. We boiled. But had a great day in big surf. I thought Ellie might like the wild ponies that trottd through on the beach Janet says they are called Chickatee ponies, and apparently originated from Spanish ships that might have rsettled or run aground here. So they have a great pedigree.

Competition

Spot the giant jelly fish

Self Build Schooner

Not many pics of this cos the boat wasn't there, but the local community at Chestertown recently built a replica of the Schooner (this is something you sail rather than drink from)Sultana which was originally commissioned by the British inthe 1760s. They now use it as an educational platform for youngsters who take short voyages literally learning the ropes, and living as they did in times of the colonisation of N. America. I have bought an ace book about how the schooner was built, which you will have to wait till I get back to look at. in the meantime try http://www.sultanaprojects.org/ For an idea of the undertaking. Bad timing on our part. On Aiug 5th we could have sailed on her. The really spooky thing is that the master boatswain (John Swain) responsible for the concept of the project and the building of the vessel showed us round his boat building yard 20 years ago when he was building a nice cedar 22ft
yacht. He was a really great guy, very skilled, and passionate about his work.
Anyhow, tonight we move back up to Moorestown(Momma Mazzas) so it is a short hop to the airport tomorrow when we take to the skies for Memphis. If you are following this Si we arrive at Gate C14 Terminal B
It is getting hot again we put washing on the line half an hour ago and I think it will be about an hour or so to get it dry.

The Beach.

We drove down to the provincial coastal park. Big waves, Big sun, big ice creams, Big cowds watching big stranded jellyfish on the beach, and wild horses on the beach. Photos to follow. Steak for tea. Forget losing weight despite the dehydration. In this seafood state I am turning in to a lobster. Colourwise at least.

Momma Mazzas.

Too much to tell now, and can't download photos here but everyone was on great form. We made some intuitive purchases at Dominicks store, and had a good nights sleep. It was great to catch up with folks from so long ago
and to meet new family friends. We left with a bag of bagels and got to Nancy and Mikes for tea time. We had crab!... Herds of them. What a treat. Will try and download photos later

Janet in our Hire car

Well Immigration was a breeze. American customs are straigtforward.. nothing to declare... but some are strange like the way they speak. Don't own up to going out without your brolly!!

Ca hire slightly strange... like they had no cars to hire, but after a wait we have been upgradwd t a 'Suzuki Something'. It has idiosyncracies, (other than Janet sitting in it.) Like so many buttons that random windows open when you turn on the aircon etc. but I did say it would be all white and it is. We have counted the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike. And had a good nights sleep at Momma Mazzas. Bagels for breakfast (note alliteration) and met lots of the family..Sara,Brigitte,Dominik, David Barbara Roger. It is hot and sunny. We move on to Nancy's at lunch time.

Quiz

How did we know it was a hire car

Answer

We watched the guy blow the tyres up

My new travelling companion

My perfect new travelling companion... By my side all the way.Uplifting,reliable, never said a word all the way there. What more can you sk.

Janet is coming too

She is a bit laid back about the whole thing, but at least she is coming. I must learn how to rotate pitures.

Quiz..1 Count the stripes on her jumper. (be careful, could be a trick question.)
2 (Advanced Question. (What has she got in her pockets)

Pack light Leave the wife?

Packing done

Well three days to go and my bag is packed Am I keen or what!

Loads opf jobs still to do but we are getting really excited about it all.

Have posted my first photo this proves we are

1. Still in the UK
2. Trying to dry washing.
3. Have not washed the car
4. That although I can post a photo today, I may have forgotten by tomorrow

As I remind you It may get more exciting

COMPETITION

How many pegs holding up the washing?

Which direction is the wind/rain coming from?

Zoom in on the car to find the biggest bird poo.(it'll be all white)

Before We Go

This is the blog for our American Extravaganza.
If we become adept at making posts you may well find photos, news, a small element of wit, and a number of speling mistakes that we call typing errors. Do stick with us and be patient
It might get better