Happy Australia Day!

Today was a little highlight for Buster and he is so excited he can't write.  We went through a town called "Bear".  Sadly we were unable to get any photos of Buster next to a "Bear" sign, and he is upset to say the least. 

He would like to go out for a beer and celebrate Australia Day with us and our new kangaroo tonight.  Buster and the 'roo are getting along ok except for the boxing thing. I really have never seen such an unathletic and slothful animal.  Cheers!

Washington DC

We spent a weekend in DC having a quick look at sights which we didn't have time to see last time we were in town.  It was really cold with a fresh layer of snow on everything.

The US Capitol is the "house of the people" but of course people aren't allowed in there anymore.  The visitor center is closed on Sundays so a look at the rotunda is on our list for the next visit.

 Even though it was cold, there is still something special about walking on the mall surrounded by all the monuments and museums.

We popped into the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (our favorite) and compared toothy grins with the dinosaurs.

The Smithsonian's Museum of American History was recently closed for 2 years of renovations so we allowed a large portion of our time for this museum alone.  This train is one exhibit that has been here since the museum opened...I think they had to build that part of the building around the train.

 In the National Gallery of Art we were able to view the only Leonardo Da Vinci painting in the US as well as a number of Rembrandts and other masters. Those guys could really paint.

In one final escape from the cold, we stopped at the Botanical Gardens.

We really like visiting Washington DC and highly recommend it to anyone headed this way.

Another exercise nightmare

Phil returns from Australia with a little sparring mate for me.  Great.

Why can't they just leave me alone and forget about this fitness caper?  What I need now is a pin or something to let the air out of this crazy little 'roo.

Woohoo!!!

Phil is on his way back to us and I've been finding a few things to do here.  Sliding down this railing is great but I'm sure I'll get in trouble if anyone sees me.

Last week Chris and Jane and I went camping in the George Washington National Forest, not even snow kept us from hiking to the tops of a few mountains.

During the hikes I struggled to keep up, so they suggested an exercise program.  This never works for me...

I fell off and injured myself, so they decided I should make myself useful and try weaving.

That didn't really work for me when my fur kept getting stuck in everything.

I think, as usual, wine may be more beneficial and if I sit here long enough someone may even bring a snack.  Hope everyone is doing well and thank you for the comments and well wishes.

Catching up to Chris, and where is Phil?

I have finally caught up with Chris and the RV.  Had a terrible misunderstanding in South Carolina, spent a few days under arrest...really it was a misunderstanding...and now I've finally tracked them down in Virginia.  I don't seem to be in as much trouble as I thought, but wait, what did Phil do?  He seems to be back in Perth??  Gee, he must have really done something.  At least I am still here.

I am afraid that there are numerous photos of me mis-behaving at Margaritaville on New Years, however, so far only one photo has surfaced and it seems quite reasonable.

Somewhere out there are some untidy photos.

For now, we are in Virginia visiting family and friends.  We had a very nice 5 days camping and hiking in the George Washington National Forest, just on the Virginia/West Virginia border.  The first day it snowed, but it all melted the next day, and we were able to do some of the nice mountain hikes with Jane.  We really needed some maps, the forest has a lot of trails, and it can be confusing out there without maps.  Happy to report that we all made it back to our campsite without having to resort to any drastic survival skills.  We saw a bear hunter, and of course this is a cause of consternation to me.

I am glad to be back.  I'm exhausted and little bits of fur are missing from my paws where they had the handcuffs.  Hope to feel better in a few days.

Myrtle Beach

The jetties at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  The ocean is so calm here, not quite like Western Australia.

 However, the seagulls are the same.

 There is a state park here where people can rent horses or bring there own in to ride along the beach.

There always seems to be something lurking around with teeth over here.

Nutrition for travelers

Ice cream must be one of the basic food groups.

Terrrible Bear

Buster is not only late coming home from the New Years party at Land Shark, he also has the memory stick with the current photos.  Honestly, what does one do with such a mischievious polar bear.  Does anyone have a good bear recipe?

We were in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for New Years, where we welcomed 2012 at Jimmy Buffett's Land Shark Bar and Grill on the beach.  Good fun, plenty of yummy snacks and even cake (not as good as Phil's) and a friendly crowd.  Best of all, it was warm.  Jan 31 was about 70 F (21 C), so it was great to be out and walking around town and on the beach.

Jan 1 we departed South Carolina, heading north again.  We visited Norfolk, VA, where the largest naval base in the world is located.  Being a public holiday we were unable to tour the base, however, we saw all the war ships moored and that is quite a remarkable sight.  We went to a naval museum and got to look around on the Battleship USS Wisconsin.  Somewhere, with Buster, there are photos.

Next we visited Williamsburg, VA, where the whole town is sort of a living museum. 

We next went up to Northern Virginia, where it was actually snowing as we arrived!  The snow didn't last long, but it was pretty cold. 

I'm hoping Buster and the photos turn up soon.

Where is Buster??

Buster still hasn't returned from his New Year revelry.

There have been some sightings and reports, so I think he'll find us soon.  He is really a terrible little bear.

Happy New Year

Welcome to 2012.  We have a problem...


Where is Buster?

He hasn't come home yet from his big night out at Margaritaville.  If anyone spots him, please send him home.