Harbour Island, Bahamas

Today pretty well marks our days of laziness beginning. We head down to the beach after breakfast and stay in the water for ages. It is a beautiful day again, but the threat of rain looms in the distance.

Harbour Island Harbour, Bahamas

Main House From Guest House, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Beach Near Accommodations, Bahamas

We came back to the house for a late lunch and spend the afternoon taking it easy either is the hammock or in the house. I had a snooze while the girls took Felix and Amery aka Boppy (David and India’s sons) around the island in a golf cart. When they get back, we hang out and are visited by Kim and Jason, Suze’s friends from the island. Jason is overseeing the redecorating of Elle McPherson’s house that is further down the beach. We arrange for them to come and have dinner with us tomorrow night. Dinner tonight is burritos, with Suze and her man Scotty. Scotty is pretty quiet, but probably because the 4 of us overwhelm him. We were up until the early hours just hanging out.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Went for a quick walk around the island in search of a phone, but to no avail. Apparently there is one near the Community Center that I’ll have to find later.

Checked out of my room at 11am and decided to hire a golf buggy for the afternoon to get a look around. The hotel let me leave my bag and camera behind while I drove around. Basically I drove all over the island checking out everything and looking for Cousin Suze’s place, Hibiscus Hill. The island was small enough that it only took 45 minutes to cover everything except a few dirt roads, which I didn’t think the cart could handle. I couldn’t find the house, so it must be off the beaten track.

I took the cart down past the school to the beach. Unbelievable! If possible I think the water here is clearer and more beautiful than the Whitsunday’s. I went in for a swim and then I laid on the beach – to see if I could drop down from bright white to light white. When it started getting cloudy, I went in search of lunch. I stopped at the Daiquiri Bar and had a meal there before continuing on my travels around the island.

I sat down by the harbor for a while and a storm kicked in, so I had no option but to sit in the cart to keep somewhat dry.

After the storm I did one more lap of the island before returning the cart to the hotel. I had to pick up my luggage as the office was closing in 15 minutes. I walked down to the harbor again and sat and waited for Reggae, Marie and Suze to arrive.

Regs & Marbs In The Bahamas

It was only an hour before they arrived and we caught the cab up to the house. Oh my God! You’ve got to see this place to believe it. The guesthouse of Hibiscus Hill is a 2 storey Gone-With-The-Wind looking house. This was topped off with a hammock out the front. From the top balcony you can see the beach in the east and the bay in the west. I’d even go as far as to say that it is nicer than the main house.

We are met by Cousin Suze and spend the next hour just in awe of our accommodation. Once we settled in, we went and met David and India (our hosts). Once Suze has finished work, time is spent with the 4 of us catching up.

Miami, FL to Harbour Island, Bahamas

Up in time to get ready and catch the buses back out to the airport. Once again, today is hot and extremely humid. I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare, checked in and made the most of the air conditioning.

The flight was on a small airplane – seating about 30 people – and took about an hour to get to Governor’s Harbor on Eleuthra Island. We had to get out here and go through customs before re-boarding our plane for the 10 minute flight to North Eleuthra. Once there, a cab took me to the pier, where I got a boat with 4 others for the 15 minute crossing to Harbour Island. Another 2 minute cab ride took me to Royal Palm Hotel, where I am booked for the night. For some unknown reason I have been upgraded to a deluxe room, which puts me in a cottage down the road. The place was a small 1 bedroom place with air conditioning in the bedroom. Thank Christ! It is so hot and humid here that breathing makes you sweat.

I head out for a wander around the island with camera in hand. I walked through all the beautiful, small houses along the bay on the western side of the island and along the beach on the east. The beach is awesome, the finest sand, the clearest water and a perfect temperature. Can’t wait for a swim tomorrow.

Got back to the cottage at 7pm after picking up some nibblies for dinner. Had the door open and all the fans on full blast, as I put the television on and watched the sunset, rainfall and darkness arrive. Am in the Bahamas.

Portland, OR to Miami, FL

Left Amy’s early this morning to drive out to Portland Airport. Things were quiet in the car as neither of us wanted to be separated. We’ve been apart for 3 weeks since meeting, but it’s now 5 weeks before we will see each other again. The quick drop off at the airport didn’t leave any time for things to get emotional – as I was missing her the moment she drove off.

The flight to Denver was pretty uneventful, as I slept most of the way (although I made sure I was awake at feeding time). The leg from Denver to Miami was longer and bumpier, but all went well for our landing.

Once I grabbed my luggage, I caught the 2 buses to get me to South Beach, Miami and settle into a hostel 2 blocks from the beach. It was late when I got there, so I wandered down to have a look at the water, and picked up a bite to eat at KFC, and checked emails before heading back to the room. There are plenty of people around, but for some reason the city doesn’t feel the safest – maybe I’m just being paranoid. It also seems kind of unclean (probably because everything is concrete – no grass or trees except on the beach). I’m not bothered though as I am leaving tomorrow to become Bahama Boy.

Portland, OR

Today started at the Fred Myers where Amy and I put in the photos from last night. We then walked down to Saturday Markets – near the river. These are like the Rocks / Paddington Markets – with plenty of arts / crafts / painting / food for all to browse. We started off with lunch. I had satay chicken and pad Thai noodles, while Amy had a falafel. Afterwards we wandered through all the stalls.

When we were done we went searching for tents, but not before stopping at the Australian store, so I could show Amy some of our delicacies i.e., Fruit Tingles and a Flake.

We walked back to the house and picked up the car to take an hour’s drive east to Multnomah Falls. This waterfall is 200-plus meters tall and absolutely spectacular. We walked half way up to the top via a hiking trail before thinking we were headed nowhere, so turned back. Just down the road was another waterfall, though not as big or amazing, but beautiful nonetheless.

Me @ Multnomah Falls, OR

On the way home we stopped at Edgecliff, at a McMenniman’s Pub (two local brothers, the McMennimans, buy a lot of old historic buildings in and around Portland and restore them and use them for entertainment, while keeping the old charm of the original design). They own the Mission Theater (where we went on Wednesday) and the Crystal Ballroom (a mid size music venue in Portland). Where we stopped was a pub / motel / restaurant / hostel / winery set just back off the highway. Amy and I sat on the grass, overlooking the beer garden, enjoying a drink, as the sun went down.

We stopped at Fred Meyers on the way back to Amy’s so as to pick up our photos – mine of San Diego and yesterday, and Amy’s of Italy.

Once back at Amy’s we got changed and went walked to Touché – a pub on Gleason Street that Amy provides liquor for. We had dinner and a couple of drinks there and hung out with the staff, who all knew Amy.

We got back to Amy’s at around one am, and I gave Robbie a call, as it will be his birthday on Monday and I may not have another chance to do so. Was good to catch up with him, and may get to see him mid-July as he is coming over to the US for work.

I can’t believe that this is my last night here with Amy. I have been dying for this week for what seems like and eternity, and now it is over so fast. But it has been nothing short of fantastic, and a great time for us to get to know each other even better. I can’t believe we’ve only known each other for five weeks, spent only twelve days together. It seems like a lifetime - the way we get on so well, and both having a want to be together. It is now hard to imagine how I am going to cope without her until mid-July. Plenty of phone calls and emails will keep us going in the meantime.

Portland, OR

Amy came home from work early today to do some work from home, so I hung out with her and did some personal housekeeping until she left at 11am.

I spent the afternoon searching for places for us to stay on our road trip, which we have planned upon my return after the Bahamas, and booking my hostel in Miami. At 3pm I went downtown to pick up some more photos. Amy picked me up from there and we drove home to get ready for our evening out.

Not long after 4pm we hit the road for Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast, where we are going to watch the sunset over the beach. The drive took us 2 hours with a stop at Sitka Spruce (the largest tree of its type in the US). Onwards to the beach, which we walked up and down, taking photos and seeing where the Goonies was made. We also walked through town, which was pretty much well closed, because everyone was in the bar watching the basketball. We drove up to Ecola State Park and set up our picnic and watched the sun set over the water. It was so beautiful, especially adding the small, light-housed island in our view. I hope all the photos turn out. The sun set at around 10pm and afterwards we went driving to Seaside, where we stopped at Doogers (a diner) for dessert.

Amy & I @ Cannon Beach, OR

Cannon Beach From Ecola Park, OR

The journey home was 90 minutes long and we were home by 2 am.

Portland, OR

The day is once again a lazy one. Amy was long gone by the time I woke up, and my only real morning activity was to eat one of yesterday’s turkey sandwiches.

It was warm and sunny outside, so I decide to go through downtown for a wander, and just to get out of the house. I didn’t do anything in particular, just wandered around. When Amy got home we went to an event called “First Thursday”. This is where the art galleries and community in the Pearl District stay open a little later for people to wander through, have some wine and nibblies and act arty. As the name suggests this happens only on the first Thursday of each month. First Thursday covers about nine blocks, and is absolutely packed.

We stopped for a cocktail afterwards before heading to a restaurant called Jakes, which is famous throughout the US for steaks and seafood (and another of Amy’s liquor accounts). We sat outside and enjoyed the warm weather and do plenty of people watching.  Good food. Good wine. Good company. Life is good!

Portland, OR

I don’t know why, but this morning I couldn’t get started. I didn’t wake up until 11am and was only just ready in time when Amy came home to have lunch with me at noon. We picked up sandwiches from Zupans and drove to Washington Park to sit on the grass in the sunshine. We sat in the amphitheatre looking towards Mt Hood, surrounded by these beautiful gardens. It was picture perfect.

On her way back to work, Amy dropped me off at the grocery store to pick up food for dinner (I volunteered to cook her my one and only dish – chicken stir fry). I got home and prepared things so all I had to do when Amy got home was throw everything in the fry pan.

But when Amy got home we decided to go and see Cider House Rules at the Mission Theater (4 blocks away). Great movie, but deep and somber. It certainly didn’t give you the warmest feeling upon leaving. This is the same theatre we saw Being John Malkovich in, the last time I was here. For $2 and cheap beers in this old restored building, you can’t go wrong.

Once we got home I cooked dinner. It wasn’t too bad, even if I say so myself. Once again tonight was a late one for us, which is fine by me, but some of us have to be at work early in the morning.

Portland, OR

Amy had to go to work this morning – no time to allow jetlag to kick in. I got up just after she left, and I am left to my own devices for the day.

It’s pretty miserable outside, so I decide a day of television and music is on the cards. This I stop to walk up the street to put some photos in to be developed and buy some lunch. Amy came home in the middle of the day so we could have lunch together. It’s a shame she has to work all week, but we’ll just make the most of our time together before I head to Florida next Sunday. After lunch I went to pick up the photos and also my backpack from the station. The afternoon was then spent slovenly around Amy’s apartment until she came home.

We went to dinner at Tira Na Nog, an Irish pub that is one of her accounts. The food here was huge and delicious, and of course topped with the perfect company. Afterwards, the evening was spent vegging out to music and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

Portland, OR

This has been the day I have been waiting for. Back in Portland to hang out with Amy again.

Most of the morning is spent in awe of the Oregon forest. The scenery around the lakes at Klamath Falls is stunning. The early afternoon was spent playing cards with Amy and Jackie. Amy has just returned from 6 months in Australia, and is heading back to Minnesota. While Amy is heading back to Seattle, after being in New Mexico for a possible job.

The train rolled into Portland at around 4pm. I found a storage room to put my backpack and headed off in search of food. First thing, though, was to stop off at Kinko’s to spend some time emailing. This has become an addiction I cannot do without for more than 2 days. After all this, it is still another 3 hours before Amy is due back from Italy. I found the Broadway Cinema and went and saw Mission Impossible II. Although it is not the greatest of movies, it kept me entertained, out of the cold, and somewhat homesick, as a lot of the movie is set in Sydney.

After a quick call to confirm she was home, I raced up to Amy’s to see her. It has only been a few weeks, but is so good to see her again. We stayed in talking about our different trips for what seemed like all night.

Pacific Beach, CA to Portland, OR

Thankfully there is nothing to do today but sit on a train because, although I don’t feel hung over, I am extremely tired. I slept all the way from San Diego to Los Angeles, and then had 2 seats to myself all the way to Portland. Amtrak is definitely the way to go. I have so much legroom, and my seat reclines way back. Complete comfort. While the journey along the coast is picturesque, once we head inland there is little to talk of. I sleep on and off throughout the day. I also befriended 2 girls sitting behind me, Amy from Minnesota and Jackie from Seattle. And by Sacramento at 10pm, I was sound asleep for the night.

Pacific Beach, CA

I woke up relatively early this morning and headed down to Garnet Street to check out the shops. When I got back Jodie, Josh and I went to The Menu for breakfast. Good hearty start to the day.

From here we drove to Sunset Cliffs, just south of Ocean Beach. We walked along the beach and rocks for a while. At the southern end there are caves, which can be accessed at low tide. Unfortunately our timing is out.

When we left the beach we went back to the house via Josh’s, where we decided we would go to the Marine Room. This is a bar / restaurant just north of La Jolla that is literally on the beach. (Apparently at high tide it’s like being underwater). We were to have drinks there and watch the sunset, but it’s prom night and the entire restaurant is booked for a private party. What we do do though, is drive back towards Pacific Beach and stop at Froggys for dinner. I had oysters and a beautiful chicken fillet on garlic mashed potatoes. Too good!

After dinner we went to Stingers and Josh and I had a couple of drinks. After a while we headed up to Longboards (where Mitch works). There was a band, Archive, playing, which Josh will be recording in a couple of weeks, so we stayed and watched them and had a few more drinks. When it all finished we went back to Stingers, where we stayed until close.

Jodie drove us back to the house where I picked up my bags and headed to the train station, as it was now nearly 4am and my train was due to leave just after 6am. After our goodbyes I curled up on a bench inside the station, thanks to a kind guard, and snoozed until the train arrived.

Pacific Beach, CA

Jodie doesn’t start work until 10pm tonight and has kindly offered to show me around for the day. We started off at a Greek restaurant to have lunch with a friend of hers, Mitch. This guy is good value and gives me plenty of tips for traveling in the USA, and recommended some reading as well.

After lunch we headed into downtown, where first stop was to buy a train ticket. I picked up one for Sunday morning, which will put me in Portland 35 hours later. Unfortunately Autodriveaway didn’t come through with a car, so I will be unable to catch the Nagles at Uncle John’s this weekend.

We drove over to the Gaslamp Quarter and wander around the streets and the mall.

We then headed over to Josh’s, via the harbor, checking out the naval base and cruise liners. From Josh’s we head to the Old Town where we go to Berta’s for dinner. This is a Latin American restaurant and absolutely delicious. I had the paella and a Peruvian beer.

Josh and Jodie dropped me back at the house for dinner and then went to work. I stayed at home and did some cleaning and had intended on going to Stingers, but instead fell asleep in front of the television.

Pacific Beach, CA

I decided to head to the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla today, and to do so by walking. It is at least 6 kilometers to La Jolla, and I try to stick to the coast as much as possible. The further north I walk, the more amazing the houses become. And La Jolla itself is very much targeted to the richer tourist.

Because I haven’t eaten today, and I’m on the verge of fainting, I stop for some take-away for lunch. Note to self – Jack In The Box only to be eaten again except if nothing is around for a hundred miles.

Onward I walked to the museum, whose main exhibition was feature of Mexican artists. The most significant being Diego Rivera. Considering it took me nearly 2 hours to walk there and only 45 minutes to go through the gallery, it hardly seemed worth it.

The walk home did seem a bit quicker as I stuck to the main road. I stuck my head in the house briefly before deciding to wander along the beach again. This time I did so all the way to Mission Beach, where there is a small fun park and plenty of touristy shops. This is also where MTV will be filming a series of summer shows, as the stages had already be erected along the beach. I walked along Mission Street ducking into the odd clothes and record stores. I stopped in at Stingers again to say hi to Jodie before going back to the house. Emma has the night off, so after I have fish and chips for dinner, I hang out with her for the evening watching videos. I fully appreciate a quiet night in.

Pacific Beach, CA

Pacific Beach, CA

Once again we were up late this morning – pick a common theme when Dave and Melissa are around. This morning Dave, Melissa, Jodie, Mark, Emma and I drove down to Mission Beach (the one south of Pacific) to have lunch at Mission Café. After a delicious lunch we said goodbye to Dave and Melissa, who headed back to Las Vegas. The weather the past 2 days has been overcast, and I’m informed that this is an early incarnation of San Diego’s June Gloom. While the weather is fine and warmish, it is still not good enough for me to go into in the water swimming.

We drove back to the house, as the others had to go to work. I decide to walk along Pacific Beach. The walkway is right along the beach and full of joggers, walkers, skaters and bike riders. Units sit on the waterfront and all have courtyards – most filled with people barbequing. This is very much the outdoor town, and a place I could get used to very easily.

When I got back to the house, Jodie offered to drive me out to Autodriveawy so I could get my refund. While I was there I find there is a chance of getting a car to Portland (will have to call tomorrow).

Jodie drops me off back at the house and goes to work. I take the chance of a quick snooze. When I wake up, I walked down to Garnet Street, grab some pizza for dinner and head up to Stingers, where I have a few drinks with Josh and their friend Kenyan. What was to be a quiet night turned into numerous drinks finishing up at 1am. Once Jodie had completely finished we went back to the house for a few more beers and a night of Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with Mark and Josh till all hours of the morning.